JJ September 2011 Issue

I thought I'd share the images I liked best from JJ's September 2011 issue.

I like blazers:



This sweater is really nice, but super $$$:


I don't really care for the clothes, but the boots and background geometrics are nice:


This hair style is super cute! It reminds me of McQueen's Spring 2010, but tamed down:


The illustrations are just sooo cute. Are you getting a cavity yet?

Je Reve Encore photos

Here are some photos from the show :)

I loved the silly models :)

He was a fun model :)

Looks better with sunglasses? :)

Guys... don't look at me like that =_=

This is my second favorite item I created. This is backstage!

This is the my favorite ensemble that I created. There isn't a good photo of it on the runway

I need to pose with the models I picked :)

One of my favorite models... I did not make this outfit :P

Pic from finale

Designer team photo :D

Liberty of London Wishlist

While I do have a lot of fabric... these Liberty of London prints are pretty fabulous! I want some... maybe for a dress? :)

Je Reve Encore ... Photoshoot Results

I'm working on a fashion show with two friends. Here are a couple images from our photoshoot. When the graphic designer comes up with the final image I'll post it here!



I made the male model's boxer briefs and did his makeup. :)

New Glasses YAY

I decided on SALT. optics frames instead of Mykitas. They cost a lot less and the color is pretty cool! The frames have these sparkley bits in the front. I don't have any cat eye frames... so these fill a hole in my glasses wardrobe. I also haven't done black frames for three years... so it'll be nice go to back to them. <3

Too bad my wallet is bleeding now.

Model Casting Today

Finished up the model casting for the fashion show. I know, I know... my other entry said I was no longer on the production team. I was tying up loose ends... the casting had already been agreed upon and set up. I also already pre-screened all the models, so I might as well check them out.

It turns out I liked one model a lot. Ironically, I initially dismissed the person due to poor webcamera photos. In my defense, the photos made him look like a serial killer (a la Vitaly Petrov). If Samuel and I start a production company, I'd like to use this model.

Overall, casting was fun today. It's always fun to check out models. The only thing is, working with amateur models is sometimes difficult if they are inexperienced. Inexperienced models need a lot of coaching. I usually test the models using different music. The most important thing is to tell them what you want to see since they are not professionals. I think I'm fair... I try to see if there are any small improvements after the quick coaching. The ones that have potential usually do get better. :)

No More Fashion Show

Well, I am pretty sad about this. Samuel and I are no longer planning the fashion show. There are a lot of reasons behind it and it was a difficult decision to make. I think this could have been avoided with better planning and communication. But sometimes things don't turn out as well as you hope. We are still teaching the youth workshops though.

Fashion Show Budget Approved

YAY! Designer/venue/model scouting needs to begin very soon now!

Tentative show date: 05 August 2010

More Fashion Show Stuff

Well, I know a few more details. The fashion show will be a collaboration with the Asian and Pacific Islander Health Center and I will be working with a budget and a stipend! YAY!

I don't really care about my stipend much, so I will probably put the money back into the show or the workshops Samuel and I will be hosting. The show is going to be the "final project" of a local youth gay/lesbian youth group. There will also be workshops... the whole thing will serve to empower the youth, teach them some skills, spark interest in fashion, and of course to spread the message of HIV awareness. Cool, right?

Samuel and I will be in charge of teaching three workshops... we are throwing around a lot of ideas right now... and it's all going to be really fun and exciting. I can't wait to plan this out some more!

Fashion Show Possibility

I might be producing another fashion show with my good friend Samuel. The two of us have been approached to help with the show by a friend of a friend. It will probably feature student designers that I know personally... I'm not sure if I want to approach boutiques to borrow clothes again.

I think the two of us will have our hands full with planning. Hopefully it will be kind of chill since we are all cool people... but fashion tends to bring out the queens in everyone. We'll start planning soon.. I'm super excited about the whole vision of the show and who will be doing what!

I doubt I'll have time to construct garments for the show though. There's just so much to do.. from lighting, music, promo materials, model selection, styling the garments, etc. I should try to put one look together at least though. hmm.

I can't wait to find out more!!!

About Britex Sales...

Britex Fabrics is kind of like "Mood Fabrics" of San Francisco. Sort of. It is a high end fabric store with four levels located in Union Square. A lot of the fabrics ARE overpriced, I have seen some of the same fabrics at Satin Moon for about 20% less. But of course, Satin Moon is a well edited store and Britex is.. well, Britex. The prices they charge are for their Union Square location rent, the selection (literally mountains of fabric), the "experience" of Britex, the somewhat more knowledgeable workers (only some of them though, buyer beware!!!), and the fact that they do carry some "designer" fabrics.

I learned a bit about their sales from a sales person there today and I shall share it here on this blog.

30% off all items occurs twice per year (all fabrics and notions, including remnants): President's Day and Columbus Day.

50% off remnants occurs once a year: typically in May or June.

The 50% off remnant sale was today and the last day will be tomorrow. This sale is great, it brings Britex's sky high prices to a somewhat reasonable amount. I spent a good chunk of cash there today... now all I need to do is make more garments. :)

P.S. The 10% student discount is never applicable to remnants and cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts.

P.P.S The loyalty card is not valid on remnant day.

Gustto Does Not Stand Behind Their Bags

On April 16th, I sent Gustto the following query using a form on their website:

I have a Gustto Cokera bag I originally purchased from Revolve Clothing. I
have not used it in awhile, but it was stored away. When I brought it out to
use, I discovered the shoulder straps are completely different in texture.
The leather is fine, but whatever was used on the inside as interfacing has
hardened. The strap is no longer supple and there are slight "cracking"
sounds when I handle the strap. This is not how my bag was before. I was
wondering if anything could be done. Thank you.

I received a reply on April 19th:

We advice to see a shoes maker and check w/ him. We can direct you to some
good ones in NY. Unfortunately we can't help, the bag is from 5 seasons ago.
Let me know if you have any question.
Best Regards,

XXXX YYYY
Senior Account Executive

I am disappointed, because I do like my bag. It's a nice size with soft leather. Despite being sort of a slouchy/hobo type bag, it has a zippered top so I can use it while traveling. It is also fairly light.

But, Gustto bags are not cheap at all (though I bought mine at a hefty discount). So what if it was from five seasons ago? Does it matter? I have owned the bag for less than one year, I bought it in June 2009! It's not really that old! I probably will not buy a Gustto bag again.

I sent the customer servcie rep the following email just now:

XXXX,

Thanks for your reply. I have to say I am disappointed in Gustto's commitment to quality. While the bag is from five seasons ago, I do not really see why this should matter as the bag is not very old at all. I am looking at my customer invoice and I actually bought the bag in June 2009, so I have had the bag for less than one year. I am surprised that a bag that was owned for less than one year has lost some sort of integrity to its strap, especially for the retail prices Gustto charges.

I appreciate your reply and I simply mean to voice my disappointment in the overall quality of the bag and the company policy regarding quality issues.

I'll see what they have to say. I don't mean to "get anything" out of the email... the bag is usable, but I really am super disappointed in it and the service from Gustto.

uhh what???

I stopped by Joann's yesterday because I needed a new pair of fabric scissors (I misplaced my gingher shears boohoo). As I was waiting in line (for a very long time), I noticed that a lady in front of me was returning cut fabric.

I just thought to myself... um really? You can return cut fabric here? Apparently you can, because the store manager did not have any problems with it when the cashier asked about it. I don't know... all the "real" fabric shops I've been in do not take returns on cut fabric. All sales are final. If picked the wrong color, bought too much, got the wrong material, or just don't want it anymore... well it's too bad. Once scissors cut the fabric it's YOURS. Honestly cut fabric should be non-returnable... (unless it is damaged or off grain etc)

So there you go. Top tip... cut fabric can be returned at Joann's (as long as you have the receipt and do not use it). But I don't think I really need anything from Joann's besides muslin or some fun printed cotton. There are other stores that I go to for finer fabrics...

Concrete Rose Video on YouTube

The informal fashion show which I helped to produce last year may be viewed online @ youtube. Unfortunately I was not in any "interview" segments because I was moving the merchandise used in the show... oh well? I know I did tons of work for the show and I'm glad the result was excellent! I met many talented individuals on this project and it would be fun to produce another show in my spare time (haha... do I even have "spare time"?)

Concrete Rose - An Informal Fashion Show

Date:	Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Time:	7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location:	Azul
	1 Tillman Place
	San Francisco, CA

Classic lines. Impeccable tailoring and detailing. Feminine clothes that flatter the body. A riot of color for Spring/Summer. This is Karen Millen.

Come see what is new and hot this season from Karen Millen at our informal fashion show.


More detailed info about the venue:
Cross streets: Grant St. and Sutter St.

A Dress for A Mad Tea Party

Isn't this a great image? I totally love the model's doll-like hair and oversized silk flower ... not to mention the dress. I just ordered this delightful dress by Pamela Thompson... it makes me feel like I should be cavorting with mad hatters, chasing after white rabbits, and drinking tea in rose garden.

Here's another photo:


And the best part? It was under $60 including shipping. :)


Now, hopefully a size 2 will fit my flat-chested self . . .

En Pointe

No, having resorted to taking a college ballet class pass/fail, this post is certainly not about the finer points of classical ballet. It is however about shoes. I am always on the lookout for cute and comfortable shoes. Typically I resort to flats, though I have been known to sacrifice comfort for style (i.e. a high heeled shoe).

I have found a shoe where I do not have to sacrifice comfort for beauty! Bloch Shoes has manufactured handmade ballet and pointe shoes since 1932 and they now have fashion shoes that anyone can wear, including me!

I have purchased a pair of round toed burgundy patent leather pumps. The pumps are accented with burgundy suede detailing and finished off with a ballet slipper-like ribbon. They are really sweet feminine looking shoes! And... they are actually comfortable. The soles are flexible, especially around the toe/bunion area, which is a hallmark of a typical ballet shoe! The leather seems to be good quality and I do not feel the need to break these shoes in. In fact, I ran about 5 long blocks along Market Street tonight to my class wearing these shoes for the first time!

These shoes retail for $330USD, but I paid about $100USD.

Photo source: revolveclothing.com

Links:

Bloch Shoes Online

Revolve Clothing - these shoes are available for purchase here