Tuesday, April 30, 2013

What Inspired Our Heavy Metal Collection? Part II The Industrial Element

What Inspired Our Heavy Metal Collection?

Yesterday I talked about how rock music inspired our Heavy Metal Collection but we were also inspired by the industrial trend that has been popular a while now. I have to give credit again to my beau who is a carpenter.He exposed me to the music but I have also worked beside him occasionally to create kitchen cabinets and furniture. We walk through home furnishing retailers and antique shops for inspiration and Lowes has become a second home for me. In fashion design school I learned of the trickle theories of fashion. Fashion is created in three ways. Fashion can trickle up from streets, we call this street style.Fashion can trickle down from the designers or trickle across from other industries. Industrial elements have shown up in home furnishings,clothing and jewelry. We decided to put our two cents in as well. See what inspired us...

The Industrial!!!

Industrial sites and materials inspired the shapes and materials we wanted to use. We decided to use materials you can find at home improvement stores combined with tradition jewelry making materials to achieve the feeling we wanted to convey. 
photos courtesy of : liquidrubberpei.com, fab.com, cnsx.ca, gloriafreshleyartanddesign.blogspot.com


Industrial Inspiration in Home Decor

Looking at industrial style home furnishings also helped to shape
the collection. We thought about lighting fixtures as pendants on necklaces and looked at shapes and colors for ideas for materials.

photos courtesy of: google.com, etsy.com, homeklondike.com, leonceantiques.com, pinterest.com


Industrial Inspiration in Fashion

The last thing we looked at was industrial inspired fashion to see what was already out there. We were inspired by the texture, structure and layering. We also payed attention to color contrasts.
photos courtesy of: trendland.com, shapeways.com, sparklecore.com, seekshoesonline.com, trendhunter.com

The collection will become available for purchase online tomorrow. Look for our online premier post tomorrow with photos and more info about the pieces we created for the collection. 

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!
Kris,

Monday, April 29, 2013

What Inspired Our Heavy Metal Collection? Part I The Music

What Inspired Our Heavy Metal Collection?

Many of you have become familiar with us just recently as bloggers but we have been known for wardrobe styling a few years now and even longer as designers. We have been designing together since 2004 but we began designing costume jewelry and accessories around the end of 2009. Last year we began focusing on building collections and created our first two collections, Cotton Candy and Vegas last spring. This winter we started work on a collection inspired by Rock & Roll combined with industrial elements. We introduced and sold some pieces of the Heavy Metal collection during the holidays but the collection will become available online this Wednesday  We had so much positive feedback on this collection but many wanted to understand more about what inspired us to create it. In this post I will share with you my personal photos as well as research photos I found online of our muses. This is where it began....


The Music!!!

personal photos left to right: concert sign at Alrosa Villa 6/29/12, Tesla concert ticket 8/16/12, The Offspring set 7/18/12 

Spring and Summer 2012, I attended quite a few concerts with my beau Leo. He is a huge fan of 80's hair bands and many genres of rock, so when there was a band he wanted to see, I was at his side in my closest impression of what a stylish rock loving babe would wear. I wanted to fit in as much as possible but still managed to stick out like a sore thumb, usually the only little black girl in attendance and wearing little black sequin shorts with python stilettos. Among the many concerts I attended I saw heavy metal and hard rock bands like Cinderella, Tesla, Great White and Faster Pussycat. I saw glam metal band Pretty Boy Floyd and punk band The Offspring. As I watched these concerts, the fans and listened to the music, I envisioned jewelry pieces that I could see on Steve Summers of Pretty Boy Floyd or Tom Keifer of Cinderella. I envisioned pieces I would want to wear myself to concerts like these.  

Jack Russell of Great White 


I began doing research on the bands and the music I was being introduced to. I looked at old photos and payed close attention to their looks from past to present. Jack Russell was tame in comparison to some of the other rock stars that I looked to for inspiration but I loved some of his accessory choices. In photos I have found of him, he wears bohemian/rock bracelets and groups of dangle earrings all at once.
photos courtesy of: eonline.com, my personal photo, eberlyphoto.com, my personal photo, classicrockmagazine.com


Steve Summers of Pretty Boy Floyd

One of my favorite muses for this collection was Steve Summers. When he came out to perform the night I went to see Pretty Boy Floyd, I couldn't help but admire his faux fur jacket. When I began looking through old and current photos of him, I was even more intrigued. The group is considered glam rock and it isn't hard to understand why when you look at their style. Summers layers his necklaces and bracelet. His hats are adorned with studs and spikes. Summer's over the top look inspired some of our boldest pieces.
photos courtesy of: hairbangersradio.ning.com, image 2 & 3 neon-lights.commetalsludge.tv, my personal photo, allacessmagazine.com


Steven Tyler of Aerosmith & Tom Keifer of Cinderella


When I think about iconic rock style, I can't forget about 
Steven   Tyler. I have not seen him in concert but I love his bohemian rocker look. He is not afraid to mix it up or rock a large statement necklace. 

I also really loved Tom Keifer of Cinderella's past looks for some of the same reasons. His look in the past was very bohemian rocker as well. His jewelry stemmed on the edge of tribal and he made fringe on a man look sexy.  
photos courtesy of: sheknows.com, google image,   buzzsugar.com, enmetalship.org, image 4 & 6 fanpop.com

These are the men and bands who inspired the collection. If you are interested in this collection, look for part two of our inspiration tomorrow where we will talk about our industrial inspiration. Check out a bonus photo below!

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!
Kris,


Me & Michele of  Skully's on High Street at the Cinderella Concert

I ran into a woman wearing a onesie feather piece from our Cotton Candy Collection while at the Cinderella Concert last year. She turned out to be an acquaintance of my beau and the owner of one of my favorite bars in Columbus, Skully's. Small world! =)

Friday, April 26, 2013

Chris's/Kris's Closet (Kristin) April 25, 2013

Kris's Closet

Inspired by some great bloggers, my partner and I decided to start our own blog. In this blog post you will get a glimpse of pieces in my closet,learn where I found them
 and where I wore them.  
My name is Kristin. Welcome to my closet!


Yesterday I decided to go see an old friend of mine perform at Brothers Drake Meadery. I met some friends there and made some new ones. I had a flight of mead and tried the Japanese Gogo dishes. I really enjoyed the music and the ambiance. I took these photos after my night was over. This is what I wore.
This shirt was bought a couple weeks ago at the Valley Thrift Store in Dayton. The rose covered button up is originally by Jones New York. I paid $0.99 for it. I found a similar button up online at American Apparel. Find the button up at: http://store.americanapparel.net/product/index.jsp?productId=rsa0324f&utm_
 The black lace skirt I have worn once before on a closet post last year. It is from Meijers. I located a similar one online at one of my favorite sites, zappos. Find the skirt at: http://www.zappos.com/free-people-scalloped-lace-short-257a-black?utm Both floral prints and lace are big trends for spring this year.
The green leather jacket is pretty old and from Casual Corner. Here are a couple similar jacket options. 
My swarovski bow-tie earrings with mesh are a ChristinaKristin from our Vegas Collection. I got lots of compliments on them last night.
This sequin clutch is a closet post veteran. It is from MJR warehouse and is originally from Express. Check out a similar clutch at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0047Y0VWM/ref=asc_df_B0047Y0VWM2448368?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&linkCode=asn&creative=395093&creativeASIN=B0047Y0VWM&tag=ww
My ladybug cocktail ring is by Noir. My friend Gayima gave it to me as a gift. The skull bracelets are available online at etsy. Find them in four metal colors at: http://www.etsy.com/listing/123907037/skull-cuff-bracelet-skull-cuff-silver?
The shoes match my jacket perfectly. They are also from Casual Corner from many years ago. Here are some similar shoes I found online at: http://www.yoox.com/us/44444467QF/item?dept=women&tp=11227&utm_campaign=affiliazione_us&utm_content=10&utm_medium=affiliazione&utm_source=linkshare_us#cod10=44444467QF&sizeId=


What do you think about this look?

This concludes another Kris's Closet. Thank you so much for stopping by!

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!
Kris,

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Thursday's Inspiration


Twice a week Kristin and I both create collections on a site called etsy. On etsy these collections are called treasuries. The reason why I enjoy doing them so much is because I feel like a fashion editor creating a cohesive display of items for a magazine. I am usually inspired by the collections I create either in my own personal life, or through my designs. So I decided, why not blog a little more in depth about the inspiration behind the treasuries I create.

My goal is to not only inspire you the reader, but also take my inspiration to the next level. I hope you enjoy this series as I much as I enjoy creating it!

*Chris*


This week I am inspired by one of my top 5 spring trends that I posted last week. Pastels are on trend this season, it excites me because I love these pale colors something about them screams femininity, soft, and dreamy.  You can incorporate pastel colors into your spring look in many ways, through make up, nail polish, hair color, or even in clothing choices.

Photos courtesy of: Top-Bottom L-R: www.mypreciousconfessions.blogspot.com www.onlyhdwallpapers.com,www.fashionisers.com, www.fashionisers.com www.tokyofashion.com,www.wendyslookbook.com

I've also fallen in love with pink lipstick, both pastel pink and bright Barbie doll pink, lately that's all I have been wearing. Now this is coming from a girl who would once only wear neutral lipgloss, or just plain ol' chapstick, I've evolved....Kristin has encouraged me to step out of my box and try new colors. Watching TV, there are so many African-American celebs wearing pink lipstick and I love it.


Photos courtesy of: L-R  www.helloamanda.comwww.primped.ninemsn.com.,www.bellasugar.com

And don't forget the etsy treasury, you will see all things pastel here. It is actually a very beautiful selection of pastel items. While you're there check out our "Cotton Candy" Collection, if you are a fan of pastel you will find some pastel knit pieces here!


Purchase these earrings at: https://www.etsy.com/listing/97784772/pastel-asymmetrical-knit-earring-set?ref=shop_home_active

Are you a fan of pastels?

Until Next Time, Ciao!

*Chris*


Wednesday, April 24, 2013

What's Up With ChristinaKristin?

Last week, Kristin and I styled a really exciting shoot for a group of little girls ages 2-8. We were a little nervous because it was such a large group of 11 adorable girls, we just kept wondering if we could pull it off. And yes we did. The girls were of course very high energy. We found that styling little ones was not much different than styling adult models. You had your diva, the model who wants to style herself, the shy model who has to get herself dressed in a private area, the emotional model, and the completely compliant model. Same problems different size! LOL!!!

This shoot was so much fun, it really took our resourcefulness as stylists to another level. We styled 2 groups of girls with 2 different looks. The first group of girls were styled in lace,white,pearls,cotton, very clean and organic. The second group of girls were very ethnic, styled with traditional cultural pieces including, tunics, head wraps, and a traditional Korean hanbok.

Take a look at what happened behind the scenes!

L-Christina, R-Kristin
Kristin and I, we look a little crazy because a 2-year snapped these pics, she was a model/photographer.


We try to stay organized during shoots, it makes things so much easier. Here is a peek at what our "closet" looked like at the studio!


Ashley (Photographer of Photocentric Photography)  knew just how to keep the girls preoccupied with snacks and cartoons! The lil models did a great job sitting still while getting camera ready!



We had so much fun on this shoot. Final pics coming soon, they will be posted on our fb page so stay tuned!

Also, we will be launching our Spring jewelry collection "Heavy Metal" next week on May 1st , if you've had any interest in our past collections you will love this one. Keep an eye out for the posts!


Until Next Time, Ciao!

*Chris*







Monday, April 22, 2013

Chris's/Kris's Closet (Kristin) April 17, 2013

Kris's Closet

Inspired by some great bloggers, my partner and I decided to start our own blog. In this blog post you will get a glimpse of pieces in my closet,learn where I found them
 and where I wore them.  
My name is Kristin. Welcome to my closet!

Wednesday I got dolled up to go to dinner with friends. I had dinner at M at Miranova. I had a great meal there as usual, then I hung out with my friends a few hours longer. The weather was great weather for mixing some winter and spring pieces. This is what I wore.
I wanted to pull out some of my floral garments I had not worn in a while with it being one of my favorite trends this season. My dress is 80's vintage. It is a floral peplum mini dress that I found at Rag-O-Rama some time ago. The tag reads Blair of Warren, PA. I love this very loud dress because I have been able to wear it at size 6 and now as a size 10. It remains flattering. I located some cute floral peplum dresses online below.

peplum dress options:



I decided to wear a turban because I didn't had the time to do my hair since the dinner was a last minute idea. I love that the turban is in style! Convenience! You can find this kind of turban at hair stores for around $3 or lots of other options on etsy.com. Here is one like mine on etsy at:
 http://www.etsy.com/listing/126395467/black-turban-full-headband?ref=sr_gallery_5&ga_search_query=black+turban&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=1&ga_search_type=all The belt is a thrift store purchase that I have worn on closet posts before. I located many great studded belts on etsy such as this one at:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/84492007/black-leather-belt-studded?ref=sr_gallery_16&ga_search_query=black+studded+belt&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all
The earrings are from a vendor at the Caesar Creek Flea Market!
The long leather evening gloves are from a vintage shop in Hocking Hills. The purse is the Michael Kors East/West Hamilton Satchel. My over-the-knee boots are Guess from several seasons ago. I located some similar gloves and my exact bag online below.

gloves options:



What do you think about this look?

This concludes another Kris's Closet. Thank you so much for stopping by!

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!
Kris,


Thursday, April 18, 2013

Christina's Top 5 Spring Trends of 2013!!!

Kristin completed her top 5 Spring trends, so it's only right that I do mine as well. I'm so excited that Spring has officially launched, and I've already incorporated some of these trends into my wardrobe. I am desiring to add a whole new element to my wardrobe soon! We shall see.  Anyway, check out my Top 5 Spring Trends!


5. Bold Stripes

This trend has caught on pretty quickly. Everywhere I go people are wearing stripes, it almost makes me want to stop wearing my  super cute black and white striped blazer, but it's so easy to wear for pattern mixing I can't give it up yet. Plus, I've inspired people to start wearing stripes. 

The only thing about stripes is the optical illusion, if you don't want to deal with all the stripe drama. Always, remember Go long and lean with vertical stripes, skinny stripes help elongate your figure. Or toss out the stripe clothing and opt for striped accessories scarves, shoes, or jewelry.

Photos courtesy of: www.fashionmagazine.com L-R  Belstaff, Christian Dior,Paul Smith


4. Lace

I have actually been a fan of lace for a while now. Kristin bought me a super cute black lace hoodie a few birthdays ago, and I still wear it. I like to make my lace a little edgier than the norm. But this sheer fabric can be sexy, casual, whatever you want to make it. Look how designers added lace to their Spring collections.


Photos courtesy of: L-R www.fabsugar.com BCBG,www.elle.com Chadwick Bell ,www.elle.com Jason Wu


3. Midriffs

I am a very petite girl, and have the flattest stomach ever, but for some reason I have never liked showing my belly. Well, this season I am definitely feeling the midriff trend and plan to indulge, but in a sexy lady like way. Check out some of my favorite midriff looks from this season.
Photos courtesy of: www.fashionmagazine.com L-R Peter Som, Marchesa, Marc Jacobs






2. Pattern

Last season I really got into pattern mixing. This spring I plan to do even more, even putting an ethnic twist on my patterns and really playing with color. Marc Jacobs did an excellent job with his use of pattern this Spring, his designs were my favorite when it came to pattern.
Photos courtesy of: www.harpersbazaar.com Marc by Marc Jacobs, Duro Olowu,Altuzarra




1. Pastels
I am a fan of color especially pinks, blues, and yellows. So I am in love with the pastel trend, I have an excuse to add to my already colorful wardrobe. Here are some designers who showed pastels on the runway this season!




What are your favorite Spring Trends?

Until Next Time, Ciao!

*Chris*


Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Chris's/Kris's Closet (Kristin) April 13, 2013


Kris's Closet

Inspired by some great bloggers, my partner and I decided to start our own blog. In this blog post you will get a glimpse of pieces in my closet,learn where I found them
 and where I wore them.  
My name is Kristin. Welcome to my closet!

After being shut in a week from being sick, I was ready to get out. Saturday I met my sister out for a cocktail at Double Happiness. We hung out for an hour then went to Marshalls for another cocktail. I didn't stay out too late because I had a photo shoot in the morning with ten darling little girls. I took these photos at Double Happiness. This is what I wore.
I got this jumper last summer when I was in Chicago. I found it at a suburban thrift store. I think it is actually an old uniform of some sort but I thought it would make a great outfit. I was right. I ended up wearing this because it was the only thing that fit me after trying two other outfits. I have gained a bit of weight since dating Leo. 
I accessorized the jumper with snake inspired accessories. I am wearing a vintage stretch scale belt backwards. The claps is decorative and I didn't want to take away from my other accessories. There are lots of similar belts on etsy.com like this one at:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/108051926/vintage-belt-gold-reptile-style-plates?ref=sr_gallery_1&sref=sr_9d9f22491e6c330a399f06f6ce48ae197ae80c2e27174b09cd2e472acdd29dd7_1366122219_14161736_metal&ga_search_query=gold+metal+scale+belt&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all
I broke these earrings in after having them since September. I bought them at the Delaware County Fair from a vendor. I located a similar pair of earrings at:
 http://www.etsy.com/listing/125601614/peachy-keen-leather-luxe-earrings?ref=sr_gallery_18&ga_search_query=snake+print+earrings&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=all

My purse is vintage Whiting & Davis. It was originally my grandma's. My sister had it and I got it from her at a clothing swap. I am rocking a small portion of my stacked wrist collection. My two outside bracelets are Stella & Dot and the middle one I just bought from Valley Thrift Store in Dayton. The bottom bracelet is the Artemis Cuff. Find it at: http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/jewelry/bracelets/artemis-cuff?s=christinajovonn The top bracelet is the Kalahari Bangle at:  http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/jewelry/bracelets/kalahari-bangle?s=christinajovonn
My python color-block peep-toe pumps are by Aldo from last spring season. Color-blocking is still very much on trend so I plan to get some more wear out of these this year since I didn't wear them much last year. Here are some similar shoes I located online at:
 1. http://www.bcbg.com/Runway-Hex-Color-Blocked-Sandal

2. http://www.lordandtaylor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/lord-and-taylor/shoes/platforms/skye-high-heel-platform-sandals

This concludes another Kris's Closet. Thank you so much for stopping by!

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!
Kris,

My sister and I at Double Happiness.



Monday, April 15, 2013

Kristin's Top 5 Spring Trends of 2013!!!

Kristin's Top 5 Spring Trends of 2013!!!

We did our top 5 fall trends last season so it was only right to put in our two cents about the spring season trends. I always get excited when the season changes for many reasons but one reason is a change of wardrobe. Finally it's time to put away our coats, winter boots and shed some clothing. Although many of the fall/winter fabrics are being revisited in the current season and can remain in our closets. I am excited about fur for spring and leather, which seems to make sense in this ever changing weather. It's already been a spring filled with a mix of warm, rainy and winter like days. I think the trends for this season will keep us 
prepared for anything. Here are my top five.


5. Cutouts 

Cutouts surfaced on many runways. Some of my favorite cutout looks were found in the spring collections of Gucci, Sass & Bide, Versace, Saint Laurent and Alexander Wang. Although, I am not certain I will be really embracing this trend, I love to at least look. 
Photos courtesy of:  elle.com  left to right: gucci, sass & bide, versace

My Cutout Picks!!!

1. Michael Kors Yvonne Cutout Sandal  $195 net-a-porter.com
2. Tripp Nyc Z Cut Skinnies $133 us.asos.com
3. Mara Hoffman dress $297 shopbop.com 
4.Vince Camuto Mod Cutout Faux Leather Skirt $99 nordstrom.com
5.Denim Lattice Peplum $48 nastygal.com

4. Monochromatic Brights
Brights worn monochromatic were seen on the runways of designers and houses such as Gucci, Stella McCartney and Etro. I love the idea of this because it can make a short person like myself seem taller and thinner. I am also a huge fan of bright color.
Photos courtesy of:  left to right  gucci  hapersbazar.com, stella mccartney elle.com, etro harpersbazer.com

My Monochromatic Look!!!

1.Equipment "Adriana Silk Blouse" $189.99 piperlime.com
2. Ray Ban " RB3025M" $219 sunglasshut.com
3.Kendra Scott "Danielle Oval Statement Earrings" $58 nordstrom.com
4. Tommy Hilfiger "Piper" flat $75 zappos.com
5. J Crew " Curator Midrise" pant $168 net-a-porter.com

3. Fringe
I love decorative details like fringe! It is so much fun. It reminds me of the 1920's flapper or 80's rocker. Some of my favorite fringe pieces were seen on the runways of Nina Ricci, Versace and Tory Burch.
Photos courtesy of: coolspotters.com  versace, google.com Nina Ricci,  Damita bootie jimmychoo.com , toryburch.com


My Fringe Picks!!!

1. Leather Fringe Mini $124.69 us.asos.com
2.Ottawa Suede Platform Sandal by Jeffrey Campbell $230 neimanmarcus.com
3. Fringe Leather Handbag by Mango $109.99 mango.com
4. Lillith Fringe Necklace by Stella & Dot $138 http://www.stelladot.com/sites/christinajovonn
5. Blakely Fringe Detail Sandals by Sam Edelman $240 http://www.dillards.com/
6. Seaside Luxe Fringe Cuff by Michael Kors $195  neimanmarcus.com
7. Touch Fringe Bracelet by Mango $17.99 mango.com
8. Dirty Laundry Bali Ankle StrapSandal by Chinese Laundry $35 amazon.com
9. Fringe Cuff by Vince Camuto $68 zappos.com
10. Chiffon Fringe Jacket by Juicy Couture $348 juicycouture.com


2. Leather 
I really love this trend! It is my number two because it is a change for the warmer seasons and easy to incorporate even for an avid thrift shopper. I found pieces for my sister and myself for the spring season for under $20 on half off Wednesday. I can't wait to wear my dress that is very similar to the Reem Acra dress below. Some of the other designers and houses that showed leather on the runway were Fendi, Loewe, Balmain and Hermes.
Photos courtesy of elle.com  left to right:  reem acra, fendi, loewe, pierre balmain, hermes

My Leather Picks!!!

1. Astr Faux Leather Biker Vest $86 nordstrom.com
2. Metallic Leather Tee $149.63 us.asos.com
3. Aqua Sleeveless dress $79.20 bloomindales.com
4. Leather Scallop Shorts by Sara Berman $260 theoutnet.com
5.Bailey 44 Leather Mini $282 neimanmarcus.com

1. Florals
The florals are my favorite this year. I have been collecting pieces the last couple months. I have to admit I was not a fan of the florals until a year ago. I always felt floral patterns were too girly and never wanted to wear them. Now I love to mix the pattern with other prints and add elements to the print to toughen it up. Florals were seen on the runways of Ralph Lauren, Moschino, Chanel, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana.
Photos courtesy of: vouge.co.uk left to right: ralph lauren, moschino, chanel, dolce & gabbana, prada


My Floral Picks!!!

1.Floral Shift Dress by I. Madeline $98 piperlime.com
2. Neodan Floral Print Pump by Guess $99 http://shop.guess.com
3. Garden Party Necklace by Betsey Johnson $50 zappos.com
4. Floral Printed Tweed Shorts by MSGM $281.87 http://www.my-wardrobe.com
5. Floral Mini Mac Bag by Rebecca Minkoff $195 shopbop.com
6."London" Sneaker Wedge by Zigi $79.95 nordstrom.com
7. Margarita Floral Della Cat-Eye by Kate Spade $138 neimanmarcus.com


What trends will you embrace this season?

Be blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!
Kris,