My High Heeled Darling

PINKY GOLD DREAMS

2012-02-01T15:27:00.000-08:00

I might be the only girl in the world who would wear Pink Lame instead of white on her wedding day. ;) xx.L

VITAL STATISTICS

2012-01-24T20:18:00.000-08:00

"Good underwear shapes your body and your life. It's essentially the art of being a Woman, and, like the art of courtship and chivalry, is perilously close to extinction. I'm a firm believer that the ritual of getting dressed is the ritual of daily self-creation, and the first thing that you put on is your bra and knickers. The world doesn't see what is underneath your dress, but if it makes you feel fantastic then that in itself is a great source of power. Think of it like method acting or a pretty secret for self-respect. When a door is chivalrously opened or a seat offered, it's the difference between a "Thank you" rather than blundering about with a "Well are you sure?" And let's be clear, Men don't really care about underwear, they want it off as soon as possible. We wear it for ourselves. A love affair with lingerie is a love affair with you. " -Annabel Tollman for Agent Provocateur

YOU BETTER WATCH OUT

2012-01-21T08:41:00.000-08:00

Love this one! xx.L

NEW YEAR, NEW BEGINNINGS, NEW CLIENTS

2012-01-02T23:45:00.000-08:00

New ideas, new tastes, new measurements... always exciting to have a few new clients on the roster at the start of the new year. It is so delightful to be able to create something for someone new and to learn so much about just after the first encounter. Within the first few minutes I can get a grasp on what type of woman she is just by learning about how she likes to wear her clothes, how she likes her clothes cut for her, etc. Its so exciting, fun and also frightening at the same time...hoping that I don't make any thoughtless mistakes and that my skills speak for themselves.

That being said, I do realize that in this past year, I have been practicing my dress-making skills much more than my knicker-making skills and I do hope to turn that around with the next few months to come. I sure do miss it! Lace, buttery soft silks, see-thru-y chiffons...sigh. I have been dreaming and scheming of so many possibilities and yet haven't had the time to even put these rough sketches into progress. Such is life I suppose, the only thing with custom dressmaking is that it just isn't something I can share all too much with you all! Needless to say, I am terribly excited to be back, scratching at my creative doors and plan on spending many long hours discovering the possibilities in the fabric store. Hello new year! xx.L

THE BIG HURT

2011-12-29T11:00:00.001-08:00

xx.L

JOYEUX NOEL

2011-12-25T12:00:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas my lovely readers! Enjoying coffee with my Bailey's ;) this morning, lighting a fire and going to watch "All about Eve" later. Come join me? xx.L

MARKET RESEARCH

2011-12-07T20:33:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by a company who was doing market research on people who buy & most importantly, wear vintage clothing. As you all know or are about to, is, that for the most part I am a self-made woman who's closet is about half made by yours truly & half vintage. The eras that I stick to mostly, because of the absolute awesomeness that came from these eras is from the 40's - 60's. I thought that it would be no big deal & I only had to commit to a phone call & an in person interview at my house, so I agreed to be interviewed.

It is truly the most odd thing discussing why you wear what you wear, why you choose to wear things 50-80 years old, what you look for when you shop & basically what defines you. The most surreal moment for me was when I was assuming that I would just be speaking to one person & instead three people showed up at my front door, I was miked & the video camera was rolling the entire time (which I would have felt better about if I had had about ten more minutes in the morning to get dolled up). Instead, what they got was I suppose, the real "casual" me, sitting on my couch in my living room across from my 1940's Dorothy Draper credenza with a pencil skirt, blouse & red lipstick on- I hadn't even had the time to throw on a pair of shoes speaking to people I didn't know about what makes me, me.

It was pretty easy to speak about why my style is the way it is & most importantly how it came about - a lifetime procession into a full-on dive into the deep end from when I was about ten years old until now to get to the place I have always wanted to be. I sat there, speaking passionately in depth to people who were being paid to look like they had even the slightest remote interest in what I was saying was the funniest thing - I felt like a specimen!

All in all it was a treat to get to show off abit of my closet, yes - they videotaped & took photos of that as well (thank goodness I keep my closet tidy) as most of my friends will agree, those who wear vintage collect it with some hope that they get to show it off. I'm sure you all remember my silly posts about a few pretty extravagant collections that I have going at the moment - springolator stiletto heels, swimsuits & sunglasses which have all about doubled in size since the last time I did a post on them :). Aside from all of that, it was pretty fun & has sent me on a whirlwind of curiosity about the rest of you - have most of you obtained your style by what you see in current magazines? Or are you abit like me where you fashion your fashion from those glamourous days of 40's screen sirens and so on....sigh. I guess a part of me wishes those eras would have never disappeared & I suppose that for me to re-create them in my own world everyday makes me feel like I live in a wonderful dreamland. Come join me for a cocktail sometime & I'll ask you what they asked me. I'd love to know. xx.L

BAD BOY

2011-11-22T08:41:00.001-08:00

xx.L

LOOK IT OVER

2011-11-21T22:12:00.000-08:00

"There are those rare few who are blessed with innate elegance...but luckily for the rest of us, elegance, style and a chic flair are things that can be developed and acquired.
Step 1: Size yourself up. Look at the good, the bad, and the really bad. True elegance begins with honesty, and half the battle is already won once you admit that you aren't perfect. In addition, imperfections are often what make a person stand out among the ordinary...
Step 2: Make your own chic list. Once you've looked yourself over, make a list of areas you'd like to focus on, such as wardrobe, home, or interactions with others. Come up with examples of people who seem to pull it off. You'll realize that elegance is attainable, and comes in all different shapes and sizes: classic, refined, relaxed, modern, even slightly tattered.
Step 3: Fake it. One of the best ways to acquire elegance is to try some on for size. Audrey Hepburn, for example, claimed she didn't rely on any particular acting technique, but found that the clothes she wore were immensely important to conveying a character. She said it was "often an enormous help to know that you looked the part. Then the rest wasn't so tough anymore." In the same vein, trying on a new look or attitude can actually help you attain your goals. If you can imagine where you want to go, you stand a much better chance of getting there." - The Little Pink Book of Elegance

Simply put, realize who you are, realize who you want to be as a person & be who you want to be. This goes the same for that beautiful figure of yours. Realize what you've got, be proud of the good spots and equally, the not-so-favorite spots & dress it so the best areas are shown off for your age & lifestyle. xx.L

NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT

2011-10-15T11:32:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite bits from my California Vacation with Ms. Brooke! xx.L

LOVE MUST BE CATCHIN ON

2011-09-30T10:18:00.000-07:00

Man they got it! xx.L

THE TIME OF OUR LIVES

2011-09-30T10:17:00.000-07:00

Every year I try to go on at least one solid vacation. Last year I took a journey down to oz & then up to london. This year, we decided to keep it local & instead of hopping on a plane to roam the world, I flew down to san diego & my most wonderful friend from london flew down to meet me. Two friends, one rental car - to which we named her Thelma - some tunes & awesome radio, sunshine and the road ahead of us. We started out at the Del, the most fabulous hotel in the world on Coronado island (where they filmed Some like it hot!), went to Disneyland, LA, Santa Barbara, Shell Beach, The Madonna Inn, Big Sur & Pfeiffer beach, Monterey & back home again. It was a total blast & a gentle reminder to always keep your favorites close, even if they are on the other side of the world. xx.L

MR. LEE

2011-08-30T16:11:00.001-07:00

xx.L

DAY AND NIGHT

2011-08-19T09:56:00.000-07:00

My birthday this year. I am so blessed to have so many handfuls of amazing people around me! xx.L

MODERN ELEGANCE

2011-08-16T18:39:00.000-07:00

"Don't worry. Modern elegance is not about squeezing one more thing into your already hectic schedule - it's about looking at things from a different perspective. It's about conducting your life in a way that lets your notice the beauty inside yourself, and in the world around you. Living elegantly is about adding a sparkle and a wink to your daily life, so that you're not simply trying to get through the day, but savoring moments of every day." - The Little Pink Book of Elegance
xx.L

NEW LOVE

2011-08-10T15:45:00.001-07:00

xx.L

GLAMOUR IS A MENTAL STATE

2011-08-03T11:06:00.000-07:00

The other day a friend of mine mentioned that she wished her life was more glamorous. She also mentioned that she wished her surroundings were more glamorous. The first thought that came to mind, which I blurted out more quickly than I could form an explanation was that - glamour is a mental state. I suppose I said that so very quickly because it is how I truly feel inside. No matter what your surroundings may look like, what clothes you can afford to buy, what furnishings you have in your house, if you wear your hair the way you want to... most importantly, glamour to me comes from the inside. I think those that are most glamorous are the ones that are kind, polite & respectful to anyone they meet no matter what walk of life they may be on. Glamour is being able to smile when times are either good or rough & most importantly to be proud of the person you have become or are becoming and not by the things that you own. To be glamorous is to take care of the people that you love, to take care of yourself & to always be that person on the bus with a happy face even if you are running late. A smile changes the world & like a wise man once said, "most will forget what you said, but remember how you made them feel". xx.L

SUMMERTIME AND THE LIVIN' IS EASY

2011-07-27T17:58:00.000-07:00

It has surely been a whirlwind summer I'll tell ya! Ive been running from the ocean to the lake & back over again, sewing up dozens of new clothes for those lovely ladies in need, getting more and more excited for a super special end of the summer road trip with a fellow cupcake-loving friend from London, but most importantly, the best part of summer, is that my birthday is coming around again. This time though, I look forward to a glass too many of my favorite pink champagne & a souffle or two at Jacqueline's with my ladies du jour...and perhaps a new pair of knickers, or two, or three...This summer in San Francisco has just been incredible. Summer weather all around except for the occasional blanket of fog. I'm looking forward to taking a warm evening stroll with my handsome man & only can hope for him to take me to Zuni for a roast chicken. I have been grateful for a bit of free time to rediscover old music I had forgotten about, lovely frocks in the back of the closet that need a night out & after this next order is complete - selfishly sticking my nose into a book & dreaming of a world that is not mine. Cooking...cleaning...sewing...daydreaming...story of my life. xx.L

GRACIOUS CURVES

2011-06-10T21:58:00.000-07:00

Gracious - adj.
1. pleasantly kind, benevolent & courteous.
2. characterized by good taste, comfort, ease, or luxury.
3. indulgent or beneficent in a pleasantly condescending way, especially to inferiors.

Well, are yours? I've drawn you this photo, measure them out! xx.L

YOU DO THAT VOODOO THAT..

2011-06-09T20:50:00.000-07:00

Did I ever tell you Peggy Lee has always & will always be my forever favorite? Wiggle around the house with me. xx.L

"You do something to me, something that simply mystifies me. Tell me, why should it be, you have the power to hypnotize me? Let me live beneath your spell, you do that voodoo that you do so well. For you, do, something thing to me, that nobody else can do. You do that, voodoo that you do so well." -Peggy Lee

SINNER NOT A SAINT

2011-05-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

I've been dancing around the studio to this since friday, so I think you should too. xx.L

TRULY INSPIRATIONAL

2011-05-24T23:19:00.000-07:00

So rarely do I repost something from another blog, but this woman made me smile, made me giggle, made me dream & made me tear up. I so so so wish there were more lovely ladies like this in the world, so fearless in wearing what suits you best. Perhaps you are out there. Perhaps someday I will see you walking down the street. If I do, I hope you put a smile on my face like this colorful soul. xx.L

Video courtesy of the amazing blog - http://advancedstyle.blogspot.com

NEW FANCY

2011-05-18T10:20:00.000-07:00

It has been so dreary & chilly outside, drizzling enough to have to take the bus to work instead of my normal lovely walk & cold enough to want to stay indoors. I have been one busy bee, as I unexpectedly have about 13 orders to fill, currently working on the 3rd - very happily back to the sewing cave I go! It feels amazing to get back into the swing of things as they say, lots of new ideas have started buzzing around my mind, and the general excitement that I wake up with every day now if refreshing compared to the past stressed feelings of being uninspired. So since my orders I am working on are private, I thought I would show you a photo or two of my new fancys. Drool-worthy, scalloped, laminated & zig zag bakelite - because every now & then, a girl needs to treat herself, right? Funny enough, I have no problem doing this on a constant basis. Ha! xx.L

ROCK ON DOWN THE LINE

2011-05-02T21:01:00.000-07:00

Thursday morning, the handsome man & I ventured on bart to the airport, almost missed the connecting train directly to the airport, but made it nevertheless! This is why I try to squeeze everything into one suitcase & one bag - as it is so easy to hop on the train & plant yourself at the airport with no traffic. This year we had to as Obama was in town & was clogging up the highway to the airport at the time we needed to be leaving! We were the last of our friends to get there & I had high hopes of this year as sadly some of my most favorite people in the world were not able to make it out, it would be a small clan of us, I knew (and was still hoping) that it would be a great time. Turns out I was a fool for doubting, because with our group & with one of my most favorite men around - Patrick, we ALWAYS have a blast. Rain, sun, shine, wind, you name it, the second we all get together from all around the world, it is such a trip. So thursday we rocked up to the Orleans, where we always stay because it is just easier than staying anywhere else, unloaded the bags, slapped on the wrist bands & headed out for some good ole rockabilly fun. Where's that you ask? Why, straight to Frankie's tiki bar! After that adventure it was a night filled with crazy shenanigans, bands, dancing, drinking, laughing until you were red in the face..which continued all the way thru the weekend where sadly, always sadly, Monday morning peeks its evil head & its time to go home. To those amazing, gorgeous friends who made it, I had a total blast with you, can't wait to do it all over again! To those amazing, gorgeous friends who didn't make it, you were sorely missed & you'd better make it next year! But you all know, you all have my heart. This year I wore pink lurex - vintage, emerald green/black lurex - vintage, aqua/silver palm tree lame - vintage fabric, made by me, green & white playsuit - vintage, heaps of fun dancing fits (which I don't have photos of), gold silk pajamas with matching quilted smoking jacket and two vintage Cole of California Scandal Suits - one leopard, one red & white stripes for our "nautical" themed pool party. So happy to meet some fabulous new friends this year as well. Cheers! xx.L

THE INFAMOUS

2011-04-29T22:30:00.000-07:00

One of the best performances at Viva 14. Such a thrill to hear her sing, such a doll to meet in person! If you haven't heard her, then you've really been missing something. She covers one of my favorite versions of this song, done similarly by Rose Mitchell in the 50's. A little voodoo version, Ms. Gizzelle. xx.L

SHE'S BACK!

2011-04-29T22:22:00.000-07:00

With a re-cap even!

How are you lovelies out there? Let me tell you, I am so happy to be back. Totally inspired, totally exhausted but as we do, all we need is a fresh coat of red polish on the nails & a swipe of red on the lips to not look as tired as I feel, right? I can blame this tired feeling on being sick as a dog, even thru Viva I had absolutely no voice & no energy to speak of, but life is too short to worry about being sick right? Right so I had to power thru the weekend as much as I could to keep up with my crazy friends until Sunday evening when I had an absolute crash out at about 3am - I really thought I could keep dancing but my headache gave in much earlier than my feet & out like a light in bed I went! As you know, the gang & I do try to keep dancing until 6-8am (whenever the rooms close down), then goes breakfast, then sleep for the night. Tis the way, all the time, every year. I've got heaps & heaps to share with you, so many fabulous outfits were spotted around, so many fabulous new friends met this year, fantastic moments - I got to meet Tempest Storm! (gasp), Gizelle (gasp), The Caezers (gasp. gasp. gasp.) The famous Mr. Tony Nylons took my photo poolside...so without further ado let me start at the beginning. First, as a suggestion from a friend, a quick dissection of my viva wardrobe. This year I packed 5 day outfits, 4 fancy dinner outfits, 4 dancing outfits, 2 poolside outfits & 1 lounge outfit - with every possible accessory (pretty sure you know this about me by now) all fit into one carry one suitcase & one carry on bag. You would think I was trained by the navy! ;) Here are some quick snaps of the best outfits, I will post the photos of all of us next up. xx.L

ROCK THE BOP

2011-04-15T09:06:00.000-07:00

To get all you gorgeous readers in the same frame of mine as I am in, stroll with me! xx.L

KEEPING WELL DRESSED

2011-04-05T22:39:00.001-07:00

Adorable! xx.L

HAS IT REALLY BEEN THAT LONG?

2011-04-04T23:01:00.000-07:00

My dear readers, my sincerest apologies for my very un-planned blogging vacation! Seeing as this is the month that I take a break from the "biz" & focus abit on my personal wardrobe for our annual event this year (scouring etsy more like!), I haven't been able to share much with you! Since I always keep this wardrobe hidden before its unveil, I haven't really even shared my inspiration with you either, have I?! Just terrible, I know. But I do promise to make it all up to you, everything is almost complete (along with a couple of custom dress orders for the Kentucky Derby) & not before long, I shall be back! Thinking of you, I have so much to tell you! I've been up to a few road trips around the California coast, a fantastic new promotion, having gingerbread pancakes with some lovely friends & as always, many many dances with my handsome gents taking me for a spin & a jive on the dance floor. I promise to rekindle our romance asap! xx.L

ITS THAT TIME AGAIN

2011-03-09T18:36:00.000-08:00

Its about that time of year again when we all start planning what to wear to our vegas party! Can't wait to see some old friends, put on some fabulous frocks & dance until the wee hours of the morning! Here are some snaps of things I wore last year, some items will make a repeat appearance...but you can't know what I'm wearing this year until it's over! Top secret. xx.L

SWEET NOTHINGS

2011-03-08T21:25:00.001-08:00

Don't ya just love when your days are filled with em?! xx.L

CATWOMAN

2011-02-21T22:17:00.000-08:00

Currently obsessing over this body piece. It may have to go on the "re-make someday" list. xx.L

LYING AWAKE

2011-02-21T22:05:00.000-08:00

Its always a weird time for me when I'm stuck in the middle of a project. The sewing is done, at least the creative part, its a waiting game until it can be completed - waiting on new labels to be made, & the silence that happens after the designing in my mind stops so the creativity can wake up to complete the circle - inspiring for the photo shoot. It is at this point where I literally feel myself stop thinking about details & I try to take in, visually at least, as much as possible until I start putting the puzzle pieces together for what type of visual I want to create. Especially this time around, I feel like it is the most important photo shoot for me to date as this collection is my pride & joy & one that I am damn proud to put my name on. There is so much inspiration out there at our fingertips with the world of internet & so on, but where I start is always funny to me, its probably not where most start, but to me it is so close to my heart that I feel like I would be doing a dis-service to myself by not beginning there. My inspirations always begin in my massive antique photo collections. I have one album of my family alone & the many, many others are of snaps that I have rescued from all around the world, disregarded family albums from so many different places. Over the years these photos have grown so important to me. Perfect in their absolute imperfections, lighting, placement, facial expressions, hilarious mis-takes, simple moments...they are so special to me. This photo is one from my family's album & someday I promise to share more from the adopted albums! xx.L

SCOPITONE SATURDAYS

2011-02-12T09:04:00.000-08:00

After watching this video over at the Freelancer's Fashion Blog, I knew I just had to repost it. Its amazing, its hilarious & hello - check out her wearing the extra scandal, cole of california scandal suit in black while she is in the spider web! Gasp! So rad. xx.L

FAUX LUXURY

2011-01-31T21:57:00.000-08:00

This is a topic that I have wanted to talk about for a while not only because it will forever be a curiosity to me but a constant reminder in my daily life, and after having to deal with a day like today, I thought maybe now is the time to bring it up. There are so many types of consumers in this world. There is the sophisticated type of consumer (in my opinion) - these are the few that purchase items every year or so, buying quality over quantity, purchasing pieces that they feel & look amazing in regardless of price, support designers that practice the art of their craft (smaller vs. massive made in china producers)...etc. These are the types of shoppers that I can relate to the most. Being in an industry that moves so quickly, I myself appreciate spending my money where I know it counts. Opting to purchase a pair of trousers or knickers that are priced at the quality of the materials as well as the craftsmanship over something cheaper because I know that first off they will : last me longer if I care for them correctly, maintain their credibility through the span of time & mostly because I am a fabric snob at this point & cannot be bothered with anything super cheap that feels like I am wearing cardboard. When it comes to knickers or lingerie I have the strongest opinion on the matter - why wouldn't you want your knickers to be the most luxurious things you own? They are closest to your skin, you have to wear them everyday, all day... it is the best gift you can purchase for yourself (or someone can purchase for you), the list goes on and on, but you get the drift? Another rule for the day: You should always spend more money on the quality items you use everyday.

Then there is the type of consumer who likes the fast fashion, which I don't mind at all! They keep the economy moving & shaking! The consumer who I will never understand or agree with is this odd, generation-spanned faux-luxury type of person who thinks that because they are wearing something designer...this makes them luxurious. Just because you carry a designer handbag or wear a designer sunglass does not mean that you understand anything more than labeling a brand on yourself. They probably haven't a clue that everything they are wearing was made in china & that they over-paid 99% on the item...but hey, those luxury CEO's love these ladies! My shocking encounter was with one of these woman today in my shop. This woman left me a bit shook up, confused & really just... I could go on but you get the drift.

Beautiful lady, hair done, nails done, gemstones sparking at the ears & around the neck, carrying an Hermes Birkin bag. She walked through the doors like she owned the place & straight to our gorgeous silk pajamas - which have recently been redone into gorgeous new fabric, new cut on the waist, etc. Basically, they are breathtaking. Her first words out of her mouth back at me were not a friendly hello, or even a slight smile. Instead she knocked the pajamas down from their hanger & said "these are much too expensive for me"... which they really are not & after knowing how much that Birkin bag cost her, I was a bit surprised by her remark. She then informed me that she was not into lingerie & would not be ever but had a gift to use up in the store & could not be bothered to pick out something for herself (I'm thinking, poor fellow bought you a nice gift & this is how its going to go down?!). After showing her around, showing her fun knicker options at the least, she fell frustrated, threw her coat onto the counter, making sure her "Chanel" label was prominently displayed & opted to try the pajamas on, to which I happily helped her. In the middle of the fitting, she stopped, threw her arms up in the air & exclaimed in question how would she possibly clean these. "Do I have to dry clean these every fu***** week? I mean, who in the world has time for that, I'm a working girl much aside from the fact that this shop is ridiculous & why do people bother wearing such ridiculous things in the first place." She went on & I watched her, calmly, almost like watching a child going through a temper tantrum.

When she was done, my response, "these pajamas are surely the most luxurious item here in this store as well as most luxurious item you could ever possibly own. The silk charmeuse these are made of is of the finest quality possible & the cut of the pattern has been years in the making. You can either decide to treat yourself to a bit of glamour because you love these pajamas & you love the way you feel in them as well as the way they make you look. Take the time to take care for them. Unless you feel like you actually would care for them correctly or love the pajamas because of their beauty, then you are not worthy & you do not deserve to own them." I then took the top out of her hands, placed it alongside the matching pant on the cream padded hanger & walked out of the dressing room, closing the curtains behind me.

Ten minutes later, she came out & asked to buy the pajamas. xx.L

CHERRY BLOSSOM TIME

2011-01-30T18:11:00.000-08:00

The best part of living near Japan town is not only the amazing amount of dolled-up Geisha's (seriously, kimonos, obi belts, ect.) walking in groups on sunday mornings, but its the amount of cherry blossom trees that exist in every nook & cranny. Absolutely breathtaking when you least expect it, even on a cloudy day. xx.L

THE BEGINNING OF THE BIBLE

2011-01-28T21:12:00.000-08:00

At home, hanging out on a friday night, recovering for a terrible cold still... dove into an adorable little book that my shop received in the mail a while back, mostly because it featured us in the credits but I snagged it anyways because I am a bit obsessive over my growing collection of lingerie/boudoir/undergarment research & history (currently need new larger bookshelf). Its called "Underneath It All" by Jennifer Manuel Carroll & Kathy Schultz. I found it to be adorable, quite a good read for someone who is slightly new to the lingerie world as it does go over some pretty basic info. I would appreciate reading it if I was looking to learn abit more about what would be best for me prior to going to a boutique & spending heaps of hours (and dollars). The best part, for me was so cute & funny that I thought I would share - the book has this fun little quiz to see what type of lingerie person you are in all regards of life & mine was quite amusing since every line they say about me in particular, happens to be my MANTRA as well as slight basis of my company... shoot you would have thought they interviewed me for this type of person! Apparently I am "Sophisticated/Chic" with a bit of "Seductress", and I, "lovely lady, need to wear things that make you feel beautiful. Nothing is off-limits for you, with the exception of "adult store" lingerie - and anything cheap or not luxurious. Some elegant recommendations include: Bra & knicker sets that match perfectly. Lace in all colors and patterns. Designer prints, logo prints and colors. Chemises and gowns, to sleep in. Silk or satin pajamas. Long dressing gowns or kimono style robes to wrap yourself in morning or night. High heels. Very high. " (check, check, check, check, check, check...and check). They also note that I should always "buy two pairs of matching knickers per set & that I hang all my sleepwear on padded hangers in the closet." (check & check). Ladies - if I haven't welcomed you before, welcome to the Lola D Mantra! More guidelines from myself will be coming soon! xx.L

TRUE BLISS

2011-01-28T20:37:00.000-08:00

Nobody can deny the slight sense of relief when a rainy day comes & you just happen to have a day off, excuses to do nothing really but what you want - either lay on the couch watching sappy black & white movies or sitting quietly over a bundle of lace & chiffon. Or at least, that is what I would be doing on those days, my favorite, or so I thought. Until the other day, it was gorgeous here in SF. The kind of gorgeous that you walk out in sandals & shorts, hot enough to enjoy the sun & breezy enough to remember where you are. The man & I walked over to the Boulange to get something yummy as well as something naughty to eat & made our way to our park, where we sat for hours only to come home to a house with all the windows open, sun gleaming through (never happens for us in winter as we live on the shady side of the street) & the option to do really, whatever you want! But unlike my beloved rainy days & the bundled up feeling you get from being in the studio, instead of sitting doing nothing, I found that I quite enjoyed a little afternoon sewing, didn't mind the breeze so much as it scattered the lace bits & swayed the chiffon abit around the table. In fact what it helped me to come up with, I think you may quite like :). So I am replacing my favorite rainy days with hope for more days like these because they really just make you fall in love with your life all over again. And that, I think, is the best type of romance to be living. xx.L

DANCE WITH ME

2011-01-20T09:09:00.000-08:00

xx.L

SUNDAY CAVE DAY

2011-01-16T13:26:00.000-08:00

After an amazingly fun evening of dancing at the 23 club last night, I am retiring myself & my feet to the sewing machine today! Breaking in a new pair of spring-o-lator heels hasn't proven to be too difficult, danced the night away, smiles all around... xx.L

FB

2011-01-16T12:15:00.000-08:00

I've finally made a facebook page, come on over and "like" it to hear more of my day to day ramblings!

Follow me here!

xx.L

ARE YOU?

2011-01-13T10:50:00.000-08:00

"A bombshell is full of contradictions. She is a combustible blend of confidence and vulnerability. Sauce & naivete. She wears high heels but kicks them off at every opportunity. Adores negligees & charmeuse gowns but can't wait to get out of them. She always expects to run into someone who matters, even if she's home alone. A bombshell never dresses carelessly & wear marabou mules around the house....

When she enters a room, everyone looks. When she exits a room, everyone looks. Not because she is more beautiful than other women, or because her clothing is more ooh-la-la, a bombshell's magnetism flows from the inside out.

A bombshell is comfortable & familiar with her body. She wants other people to feel comfortable with her, too. She doesn't edit her feelings or her body language....She expresses her feelings as openly as she displays her curves...

She never pretends to be anyone other than herself. She is not censored, careful or contrived. She doesn't read the rules or follow the rules, or color her hair to conform to the latest trend...The bombshell has her own sense of ethics to which she is always true.

A bombshell is willing to overcome a little discomfort for a nude leg on a cold day. She doesn't complain that her feet hurt in 4-inch heels. She endures the constraints of boned underpinnings & even celebrates them. It does not matter if anyone is going to see her garters. She wears them to please herself as much as to give pleasure to others.

(and my favorite part)
Bombshells don't sit exactly. They perch, curl, curve & occasionally fling their legs up over the arm of the chair or back of the sofa. This also goes for seats on airplanes, cars & trains. The bombshell has the power to make any piece of furniture look comfortable.

The bombshell takes her clothing personally...The bombshell knows a thing or two about anatomy & chooses outfits that accentuate her assets & amplify her personality...."

A few of my favorite snippets from "The Bombshell Manual of Style" by Laren Stover

xx.L

SOS

2011-01-07T21:06:00.000-08:00

Could any one please tell me what blog I found these screen shots from or if anything, which movie this is from? I am just dying to know as its been driving me mental... & these costumes are just killing me they are so adorable! Thx! x.L

DISTRACTION NATION

2011-01-06T15:16:00.000-08:00

So since I am waiting for new labels....I have been distracting myself with some extra fabric lying around...and some fabric I forgot I had! Mini collection of black and white.... xx.L

WAITING GAME

2011-01-06T15:06:00.000-08:00

I've had this collection completed for the most part, for awhile now. The only thing holding me back from showing all of you gorgeous ladies is that I am waiting on my new little labels to be finalized! A label, one more row of elastic stitching and a finishing bow are all that needs to be done before you can get your paws on some! I know it has been a long time coming for these, too long really, but you know I make every single one of these by hand & some just take me so darn long! xx.L

ATTACK OF THE YEAR

2011-01-05T18:44:00.000-08:00

is my new motto. I'm going to attack this year, I have decided! So I am starting out with sharing my new etsy shop with you all! Exciting as I have only been on BigCartel ever, but I will be expanding my horizons abit in the next couple of months...

http://www.etsy.com/shop/loladevlin

Phew, finally closing up a very eventful 2010, hopefully will stop running around like a headless chicken at some point to relax & get back into some sewing.

Stay tuned for the tricks I have up my sleeve! This year is gonna be a great one! I hope that all of you lovely readers are doing just as well, can't wait to hear from you & catch up.

Cheers! xx.L

DANSE DANSE DANSE

2010-12-03T09:08:00.000-08:00

xx.L

ITS A BUNNY WORLD

2010-11-30T11:41:00.000-08:00

I remember so long ago finding my Grandpa's cigarette lighters in one of his drawers, there were two - one was cream with a black logo, the other black with a cream logo. That logo was the Playboy Bunny, and the script on the back side of the lighters read: The Playboy Club, Chicago 1961. Back then I had an idea as to what they were & what they meant, but aside from a true fascination that my Grandparents got the chance to actually go to one of the originals, I didn't know much. Hello foundation garments!

INSIDE THE PLAYBOY PARADISE (click photo for link):

"What is a bunny? A Bunny- like the Playboy Playmate- is the girl next door. She is the American romanticized myth...beautiful, desirable, and a nice, fun-loving person. A Bunny is not a broad or a "hippy". She may be sexy, but it's a fresh healthy sex - not cheap or lewd. The Playboy Club is more like show business than the saloon business, and the Bunnies are the stars. We have managers for directors, bartenders for stage managers, and porters and busboys for stagehands. You-the stars- are what bring the people into the Club. You are what gives the Club its glamour. We stress that Bunnies should not get too familiar with customers for just that reason. Men are very excited about being in the company of Elizabeth Taylor, but they know they can't paw or proposition her. The moment that they felt they could become familiar with her, she would not have the aura of glamour that now surrounds her. The same must be true of our Bunnies..."- Mr. Keith Hefner in the "Bunny Training Course" xx.L

SO COLD IT COULD SNOW

2010-11-24T08:58:00.000-08:00

here in San Francisco at least! Thats why I am heading here for the holidays...sigh. Shell beach, my favorite place to escape to. This Thanksgiving is the first time in over a decade where all 35 members of my family are getting together...should be hilarious! The boy & I are on "stuffing" duty, so there is already competition as to which one will be better (mine of course!)...hard to compete with him tho, Mr. Cordon Bleu Chef Extrodinaire! Sorry to have been away for a while, between orders & work and making something really special for someone really special this christmas, I've been hiding in a cave again! So much to share with you when I get back...lots of new goodies to start photographing! Btw, I am so thankful for all of you who read my humble posts here...thank you! xx.L

JUNGLE WOMAN

2010-11-20T10:53:00.000-08:00

to start your day with...xx.L

HORROCKSES FASHIONS

2010-10-24T19:20:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of viewing this exhibition whilst in London this past September, it was on the amazing textiles & designs of the vintage 40's & 50's label - Horrockses. It was truly fantastic, my favorite piece is the lobster print skirt (I need one, yes) & my favorite part was viewing the fashion sketches - we call these Croquis - of the designs with the swatches on fabrics & ideas for prints alongside. I could take everyone of these dresses home, but more importantly, every one of the swimsuits with matching jackets! Thanks to my ever so lovely friend Brooke for finding this for us! xx.L

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN

2010-10-20T09:13:00.000-07:00

I'm stealing these items because this is yet another new favorite color combination. Think 60's barbie meets lampshade meets a little kitch and a little cheek. Matte side out, silky side in. Love love love. xx.L

ONE MONKEY DON'T STOP NO SHOW

2010-10-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

Don't ever let anyone try to tell or convince you that you are any less of a person than you know you are. Instead tell the ones that are important to you, who respect & treat you fully with kindness, how much you appreciate them. Anyone else who doesn't belong in that category can get bent! (Simply speaking). xx.L

GLAMOUR DAYS

2010-10-17T21:55:00.000-07:00

Are on there way, in this amazing color combination of my dreams! I've been working like a crazy lady, sewing, steaming, dreaming, working on spreadsheets & all of that business gunk that you wish you could pay someone to do for you, cleaning, cooking, designing & the list goes on and on and on. I am most excited to show you lovely readers what I have up my sleeve, but until I get my new labels designed & produced, all I can share are little sneaky peeks! xx.L

SHAKE & SEW

2010-10-14T14:51:00.000-07:00

Because I can't join all of my friends this weekend at The Rhythm Rocker Weekender in Long Beach, I'm having a little dance party of my own while I have been a worker bee in my sewing cave! 40 pairs of briefs await their new future but I have to remind myself to get up, step away and wiggle abit around my studio. Shake it up with me! xx.L

OH ME OH MY

2010-10-04T22:12:00.000-07:00

I go through this every couple of months or so - when my actual to-do list starts to get abit too long to handle & my inspiration to-do list gets shoved aside. There are curses that most creative people have when you need to let yourself take a break, step away from the sewing machine & the fabric scissors (in my case), step away from the re-design of the website, backup the last photos from the most recent photo shoot, etc. to breathe and re-group a little, take some personal time, spend extra time with the people that are most important to you, take extra-long bubble baths, go for long walks as the leaves are starting to fall, maybe even visit Paris or your family's beach house....and voila. One day you just wake up & for some unknown reason or another are bouncing with ideas in your head, your fingers are twitching to get started on a new project, visions of great things are basically running races past your eyes. Blessing right? Well, for me yes but not so much. Those inspirations become a total over-whelming & exciting time for me but my downfall is the fact that my daily life still continues....so while there is so much that I am ready to get back to: new sketches drawn, fabric in piles of combinations with trims & bows, patterns made for new garments (yes, I actually sat down and made new damn patterns- must be sick right?...if anyone really knows me they know I am a draper, not a pattern maker), website ideas as well as store research & service guidelines for shop girls after my wonderful holiday, this over-whelming surge of creative energy leaves me stuck standing still like my feet are glued to the floor with bubblegum. I decided when I took a deep breath that I needed to organize a little bit, possibly make a timeline, re-do my goals for the next 3 months...and most importantly, I signed up for 4 business classes today. Can't check those off the list yet, but hopefully soon I will be able to put the foundations beneath me so I can get back to the fun stuff! Making knickers! xx.L

ICING ON THE CAKE

2010-09-22T17:16:00.000-07:00

The icing on the cake of a totally fantastic holiday is always what you bring home with you...loads of Fifi Chachnil, a bit of fox, some gorgeous 40's rayon , new jewelry in yet another lovely color for yet another styling option, something to dance around in the sunlight, a pair of springolators (surprise, surprise) & I had to go all the way to London to buy a tiki bathing suit made in California...figures. Hilarious enough, I can still fit all of it in my already exploding closet! xx.L

I SEE LONDON, I SEE FRANCE

2010-09-21T20:55:00.000-07:00

and there are of course, so many more photos to share....with time. xx.L

CLARA FOX

2010-09-21T20:13:00.000-07:00

This is one of two absolutely amazing vintage shops in Melbourne, I unfortunately forgot to snap a few photos of the inside to share with you, but I will do some hunting to see if my friend got a few. We stumbled on the lovely esmeandthelaneway , (whom I had no idea I would run into! Been reading her blog since the beginning!) which without her aid, would have never found this amazing store - Clara Fox. This store is quite literally the best in Melbourne as far as vintage goes & what not to make it better, but two wonderful ladies running the shop. We had such a blast in here, hung out for far too long but as you can see, it took a while to make sure you saw all of the good stuff that you just can't fathom living without.

Here I give you the amazing Clara Fox: 479 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy North 9481 1990

Do yourself a favor & take a few hours to admire the glory....post soon on what I bought!

xx.L

OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD

2010-09-21T19:54:00.000-07:00

RACING THE SUN

2010-09-16T17:38:00.000-07:00

Is what the flight feels like flying from San Francisco to Melbourne, Australia. I left around 11pm on a monday & after 15 long hours in the air, a 45 minute layover in Sydney (race through customs & security) & another 2 hour flight, on wednesday I was finally spending much needed, quality time with one of my favorites. So much more to share with you as soon as my computer lets me upload the 1000+ photos I took! xx.L

LEAVING HERE

2010-08-30T09:03:00.000-07:00

Hello lovelies!!! I wish that I had something thoughtful to say, but I'm outta here!! I will try to do a few quick posts if I can, but if not I will be back in a few weeks! First date with two different countries and most excited about the amazing friends I get to see. xx.L

LOVE IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT

2010-08-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

Is this woman trying to be me? Or am I trying to be her? The colors, the shapes, the wave in the hair, even the back round color is amazing. sigh. xx.L

GOING UP TO THE COUNTRY

2010-08-23T23:35:00.000-07:00

Escaping SF for a quick trip up to Tahoe tomorrow to visit my olds! If anything, hopefully I will get the chance to lay around at the beach and if I could look even partially as cute as my Grandma, then I will be satisfied! xx.L

TWIST WITH ME

2010-08-18T23:18:00.000-07:00

A little somethin' to start your thursday with! xx.L

MAMA SHE'S RED HOT

2010-08-18T22:30:00.000-07:00

Ssssh don't tell anyone, but guess what came in the mail today? Yep. Mmmm Hmmm. My second Cole of California Scandal Suit. This time in the tiger print with not only the mesh panel down the front, but the sides too....jealous? I know. Its a good one. Over so many years I have collected some seriously awesome suits (I'll post em all up tomorrow) but it was always a hope that I would find one of these babies...and within one month I have managed to get my filthy paws on not only one, but two! First the leopard and now the tiger - cept the leopard is the much less scandalous of the two with only the mesh panel down the front. If I get the guts to actually model these suits (whiskey shot may be a pre-requesite to that shoot), you will see. I think "scandal" is an understatement...there is all sorts of skin exposed in that tiger number...

On that note, it may be a contender for next years viva pool party! xx.L

OH YES

2010-08-18T20:05:00.000-07:00

Coolest pair to have amassed so far....carved atomic tomato red painted gold glitter...hello, nurse?! Will go so well with my gold lame bathing suit..xx.L

DON'T STOP TIL YOU GET ENOUGH

2010-08-17T22:51:00.000-07:00

Two weeks until my big trip! Beyond ecstatic, completely overjoyed, totally already packed my suitcase, a bit nervous about sitting still on that flight & simply cannot wait to get a hug like this from one of my favorites...This is what life is about, right? Making opportunities happen so you can hang out & have a dance with your favorite people. Hope the world is ready, I am coming with a suitcase packed full of smiles, laughs & tons of kisses. xx.L

WIGGLE WITH ME

2010-08-16T21:46:00.000-07:00

Always dancing around as I can't sit still. Lets have some fun! xx.L

IT'S A GOOD DAY

2010-08-15T21:59:00.000-07:00

Today I woke up to a day filled with magic & inspiration. These are my favorite days to be a part of.

xx.L

NEVER LOVE A WILD THING

2010-08-14T20:23:00.000-07:00

"Never love a wild thing, Mr. Bell, ' Holly advised him. 'That was Doc's mistake. He was always lugging home wild things. A hawk with a hurt wing. One time it was a full-grown bobcat with a broken leg. But you can't give your heart to a wild thing: the more you do, the stronger they get. Until they're strong enough to run into the woods. Or fly into a tree. Then a taller tree. Then the sky. That's how you'll end up, Mr. Bell. If you let yourself love a wild thing. You'll end up looking at the sky. " -Truman Capote

xx.L

DRUM ROLL PLEASE

2010-08-12T23:30:00.000-07:00

Okay!! Its official!!!! Go check out the new photos!! In the shop today!!

http://loladevlin.bigcartel.com/

A HUGE thank you to all of my lovely ladies!

All photography shot by the famous Babe Scanlon

xx.L

MASSIVE ATTACK

2010-08-12T09:29:00.000-07:00

of cupcakes....photos from our last photo shoot. New pics will be in the shop today! Finally! phew! xx.L

OH DARLING

2010-08-12T00:42:00.000-07:00

Sigh. If only I could find these absolutely amazing shoes in my size...

WHATEVER LOLA WANTS

2010-08-12T00:33:00.000-07:00

I got so much more than a girl could ever ask for this birthday. Having the best friends in the world, the most amazing family and the most wonderful man in my life... a huge thank you for everything you all have ever done for me. You all really know how to make a girl feel special!

On to another year! Hope it keeps getting better and better...

xx.L

BON ANNIVERSAIRE

2010-08-08T09:16:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow it is my birthday & instead of the usual routine - going over to North Beach to Jacqueline's for the most amazing lime or strawberry souffles in the world as the girls & I usually do for each other's birthday, we are having a photo shoot! The girls are going to help me out with re-shooting my goodie-goodie gum drops collection (phew, finally!) and hopefully I will have the new images up within the week. Expect for lots of soft lighting, pastel colors, cakes & cookies & rosettes in green, pink and chocolate as well as a bunch of my beautiful friends drinking champagne in all of my baby dolls...should be a ball!! xx.L

MADMEN

2010-07-23T17:08:00.000-07:00

Hello my lovely readers! The MADMEN contest is going on again & I need your help - VOTE FOR ME!!!! You can vote once everyday until Sep 6th....get me on the show! Tell a friend, tell a Mom, tell everyone you know!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR ME!

xx.L

The link for my photo directly: http://madmencastingcall.amctv.com/browse/detail/WNLD69

TOO HOT FOR HELL

2010-07-20T14:13:00.000-07:00

And I will take one of each, please! xx.L

STRAWBERRIES & CREAM TUESDAY

2010-07-20T13:37:00.000-07:00

WANG DANG DOODLE

2010-07-19T13:57:00.000-07:00

PEACHES & CREAM MONDAY

2010-07-19T13:24:00.000-07:00

PSYCHO

2010-07-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

San Francisco Symphony was putting on a live performance of Alfred Hitchcock's Pyscho in the huge, absolutely gorgeous Davies Symphony Hall, meaning that they had a screen playing the movie & the voices but the symphony was playing the soundtrack live (just the kind of soundtrack you'd want to hear live! Murder story, creepy, perfectly awesome).

My very good friend and photographer extraordinaire Kristopher Parra (he also took my MadMen shot!) called me up one day and simply asked if I wanted to take a photo with him, so I rolled out of bed, threw my hair up and we went down to the Mission/Dolores church and within 5 minutes literally snapped this shot, scary sky and all. Anyways, he was entering it in the contest for the show, and we ended up winning! Ha! We won orchestra seats, which was good because I'd been lying to everyone all week that we won orchestra seats anyways (like I even had a clue, we could of been given nosebleeds!), so last night we got all dolled up, this is the symphony baby!

You can dress us up but you can't take the rockabilly out of us, yes we still had a flask of whiskey amongst the tuxedos and gowns. Surreal and creepy and totally awesome. Reminds me that I need to do things like go to the Symphony and definitely the Ballet more often...wish it wasn't so darn expensive to though!!! xx.L

SUMMER FOR A DAY

2010-07-16T21:19:00.000-07:00

Today the sun came out and I'm pretty sure for about 7 hours, San Francisco had a summer. This all ended abruptly when the wind & fog came rolling past my window at about 8pm, but for a day...we had a summer. Hope it comes back!

SOMEONE HAS A PROBLEM

2010-07-15T16:10:00.000-07:00

And this someone is absolutely not me.

There are more - these are just the 50's sunglasses.

If anyone wants to geek out with me on sunglasses - about half of these are some of the rarest you can find....and there are oh so many more in this world that I need to get my hands on.

xx.L

ACROSS THE UNIVERSE

2010-07-13T00:24:00.000-07:00

In 7 weeks exactly from today, I am taking a trip around the world, literally, to visit some of the best friends a girl could ever ask for - first stop - Melbourne, Australia! Second stop - London, England! Back in April after VLV, I had such a blast that one morning, I woke up with a wild hair and decided to look into tickets to visit - turns out they had some screamin' deals and before I knew it, I was punching my credit card numbers in & booked a ticket! What is most exciting is not only to be able to visit places I have never been before - like Australia! I'm the first of our San Francisco clan to be able to make it down there - or is it down under? ;) - The best part is all the lovely friends who will be joining me on each leg of the trip - funny how we work in our group, we all get jealous that one gets to visit another so we usually end up figuring out how to go along too...ha!

Aside from the friends, what do I love most? Having another excuse to build a new wardrobe to wear! I always want something new to wear & that starts with an idea for color - whats coming up this fall is a whole lot of color & a whole lot of wiggle dresses (naturally) & a whole lot of woman. Look out world! Hope you are ready for it....

WOMEN THAT STOP MEN COLD

2010-06-30T23:46:00.000-07:00

Do you? Think about it & get back to me.
xx.L

OH SABRINA

2010-06-30T23:32:00.000-07:00

I hope all you lovely ladies out there have a glamourous bathing routine such as Sabrina, along with beautiful things to wrap yourselves up in prior & afterward. If you don't, take a little time at the end of the day & buy yourself something gorgeous!

Whats on my wish-list from this clip? Her foundation garment, her dressing table (makes mine seem inadequate) & her bed, complete with satin sheets! Oh Santa! xx.L

KILLER HEELS

2010-06-30T23:16:00.000-07:00

Or in other words, a pair of stiletto heels. Some ladies lovingly wear flats, some lovingly wear wedges, some lovingly wear pumps and then there are those of us (my high-heeled darlings) who wear the stiletto - and in my case, vintage stilettos. There are so many reasons for what started my love affair with the 50's/60's stiletto heel and I'm pretty sure that the affair will last a lifetime for me. There is just something so elegant about a springolator mule or a needle heel that will forever please my eye - my eye for design, for how they make me look, and mostly because of how they make me feel. Tread lightly, walk slowly & wiggle a bit. Lets just keep how many pairs (definitely not pictured here) I own....to myself, seeing as its abit out of control. One day I will fess up to how many I actually have....one day.

On a side note, the lovely people over at Collectors Weekly sent this article to me by email. Fascinating commentary & evolution of high heels! Go check it out!

DITA & COINTREAU

2010-06-17T22:09:00.000-07:00

Gasp! BAKELITE!!!! xx.L

FETISHISM VS. FEMINISM

2010-06-15T19:02:00.000-07:00

Inspirations, fabric treatments & drawings from my senior collection '08

The concept was to take shapes, fabrics & ideals of all things relating to what are distinctly "feminine"garments and why - vice versa for all things relating to what makes something fetish wear. The idea was to juxtapose the two in the visual sense as I learned when researching either side of the project, the fetish for all things "feminine" was as equal in meaning to any particular person as the fetish for all things relating to "fetish" garments. In one sense, I learned quickly that people most likely have a fetish for things they do not have themselves but lust after. Small examples would be: Men have a fetish for women in high heels because men do not wear heels, instead they have a fetish for something distinctly feminine...which is something they could (or would) never obtain themselves. In the female sense, some wear corsets because they cannot obtain an hourglass shape on their own. I could go on with examples, there are millions and more on the broader spectrum than I have even described here. I didn't want to take this collection that far, as it was a "clothing" collection, not lingerie this time around and for me the focus was on the meaning behind the clothing and creating something out of a material that would otherwise be considered taboo.

So for me, my feminism fabric examples were generally lingerie fabrics, as this is typically a female-only department, I chose textiles such as power mesh (girdles), lace, chiffon, tulle & georgette. On the fetish side, I used latex, oil cloth & patent leather. The idea was to use the fabrics in an a-typical manner such as a corseted skirt made from power mesh, where a garment should be stiff & restricting was replaced with something pliable & soft. This continues on with the latex dresses, usually very form fitting I chose to take shapes from 30's style bias cut gowns, and recreate them in latex, some latex layered with pleated tulle. I could go on & on because this collection was close to my heart, but I will stop before a tangent. Here is how a few looks turned out:

xx.L

RITA

2010-06-14T08:51:00.000-07:00

I DREAM

2010-06-13T08:37:00.000-07:00

I dream of wearing this bathing suit this summer. I don't have a bathing suit in black satin (yet). xx.L

OH GOLLY

2010-06-13T00:27:00.000-07:00

You all know that moment when you actually find what you've been searching high and low for?! Well, I just found it. My mission every year (frivolous as it may be) is finding my Saturday night viva dress...and I thought I found it a while ago....but boy oh boy was I WRONG! ha! Excitement is taking over. Out of control. Anticipation, yes. Photos, no. Photos after I wear it, yes! Can't wait to smash the green dress to a million bits....*insert evil smirk here*.

CAN'T EVER GET ENOUGH...

2010-06-13T00:05:00.000-07:00

...and the reason being mostly because of her lack of undergarments. I know that dressing to the extent that I adore isn't for everybody (which I totally respect) & this woman was one that could pull this off (obviously) and still wreak havoc....in my favorite book, my favorite story of her caught my eye today: "Eschewing a girdle was considered rather risque in the 50's and could make a woman the talk of the town, although careers could be helped by it. Marilyn Monroe, for instance, was infamous for her lack of undergarments, confiding to columnist Earl Wilson in 1952 that she wore "nothing, but nothing at all - no panties, slips, girdles or bras", as she liked to feel "unhampered". Monroe also went on to cause a scandal in 1953 at the annual dinner of Photoplay Magazine, held at the Beverly Hills Hotel, having been selected as the best new star of that year. She made a stunning entrance wearing a one-piece gold lame gown designed by Travilla, floor-legnth and with a plunging decolletage, which was deliberately made one size too small and so tight she could wear no underwear underneath. Even the designer begged her not to wear the gown, because he felt she was too fat for it, but after two sessions of colonic irrigation, Monroe made her entrance in the dress that columnist Florabel Muir described as looking "as if it had been painted on". She made every other female star there appear dull by contrast. Maurice Zolotov remembers: "Marilyn hove into view - two hours late. Because (...) her dress was tight around her knees, she walked with mincing steps which emphasized the rotation of her hips. Her curves shimmered in the golden dress. Slowly she walked down the room to the head table. Dining was suspended. Breaths were drawn in, gasps of horror, and admiration, filled the room. For a long moment conversation halted. Then she sat down. The conversation resumed in a lower key, and the topic was Marilyn Monroe."....." - seduction, Caroline Cox

You see, here's the thing. At the end of the day it doesn't really matter what you are wearing, or what you like to wear. Its really about being comfortable in your own skin. With your own shape. However it may look. Because it's gorgeous. Please appreciate it! I'm not going to get all corny here and tell you that you should "love your body" and etc...(even though you should) but I am going to ask you to imagine that moment as Marilyn, walking into that room. Everyone should have a moment like this at least once in their life.....at least once. Call me if you want the dress for it. xx.L

MOST FAVORITE

2010-06-09T11:03:00.000-07:00

Most favorite color combination in the world, I think. Its the most perfect marigold meets tangerine, add some creamy lace (and perhaps some black pom pom mules) and you get the perfect summer babydoll to lounge around in. Matching bottoms on the way, I am working these pieces a little bit differently this time, will post when they are done! This little slip, slice of marigold heaven makes me giggle with delight. Will definitely be making more than one of these, and perhaps one for myself too!

SLOWLY...LIKE SNAILS

2010-06-06T10:06:00.000-07:00

Will I ever finish this collection! I've been caught up with daily life, more because I've picked up several hours at my day job to save up for some extra coins for my vacation I've just booked! In september I am so excited, traveling the world to visit some of my best friends- I'll be going to Australia & then London! I'm over the moon with excitement about my trip and am trying to set a small goal in my head to have the this whole collection done & photographed (along with the past collection re-photographed) before my trip! We will see! If the universe allows me time, more products coming your way...

LOUSY LINGERIE

2010-04-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

These are croquis I did for my first lingerie project ever. It was this collection that I know I fell in love. I still think this project is the one I will always be most proud of. I felt like at the time, this was the project of a lifetime for me. I could re-create it over and over again in my head and seem to never grow tired of it.

VINTAGE SWIMWEAR

2010-04-15T08:28:00.000-07:00

My favorite part of any time of year is when we get to make it out to some pool or some beach because aside from lingerie, vintage swimwear is another one of my true loves. There is really nothing that beats it in today's world, everything from the fit, silhouette, fabric & the way they were cut for real women...sigh. Someday I will expand my business into making swimwear. Til then -

* the only part that stinks about going to viva las vegas is that my pink lame swimsuit has to wait another 5 years before it can make an appearance again!

VEGAS BABY

2010-04-07T09:38:00.000-07:00

Ack! Where have I been?! What have I been up to? Getting ready for viva las vegas for the past month or so. Because I spend all year deciding what I want to wear and of course I also have to make said garments, pretty much leaves me in a sewing cave for about 6 weeks. But its all worth it in the end!

For me, vegas is the one time a year that my best friends from all over the world - London, Australia & even Holland fly over for this weekend, we all stay rooms apart from each other down the same corridor in the hotel, and pretty much never leave each other's side for about 22 hours of each day. The trip is like dreamland - constant shopping, dancing, bands, cars, restaurants, drinks, laughing, and best of all - ensemble changes! This year for me it was 4 days = 16 outfits with 9 shoes. All fit into one carry-on bag I must say!

If you like what you see here, just wait until next year. I've got a new theme running in my head!

COMING UP

2010-02-15T09:04:00.000-08:00

These colors have been a combination in my mind for some time now. Ever since I found this gorgeous piece of marigold & cream stripe ribbed taffeta I couldn't pass it up. Then I stumbled upon a gorgeous bolt of marigold chiffon, and the perfect combination for trim? Well cream scalloped floral lace of course! After getting the last collection underway & in progress, I can't wait to dive into these pieces. I don't know if I can figure out an era where these colors relate to. Could be deco, could be 60's, could be now, but when these babydolls are done I hope they are perfect.