the topshop collection look book for the spring 2010 season presents florals alongside blazers & a surprisingly strong presence of harem pants. the collection hosts a relatively neutral palette with a few blue & purple accents. i love the simplicity of the collection & the seen textures.  casual style staples rule as we see cute ankle boots & platformed heels paired with a creative usage of polka dots. no doubt the collection will be a hit, every style is represented. a fair collection, with trendy twists.

imagesource | popbee

The last photograph is from a website I love called OnceWed. They do a guest blog on another great website called Design*Sponge. Check them out and come back tomorrow for a cute and cuddly weekend treat (In Red and Green of course).

Jake’s Winter Chill theme featured the blue, white, and silver color scheme that not only was carried out in the spectacular centerpieces but in the Children’s lounge as well. The lounge was in the ballroom and was designed as a separate enclave that gave Jake and his friends a feeling of exclusivity while still being a part of the room.
Crystal chivari chairs, white acrylic tables that were lighted from within, over the top centerpieces of 3 separate but cohesive designs, complete ballroom drape, ceiling décor of lights and air spheres, and coordinating décor throughout the building made this event a beautifully planned visual experience that climaxed with snow falling in the ballroom as the guests entered and danced the Hora.
A unique decoration of the stage that encompassed the video screens blended in unobtrusively in the room.
Custom Logoed gifts of back packs and “hoodie” sweat shirts added to the evening’s memories.

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I don’t often associate buying clothes with buying meat — unless you’re reenacting a particular scene from Mean Girls, meat doesn’t go on your body, and you don’t eat clothes, so what do they really have in common?

(Photo lifted from Google Street View. We’re looking at the olive green building with red sign.)

Until my first venture to The Clothing Warehouse’s location in East Point, Ga., I was oblivious to the fact that clothing, like meat or produce, can be sold by the pound. My friends and I heard rumblings of this phenomenon from acquaintances for several months before I happened upon it while on my way to a freelance gig, and we finally made the trip a few weeks ago to assess the situation.

Upon walking in BTP (By The Pound, as they refer to it, though it is The Clothing Warehouse), you’re welcomed by the distinct smell of cardboard and attic. Rec league sports team shirts line the walls. A few tables are set up to attempt a boutique atmosphere. Other than that, everything is in labeled boxes around the perimeter of the one-room store. The one employee manning the store encouraged us to grab an empty box to use for depositing rejects as we dug through boxes almost as tall as ourselves. Once we dug far enough, we would give up on getting to the bottom after tiring of the box’s edge digging into our stomachs while doubled-over in full scavenger mode.

BTP has everything — t-shirts, sweatshirts, dresses, purses, jewelry, leather jackets, denim jackets, shoes, a wall of cowboy boots and anything else you’d  find in the clothing sections of any thrift or Goodwill store. Clothing is priced by the pound, and other items are ticketed. The poundage price varies and is announced by a dry-erase board on the wall; when we went, it was $4/lb. Check-out entails placing your chosen items in a recyclable tote which hangs from a grocery store produce scale suspended from the ceiling. Hipster t-shirts, gala apples, what’s the difference?

My biggest question going into this was, how much does clothing weigh? Obviously, heavier clothes would cost more (why swimsuits are so expensive will be answered right after the “how many licks” issue is resolved), but what does a pound of clothing feel like? The t-shirt and button-up I got weighed about a pound, and the cashier rounded (it’s not a digital scale, so, really, this is his only option), making them $2 each — about what I would have paid at Goodwill, or perhaps even a little less.

The second question looming was, will it be worth it? It was, and it wasn’t, but mostly, it was. It’s like raiding your grandma’s closet. There’s a lot of crap to dig through. If the dress were REALLY awesome, it would have already been plucked from the pack, sent to another Clothing Warehouse location and marked up to at least $40. But, like any secondhand shopping experience, there are diamonds in the rough. East Point is not a destination, it’s not on your way to anything, and there’s no way to make it convenient, so go when you have patience and time to make the trip worthwhile. Also, their hours are limited, so check them before you go. They do, thankfully, take credit/debit cards, so go crazy.

Above: button-down purchased at BTP, approximately $2.

[belt from Urban Outfitters, $10 (on sale from $20). jeans from Old Navy. emphasis on "old."]

Not pictured: t-shirt from Majestic Diner, purchased at BTP— on loan to a friend.

“Everyone did a great job, especially Linda. Thank You.” -Dawn; Venue- Temple Solel

“Whatever I requested last minute I was accommodated.” -Michelle; Venue- Weston Hills Country Club

“Event was beyond what I could have imagined & Linda was outstanding!” -Lori; Venue- Beth Am

Amanda was a wonderful help-honest and dependable! Miguel-transportation director was a gem! Thanks so much for everything to all ME staff!” -McGraw-Hill School Education Group; Venue- Westin Diplomat

DJing at Mehanata last weekend, backed up by Zooey (backing up Raphlexxx). It’s always a battle of wits, ego, and dance moves in the ice cage. By now we should probably know better than to wear low necklines and jumpsuits with cut-outs.

Some super-fun gift guides & holiday suppliments c/o Refinery29…

ஐ A Winter White Windfall to Round Out Your Giftlist This Season

ஐ Holiday Gift Guide: 30 Perfect Presents Under $100

ஐ Our Guide to Fashion’s Most Obscenely Expensive Gifts

ஐ 10 Pieces of Jewelry Under $200 With Serious Razzle Dazzle

ஐ 17 Evening Bags To Make Afterhours Extra Festive

ஐ 12 Colorful Party Dresses Guaranteed to Brighten Up Any Soiree

Be sure to check out this video of a spectacular event planned by Cindy Carnero, one our talented Creative Event Designers!

http://secure.smilebox.com/ecom/openTheBox?sendevent=4d54497a4e6a59774d4446384d6a4d334d6a49354d44553d0d0a&sb=1

Sicked and Wicked all rolled into Damn! I want her shoes, her floral full-piece suit. Man! – S x D

ffffound

Question:

Why are there celebrities? 

Somebody help me please ’cause I don’t get it.

Is it to worship?  Aspiration?

Or someone to tear down?

SUBJECT CHANGE:

Thanksgiving is coming.  

My first anti-diabetic holiday.

And I haven’t had one of my mom’s Thanksgiving dinners in double-digit years.

And she’s here now (queue Reunited by Peaches and Herb).

Ready to throw down in the kitchen.

With mac and cheese, from scratch, and collard greens…

Ham STUFFED WITH BUTTER and glazed with pineapple SYRUP.

It’s gonna hurt sooooooo gooooooood.

THE PIC

Did I tell you how much fun I’m having with this blog?

Shooting everyday…

Creating at my leisure….

God has truly blessed me in this time.

Y’all I’m STILL livin’ off that wedding bouquet! 

These flowers WON’T DIE.

Yay for me.

*wink*

Once you could actually buy sweet-scented Parma violets at the florist’s shop.   Back in my, um, youth, a friend sent me two large bunches of Parma violets at work.  Swoon.  Anyway, I love violets and have a very large collection of violet-bedecked handkerchiefs.

This piece was done on a dark blue,French watercolor paper. Used oily funky chunky brush and it was 16×24

Nicole Richie's Winter Kate Lookbook

Nicole Richie's Winter Kate Lookbook

Nicole Richie's Winter Kate Lookbook

Nicole Richie's Winter Kate Lookbook

Nicole Richie's Winter Kate Lookbook

Nicole Richie posted these images of her upcoming contemporary clothing line Winter Kate to her official blog. True to form, the line looks highly vintage-inspired consisting of predominantly floral silk items and crochet-style bohemian knits. I like it – Richie is nothing if not consistent. She’s knows her talents and sticks to them. The line will launch in February 2010 and consist of 40 pieces, no word yet, however, on the pricing. I think she could shoot herself in the foot if the line gets priced too high, but if the line is affordable I can see hippie-chic making a comeback in the spring.

Pulling pieces from every era, culture and country, this is one of the most eclectic trends of the season. Pairing plaids with ditsy florals and fur accents creates a one of a kind look every time! So dig into the back of your closet (or your granny’s) and put an easy-going outfit together! This is a great trend for the recessionistas out there, no need to buy new pieces to pull this off!

**WARNING: my thoughts are all over the place tonight.

I’ve really been living off this bouquet from this weekend!  It’s assuredly dying but giving off such character in it’s demise.  I love the textures of petals as they’re drying, especially the contrast between drying edges and the much-alive middle.  Like soldiers surrounded by an enemy.

I wasn’t supposed to be into florals again.  

But I stuck my hand in the cookie jar—and there’s ice cold milk waiting.

Speaking of cookies, my husband once told me coming home to me was like coming home to milk and cookies.

Now aint that nice?

**WARNING: Subject change:

Believe it or not I’m somewhat of an introvert.

Or at least compared to my husband.

And I really don’t mind being alone.

As long as I know where I’m going. Cause if I get lost I’m like cold butter in a hot skillet.

So really…I just need someone to fry with me???

**WARNING:  Yet another subject change:

I’m 37 years old.

Am I too old to dye parts of my hair hot pink??  Not safe pink, I mean like My Little Pony pink.

Or aqua??  And I mean like Jem-cartoon-from-the-80’s aqua.

What about a faux hawk??

Cause honestly I think part of my spirit dresses like that.

END:

Well y’all I think I’ve worn my crazy pants too long this evening.  Time to dress in some sane.

And watch some Hulu.

God bless each and every one of you.  

Good night!

Signature Britto Events

ME Productions was proud to participate in the Signature Britto Events Showcase hosted by Posh Event Creations on October 18, 2009 at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami. Romero Britto, Miami’s own Brazilian contemporary artist known for his exuberant expressions of color and dynamic combinations of patterns, breaks into the wedding market – setting the industry on fire.

The Britto Wedding & Events Expo was a showcase for top special event designers and producers within the market to translate Britto’s expressive art into ‘living color’. Each participating vendor was given the opportunity to choose one of his works and bring it to life. “I chose the piece “Follow Me,” not only for its wedding appeal and charismatic use of color, but also as a nice compliment to ME Productions,” say Lori Smith, Executive Sales & Event Planner.

Lori and the ME Productions team utilized key patterns within “Follow Me” to create custom themed dining and high boy tables that were internally lit and changed colors in slow progression throughout the event. ME also produced acrylic light towers boasting Britto-inspired patterns for a unified charm throughout the area. A “Signature Bar” was designed to light up Britto’s famous signature, and centerpiece colors included yellow and green flowers to coordinate with Britto’s  colorful art while maintaining a wedding allure. An oversized backdrop replicating “Follow Me” completed the stunning vignette.

For more info on ME productions and other events, please visit our website at: www.meproductions.com

Busy day today y’all!

I got my last interviews of Pastor Oral and his wife Jamie at the Tolles Street Mission today.  Friday I’m going to try to get more pics of the kids in the youth program as they make their own music video!  In my next class I’ll be learning to put the pics and audio together for my final piece.  Soooooo excited.

GRADUATION DAY IS JANUARY 30TH!!!  WOOOOO HOOOOOO!!  A year in the half in the making.  Shout out to all my classmates, yo we’re almost done son!!

Subject change:

My son is special needs.  He’s on the ADHD spectrum with a speech and language delay of about 2 years, but he’s gifted when it comes to art and music (go boy!).  Apparently he had a bad day on the bus today but had an AWESOME day at school.  He’s in a special program where he’s in class with other special needs children (all boys btw which is weird) and then is slowly assimilated in a non-identified children class.  Basically he stayed with the “normal” kids ALL DAY TODAY which he hasn’t been successful at for almost 2 years. 

People this was such a blessing for me to hear today.

Needless to say there are some things we have to keep him away from, sugar being one.  

Today I didn’t care.

“Evan come on hon, put your pants back on.”

“Mom where are we going??”

“To get sprinkles and colors” (frosted donuts at Dunkin with sprinkles). “Mom you want anything?”

My mom: “Can I throw some clothes on real quick?”

“Yep, let’s go.”

**Aside: I got milk from there with my order tonight and one of them was sour.  I mean small chunks of milk/cheese sour.  I didn’t taste it until after my 3rd of 4th gulp of the stuff.  I feel fine.  For now…

I’m really happy when I’m alone in my studio, or home, and I have something to shoot.  

How it happened today:

Went to Rockport, MA yesterday (see previous post) and someone was giving away free flowers from a wedding.  I took a small bouquet.

Piddling around the house today, looked at the bouquet and kept saying “Gotta take pictures, gotta take pictures,…”

Mom said “What happened to this flower?  It’s wilting and it’s not even open yet.”

I don’t know.  She handed it to me and I laid it on the counter.

Ate lunch, put my bowl away in the kitchen and saw the flower.

IT’S TIME.

Went to Pandora on my phone and turned on the Marion Meadows channel.

Mom’s in the basement and it’s just me upstairs.  

With my jazz, camera and God’s creation.

Blisssssssssss.

Today was:

Too much people drama.

Just too

much

people drama.

Lord sometimes it’s hard to see that You overcame the world.  So I guess…

Too much me drama.

Pics were taken at Bearskin Neck in Rockport, MA.

I used Photoshop to Design these florals after spending time in the Design studio in London. You spend forever drawing in sketchbooks and Developing you ideas at Uni then you get in to the real world and designs are produced within a matter of hours. These images were re drawn and scanned in to Photoshop where I adjusted the images, changed the colours and put my ideas in to a repeat design, it’s so simple once you know how and im pretty impressed with the outcome.