What Is It You Are Setting Out To Find?

Gorgeous Hannah in another teaser from last weekend's Sahlia Michelle Jewelry shoot.

Look For Something, Find Something Even Better

 Our pretty badass crew last Saturday, all working to create a beautiful masterpiece of a campaign for Sahlia Michelle Jewelry Design: Shot by Ben Pigao, makeup by me, hair by Kim Namanny, clothes from Lizard Lounge, jewelry by Sahliah (duh). Everything about this shoot was so perf and gorge. Amazing day shooting down in the rubble in South East waterfront... The sun was right, the girls were hot... it was all the best! (And as usual when I am working with the most wonderful people in the world, I am doubled over laughing pretty much the whole day.) Models were the so best Hannah Gale (Option), Natalie Morris (Muse) Erin Dierking (Option).

Models were the so good: Hannah Gale, Natalie Morris and Erin Dierking. (Hannah is an animal lover too--adopted momma pit bull for the day.) Shaun Mendiola came to hang out and assist Ben. Stay tuned for muuuucch more.

Earth As A Place Of Enjoyment

Today we begin the journey with the smell of spring and the taste of fruit and coffee. Also, a Chanel tattoo, Balenciaga jacket, Alexander Wang dress, and Acne boots, worn by fashion editor and blogger Carolina Blumst in the light of the Stockholm sun.

Below we have a pretty sequined look from Naught Mess Vintage's dreary blog. A couple good finds on the etsy site. Has my impatience for junk really reduced me to shopping for vintage online?? Sigh, I guess one has to sift through piles of useless crap even in the virtual world. All the more reason to shout and holler when I come across something cool!

Sahlia Michelle Jewelry Shoot Inspiration

Here's what Sahlia is thinking for the model styling and makeup for the upcoming shoot for her jewelry collection. Check out her blog to get an idea of the range of different looks she has: everything from hammered metals to stones to leather and mixed metals. I love her work because it is delicate but tough at the same time--a feat that is often attempted but seldom carried off with this level of grace. I brought a case full of her jewlery to China and paired it with May Tee's designs in our fashion show. May wouldn't let me use any other jewelry, and I totally understood.

Manhattan Milieu

Still writing, on draft 15ish. To give myself a brief moment of reprieve, let me share with you my dear friend Lydia's jewelry and headband collection, Manhattan Milieu. After graduation we had a one week intensive art philosophy course together, then she was off to NYC to study fashion merchandising at Parsons and internships at Burberry and Marchesa. Obviously a busy girl. Recently caught up with her on a brief trip into town for some drinks at Portland City Grill. Lydia on her budding accessory collection: "One of the best pieces of advice I've been given since moving to NYC is that the most successful people have things they do on the side. Top executives golf, Marc Jacobs paints, Ina Garten passed her free moments during a career in politics cooking...all inspirational! I've decided to approach this the other way around, so while I'm interviewing, calling and emailing, I'm getting into my 'on the side' project of making headbands and accessories."

Hey DJ, Turn That Sheet Up

I'm sitting with my computer in Bridgetown Pizza on the water (top 40 blaring at top volume), attempting to fend of free shots (failing) and TRYING to write a first draft for a story about our China adventure (again failing), due TOMORROW MORNING. Oh how I love a tight deadline. It's the only way to work, right? At least with writing. Part of my desire to work in makeup was the immediacy of the thing. Do it, it's here, now and over with one round of Clean n' Clear. But writing? Whole other beast. I love it though, and it is making me feel sane again for the first time since I left PDX airport last Friday evening, saying goodbye to my new family of beautiful, inspiring Portland fashion people. It is them I am anticipating tonight (texting them every few minutes, confessing my love and inquiring about ETA), but really I know once they get here, all bets are off (as they say). No more writing, just talking and discussing, dreaming, etc. So despite appearances, I am actually grateful for a moment to begin processing what we've been through, the growth I've experienced.

When One Deals With Words, One Deals With The Mind

This morning... on the last 300 pages of Atlas Shrugged. Feeling inspired by Juliett K, this adorable Polish fashion blogger. Photo from lookbook.nu, my favorite way to start the day.