Photo Shoot: Minnesota Red Dress

I went out to the lake with my friend Amelia over the fourth of July weekend, we were able to do a really fun photo shoot with the dress and wings! I'll keep this one short and just post the photos. :)

 

How to draw Hair

Hello everyone, I realized it's been forever since I've done a how to step by step. So this was a fun project getting me back in the swing of things.  So enjoy!

Fashion Illustration: Red Dress

Hello Everyone, hope you are ready to start off this next week.  I have a treat for you! I was asked recently to participate in Minneapolis's Red Dress Collection for the American Heart Association, yes those are wings. and yes I am excited to get started on this dress! This is done in markers and pencil.  I liked to go with a darker red color because the wings will be made out of balloon material called mylar. The dress itself will be a heavier jersey material.

Outfit Challenge Week 3

Hello Everyone, wow what a week! I have been so busy with work/and life emergencies. I almost forgot to post about last weeks outfits.  This week was difficult, I was sick on Monday so I was in pjs ALL day so this is it for the rest of the week! I added in my birthday dress though that's not how I was styled that night.  It was a I just put on makeup and I love this dress picture. I ended up having a crazy weekend not because it was my birthday either.  I ended up napping a lot too.  I am still recovering.  I am thankful it's my last week of figuring outfits I haven't copied. It was also nice to see that I have way to many clothes.  I might try to do another few weeks since I have only gone through a section of my clothes O_O

Outfit 1) Hoodie: Target Pizza camp shirt: Pizza Camp 2014 Jeans: American Eagle Flats: Target

Outfit 2) Shirt: Target Skirt: The Loft Shoes: DSW Tights: Express Braclet red: Henri Bendel Braclet Clear: Express Necklace: Irene Woods

Outfit 3) Shirt dress: Urban Outfitters Leggings: Pink Shoes: Vincent Camuto 

Outfit 4)Dress Urban outfitters Jacket: Thrifted Necklace: Irene Woods (can you tell I like these necklaces!)  Shoes: Thrifted (in my sisters throw away pile)

Outfit 5) Dress: Kate Spade Saturday Necklace Irene Woods Shoes: JC Penney

Thanks for reading hope you enjoy!!! :)

Outfit Challenge: Week 2

It's much warmer this week so tights are much easier. I thought this week was a bit more fun and what I would actually normally wear and want to wear all the time.

Outfit 1) Dress: Milly, Nordstrom, Cardigan/Tights: Express Necklace: Irene Woods Shoes: Vincent Camuto 

Outfit 2) Blazer: Urban Outfitters Shirt: Target Pants: Aritizia Shoes: Toms

Outfit 3) Dress: Gap Tights: Target Boots: DSW 

Outfit 4) Shirt: Kensie, Macys Skirt: Club Monaco Bracelet: Gifted from Guatemala  Necklace: Irene Woods Tights: Express Shoes: DSW

Outfit 5) Cardigan Urban Outfitters Tee: Madewell Scarf: Banana Republic Black Denim: Urban Outfitters Shoes: DSW

Hope you enjoy, see you next time my little creators!

Outfit Challenge: Week 1

Finally I can show you some results!! Now this week is probably the easiest for me because it's the first one.  At the same time it was also super difficult because I didn't want to do any of my fall back lazy outfits.  Then it ended up being in the negatives this week so all I wanted to wear is sweaters and comfy things.

Outfit 1) Jacket: Gap (thrifted) Tanks: Target Skirt: White House Black Market Tights: Express Shoes: Vincent Camuto, Nordstrom 

Outfit 2) Blazer: Urban Outfitters Shirt: Nordstrom Rack Pants: TJ Maxx Shoes: Toms for Target

(such a cold day!!)Outfit 3) Buffalo Exchange in Seattle Pants: Angry Young and Poor Shoes: Sorels, Nordstrom Necklace: Anthropologie

Outfit 4)Shirt: TJ Maxx Necklace: Lanvin for H&M Dress: Aritizia Tights& socks: Target Shoes: DSW

Oufit 5) Scarf: gift from my dad when he went to Malaysia Shirt: J.Crew Jeans: Target Boots: Vincent Camuto

Hope you enjoy, see you next time my little creators!

Throw Back Thursday: School Project

I am in the works of gathering wonderful outfits for all of you. So instead of showing you an old movie. I present a snapshot of a project I did.  The criteria was take a mega trend and come up with a collection based off of that.The thing I love about this collection is it's all knitted! Talk about super comfy work wear.

I hope you guys liked this little different approach.  I actually had to redo all these croquis again because I didn't back up and my flash drive broke.  Don't worry I cried a ton with those 10 hours of work no sleep cost me.  It took me a while to understand how much I actually did like this project because doing women's wear isn't my favorite thing to work on.

Do you guys have any projects that you finished and loved?
See you next time my little creators!!

New years resolution: Closet Cleanup & 30 days of outfits

I am a clothing horder.  I can admit this I love clothes.  I think it came from a mix of being surrounded by hand-me downs, and when I was older my mom started buying me my own clothes.  It felt like freedom to mix in what I chose and had a selection of super cool clothes from my sisters.

Now I have a huge mix of clothes.  I have slowly started getting rid of my old clothes because I have a story a reason to keep all of them, and when I don't need them they become painting clothes.

Now the first challenge to myself is 30 days of outfits!

Rules:

1.) Use all of my layering pieces, you cannot use the same cardigan 2x in the same week.

2.) Rotate your bottoms, use a skirt 1-2 times a week.

3.) Do not repeat a top in the month

4.) You cannot do the same outfit even a hoodie and jeans on a Saturday this month.

5.) work out outfits can totally repeat.

Pretty easy right? not too hard so stay tuned for that I will do a recap of outfits!

The next challenge I give myself will be Closet Clean up:

This is harder I have a dresser and 2 places where I hang clothes. I feel like the 30 of outfits will help me understand what I no longer want in my closet. I have been trying to make sure that the clothes I buy are 100% natural out of my own desire for a closet.  I want my clothes to have a purpose in my closet and not just sit there since it's pretty.  I am also hoping I can organize my clothes once and for all! And not just keep them because I like looking at them. Some of them I will keep.  I love my Designer Dresses! 

Jungle Dress: Fashion Illustration

Occasionally you find inspiration in the most interesting places.  I found this image on google plus! I love the shine and the movement. I took a chance and decided to draw it. I didn't know who did this at first but googling is amazing and I was able to figure out where it was from! I hate not giving credit to where it needs to be given.

My drawing 2 hours to draw
Materials: AD Markers, Copic markers, Prisma Pencils, Canson Marker Paper

Samantha Gradoville by Jean-François Campos for L’Express Styles (March 2012)

Editorial: Revue De Saison

Dress: Salvatore Ferragamo (RTW Spring 2012)

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Lance Sandals

I leave you with a video of my process I hope you guys enjoyed this Illustration.
See you next time my little creators!!

Tips to shop like a pro

Working in the Fashion world, I always get asked. "What's the latest trend?" It takes me a minute to respond with that because there can be 10 trends at once. Plus you work a year ahead so what's out right now would be last years trend info for me.  When I shop I always have a few things to help me choosing what is important to buy.  It's not very trend based as you can tell.

1) Do you love it? No really that is probably one of the first thing I ask myself.  I know if I love something if in the next 3 days I am still thinking about that item.  Then I will love it forever! I have done this on many occasions for just about anything.  Before you put down the cash on something a bit crazy for your tastes think about it. I have probably saved hundreds on this. Plus the thing you might love is another Cheetah shirt!
2) That color you "can't" wear, you can! My main color is black to be honest, but when it comes to wearing a color I just wear it.  Some ways to off set the color from my skin would be wear it as a pant instead of a top, wear a blazer thats neutral to cut it from your face.  Maybe get that color in a pattern if you don't think you can pull off the other two.

3) Make sure your basics are in good shape.  As much as we would love to have unlimited skirts tops and bottoms, I think it's more important to look at the basics because that fancy skirt you have would never go with the pit stained white tee.  Hey, I am just being honest.  Basics are one of those tasks where I just pick up I barely look at what I'm getting. This also counts for socks, tights, and undies!
4) Fiber Content is one I suggest but you don't have to do this.  It has been my goal a little over a year to start trying to make my entire wardrobe 100% natural.  This is harder than you think! This can include linen, cotton (the cheapest), silk (my favorite), leather, and wool.  I do this a lot for the environment because it is important to know what you will put back into the environment once you are done with a garment. I don't discourage or ever tell people they can't buy polyester but I personally want to care about where my clothes came from and how it will end up.

5) Prices, now this is a tricky one. I have always been the person to beg my mom in high school for the $100 sweater from Anthropologie over a bunch of  $10 tees from Hollister.  I personally will buy one item for the entire shopping trip.  Some people like disposable clothes, because they are cheap, and you can just get them dirty and throw it out. I cannot do that myself for wanting to keep my spending environmentally friendly.  Even when I shop at forever 21 I have atlas 6 dresses that are in amazing shape. I am not one to just wear and toss. When prices are high not always but usually they are better quality of fabric.
6) Shop local! I can't stress this one even more, and I do work for a big box company. I get my basics there, but when it comes to shopping at local boutiques go for it! It's amazing what you will find. Though sometimes the prices might be a bit more, you feel better putting your money back into your community.  This can even be just for accessories!
6) Re-shop your closet! I get super lazy too about clothes I probably have about 5 outfits that I wear all the time. It's sometimes better to re-shop your closet then spend any money at all.  Remember that silly thing you brought three years ago, play dress up see if you can make it work.

That's all the tips I have for you today I hope you can keep in mind some of these the next time you shop! 

      Hope you guys enjoy!! See you next time my little creators!!

What is in my purse

Purse Fossil $168  Wallet Madewell $78 (this style is no longer there but they have another one) Book $11.99 Lunch box $5.99 Thermos $20.99 Knitting (crafty planet MN)

Starting to work everyday you start to get essentials in your purse besides makeup and gum.  I might not have the girliest of things in there but it's what keeps me a live during 9 hour days at work. I would like to note I do have some lipsticks I have in my purse but I try to get eye makeup and foundation that lasts all day so I don't need to touch up.

Purse:  The issue for me is that purses can look big on me, because of my 5' height.  Making sure a tote isn't too big is important but it still needs to hold everything. I chose a bold red because I like a statement with my all black attire as well. This purse is a perfect fit for my life.

Knitting: My boss set up knitting Monday's and taught my team how to knit. It's actually been great, I can hold a conversation while working on my present for my mom! It also helps with traveling on the bus as well as waiting for a plane to take off.  The only weird part about knitting is so many people stare at you.  I don't know if they are intrigued, or thinking I'm too young to be knitting.  Whatever it is please don't stair at someone knitting, It's very awkward.

Stayfit lunch box: I love this little thing I don't normally bring hot lunches. It's nice because I put a half a sandwich in there and load it up with veggies. I like not using baggies or having 5 containers, and that I'm not throwing away all those things. I am not one for much variety.  All my life I pretty much had the same lunch and during college I didn't do that as much but now in my first job I got back into it! Bringing in a lunch is so much better than eating out, even though occasionally I like my Chipotle run!

Thermos: Another money saving tactic, I got this mostly because I didn't want to hand carry my to go mug walking to work. I can just toss this in my bag and go. No spills so far thank goodness!

The Happiness Project: This has been in my bag as a quick read if I don't have a book with me I probably will have a magazine.  I don't like to carry novels that you have to read carefully on the go because of interruptions.  I picked this up because it's a best seller.  I like a lot of the information, and it's the type of book you can skim!

My wallet: When I moved to Minnesota I had a wallet I could put my Iphone. When I started getting a Red Card, Company card, and a few other cards because I'm now out of college my wallet couldn't handle my adult life anymore. I upgraded to this wallet and it's been amazing.  I like the little front pouch for my punch cards, and it has a nice sized coin pocket in the back.  Plus the thick leather and simple colors are amazing! 

What is essential for you throughout school, work, life? Let me know!
Hope you guys enjoy!! See you next time my little creators!!

Winter loving clothes I love!

Gap Dress $$ Woolrich Coat $$$$ Aritzia Leggings $$ Nordstrom Boots $$$ Viska Afton Backpack $$$

Winter is actually here! especially in Minnesota you need the right gear.  Last year I was shocked to know my battery was fine but one morning my car's gas froze! I have some Sorel boots but I did about 3 hours of research for the coat I really want.  I know the price point is pretty high but I would rather not get close to frost bite again while waiting for the bus.  I also own the gap dress and have worn it about 4 times in a few months so I love it.  I hope you guys like some suggestions.  I feel as if it is more important to try to look cute when you're in a tundra and stuck inside most of the winter.
Hope you guys enjoy!! See you next time my little creators!!

Fashion Illustration Suno SS15

This new drawing had to be stopped in the middle because my camera battery ran out, but it also was probably the most time consuming one to make a video.  Not only that I try to do my own designs so it was super fun drawing someone's dress I loved.  Suno had an amazing SS runway, and I wanted to share it in my own way! 

click to enlarge and of course here is the video to show how i did this :)

Hope you guys enjoy!! See you next time my little creators!!

More photos MN4MN

Hello lovelies I finally have time to show you more photos from the fashion show :)

Rhea Pappas took these awesome photos.  As before I showed what I presented 

Fashion Illustration: Ball Gown

So I understand this is a bit late to put on here, but here you go! I did this as a ball gown and wanted to show ruffles and some lace.  It was a very quick illustration. It was for an Art trade.  Occasionally I love getting a spur of the moment project. Lately it feels like all my projects are spur of the moment!
I enjoyed editing this one, I like the title pages and the transitions I have been playing with.  I need to buy some music I can use though.

Hope you guys enjoy!! See you next time my little creators!!

MN4MN Runway Show

In August I submitted an entry to do a dress for the new fashion show MN4MN through my job with Target Corp.  I had about a month and a half to get supplies and work through any problems.  Honestly I was super happy to do it, but the attention on me made it stressful (Target blog post).

Plus my parents came into town that was fun but I had to get everything prepped for them! AH!

Here is a bit of what I submitted as my initial ideas! Below is my finished garment!!
It was a blast to do!! Thank you Lisa Castro, Kirsten Berg, and Nicole Nordeen for everything!

me being awkward next to my model Meron!!

I haven't seen the professional images yet but I hope you liked!

Hope you guys enjoy!! See you next time my little creators!!

SS15 PATTERNS ON PATTERNS!

I love these looks they amaze me every time,  I am currently working on a dress for a fashion show which is why I haven't had any time to make a video for youtube (more to come on that!)

I just can't get enough of this look with the dresses with multiple patterns.

So of course I'm a visual person so here are some examples!

A Detacher

Lisa Marie Fernandez

Novis

Which type is your favorite? Let me know!

Hope you guys enjoy!! See you next time my little creators!!

The girl of many hats: Taissa Farmiga

   So this weekend I went to a fashion show (link) though I should have taken a head to toe look I forget to do things like that.  Anyways, I love Taissa Farmiga's look in American Horror Story.  Creepy shows have always interested me and I've always been into the color black so why not.  Though I wore mostly black I had pops of turquoise for the heck of just wearing black.  I defiantly had some interesting looks at the show.  It was super fun show! I loved all the print and patterns I saw.  One of these days I will take pictures of things I do again. So getting back to Taissa Farmiga's style, I just love how she has the whole gothic look with these hats but she looks so approachable still! It's a good accessory and I wish people would wear more hats! Here are some felt hats I love, and the one I wore to the show was the Goorin Brothers!

(UO) (GB) (M) (NG)

Silly photo of me!

Hope you guys enjoy!! See you next time my little creators!!

TBT: Winter outfit

Fall is coming around the corner, though I want it to stay warm forever, seasons happen in Minneapolis.

I did this one last winter.  I do really enjoy this sketch and a doing something with cute shoes.  I realized i should do more with backgrounds eventually.

here it is pencil heavy and  working with different textures.  This was just an experimental one.

And of course i did a video on it too!

Hope you guys enjoy!! See you next time my little creators!!

TBT: Techniques!

Hello! I wanted to share today some videos that don't have as many views but are still useful.

The first one was some menswear i did as a small project

And the second is showing you how to shade appropriately, I think at this point in school i was trying to get more dimension in my drawings, It was a funny project because I had to redo ALL MY SKETCHES.  I used too vibrant of colors because I wanted to do my own interpretation of Grace Kelly but still adding flair and curls like she would. My final was more pastel than this but the same concepts.


Hope you guys enjoy!! See you next time my little creators!!