My Style Canvas

Movin' On Up

2012-02-05T11:19:00.000-08:00

Happy Sunday everyone, and to those who follow sports (unlike me) happy Super Bowl Sunday. This here is just a quickie post to say I've moved to a new url, Sabinamollot.com. Hope you'll join me there, especially since I'll be posting some new artwork later.

Lady in Red: Evan Rachel Wood

2012-01-30T17:47:00.000-08:00

I have to admit; I used to hate Evan Rachel Wood. Nothing personal of course, since I've never met her, nor have I seen any of her films. It's just that for a while there I was really creeped out by the fact that she was in part the reason for the breakup of the marriage of Dita Von Teese (who I'm a big fan of) and Marilyn Manson. Besides, at Evan's age at the time, 19, and Manson's, 38, it was kind of, well… gross to see them traipsing around together and swapping makeup tips. And then there was Evan's phase of copying Dita's style, which was just plain weird.

However, here's where I stop being totally catty (Didn't think that was gonna happen in this post, didja?) and give credit where it is due. Following some awkward phases, Evan went on to show up all the haters with her own new, sophisticated style. Her outfits were still inspired by old Hollywood, but with soft makeup and modern touches. I was especially enamored with how she looked as a redhead for a while but recently she went back to being a blonde and I think that looks good on her, too. Recently, I found a photo of ERW looking especially glamorous on a fashion blog (I forget which one, unfortunately) and knew I wanted to illustrate it. I absolutely loved the little red dress she was wearing, especially with the way it was paired with a leather jacket, oversized glasses and a simple updo. Hope you enjoy.

Has anyone else discovered any impressive celebrity fashion transformations lately?

When I Was Seventeen...

2012-01-22T10:35:00.000-08:00

Well, let me first start by saying that this was supposed to be a post featuring an illustration of a snakeskin clutch I won through a blog promotion, but since it's not done yet, I thought I'd share some artwork I did when I was a teenager. I was scrolling through some of my old art folders, and found, well, mostly stuff too embarrassing to show anyone (like, um, gargoyles and modelesque vampires) but also some stuff that wasn't too cheesy, like some portraits and self-portraits. It's interesting to see how much my style has evolved since I was seventeen, but also how in some ways, it's stayed the same. Well, anyway, here are a few cell phone pics I took of the illustrations. Geez I feel naked right now.

Me at four or five years old

Me at seventeen (Don't mind the bitchy expression. I'm sure I was just.... concentrating hard.)

Portrait of model Shalom Harlow in color pencil

Top two: Portraits of friends,

Bottom: Girl in lust with her reflection

Edward Scissorhands (because what goth girl's

art arsenal would be complete without him?)

Oh, and if you guys feel like seeing more artwork by other artists, head over to Sophia's for Sunday Sketches.

I Dream of Jeans… in Dark Patterns

2012-01-15T08:29:00.000-08:00

Lover of skinny jeans that I am, I tend to wear them pretty often, usually when I don't want to think too hard about an outfit. But of course that means wearing the same old black, grey and blue pairs gets kind of stale-feeling after the first bazillion times.

Fortunately, this season, there are all kinds of patterns on jeans to keep things interesting, from animal print to graphic to floral. What I really like about this trend is that with patterns, they're staples as well as statement pieces, so you don't have to think too hard about what to wear with your jeans, top or shoe-wise. (Though I tend to like how they look with pumps!)

Anyway, yesterday I treated myself to a grey, leopard patterned pair from Nordstrom. I'd been eyeing these leopard legged cuties by the label S.O.N.G. for a while, and like I anything else I'm obsessed over, I had to illustrate them (in a prior post, which you can see here. Well technically that illustration was of the more high-end Current Elliott version, but um, they seem to be pretty identical to the S.O.N.G.s as far as I can tell. )

I've also been admiring some other patterned pairs, a few of which I illustrated in this here post, and they are:

Black and off-black houndstooth by J Brand, available at Nordstrom

Dark floral by BDG, available at Urban Outfitters

Black and off-black floral by Jack by BB Dakota, available at Modcloth

But enough about me and my denim preferences. What do you all think of the patterned jeans trend? I'm way more into this than I've been about other jeans trends like wax coatings (why?) and neon colors (honestly what's attractive about glowing in the dark?).

Louise Ebel of Pandora, Take 2

2012-01-12T10:15:00.000-08:00

As those of you who follow this blog probably know, my favorite medium to illustrate is watercolor. However, I do also like to sketch in pencil sometimes, and today, after a long hiatus, I got reacquainted with Photoshop. Though technically I do use Photoshop all the time to lighten and resize images, and clean them up (from stray pencil or ink marks), it's been years since I used it to paint. I used to find all the different tools, like endless choices of brush marks and filters, intimidating, and I admit I still do. But I've decided 2012 is going to be the year I stop letting fear and self-doubt get in the way of anything I want to try, and that's true of my goals both large and small.

So here it is, a portrait of Louise Ebel, the lovely French fashion blogger behind Pandora. I first posted the sketch in pencil only here, but have since updated it with the addition of a border with ornamental roses and pops of color, courtesy of virtual paint brushes and light filters.

Inspiration: Illustration by Lindalovisa Fernquist, Fabian Ciraolo and Zhenya Zhuravlova

2012-01-07T07:12:00.000-08:00

Often on this blog, through the illustrations I create, I'm sharing my inspiration by the subjects--fashionable bloggers, musicians or models.

Today, however, I thought I'd share the work of some illustrators I'm inspired by, all completely different but all amazingly talented. Please scroll down down to see a few samples of their work.

First there's Lindalovisa Fernquist, whose illustrations have appeared in magazines and newspapers in her native Sweden. I love her work, because her drawings have the appearance of old-fashioned lithographs. Trust me when I tell you it is incredibly time consuming to draw linework like this, and yet she makes it look so effortless and graceful. If you want to see more you can check out her blog.

Che Guevara

Frida Kahlo

Some Cute Girl (Kimber from Jem?)

Rio Pacheco (from Jem)

The Jeez

Then there's Fabian Ciraolo, whose work is like a cartoon adventure, but always with the most stylish characters. I just discovered his artwork an hour ago and already I'm hooked on his illustrations. Many of them are modern takes on well-known works of art or portraits of famous people--both real and fictional--but with a twist. Think lots of tattoos, 3-D effects and other modern references, like band tee shirts on Salvador Dali, Frida Kahlo, Captain Planet and even Jesus.

Much of his work can be found on his blog.

Model Daphne Groeneveld

Daphne Groeneveld in dress inspired by architecture

Model Agyness Deyn

Work in Progress

Model Sacha Pivovarova

I'm also an admirer of Russian illustrator Zhenya Zhuravlova. Zhenya's linework is exquisite, which is no surprise since she is also an architect. Due to language barriers, I can't always understand what's written in her blog posts, but of course I always follow anyway to see what she's drawn next. I'm especially always impressed by close-up portraits since she has a gift for capturing the essential details that make her work, despite being done in pencil, have qualities that are photographic.

You can see more for yourself at her blog, New Blood Style.

Louise Ebel of Pandora

2012-01-03T18:57:00.000-08:00

It's definitely been a while since I did a simple pencil sketch, and I'm not sure exactly what made me return to the medium. Well... probably the fact that I ran out of watercolor paper had a little something to do with it!

But anyway, I'm not complaining because plain black pencil worked out just perfectly for illustrating one of the many gorgeous photos online of "Miss Pandora" a.k.a. Louise Ebel, a French blogger. This sketch is based on a particularly dramatic black and white photo.

I only recently became of a follower of Louise's blog, Pandora, but ever since I did I've had to constantly remember to pick my jaw up from the floor after looking at the pictures. This is because they're consistently beautiful in an ethereal and romantic way (there's no shortage of outdoor shoots in gardens!) and posts often include Louise's references and inspirations like old paintings and antique furniture.

I'll definitely be posting more artwork inspired by Louise. In the meantime, you can visit Pandora here.

Farewell to 2011: An Incredibly Inspirational Year

2011-12-31T06:57:00.000-08:00

It's so hard to believe today is New Year's Eve. Not that I'm complaining. I've been looking forward to some quiet time (since I'm so not interested in rowdy parties or watching Lady Gaga drop the ball in Times Square… you know, since I'm not into mob scenes.)

No, for me, it's all about spending some quality time with my man and also my paintbrushes.

At the moment though, it is time for a little reflection and an obligatory top ten list because… well that's what you do when you have a blog.

So without further ado, here are the top 10 posts of the year 2011 on My Style Canvas. It's not that these were the most popular or the most commented on posts, or even the most important, but they stuck out to me, due to all the "firsts." (First blog portrait giveaway, first foray into fashion design, first magazine recognition.) I hope you enjoy them!

1. First Christmas Card Design (well at least since I was a kid and would distribute handmade Christmas, Chanukah and even Valentine's Day cards to everyone in my building. Except the weirdos on the fourth floor. Blechhh.)

2. First Illustration to be Published in a Magazine (and the debut issue at that). The magazine is Scopic, a Portland-based independent fashion publication, and the illustration is of the editor, DG Palmer. There's my pic in the corner.

3. First Illustration I knew I'd Never Sell or Give Away. I'm just really proud of this piece for some reason, maybe because the woman (a model from the cover of a Free People catalog) looks like a pretty statue.

4. Blogger Portrait Bonanza! I actually started doing blogger portraits when I launched this blog in 2010, but I really got blown away in 2011 with all the amazing fashion blogs out there and the amazing women (and men) who create them. There was certainly no shortage of inspiration and I must have done at least a dozen illustrations of their authors. Pictured: Alexys of Fashionbater

5. Blogger Portrait Giveaway: Once people started requesting portraits from me on a regular basis, I realized doing a giveaway would probably be a good idea. It was incredibly flattering to see all the interest and after conducting two giveaways (pictured, Mia of hey Lila Hey, the first winner) I know I'll be doing more in 2012.

6 and 7. My First Foray into Fashion Design: Being a rabid fan of Urban Outfitters dresses, I couldn't resist illustrating a few of my favorite dresses from them for a graphic for a T-shirt design competition they were holding. I also designed a couple of items for a Modcloth contest. After getting clobbered in the community vote (based on Facebook friends voting) in both contests, it made me realize I'd have to pursue getting my designs manufactured on my own. And that's not something I'm complaining about!

(Top pic) Urban Outfitters t-shirt design based on dresses actually hanging in my closet

(Bottom pic) Lace panel dress I designed for Modcloth's Make the Cut competition

8. First Fashion, er, Advice Post. I suppose it's time for a trend bashing post for 2011.

9. First Homage to Classic Illustration: When I painted the Burberry wedge creepers, I was channeling the spirit of old advertisements from the 1950s and 1960s. Pretty much everything--ads for clothes, shoes and even food from the supermarkets--was illustrated in ink or watercolor rather than captured in photography. And it was all in stunning sci-fi black and white!

10. First Less Than Literal Illustration of the Year (not a portrait or interpretation of anything else).

When I created this piece, which I call "The Three Witches of McQueen," I didn't know what anyone would think of it, or even what I did. But after a folk singer friend of mine saw it, she immediately wanted to buy it. Instead I said I'd give it to her in exchange for a couple of singing lessons from her. (Isn't having creative friends fun?). And then she approached me about designing her band's upcoming CD. So there you have it. It pays to be leave your comfort zone sometimes.

Best wishes to all of you for a New Year that I hope is filled with happiness, health and inspiration. And thank you for all your wonderful comments, which always make my day.

New (Temporary) My Style Canvas Blog Header

2011-12-26T09:48:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to design a new blog header a while now and I finally did, though it will just be temporary. I kind of went bananas with the storybook/forest pics I was looking at for inspiration, and now the header's, um, kind of big.

Off topic, I spent my Christmas with the husband's family, which always means good food and company, and since there's a million relatives, lots of gift giving and receiving. How was your holiday weekend?

Modcloth Make the Cut Winners, Plus My Favorites

2011-12-19T16:48:00.000-08:00

Today Modcloth announced the winners of its Make the Cut Contest, in which customers were given the opportunity to submit their own designs, with five winners actually getting their garments manufactured and sold. For those who missed the previous posts on the subject, I had two designs make the finalist round, but sadly for me, I got clobbered in the online community vote on Facebook. (Definitely a lesson to bulk up the ol' friends list.)

Anyway I thought I would post the five designs that won the popular vote, followed by my five favorites. Over this past week, I was encouraged by people I know to try and get my dress and blouse designs manufactured and I think I will. I also hope some of the others who entered do the same, because there was some real talent there!

1. Cassie L. Thompson

2. Maria Catalano

3. Casey Durbin Shapiro

4. Hannah Yung

5. Nicole Parker

MY FAVORITES

Amber Middaugh (So country doll pretty!)

Amber Middaugh (This one too. Makes me wish for summer.)

Liz Callahan

(Though not a top five, it was chosen as an additional winner.)

Jennifer Popplewell (Too cute!)

Kelli Ward (So Mad Men!)

And in case you didn't see 'em, here are my designs, which I was proud of.

Daisy print dress with lace panels

Blouse with lace panels

My Other Modcloth Make the Cut Contest Designs

2011-12-15T17:43:00.000-08:00

If you guys saw my last blog post, you know that I recently entered a clothing design contest being organized by Modcloth. And by the way--voting's still open for the five top designs that will actually get manufactured and sold on the Modcloth site, nudge, nudge, wink, wink. Seriously, I'd love if it you'd vote for me, since.... well... as of now I'm getting absolutely clobbered by people with legions of Facebook friends. This is because the voting's done through Facebook, and ends on Friday. You can vote each day it's open.

Slightly off topic, when entering the competition I submitted five designs and two were selected as finalists, a dress and a blouse. As for the other three items, I actually had a lot of fun creating them, and plan to find out how to get the goodies manufactured on my own. Below you'll find one of my rejected items, a dress inspired by one of my fashion muses, Karen Elson, and you can see and vote for the finalists through the above links.

This dress was actually my favorite of the bunch.

Modcloth Make the Cut Contest: Please vote for my 2 designs

2011-12-12T16:38:00.000-08:00

So... the other week I entered a contest being sponsored by Modcloth, in which contestants were invited to submit designs for articles of clothing that, if chosen as winners, will be sold on the e-tailer's site! Winners also get a $500 prize. Out of the five designs I submitted, two were accepted as finalists and are now listed as the Sabina Mollot Dress (pictured above) and the Sabina Mollot Top (pictured below) on the Modcloth community voting page on Facebook.

For those unfamiliar with Modcloth, get out from that rock you've been living under and go check out their fab vintage-inspired dresses and other pretty things!

And while you're at it, please go to their Facebook fan page vote for my designs. Pretty please, guys, it would seriously mean the universe to me. You can vote every day until the community vote ends on Dec. 16. In order to vote, you'll first have to like the Modcloth page (of course) but they're not too annoying or spammy with their posts like some companies so please don't let that turn you off.

I hope that you like my designs, and if you do, you can vote for both my dress and my blouse through these here links. (Did you notice both pieces feature lace panels? I'm kind of obsessed with those at the moment. So pretty without showing too much skin.) Many thanks, guys, and I promise to return the favor if you enter a contest. Just make sure you let me know about it.

L.A. Woman: Sheryl of Walk in Wonderland

2011-12-09T06:58:00.000-08:00

Last month, I announced the winner of the illustration giveaway who was none other than Sheryl of the personal style blog Walk in Wonderland.

If you're not familiar with Sheryl's blog, expect to find plenty of outfits in her signature laid back yet always chic California style. Here she is with what has to be the coolest blouse ever: loose fitting and patterned with a tie-front and exposed shoulders, with black jean shorts and high-heeled boots. Lookin' good.

Christmas Card: M is for… Murder?

2011-12-04T15:44:00.000-08:00

Today was my first attempt at making a Christmas card. How it ended up being so morbid I have no idea, but if we're all being honest here the holidays can drive anyone to want to commit homicide or be dead what with all the mass buying of needless crap and all the killing of innocent trees.

Anyhoo… Here's my card, the front on the left, followed by the inside image to its right.

How to get things from creative people (including me)

2011-11-25T06:54:00.000-08:00

If you're an artist, a musician, a website designer, a writer, than you're used to getting requests to create something for people. And more likely than not, the requests come from people who don't want to pay for said product. If you're a pro-artist/musician/writer, odds are you're just going to say no to these requests since that's how you make your living and therefore the only exceptions can be the occasional support of a meaningful cause or a favor for a friend. If you're not a pro, however, then being creative is not necessarily about money and odds are whoever's asking you might have a better shot at getting something for nothing.

Do you guys see where this post is going? I've been drawing all my life and therefore I think the things I create are worth something. But on the other hand, I have a day job and illustrating is just something I do for fun other than the occasional commission. But most of the time, the requests I get from people to create something are for those who want it for free. To those who've made those requests and to others who hope to get stuff for free from people but don't know how to approach the issue, I'm not saying you shouldn't ask. However I do think it's important to ask in a way that shows respect for a person's time.

Example: Sometimes people want me to paint their portraits for blog headers or sidebars. No problem. I love doing that sort of thing. But unless it's a commission, I have to pick and choose which ones I have the time to say yes to.

Personally, I am way more likely to oblige someone if that person has supported me in some way, even if it's in a small way like giving a shout-out to something going on on My Style Canvas on her own blog or Facebook page. (Example: The illustration here, of blogger DG Palmer of Dear Girl blog and Scopic magazine, was done upon request. I had no doubt about whether or not I'd say yes--since she's always supported this blog by linking to my site on her homepage and leaving thoughtful comments.)

I'm just mentioning this because lately I've gotten more requests from people I've never heard of before--never said hello in the comments or via email--and aren't offering anything in trade for my time. I admit it's flattering to some degree to be thought of, but honestly I've never said yes to any of those people and that is not likely to change.

The point here is that the thing to keep in mind is that even though people enjoy being creative, doing something like writing a song or an article or designing a website or a dress or--ahem--an illustration is something that can take quite a bit of time and effort. And it's important to acknowledge that much before requesting a freebie.

Another way to go about it could be a trade in services if you're a crafty or artistic person yourself. Or if your site gets a lot of traffic, offer a link on the side of your page as payment, at least for a few months, the way you'd display an ad.

Another way of saying, there are ways to get what you want even if you can't afford custom artwork. Sometimes it's just a matter of being nice and making some sort of effort yourself.

Giveaway winner announced

2011-11-17T18:07:00.000-08:00

The winner of the My Style Canvas illustration giveaway is Sheryl of Walk in Wonderland! Congrats. Sheryl, thanks to Sarah for hosting the giveaway and as for me, I'm looking forward to this project!

How's everyone else's day going, hmm?

Work in Progress: The Three Witches of McQueen

2011-11-10T16:48:00.000-08:00

Ever since I saw that Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in August, I wanted to do some sort of illustration paying homage to the work. But at the time this was impossible, since I was stopped twice from sketching the exhibit--and nearly kicked out. One girl actually did get thrown out for that reason... turns out she was a former McQueen intern.

But anyway more recently, I was inspired by something else, specifically Macbeth. I was sitting in a Shakespeare reading group and well... now you have my latest piece... The Three Witches of McQueen. It still needs some work, but already you can get the idea. The three girls in the wintry forest (my witches) are all wearing different McQueen dresses, while the ghost-like form on the left (Hecate, the witch queen) is based on a hologram of Kate Moss. That hologram, of Kate in a flowing white gown, was also part of the Savage Beauty exhibit.

My Style Canvas Presents Custom Illustration Giveaway

2011-11-03T14:29:00.000-07:00

If you've been following this blog, then you know how much I enjoy creating fashion illustrations of stylish people, so why not get a custom portrait of yourself?

Sarah Whitney of the personal style blog Pandora's Box is kindly hosting a giveaway for My Style Canvas with a custom illustration as a prize. It could be something you use as a blog sidebar or Bloglovin icon or a one-of-a-kind present given to a special someone to ensure you're never out of sight or mind. To enter, go here.

The rules are easy--just follow this blog, but leave your email contact info there and Sarah will announce the winner on November 9. Thanks again, Sarah, and good luck, everyone.

Below are a few recent examples of my fashion portrait work. (click to enlarge)

Mia of Hey Lila Hey (first giveaway winner)

Sarah of Pandora's Box

Emily and Abigail of Wanderlust

Rumi of Fashion Toast

Kerry of Yours Truly

Sabinna of Broken Cookies

Faded Glory: Alexys of Fashionbater

2011-10-29T16:33:00.000-07:00

When it comes to fashion blogs, it's not easy to impress me. Everyone and her mother has one at this point (and to everyone and their moms I say welcome aboard) but that just means standing out from the crowd is a task that gets tougher by the minute. People think that because they're cute dressers, they're automatically going to be great bloggers. What they don't understand is that they've got to dress really cute consistently, not just when they feel like it and have a ready, able and willing photographer on hand, again consistently, and be willing to post relatively often, even when it feels like a chore. Oh yeah and it helps to know how to write too since no one wants to hear about how omg excited to you are to be a real blawger.

But I digress…

There are still some people that understand all this fortunately, and one of them is Alexys Oliver. This blogger seems to have a million minxy styles up her sleeve, from variations on 70s English schoolgirl punk to urban gypsy to L.A. hipster. Most of the items in her wardrobe are affordable, with many vintage finds, but she throws a few designer goodies into the mix as well. Her blog, Fashionbater, isn't just about the clothes though. The photo sets always always have an understated but dark subtext thanks to the settings. Expect to find Alexys in fun places like taxidermy shops, barren looking backyards, tree branches, and, as this illustration was inspired by, at least one very patriotic looking garage.

Zombie Chic at Asbury Park, NJ

2011-10-26T18:57:00.000-07:00

I didn't get to make a fashion illustration post this weekend since I was otherwise occupied, turning innocent people into zombies. Or more specifically I was assisting my husband, who does special effects makeup, making dozens of people up as zombies at the annual Zombie Walk in Asbury Park, NJ. If you're not familiar with the event, essentially, thousands of people get together while dressed in tatters and made up to look like the undead. Participants then get into--and remain--in character moaning about brains. Breaking character is only acceptable when admiring others' creepy looks. I heard this year the Asbury Park walk, which broke Guinness World records last year for having the most zombies (around 5,000) grew to around 12,000 this year.

So... while I know this isn't the sort of thing I'd normally post, here are a few of my pics from Zombie Day on Saturday, October 22, 2011. (Click to enlarge.)

Zombie bride

More well dressed zombies

Steam punk zombies

One of my zombie makeup victims

Another made up zombie

And last but not least, me with my friend Stephanie, both of us made up by the huz whose work will be keeping us very busy this week. Not complaining though. It's truly the most wonderful time of the year.

David of Broken Cookies

2011-10-15T15:40:00.000-07:00

Everyone, meet David. David here is one half of the blogging duo behind the fashion and photography blog Broken Cookies. (I illustrated the other half, Sabinna, here.)

Anyway obviously this portrait is a bit different than the fashion illustrations I normally do, but for some reason I couldn't imagine drawing David, a student of business, any other way. Lots of lines drawn as deliberately and graphically as possible.

David doesn't get too personal on Broken Cookies, so it's hard for me to describe him here, but he is a fantastic photographer, always capturing photos of friends and nightlife in London and architecture in ways that make you want to jump into the pictures and join in the fun and excitement. Naturally he also always takes great photos of Sabinna, his partner and a fashion student, whose creations, whether a flapper dress made out of cassette tapes or an illustrated children's book, are always an inspiration.

You can check 'em out here.

Update: For this post I participated in Sophia's Sketch Sundays.

Lady Bird

2011-10-13T20:16:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while I'll post a picture of myself on this blog instead of art related stuff and the responses so far have been pretty encouraging, so I'll probably do that more often. (Not too often though. I still want My Style Canvas to be a fashion illustration blog.)

Anyway here's a pic my husband Edward took of me when we went out for brunch over the weekend. Didn't get a chance to post it until now. Nothing I'm wearing here was new except for a pair of high-heeled motorcycle boots I got from Endless. The rest of the outfit is: Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue bird dress, vintage slip under that, H&M jacket, thigh high socks from Target and a scarf my mother got for me in Israel.

Sarah Whitney, Pandora's Box Blog

2011-10-08T11:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday everyone. Hope everyone's having a good weekend. I'm home with my watercolor set, some fashion magazines, some wine and oh yeah my husband, so I'm certainly not gonna complain about anything. Especially since he just (finally!) set up the scanner we've had for a million years. Hooray! No more discolored illustrations posted using iPhone pics!

But I digress. Today's illustration was inspired by Sarah Whitney of Pandora's Box Blog. If you're not familiar with Pandora's Box, please do check it out because Sarah's South California style is always fun and flattering in a 60s druggie rock groupie mistress way. Now who doesn't want to look like that? Exactly. Think lots of vintage dresses, chunky jewelry, fierce platforms, and lately, some surprisingly chic ponchos.

Here's what I also like: Unlike some bloggers, who insist on bombarding readers with constant pointless posts of mediocre outfits, what they last ate at a restaurant, and apologies for not blogging even more, Sarah is a believer in quality not quantity. Her outfit photos, taken by photographer Ryan Vanderheyden, are posted on average twice a month, but always worth the wait. I illustrated Sarah once before but don't go lookin' at it. This effort worked out much better, IMHO.

Anyway if you're so inclined, you can see the real Sarah here.

Dreaming in Black and White

2011-10-01T13:22:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about some cute things I'd like to acquire for fall--well actually that's a pretty long list--but a few of them have been sticking out in my mind in particular. Why? Because they're statement pieces, and often wearing one of those means that you don't have to think too hard about the rest of your outfit because that one thing has already made the fashion magic happen.

Here are some examples I'm currently intrigued by.

Leopard jeans

Skinny jeans returned to mainstream fashion in the early 00s, and have stayed hot ever since. Fashion mags can keep touting wide leg trousers all they want, but the reality is all you need to do is look at the streets of NYC for five minutes if you need proof that skinnies are here to stay. That said, if you're the type to wear jeans often you're going to want to shake things up a little beyond the standard black or dark blue. Bold color like red or green is one way to do that, but another is a rock and roll inspired pattern like leopard print. Though this style would also work paired with bright color I think a neutral is even cooler, yet slightly more understated so you could wear it frequently and not tire of it after a few nights out.

Little socks

Wearing little girlie socks with heels, instead of the more expected tights or nothing at all, is not a look for everyone. However, I tend to think that's just because some people will instinctively cringe, picturing images of girls in 80s music videos with huge hair and neon bangles to go with said socks and heels. This new way to wear little socks is different though, as it tends to work with vintage outfits and oxford shoes for a sweeter look. It can also be a handy way to slightly dress down an overtly sexy shoe like an open toed pump. Here I illustrated a sheer pair of socks with polka dots as well as fishnets since I think both looks are fun but still versatile.

White lace dress

A white lace dress might seem too precious or froufrou to be chic but the reality is that such an overtly angelic look just gives the wearer an excuse to pile on the badass accessories. Think black leather woven belts, chunky metal rings and bracelets, and motorcycle boots. Or go the route of the girl illustrated here (I couldn't resist making her look a bit like a goth Zooey Deschanel) and pair it with thick black tights, a floppy hat and a dark-lipsticked pout.

Featured in Scopic mag

2011-09-28T15:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the release date of the debut issue of Scopic magazine, the brainchild of DG Palmer, the blogger behind Dear Girl. Scopic is a new print/online publication that features art, photography, fashion and lots of other fun stuff. It also, on the letter from the editor page, includes an illustration of DG done by me, (Page 7, viewable online) so I hope you'll check it out! I was also delighted to see that other bloggers I know, Wallace Chapman, and Hivenn J, had their work featured as well. Keep up the fabulous work, DG, and thanks for inviting me to be a part of it.

One Dress, Two Illustrations

2011-09-26T16:22:00.000-07:00

A week ago I found myself torn between two dresses--or more specifically two versions of the same dress from Urban Outfitters. A knee-length baby doll with a slightly mullet-cut hem, a beautiful floral pattern and peekaboo lace cutouts along the shoulders. The dress by Kimchi Blue was equally lovely in the two colors it was available for purchase in, purple and black. But I couldn't justify spending the money on both at this time so I got the one in purple.

Nevertheless I couldn't stop thinking about the black version, as well as the one I actually have hanging in my closet. But then before I knew it, it was sold out in my size! So what did I do? What any obsessed artist would do. I created illustrations inspired by the two looks. Think UO would let me create watercolors for them in exchange for clothes? Because… I'm available!

Imagine the view from these high-heeled Burberry Creepers

2011-09-18T14:44:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago I was at the office of my newspaper's publisher sorting through archives from 60 years ago. I was supposed to be focusing on the news stories from back then for our "This Week in History…" feature, but I found myself equally interested in the all the advertisements we ran at the time. They were all for local (Manhattan) stores, only instead of the ads we see today, which feature photos of people enjoying various products and services, those products and services were all sold through watercolor illustrations. Each and every one! Whether it was ads for adults' and children's clothing or specially priced foods at the supermarket's deli counter.

There were even weekly editorial illustrations, usually of street scenes at local parks or construction sites. This was done rather than print photos, which were usually to expensive for a community weekly like mine to get.

At any rate, those illustrations from 1951 inspired today's My Style Canvas entry, as did a recent post on The Shoe Girl. That blog, if you're not familiar with it, is authored by a shoe designer who also collects shoes from many other designers--almost exclusively of the luxury variety with heels that are sky-high. This week, there was a post about author Celine's recent purchase of high-heeled Burberry creepers. I've always been a fan of creepers as long as they were of the square and pointy-toed variety--which is more true to the style seen on punk rockers in the 1980s. I've always found the round-toed kind a little too clownish.

BUT I digress from the point of this post, which is to pay tribute to the illustrated advertisements--and great style--of the past.

Star Power to the People: Dolce & Gabbana

2011-09-13T18:59:00.000-07:00

Despite being a lover of fashion and having a fashion blog, I'm not normally one to get too wrapped up in trends. If I like it I wear it, regardless of whether anyone else has discovered it yet or even if they already all have years ago and it's hideously out of style. Hey, I like to think of this philosophy towards dressing as staying true to my code, but maybe I'm just stubborn.

But moving on, occasionally even I'll get smitten by a trend, and right now the big one that's doing it for me is star print on dresses as well as accessories. I'm a loyal devotee to florals and animal print but somehow this print feels just as fun and even more modern, without trying too hard. (I loathe some patterns like anything too graphic or psychedelic looking.) Also, other "classic" prints like stripes and plaid can get boring.

So at some point I need to go shopping and get me some star spangled glamour before it's all sold out. Not sure what to get yet but in the meantime I'll dream of bold color and elegant fabric as seen in this season's Dolce & Gabbana creations, one of which inspired this illustration.

Kayla and her mini-pal Dash in the Flatiron District

2011-09-07T16:00:00.000-07:00

I know it's September and the glory that is fall fashion is finally upon us, but I couldn't resist sneaking in one more girl of summer onto my canvas and on this blog. When I saw this girl, whose name is Kayla, on the street in the Flatiron District last month, I thought she really embodied New York summer style, comfortable and casual but still girlie in a maxi length dress, sun hat and some cute company in the form of her dog, Dash. So I chased her down the street and asked for her pic so I could illustrate her and she graciously obliged.

It also turns out that she's a blogger too and her style musings can be found here at A Chic Peek.

Outfit post: Hell Bunny Vixen dress

2011-09-04T06:29:00.000-07:00

Ever hold on to a particular outfit for just the right special time? You couldn't wear it any day because a) it's too fancy and b) then you'd have to do your hair and makeup a certain way and pair them with a certain kind of shoes, which as it turns out, you don't own, and the accessory situation isn't any better...

And then there are other times when common sense takes in and you just say: Screw it.

Well that was my day yesterday. I bought this 1950s-looking, floral dress earlier in the summer at a shop called Thirteen Vintage in New Hope, PA, and I've been wanting to wear it ever since. So I put it on yesterday for an early dinner out with my husband and his parents. Because sometimes it's fun to be overdressed.

Dress: Hell Bunny Vixen, shoes: Jessica Simpson, bead necklace: Joyce Leslie, bracelet: Le Chateu

New Bloglovin icon?

2011-08-28T06:20:00.000-07:00

Thinking of making this lil' redhead chick my new Bloglovin icon. Not sure though. We shall see.

Update: Okay, babe, you're in.

Update #2: This image is just one of many in Sophia's Sunday Sketches program. See more art here.

Mia of Hey Lila Hey

2011-08-22T15:50:00.000-07:00

One of the blogs I've been following a while now is Hey Lila Hey, published by Mia, a stylish chick who posts frequent adorable outfit photos as well as the occasional original illustration. Those too are of the fashion variety, and she has exquisite taste in clothes as well as subjects.

Mia was also the winner in the first My Style Canvas giveaway, announced earlier this month, in which the prize was a custom illustration. Pictured here is the result, based on a photo of Mia doing what she does best, looking effortlessly chic while rocking the layers with pops of color.

If you haven't checked out her blog yet, you can visit it here.

Happy Birthday, Mom.

2011-08-16T15:45:00.000-07:00

It's my mother's birthday this Thursday, and in honor of her special day, I illustrated her in an adorable outfit she wore last week to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a striped blue and white dress and sneaker boots. I had such shoe envy that day, since I was stuck waiting on line for that Alexander McQueen exhibit for three hours in heels. Youch! Anyway, in case you're wondering, yes my mom really is this cute.

In other arty news, I also created an illustration for another blogger's magazine project last weekend. Unfortunately can't be posted here until after it's published, which it hopefully will be soon.

Designer Alex London

2011-08-07T14:36:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to dedicate a post to Alex London, a young fashion designer I met a couple of days ago at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Like me, she got yelled at twice for attempting to sketch the dresses at the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibit.

I certainly felt her annoyance when I saw her at the exit doorway arguing with a guard, so naturally I started talking to her. And I'm glad I did because I learned this stylish chick is a fashion designer, and a highly talented one at that. Her pieces are McQueen-inspired, which isn't surprising considering she interned for him. She was also celebrating her 21st birthday, so congrats on becoming legal, babe!

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibit at the Met

2011-08-06T10:40:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I waited on line over three hours with thousands of other people to see the Alexander McQueen exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I read that the exhibit is their most popular show ever, so the crowd wasn't a surprise, especially since it concludes at the end of this weekend. Now, while I normally loathe waiting on line for anything, from the crosstown bus to free ice cream, I have to say, this collection absolutely blew my mind.

They forbid the taking of photos, but of course everyone there, including me and my husband, did so anyway. It was scary though--the guards were pretty ferocious about stopping people. I think my mother, who treated us to the trip, was the only person in the crowd who was actually just taking it all in, sans camera in front of her face, and you've got to respect that mindset. But anyway, fearing getting thrown out, I put my iPhone back in my bag and proceeded to sketch some of the pieces, only to be told to knock that off too! (Twice.)

Yup. No sketching, either, which just seemed so mean. With the exhibit nearing its conclusion after running since May, of course everyone there wanted to preserve the experience--and preserve the late, great McQueen--in some physical fashion.

Though I've posted a few pics here (below, all taken by the hubby) they don't do the whole show justice, by any means. But since you know I want to share as much as I could with you guys, I'd best describe the vibe of the show as being trapped inside a beautiful nightmare. I even unconsciously jotted that down on my reporter's notepad, which I was using to sketch, not having brought a sketchbook with me. The collection was inspired by Tim Burton, which made sense considering the highly elaborate goth gowns dripping with feathers and beading and hair, as well as the not to subtly S&M outfits and accessories. There was a spooky white tree branch headpiece, a skirt made out of wood sticks hat jutted out like a mini-hoopskirt, brocade corsets with matching helmets, and of course plenty of bondage masks in materials ranging from rubber to burlap. And everything was just breathtaking when witnessed up close, including a hologram of a model appearing to float in a filmy gown.

Words just can't describe it though, so if you're in the NYC area and can get out to the Metropolitan Museum today, seeing Savage Beauty is well worth the time and effort.

Oh, and one last thing, here's one of my sketches from the exhibit. Can you believe they were getting mad at people for silly stuff like this?

Giveaway winner: Mia of Heylilahey

2011-08-01T16:11:00.000-07:00

I want to start this post by thanking everyone who participated in my first giveaway, because that means you follow the My Style Canvas blog or you recently signed up to do so. I was especially touched that a couple of you blogged about the giveaway on your own blogs--again thank you.

But since there could only be one winner of the custom illustration, that person is Mia of the blog Heylilahey. I've actually followed her personal style and art blog a while now and if you haven't yet checked her out, please do so.

As to how I chose the winner, I just put the names of those who entered--and some people got a few entries each--onto little pieces of crumpled paper that I threw into a hat. Then I picked one. (I thought a random drawing seemed like the fairest way to go about things because you know I love you all.)

Anyway looking forward to posting more art, which I will do so very soon.

Amy Winehouse: Before

2011-07-24T09:06:00.000-07:00

As the title of this post states, the theme here is Amy Winehouse: Before. That is, before she was overtaken by her demons: drugs and fame. I won't bother with an Amy: After picture, since the internet is littered with photos just like that of her, appearing at best intoxicated, at worst completely lost. In fact, the first time I saw how pretty Amy actually was, in the picture on her album, "Back to Black" on vinyl, I was shocked. Her youth, coupled with just a bit of street smarts and of course her own, 1960s pinup inspired style, is what I hoped to capture here. This illustration ended up coming out a bit more cartoony than I would have liked, but I suppose that's not a big deal.

As for Amy, it's tragic that she didn't stick with rehab the many times she started it. Hopefully her death will come as a wakeup call to others who are similarly situated. R.I.P.

Reminder: If you haven't put your name in for my giveaway, what are you waiting for? The prize is a custom illustration of you, and there's six days left to participate.

R.I.P. Amy Winehouse (work in progress)

2011-07-23T11:34:00.000-07:00

British singer Amy Winehouse was found dead today at age 27. While her passing at too early an age won't come as a surprise to too many, it is nonetheless a tragedy. So many people, especially artists and musicians, are such passionate individuals that they don't know what to do with their extreme emotions, especially when they're in pain, and therefore turn to drugs, alcohol and other harmful habits to distract them. There's also this false sense of being invincible though I don't know if that's the drugs or just part of being young that exacerbates the problem. Either way people in that situation are out of control and need help and shouldn't be coddled into thinking otherwise. Of course, then they have to admit they have a problem themselves and do something about it besides make excuses. Or end up like this.

More Floridian fashion and fun

2011-07-23T07:14:00.000-07:00

Was just looking through my iPhoto albums and realized there were a whole bunch of gems I hadn't posted from my recent trip to the Sunshine State. Florida is home to so many beautiful kinds of tropical plantlife and I was really impressed after visiting Leu Botanical Gardens in Orlando. So naturally I hope you will be too! (You can see my original post, detailing some cool local fashion stuff here.)

Now them's leaves!

These too! Each one was about two three to four feet long.

The Spanish moss hanging from trees was everywhere. It gave all the trees such a spooky look.

Flowers as far as the eye could see

I have no idea what these are.

The Leu Rose Garden

This turn-of-the-century wedding gown was located in one of the bedrooms in the Leu House, the house owned by the family that created and owned the garden, before giving it to the city of Orlando in the 1960s. The house was full of beautiful antiques like this.

A sunhat and granny boots, age unknown, I'm guessing from the turn of the century or a bit later

Beaded purses from the 1920s

Artwork made from human hair (At one time this was a common thing, usually made from the hair of a dead person)

An antique dollhouse in one of the bedrooms

Hats from various periods

Gourmet chocolate leopard heels at a shop called Peterbrooke on Park Avenue

At Peterbrooke, bacon gets wrapped in chocolate. But never mind that, just look at the edible shoes in the window.

Here's a closeup! Mmm... Jimmy Choos.

And......

What post about Florida would be complete without an obligatory gator pic? (God alligators give me the creeps!)

Fun with the Free People catalogue

2011-07-20T15:52:00.000-07:00

Even being an avid blog reader, there are few things I look forward to more than getting issues of my favorite magazines in the mail. (What can I say, I'm a print junkie. Probably why I'm still a print journo by day.) What I also look forward to, almost as much, is getting my catalogues for Urban Outfitters and Free People. I can't help but perk up when I see them in the mailbox, even when they're hidden behind bills. They're almost like mini-magazines with their pretty spreads of rock and roll looking models wandering through grassy fields, guitar in hand. All while dressed for the stage they'll surely be on later. I've especially been feeling the gypsy vibe FP has been going for with all the filmy layers on long dresses as well as the chunky moon pendants and rings they're hawking this season.

Along with making me want to shop I find that the pictures in this catalogue inspire me further, making me want to live the most creative life possible.

So without further ado, here's my latest illustration, inspired by the cover of the latest Free People catalogue, as well as a few photos I snapped from the catalogue so you too can share in my obsession. (Click to enlarge.)

One last thing: If you didn't see my last post, I'm holding my first giveaway to celebrate a whole year online. The prize: A custom illustration of YOU. All you have to do to enter is follow me on Google Reader. Following me on Bloglovin counts as an extra entry as does recommending the giveaway on another blog. (As long as you think the blog publisher is actually interested--I don't want anyone to feel spammed. Just leave me a comment with the link.) For more info, see my original giveaway post.

My Style Canvas presents a giveaway: A custom illustration of YOU

2011-07-17T07:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday everyone. I sure hope anyone living in the NYC area has gotten a chance to go out this weekend because I have a feeling this will be the last point in the season where the weather is hot but not stiflingly so.

Also, I would like to announce a giveaway. I promised myself that is soon as this blog turned a year old (two weeks from now!) or got 100 followers, whichever came first, I'd make that happen. As things are looking, both things are probably going to happen around the same time. At any rate, if you've been enjoying the artwork here on My Style Canvas, perhaps you'll want to enter because the prize is a custom illustration of you. It can be something you use on the header or sidebar of your blog or just something you pass on to your sweetheart in a fancy frame to make sure you're never out of sight or mind. Up to you! All you have to do to enter is follow me on Google Reader. Extra entry for following me on Bloglovin' and an extra entry for recommending entering the giveaway on another blog. (Just leave me a comment with the link.) Also leave your e-mail address in the comments if you enter so I know how to contact you. I will announce the winner on Sunday, July 31. Good luck and thank you so much for following My Style Canvas. It's been a great year online and interacting with readers has been a huge part of that.

Fine print: The illustration will be based on a photo you give me. Based on the photo, I'll figure out the way to make this piece look its very best--whether it's by use of color, b/w, just a touch of color, some background or none, etc.

Scroll on for examples of some of the fashion illustration portraits I've posted on My Style Canvas. (Click to enlarge.)

Rumi Neely, Fashion Toast

Emily and Abigail of Wanderlust

Haleigh of Making Magique

Kerry of Yours Truly

Jacqueline Rose of Fashion Snag

Spookytown, PA

2011-07-13T17:02:00.000-07:00

Soooo... here's some more pics, courtesy of my husband, Edward, during a recent day trip to New Hope, PA. Cute little town if you haven't been there before. Everywhere you look there are rainbow flags, bikers, outdoor cafes and stores catering to the needs of witches and people who like glass spun dildos. Reminds me of what the West and East Village in NYC was like 10-20 years ago before it got doused in frozen yogurt and frat boys.

Like the photos in the last post, Edward used Plastic Bullet to give the photos some character and spookiness. I really love how these came out. Hope you enjoy them, too.

Plastic Bullet

2011-07-09T09:45:00.000-07:00

So... (since a few of you asked so nicely *blush*) I'm posting a few pics of myself today. (The rest are below.) These were taken by my husband in a sushi place we like where the lighting is blessedly dim and no one seemed to care that I was hamming it up at the bar for some iPhone pics.

Anyhoo. What I especially liked about these photos is that we used an app called Plastic Bullet, which basically mimics the effect of an old, cheap camera, complete with overexposure and the occasional busted piece of "film." You can adjust the settings too if you don't like how the photos are turning out.

I only learned about this program recently although he says it's been around for ages and I'm the last person to know about it. Meh. Prob'ly. But I don't care! I thought it was cool and wanted to share it anyway since so many of you also like playing around with your cameras for art's sake and just for fun's sake, too.

Sabinna of Broken Cookies

2011-07-03T13:15:00.000-07:00

Those of you saw my earlier post may or may not have known that the pretty girl with the festive updo I was illustrating was Sabinna, one half of the blogging duo that puts out Broken-Cookies. The other half is David, who I would also like to capture in paint at some point.

If you're not familiar with their blog, check it out. They're both university students based in London and their photo sets are often collage-like and dreamy, making nights out on the town somehow seem like an arty thing to do. And speaking of which, there's always something creative going on at BC. In a recent post, Sabinna posed in a flapper-style dress of her own creation made out of all cassette tapes.

The illustration you see here is based on a photo from the blog but I took a bit of artistic license, turning Sabinna's grey top into a striped one since I though it lent a little more to the Euro gamine look I was going for. (Hope that doesn't seem too creepy of me!)

Work in progress

2011-07-03T08:56:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone is having a good July 4th weekend. I know I am just hanging out at home with some time to be creative. Here's a little something I'm working on at the moment. Not sure if I just shade this entirely in black and white or include some shades of gray. Oh well I'll figure it out.

My t-shirt contest entry for Urban Outfitters

2011-06-18T16:28:00.000-07:00

So I spent a week wondering why the t-shirt I designed for a contest Urban Outfitters is holding didn't post to their website, but it finally looks like it did. Er... three times. Serves me right for being computer illiterate.

But at any rate, if you guys could take a minute to rate my design (preferably a high rating) I'd be incredibly grateful. The design, as shown above, is based on three Urban Outfitters dresses that are actually hanging in my closet. I think I have more UO in my closet than anything else at this point. I used to like Anthropologie better, but lately I've felt that Urban clothes are just edgier, less froufrou and more sexy without being overtly so. And even though the threads are aimed at college girls, they're always very well made.

Well anyway back to the contest. There are over a thousand entries at this point so any help here would be appreciated! My design is here.

(For this post I participated in Sunday Sketches, hosted by Sophia. See who else posted art here.)

Karen Walker glasses courtesy of Street and City Photos

2011-06-17T11:12:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I was delighted to learn that I was the winner in a giveaway being organized by Wallace Chapman's Street and City Photos.

The prize? The pair of Karen Walker sunnies I'm wearing in this photo. For this giveaway, Wallace randomly chose a comment that had been left on his blog in a month's worth of posts. (This, I think, is a lesson that it's important to be a good blog reader and leave helpful feedback -- and not just when you want to win something or promote yourself.) And if you haven't seen his blog yet, I recommend it to anyone who likes street style snaps; Street and City Photos is an award-winning blog based out of New Zealand.

Anyway while I don't normally like orange anything, I thought these shades were the perfect way to inject a little color into my mostly black wardrobe, so I'm sure I'll be getting use out of them.

This promotion has gotten me thinking though. I promised myself I'd organize a giveaway once my blog turned a year old, which it will next month! Time really does fly when you're having fun. As for what the prize will be, I haven't figured it out yet but will make an announcement soon.

I'm also wearing an American Apparel hat, Urban Outfitters dress, tights from I don't remember but probably Target, oxford heels from H&M and bag by Isabelle Fiore.

Pink Lady as seen on The Sartorialist

2011-06-12T09:35:00.000-07:00

So this was a busy weekend for me artistically. I spent all of this morning--and most of yesterday morning--working on this illustration of a girl in a hot pink dress, inspired by a recent photo on The Sartorialist.

It's funny. I promised myself I'd stop illustrating style bloggers for a while (since, in my quest to find the percent photo to draw inspiration from, I've become a full-time blog reader and it's driving my husband nuts!) and then I go ahead and just pick a photo from a style blog anyway.

Well, fortunately I am capable of being more creative than that sometimes. In fact yesterday I entered a T-shirt design contest with a completely original fashion illustration. Hope my entry is accepted!

Meanwhile, if you want to see others' art, head over to Blue Chair Diary, to see who's participating in today's Sunday Sketches.

Batgirl on 23rd Street

2011-06-05T10:56:00.000-07:00

So today's illustration was inspired by a girl I passed by on the street earlier this week in NYC's Chelsea neighborhood, who is, naturally, pictured here.

When I passed by her on the sidewalk she was talking to a guy on a scooter nearby and the two graciously allowed me to snap away at them with my iPhone camera while they continued their conversation. (I ended up not including the young man in the illustration but I might do one of him later.)

Anyway, she caught my eye because of her fierce LBD (worn here with a hoodie) and wedge shoes with cutouts, as well as a calm confidence she seemed to exude. Now of course I need those shoes! The funny thing was I didn't even notice the ferocious statement accessory she was wearing as well--a bat tattoo across her chest--until after I started taking photos. I should have gotten her name. This girl has to be an alt model or something.

Sadly I ended up not liking this illustration as much other b/w portraits I've done like the one of Rumi Neely, because I used a new kind of paint here that I don't plan to use again. It was a weird almost blue when it was supposed to be gray and didn't spread well. Tip to other users of watercolors: Grumbacher's not a great brand. To make up for the weakness of the paint, I did something I haven't in a while, which is top off the illustration with a pen. I kind of dig that look though because it gives the picture a comic-book like feel, and makes me want to write a story and start cartooning!

Bird is the word: Miss James of Bleubird Vintage

2011-05-29T14:57:00.000-07:00

So there I was feeling uninspired, not knowing what to paint when for once I actually had some time on my hands (thanks, Memorial Day!) when I found the latest entry to the blog Bleubird Vintage, and immediately whipped out my watercolor set.

If you're not familiar with this blog, Bleubird is a collection of the author's (Miss James) photos depicting not only her own personal style but that of her whole adorable family. Sometimes she even posts cute shots of the way she decorates rooms in her house with things like vintage books and games and no shortage of bright, kid-friendly, yet somehow still cool colors.

As for her own style, M.J. reminds be a bit of a doll with a city meets country vibe. Plenty of longish to very long skirts, an array of cute flats (hey she's got little birds to run after!), and no shortage of floral and other patterns. Also, this girl is not afraid of color, or even granny chic. (Think big hats and pale pantyhose.)

I actually found Bleubird via Modcloth's blog since they sometimes interview personal style bloggers, and in the case of some, like Miss James, actually name dresses after them. (Cough, cough, me next! Will work for floral dresses and Oxford heels!)

Well anyway here's my attempt to capture this blogger's look. Due to the intricate flower pattern on her dress, I would have to say this is probably the most challenging blogger illustration I've done so far. I don't know what to think of it though, so if you could leave me a comment or constructive criticism, I would very much appreciate it! Thanks.

Note: For this post, I participated in Sunday Sketches, hosted by Sophia at Blue Chair Diary.

Holiday in the Sunshine State

2011-05-21T13:07:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Orlando, Florida.

Yep that's where I am right now staying with friends, and enjoying the local wildlife (gators at Gatorland, birds of prey at a special sanctuary), not to mention the teeny brown lizards which overrun all the streets here.

Yesterday I also got to walk around Orange St. (a.k.a. antiques row) and see cool stuff like a truly old school record store, several impressive antique shops, and a vintage clothing store where--unlike in NYC--everything wasn't completely overpriced ($16 for vintage slips, under $20 for many of the accessories). There I got a black eyelet sundress which the owner thought was from the 1960s and a cute gold-tone bow necklace from the 1950s, both of which I'm wearing in the top two photos (I'm also wearing a straw hat I got from eBay and Nine West open toe booties). Hope I get to go back to that vintage store--it's called Deja Vu Vintage--before I leave because the owner said she puts new things out every day. The bow necklace I snagged had actually been the very last thing she put out, in fact.

Today we went to Park Ave. which is a more upscale area with more pricey shops but many of them well worth it like places for custom blended spices, gourmet chocolates and the most exquisite cheeses.

The morning was spent at the coolest farmer's market where I had a bagel with lox that rivals some of the best places in NYC, sipped a raspberry banana smoothie, and shamelessly took pics of some well-dressed locals. Florida fashion seems to be all about tropical prints, florals, rompers and maxi dresses. And the occasional hair flower accessory which I'm always a fan of.

Well anyway I'm off to join my hosts for our end of the world dinner party tonight. (Anyone else even paying attention to those armageddon predictions?

Wanderlust, Take Two

2011-05-15T11:10:00.000-07:00

I promised myself I would do an illustration involving trees blossoming while they're actually still doing just that, and thankfully, the Wanderlust girls recently posted some gorgeous and flowerific photos--just the inspiration I needed!

I have illustrated the bloggers behind Wanderlust--Emily and Abigail--on My Style Canvas before. I thought the black and white I used lent a certain drama to the piece but at the same time, I felt I should also do one in color to really capture their looks and their style.

If you haven't seen the Wanderlust fashion blog yet, do check it out. Emily and Abigail post pretty frequently and the photos--by their third partner on the site, Scott--are always magazine-spread worthy and not your typical 10-nearly identical outfit shots. They vary in style with each post and the Manhattan streetscape is usually featured prominently and glamorously too.

Polka your eyes out. (or fun with Modcloth's website)

2011-05-08T10:47:00.000-07:00

I know I don't usually post pictures of myself, but sometimes... well... I just feel like it, okay?

Probably those reading this who like to wear vintage clothes and clothes that are vintage-looking know about Modcloth, a great e-tailer for new clothes that are inspired by styles of the past. I've been shopping there a while now and one of the neat things about the site is that they encourage customers to post pictures of themselves wearing the clothes on their Flickr account. You need a Flickr account to do this but they're easy to start and free.

Anyway this is my first time posting a picture of myself there though I did post a couple of my illustrations which happened to be inspired by Modcloth's clothes, which you can also view here and here. (Thanks again to Modcloth's admins for putting them in "Favorites." And if you haven't done so, yet, check out their customer outfit photo pool. The outfits and photography vary widely, but it's always fun to look.

Because I so don't care about the royal wedding and because the dress was a royal disappointment

2011-05-01T20:53:00.000-07:00

I know I'm going to catch some hell for this but as wedding-mania happened on Friday and over the weekend, I found that I just didn't care about any of it. Not even the fashion aspect, because I thought Princess Catherine's Dress was a bore. Nothing was particularly wrong with it of course, but it just seemed to matronly and conservative for a woman of her age. Marrying into the royal family is of course a big deal and I have no doubt she chose her gown carefully, but she could've added a touch of whimsy to her outfit and still looked completely respectable. If she had to wear a safe gown, a white fascinator with shining feathers or a net veil or some other statement accessories could have glammed up the look a bit and made her look more young. But hey, it wasn't my wedding.

And speaking of which, when it was my day I had a dress custom made to look look like an old-Hollywood (1930s era) movie star. Jean Harlow in particular. I illustrated the look here along with two other wedding dresses worn that I've always found exciting for how different they were. This top one is based on a photo of me on my wedding day. The second one is based on a photo of Dita Von Teese and the third is based on Gwen Stefani.

As for Dita, though her marriage to rocker Marilyn Manson didn't last (love you, doll, but what were you thinking?) her vintage-inspired style is timeless and her wedding gown, designed by Vivienne Westwood, was no exception. I don't know that too many people could rock a purple gown with a tri-corn hat, but it's always refreshing to see brides wearing colors other than white with their hair worn in a less than traditional (think prom night updo) style.

This illustration is based on the dual-color Galliano gown worn by Gwen Stefani when she married her longtime love Gavin Rossdale. With the tulle veil and pouffy skirt, the dress is somewhat traditional in style, but the pink color gives the look a rock and roll edge worthy of its trendsetting owner.

So there you have it, folks. There are so many beautiful styles of gowns out there that are different without showing too much skin or decked it out in gaudy embellishments. Even if you don't have a celebrity's budget (I certainly didn't) there's no need to wear a dress that'll put your guests to sleep. Save that for your personally written custom vows--haha!

Lovely in Leopard: Emily and Abigail of Wanderlust

2011-04-24T07:11:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of interviewing the Wanderlust girls, Emily and Abigail, three months ago for the newspaper I write for, Town & Village. And it was obvious based on our conversation then that these recent college grads really know their stuff when it comes to fashion writing and styling. So much so that as of last May, they began working on their fashion blog full-time. In February, Emily, Abigail and their photographer Scott offered some great coverage of New York Fashion Week, and on most days you can find photos of their jaunts around Manhattan, usually with the girls wearing something sexy and rock and roll inspired and always with sky high heels or wedges. There are also plenty of behind the scenes party snaps with designers and other glamorous types on Wanderlust, but my favorite posts are the more kooky ones. In one, the girls rode around in a cart in their building's laundry room and in another taken this winter after a blizzard, they posed outdoors and built a stylish snow-woman they named "Anna Winter."

The illustration here was inspired by a post where Emily and Abigail were wearing lots of leopard (a jacket, a scarf and even makeup though you can't really see that here unfortunately!)--and mind you, this is what they wore to the gym. Kinda makes me feel guilty for never stepping into one at all. Anyway if you haven't seen Wanderlust yet, you can check out the blog here.

Update: For this post I participated in the Sunday Sketches group organized by Blue Chair Diary.

Kerry from Yours Truly take 2

2011-04-17T06:38:00.000-07:00

As you've probably noticed, I've been on a major fashion blogger kick lately. I've been reading a lot more fashion blogs since starting my own last summer and have really been inspired by the effort that goes into some of the better ones, even when the bloggers aren't making a dime for their photo shoots.

This is actually my second illustration of Kerry from Yours Truly blog. She's a textile designer for a living but also puts together the cutest vintage outfits and always makes them look fancy yet wearable. This is a talent I admire because, let's face it, real vintage from the 50s and 60s can be hard to wear without appearing costumey, or worse, frumpy church lady. The trick is, I think, a) buying clothes that actually fit properly or being willing to invest in the necessary alterations, b) taking some artistic license and not worrying so much how things are supposed to look for that era and c) taking the time to do the makeup and hair to go with that net veil hat or mod-girl shift dress. Time consuming? Definitely, but so worth it. (Of course I would say that since my biggest fashion muse ever is Dita Von Teese.)

Dolly Girl: Kerry from Yours Truly

2011-04-11T17:09:00.000-07:00

There are girls who always know how to pull together a cute outfit for their blog-reading audiences, giving us a quick fashion fix and some inspiration, and then there are the girls who take things a step further and take us to another place altogether.

A blog I've really been enjoying lately is Yours Truly blog, a project of a vintage-loving doll from the U.K. named Kerry. In every post she wears something that looks like came from a movie from the early 60s, and in fact, thanks to her frequent thrift scoring, usually does. She takes the look all the way with pin-up-y makeup and hair, which is either styled into the perfect red bob or beehive -- depends on her mood.

More often than not though, Kerry's mood is evident by the smile on her face. Hey I'd smile too if I had her talent for making a fishnet veil hat, floral minidress and white stockings into the perfect outfit for an afternoon date.

If you haven't seen her blog, yet, you can check it out here.

Featured Muse: Mila Kunis

2011-04-05T06:58:00.000-07:00

 Hello lovelies.

First I just wanted to apologize for the lack of posts lately. It's not because I haven't been illustrating. It's because I was working on designing a fashionable girl who'd be a mascot of sorts for a company, and I must have done about 8 or 9 drawings before I came up with one I actually felt comfortable submitting to the client.

Once she saw it and liked it I worked on it some more, giving her options on how it could look in watercolor or more cartoony looking, She still hasn't officially approved it yet though so I can't post any of the work here.
And naturally I haven't had much time to illustrate for myself lately.

But last night, I MADE the time, and this is the result. This illustration is based on what I personally think is the most beautiful photograph of Mila Kunis ever taken. I don't know if it's online but I found it in an issue of W. One of the things I liked was that there's not just one focal point in it, there's three: Mila's smoky eye, the rose and what has to me the most exquisite cocktail ring ever. *Drool.* Anyway I'll have to accessorize vicariously through this painting.

Making Magique

2011-03-16T15:36:00.000-07:00

It kind of feels like words won't do justice to Making Magique, a fashion blog with a somehow new-feeling theme of American girl in Paris, but I'll give it a whirl.

Haleigh, the mind and heart behind Making Magique, is a pure romantic. Her posts generally have some fairytale in them, whether it's in an obvious way, like the dreamy Little Red Riding Hood photo set this watercolor was inspired by, or in some subtle fashion, like the Alice in Wonderland-esque blue nail polish on her fingers and matching petticoat in another post.

What I especially like is the dreamy vibe of all the posts. Even when she lets us know she's tinted her hair with streaks of her pink, the resulting photos somehow feel ripped from a magazine rather than labored over to describe some trend, designer or fashion tip.

If you want to lose yourself for a while, you can check out Making Magique here.

Feel the Paint

2011-03-07T16:43:00.000-08:00

I used to have an art professor in college who would go around the class saying "Feel the paint" and "Become one with the paint" as we were all attempting to get his lame assignments over with. I used to roll my eyes because it seemed like the world's most obvious advice, like "Don't forget to taste that food." But then, sometimes we can miss things that are right in front of our faces. An art is there to make us look at things differently, or at least just really look at them period.

Anyway I'm bringing that up because the feel of things--literally, not figuratively--is something I'm very focused on that the moment. Specifically, I want to work on capturing the feel of fabric and materials in my illustrations. Like in this one: There's the fur on this model's jacket. The red lipstick on her lips, the way her hair, which is probably bleached, falls around her shoulders. Each has its own feel and I hope to eventually be able to show things like that.

As for who I painted, for this illustration, I was inspired (as I often am) by the photos on Jak and Jil blog, which this week featured models backstage at Dior. I loved their makeup and hair because it was very old Hollywood in terms of dramatic eyes, lips and soft pin-waved hair, but with a loose and easy modern spin on it.

Pandora's Box

2011-02-27T12:15:00.000-08:00

A blog I've been really enjoying lately is Pandora's Box. When I first saw it, my jaw dropped because the publisher/model behind it, Sarah Whitney, looked like the doppelganger of one of my favorite actresses and fashion muses, Mia Kirshner. But despite the uncanny resemblance, this 22-year-old chick is no copycat. Sarah clearly has her own "SoCal" style, taking casual pieces like jeans shorts or loose fitting long sleeves tees and then infusing them with a rock girl vibe with accessories like wide-brimmed hats, jangly bracelets, and platform mary janes. Not to mention a perpetually smoky eye. Her tattoos add to the look as do the fact that everything she wears is affordable. In fact, she's even been written up by Forever 21's own blog for her style. If you haven't been to her blog yet, you can check it out here.

I would also like to thank Jazzy E of Hivennn for the lovely cuff ring, which I won in her blog's giveaway. It was the first time I'd ever won something from a blog contest so that was exciting. If you guys have yet to check out Hivennn, you should. Jazzy's a very talented photographer and jewelry maker, who I illustrated in a watercolor portrait in January.

Love and Lace

2011-02-21T12:25:00.000-08:00

So today I created three illustrations of a fashionable woman that may end up getting used in the campaign of a brownie company. Wheeee, how exciting. Hope they like. However since they haven't been shown to the client yet I can't print 'em here. Odds are they'll need to be tweaked in some way or just done over completely, anyway.

In the meantime since I don't have time to do any more illustrations today, here's a drawing I did back when I was around 18. It was a portrait of actress Lisa Marie (then the girlfriend and muse of Tim Burton). And I have to say, I'm impressed that I actually sat my butt down long enough to draw all that lace on the veil. I swear I can learn a lot from my 18-year-old self.

The goth look for spring?

2011-02-14T19:02:00.000-08:00

This is by far the most goth looking thing I've ever painted--at least since the 90s and occasionally had an inverted cross painted under my own eye. Or a black liquid liner swirl a la Death from Sandman comics. (Yeah yeah in hindsight we can all silently vomit!) Anyhoo, this week I was reminded of the fact that the goth look, from inverted cross pendants to strategically shredded black clothing, can in fact be really chic and decadent.

Not to mention somehow refreshing when everyone in the fashion universe is going on and on about how it's all about bright neons for spring.

But if you don't believe me see for yourself by visiting the blog With Asian Stereotypes and the accompanying W.A.S. clothing and jewelry shop.

Though it hasn't even been updated since the fall, the publisher China Le (who has no interest in my comments or yours) has consistently turned out post after post of gorgeous black and white fashion photos. I don't know where they're from but the items featured in the blog's shop I believe are Le's and they're pretty fairly priced too. I've posted a few of the pieces here, since they're what inspired this illustration. Well, that and the fact that lately I've been thinking antler headpieces might just be the boater hat of 2011. Seriously, I am waiting for this look to catch on.

Lola Star

2011-01-31T18:18:00.000-08:00

When you were doing something naughty and a grownup asked you what exactly you were planning on doing with your life, did you say: I plan on running my own business, selling pink roller skates with pom poms and stuffed unicorns? And just maybe some rhinestone-studded cat eye sunglasses and baby doll t-shirts with burlesque dancers on them, from out of the cutest store on the boardwalk just a stone's throw away from the Wonder Wheel? Oh and also as a side biz… a roller rink might be fun.

What a coincidence. So did we!

Which is why we've fallen in love with Lola Star, because let's admit it, girlfriend did it first.

And in the process, fought with a rather nasty landlord, lost her lease to both her boardwalk shop and her roller rink more times than you can shake a fuzzy leopard-print magic wand at, usually just for speaking up for the neighborhood and similarly situated retailers. At this time, Lola Star is still looking for a new home for the skating but still has a home in Coney Island for the shopping as well as a pop-up location in Soho. Now, if you're from Brooklyn like we are, this makes her a hometown hero… and we haven't even gotten into her fabulous tee shirt designs yet. Yeah... this chick designs cute clothes too. So check her out here (www.lolastar.com)

And you're welcome.

Mmmm... Coffee

2011-01-27T16:38:00.000-08:00

Forgot where I found the photo this sketch was based on....

Fashion Muse: St. Vincent

2011-01-22T08:24:00.000-08:00

One of my new fashion muses is St. Vincent--that would be the singer, not the shuttered NYC hospital. Her real name is Annie Clark, and I love her style for a couple of reasons. 1) Her choices are always incredibly girly and usually paired with minimal makeup consisting of ruby lips and accentuated lashes. No rock and roll smoky eyes for her--not that I don't love that look, but considering her eyes are already so luminous she doesn't really need it. Often she'll take the stage in something lacy or floral, usually a dress. 2) I also love that she rocks her natural curly hair. No flatironing ever. I guess I'm a bit envious because despite how I depicted myself in the illustrated header of this blog, my hair is naturally curly. It doesn't look anything like St. Vincent's, though. So I should try and find out what her secret is. Her hair is seriously sproingy.

Anyway here's a drawing I made of her. I made it a while back but never got around to posting it.

Fashionsnag

2011-01-16T19:12:00.000-08:00

So one of my new favorite blogs is Fashionsnag. If you're not familiar with this blog, the publisher, Jacqueline, models a fabulous designer outfit from her own closet for almost near-daily posts. She's actually a student by day and one gets the impression her boyfriend is the photographer. But, before, you dismiss her her as just another blogging fashion enthusiast with more Birkins than brains, it's worth noting that Jacqueline is a risk taker when it comes to style and never a trend follower. Outfit choices tend to include lots of leather: leggings, fringed miniskirts, buckled sci-fi a-line skirts, etc., fur: jackets, stoles, etc., and sky high heeled shoes in designer labels too numerous to start name-dropping. No safe, everyday, office-friendly choices here. No reliance on logo-covered status purchases either.

Additionally, her shoots are always interesting. They tend to be outdoors in rural settings where you figure at any moment a horse named Bronwyn or Sweet Caroline is going to come out and nibble some sugar out of Jacqueline's hand. (This hasn't actually happened yet, but just keep tunin' in… cuz… um… yeah.)

Anyway, the premise of Fashionsnag is that our fair fashion filly lives for a good discount, and frequently shops at places like Gilt.com and Shopbop.com to score deals like 30-80 percent off on her Giuseppe Zanotti, Helmut Lang and Elizabeth and James. Of course, most women who couldn't afford these designer goodies at full price wouldn't be able to get them at half off either, but that hardly matters. One doesn't need to have Jacqueline's budget to benefit from her passion or insight about putting together a look that's unexpected and fun. You just have to be willing to keep your eyes open for statement pieces and then actually work them into your wardrobe--and life.

Off topic, as for this post, I've been noticing other illustration blogs posting pics that show the progress of the artists' paintings. I always think that's cool when I see it so I did the same here. As always, please let me know you think!

Many thanks!

Update: Jacqueline said she has in fact fed some horses in previous posts. Now how did I miss that?

Here's the pic before I added any color. Don't mind the yellow cast. I took this pic with an iPhone rather than scan it.

Pic before I added color to the background

Hivennn

2011-01-11T20:27:00.000-08:00

Lately when looking for inspiration, I haven't had to look any farther than the blogs I've been reading. I haven't been doing this too long and I admit I only really became immersed in the fashion blogosphere about a month or two ago. I mean there were a few fashion blogs I've been reading religiously for the past couple of years but now there are dozens of others I look forward to checking regularly as well. Hey, just because you're not as well-known as Rumi or Tavi doesn't mean your posts can't be as beautiful or as interesting.

On that note, recently I was asked to create an illustration for another blog, Hivennn, and this is the result. The blogger behind it, Jazzy E, is a stylish and talented jewelry maker, and finding inspiration in her posts was hardly difficult. Her designs are romantic with a rough edge and I find that her outfit posts, like the one this illustration is based on, have the same feel. Even more interesting than that though is that unlike the rest of us bloggers, Jazzy is no comment-whore. In fact, she's disabled comments on her site. So her motives for Hivennn have nothing to with attention or validation. If you wanna check out her jewelry or photos, visit her blog here.

Fashion Trends of 2010

2011-01-07T08:09:00.000-08:00

Here's a post I meant to put up last week but oh well, better late than never. Anyway, here it is: A look at a few trends not likely to stand the test of time.

New Year, New Header for My Style Canvas

2011-01-02T08:46:00.000-08:00

So made a new header for my little bloggie. Not yet sure if I should keep it or replace it with something more colorful. Or just rotate the header from time to time. Hm. What do you think I should do?

The toast of the fashion blog world

2010-12-29T17:03:00.000-08:00

I don't know what I could say about Rumi Neely, the blogger behind Fashion Toast, that everyone else in the blogosphere doesn't know already. But she has the most followers on Bloglovin', is now the face of Forever 21, and gets all kinds of cool, designer threads "gifted," prompting fashion bloggerettes everywhere to step up their games and post more often, style better outfits and remember that dreams can come true for those with an eye for style, providing they're willing to work their leggings-covered butts off!

Anyway I painted this image of Rumi based on a photo on her blog a while back where she was roaming through the West Village in NYC. I loved her outfit here because it was both romantic and funky. She truly got the vibe of the place she was visiting with her floppy hat, tall boots and casually thrown on bracelets--but it was still 100 percent her own style. As a native New Yorker, I tip my own oversized, floppy hat to her.

A shout-out to fashionable couples

2010-12-25T04:02:00.000-08:00

I don't know why but I tend to get very excited about couples who love to dress up. My husband and I are that way even though he sometimes gets ripped on by his friends for his formal jackets with black jeans and silver jewelry. (Why guys love to give each other a hard time for putting effort into their outfits I don't know but I respect him for not caving in to the pressure to dress like everyone else.)

Well, anyway, I recently found an awesome photo from Vogue of one of my favoritest fashiony couples ever, Jack White and wife Karen Elson, and decided to duplicate it in watercolor.

Rather than scan it, I just took a photo of the painting with my new iPhone. The cameras on these things are incredible. I don't even need my regular (two-year-old digital camera) anymore. Just mentioning this because, while I normally don't care about the latest gadget, I really do think iPhones are great because they're so easy to use, even if you're normally intimidated by electronics like I am. Keep that in mind if your phone account is set to expire soon.

1996: Pink hair, smoke in the air

2010-12-19T06:24:00.000-08:00

Okay, originally this post was going to be of a watercolor I made yesterday to go with a rock goddess themed musing I had in mind, but... my scanner won't work. It's not broken; it just needs to be hooked up. In the meantime, here's another watercolor I recently found in a beat up folder under my bed, which contained some of my old artwork.

As I recall, I made this in 1996 using a kiddie watercolor set from the supermarket. Anyway it's based on a photo of this girl I knew as she sat smoking in Tompkins Square Park. I just loved how her pink hair matched her lips. And who needs to worry about matching accessories to your outfit when you've got piercings? Oh those 1990s. Flannel shirts, messy hair, Doc Martens. Interesting how these things have made a comeback now too.

Cuff those fur sleeves

2010-12-12T09:12:00.000-08:00

Recently I was offered a gift of a vintage fur coat. Pretty sweet, huh? I thought so too, especially since I still mourn the loss of that blue bunny coat. However, I ended up not accepting it since the coat, which ended up being donated, was 12 sizes too large. Altering it was of course a possibility but I just felt the size difference was too great and having it made smaller would have ruined the way it was cut. That said, if you find yourself the recipient of a coat that is too large, before you say anything, cuff those sleeves!

Sounds like an obvious thing to do I know when trying on clothes, but my husband, who was with me when I tried on the coat, suggested I do that and it actually did work. The coat was white with dolman sleeves (like our illustrated model is wearing here) and cuffing the sleeves gave it and almost rock and roll, casually thrown on look. Just picture it with skinny black pants and lots of glittery black eyeliner and you'll get the idea. I also think the black dress I illustrated this chick with and the Silly Bandz on her wrist give the same effect.

Had the coat only been a few sizes too big I think it could have worked out really well for yours truly. But like I said, it really was just too big and I didn't want to look like I'd stolen the thing from some well-heeled and well-rounded lady. So I passed. But I'll remember that trick in the future with things that are just a little too big. Hope you do too!

Little Witch

2010-12-09T15:39:00.000-08:00

There's a perfect outfit for every situation, at least in my head. Now, you might think one wouldn't need to wear anything special to sit by a window and contemplate life (or the bendability of one's own feet), and you'd be right. You certainly wouldn't. But… Let's be honest. Isn't everything more fun when you're wearing something that reflects your mood? Even when your mood is completely dreadful?

I got inspired to draw this witchy woman with spiky hair after reading an interview with Winona Ryder from a year ago in Blackbook magazine. Always a master of understated style, the reclusive actress was wearing something similar to this in one of the photos, including the perfectly cuffed jeans. And somehow that small flash of leg made makes the denim/loose sweater combo seem both mysterious and sexy.

And I can't help but notice that this season, a lot of girls have been cropping their jeans, sometimes to show off their ankle socks or shoes better, sometimes not.

As for the pentagram/cluster of smaller stars tattoo I added here, that was just for fun.

Now what about you? Are cropped jeans and black everything your idea of fun?

Unbuyer's remorse: The perfect coat

2010-12-06T04:09:00.000-08:00

There's something about the holidays that always makes me obsessed with shopping and duh there's no shocker there. This is after all the time of year we're all constantly bombarded with messages both subtle (constant holiday music playing) to not-so-subtle (Black Friday stampedes and the associated followup sales everywhere) enticing us poor fools to buy, buy, buy.

But what about the times when we stubbornly resist the siren song of consumerism? Certainly this is something to be proud of. Having a great wardrobe to go to parties with or a stash of awesome gifts to present your loved ones with isn't actually a good idea if it means you can't pay your rent or bills or if you're just putting everything on credit cards. Of course then there are those other times… when spending the money is actually worth the next two weeks being hell until you get paid again, or worth getting nagged by your disapproving husband or your mother or whoever it is who likes to roll their eyes whenever you purchase something. Let them judge. You got what you wanted. Only… you didn't, because you talked yourself out of the purchase.

Yes, folks I'm talking about unbuyer's remorse. Those times when you wished you hadn't listened to that nagging voice (even if it was your own and you were just reminding yourself the cupboard was still bare and the new flat-screen should probably wait.) The fact is that sometimes something so fabulous comes along that you need to snatch it up while you have the chance, because… contrary to pop lore, not everything ends up on eBay. At least not everything you want when you want it. I know this because of my love for vintage clothes. Part of the fun there is that odds are no one else will be wearing what you're wearing. But that also means you can't take forever decide whether you want something.

And speaking of witch…

Years ago I found the most splendid fur coat in a vintage store in Soho. It was three quarter length and fitted and mostly white with spots that were brown and in some areas almost blue. I don't know what magical bunny farm the designer went to to get that blue-spotted fur, but it looked amazing. The price? $750. Not a lot to pay for real fur, especially in good condition, but as a young woman just out of school, I just didn't feel I could afford it. Truth to tell that's still a lot of money for me to drop on a single thing, but I've regretted not getting it ever since. Here's my watercolor version of the coat, as best as I can remember it. Please do not steal this design... unless you want to give me a free coat, in which case, we'll call it even.

I do wish I could say there was some moral to this story, other than if you love something, buy it, but er, that is kind of it. A touch obvious perhaps but I'm just mentioning it because it is okay to splurge sometimes, as long as you're not plunging yourself into debt as a result or ignoring your financial obligations.

Another point is that some clothing could be seen as an investment. Designer goods from well-known labels, for example, as well as vintage items in good condition and especially fur tend to retain their value.

I know fur brings up a slew of ethical issues for some, but personally I feel buying vintage fur isn't cruel to animals, because if the item gets a new life then it's recycling and not excessive. Anyway I'm done preaching for now. Hope everyone finds some fashion inspiration this winter.

Fall's not over yet after all.

2010-12-05T08:50:00.000-08:00

When it comes to getting dressed in the morning, there are few things more depressing than feeling like you have to dress for function (like battling the soon-to-be-winter cold) rather than fashion. Yeah there's some great winter fashion out there (fur jackets, floppy felt hats, thick, thigh high socks) but personally I'm not ready to ditch fall wear just yet.

There's just something about seeing the ground completely covered in leaves that are red, orange and yellow as soon as you're ten feet out of the city, and seeing the Halloween decorations no one's gotten around to taking down yet, that makes me want Autumn to stick around just a bit longer.

Lately, I've been inspired by a lot of what I'm seeing on the retail website Modcloth.com.

There's just no shortage of not necessary but totally pretty offerings like crochet fingerless gloves, necklaces with pendants in the shapes of animals or bicycles, and old Hollywood-looking but new dresses and shoes.

So just for fun, I put a "Modcloth" outfit on the girl I painted with her pet kitty.
On our raven-haired model: The Soy Latte cardigan, the Flowers of Romance dress,
the Stepping into Style Webs socks, Mini's boots, and--though it just looks like a teeny blue blob above, the Wingfield ring.

Anyway, if you're in the market for some girlie clothes or accessories, go check out their offerings. Pricewise, they're similar to Urban Outfitters or Anthropologie, depending on the item. And no there's no endorsement deal or "gifting" going on. I'm just posting things that inspire me or things I'm tempted to buy myself.

I will soon post again!

2010-11-20T10:16:00.001-08:00

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I haven't had access to a scanner to post any recent art. I hope to remedy that this weekend, and get some artwork up, stat.

Zombie chic

2010-10-27T17:07:00.000-07:00

This was originally going to be an art post, but then I thought better of it. Why try to compete with the work of pro photographers?

This past weekend I was covering an event for my day job as a newspaper editor/reporter and that event was the Fall 2010 NYC Zombie Crawl in Manhattan. Basically an event where hundreds of people gather, dress like zombies, and limp, walk and even dance around while moaning about brains and drinking at bars. I also had fun though since my husband Edward, a special effects makeup artist, insisted on making me up look like the Tim Burton character Corpse Bride. So while I was taking pictures of zombies, I also had a lot of people taking mine, including a couple of pro photographers. A snapshot of me with my camera even ended up on the Gothamist.

Anyway I'm posting this because clothing-wise, zombie makes a pretty simple and affordable Halloween costume. It's really just about investing in some makeup, as these amazing photos, taken by Raymond Haddad and Chuck Figueroa, will show.

Outfit: White dress "gifted" from a friend, bouquet, veil and floral crown from a crafts store, wig made out of yarn by Edward (yarn also from a craftstore), socks from... somewhere, canvas heels from Payless, Ben Nye greasepaint makeup from Ricky's and Halloween Adventure, NYC, motorcycle borrowed without permission

Brighton Beach

2010-10-11T20:09:00.000-07:00

So it looks like a reality show inspired by "The Jersey Shore," called "Brighton Beach" has been cast, picked up and will probably be filmed soon. For those unfamiliar with Brighton Beach, it's a predominantly Russian neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York. Having grown up there, I can safely compare it to the restaurant chain Hooters. Delightfully tacky, yet unrefined. And if that sounds harsh, just keep in mind that the "Rolex" you bought in Chinatown was manufactured in Brighton, as was that "Louis Vuitton" bag. It is also home to an elevated train track, a boardwalk and beach where human Polar Bears swim each winter and many residential buildings with rents that are affordable as well as some luxury beachfront condos which are decidedly more expensive.

Being slavic myself, I assure you I am not mocking Russkie fashion. It's a vampy look that's a lot of fun if you do it right. To achieve the authentic Brighton look, you want to stock up on a few items in leopard print as well as a genuine fur coat. Then you'll need a designer bag and other accessories like sunglasses and jewelry, though realistic fakes are just as acceptable as the real thing. (With the designer goods, not the fur. Why? I don't know. It's just how things are.) Hair should be colored. Tradition dictates this should be some shade of red or bleached blond but highlights on brown hair is sufficient as is jet black hair. For makeup, think heavy eyeliner and mascara. (Slept in looking is okay.)

Showing legs is a must either via a teeny skirt or tight jeans as are sky high heels. The end result is, like I said hot, even if it is in a dirty girl way. And forget trying to look like you haven't tried too hard and just woke up messily perfect. Brighton Beach would not become the Counterfeit Capital of the world if its inhabitants were interested in doing things half-assed.

Finally, look in the mirror and appreciate. After three hours of putting yourself together, you certainly deserve to be worshipped.

Shades for the Windows

2010-09-25T08:30:00.000-07:00

If eyes are the windows to our souls then it really is no wonder celebrities go to such length the hide them, wearing sunglasses everywhere they go.

And today, as numerous news reports pointed out, the troubled Lindsay Lohan has had a rough 24 hours, getting sentenced to over a month in the chokey, though it seems she's out already, headed for rehab.

Naturally I was just as interested--or perhaps more--in what the actress/convict was wearing to and from court. I've always thought Lindsay was a snappy dresser, always looking sexy--but rarely slutty--and club-ready without seeming trashy. A lot of Lindsay's style has to do with her choice in accessories, like the star-shaped diamond earrings she was wearing as her signature piece for a while, the tights she was obsessed with to the point where she started her own line of them, and most recently, her choice in shades.

Her choice yesterday is a style that's been pretty hot for a while now, oversized enough to make anyone's face look as tiny as an Olsen twin's, with cat eye arches. And naturally, dark enough where you can barely see the person's eyes behind them in even the brightest of lights. I can only speculate as to what's on her mind, which of course is the point. I like to think of the style as Holly Go Lightly meets Courtney Love. Not exactly the picture of innocence for one's sentencing, but perhaps she's already accepted her latest role, as a Hollywood bad girl.

I'm sure there'll be some who'll roll their eyes at my admiration of her style when the more important issues right now are that she's a) a criminal and b) a person clearly in need of help, but--and I'm being quite serious here--I do believe being able to keep things together during a personal crisis, enough to be able to look good is a respectable trait.

Here's hoping Ms. Lohan can help herself enough to be able to eventually feel good on the inside as she appears on the outside. In the meantime, protecting the windows of her soul will help.

More Jak and Jil

2010-09-19T13:47:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm probably the last person to figure this out, but the fashion photography blog I raved about in an earlier post, Jak & Jil, is the work of photog Tommy Ton. (I didn't know who to credit earlier.) Anyway here's another drawing I did based on one of the beautiful photos they've posted. The model is Dree Hemingway.

Featured Muse: Karen Elson

2010-09-13T19:41:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's official: Karen Elson has earned the title of style muse.

Why exactly is hard to pin down, but there's something bizarrely cute about an English supermodel turned rockstar wife turned morbid Americana blues singer. Seriously, I mean... where did her new persona come from? Elson's tunes couldn't be more different from her husband's. And the way she can rock out in a floor-length, peach-colored dress draped with fringe and a yellow feather hairpiece makes me want to throw out everything in my overly black closet, stick a yellow feather in my own cap and call it macaroni.

I just love that she owns her completely un-trendy music style when she comes from a high fashion background. Not to mention the way she sings about spooky things like murder and ghosts while--and I can't stress this enough--wearing yellow. Having gorgeous red curly hair in a dolly style doesn't hurt, either.

I'll definitely be following her future wardrobe choices for inspiration.

Saving the Best for Lace

2010-09-11T12:09:00.000-07:00

A lot of the time, whether anyone's conscious of it or not, it's just little details that make an outfit special.

Right now, I'm kinda obsessed with dresses and tops that have lace panel cutouts. Especially when the fabric itself is also interesting with a floral or graphic pattern. It's romantic and eliminates the need to throw on more layers to make an outfit more interesting, because who wants to cover up the lace accents? Crochet panels and trim also give the same effect, like the material version of an elaborate wrought iron fence around a garden.

Here's a little something I painted to give the idea, but if you're so inclined, you can also find items like this on sites that specialize in ultra-girlie dresses and things like Anthropologie.com and modcloth.com.

I also included another photo from the shoot I recently did with Christopher Mealie since I loved the lace cutout blouse I was wearing. Christopher bought it from an East Village vintage shop and the top was in excellent condition considering the fact that it was over 100 years old. (In this pic, I was attempting to rein in Christopher's pit bull, Bosco. Attempt being the key word here.)

In this pic I found online, actress Ginnifer Goodwin (“Big Love”) is wearing a lace dress with floral cutouts. Interesting twist on the style and I love the purple color scheme.

This lace dress, from an online shop called Holy Clothing, also has an interesting take on cutouts and the shape makes it more hippie than sexy.

And just for fun, a lace cutout fence. I need one of these!

Urban Hollywood Nymph

2010-09-09T04:03:00.000-07:00

So today I'm going to break one of my own rules and post a picture of myself wearing something cute. How fashion bloggerific of me! Well the reason I'm making an exception because recently a photographer I met (who I'm now friends with) asked me if I'd pose for some pictures for his portfolio. And this lovely pic is one of the results. I'm wearing a dress that I painted in an earlier post about how much I like Urban Outfitters. And really does this look like a dress that you'd find at a chainstore aimed at college girls? Right. That's why I love shopping there; UO is full of surprises.

Christopher Mealie, the photog, thought of the dress as being very Old Hollywood. I thought of it more as being something a wood nymph would wear before getting into trouble somehow. Either way I felt right at home in Christopher's backyard in front of what is now a garage (and used to be a stable and slaughterhouse a century ago!). Anyway if you want to see some cool dramatic photography, Google Christopher's work as well as that of his girlfriend, Stephanie Crabe.

Falling in love with fall

2010-08-30T20:34:00.000-07:00

It's the end of August--almost Fall--and there's something about it that feels like waiting for Christmas or for water to boil.

And hey, who isn't looking forward to fall and all the fashion options the season brings? You end up covering up more than you do in the summer, offering a bit more mystery, but not so much that you feel like the real you is hidden under heaps of shapeless layers.

All the fashion mags for September are hitting the newsstands right about now and we're all about to be told about all the fabulous things we need to acquire and wear just so if we want to be stylish and pretty. So far I've been hearing it's all about the preppy look, which means plaids, varsity jackets and nerdy shoes that are now considered cool.

However.

I'm much more interested in romantic looks at the moment. The same flower prints we've been seeing all summer long, but mixed with lace-up boots and grandma sweaters. When I painted this, I envisioned fur-lined cardigans but really any long solid sweater or drapey jacket would give the same effect. Accessories could be kept simple like beads or pearls or quirky like a locket on a chain that contains your crush's Facebook profile photo.

Noticing the look on the face of the blonde girl I drew, my friend Ella asked why she was so pensive. I figure maybe her man is stupid. This is why went out to seek the counsel of nature, her dog and a cozy sweater. And she looks darn good doing it, too.

Courtney Couture

2010-08-15T08:31:00.000-07:00

Well blogs have been around for so long now, it's not surprising everyone has them, even the illiterate.

Take for example, the few employees who take turns publishing posts on the official Courtney Love site, What Courtney Wore Today.

From what I've read in an article about it on the New York Post, it was an employee's creation and done as a joke, though Courtney herself loved the idea over getting some control over how she looks in pictures that appear online. The idea's actually a good one though it's tough to say if she's succeeded in doing anything to change her image from that of a druggy rock widow whose couture outfits just might have been stolen out of some other chick's hamper.

However…. the pics are really fun and most are, dare I day, kind of artsy. Usually Courtney posing in some tattered Galliano or Chanel with her hair looking messy and tattoos showing.

The vibe is similar to many of the other amateur blogs out there where girls show off their designer outfits via the ol' outstretched arm in the bathroom shots. Only with less Photoshop. Seriously, if some of these photos were retouched I'd be surprised, and that kind of authenticity, or even the appearance of such, is quite refreshing.

The only downside is the writing. Love's employees can't spell and don't really care to try. (Of course any text is usually kept short and Tweet, stuff like who "Clo" is wearing and where she was at the time along with a compliment like "Sooo Kute Kooking." (At least I think they're compliments.) But then there are the lovely comments Nirvana fans leave like "murderer" and "whore."

So again, not sure this works as a way to control the public image. Nevertheless, I plan to keep checking back. Courtney does have a pretty impressive, eclectic wardrobe and the outfits she posts are typically event outfits: gowns, things for shoots. And she's not afraid to pair them with things like vintage hats and a badass attitude. So already she's succeeded where so many blogs have failed because no matter what Courtney Love is, what she ain't is boring.

A pic from Whatcourtneyworetoday.com

Jak & Jil

2010-08-14T07:01:00.000-07:00

If you're not already a reader I can't recommend the fashion photography blog, Jak & Jil enough. The photog (or photogs, no one's credited!) often stakes out fashion shows, taking mainly unposed for photos of industry people milling around on the streets nearby. The result feels glamorous but still real and I almost always end up wanting to look like the subjects of those photos. Here's a drawing I made a while back based on one of those photos. And now I'm off to go see what's been posted this week!

Madonna brings back the 80s

2010-08-08T14:45:00.000-07:00

This week marked the launch of the second clothing line of clothing fronted by Madonna. Called "Material Girl," it debuted on August 3 at Macy's in NYC and is also available online.

The pieces seem to be taken straight out of the singer's closet 25-30 years ago, when she was known for wearing things like leggings, hairbows, tons of stud and jelly bracelets, and lingerie as clothing.

The look is actually pretty cute, with items like pink lace minidresses and black tutus, along with purposely cheap looking, dangly earrings. But I doubt I'll be purchasing anything. Nothing personal to Miss M or her tween daughter who supposedly helped design the line, but I feel like I've already done the look. For some reason, around 1992, I became obsessed with how Madonna looked in "Desperately Seeking Susan." This is seven years after the movie came out so don't even ask me why. But I emulated the look to the best of my ability in the eighth grade, countless bracelets, pointy boots, etc., so I can't bring myself to get excited about it now that I'm actually a grownup with money to spend.

Instead I've been looking back at some of Madonna's other looks--she's come up with so many and they're all intriguing in different ways. My fave at the moment though is how she looked in the "Like a Prayer" video. At that time, she went back to her (dark) roots and looked beautiful doing so, almost goth, considering she also wore a black lacy slip dress and a a delicate cross necklace. She may have gotten into trouble with the Catholic Church for the racy video, which involves burning crosses and a black Jesus statue that comes to life, but at least she looked amazing while doing it.

The best part is this look is pretty easy to copy. The only tricky part is mustering up the fearless attitude that goes along with wearing a lacy slip outside of the house.

Fortunately, sexy slip dresses never go out of style and here are a few I found online.

You don't put on the Zelma Dress from Agent Provocateur, you pour yourself into it. Yeah I know. I can't afford it, either. But the Silence and Noise panel stripy dress has a similar look, and yay, it's on sale at Urban Outfitters. The Micheline Dress by Pinup Couture offers a little more coverage but just as much allure.

For pretty, understated crosses, I turned to Etsy, and here's what I liked:

Crosses worn sideways are pretty big at the moment; the Etsy sellers are giving the credit for that to The Rachel Zoe Project. A cross with a flower woven into it keeps the look feminine and fun. The modern beads and chain are a nice contrast to the gothic cross pendant.

DIY Chanel in Chelsea, NYC

2010-08-07T06:34:00.000-07:00

Why drop three thousand bucks when you can make much more of a statement with this "Chanel" bag! It just goes to show you at the end of the day, so much about style is just attitude.

Thanks again, doll, for letting a total stranger take your picture for a blog you've never heard of!

Because Mr. Sun does not like to be trifled with

2010-08-05T05:42:00.000-07:00

In New York City, the heat hit record highs throughout the month of July and if you're sensitive to extreme heat, going out for any length of time has meant requiring some planning ahead. For some this just means staking out the shady spots and places where the AC is guaranteed to be on full blast. But there's still the matter of getting to and from places, which certainly has had some role to play in the popularity of the straw hat. In Manhattan in particular, straw fedoras as well as the flat-brim vaudeville inspired style can be seen on every street corner, sold alongside of counterfeit bags and those houndstooth scarves in every color.

Which, naturally, can make them seem boring after a while.

So how then to fend off the sun? Recently I've noticed a lot of people holding umbrellas, which naturally made me wonder why no one's been parading around parasols? Since they require the use of an otherwise iPad or Blackberry-holding hand, they don't win any points for convenience. But hey if you're going to cary around an umbrella, when it's not even raining, you may as well tote something that was actually designed for the purpose of sun protection. Plus, whether they're lacy and reminiscent of something a Southern belle would wear or made of paper and look like they belong on a giant margarita, aren't parasols just way more fun?

If you're interested in purchasing one, I've found a few affordable online retailers.

Mermaid or pinup girls will adorn the paper parasols at the Lola Star boutique at Coney Island. Pics aren't available on the site, because they're only being sold for a limited amount of time at $30 each.

Lunabazaar seems to have no shortage of styles whether it's floral or with gilded lettering or hanging charms. Prices start at $5 (for plain ones).

And let's not forget eBay for goth and Victorian lacy styles at all kinds of price ranges.

If you need more inspiration, there's some really nice photography out there involving parasols online. Here are a few pics I found. The first was on Deviantart.com posted by Trixypixie. The second, I'm not sure of the source. The third was from Lara Jade's Flickr stream. The fourth was taken by someone named Metin Demiralay.