sip and shop

Her goal is to make a difference by bringing money back to the community, which is why proceeds from this year’s Sip & Shop at Chapel Bar (July 24th, 6p-10p) are going to Sew Beautiful – a local organization offering youth empowerment programs for young women of color by incorporating fashion and art. The event also brings the focus back to local designers and artists including Otra Vez, Flutterbudget Jewelry, Mac Fashion House, and Cookie Lee among others.

Fashion and art seem to be common themes in Kanika’s life – after graduating from WSU and putting in two years in the corporate world, she realized how important it was to get back to these childhood passions, while still thinking outside the box. She had always been driven to draw and sketch, but she felt that in the very complacent working world that drive gets lost. It’s like running on a hamster wheel, forgetting what you love to do. She had always gone against the grain stylistically, crediting her mom for her fashion sense.

Looking outside her Washington roots, Kanika realized that if you’re going to do fashion you go to New York – the “capital of fashion” here in the US. She applied to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, where she realized that it was meant to be, as everything began to slide into place. While at FIT she began to flex her career muscles in fashion merchandising and management. She still took time out to mentor – working with BlackGirlsRock Inc, a DJ program set on empowering and broadening the horizons for young women of color. Her motto was simple; work to engage young girls in something that interested them, planting seeds for brighter futures.

School has taught her a lot about business, and the fashion world; especially how everything trickles down the corporate ladder. She understood that the movers and shakers in New York recognized this – for example Michael Kors was incredibly hands-on and pleasant. This taught her to get in, make her mark, and remember that attitude is everything. New York was the experience of a lifetime.

Of her internships, she says,

“It made me realize what kind of a person I was. I left my comforts – my car, my apartment, etc – to follow a passion. I went from comfort to freedom, challenge and obstacles. It taught me how much courage I had to really pursue what I was most passionate about. I learned how to operate with integrity no matter how long the day is or how people talked. I didn’t quit and I continued to persevere. And many times I wanted to throw in the towel, but I didn’t. I left with a New York state-of-mind: Keep going and power through. It’s much easier to be in your comfort zone than to step out of that. It makes you realize that everything does happen the way it should.”

And it’s that drive and passion she’s brought to Seattle for the Sip & Shop events.

Kanika and Samarah both went to school together and then left the Pacific Northwest, only to reunite here again to incorporate fashion, community, and networking. The first Sip & Shop event was held at Waids last year, as a benefit for the Umoja Peace Center. Kanika and Samarah planned the event from scratch – from start to finish with no street team to help; the biggest challenge was to make the dream a reality. Kanika smiles when she talks about their first event, recalling their success with over 75 attendees, and a number of artfully hand-picked vendors.

This year they’ve stepped up the scale, bringing in twice the number of vendors to Capitol Hill’s hip digs. Working with Chapel Bar, Kanika and Samarah have an even more exciting event planned this year, including VIP goodies and the fashion show presented by Mac Fashion House (8p). The event will offer a fantastic combination of music, art, fashion and community, and the venue couldn’t be more perfect. Each vendor is meticulously hand-picked, Chapel will offer appetizers and cocktails, DJ Topspin will provide the music, and guests are invited to relax, to Sip & Shop.

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From their summer 2010 lookbook:

Your orbit string art poncho & savoy pant - Wear it to northwest art openings at Jam Fest galleries (Like Cullom Gallery) while waxing poetic on Hiroshige’s influence on impressionist art

Flaming heart tank & denim legging - Wear it to work with a boyfriend blazer to battle the difference between the AC in your office and the blazing summer heat.

Pointelle leggings & bullet cami - Wear it on date night, while you’re sipping mojitos and watching the sun set on Alki.

Asymmetrical wrap, flame skirt & pointelle leggings - Wear it to your friend’s Friday shindig at Golden Gardens – because the beach is the best place to picnic and people watch.

The Day Dress - Wear it to that afternoon wedding because it’s both sleek and daytime-casual.

Can you tell I’m enamored?  Also, how do I fill my closet with all these things?  Their website offers a bundle of stores who carry the line including Clementine in West Seattle and a quick list of online retailers.   In fact, Tobi is carrying this hoodie that would be perfect for our strange Seattle weather:

And check out what others are saying about the line.  What do you think, ladies? Love it?

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I didn’t really think about how what I wear impacted my credibility at work until very recently.  I know that your style says a lot about you, but I thought that having worked here for the last 5 years would negate the need for me to “work it”.  After all, they all know me and my capabilities, right?  Well yeah… but  have customers to contend with, a new hire who needs both a supervisor and a mentor, and the people I’ve worked with for so long need to know that I’m taking my role seriously.  I also think it’s truly not about dressing for the job I have, but the job I want.

In a highly mobile environment, where first impressions are important and where selling oneself is the most highly cultivated “skill”, the construction of appearances becomes more and more imperative.

(Ewen, 1988)

Many of the “Dress for Success” mantras focus on proper business wear, not the casual attire so many of our people sport.  Classic “business” attire focuses on suits as a whole.

From Workchic com - this business is too much business!

The common mantra of what to wear to work is all talk about what’s “appropriate” but with so many workplaces adopting the attire of “business casual” and with the importance of self-expression, it can be difficult to know how to make your personal style mesh with a look that speaks authoritatively at work.  How do you do it?  What’s your work style?

I’m currently keeping it business casual with some simple pairings and a lot of creativity: Fun frocks and dark denim stay structured when paired with a cute blazer, or little swing jacket.  Graphic prints or tees are paired with trousers and cardigans.

Funky, fun jewelry is added to the mix to keep outfits fresh – it’s amazing what some bright, bold jewelry will do for a black tee and cigarette pants.  Shoes are well-tailored flats, or fun wedges – nothing over-bold, but with a demure attitude.

Each outfit is a mix of shapes and textures.  Wide-leg denim trousers call for a slim silhouette on top.   Texture is important – boucle skirts call for something sleek finish.  Anything glittery that isn’t jewelry is best left home, but metallics make some of the best accessories (handbags!).   Bright colors are a must!  After the gray Seattle winter, popping into bright colors brings a breath of fresh air into the office.

Cowl scarves are a fun, over-textured way to stay warm in air-conditioned offices and long sleeve tissue tees provide the lighter layers that transition from a/c to outdoors.

I still feel like it’s a work-in-progress.  I’m trying to balance hints of my personal style with the drab dress-code of power-suits.  Looking authoritative helps me feel authoritative and sends the message that I’m here, I know what I’m doing and where I’m going, and I have the means to get things done.

I scanned the internet for a few business-casual inspired outfits and here are a couple I really liked:

Image from Heidikins.com - Stripes, dark denim and bright colors

Image from Workchic.com - I LOVE this look!

What do you think?  How are you balancing YOUR personal style and work wardrobe?

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One Sixty One by Anna Gay

This situation – is it you?  It’s an easy feeling to fall into – one that you often don’t notice until it’s grabbed you by the cojones – you find yourself slipping into the habit of Ben & Jerry’s and Sex in the City reruns on a Friday night, instead of EVERYTHING else.  Don’t worry, dear heart!  It’s not fatal, but it might take a little adjustment.  Just because you haven’t found that someone doesn’t mean you’re not going to  – and it doesn’t mean that now is necessarily the right time to try and muscle your way into a relationship.

It sounds like the universe rearranging itself, because no-one’s come along, yet, who’s worthy of you. I know it sucks and it feels all dark and dreary right now, but that kind of wonderful love-thing happens when you least expect it, and when you aren’t looking.

Your response is to tell me that everyone always says that to anyone who feels like they’re on the perpetual search for a perfect mate, but it IS true.  Desperation is never a good look, and when you’re out enjoying your life, you look like you could care less.  That happy, care-free, wild child within is the most beautiful face you could put forward.   That is attractive.

Self-help, websites, and blind dates keep you focused on what’s wrong with your love life instead of what’s right.  You see the fact that blind dates are failures; and seriously, I cannot think of a WORSE set up for a date – “Oh hi, we don’t know each other but our friends think we’d like each other.” Except our friends – those who mean well, are people who are not us.  Dating sites just point out the value of a good photo on the internet and how many of those photos are a real person?  Self help is great, but do you really need it?  You have freedom, opportunity, and the ability to experience. You can coyly flirt with a cute barista without worrying that your “petit ami” is going to think you like the coffee guy a little too much.  You buy food for yourself – there’s no boy in his underpants standing at your fridge, drinking juice straight out of the jug.  And though some people may want that in their lives, there’s always going to be something in that potential mate that makes you roll your eyes and heave a giant sigh of desperation.

Singledom can be a great blessing and a lot of fun.  You are a wild child that a partner cannot tame.  You’re a sultry lioness whose perfect mate has yet to find you – and really, it’s their loss.   You are the inspiration that gets your non-single girl friends out of the house, when they sigh, “we never go out dancing anymore like we did when we were single.”

The sexiest thing you’ve got is being happy , loving who you are, and where your life has taken you. Chin up, hot stuff! Slap on a cute dress and some hot shoes, and kidnap one of your girl-friends for a night out on the town to forget all this ever happened.  Take that charge, that confidence and that control.  Then when you wink at some cute boy who’s in line at the bar, he’ll be left wondering just who you were and what kind of magic you possess.

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There are so many sites out there with great advice for resumé writing – most notably, not using personal pronouns, spell checking and proofreading.  Fewer sites talk about typeface, and how the aesthetic layout of your resume creates a visual impact.

Lifeclever has a few tips for rethinking the graphic design of your resume:

By using a few simple typographic tips, they’ve created a visually striking and easy-to-skim document.

Many sites stress the idea of not having too much or too little information.  I’ve found that mine often has too much information and so I’ve sorted mine out into 2 different documents.  If I want a writing gig, I have a technical/writing resumé.  If I want a sales/media gig, I have a resumé tailored to that.  Prioritize the most important points for your document’s specified objective.  Know the buzzwords related to that objective and use them wisely (don’t over-do it).

Keep updating it – constantly.  Say you’ve taken a class related to your objective; add that into the education section.  Or maybe you’ve taken on a new project that shows your leadership skills;  that’s more important than telling your future employer you were a barista in college.  Highlight those achievements and discard all “duties”.  Your future employer wants to know what you can achieve, not what you had to do.  New relevant achievements need to be listed – your personal growth often spells growth for your career and your future company.

Stay positive.  So maybe you have the schooling but not quite enough experience, or maybe you have all the experience, but no formal document to show for it.  It’s still worth submitting a resumé – the worst that can happen is no response and the best is that you get a call for an interview.  If you feel you lack the skills, take classes and put yourself where you need to be to get the job of your dreams.  Keep that document updated with all your new (relevant) learning experiences and achievements.

The new year and new decade is the prefect time to aim for where you want to be (or what you want to be when you grow up).   You should have a bad-ass document to show for it!

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We choose our surroundings, our mental input (books/music/etc) and our “things” based on that little inner voice, who tells you not to buy this sweater, or that you must own this set of hand-blown drink glasses.  Through these preferences, we express a style – we show off that little inner-me.  The hum-drum day-to-day experience doesn’t recognize super-girls, alter-egos and fabulous femmes-fatales, though.  The world asks what it wants of you, doesn’t ask for the extracurriculars, and sends you on your merry way.  And how fulfilling is that? It’s no wonder that we often feel beat down or repressed.  We get that downtrodden feeling, like the world doesn’t care if we’re special.

Barbara says, to discover (or rediscover/experiment with) your magical inner persona – to rediscover that special someone hiding inside  you – look at everything in your home as a detective would – noting the hobbies, the interests and the clues in decor.   Take notes!

What you are doing is taking a step back from the reality you know right now, to discover that inner being – that alter-ego.  You’re seeing your environment for the “first time” because you’re disconnecting yourself from what’s there.  By taking notes on the little clues you’re finding, you’re defining that alter ego’s style.  Remember that style isn’t just what you wear, but it’s the way you show who you are to the world.  Style encompasses how you dress, how you decorate your abode, the activities you participate in, or even your knowledge of obscure literature.

Does the girl who live here love the color blue?  Is the furniture fun and kitzch or modern and sleek.  Could she be a Marie Antoinette?  Or is she more of a Marie Curie based on her reading material?  Check out the closet.  Is it full of dramatically draped dresses or flirty, feminine pieces?  What does that say about the person who lives there?  Is that person an artist waiting to bloom?  Who might this person be?  Is this the home of an avid horticulturalist, who will be able to save the rain forests by propagating one plant at a time?

Embark on this little exercise like anyone would embark on a new adventure.  Start small, by noticing colors, shapes,  etc.  Soon you’ll find yourself connecting this clue or to that clue – and from there, use a little imagination to flesh out the characteristics you find.

Want a real-life example?

This person enjoyed the work of Matisse, Renoir;  they were fond of great artists, and chocolate candy bars.  This person loved the color yellow, and their workstation was filled with odd knick-knacks and old photos.  This person loved the less-than-mundane and was inspired by things like gypsy caravans and tales of heroism and triumph.  They punctuated their works with unexpected endings.  This person had very eclectic tastes, and cultivated them as a writer.  The author wrote about giant Prunus persica (because they loved gardening), and a love affair with candy to rival their own.   This person was quite the popular author, in fact.

This person was fantastic, creative and renowned!  Who says you can’t be?

You try it.  Who did you discover?

Maybe by day, you work in an office where the attire is non-negotiable.  That could definitely put a damper on that dramatically costumed super-girl with the walk in closet full of sequinned jumpsuits.  Or maybe your idea of getting ready for work is putting on your pajama pants and a hoodie and sitting down at the kitchen table – that’s comfortable, but it doesn’t give you a chance to actively express your je ne sais quoi – you know, the one who buys vintage hats on E-bay, and books hot-air-balloon rides to far away lands for her birthday.

When you’re done with your list and your clues, connect the dots.  What do those things say about the person who lives there, and how can you nurture that person?  If you have a fantastic eye for design, head down to the library and dive into piles of interior design books.  If you love the idea of crafts, but you have a closet full of boring outfits that don’t suit you, pick up a book on how to sew, and start embellishing your wardrobe.  Maybe you’re a wine connoisseur or love to bake – find books on parings or take a class on how to make yourself something decadent.

The point is to discover that inner magic – it’s not some hoo-doo, woo-woo, transcendent, mystical thing.  You’re using the clues you give yourself to discover something that’s been covered up by years of “Real Life.”  As Barbara says, in her book, “”In the age of ecology, we ourselves are the only creatures we would ever expect to flourish in an environment that does not give us what we need.”"  This discovery of who you truly are,  should give you the foundation to nourish that alter-ego who’s buried underneath all that real-life sludge.  Discover, experiment, enjoy.

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The studio sale offers hundreds of blown glass ornaments for $15.00ea and glass gifts for under a $100.00.  Get there early for the best selection!

Totally Blown Glassworks is located on the corner of Airport Way So and Corson Ave So in Georgetown, South Seattle. 5607 Corson Ave S., Seattle, Wa. 98108. For info call 206-768-8944.

Totally Blown Glassworks is the hottest glass studio in Seattle.

Built by Dehanna Jones, Totally Blown Glassworks is located in the heart of Georgetown on the corner of Airport Way and Corson Ave S.  in Seattle, WA.

All the glass work is done in-house.  Anyone who wants to watch is welcome to come down Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8am to 4pm.  The gallery is open Monday – Friday 10:30-5:00, Sat 10:30-3:30 and after hours by appointment.

A native of Seattle, Washington and daughter of an Auctioneer, Dehanna was surrounded by the art glass of her father’s Tiffany collection and Antique store.  This early exposure to the Art Noveau movement has had a lasting influence on her work.  While studying for a BFA in ceramics and a BA in general art at the University of Washington, Native American artist Marvin Oliver asked her to research glass casting for an upcoming project of his.  She was immediately taken in by the medium and decided to branch out and study blown glass at Pratt Fine Arts Center in Seattle, Washington.

While at Pratt, she was the hot shop coordinator and studio technician while also teaching cast and blown glass.  Although blown glass is the focus of her own designs, she has kept her hands in casting by working with many architects, designers, and artists such a Frank Engelsby, Jill Davis, Ann Gardener, Theresa Batty, and Kevin Spitzer as a consultant and fabricator of glass elements for larger installations.  In the summer of 1996 she had the opportunity to assist artists Paul Marioni and Ann Troutner at the Pilchuck School of Glass in Standwood, WA and was subsequently nominated for the Saxe Scholarship.

From Dehanna:

“I’m a Glass Minimalist. This term is not descriptive of the work itself as many of my designs are quite ornate; rather, it defines the process.  Glassblowing is an ancient art form.  The tools and techniques available to the modern glass worker vary little from those used by previous generations.  I believe too many glassblowers rely on traditional, complicated techniques to define their work.  My belief is that the concepts should be of more importance than the techniques that created them.  The years involved in learning the skills to master blown glass is a life long commitment, finding the balance between design and perfecting the process is the constant challenge.

One of my first challenges I encountered in glass working was requiring that I work as part of a team.  The communication between the designer, blowers, and assistants is crucial for a piece to reach final form while retaining the integrity of its original concept.  Although, I do design my own lines of finely crafted vases and bowls, I am also excited to assist other artists and architects in the fabrication of glass elements for larger sculptures, installations, and homes.  Overcoming the challenges of translating designs outside my own work into glass has kept me thinking about glass as more than just a vase or bowl, but as a versatile building material that transmits and reflects light.

Glass can be disguised to look like other materials, but not many other materials can look like glass.  I think of glass as a lens to the subconscious.  I endeavor to create objects that stimulate the optic nerves of the brain and uses color as a mood-enhancer.  It’s a simple concept; minimalism.”

Dehanna’s pieces make fantastic gifts (or cute decor for your domicile).  Drop by and scoop up some of this affordable artwork, this weekend!

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(Photo and info on Blurb, or at MarkLaubenheimer.com)

It started a couple months back, when I got an email from  Mark Laubenheimer.  Mark, a local (Seattle) photographer, takes gorgeous photos of normal people – untouched, unadulterated, using natural light and simple settings.  Mark needed a foreword for his newest project, and after stumbling across Bonne Vie, he seemed to think I was the perfect author for that task.   His last book, Seriously Happy, was a success – garnering loads of praise:

“I LOVE your work; It brings out so much natural beauty.  I get lost in the faces of your subjects, not the clothes, makeup, or trick lighting.”

The beauty of Mark’s work is in its simplicity.  In an age of overly retouched photos, it seems like we’ve forgotten the simple idea that we can be beautiful without complicated lighting, rigorous photoshopping and altering the way we truly look.

So take a peek.  These snapshots tell true stories, and one of those stories could be yours.  You are beautiful – more beautiful than fiction.

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So as you may know, the Bird’s computer died a few weeks back… and with it, went Photoshop.  I got my work station back which is excellent upgrade, but Photoshop wouldn’t let me use my product key, so  I’ve been out of luck as far as a photo editor.  I’m currently (and very stubbornly) attempting to use GIMP, but switching from Photoshop to GIMP is… ultimately frustrating.

Anyhow!  I decided in the spirit of dressing up, I’d try my hand on a few photos Mister and I took for my friend’s  hat party!  I love hats, so dreaming up an outfit was a ton of fun.  Check out this little ensemble:

Scoop Tee: SPUN
Crinoline Skirt: Lekkerlife (With a Leg Avenue crinoline underneath)
Leggings:  Charlotte Russe
Shoes: Fluevog
Hat: Costume and Display
Tatted Pendant: Totus Mel
Shell Bracelet: From a trip to the Alamo (ha!)

The skirt isn’t normally THAT flouncey, but I felt with the outfit it needed some pouf – and I happened to have a short crinoline (that you can buy over at Sockdreams!) – it was the perfect addition to this skirt.

Mister’s outfit was … not quite as planned out, but when you’re sporting a trojan helmet, I don’t think it matters.

And we took this just before going out.  HAT PARTAAAAYYY!

I think I’m starting to really dig the pink jewel tone.  I’m not normally a pink kinda girl, but recently I’ve discovered that this color has been sneaking into my wardrobe.  What do you think?

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As it turns out, there IS someone who is making those varieties of shapes and colors where Barbie is concerned.  This week, Jezebel turned up a whole host of gorgeous ethnic dolls made by Loanne Hizo Ostlie.

“So In Style Barbie” (above) vs. Tabloach Productions doll (below)

(Click image for link)

Ostlie’s site, Tabloach Productions is a showcase of her work. Fair and freckled dolls sit next to dolls modeled after real women – like pop star, Brandy.  Ostlie has even reworked Skipper – Barbie’s long-neglected kid sister.

As Jezebel’s article points out, “The features and styles used on some of the dolls defy easy racial categorization.”  An article at Feministing notes, “Mattel needs to employ Loanne as a consultant if they truly want to create a doll that represents black women.”  How about all women?  Ostlie’s creations span entire markets of lovely girls who would all benefit from having a doll that resembled them – including Skipper, Kelly, Stacie, Kiddle and Tommy.

What do you think?  How do Ostlie’s creations stand up in your opinion?

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