The Creator Fashioned Us

The Class Shift Dress

2009-09-25T11:15:00.000-07:00

The Classic Shift Dress

From Fashion Tips UK:
Tips On How To Choose The Right Shift Dress For You

Many of you will have seen the picture of Sarah Jessica Parker dressed in a Giambattista Valli pale blush shift dress at a gala in Manhatten (see picture courtesy of In Style and Getty Images). I thought this was certainly a more understated look for SJP, but loved it all the same, simply because of its simplicity and style. Shift dresses are the perfect "easy" way to dress, whether it's going out to a party or simply for everyday work as they are just to simple, flattering and downright elegant when dressed up the way SJP has it going on. If you are looking for a simple, but flattering dress here are some guidelines on what to look for.
What To Look For In A Shift Dress

As the shift dress is very simple in design, it is worth spending more on this type of garment, as any mistakes in the dressmaking will show up immediately. Good quality seams and cut are very important.
Many shift dresses are sleeveless (think of pictures of 60s icons such as Twiggy who made the dress style famous at that time). Sleeveless styles tend to hang very well and look really stylish. A sleeveless shift dress can be worn over another top, such as a turtleneck in a contrasting colour, and teamed up with high heeled knee boots will look fantastic.
Think of black or dark red dresses for parties, a simple shift dress with either short sleeves or sleeveless dressed up with diamante or silver jewellery will look stunning for a party. Look for versions in black with lace sleeves for the latest gothic look too.
With footless or opaque tights and leggings you can get away with amazingly short shift dresses - and remember that wearing black tights is fantastically slimming for legs - see the article on dressing to be slim.
What are your favourite dresses of the moment - let us know if you have seen anything great as we've all got Christmas parties to look fantastic at soon!

(http://www.fashion-tips.co.uk)

Check out The Sewing Studio Class at:

http://www.4theloveofsewing.com/index.php?page=194096.txt

COURSE HIGHLIGHT
The must-have item of the moment is the classic shift dress that every"body" can wear. A beginner such as yourself, will create this simple, stylist dress inspired by American designer Calvin Klein, although variations have been seen on fashion runways around the world. You can decide to make that "little black dress" you've been looking for or maybe you'll make it in your favorite color.
LEARN
Sewing-machine basics.
The names and uses of common sewing tools and terms.
How to sew a straight line and curved line using a seam guide.
How to measure yourself.
How to lay, mark, and cut fabric.
How to read and alter a commercial pattern for a perfect fit and much more...

Fashion and Social Justice

2009-09-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

Fashion and social justice. Those two things don't seem to connect. However, in LA and all over the world, fighting for human rights, social justice, and the good of this world are becoming a widespread epidemic, for the better. Fashion lovers and shoppers can now donate part of their shopping spree money to non- profit organizations. Companies such as TOMS are doing good by donating a pair of new shoes to a child for each pair WE purchase. So WE can really make a difference in this world.

TOMS STORY:

"In 2006 an American traveler, Blake Mycoskie, befriended children in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created TOMS Shoes, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One. Blake returned to Argentina with a group of family, friends and staff later that year with 10,000 pairs of shoes made possible by caring TOMS customers". http://www.tomsshoes.com/

To think that Blake was an ordinary American traveling in another country and yet, he was so moved to create his own company, for the good of children. This leads me to believe that we can all make a difference if we have the motivation to move beyond seeing the need to doing something about it.

I am a volunteer Wardrobe Stylist for an event called Freedom and Fashion Fashion Show. It will be held at UCLA on November 19, 2009. This event seeks to raise awareness and funds to fight human trafficking and other awful inequalities and injustice in this world. Please jot this date down!

Female Species

2008-06-10T20:10:00.002-07:00

Surrounded almost 24/ 7 by the female species, going to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, I find myself having a deep passion to help women regain their self- worth. In this world where beauty and vanity has become more important than their intrinsic value- I find myself at a lost for words. I am pained to see girls compare themselves to models on the runway, pained to see girls staring at themselves in the mirror for twenty minutes. There is a deep emptiness. I agree that it is easy to give in. But that's why I am speaking out.

Where has the thirst for knowledge gone? What happened to reading actual books and why has it been replaced by reading about Lauren Conrad. Why does Britney Spear's sister getting pregnant and Lindsey Lohan getting a tan matter to us? How come it is so difficult to carry conversations about Bach and writers like C.S. Lewis. We have resulted to a superficial culture that has an underlying emptiness. The world of different cultures, countries, art, music, literature, and anything else seems to be forgotten. We can't expect to survive on reality TV shows when our own lives are messed up.

I say all this because I know underneath that facade, there is a beautiful woman of intellect and intrinsic value. She is a woman that should be unconditionally loved, even if she doesn't have makeup on or a skinny bod, even when she isn't carrying a Gucci, LV, Dior, or a handsome male. I speak out for all women- please know that you are loved. Stop trying. Stop trying to be someone else. You are unique. You are special. You are loved.

Phases

2008-06-10T20:10:00.001-07:00

I still remember being a middle schooler, many people thought I was weird. I had this Tiger stripped shirt. I went through many phases. One I'll call the Tattoo phase. My orchestra conductor, Mr. D, would always comment on the fake tattoo staring him in the face during Orchestra. Every week, I stuck a different tattoo on my arm, rubbed water over it, and waited, anticipating the vivid colors of an animal, cartoon, or at times, something hard core. Another stage, which overlapped with Tattoo phase, was the "Sleeve" phase. I had short, long, medium sleeves of all plethoras of colors. Some had stripes, some were bright orange, some were loose, some were skin tight. At the chill of the wind, I would whip out one of my sleeves and put it on. People thought I was soooo weird. That was three years before the whole Avril punk trend came out. Then everyone started wearing it. Not fair, I thought. She jacked my punk look.

Then I had a "hair" phase. I had three pony tails, from the front you see two pipi longstocking hairdo. Then you walk to the back and be shocked by the other sticking out from the back of my head. I also had three braids, sometimes I had one unbraided, and the other two braided. I was just plain weird. And I think I still am. I hope to not let go of this.

For Halloween, I tried to spike my long hair. And failed miserably. I was many times made fun of. But I am so thankful they did- thank you people, it has helped me to know who I am.

High school years, I started wearing this bright blue tights, people thought it was awkward. Yet, in a few months, tights became popular. Not fair. I had these green/ black and red/black striped tights that I were under everything- shorts, skirts, dresses.

Now, I am no longer the outcast I used to be- I thank God, yet at times, I long to be that person that people talk about in a bad way. With their heads high and voices low, they glance at me with eyes of criminals. Yes, it is she the weird, friendly girl with weird clothes. I am glad people notice this energy and joy in me, because then I can tell them its all God. Yet, there's a bittersweetness in people backstabbing you.

My phase now? Temporary hair dye. I'm trying plum next time. Ich liber men's wear. Women's wear inspired by men's wear. I believe in this word call "coo".

Because I really Should Update

2008-03-15T20:47:00.001-07:00

This blog is definitely past due. So my collection is due on Tuesday. Finally got it done, its got pants, skirt, jacket, and a blouse. However, the blouse doesn't seem to match the others. Maybe that's my style though!! Hopefully I won't get graded down.
I will upload pics SOON! Then I got a collection portfolio due. SIGH.

Spring break I will clean out my closet and try to sell some at Cross Roads or Wasteland, two of my favorite Vintage stores. One's a little overpriced. I get most of my goods at thrift stores like Goodwill (huntin...hahaah), some at yard sales, and of course my beloved SAMPLE SALES at Calmart or New Mart in downtown LA. I got a military jacket for 10 bucks, then at Salvation Army I got a cool Indian style dress with birds flying down the side for 3 bucks. YES, three freaken bucks.

Alas, the fashion world can get tiring, very tiring at times. FAKE too.

I have gotten used to red lipstick- for some reason, it makes me feel like a wholnother person. I can strut down in a wholnother way. I feel maybe 5 years older and a lot more confident. It really takes some guts to wear bright red. But once you got a hang of it- you feel like everyones staring at you. But you just don't care.

I was thinking of selling my clothes and giving the money to charity- we'll see how that works out~

Here's a shot I took in Japan- in the farms where we picked peas.

Making it from scratch

2007-10-31T21:27:00.000-07:00

From nothing to finished!

For Creative Draping class, we were told to create a garment with a knot, any kind. So with the "too bright" pink fabric (as my instructor noted), I started draping and cutting away even though I really should have used muslin and drafted a pattern first.

That is, however, besides the point. I had a vision, like Picasso with abstractions in his head. And I dove for it. Even if it meant finding a piece of fabric from my closet that I saved 3 years ago, knowing that one day, yes one day, I would use it for something cool.

It is at the moment I sit back and soak in my artwork- that I can reconfirm this fact.

Yes, Fashion is my passion- as corny as it sounds.

I don't want to live my whole life earning money, no I want to love what I'm doing, so I don't have to "work" a day in my life. And of course, I do it for my Creator. The only one Who can sustain me and give me a little boost of energy when the 10 hours of sewing is wearing off. By the way, sewing is NOT my passion- designing is. So is giving people makeovers.

Alas! and with lots of love!

Fashion that Screams

2007-09-11T12:03:00.000-07:00

I've been researching many fashion blogs and sites. I would say more specifically Asian fashion (Japanese, Taiwanese mostly). What do you know, but I stumble upon a Taiwanese brand called "Screaming". The colors scream, a bright pink, and alas it belongs on my desktop. I am afraid to say American fashion is too afraid to scream. Some people claim fashion is vain, yes at times, but when treated properly, fashion is a reflection of the society and has deep implications. It is also art. When you go to Moca or Norton Simon, you don't say art is vain. Whether you know it or not, fashion is even the plainest t-shirt. Fashion is a pair of boxers, flip- flops, dollar store sunglasses, or a granny's dress. Fashion is everywhere. It is the way one combs his hair. Is fashion subjective? That is not for me to answer. But I will anyways, fashion comes and goes, plaid may be ugly one season, trendy the next. My philosophy, wear what you want to, who cares? Just don't flash me with an amusement park full of skin, that's one thing I am a fervent rejecter of.

I'm glad you saved me from heartache

2007-07-30T04:40:00.000-07:00

Though many times my tears became an ocean
Surrounding me
It swallowed me whole
The clouds looming above me
But I never sank
I just caught on to the hand
that continues to catch me

Now I understand.

Those waters I waded in
That I swam across
got me to the place you
wanted me to be.

It all makes sense.

Thank you for those tears.

R.L.'s Designs

2007-05-25T08:58:00.000-07:00

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So I finally decided to showcase some of my designs that I
1. hand draped
2. created patterns for
3. cut and sewed
Of course they should be on Size 8 women mannequins, except the one I have, picked up outside some random moving person's house, is a kid size mannequin. Sooooooo...to see the real thing, you have to see ME wear it. Of course, all my designs are clothes I would wear. Any feedback on what you would actually wear (if you're a girl), unless guys...you would wear these too, this I doubt.

Now when I look at magazines or stores, I don't think, man I wanna buy this, I think more like, man how did they construct this. This isn't that hard to make.

Robert Polidori

2007-05-07T14:16:00.000-07:00

Realization/ artist epiphany- if artists didn't exist there would be nothing to travel for, this includes God's art and the art humans create. Isn't that weird? If we went on vacation to Rome, Italy, France, le louvre wouldn't be there, buildings wouldn't be there, they were all created by artisans, architects. So I found this Robert Polidori, an amazing artist, French Canadian who creates these amazing photographs that makes you THINK. To me there seems to be an extent of beauty in the chaos, the mess of this world. A certain loneliness, shadowed by the unexpected colors and composition. Amazing, really.

The buildings we create, humanity in general is decaying, but the light that transforms the dilapidation transcends all thought or logic. That is how I see it. Beauty amidst chaos. Beauty amidst ugliness. Jesus shines His light amidst the sinful world.

Art cannot be created without a source of light, sure some pieces can be dark, but without light nothing can be shown. It is a rather interesting concept. In fact, it'll be a pitch black photograph, or a black paper, but without light contrast is nonexistent. So let Jesus be a light unto your path.

God created kids, adults are too dull.

2007-04-19T22:11:00.000-07:00

Kids, one of the most beautiful creations ever, their innocence, their cuteness, their cheerfulness, their energy, their boldness. Isn't God amazing!? Man, these kids are soooooooooooo infinitely cute! Adults should learn from kids and their simple faith.

End of Quarter- Yay BaBY!

2007-03-22T08:43:00.000-07:00

End of quarter projects- the whimsy of whimsy. The coat I got inspiration from a 1960's wallpaper. Next time I will do a review on this cool cool doll site!

Opening reception exhibitions and galleries WORTH GOING TO:

1. Armory Center for the Arts- 145 N. Raymond Ave. Pasadena (March 24, 7-9 pm)
Beyond Image- Contemporary artists incorporating photography to their art.
Medical/ Arts: A Newtown Presentation- Exploring the relationship between artistic and medical world views. Includes artists and physicians. I find this highly interesting and amusing.

2. Gallery Nucleus- 30 West Main Street Alhambra, CA 91801 (March 24, 7-11 pm)
The Ancient Book of Myth and War- Artists will be there, sweet.

Aites- there you go I am planning on going- dunn0, maybe both, if not I'll check it out on other days. My advice, never go to a museum alone- galleries are fine, just not museums. When I was in Taiwan, I went to Taipei MOCA (equivalent to our Museum of contemporary Art in LA) and boy was I SCARED. They were showing moving arts, digital moving art, meaning I stepped into pitch black rooms. On the walls were moving art, one in particular freaked me out. It was a big moving picture of a lady with red lips. Dood, I ran out there like a chipmunk. Plus, some rooms were so dark, I bumped and tripped on people walking by the wall. This significantly freaky image was projected on the wall, a moving picture of a traditional japanese family. If you sat there, next to the cushions, long enough you would see the different members of the family blink their eyes.

So my advice, don't ever go to a art museum alone! Unless you know its not something freaky. I've seen really dark art when I was young. Nevertheless, find someone to be scared together. Its a bonding moment. Plus you can pray together. Good thing I had Jesus by my side- peace out folks.

Jesus as my inspiration.

2007-03-21T22:33:00.000-07:00

Jesus is my inspiration, His word, His love. He tells us to do all things out of love, but where does this love come from? Him. For He is love. Many times my heart is unable to find inspiration, I don't know what to draw. Only after struggling with an empty mind do I wake up and duh- yes I should pray. I think many times we think of God as this God who should just answer all of our prayers- but He says-

"When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." James 4:3

So may we ask that we may glorify and love Him more. The more we are satisfied and fulfilled in Him, the more He is glorified because nothing in this world can satisfy us except Him. So no money, no power, nothing.

I believe thats why many fall away from God or refuse Him. Because they don't think He is better than the money, the power, the friends, the life, the pride.

I pray that you will see the love of God, that you would see His love on the cross. You would see that when He died on the cross, He thought of you. Now that, my friends, is true love.

L'artiste et s'art

2007-03-01T16:06:00.000-08:00

3 Designs (on the right) I recently drew for midterms. Lets just say, it took forever. People kept saying, "wow you're so detailed". Sometimes I don't want to be, but I can't stand simplicity. Maybe thats also who I am, I'm a complex person. I want to design clothes that are fun, not rigid or snobby. The style is carefree, colorful, energetic, bold, non-conformist, unafraid of ridicule, confident, yet at the same time this person is loving, intelligent, okay...and loves God..haha. And loves music and art...and sports..hahah. O and likes singing karaoke and dancing on a roof, then she'll have balloon dresses that can expand to help her fly to Neverland. Anyways...

The other two (below) are variations of this coat. I just finished those today. My friend laughed when I said, "I don't want to dye my hair ever! Until I turn like 50, when I have gray hair...then I'll dye it bright blue or orange." She said, "I can imagine you at an asian supermarket as an old granny with bright blue hair picking out 50 cents pears".

Hm...but maybe I'll dye it blue and purple, and orange. How fun! For now I don't want to ruin my hair, its like it'll be tainted you know what I mean?

Anyways, let us artist be filled with tons of God's creativity!
Here's a book I recommend: The Creative Call
It talks about our call as artist to use all we're blessed with to glorify God...I think. I only read a few pages and am planning on going back to Borders to finish it. Yes, I am frugal too. :) An artist got to budget!

A New Blog Dedicated to Creativity

2007-01-06T09:30:00.000-08:00

Creativity comes from one source, a creator. I believe in Jesus Christ, in God who is our creator. Thus, I have decided to create this blog for those that are seeking a place to be creative. I want submissions of artwork, fashion, graphic design, DIY crafts, websites, stories, poetry, songs , anything that is created. Meanwhile, I will be posting my own too! If you have any advice as to how this site can flourish or want to support this blog by emailing your creations: Hit me up

rebekkalien@gmail.com

A Color and Design project I did.

www.bape.com

As a Bathing Ape fan, I have always marveled at the creativity and concepts of their designs. Not overwhelmed in intricate wonders, but always smartly splayed with their own unique camouflage and sometimes just an H makes the point. It all started out with the bathing ape H sweater hand me down that my cousin's roommate gave me. I had no idea what brand it was, but it looked cool. With long black baseball sleeves and a red body part, I was hooked. However, after a year or so, the H dilapidated, peeling slowly like orange peels. I had to donate it, unfortunately. If I knew how much it costs today, woman, I would have kept it and stored it in my "memory" closet. Today I possess a beyond genuine lookin' bag that not only fits my two-ton patent cartoon wallet, but my journal, my Bible, my pens, my lip candy, my camera for those days I stumble upon a magnificent and indescribable created sky or an original outfit fitted on a girl. Where did I buy it? From an underground mall in Taipei, Taiwan, under hoards of fakes from LV to DB. I thought I had struck the Lottery, a Bape bag for 100 nt (3 bucks)? Of course, when you enter the Bape site, you will notice they don't wholesale. So much for that. But for now, I will continue to employ it under my boss- hood and cherish it while I can. It is so functional, so big, so real, so perfect for a savvy and on-a- budget near ty's- hood like me.