~ Fire in the Hole ~

Driving up to Vegas this weekend I spied all sorts of old trailer parks, grungy hotels and abandoned junkyards. What fun had been had? What drama? What was taken and what treasures/trash remain? The scenery reminded me of the one of my favorite Miesel shoots starring Jessica Stam {with a lovely red mop sporting awesome dresses}. 

Photos from here. 

~ Springtime Hobbies: Afghan Confections ~

I'm tired today, and it's gloomy and cold out, and I just want to cuddle up and read in one of these sweet creations.

Once I get my zip back {and before the weather gets too lovely}, I'd like to learn how to crochet. My Great Aunties used to make all sorts of stuff, and my mom taught me when I was little, but it's all forgotten these days. Once my fingers learned the ropes, they'd probably be tempted to cover my walls in rainbow afghans, drape them over every surface, and even fashion them into something wearable {yes, I'm a granny at heart}.

What hobbies are you itching to take up while you're stuck inside until spring? And for those of you who are crochet wizards, any advice on getting started?

~ Etsy Stalker: Riot Siren ~

I may seem biased about this Etsy shop, seeing as though I've known Caitlin since high school and have worn her creations on many occasions {anyone remember my wedding dress?}. But I'm quite confident that the garments speak for themselves: expertly salvaged, creatively designed, impeccably crafted, and outrageously wearable.

I recently hannequined some cupcake skirts for her shop and was surprised to realize that they're not just for adorable petites... even tall/large ladies like myself can pull 'em off! I also just bought a reimagined cardigan for Alex that I plan to pilfer on occasion. 

As the newby seamstress that I am, Caitlin really sets the bar in terms of style, creativity and craftsmanship. I only hope to be as skilled and talented as she is someday...

~ It's Reel Love: Splash ~

Not only do I have this movie to thank for encouraging my childhood dream of one day becoming a mermaid, but it also endowed me with a love of kinky hair, loose pastels, boyfriend clothes, stretch-knits... and most importantly, underwater kisses. 

Movie stills from here.

~ Beating the Blues: Sunday with Elvis ~

After a day filled with 14 baby/toddler/kiddies, 13 cousins, 7 aunts and uncles, two big tables of delish food, 2 pool escapades, and a photo shoot of all of it... I'm actually kinda relieved it's Sunday.

Looking forward to a quiet day with JPK before heading 2 hours north to Glitter Gulch tomorrow.

Here's to Sunday.

~ Family Fashion Icon #2 : Great Aunt Frannie ~

The stunning, vivacious and fashionable Italian woman you see below is my great Aunt Frannie {aka, Frannie The Great}. This photo was taken at Christmas, circa 1972.

I credit Aunt Fran for my love of bright bling and big hair, as well as my desire to go seriously platinum someday.

Aunt Frannie was also the first person I knew who sewed. I remember watching her work on her machine on Jasmine Ave. in Los Angeles when I was really little, and she was the first person I asked {prompted by my mom} to make me a dress. It hadn't occurred to me at the age of 5 that dresses were actually made and didn't already exist somehow. I first experienced the magic of fashion when I described a pink dress with puff sleeves... and got one.

Frannie doesn't sew as often these days, but the magic is still there. For example, she's taught me that some bright lipstick, a good pair of dangly earrings and a raucous sense of humor can be all you need to look great and feel fabulous. Below are some photos I snapped at her favorite breakfast spot last month.

See you in a few hours! xoxo

To my family, what are your favorite fashion memories and lessons from Aunt Fran? I'd love to hear them.

Ps- Thanks for making Frannie move, Kelty!