Stylesmith

Come Visit!

2010-06-06T10:42:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone,

So the Stylesmith blog is pretty non-existent... all my efforts have gone into Dedicated of late, and for the time being that's where you'll find me, pretty much 24/7

Come see me :)

http://dedicated-follower.com

Love,

Kelsi x

Mahussive Vintage Sale!

2010-04-08T15:09:00.000-07:00

My online store Stylesmith Vintage is closing down! (the handmade store will still remain open so you can still get fixings for your hair!)

With so many projects and fun things in the works I have too much on my plate to continue the store and maintain the highest level of customer service I always wish to provide for my customers...

...Sooo my loss is your gain, if you live in the Los Angeles I will be having a mahusive yard sale with literally hundreds of items starting a $5 a piece! It all has go so come and claim your piece of history!

An idea of what you'll find can be seen here.

Kelsi x

formspring.me

2010-03-14T15:33:00.001-07:00

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/stylesmith

What's the craziest thing you ever did for love?

2010-03-07T14:26:00.001-08:00

Hah ha.... well.

I met my husband February 17th 2007. We got married March 30th 2007 in Las Vegas.... I've done a fair few crazy things for love but this was the craziest and by far the best.

If we hadn't done it I would have had to leave the country, it was madness at the time but total perfection now and neither of us regret a thing. It'll be our third wedding anniversary this month and we got re-married for family and friends last September.

Ask me anything

Stylesmith Spring/Summer 2010: Holiday Romance: Black Bows

2010-03-03T12:13:00.000-08:00

Just a little peek..I've already shown you the Tulle Bow Headbands and the Veiled Velvet Bow Combs but here they are in black!

Stylesmith Spring/Summer 2010: Holiday Romance: Heart Hats

2010-03-03T11:56:00.001-08:00

The heart hat was the first ever hat I ever made, for myself, when I first started making hats, and whilst my skills have improved the design really hasn't. It was perfection in it's simplicity. Due to it's popularity I have decided to 're-release' it in 3 colours for the 'Holiday Romance Collection'

Available in Black, White & Navy the Heart hat will retail at $32.

Green Thumbing It.

2010-02-28T16:52:00.000-08:00

At la maison Stylesmith I'm thinking of pulling out my green thumb..if I do indeed have one.

I don't have a good track record for keeping green and pretty things alive..my cat and my husband excluded (though neither are green, they are pretty) but we do currently have a backyard, in fact we've had a backyard for over a year and we've done bugger all with it.

The main issue at this point is the yard itself. Where I live is basically the desert industrialized, and whilst I'm super fond of the climate, green things such as grass, are not...so my yard is a dirt yard.

Planting grass just isn't an option, the soil is too hard and dry and turf is an impossibility financially, especially seen as we rent and do not own. So we've decided on gravel, surprisingly affordable...I'm also planning on a few 'mulch' areas..mainly because I like the word ; )

I also want to grow my own vegetables, I've actually tried twice now, the first time I was almost far too successful and ended up with a lot of rotten tomatoes and the second time I went away to NY and Mr. Style neglected to water anything....yet the idea of living the 'Good Life' (British tv show from the Seventies) will not pass.

I'm planning on planting in raised beds... cherry tomatoes, arugula and strawberries. Then in my already beautifully painted pots that used to house succulents at our old house (they've since died - yes I can't keep a plant designed for the desert alive IN the desert) I will plant basil, oregano, mint, cilantro and rosemary.

I figured this was a good start and that any remaining pots can receive new succulents.

It'll be a longish process for sure that will unfortunately have to begin with a lot of weed pulling...they'll grow apparently...must be all the rain & a big clean up. But I'll keep you posted with some before and after pictures.

The beautiful picture above is one I snapped quickly on my phone, it's a garden in Culver City that is a veritable wonderland of fancy things and wildness... I dream of a garden like that!

Stylesmith Spring/Summer 2010: Holiday Romance: The Notebook Fascinator

2010-02-24T18:33:00.000-08:00

Ok...the best piece in this new collection (I know I made it...obsessed with this myself) and the one pictured has already gone! A felt fascinator stitched to look like a sheet of notepaper, in blue and red cotton on white felt, with 'I love you' hand embroidered along one line....

These will be made to order and obviously due to the handstitching (no templates here!) each on will be slightly different. They'll retail at $40.

Stylesmith Spring/Summer 2010: Holiday Romance: Veiled Fascinators

2010-02-22T22:25:00.000-08:00

Last set of updates for the day..later in the week I'll show you my more nautical themed items for the Holiday Romance Collection and my new (well updated) jewelry line!

These candy colour fascinators are trimmed with a little pouf of vintage veiling and will retail at $34 each.

Night night folks ; )

Stylesmith Spring/Summer 2010: Holiday Romance: PolkaDot Fascinators

2010-02-22T21:06:00.000-08:00

Adorable, even if I do say so myself : ) these are the new fascinators for the new Stylesmith Spring/Summer 2010 collection.

Felt fascinators with tiny hand embroidered polkadots in contrasting pastel colours. Coming soon and retailing at $32.

Stylesmith Spring/Summer 2010: Holiday Romance: Pom Pom Hats!

2010-02-22T18:06:00.000-08:00

Pom Pom Hats! One of my favourite additions to the new collection. Felt fascinators, with handmade pom poms in contrasting colours!

They'll be available soon and retail at $34!

p.s thanks to Sandra D at Debutante Clothing for the beautiful vintage dresses.

Stylesmith Spring/Summer 2010: Holiday Romance: Cameo Bolo Ties

2010-02-22T15:40:00.000-08:00

More previews of the new Stylesmith Spring/Summer Collection with my new Vintage Cameo Bolo Ties. Delicate, pretty and a little bit different, they'll be available soon retailing at $18 each.

Stylesmith Spring/Summer 2010: Holiday Romance: Velvet & Lace

2010-02-22T14:37:00.000-08:00

Some more pictures from the new collection! Sweet velvet bows in pretty pastels, with a swish of vintage veiling all on a little plastic comb. Coming soon and retailing at $12.

Stylesmith Spring/Summer 2010: Holiday Romance: Cotton Candy Bows

2010-02-22T12:20:00.000-08:00

The first photo's from the Stylesmith Spring/Summer 2010 Collection: 'Holiday Romance' are here! They'll be available in store soon!
I'll be updating the this blog with pictures throughout the day and they'll be available in the store soon! These tulle bows will retail at $14 each.

Kelsi x

More Peeks..I'm on a Roll

2010-02-05T12:23:00.000-08:00

More sneak peeks! Please excuse the iphone shots! Pictured above the cute Pom Pom Hats! Pictured below embroidering the polkadot hats and what they look like so far (still have to embroider the yellow and add veiling!)

Another Sneak Peek!!

2010-02-05T11:58:00.000-08:00

Another sneak peek on the run up to the big shoot on Tuesday!

This time shoe jazz! These little gems will brighten up any shoes for only $12! Whoop whoop!

The bows are coming in green, pink, lilac, black, baby blue, and yellow (pictured) and these fab rosettes are made from vintage millinery trims....meant for your head I thought they'd be better for your toes!

Available soon!

xxx

Stylesmith does Bridal!

2010-02-04T11:33:00.001-08:00

The Stylesmith Bridal collection is complete and will be available in store shortly! Here's a peak of what to expect! I wanted to create Bridal collection that was chic, quirky and affordable and I think I hit the mark!

The full collection can currently be seen on my Flickr account here!

Pictured above, baby pleated silk dupioni fascinator - $32

Tie on veil, with coloured chenille dots - $18

Pink Flower Fascinator covered in Pink Veiling - $36

Beaded Peacock Feather Headband - $29

Gold Veiled Flower Fascinator - $40

Another Sneak Peek!!

2010-01-30T14:51:00.000-08:00

Another little sneak peek of the new collection! These tulle bows are created using a whole yard of tulle so they're really 'poufy', very fun! Plus they'll be super affordable at $14 so you can get one in every colour!

Available in store by mid February!

More Sneak Peeks of the New Collection!

2010-01-18T16:22:00.000-08:00

All the supplies ready to go! Felt, veiling, chennile, velvet ribbon....it looks like Easter - a super classy Easter though right?

'Bolo Sequin Bowties' - I'm in love with these myself!

'Bolo Sequin Bowties' Detail

Lots more to come - I'm shooting the collection by the end of the month to be in store by Mid February! Also Stylesmith has a new look! Check out the new logo and design in the Stylesmith store and the Etsy store.

Stylesmith: Spring/Summer 2010 Sketches

2010-01-10T17:32:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd post a few sketches of the new collection, yes I'm well aware I can't draw (neither could Coco Chanel so there's hope yet) but I know what they're supposed to llok like, and you get the general idea.

Pictured Above: an embroidered polkadot fascinator with contrasting polkadot veiling.

A convertible hairbow/necktie

The Polkadot Hat

Pom Pom Fascinators

Mahussive Stylesmith Winter Sale!

2010-01-04T17:53:00.000-08:00

There's a massive sale going on at Stylesmith at the moment! In the Main store use the discount code: SALE and get 30% in the Etsy store the items below are hugely discounted (prices start at $6!) plus 30% still applies!

There are also huge discounts plus 30% off in the vintage store - so go buy quick - this is for a limited time only!

A New Year. A New You?

2010-01-01T13:51:00.000-08:00

I just posted this over at Dedicated and since it included some personal goals etc I thought I'd post it here too. Happy New Year!

***

Happy New Year Y'all!

So a new year is upon us and it's that time again to make promises to yourself that you may or may not keep. I for one get excited at the promise you feel when a new year begins, even if that promise is as empty as your promise to cut back on the cheese.

A New Year brings with it a chance to start afresh, make new plans, let go of old insecurities, the chance to embrace a new you.

Of course this can all often feel so trite, really what's going to be so different today from yesterday? The only year I chose to forego making a new years resolution I met and married my husband. But even then I still made quiet promises to myself, lose some weight, get a better job. It's as if however cynical you may be about keeping/breaking resolutions for the new year you're still naturally inclined to hope for a change however big or small.

So with that said. Some resolutions for the New Year.

For the Blog:

Increase our productivity (i.e post more often!)
Increase our readership
Finally introduce our various new series!

For My Career:

Start acting again (it's my first love)
Write more frequently.
Get out more - lol
Expand Stylesmith (website, wholesale orders, seasonal collections)

For Me:

Lose weight (trite I know but I'd like my clothes to fit!)
Exercise more (to get healthy)
Organise and re-evaulate my wardrobe (this would start with tidying my room)
Get off the couch and go on 'local adventures'

My most important resolution applies to every aspect of my life. Don't be afraid. I think it's something we can all take to heart.

In my career don't be afraid to push and shout for what I want. In my life don't be afraid to get out, meet people and make friendships, in my wardrobe (this is a fashion blog after all) I can't be afraid to go for the unusual.

If you'd asked me ten years ago if I'd ever be afraid of anything, I would have answered sharks, spiders, drowning maybe? But I never thought maturity would bring with a different kind of fear. It's a silly fear bred from insecurity and I will not let it make me afraid to live my life.

So with that in mind, it's going to be a great year, wouldn't you say?!

Love,

Kelsi x

(P.S Photo Credit: I cannot remember for the life of me where I found this gorgeous photograph - if you have a clue let me know!)

Designing the New Collection & Some Advice Needed

2009-12-30T15:33:00.000-08:00

I've never really had a design process, it's a question I'm always asked in interviews and I never have an answer, "umm I just have an idea and I umm make it?"

Well, for the first two initial collections Bird on Wire and Cocktail Collection this process worked. The collections are almost two years old and people still love them and still buy them. However the subsequent collections, 'Royal Anarchy' and 'RGB' not so much (the Sparkle Hats not included - people love em!)

So with this in mind I'm tired of throwing money at a collection and then having to sell it all at clearance because nobody loves it but me. I've actually decided to implement a design process for the new collection which will be Stylesmith's first seasonal collection. An actual Spring/Summer 2010 Collection based off some of my early jewelry designs, entitled, 'Holiday Romance'

I started with a story, a feeling. This is how all my collections start, I tend to treat them as a character in a film, this film is starring Audrey Hepburn, and is my personal version of Roman Holiday, but in full technicolour.

Then I began sketching (which I'll post at a later date) Heavy on the whimsy, but retaining a certain amount of simplicity, which I believe is what makes my hats wearable. I knew I wanted bows, polkadots and pom poms, so I worked them into some designs, thinking all the while about fabrics - wool felt, veiling, silk dupioni. Then I start to think about colours. This is where it's get's hard for me, an avid fan of colour I want to do each design in a thousand colours. Financially and practically it's just not possible so I begin to limit them. I've ended up with eight new designs in several colours.

I'm now at the production stage. Because I'm not usually into a process, I don't normally have to deal with the reality of making what I have concocted in my head work in practice. Usually I just play and if it works it works.

So it's at this point where I'm struggling especially when it comes to colour. I spent yesterday making a ton of pom poms only to realise that once the wool was pom pom-ified the colours were lost and looked pretty awful together. I wanted to have colours reminiscent of gelato, instead I got an 80's melange of mismatched colours (partly due to not being able to find exactly what I wanted in my local Michaels)

So back to the drawing board. Above are the colours I want and will hopefully get (it's the internet you have to prepare for some misnomers) and I would love some feedback before I order and end up with even more wronged poms!

I'd like to know a) what you think of the colours themselves b) of the combos?

Sorry I've rambled. Hopefully you'll find it interesting and even useful.

Love,

Kelsi xoxo

As Seen On: VintJunky

2009-12-29T12:39:00.000-08:00

How fab does Vintage E-tailer and all round style guru blogger lady - VintJunky - look in the Stylesmith Swallow in Flight Hat? Sooo fab!

Check out her blog here and her store here

Have you got pics of you wearing Stylesmith creations?! Send 'em over I'd love to see!

Love,

Kelsi x

Christmas at the Stylesmith's

2009-12-26T20:27:00.001-08:00

I know it's been forever since I posted...I'm bad, I'm awful. Hopefully you've all been checking in at Dedicated so you're not missing me too much ; )

Thought I'd take a minute to wish you all Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year and share some snaps from our Christmas.

The Tree:

The Fireplace:

The Presents (well a little example!)

The Food:

Christmas Cupcakes!

Tofurkey Dinner!

Hope Y'all had a lovely Holiday!

Kelsi x

Black Friday - Cyber Monday at Stylesmith

2009-11-24T10:33:00.000-08:00

Huge sale at Stylesmith begins this Thursday and runs through Monday!

Visit the Stylesmith store and use the following the codes to access some fab discounts!

Buying one item? Take 10% off using this code: BUY1
Buying two items? Take 15% off using this code: BUY2
Buying three (or more) items? Take 20% off using this code: BUY3

If you prefer to shop the Stylesmith etsy store then use the same codes in message to seller at checkout and the discount will be refunded to your Paypal within 24 hours.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

P.S If you're not a fan of Stylesmith on Facebook what are you waiting for?!

What's New(ish) In Store

2009-11-15T16:17:00.000-08:00

The RGB collection is in-store now!

Graffiti Feather Earrings: From $12
Fascinators: From $29
Jewelry (hand dyed): From $20

Available in both the Etsy Store and the Main Store.

Me Me ME.

2009-11-15T10:48:00.000-08:00

I know, I know it's all been getting a little narcissistic round here lately hasn't it? Sorry just very busy preparing for UniqueLA (I'm super excited) Well I guess it IS the STYLESMITH blog...

Just uploaded my second ever look to lookbook.nu, I'd love ya'll forever if you click on this link and hype it up.... you just need either a twitter or facebook (or lookbook) account and to be logged in...

Click here to hype me.

Oh and if you're not following me on Twitter.... you should be!

Follow me here.

Love,

Kelsi x

Stylesmith Does Bag Lady!

2009-11-13T14:23:00.001-08:00

Sneak peek of the new Stylesmith Bag Lady collection! Quilted Fabric Purses that will (when finished) have a super long chain handle.... I'm a little in love with them myself.

Available soon in the Etsy shop.... $25 each!

I Dyed My Hair...

2009-11-01T20:58:00.001-08:00

That is all : )

LAFW MIA

2009-10-18T12:04:00.001-07:00

I've gone MIA again...sorry. I know I promised I wouldn't but I've been covering LA Fashion Week for Dedicated and got muchos distracted.

In case you missed me above is a really strange picture of me...you know one where you don't even recognise yourself. I'm rocking an 80's Glam Rock vibe and supping champagne from a plastic cup between shows. Classy wouldn't you say?! I'll be posting a tutorial for my fancy epaulets on the Dedicated blog later (done in 10 minutes and for under $5 you should definitely check it out!)

I'll be back posting soon but in the mean time do run over the Dedicated Follower of Fashion and see what we've been up to!

Homemade Nutella!

2009-10-10T13:52:00.000-07:00

raw hazelnuts

Yes, I actually made nutella this week. Impressive non? Now when I first found this recipe I was super excited. But I do have to add this disclaimer, this particular recipe is not an exact nutella duplicate. The flavour is more bitter, I think this has a lot to do with type of cocoa I used and the lack of dairy in the recipe. It is also a lot thicker in texture, again this could be dependent on the power behind my blender.

I do prefer the 'real' nutella, but I'm the kind of person that prefers milk chocolate over dark, so that explains that.

So with this in mind, homemade nutella:

What you need:

1 cup of hazelnuts
4 tablespoons of cocoa
6 tablespoons of maple syrup (I used pancake syrup as it was what I had)
4 teaspoons of vanilla extract

The first step is to roast the hazelnuts, do this for about ten minutes in an oven at 350˚F. Once roasted transfer to a paper towel and let cool for ten minutes.

roasted hazelnuts

After the hazelnuts have cooled down, it's time to remove the skins, to loosen them up get another paper towel (you can use a dishcloth) and rub the skins loose. Pick off any remaining skin. Not all the skins will come off.

naked hazelnuts

Once the skins are removed pop them in the blender and blend until you have a thick butter. Depending on the speed and power of your blender this process can take a really really long time. I tried but I was either impatient or it was just never going to happen. So mine didn't end up as buttery as I believe it's supposed to be.

At this point add your other ingredients and blend until smooth.

almost nutella

The above picture is what it looked like during the process. At this point I did taste test it and found it to be too bitter for my tastes and added a little more syrup and a little more cocoa, but this time I used Nestle Toll house Cocoa as opposed to the premium ghirardelli cocoa I had used previously. This improved the flavour. I then blended some more.

nutella!

Spoon into a jar and eat up! I got this recipe (and doubled it) from the Steph Chows blog here, I do have another recipe for nutella that is a little more complicated that I will try when this jar is all eaten up so stay tuned!

nutella in a jar

The Morning of Our Lives

2009-10-07T16:07:00.000-07:00

=

When my husband and I first got married almost three years ago (the latest wedding was the big affair for all the family) we eloped to Vegas. On the journey home Scott played me this simple song that had made him think of me.

It's gone on to be my inspirational anthem. I listen to it whenever I'm down, or need a burst of energy and it really works. It's makes me smile, it makes me teary eyed. But ultimately it motivates me and picks me up.

The song is 'The Morning of Our Lives' by Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers and today I feel like sharing.

So have a listen and let me know how it inspires you.

Love,

Kelsi x

Generations of Stylesmith

2009-10-02T22:45:00.001-07:00

At my recent wedding it was wonderful to have all my family together. Aren't they a beautiful bunch?!

On the run up to the wedding I found myself fulfilling some very special Stylesmith orders... for them!

They're the perfect models to prove that there is no such thing as too old or too young to wear Stylesmith. My Grandma (top right pictured with my Papa) looked devastatingly gorgeous in her navy fascinator (on a headband - ultra wearable!) with vintage navy veiling. My dear Mummy (bottom left on the left) looked sensational in her modified 'Hummingbird' made extra special with vintage veiling.

My niece who is made of adorable rocked her lime green headband trimmed with vintage daisies (pictured top left with my equally adorable nephew) which matched her Converse perfectly! My bridesmaids (Lauren - centre left and Josie bottom left pic in the centre) looked super pretty in their combs with vintage daisies and vintage veiling and my gorgeous older sister (bottom left on the right) artfully modelled an organza and vintage veiling flower brooch on her pretty dress (tutorial coming soon!)

Then of course the Bride (that'd be me then...) topped off her (my - took the third person too far) with a juliet cap, which I custom made from wire and vintage daisy lace.

Everything pictured was made specially for them but if you want something similar for your big day or other big or small event - let me know!

(if you want to see the picture bigger just click on it!)

Say Cheese...?

2009-09-29T18:38:00.001-07:00

So today I made cheese...I actually, from scratch, made a block of cheese. How cool is that?

The cheese I made was Queso Blanco, a cheese that doesn't melt and can be fried and grilled. This method is also used to make Paneer, but you skip the salt step.

It was surprisingly easy and can be made from ingredients that you likely have in your kitchen.

You Will Need:

1 Gallon of Milk (I ended up unable to use the full gallon as my pan was not big enough)

1/4-1/2 Cup of Vinegar (I used Apple Cider Vinegar)

Salt to taste

Cheesecloth

Pour your entire gallon of milk into your pan and heat until foamy and slightly simmering. Whilst the milk is heating up you can prepare the cheesecloth over the colander. Like so:

Once your milk has reached it's foamy, simmering state turn down the heat and drizzle in your vinegar. When you do this the curds will start to separate from the whey. You may not need all your vinegar. I made the mistake of using all the vinegar suggested...i.e too much, which has made it a little stinky and a little tart.

It should look like this:

Heat for another 10 seconds or so and remove from the heat. Ladle the separated curds into your cheesecloth lined colander and leave to drain for about 20 minutes. It should look like so:

After 20 minutes pick up the corners of the cheesecloth and wring out the remaining whey. Add your salt to taste. And actually taste. I made the mistake of not tasting and was way too frugal with my salt. Don't be afraid of the salt! Mix in the salt thoroughly.

Tie the corners of your cheesecloth to create a loop and hang from somewhere, a faucet (tap) is ideal. Like so:

After an hour the cheese is technically ready to eat! However if you wish to cook with it or want a firmer cheese then pop your bundle back into the colander and weight it down. The tutorial I used suggested putting a plate over the cheese and filling the empty milk bottle with water and using that as a weight. I didn't use all my milk and didn't have a plate small enough to fit in my colander so I just filled a jug with water and put it on top!

Leave for 1-2 hours and voila - Queso Blanco - cheese! Eat right away or refrigerate immediately (which will firm in furthur) Finished cheese is pictured at the very top of this post!

I found this recipe on the Urban Cheesecraft blog, she also has an Etsy store selling kits to make this whole process EVEN easier.... I will certainly be trying out some other cheeses after this!

I'm Back....

2009-09-29T16:18:00.001-07:00

So I have returned and now feel properly married. Above is a sneak peek of our fun and frivolous wedding day...many more to come.

I promise I will update this blog more frequently from this day forward so stay tuned!

Amazing Hollywood Giveaway over at Dedicated!

2009-08-26T16:40:00.000-07:00

Dear readers, I (Stylesmith) have managed to score the most awesome Dedicated Follower of Fashion giveaway to date. How would you like to be one of the first to see 'Bright Star' a brand new movie starring Abbie Cornish and Ben Wishaw?

Bright Star, one of the most highly praised films at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, is a portrait of love and loss between the 19^th-century Romantic poet John Keats and the 18-year-old muse next door,Fanny Brawne. The film’s title comes from a love poem for Brawne, which Keats wrote in the flyleaf of his copy of the works of Shakespeare. Jane Campion’s return to the big screen features outstanding performances from Abbie Cornish (Stop-Loss, Elizabeth: The Golden Age) as Brawne, Ben Whishaw (I’m Not There, Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, Brideshead Revisited) as Keats, Paul Schneider (NBC’s “Parks & Recreation,” Lars and the Real Girl, Away We Go) as Charles Armitage Brown and Kerry Fox (Intimacy) as Mrs. Brawne.

The two lucky winners of this giveaway will win two pairs of tickets to an exclusive screening of the film in Los Angeles on September 9th at 7.30pm. Unfortuantely I won't be there to join you as I'll be in England, however I hope to send the lovely Brittan as a representative in my place!

To enter just run over to the Dedicated Follower of Fashion blog and leave your name and email! One entry per day per person. Winners will be chosen at random on September 2nd!

Photographing the RGB Collection

2009-08-06T18:55:00.000-07:00

So dear readers I have a quandry.

Today I began photographing the jewelry section of the new RGB collection for Stylesmith. Now I'm an avid photographer, but I do fashion photography and I have the hardest time photographing still life, or product photography.

With the RGB collection the vast majority of it is one of a kind items (due to the hand dyed and natural elements) so photographing the items on a model is neither time nor cost effective.

So... I'm now at a point where I'm torn between the first set up (the pink) or the second set up (the chalkboard) or maybe mixing the two a la the third grouping...

Dear readers: HELP!

Tiffin!

2009-07-30T10:52:00.000-07:00

Tiffin is basically my favourite snack time treat. It's ridiculously yummy, and like most things that are both yummy and English, impossible to obtain in the US.

So...I took it upon myself to make some the other day (which is all gone and Mr.Style demanded I made more, so yesterday I made a second batch!)

It was both easy and yet more complicated than I expected. I had assumed you mix cookies, raisins and melted chocolate in a pan and then put it in the fridge - nope....making it made me realise why it's so yummy!

Ingredients:

- Approx 2o Digestive Biscuits (these are English cookies, you can buy them at World Market, they make the best Tiffin but you could try other cookies)
- Handful of Raisins
- 1 stick of butter
- 2 Tablespoons of Sugar
- 2 1/2 Tablespoons of Cocoa (or drinking chocolate)
- 2 Tablespoons of Golden Syrup (available at World Market or you can just use pancake syrup)
- 10oz of Milk Chocolate

What to Do:

-Melt butter with the sugar and the syrup on a low heat in a pan.

-Add the raisins and the drinking chocolate and bring to the boil. Let it bubble and thicken for 2-3 minutes without scorching the butter.

-Put the biscuits (cookies) in a ziploc bag and crumble, you can hammer it with a rolling pin, but I prefer to just break them with hands so that it's not too powdery. You want some chunks, but not too big or the mixture won't stick together.

-Add the crumbs to the mixture and mix them all up making sure to coat all of the crumbs. It needs to be wet enough to stick together but not too wet to slop about! (if you find the mixture is too wet you can refrigerate it for 10 minutes, but you may end up with congealed butter bits as it generally means it's not mixed enough)

-Line a brownie pan (square pan) with parchment paper and fill the pan with the mix. Use a metal spoon to press the mix into the pan.

-Melt the milk chocolate, don't boil! And pour the melted chocolate over the mixture in the pan.

-Pop in the refrigerator for about an hour and voila! Tiffin!

Enjoy...we did!

Dyed Gemstones!

2009-07-27T11:39:00.000-07:00

After lots and lots of trial and error (so much so the launch of this collection had to be pushed back to the end of the month!) the gems are dyed, polished and lacquered.

I dyed, magnesite, howlite, shell and coral, with coral and magnesite being the most successful in terms of colour.

It's a messy, multi level process which left my kitchen somewhat skanky for about a week, but overall I was pleased with the results. (p.s don't stupidly wear white clothes and wear gloves if you ever dye anything)

The colours are not quite as bright as I had initially hoped for, but I like they're very very pretty nonetheless. In fact I've fallen in love with them a little bit!

See them in some new creations at the end of the month in store! Each piece made with them will be a one of kind dues to the nature of dyeing gems!

Giveaway at Dedicated Follower of Fashion!

2009-07-25T14:37:00.001-07:00

Run over to Dedicated Follower of Fashion to enter the Stylesmith giveaway! Do it quick!

Graffiti? On Feathers? Seriously?

2009-07-24T22:41:00.000-07:00

New hand painted feather earrings, a sneak peak from the new RGB (Rocks, Gems and Butterflies) collection at Stylesmith! They'll be listed in the store by the end of the month

(though if you want one earlier do let me know, it can be arranged!)

Single feather earrings 80's styley-o. The biggest ones are 8 inches long. Not for the faint hearted!

Prices will range $10-$15

Celebrating Erica's Birthday at Dodgers Stadium!

2009-07-19T21:59:00.000-07:00

Erica opening and enjoying her presents!

Myself and Mr. Style watching the game.

Dodgers vs Astros

LL Cool J, dropping by to wish Erica a Happy Birthday (hee hee! he was in the next box down - Erica's Dad knew his agent)

Fireworks to end the night set to The Beatles (couldn't be more perfect for Erica - she's obsessed!)

Altogether a fantastic night, and Erica had a blast - Happy Birthday Erica!

Advertise at Dedicated Follower of Fashion!

2009-07-19T21:54:00.000-07:00

We're still accepting sponsors over at Dedicated! Our sponsors help keep us running, keep our photo shoots rolling and help us meet our general overheads!

As well as getting you some prime advertising space on one of the coolest up and coming fashion blogs out there! The past month has seen our daily unique views double to approximately 200 hits a day with some days hitting almost 700! But our price is staying the same. $10 will buy you one month of advertising in our sidebar (that's $2.50 a week or 33¢ a day!), with a given space of 150 pixels wide by 100 pixels tall. If you're interested in a space of a different size, just let us know and we'll see what we can do!

So drop us a line at kelsi@stylesmithonline.com and let's get going!

Happy Birthday Erica!

2009-07-17T17:57:00.000-07:00

So I spent some of yesterday and most of today putting together Erica's (the young woman with autism that I care for) birthday present! She's a plus size girly girl and to be honest the department stores don't always meet her fabulous taste!

So for birthdays I've been putting my sewing skills to the test and making her little outfits! This dress is put together based on the tutorial I found at Pretty Ditty here.

Sorry for the poor quality pictures - I was in a hurry! We're now off to Dodgers Stadium to watch a baseball game from a VIP box to celebrate her birthday!

Happy Birthday Erica!

Stylesmith at Renegade!

2009-07-16T15:20:00.000-07:00

Had a fantastic time at Renegade, making lots of new friends and a ton of new customers!

The space was absolutely huge, but luckily even with the short notice still managed to bring enough stuff to fill the booth! (plus we were lucky and managed to wangle an extra table!)

For the best of the venodrs and some stylish Stylesmith customers check out my Renegade post at Dedicated Follower of Fashion!

Feeling a Bit Renegade!

2009-07-10T09:18:00.001-07:00

In case you've all been wondering where I am....on Tuesday I received an email from the lovely folks over at Renegade, they'd had a last minute cancellation and wanted Stylesmith to join them. Needless to say, no time for blogging this week!

I feel like a one woman factory and my hands are red raw.

But we'd love to see you there this weekend! You can check out more info here

It's Pimms O'Clock! The Perfect Recipe

2009-06-30T10:36:00.000-07:00

This week finds us half way through the best fortnight in tennis- Wimbledon! Every year I usually throw a Wimbledon party, we eat scones and strawberries and cream, I make a huge Victoria Sponge, we play Wii tennis and we drink jugs and jugs of Pimms.

Pimm's was first produced in 1823, by James Pimm. Pimm offered the tonic, (a gin-based drink containing quinine and a secret mixture of herbs) as an aid to digestion, serving it in a small tankard known as a "No. 1 Cup", hence its subsequent name. (For more history see it's Wikipedia page!)

Pimms is the perfect, quintessential English summer time drink. It's thirst quenching and surprisingly strong. One of those tastes so good, it will get you drunk quick so watch out!

You will need:

1 Jug/Pitcher & glasses
1 bottle of Pimms
Lemonade (carbonated - in the US I have found Sprite or Squirt works best, you can also use Ginger ale)
3 cups Strawberries
1-2 Apples
1-2 Oranges
1 Lemon
1 Cucumber
Several sprigs of Mint

To Make:

Chop the apples, oranges and lemon into quarters, the strawberries and cucumber into cubes and throw it all in the jug.

Pour into the jug two cups of Pimms, now I usually eye ball it but supposedly it's supposed to be two cups....I usually cover at least the fruit.

Then add four cups of your English lemonade, or Sprite type alternative. Or if you're eyeballing then just dilute your Pimms!

Gather your Mint sprigs and smack the leaves between your palms, this release the smell and flavour without crushing up the mint and leaving it all bitty in your drink.

Add to the jug. Stir. Pour. Drink. Ah.....

Enjoy!

Festival Collection

2009-06-29T14:55:00.000-07:00

A new collection from Stylesmith! And something completely different!

Straw fedoras! These vintage fedoras have had an upgrade! I used petersham grosgrain and managed to strain my shoulder working the soft curve (seriously pushing, pulling, pressing, these fedoras were hard work!) and each fedora has their own special trimming...vintage, straw, feathers.... all one of a kind.

Depending on how popular these are I make bring more in as time goes on, despite the strain it was quite freeing to make one of kinds, and not worry about the pressure to be able to reproduce them!

They are modeled by my lovely intern Brittan ( a gem who's been helping me with Dedicated and my organisation skills)

The full collection can be seen below and purchased in the Stylesmith etsy store!

Sneak Peek! New Collection in Progress!

2009-06-26T16:46:00.001-07:00

Rock, Gems & Butterflies is my newest collection, currently in progress, and hitting the store by the middle of July.

The name says it all, shiny, sparkly and beautiful in a magical array of colours, I've been excited about this one for awhile! It will include jewelry, hair combs and these lovely little jeweled fascinators.

Yay.

Summer Additions to Bird on a Wire

2009-06-20T15:23:00.000-07:00

The new summery additions to the Stylesmith: Bird on a Wire collection are now here. Gorgeous pastels and super unusual feather combos...

I love it, I hope you all do to!

I currently have a straw collection in progress which I'm very very excited about and a Rocks, Gems and Butterflies collection will will be out in the next couple of weeks!!!

Yay.

To celebrate if you mention my blog in your message to seller I will refund your shipping costs whether it's domestic or international!

But for now you can shop Stylesmith here

The Full Collection.

Giveaway at Dedicated!

2009-06-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

Hey All! If you haven't done this already, you must you must you must!

Run over to Dedicated Follower of Fashion and enter our beyond awesome giveaway with Lisa Romero from Paperbullet!

An original piece of art created just for our readers!

Winners will be drawn on Wednesday.

Whilst you're there be sure to check out our newest editorial shoot 'Miami Woman'

Shooting for Dedicated Follower of Fashion

2009-06-10T21:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterdays shoot for Dedicated Follower of Fashion is more than a little tongue in cheek. A Miami housewife who does EVERYTHING in a bikini?!

Yup.

This really blown out image whilst awesome, was a complete accident. Not where we actually went with the shoot, but I thought I'd share it nonetheless.

It was a fun shoot spent working with both children and animals, we proved the theory wrong and had a lot of fun.

The behind the scenes shots are up at Dedicated and the shoot should be posted by Friday.

Yay!

New York with Erica

2009-06-08T15:44:00.000-07:00

As many of you know I am a companion to young woman with autism. A few weeks ago we took our annual trip to New York.

Yesterday we put together these collages of some of our favourite days and I thought I'd share them with you. Enjoy!

Sample Sale at Stylesmith

2009-06-07T14:53:00.000-07:00

In an effort to move my old stock and forgotten designs (and making room for the new collections!) Stylesmith is having a huge sample sale, various feather headbands, fascinators and some jewelry under $15.

Go grab some bargains while you can!

www.stylesmith.etsy.com

Sorella Bella

2009-05-31T13:16:00.001-07:00

A little post, and a little different, this post is dedicated to my beautiful little sister, whom I love very much. She's over in England so I only get to see her once a year.

Miss you lots and lots JoFlo.

Not only is she stunningly gorgeous, as evidenced by these beautiful industry photos taken by Nicky Chadwick, but she is super talented too!

Check out this site that has her singing!

Love you Josie x

Memorial Day Weekend and My Diana

2009-05-23T10:28:00.000-07:00

So I'm back from New York City and my film is back from the shop! I love the accidental art that the Diana camera is capable of producing. How gorgeous is this double image from our Tea Party shoot that I did for Dedicated Follower of Fashion?

I was so pleased.

I also got my cross processed film back from the shop from the same shoot, my favourites (and one more Diana shot) are below.

Also over in the Stylesmith shop I have a fantastic memorial day weekend offer going on, buy one get one half price and free domestic and worldwide shipping on orders over $75.

Fabulous.

Taken with the Diana Camera

Taken with 35mm slide film and cross processed.

Sneak Peek!

2009-05-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

A little sneak peek of the Bird on a Wire summer additions, which should be available in the store in the next few weeks!

The older collection will still be available along with these brighter, more summery feather headbands, perfect for those summer weddings. As well as the Swallow in Flight fascinator in new colours and the small version will now be available in all colours.

I'm excited to get these shot and up!

I'm off to NYC tomorrow so I'll see you in a week!

Girl Friday - Dedicated Editorial

2009-05-11T23:54:00.000-07:00

Here's a snippet from the newest Dedicated Follower of Fashion editorial. It's my favourite so far.

What do you think? Pop over there and let us know!

(and while you're there enter our awesome giveaway - it's over on Friday!)

I love all of these....

2009-05-04T21:23:00.000-07:00

My new favourite bag designer is on Etsy.

I love the colours, the quirkiness, the smooth lines, the heartiness whilst still retaining it's girly glory?

Did I say too much?

Sorry I am in love.

Quejimenez? Be mine?

Prices from $55-$325

Available here.

2009-04-29T11:07:00.000-07:00

Hey all, over at Dedicated we're now offering monthly spots for sponsors!

Here's the scoop:
Dedicated Follower of Fashion is in it's first few months and we already have a following of our own.
We get approximately 100 hits a day, with a high of 217 and a low of 43.
Not bad eh? Well we're proud.

$10 will get you a sidebar ad, 150 pixels wide by 100 pixels tall for one whole month!
And hopefully a good few clicks, this month Dedicated will be advertising itself so we're hoping to double our numbers and your's at the same time!

If you're interested just drop me an email: kelsi@stylesmithonline.com

We're also open to your story's and submissions so drop us a line!

Feed Your Soul - Free Art!

2009-04-27T20:45:00.000-07:00

I love free things. There's no doubt about it. And free art. Well that's just fabulous.

Especially when it's from these amazing artists.

'Feed Your Soul' is a free art project run by the peeps behind Indie Fixx and it is just fabulous! So go! Download to your hearts content!

Yummy Pavlova

2009-04-25T12:00:00.000-07:00

So on Easter Sunday (yes this is a long time coming) I decided to attempt a childhood favourite of mine. Pavlova.

It's basically a huge meringue (or littler ones) filled with whipped cream and fruit. The recipe is simple enough but somehow hard to achieve perfection with.

Mine, started to tan in the oven so I took it out earlier, so it was still a little soft in the middle, it also began to crack overnight. But softness and aesthetics aside, it was soooooo yummy. I can't wait to make it again! And the fruit from the farmers market was just perfect!

(any tips for avoid browning/softness/cracking would be much appreciated!)

I used this recipe.

Ahoy There Sailor!

2009-04-24T21:20:00.000-07:00

I just spent a long but wonderful day on the beach shooting the latest shoot for Dedicated Follower of Fashion.

It was a fabulous day down in Malibu, which certainly wasn't expected on the drive out there with sky full of clouds! So much so none of us brought sunscreen. Big mistake and my red back is paying for it.

This cheeky little picture isn't particularly reflective our 'Girl Friday', 'Shipwrecked Siren' theme but we could resist pulling out our inner campiness just for one little picture!

See the full and beautiful shoot on May 15th at Dedicated Follower of Fashion!

Happy St George's Day

2009-04-23T21:27:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling homesick and extremely patriotic with my pint of cider. (and just a little tipsy)

Today is my sister's birthday and Shakespeare's birthday and the anniversary of Shakespeare's death.

And it's also St George's Day. St George is the patron saint of England - the one that killed the dragon!

Have a little listen to the below video it's one of my favourite songs and makes me a little weepy!

Belles Lettres

2009-04-19T13:23:00.001-07:00

So a little while, maybe a full year ago in fact, a fell a little bit for Belles Lettres, a seller on Etsy. She had created a kit called 'Know Your Corbusier' a series of laminated flash cards intent on teaching one the basic classics of Mid Century Modern Furniture.

The light humour and design bent made me squeal. And at some point I really must buy a set for my brother (the purveyor behind Homespun)

Today perusing Belles Lettres' store I was more than a little bit blown away. This is now a fully fledged love. I am fascinated as to what this girl can do with a laminator.

I adore the decoupaged Matroshka dolls, the bags, the dresses. Wow. Clearly a step in a very good direction. And I'm kind of wanting to purchase a laminator..though I don't see a chance in hell of achieving the kind of greatness that Belles Lettres presented me with today.

Well done.

(As a side note check out this listing in her store. What an amazing and fascinating project. I wish I could have been an original subscriber. Also you must check out her books, very inspiring.)

Stylesmith Turns One!

2009-04-14T22:56:00.000-07:00

Today (April 15th I'm posting this an hour early) Stylesmith turns One year old!

It's been a whirlwind of a year. To think one year ago I was an out of work actress desperately trying avoid waiting tables (again) with a lot of handmade hats on my hands (it was my hobby)

Who knew the mixture of the two would turn out so well?!

I certainly didn't. But it was a risk that paid off, 300 plus sales later between the two stores!
Now I just have to work out if I can be a working actress with a handmade business! Do you think I can handle it?

Anyhow. To celebrate this lovely anniversary everything in both Stylesmith and Stylesmith Vintage will be 20% off for one day only! With the first five lucky ducks receiving a free gift with purchase!

Just say 'Happy Birthday' in message to seller and the discount will be refunded via Paypal.

Thanks so much for all the support over the past year let's make this one a good un!

Kx

(p.s the pic is from my actual birthday...which I will post about soon I promise!)

California Girl...

2009-04-13T17:21:00.000-07:00

So I've decided something...

I'm an English girl living the California dream. Not the American dream. Very different. In the California dream, you're simply happy. And when you're not happy, you're beautifully melancholy.

(I'm not sure where I found this image, if anyone has the credit I'd be happy to add it)

The Second Dedicated Shoot is Here!

2009-04-09T21:35:00.000-07:00

Tea anyone?

I'm so happy with these results!
Checkout the full shoot at Dedicated Follower of Fashion!

Press Club

2009-04-05T15:29:00.000-07:00

With the first birthday of Stylesmith coming up soon I've been reflecting on the past year and it's success and I realised I have a lot of people to thank for my success.

The obvious ones would be my husband, family and friends, the models, Kate my amazing friend and and make-up artist.

My wonderful customers.

But I am really truly thankful for the great press I have received throughout the past year from all you wonderful bloggers out there.So I have compiled a little list... thanks so much you're all fabulous.

Etsy Wedding

Coco and Kelley

Indie Shopping

A Practical Wedding

Journeys of Mangonett

Rini and Faith

Kelli Green

Big Girls Clothes Horse

Conversation Pieces

Creative Monsoon

The Haute Craftour

Lipstick Lace. Brass Knuckles

Lurrrve is all you need

Amanda Sainsbury

Greetz From Tiz

Susie and Prue

Picture Credits from Clockwise: Vintage Royal Typewriter from AntiNu, Chocolate Brown Typewriter from JessJamesJake, Antique Royal Typewriter from Vintage Tea, IBM Selectric Typewriter from Kelly Hillis, Red Sears Electric Typewriter from Happy Day Vintage, Vintage Pink Typewriter from Bleep

Royal Anarchy on Sale

2009-04-04T18:16:00.000-07:00

The Royal Anarchy is going on vacation from the Etsy store for a little while. So to celebrate it's little getaway it's all on sale.

They're actually selling pretty fast and won't be back till the fall. So be quick and be nifty and grab yours!

Available here.

Etsy Seller in Twilight!

2009-04-03T21:16:00.000-07:00

Maybe this is old news but I thought it was very cool and definitely worthy of a brief Stylesmith feature!

An Etsy seller had her bag in the Twilight movie...

So the geeky teenager in me adored the books, and liked the movie (not remotely up to par with the books in my honest opinion) and I think I would have had a coronary if I spotted one of my hats in the movie...(total geek out moment - Alice in 'The Alice'?!)

Anyhow if you wish to purchase said bag visit the wonderful Stitch and Swash and read the full story in her shop announcement.

Oh and I should mention that the bag is very lovely!

Springtime Floral Inspiration Board

2009-03-29T17:26:00.001-07:00

Springtime florals are everywhere, so I'm feeling quite chuffed about our little shoot yesterday.

In honour of Springtime and the fun fashion it brings I have scoured the internet world (well blogs I read and flickr) to bring you some very pretty inspirations of the fashion photography variety.

1. By MaddieKayBowler via Flickr, 2&3. By Stephen Meisel for Vogue Living via Coco&Kelley 4. By Berna V. via Flickr, 5&6. By Stephen Meisel for Vogue Living via Coco&Kelley, 7. Gemma Ward ID Magazine.

Behind the Scenes with Dedicated Follower of Fashion

2009-03-29T16:33:00.000-07:00

So yesterday we had our second ever photoshoot for Dedicated Follower of Fashion. Featuring Necessity is the Mother, Flowers by Farha, Ten Shillings and Sixpence, myself and many others...

It was a very sunny day, not really the best weather for shooting in natural light, as it creates to many hard lines.. but we battled through.

Here is a sneak peak from behind the scenes, I'm sure Amy at Dedicated will do a more detailed post on the blog. And the full editorial will be posted on Dedicated the first week of April.

Pictured above our model Nicole being adjusted by Kate the make-up artist.

Nicole in make-up
The set (before it was moved darn sun)
Another set
'Behind' the scenes.
Models and Sharon.
The prettiest light test ever.

Valentine Interviews

2009-03-23T14:30:00.000-07:00

I was recently approached by the lovely Ginny Valentine for an interview on her lovely blog...

It took me awhile, Ginny is possibly the most patient person I've ever come across.

Check it out here!

Oh and sorry for my litle hiatus from the blogosphere, it was my birthday and I took a little stay at home/local vacation. Pics to come soon!

Kx

A Pretty Spring

2009-03-05T11:21:00.000-08:00

I'm a bit of a dress hound...I literally have hundreds. Especially pretty floral ones. In fact this season I'm not the only one who's obsessed with them. Florals are all over the place. (I would passionately argue that floral dresses have never been off trend, but that's thanks to my personal passion)

In fact our next editorial shoot over at Dedicated Follower of Fashion will be devoted to them.

But for now check out these pretty little things, pastel shades, cute prints, and of course florals, soo sweet.

Think Spring Darlings!

Main picture: Cassie's Attic - $16.99

The Eves Like Us - $70

The Shabby Atelier - $20

Sweet Tangible - $17

Ruby Bandicoot -$62

I'm A LumberJack...

2009-03-01T14:10:00.000-08:00

Check out our first ever Editorial spread over at the Dedicated Follower of Fashion.

I'm really pleased with the outcome and cannot wait to do the next one!

Florals anyone?!

Have a peak here: www.dedicated.typepad.com

2009-02-26T15:35:00.000-08:00

I'm having a giveaway over at the Coco+Kelley blog... go check it out my lovelies!

Wearing My Art

2009-02-25T21:24:00.000-08:00

Yesterday over at the Dedicated Follower of Fashion blog I wrote about carrying your art...well today a most fortuitous event occurred.
I've blogged about Samantha Hahn (Valentines Eve) before, I adore her illustrations, and today I got the chance to purchase one...on a t-shirt...for ten bucks.

Nice. I'm a happy bunny.

For sale at shirt.woot. But only for a few more hours so grab one quick!

(Edit 2/26 - Still available here for perhaps another week depending on how well it sells but price has gone up to $15)

Oh Prettiness...I heart thee.

2009-02-22T17:18:00.001-08:00

Whilst over at the Dedicated Follower of Fashion blog, blogging away about Etsy finds for the Oscars (here) I had a good look at SarahSeven's Etsy store.

I'd seen them before, (they're seriously all over Etsy and the blogosphere right now, these dresses are hawt!) but I'd never had a really good browse through the store.

I want one. Especially the one in the main pic. I'm utterly in love with the delicate colours and fabrics and utter girliness of these dresses.

I want to go float through a party in one. In fact I want to float through my birthday party in one in next month.... hint hint.

Main Pic - Robins Egg Dress - $355

Peachy Keen Dress - $310
White as Snow Dress - $455
Flock Dress - $248
Powdered Sugar Dress - $375

2009-02-18T11:03:00.000-08:00

If you get a chance pop over to this new blog www.dedicated.typepad.com is a fun collaboration between myself, Amy at Every Little Counts, Sharon Gilligan, a Los Angeles stylist and Kate McCarthy a hair and make up artist also based in LA.

We'll be bringing you the best in fashion and beauty as well as original editorial shoots, tutorials and general ponderings.

So go ahead and bookmark it now, and prepare for greatness!

Edit 2/20: Apparently the link wasn't working! (thanks Lori) Try again.

Happy Valentines Day!

2009-02-14T16:31:00.000-08:00

Sooo as predicted I was unable to get all my hearts and goodness up into the shop before Valentines Day, but I did manage to get it up by Valentines Day, and that's what matters right?

Shout 'lovefest' at me in 'message to seller' at checkout and get your shipping refunded! (only available to USA, Canada, UK, and Australia)

Hat above: 'Valentine' a one of a kind: $35 at stylesmith

Heart Lockets - $30 at stylesmith

Vintage Enamel Tags - $15 at stylesmith

'Now and Forever' and 'Etc Etc Etc' - $15 at stylesmith

Happy Valentines Day Eve!

2009-02-13T20:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day Eve!

To celebrate this glorious weekend of love we're offering free shipping domestic AND international shipping at stylesmith and stylesmithvintage!

Just shout 'lovefest' at me in message to seller and I'll refund the cost via paypal!

The beautiful image above is pinched from the beautiful blog of Samantha Hahn (here) and is part of an 'image a day' collection for Der Bilderklub, whose philosophy is 'A Drawing a Day keeps the doctor away'

I'm in love with it...

I'm hoping they may end up for sale at some point...

(edit - 2/15 - they are up for sale! here

Baking For Valentines

2009-02-10T15:09:00.000-08:00

Making vegan marshmallows has become somewhat of an obsession of mine. Scott, my husband is vegetarian, a devout vegetarian and former vegan.

That means no gelatin.

So I began a mission. Make marshmallows without gelatin.

I trolled blog after blog, site after site, trying to find the solution. Everyone had tried and failed, especially since the discovery that the vegan gelatins on the market were not, in fact, vegan.

That's when I discovered, Angel Food, based in New Zealand. Unable to ship their magic vegan marshmallows, they developed a mix that could be sent worldwide.

So I have purchased said mix, and in a Valentine baking frenzy I have decided to give it a go.

I failed to take pictures of the process, between whisking and panicking about my sugar syrup mix over boiling. But I did take some of the cocoa mess aftermath... They were surprisingly easy to make but quite time consuming.

So Scotty dog these are for you. Vegan Cocoa Mallows. I know you barely care about marshmallows. But hate eating them without you.

I bought mine here.

Valentines Day Gift Guide

2009-02-09T21:56:00.000-08:00

Everyday is Valentine's Day round these parts so I apologise for the lateness of this post. Depending on your location and willingness for shipping charges these may get to you on time.

Over at Stylesmith I am shipping priority so as long as things are ordered by tomorrow they should get there without any problems.

I am of course kicking myself, what with moving and the 'Love Bazaar' I haven't gotten around to listing any of my perfect for Valentine's Day items. But I will soon, for all the other love anytime, anywhere dreamers out there.

But it's better late than never to bear witness to the prettiness and frivolity of these fancy finds.

Get your love on. Anytime.

Above: Print - $18 by Aja at Sagittarius Gallery.

Whimsy&Spice
Little Black Rabbit
Hopeless
Amelia Mae
Every Little Counts

Homesick Part Two.

2009-02-09T18:49:00.000-08:00

In a continuation from yesterdays, homesick for my favourite UK stores I present Topshop.

Topshop has been a staple of mine since my very early teens. They have always been cute, but the past decade they really have pushed the mold as far as fashion goes. Working alongside various designers (many newly graduated) to bring affordable, super stylish clothing.

The price points are a little higher than Primark (dresses start at around $60) but Topshop is available in the US thanks to their new American website. Unfortunately this means they set their exchange rate so we can't take advantage of the plummeting value of the pound but at least we don't have to pine after them...

Available here

Homesick Part One

2009-02-08T20:42:00.000-08:00

At the start of every season I start to miss my homeland (The UK for those that don't know) of course I miss my friends and family but I really miss the fashion. Sometimes I feel like Los Angeles for all it's glitz and glamour misses the mark so easily. Often it has to do with the heat. I know in the summer the last thing I want to do is look hot. I want to just not be hot.

Anyhow I've gone off subject.

It's the time of year when my favourite stores start releasing their new collections.

Today I'm missing Primark. Primark is a cheap as chips department store famous for it's disposable fashion. Keeping you on trend for next to nothing.

The above the beauty would set you back a whole $30 (at the current exchange rate) and the offerings below are priced between $15-$30. Unfortunately they don't sell online. But lucky for me my best friend Lolo is on her way over next month so perhaps she'll find room in her suitcase for a few of these gems... till then I'll just stare at them wistfully.

Tomorrow we'll talk Topshop

(EDIT: I just wanted to be clear that I am not utterly vacuous and of course I miss my family and friends infinitely more than any store in the UK. Apart from Tesco. They have all the chocolate. Joking...)

Worlds Smallest Post Office

2009-02-08T20:03:00.000-08:00

This has to be the cutest thing I have ever seen...

For $8 you (or rather your recipient) will receive a tiny letter, in a tiny envelope, stamped closed with a tiny personalized wax stamp and packaged in a glassine envelope a long with a magnifying glass.

Adorable. So ridiculously adorable.

Available for birthdays, valentines, anniversaries, notes from the tooth fairy, wedding invites or just a simple letter. Get them here.

2009-02-04T10:45:00.000-08:00

If you're in the Los Angeles area this Saturday come join us, 11am-4pm.

We're holding the event of the year, the 'Love Bazaar' benefiting The National MS Society.

It's $5 at the door and the first 50 guests get an awesome gift bag.

So really be there or be square....

Some fabulous examples of what you may find there:
My Friend Roze
Pretty Little Thieves
Namaste Designs
Every Little Counts
Market Store Shoppe
Lave Me Soap Co
Oh Hello Friend
Steppie
Kikas Fancy

And Hello New House!

2009-02-01T19:46:00.000-08:00

So yesterday was moving day.

It was long and arduous and one of those days that you just could not wait to be over.

Scott (the hubs) worked very very hard, and kept going long after I had resolved myself to the couch (the couch randomly place in the middle of our new living room that is!)

And we were rewarded by Papa Johns pizza and 'The Watcher in the Woods' an old fave (which we watched on the computer propped up on the coffee table!)

It was sad to say goodbye to our first marital home but I'm looking forward to having a studio that isn't my living room.

The pics are the ones that the landlord took before we moved in, and I will keep you updated on our progress.

Front Porch/Patio
Living Room
Dining Room
Living Room/Dining Room
Dining Room
Back Yard

Goodbye Old House

2009-02-01T19:30:00.001-08:00

We moved yesterday. With a mix of nostalgia for our first home and excitement for the future.
These pictures were taken just after moving in. The woman we bought the pictured couch from wanted to a portrait of us for a project she had been working on.

They're a fitting homage to our first home.

Goodbye Sweet Apartment.

Love Letter - Valentines Day Cards!

2009-02-01T11:27:00.000-08:00

Valentines day is on it's way...

Since moving to the States 3 years ago, I have been fascinated by the phenomena of Valentines Day.

It's not that we don't celebrate it in the UK. We do, a token card or box of chocolates... but really that's the extent of it.

But here, the second Christmas is out of the way, the retail world explodes, with pinks and reds and heart shaped candies.

And I've got to be honest. I really, really love it... Every year now, I have stocked up on heart shaped pans, cookie cutters, mini frying pans in the shape of hearts... enough pink candy to last all year round.

And I cannot wait to do it all over again.

Take a peek at these lurve-ly find from Etsy for sending a sweet message to your sweet.

Pictured Above: 'We Belong Together' by MPatrizio - $3

(valentines gift guide coming soon)

From Michelle Alynn - $3.25

From Earmark - $3.50

From PixelImpress - $2.75

2009-01-25T18:11:00.000-08:00

This screenprint from Rob Ryan, could almost make me cry.

The sentiment, the prettiness. Sniff sniff.

Valentines gift guides coming soon...

Available here - $420

A Year of Stylesmith

2009-01-25T16:41:00.001-08:00

Once a month starting a little late this month, I shall be adding a one of kind product to the store.

This will give me a chance to exercise my creative ability without committing to a full product line and you a chance to own a very special one of a kind creation.

This month's; aptly entitled 'January' is created on a small buckram frame, using silver grey felted wool and is topped off with a beaded and sequined flower. This is also the first time veiling has appeared in Stylesmith (apart from custom orders)

This particular veiling was purchased from my lovely and ancient millinery supply store and dates back to WWII. Many of the creations for the coming months will feature veiling from this beautiful collection and I can't wait to play...

And you can't wait to see? Right?!

Available in store now for $35

A Girl Can Dream...

2009-01-16T15:08:00.000-08:00

And very nicely to in this fantastical bed by Attila Design in Finland.

At $8600 it's going to take a lot of dreams. But for now I'll just admire, and maybe drool a little.

2009-01-16T10:23:00.000-08:00

Whilst scouring Etsy with every intention in writing a wonderful post about vintage hats I stumbled across Risen.

And I'm so very pleased I did. Pure decadence, ultra sultry and filled with sex appeal. And that's just the photographs.

A small but perfect selection of vintage garments at a price that's beyond worth it.

Check it out here.

Photo above: Meeeeeeooooow Skirt, $56

Black Beauty Flower Bracelet, $98

Lady Lovely Black Hat, $74

Material Girl, $84

Be A Vintage Princess

2009-01-14T12:39:00.000-08:00

This is the most beautiful coat I have ever seen.

Since acquiring it I have been on a moral and practical turmoil! It's colour, it's shape, it's everything. I'm completely in love.

But seriously. I'm in SoCal. When am I ever going to wear this, I mean ever? Secondly. It's mohair. Real mohair with a real fur trim. Can I seriously wear this? The former vegetarian, animal lover, married to a vegetarian who won't even wear leather shoes?

Yeah. No. Not likely.

So it's available for sale in my vintage store: www.stylesmithvintage.etsy.com

And for more pics, click here.

Still it's beyond stunning. A Lilli-Ann, straight from the Fifties. Man alive. I wish I hated animals and had some sort of cold all the time disease.

The Weekender

2009-01-04T15:39:00.000-08:00

So I am little obsessed with vintage luggage.

I purchased two gorgeous white 'Vogue California' suitcases off of Ebay a few months ago, and now I'm addicted.

I use them to store all my hats in and when I have a show I open them up and 'voila!' neat display cases. (see it in action here)

I need more. Many many more. They can be used for even more than just that, storage, bedside tables, coffee tables, oh and...suitcases

The fit my nostalgic sensibilities, my love for travel and design and my need for organisation and practicalities.

Picture above by Elle Moss available to purchase here

Here are a few Etsy finds now I have you converted:

$76 @NaturalHome

$41.01 @GetReadySetGO

$120 @ A Touch of Vintage

The Elves and the Shoemaker

2008-12-28T17:23:00.000-08:00

Mention handmade shoes and your brain conjures up images of clunky clogs or odd shaped leather slippers.

Mention handmade shoes on Dawanda and you'll discover PleaseMachine.

Based in Hungary PleaseMachine creates beautiful handmade and stylish shoes, as well as vintage shoes upstyled by the machine that is please.

Prices are in Euros and most are fully customizable and all are affordable... Take a gander and change your mindset completely...

Featured Pic: 'Lipstick' - 94Euros by PleaseMachine

'Color Pencil' - 50Euros by PleaseMachine

'Lady's Time' - 40Euros by PleaseMachine

'Merry Foreigner' - 60Euros from PleaseMachine

2008-12-26T15:36:00.000-08:00

Sale is on over at www.stylesmith.etsy.com AND www.stylesmithvintage.etsy.com.

20% off everything only for a limited time.

So get in while you can. This is lowest my prices ever get and there won't be another sale for a very long time!!

Have fun shopping kids!