Etsy Spotlight: MadameVu

So you all know by now how much I love felt. Especially when its used in a new and interesting way. I adore this etsy seller's fresh take on my favorite material. On this grey day MadameVu's vibrant colors and graphic textures are certainly bringing me some cheer. Her intricate felt earrings are reminiscent of beach balls or chinese lanterns hanging in the trees on a summer evening. They certainly have put me in the mood for some sunshine and fun. Be sure to check out her etsy store for more felt and fabric goodies. Enjoy!

Just plain sad.

I haven't been in the blogging mood as of late. The winter blues have hit hard and I've been procrastinating on this next post. I'm just plain sad. One of my favorite designers, Alexander McQueen has passed away. His fashion was always fresh and he knew how to use a hat to complete a look. During my study abroad in college I was first introduced to McQueen through a fabulous photo by David LaChapelle . In it Alexander poses with his friend and supporter Isabella Blow. I can't believe it, but they are now both gone.

“I’m sad for him,” said the milliner Philip Treacy, a friend of McQueen’s for the last 20 years. “Creativity is a very fragile thing, and Lee was very fragile. He was a fragile person with a front of whatever you want to call it. It’s not easy being Mr. McQueen. We’re all human. His mum had just died. And his mum was a great supporter of his talent. I don’t really know what happened.”

I was fortunate enough to work at Philip Treacy's on the hats for McQueen's Fall '08 line. I will cherish my memories of the hats and his work.

lovely photos

Saturday was fun with the ladies from Love, Lingerie, Life! Connecting with such talented locals is truly inspiring. I had the pleasure of meeting the lovely photographer Stacy Able, who captured some great shots of the day.

Stacy does many styles of photography and I'm a fan of her retro/pinup work. Gotta love the hat!

It takes a talented lady to get great pet portraits and her dog photos will make your heart melt!

Thanks again to Stacy, Catherine, the models and the rest of the talented ladies at the show!

New Hat: Camellia Cocktail

A winter keeps dragging on, I've been hard at work gearing up for the Kentucky Derby and various spring fashion events. It will be lovely before you know it, so stay warm and hang on! Here is a little spring inspiration- Emilliner's new camellia cocktail hat. A graphic flower in a swirl of crinoline tops a jaunty black perch. Enjoy!

Cc.Elaine

Emilliner is honored to have been included in a fantastic photo shoot for local bridal designer Cc Elaine. Photographer Polina Osherov and stylist Nikki Sutton create a sumptuous scene at the Madame Walker Theater with Cc's amazing dresses.

Cc's mission is to provide all brides with high-fashion luxury gowns, specifically sizes 12-32. Her new line Femme Luxe is shown here paired with Emilliner designs. How lovely!

Etsy Spotlight: Mary, Not Martha

Today's featured etsy seller is a treasure trove of millinery goodies. Mary, Not Martha offers a wonderful selection of vintage trims, ribbons, leaves and flowers. One of my biggest challenges as a milliner is finding quality supplies. I either have to spend a fortune in sourcing fine materials from Europe or become creative in adapting non-traditional materials. An easy and fun solution is to go vintage. I love using old millinery trim in new ways, adding a touch of classic to modern shapes. Vintage supplies are great to use but are also important tools in maintaining the art of production. See how the trims are made and try to reproduce them. Mary, Not Martha has some lovely examples.

I am especially enchanted by the selection of vintage leaves and flowers. The prices are extremely reasonable. If you're looking for something special for your next millinery/craft project visit her etsy store!

support our local crafters!

Two things near and dear to my heart: crafting and Irvington.

INDIEana Handicraft Exchange folks Amanda and Neil Taflinger are up for a grant to open Homespun, a modern handmade goods store on the east side of Indy. Along with showcasing local arts and crafts, the space would serve as a classroom, studio and meeting place. Homespun's goals: To help revive Indianapolis' east side, serve as a hub of Indiana's artisan community, to offer low-cost arts education to our community, and help working artists support themselves. Please show your support and vote! (once a day!!! ends Feb. 28th)