Behind The Scenes

So I did manage to get some shots in with Madison before my camera died (although the battery charger is still missing in action). I wanted to show a sort of behind the scenes with her. I found this backdrop paper and stand on Craigslist for a good price. This was my first time trying it out and ideally it would be wider, but I guess that's what cropping is for! When I looked for the seamless paper, I also looked for lights, but found that they're quite expensive, and just too far out of my budget, even for the older lights. I also don't have a whole lot of space at the shop, we tried to do this while customers shopped around us, haha. So basically I am at the mercy of the sunlight or lack there of, and the rest is made up with Photoshop editing.

Before-

Once upon a time I wanted to be a graphic designer, back when I would make artsy graphics and avatars and graphic design was the new hot thing (wow that kind of ages me, but what's weirder is to imagine a world without so much computer generated design). Since then, I am not as in practice. I learned a few years ago that in Photoshop you can use Levels (under Image>Adjustments) to kind of fix the lighting if it's too dark or add some darkness for contrast (for some reason it works better than just changing the brightness/contrast.. I think). For my pictures lately, I have been using Auto Tone and Auto Contrast quite a bit. You'd be surprised the difference it makes with my photos because I have yellow lighting in my store that doesn't always make things look so pretty. I also sometimes use Auto Color although it doesn't always look as accurate. Besides that, I might Filter>Sharpen to give it more crispness.

After-


The above photo didnt need a ton of work in my opinion, besides I really shouldnt have had that sunlight in the photo, but I am not a pro, okay!? I wanted to lighten it a bit more, but then her face was getting too white. I'm sure I could individually select her skin/head, but that is getting complicated for all the photos I have to edit. I am still learning, so if anyone has some tips for me, please feel free to pass them along!

A lot of people use different filters/actions on images to make them look vintage and I am interested in learning how to do that as well, although I wouldn't use this effect for clothing I am going to sell because it wouldn't truly represent them.

So anyway, I am editing pictures and getting a few items up on Etsy! Will post more about that soon.

I Won't Slip

This video might induce motion sickness, but I dig the song. Pvt - Window.

For Changing the World

I like this. Print your own.

Good Deals

I just got these boots for $88 w/ shipping (originally $170). From Aldo.

I cant decide if the fur is tacky or awesome, I think awesome. I've been wanting tall lace-up boots forever. I pretty much just live in my cheap forever 21 boots and they always get wet/cold so I figured it was time for an upgrade. I hope these will be good for the slush of winter, but I am not expecting miracles. I think I'll still need some waterproof snow boots.

In other news, I was hoping to do a small photo-shoot with Madison today, but I can't find my camera battery charger anywhere. Ahhh so frustrating. Maybe we can get a few shots in before it dies.

Safe from the Cold

The above photos were taken of some items around my shop by the wonderful Glenn Bo.

Well it's here, Christmas! I am very excited to be getting out of town (hoping the traffic doesn't make me regret that). We are headed to Delaware for the weekend to visit my boyfriend's family. His niece and nephews get Christmas gifts galore and I am anticipating many smiling faces. We were pretty low-key with presents this year, but I did decide to give out some holiday cheer and make infused vodka with fresh organic cranberries and organic vanilla bean from the Beacon Natural Market. It has been infusing in my kitchen drawer and is ready for a taste test tomorrow! Then it's off to a pretty bottle and new owners.

Anyway, I hope you all have an amazing holiday season. My hours are a little wonky because Christmas and New Years both fall on weekends, so next week I am anticipating only being open Wednesday the 29th and Thursday the 30th. I will be closed for the weekend and open like normal the following Monday. I will update the facebook and website if anything changes.

The below song isnt the most uplifting Chrismas song, but I like it, haha.

More Outfits

Earwarmer Headband (H&M), Jacket (Forever 21), Knit Leggings (H&M), Boots (Vintage).

Headband (Forever 21), Cowl Neck Dress (Alloy?), Leggings/Boots (Forever 21).

Comfort Style.

I like to be comfortable, so you'll often find me in loose silhouettes and soft fabrics. A go-to outfit is some type of dress or skirt with leggings and a cardigan to keep me warm. I've kind of been wearing the life out of these Forever 21 boots. They aren't even the greatest looking things, but they're easy to throw on and are basic enough to match anything. I am on the look out for some better quality black boots though, these aren't going to cut it for too much longer.

Headband- Forever 21
Cardigan- Alloy
Dress- H&M
Leggings- Forever 21
Boots- Forever 21

Madison's Picks

This is such a cute sweater for an everyday outfit. It's sweet yet casual. My favorite part is the ruffly collar, it adds a bit of fun. Can be worn with anything from high-waisted jeans to a full tea party skirt.


I like this shirt because it can be worn with anything. It can be worn under blazers, cardigans, or even tucked into a pencil skirt. It's off-white color can be matched with anything. The lace can go with anything without clashing. It adds some elegance to an outfit.


As soon as this jacket came into the store i was in love. It's full out suede making it something I have never seen before. It's perfect for winter if you want a heavy jacket. Mixing the suede with leathers or other textured fabrics is risky but that is what's in this winter. I would pair it with a loose fitting bohemian top and some liquid leggings. Switch it up!

-Madison

Winter Inspiration

The World Looks Red

Flashes of Style

Definitely finding inspiration in these ladies. I think skirts and dresses are totally okay in the winter, just wear some thick leggings! All these tops would work with jeans as well. I love interesting patterns on sweaters and peter pan collars of course! But my favorite look here is actually the last, because I am a huge fan of the juxtaposition of different styles, and I love the winter, military vibe paired with the lace top and high waisted skirt.

What Michelle Wore: 12/17/2010

This picture is slightly awkward yes, but I haven't done one of these in awhile, so!

Cardigan: H&M
Top: Tulle
Skirt: American Apparel
Leggings: Forever 21
Boots: Target

Summer Camp: Christmas Wrapping Cover

What Madison Wore: 12/17/2010

Bergdof Goodman cashmere sweater (thrifted), Forever21 High Waisted Jeans, Target Over the Knee Boots, Thrifted belt, Forever21 Necklace.



If you read the past blog entry, you would have learned that Madison aspires to be a fashion designer! I asked her to share some of her sketches.









I started sketching designs my freshman year of high school. My sketches are inspired by anything from nature to other designers and movies. I sketch using prisma color markers and colored pencils. Most of my sketches vary with skill depending on when I did them. My sketches now have grown a lot from when I first started. But there is still some room to grow. - Madison

Madison's Picks: Vintage Fur

This winter I fell in love with fur. I like this jacket because of it's length and also I can get the fur I want without the bulkiness of a full fur coat. It looks cute with boots but also can be matched with tights and flats. It's casual yet classy. -Madison


Tailored NCI Nationaale Jacket with fur collar (that can clasp in center around neck). Size medium/large. ($55)






Vintage fur hats ($30).

Bedtime Stories

Last night my friend's across the way at The Coffee Shoppe hosted The Music Tapes. It was being advertised as a sort of slumber party with the band playing, but it lived up to much more than that. My nostalgia kicked in as soon as they started placing their set-up of vintage Christmas decorations (I mean musical talent). What followed was a mix of storytelling, unconventional instruments and magic. It was a very fun, imaginative night in a cozy atmosphere. Thank you to both parties for putting this together. All pictures here.

Madison' Picks

As a new feature, I am going to have my intern pick out items weekly that she likes and have her write a bit about them.. so here goes, round one!

(small/medium, $22)

The reason why I chose this leather jacket is because I love vintage leather. You can wear this to rough up a cute cocktail dress or even wear it casually with some jeans. Vintage leather looks like it has more quality than the leather jackets produced today. It adds an urban feel to any wardrobe.

(medium/large $24)

This sweater is really cute for the colder months ahead of us. The buttons add detail making it easier to accessorize. One day if you're feeling sluggish you can pair it with some leggings and a loose tee or even wear it with some jeans and riding boots. My favorite part about this sweater is the way the front is knitted. This sweater is also vintage making it a fun piece to have for any casual outfit.

(small/medium $13.50)

($65)

I absolutely love this skirt. It happens to be one of my favorite designers. It's metallic finish makes it great for any holiday party you will be attending this season. The floral pattern adds a bit of a textural detail. It can be paired with anything and still look chic.