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Self Decoration

Your body is your canvas, fashion and accessories are the paint.

Diary Self Decoration

I’ve Since Been Crowned by Flowers and Love

07/11/2013

It’s been awhile since I’ve been able to update and felt free enough to explain a little of what has been going on in my life and all of the changes and struggles I have encountered. I felt very disappointed that my work and my blog fell to the wayside in the midst of this but my life was in dire need of most of my effort, the rest was given to love and support my little girl and my boyfriend (Mister Educated).

Although I can’t be too specific because it’s not appropriate and feels gross to put other’s private lives on a public blog, I can say the basics. My marriage fell apart in June. It had been falling apart for quite a while prior to that but it reached it’s breaking point in June. I’m not hurt about it anymore as I was when it happened, I’m thankful for the experiences I’ve had and most importantly for the beautiful little girl myself and my ex share. If you met her I have no doubt that you would instantly smile from ear to ear. She is the kind of special soul that leaves a positive imprint on everyone she meets and everywhere she goes. She’s always happy and saying something very clever for her age or something completely silly and comical. She reminds me so much of myself when I was little and enjoys playing with miniatures in her doll house with her Sylvania cream cats, love all animals, loves painting and loves to be outside. She can find fun in most situations and is a ball of cuteness and sweetness.

I also started talking to another very special person in mid-August. This is a person I had cherished having met and being a friend of mine. He taught me a lot of valuable skills and ways to see the world and I openly considered him a mentor. I met him in 2003 in college but remained friends with him after graduation via short occasional chats online about our families and work. We decided to hang out after we began talking again in August and the connection we had was still there but things had changed quite a lot. The connection was less of a friendship and inspiration connection and more of a romantic connection. The attraction was almost unbearable and we couldn’t get enough of just hanging out and talking or going to dinner and laughing, everything we did together was a very uplifting experience for both of us at the most painful time in my life. A month went by and things became gradually more serious until in late-September when I moved in because he offered that I needed a safe place to get my new life in order and get back on my feet. Since then we have became not just star-crossed lovers and soul mates united, but a family. We have a gaggle of smart and beautiful children that adore each other and hanging out with us and we are both happier than we have ever been before and so thankful we were united at last.

Our home is a big, old house. Over 100 years old to be exact and my Mister (as I lovingly call him because we will not be publicly open until after everything is resolved sometime next year) spent most of his past free time fixing and remodeling every room, nook and cranny until we got serious and I began helping as well. It feels like such a positive environment as soon as you walk in the door and you feel a lightness that is created from love, effort and a million memories left from a happy family. The floors, stairs and accents are lovely and original hardwood, there are 4-stories including a finished basement and loft studio and our sparkly mint and latte fireplace we just rehabbed and intricately tiled is the heart of the home. There is a large, fenced-in backyard with gardens of all kinds and a play set for the children. The front has gardens, stones and red hedges to welcome passersby. There are two balconies, one amazing one off our bedroom and another unfinished as well as a big front porch. It is a big change going from apartment life to a antique mansion but I’ve adjusted quite nicely and I adore living here. I haven’t felt I had a home since I was a child and I feel through and through that this is my home and my long lost beautiful family, my cute 15-year-old house cat Hobbes included.

I am happy now. I have found my higher power and I don’t take any medications for anxiety or depression anymore, I don’t ever drink even recreationally or socially and I work towards a more healthy self daily. I still have struggles such as doing extremely trying self work and moving on completely and I recently found I have pre-cancer which I have been getting treated but I never thought it was possible for me to have what I have. It has been an IMMENSE amount of work thus far and still is as I am still not where I want to be. I’m rebuilding myself online yet again and offline as well in my new community. I adore the opportunities that continue to pour in and I very much missed blogging and doing designs especially for you. I am home now and I am back. Thanks for hanging in there on this long and bumpy ride. You wont regret it!

Some exciting things coming in the future that were put on hold over a year ago: kid-friendly projects and activities, more reviews, interviews and features, his and hers articles, the world according to us articles, more tasty and easy recipes, positive energy projects, diy and craft projects, kawaii kitty care articles, art features, more products in our new shop (officially open again!), pretty photo shoots and daily life shoots. Stay tuned!

Business Features Self Decoration

Bando: Bows From Your Hair to Your Toes

03/01/2011

I have recently fallen in love with Bando, a shop which has adorable bows for your hair, clothes, toes, allover! They also have these absolutely delicious candy-coated chiffon pompoms for your shoes~ “These adorable silk chiffon pom pom shoe clips were inspired by cotton candy clouds and bon bon pillows.” ~ Bando

The story behind their shop is as cute as the brand itself; they urge you to spurge on yourself once in awhile and I’m going to have to. Better yet they offered us an adorable gift for our next giveaway this Spring so you’ll have a chance to win something beautiful from their shop.

Self Decoration

A Supermodel Story

01/31/2011

The supermodel era is the time of early 1990s. That was the time when supermodels became extremely prominent in the media. The “Big Six” comprising Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington were the most heavily in demand, collectively dominating magazine covers, fashion runways, editorial pages, and both print and broadcast advertising and were known as the original supermodels.

That is when modeling became actually a career. They earned millions,did talk shows, were cited in gossip columns, partied at the trendiest nightspots,landed movie roles, inspired franchises and dated or married film stars.

On January 1990, Peter Lindenburgh photographed the ‘big six’ for the cover of Vogue, embarking the journey of The Supermodel Era.

From 1990 to 1993, supermodels ruled the industry. They commanded exorbitant fees, showed diva-ish behaviour made extraordinary demands, wore the dresses in which they modeled. Linda Evanlegista quoted that “We don’t wake for less than $10,000 a day”.

When Marc Jacobs debuted the grunge look in 1992, Alexandra Shulman, the editor of the British Vogue chose Kate Moss as the cover girl of her first issue to show of this new look. That is when Kate moss started the ‘waif’ look.

In 1998, fashion swung towards healthy beauty with models like Gisele Bundchen, Angela Lindvall and Cameron Kass. Gisele Bundchen became a supermodel in the original sense, she juggled fashion shoots, campaigns and big brands and ended the ‘heroin chic’ of the Supermodel Era. She is now the highest paid supermodel since 2004 by Forbes Magazine.

Looking from a perspective, the ‘big six’ were actually a path for people aspiring to be models and they made a suitable path for the young guns to follow.

Self Decoration

In the Closet With Kera Magazine

01/26/2011

As I was reading Kera recently I came across a new photoshoot that I adore.
Finding things in the closet and wearing them all together.
Now that’s something I do way too often… I never match and I always wear too many layers.

Just go take a look through your closet and dresser drawers to find items you’ve forgotten about, items that you can wear together to give them a new life.
Don’t limit yourself, go crazy.
It feels like 90s grunge is mixing with gothic lolita and decora to create a cake made especially for us.
Layer yourself in your favorite fashions and see what new outfits you can unearth.

.. and I also loved this POP accessory feature that has a necklace I own from 6% DokiDoki.


Self Decoration

Mise En Snap: Skins: A Teenage Wasteland

01/13/2011
through the rabbit hole

I recently overheard another journalist saying that this is the first generation that has no hope that the future will be brighter. It makes me instantly imagine the wreckage this is causing to the beautiful people in our world. It also makes me consider what one would do if they had no hope for the future.. I know by experience that drugs are the easiest ways to leave the scene and to botch up your life. Is that what future generations are doomed to obsess over? Isn’t that what all generations did when they were young?

Are we just doom and gloom because of the poor economy? Are we insisting to each other that things are horrible and that they are not going to improve? Is it hopeless?

So I decided to do a feature on one of my favorite Shows from the UK, skins. Since MTV had ripped it off for an americanized-version I have an idea we’ll be seeing a lot more skins on the screen. Cassie was always my favorite character and not only because my best friends claimed she was me slapped into the UK drama. I love her and her general unapologetic way of dressing cute and kitschy. She doesn’t match and she doesn’t care. That’s my favorite club. She makes me feel like I’m not alone.







Self Decoration

Play Date with Nylon Magazine

01/11/2011

I had to feature this NYLON photoshoot because it’s so Miseducated I can’t stand it. Rainbows, hearts, plastic jewelry, pigtails, rollerskates and vintage-inspired frocks. Did they raid my closet? Is NYLON following me? Just kidding of course.. but seriously this looks like it was inspired by us. Not like you needed anymore reasons to read NYLON though, huh?




Artist & Designer Features Self Decoration

Getting Glamorously Kitsch with Cicely Margo

12/20/2010

Cicely is a rad girl from Reno that creates eye-candy deliciousness for you to wear. We finally had the pleasure of meeting recently and she’s just as sweet as her accessories. Her creations are exactly what the doctor ordered for Miseducated girls in need of sparkle! HER SHOP!

I know we’ve been web friends for quite awhile now and I’m excited to interview you! So how long have you been crafting this amazing jewelry?
Yes a long time! Go Go LJ friends! Ive been making jewelry since I was a wee lad, and around 2004 I started to craft more steadily.

When did you decide to turn that hobby into a business?
I began selling through LiveJournal roughly around that same time and then opened up shop on Etsy in 2005.

All of us reach creativity blocks at some time.. where do you find inspiration when you reach a block?
Oh man, for inspiration, I hit up my toybox. I love gumball prizes, cheapy kid toys that come from China. I look around when I’m out at antique stores, I study vintage costume jewelry designs, I look at the color combos used. I like to combine the kitschy feel of plastic with the glamour of vintage jewels.

Oh man, for inspiration, I hit up my toybox.

Now that is probably the BEST interview answer I’ve ever heard. I love toys, too! Do you have a favorite piece of jewelry that you have made?
YES! This sugar junk glam trash necklace I made with a crap load of neon, sparkly charms. Its ridiculousness at its best!

I also love the rainbow junk pieces! Do you have any exciting stories about the purchase of one of your pieces?
Nothing too exciting. I love hearing feedback when people first get their pieces! I love their excitement over a piece of jewelry I’ve created. It makes me happy when they are happy!

Business Features Self Decoration

Tokyolux Lookbook: Rainbow Cats are Taking Over

12/15/2010

Hello, creative collective. So thanks to a lot of work another one of my goals are coming true.. taking over the world with cats, rainbows and other kitschy deliciousness.

I know a lot of you love fashion so I thought I’d add a feature about the new Tokyolux designs me and Audrey have been working on.. as you can see it’s right up our alley. Cute kittens meet gothic lolita and rainbow hair. What do you think? Will you be donning a Rainbow Kitty Cardigan this holiday season? I know I will! ^_~

What’s inspiring you right now?



Event Features Self Decoration

6%DOKIDOKI Fashion at The World of Popples in Tokyo

04/30/2010

I’m always excited to see what the 6%DOKIDOKI girls are up to as their shop is always one of my absolute favorite places to hang out in Harajuku. Their stage shows and events are always so colorful and delicious, it’s impossible not to want to jump right into the photos!

The girls had a fashion event in the Popple room and created the cutest outfits you could imagine, complete with large Popples surrounding their stomachs! Looks like a cute cushion when you’re not wearing it? Or rather a baby boppy? 😉

dokipoppleroom

dokidoki

More great photos singing with color here and here, at TokyoFashion. Fashion and show photos thanks to the wonderful girls of 6%DOKIDOKI.

Artist & Designer Features Self Decoration

Emma Bell: Decadent Fashion and Accessory Designer

04/25/2010

Emma Bell is a fashion designer that has what you need if you’re into kitschy decadence like I am. Now only are her creations adorable but she’s always been as sweet as can be, we met long ago online while I was living in Tokyo — she sent me the sweetest email ever and we’re still planning a collaboration.

So enjoy her delightfully kitschy cuteness that is sure to make your eyes drool for cake and fast food. Her look book radiates sweet rainbows making me want it all. Enjoy her color covered candy for your body! With collaborations with companies such as Irregular Choice you certainly have quite the amazing selection ahead of you! I cannot wait to see what she does next.

emmabell