Project Runway - Exciting Etsy News!!!

Eek! The contestant list for the 6th season of Project Runway is out - I'm hoping the "Louise Black, 32, Dallas" is the Louise Black from Dallas of my Etsy favorites!!! Eek!!!

edit: It's true folks. Congratulations Louise!!! I'm so excited this season is featuring another uber talented Etsyian!!!

double edit: The glorious creation you're looking at is Louise's one of a kind 'Ring Master Jacket', which was her entry for Project Runway and is for sale in her Etsy shop (photos courtesy of Louise)!!! Seems that Louise is the very one that could make me my long sought-after glam jacket. But I have a feeling she'll be too busy for that now...

Under the Root

Under the Root's A/W 09 collection is amazing. I need to get some of these delightful underthings for the couple of weeks left of hot summer weather (yes, we have very short summers here). Especially as I'll be all alone next week and am working evenings, and thus will have every morning and afternoon to lounge around. Sigh.

Custom glam wear? Please?

With my recent submersion into all things Michael Jackson, I was thrilled to read Darren Fernandes' excellent article on NJAL, titled "The Style Autopsy of the King of Pop". I've totally been digging all of MJ's iconic looks (as Darren says, the "Thriller" look, the Military look, and the "Smooth" Look). Specifically, his "the use of über masculine pieces infused with embellishment typically associated with the glitz and glamour of feminine Hollywood starlets" reinstates my great desire for someone to make me a custom version of Jonsi's jacket that made me stand in awe at the show almost as equally as Sigur Rós' ethereal music itself. Any takers? I would blog about it every time I look at it/wear it...Anyone?

The best use of the news...

Speaking of the negative influence the media can have on the public, I think Canadian artist and designer Elena Gregusova has a genius remedy for the problem. Instead of reading tabloids and biased articles, I'm all for wearing the news. These wouldn't have withstood the torrential rains that we (finally) had today, but I'd gladly stay inside if I had the chance to don one of these green frocks...

How did I spend my time online before Not Just a Label? Well, I know the answer (Etsy). I spose I'll just have to have a love affair with two wonderful websites. And with the gorgeous pieces within. I'm still in awe of those Layered Trousers. And confused why I haven't bought them yet. Internet gods, do you need my mailing address? Sigh.

Shopping rant

At the risk of being too cacophonous with my barrage of blogging today, let me have one more silent rant (ooo, I almost made the awkward move of using my blog title in my blog entry, didn't I? - yikes!). I just conducted my monthly-ish experiment of trying to redeem shopping in physical stores. It, once again, failed. The shopping trip started with a horrendous bang, as I was treated to the most deplorable customer service at my neighbourhood American Apparel. There was honestly 15 employees standing around twirling their hair, and not a one of them said boo to me, their only customer. Not even when I left the changeroom. Good riddance. Then the Chie Mihara sandals that I was planning on rescuing (well, trying on) were completely sold out. I do usually get great service at Gravity Pope, but that was the only shoe I was interested in. Sigh. The only good thing about the whole trip was the adorable puppy I saw and my delicious layering job of my long light brown treehouse28 wide strap dress under my Liza Rietz scooped cowl knit gown. Oh, and the AA track jacket I snagged for $20 for my hubby, NOT at the AA store.

Honestly, since I discovered Etsy just over 2 years ago, you have to drag me kicking and screaming to physical stores. And we won't even mention malls. Three exceptions remain, being the aforementioned Gravity Pope, Bamboo Ballroom, and Nokomis (which carries independent Canadian designers such as Norwegian Wood). Aside from those, I'm quite happy to click away with my measurements and credit card in hand. And I have yet to find better customer service than my trusted friends and sellers on Etsy and other websites such as Ma Jolie and Not Just a Label.

Okay, I'm done.

Ditte Lerche

Wow, I hope the August curator for The Shop down at NJAL takes note of this designer. And, somebody, contact Björk. I think she'd like these (as would I). My eyes are so wide right now.

All's fair in love and fashion

Well, another lovely email in my inbox has added even more temptation to rack up those credit card charges. Whilst listening to MJ for the last 2 hours (I led a very sheltered childhood, so I have about 45 years of music to catch up on!), I've been oogling and doing calculations in my head on almost every piece NJAL's The Shop. Of course the most affordable of my favorites has sold, but that has not quite deterred me. For curiosity's sake (and possibly driven by MJ), I wandered into the menswear section. And, my goodness, these Layered Trousers by Ethosens are seriously delightful! The mix of comfy cotton lounging pants and the bottom half of a men's suit jacket/coat is absolute genius, and definitely quirky enough for my sometimes odd layering sensibilities. I know the stylish men out there should get this instead of me, but the July collection has been up for 6 days now, so I think it's fair game! Now, how do I go about finding out what my men's size would be?

decisions, decisions...

Okay, so the truth is that I'm breaking under the pressure of summer sales and pretty frocks, so I am considering splurging on one last item, whether it be a delightful piece from Portland, a glorious dress from Finland, my initiation into the jodhpur trend, or a rescued pair of non-vegan shoes. But, if my money-managing sense prevails, I should probably go for one of these options, as they all come in under $60 (I can afford that for sure - just no Starbucks for me for a couple of weeks, Missy!). Although that doesn't necessarily make the decision process easier for me then, does it? Because that Meluseena necklace is oh so lovely (and it's called 'Romanticore'! and it's from Ireland!). But that tank is ArtLab and is grey and has a ruffle! But that Necklush is purple (my recent obsession) and is so nice and full! AHHH!!!

I'll be okay.