Show n Tell

Yesterday was a busy day pour moi filled with lots of little goodies.

the day started with preparation and attendance to a scholarship luncheon. (let's just say: the cheesecake was the highlight)

outfit recipe: sugar & spice with 3 parts Target, 1 part nine west, & 1 part lucky consignment find

and later that evening, my Drawing III class' show:

moi avec mon art

and some of my classmates work:

in between times were filled with finals homework and much needed moments with my bestie. :)

until next post,

B

hang me up to dry

hey hey blog-pals! just wanted to do a quickie post in the midst of finals. here's a wee hint of what my latest illu is about. this only shows half the concept. the subject is body image. let's just say I'm gaining interest in the burgeoning crusades against the hangers they send down the runways and put in fash-o mags.

more to follow loves!

until next post

& best of luck to all those working on finals,

B

color ways

I actually put on an outfit I liked today. Here's a peek.

In the pic: Rodarte for Target tee, thrifted everything else, mint green color of the summer nail polish, and an in-progress assignment for class based on a color scheme from the Fletcher color system. I was loving the colors of all these elements together, so, voila!

Tonight's the 2nd Fashion Illustration Club meeting/sketch session! I'm supa' pysched! I'll post about it later with pictures!

Until next post lovlies!

B

my weekend in images

My weekend is filled with work for finals (already!). No big plans.

i'll be here, at my draft table, for most of the weekend working on two illustration projects

one of those projects being a propaganda poster for a social cause. My cause? Human trafficking and sexual abuse. The image that inspired it (above) and a photo reference of my roommate (below).

the other project is a bus side ad based on circus characters i've created. the hoola-hooper lady above.

and finally, some Ke$ha lyrics as inspiration for a not so exciting weekend.

until next post loves!

B

Show and Tell

i love stumbling upon great sites and blogs. i thought i would pass along a couple i found today:

i discovered myromag http://www.mykromag.com/ after visiting an illustrator's site (Sabine Pieper http://sabinepieper.com/- check her out, she's amazing!). Her work was featured along with some other sweet editorials and photo spreads. That's were I found the next blog...

illustrator and photographer J M Maasdamme's blog http://iseejanemary.blogspot.com/. I love her kate moss croquis and edgy styling.

and just to throw in some personal news: i'm finally making the beginning efforts for the fashion illustration club at my school. it's not official yet, but hopefully, with people interested we can make happen. i'm so psyched!

à plus tard!

B

Dirty Laundry

a sketch from a night of doing laundry with my mom

thumbnails: the evolution

Change and evolution: it's all apart of life. A fact we all come to learn whether it be willingly or not. Lately, for me"change" keeps showing its precious little face.

The image of the "laundress" from above is just something from a month or so back I felt like sharing. I try and make a point to look back through old sketchbooks regularly to see how the things I draw have changed.

The image below is an example the very evolution I speak of. One of the biggest transitions I'm currently undergoing is the switch from fashion designer to, not necessarily fashion illustrator (yet), but illustrator. There are the obvious changes, like in my thumbnails. I consider them both thumbnails but they're quite different from one another. I've find myself still thinking about composition, but instead of on the body, on the page. The details still matter: not closures and seams but props and subtle symbolism. The smaller changes aren't as drastic or evident, I actually feel that a lot of what I've learned in my fashion courses translate into how I think creatively and interpret things, just in a different medium.

I'm still happy with my switch of majors and with registration coming up in a couple of weeks, it's about to get real official. As in, no looking back, I'll be pursuing a career as an illustrator when I graduate.

Amongst this and the other things in life that happen to evolve when you become a 20-something (eek), I continue to re-approach my outlook at the world. Never being one for the same ol same ol (a reason the fashion industry appeals to me), I like to create little mantras to put things in my mangled mind into perspective. The most recent applies to my art and equally to my life:

Make it beautiful; make it mean something.

Until next post loves,

B

PS: currently listening to the new Corinne Bailey Rae album, "The Sea." It's amazing, but don't take my word for it: http://www.corinnebaileyrae.net/

Hanging Mannequins

a doodle-e-doo inspired by the mannequins in my apparel II classroom.

I didn't intend to have an underlying morbid meaning in this drawing, but I think it's inevitable that it has one. Instead, I meant to symbolize my act of hanging up design for a while to focus on illustration. For those of you that don't know: I've officially changed my major to Illustration. Yet, I wouldn't dream of giving up fashion. I have a minor in fashion (I lack one class to complete it) and, as I always have, will be drawn to and in love with the sartorial. I still want to design--terribly so, but I've made the decision to cultivate my illustrator-side and to see where that takes me. My goal is to do fashion illustration of some sort, but illustration has so many avenues and I'm making myself open to where it takes me. I hope those that read my blog, continue to follow. I'll be posting the same things: inspiration, outfit posts, creations of mine, etc with hopes to showcase more of my illustration work.

Happy Holidays!

Until next post,

B

in focus

"hey mr. blue eyes" 2009

Yeah. It's been a while. But guess what? I'm still here!

It is finals. The first quarter of my junior year of college is nearly over! I can't believe it!

I have to say, in just 10 weeks, I've come quite far. I've learned a lot of great things about modern artwork, illustrating techniques, pattern design, and so much more. There's been a few changes (details later on, loves), but I'm super excited for a break and a new year.

So, I leave you with love and a new illustration (I'll let you do the interpreting.) ;)
More posting to come!

<3

B

dressing the part

I was in and out of meetings and work today. One meeting was held to introduce all fashion students at SCAD to the new dean of what is now the School of Fashion (no longer a mere department of the school of design). Dean Fink spoke about the things we should be doing as fashion students and how the program is there to help. One thing he touched on was dress code. (few students in the department know that we actually have a written code!). No tshirt, jean, flip-flop ensembles--dress like you're a fashion student! Experiment! And, yes, we all have our bad days, but put forth the effort people!

Blake, here, has it right!

(sorry for all the !s. :/)

The dean wants us to make Savannah one of the best dressed cities.

I'm down with that.

Fellow fashionizers: I'll meet you on Broughton!

Have a fantastic and fashion-filled weekend!

B

Back to school

So school officially starts tomorrow. I have to say, I am ready to get back to work! Today's outfit was a little schoolgirl inspired. I hope to keep up with posting throughout the quarter! To everyone going back to school, I wish you a successful quarter/semester/year!

B

top, skirt,belt, & bag: thrifted; shoes: payless, tights: simply vera, sunnies: civvies in savannah

Evolution

Summer has arrived. A much needed break from the incessant work load at school. The way I'll be passing the time for the next three months will include making coffee and smoothies (meaning: being a barista @ my local coffeeshop), sketching my heart out (meaning: designing and drawing exactly what I want for a change), sporatic trips to see friends (meaning: well, just that), and the usual daydreaming in between.
Since I'm back home with little opportunity to photograph street style, I'll be gearing my posts to musings and weekly posts of collections and sketches. I have a list of goals and "an accountability partner" to see that I stay on track. The hot days are known to make me fall short of my intentions sometimes.
To start off, I wanted to do an analysis of past work and present. I feel that I've grown tremendously over this past year as an artist and designer. To show you what I mean, below are 3 sketches from 2006 (my sohomore or junior year of high school) and 3 sketches from this past quarter.

Here's to continued growth and to my fellow artists/designers. To keep me going this summer, my theme song is "Creator" by Santogold. It gets me pumped and reminds me of what I am or hope to be.

"Me, I'm a Creator /Thrill is to make it up /The rules I break got me a place Up on the radar/Me, I'm a Taker/ Know what the stakes are/ Can't roll it back, it's understood/ Got to play our cards"

If you're a fan of Santogold, good music, and Nylon than I recommend (or rather insist) that you a) pick up the July 09 copy of Nylon and b) go to nylonmag.com/itunes to download a 22 song playlist of groovy artists including Santogold. Oh yes, it's free loves!

B

Harold...You can't let the world judge you too much

At the end of a long (and I mean 24 hour plus long) day I like to have some phrase floating about in my head as a bit of encouragement to keep moving on. Recently, my obsession with Harold and Maude has resurfaced, and the little mantra on my mind is a few of the great lines that Maude says throughout the movie (as well as those good ol' Cat Stevens songs).

So, without care to the world's judgment I want to share a few things on my mind and a glimpse into my Harold and Maude menswear collection from my Advanced Fashion Sketching class. Enjoy!

I want to have a portrait of myself done with an illustrated background and paper dresses. This photo from Another Magazine Issue 16 is close to what have pondered it might look like.

I'm dying for a pair of cute brogues. Inspired by menswear but slim and wide opening like this. Metallic or purple ones would be a plus!

and...

My first menswear collection inspired by the movie Harold and Maude (just a few scans of the research, fabrics, and croquis)

It's easy being green as long as you're not the Grinch

Warning: Post a little random due to lack of sleep and eagerness to share information!

Okay, I'm writing a post to prove that I'm alive and have made it through not only 6 weeks of this quarter but nearly 2, count that, 2 years of college...alive!

I wanted to share a cool line of organic t-shirts (hence the title of this post). I was talking with my roomies about wanting a cool, comfy organic tee and I got an email from Generation Love within a few days! I love how you get an edgy, sexy feel from a laidback and eco-friendly staple. Here are a few of my favs: Stud Epaulets are divine!

that low sleeve and super open boat neck are elements I dream of in a t-shirt

that subtle elements like the studs, stitching, length, "not too tight-not to loose" fit make this tee great!

Check it at http://www.generationloveclothing.com

I have another great online store to share with everyone in a near future post.

Personal style posting has been deleted from my life this quarter because I mostly grab and go dress these days. So, I shall go to what's on file. Next post: my Dior jacket!

I finished the prom dress last week! Pictures soon? Maybe.

SCAD fashion show tickets on sale today. They'll be sold out in a snap, er, they are. Hopefully, I'll be volunteering and I will at least see the show from behind the scenes!

Okay, that's about it. Until next post, lovelies!

B

Sidewalk Arts Festival 09

Today I went to the SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival. Squares were filled with a wide range of artwork done by current students, prospective students, and alumni. My roommates, a friend, and I had two squares. No pictures yet, but I'll be posting them soon!

Below, I snapped a few photos of my favorite squares and outfits. Her friend made her hat and had the square beside ours. She made huge, delicious looking cupcake!

There were some fabulous, messy looks! My gang and I had fun coloring ourselves with the chalk!


My current collection is ethnic inspired, so this fun colorful print caught my eye.

Love the patterns and the detail on the back of the black top!

Now, for the squares:

You're so sketchy and I like it

Have to share! I'm currently working on evolving my illustration style for fashion sketching to intrigue future viewers of my sketchbook collections. Kat Macleod is one of my illustration idols!

Kat Macleod's Process from Jacky Winter on Vimeo.

New street style post coming soon!!!

Beauty from pain

This is a quickie post to tell you that I will be on a temporary hiatus for the next month or so due to the overwhelming demand of...coursework. Yes, yes, tears, but no worries I shall return and better than ever! No pain, no gain! I do have a few things on "stock" to share. When I get a chance to breath or decide to procrastinate (we all do it, people!) I'll do a post on the quick.
Below I found a photo in I.D. magazine. It's about this fashion designer/stylist's tattoo. Coincidentally, I've planned to get some "ink" with a similar concept after graduation, as sort of a mark of my accomplishments. And trust me, the pain of the tattoo will be nothing compared to the "pain" of 4 years of art school. I know I can get an "Amen!" on that from some of you!

a close up... I really like her meaning behind the tattoo: "the heart stitched with a needle is inspired by eco-feminist thinking, it symbolizes the value I place in feminine traditions." I can relate, but I guess my reasoning is a little more superficial. I just wanted my tattoo to symbolize fashion. I have two more years to think of a better reason.

Dress up

Finally got around to taking photos of my Apparel I project. Voila. Hope you loves!

Green cotton lace, the blue is a silk/cotton blend (oh so soft!), the sleeves are made of hand dyed silk gauze (not so fun to sew!), an invisible zipper on the side (also no fun to sew), and there are shell buttons in the back.
C'est tout!

On my mind...

It's nearly 4am and i just can't seem to sleep or write the scholarship essay that's looming in my mind. So, I thought I'd let a bit of my thoughts out in a blog post.

I intended to post my completed dress this past weekend, but had to turn it in before I got the chance to get a photograph. I do hope to have it photographed on an actual person, soon, for my portfolio and to share with you.

Vionnet has been on my mind since we got a shiny new book all about her in the resource room at school. I never really knew much about her designs, but I'm completely enamored now. The image above are two dresses from the Met.

I scored an awesome Dior jacket at Goodwill yesterday. To the cleaners tommorrow and then an outfit post asap!

I'm a little more than kind of excited about my schedule for this coming quarter. I have history of fashion, adv. fashion sketching, and my first illustration class! yay! After two consecutive quarters that require me to sew, I'm ready for a little break from constructing garments (even though, yes, I need as many sewing lessons as possible).

You'll still find me behind a machine because I'm currently working on the construction part of the prom dress I mentioned a while back. My goal is to complete a muslin of the dress before I head back to school Saturday and have it ready for a fitting on the client the following weekend. After that, I have until April 18th to finish the whole deal. Using what I've learned from my apparel class, I'm giving my best darn effort to make this turn out fabulous.

Until next post...

Weather, you like it or not. I'll wear what I want!

Today's post involves a street style photo from a while back. It sorta got lost in my files. I was a bit timid at posting it today--at first. I asked myself why and discovered my reasoning behind it was the same for how I post street style on most days. The weather seems to be at the root of my decisions. For this image, I thought the look was too "fall" for the beautiful spring-like day we're having in Savannah today.

After a little contemplation, I thought of a book I read in high school about French women's style. Each glossy picture of an effortlessly, well-dressed woman had a facing page that described how they go about achieving such fabulous looks. One I remember most: They dress how they want with no regard for the weather.

So, in the same spirit, I say wear what you want and be inspired by more than just the weather. I, too, feel the necessity to apply this and a few other French style concepts to my daily outfit decision making.

The way I see it: The weatherman's job involves meteorology and storm tracking and such. He's hardly qualified to be your personal stylist too!

I love loose silhouettes like this with just a few layers to make it look easy going yet put together. It's great how her hair and the cup sleeve coordinate with her dress!

A little update on my dress:

the fabric...

the inspiration...

and a glimpse of the design.