When in Rome…

Gabrielle Union attending the Playstation Oasis during Super Bowl XLI weekend at the Raleigh Hotel February 2, 2007 Miami, Florida.

Top: Alloa, $89.99, www.aldoshoes.com; French Twist, $38, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Tena, $29.99, www.bakersshoes.com
Middle 1: Michael Kors “Gavi” Conac Sandal, $130, www.neimanmarcus.com; Via Spiga “Glaza” Sandal, $109, www.nordstrom.com; Enzo Angiolini “Marseille” Sandal $92.95, www.zappos.com
Middle 2: Franco Sarto “Kyra” Sandal, $59.90, www.nordstrom.com; Gladiator Sandal, $29.50, www.alloy.com; Glaze Sandal, www.viaspiga.com
Bottom: Nice Touch, $29.99, www.bandolino.com; Ankle Wrap Sandal, $34, www.urbanoutfiitters.com; Benefit 22b Sandal, $12.99, www.gojane.com

Picture walking along the streets of Rome on your way to the imposing Colosseum or taking a leisurely gondola ride along a canal in Venice. Are you thinking what I’m thinking?... You need the perfect pair of sandals! I’ve been on a mission to locate the perfect Romanesque sandal, reminiscent of the footwear gladiators used to wear in battle but don’t worry, you won’t be doing any fighting in these wonderful creations. Make like Ms. Union and let your ancient Roman-style sandals do all the talking. Just make sure your toes are perfectly polished, these sandals leave nothing to the imagination!

Note: Also check out these Chain Sandals from www.alloy.com at jus$29.50!

mary marvel inspired bag

After having some success with the Wonder Woman themed bag, I tried Mary Marvel (after Crisis) as a theme. It's plain yet sophisticated.

I'm also working on a Wonder Woman top for myself but out of the five times I've tried shirts so far, I have not had any real success.

Wonder Woman tote

I created a prototype of a real masterpiece this weekend. The owner of Solstice, where my bags are being sold, had mentioned that if her sister-in-law could find Wonder Woman fabric, she'd probably like a bag made out of it. I tried to explain that I could come up with something without it actually being WW fabric. When I brought it up again, Jamie was hesistant and said she'd talk to her s-i-l to see if she'd be interested. I knew that even if she wasn't interested, I already was. I had a plan formulated in my head and wanted to try it so this weekend I spent one day shopping and cutting, then the next day constructing it. Now that it's done, I can visually see what I would change if there was a next time. If it wasn't for my poor stitching on corners & curves (heck, I'm not even so good at straight either), it would be better. I'm still pretty excited about how it turned out. The pattern pieces that are not my originals are so worn out from all the bags I've made! I may have to start tracing them onto new tissue paper. For this Wonder Woman bag though, about one-third of it is original: the busty front, the bust embellishment, the trim on the handles and how to sew the back to the front.

Quip in full costume

Here's a peak at the Richard Quip costume on the actual Richard himself.

All the purple embellishments are the parts that I did which the large "Q" on the back, the "Q" on the front and also the patches on each shoulder.

AquaPoni

Theresa Michelle and Kelli Marie of AquaPoni.

Above and below are the unique and colorful pieces from AquaPoni’s line (also see slideshow below).

Atlanta natives may be up on these two designers but the rest of the world may still be in the dark. Fear not, in my ongoing quest to bring to you emerging talent I present the delectable AquaPoni (well actually, I have to thank Ashley for this one ;). Theresa Michelle and Kelli Marie hail from Los Angeles but the pair have brought their Californian perspective to the South. Think vintage inspired hoodies, retro prints and eclectic fabrics – there’s something for everyone. The duo describe their design aesthetic as follows:

“Providing a fresh melee of rare vintage and repurposed clothing, ethnic jewelry and Boho-chic accessories, and undeniable couture style, AquaPonis unique selection affords reasonable prices for the most high-end shopper to the fashionista on a budget. We want to attract eclectic customers who aren’t afraid to stray far from the norm; people who can actually appreciate one-of-a-kind pieces.”

The line is currently available via boutiques throughout Atlanta, specifically Bombay Gal, P. Valentine, Urban Fusion and Pieces of Adrene. Visit www.aquaponi.com and their MySpace page for more info.

1st Gaming Con held in Iraq

June 9th will be a spectacular and history-making day for the global RP gaming community. The Army's Morale Welfare & Recreation Department are allowing servicemembers at Camp Adder/Tallil Airbase (dubbed "The Ziggurat") to use a building for the first ever gaming con in a warzone!

The Toys4Troops website states: "The largest problem with running a Con in Iraq, of course, is that there are no local stores or game publishers, and few game books on the post. Even dice are in short supply, with many soldiers breaking the unwritten taboo held by many gamers and sharing dice. Thankfully, many game publishers have also lent their support, and have agreed to supply game products to help the Con along. aethereal FORGE, Sovereign Press, Final Redoubt Press, Goodman Games, Paizo Publishing and Steve Jackson Games are among those that have thrown in their support for the convention. But Amberson indicated that the soldiers could definitely use more."

Also updated on the website is a message from Games for GIs:
"We are currently at an address where we can ship all care packages through military means free of charge.

They would be delighted to get PDF products as well as they have access to laptops & printers. Please read through the T4T website for the laws applied to mailing things to Iraq. There are restrictions.

Patrick Robinson for Target…

Designer Patrick Robinson.

Looks from Patrick Robinson’s line for Target.

Be sure to support a young, black designer and check out Patrick Robinson’s one-off collection for Target. The line is in stores now and you can view some of his pieces here. According to a press release from Target’s web site:

“Robinson started his fashion career at the age of 14, creating surfer clothes for friends in Southern California. Taking his fashion aspirations to the East Coast, Robinson graduated from Parsons School of Design in NewYork and went on to design for some of the most recognized names in the industry including Giorgio Armani, Anne Klein, Perry Ellis and Paco Rabanne. Robinson's modern take on classic silhouettes has won him praise among the fashion elite. He has been a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America since 1994 and was voted one of Vogue's 100 rising stars in 1996.”

Clothes range from $12.99 to $44.99 so the line doesn’t hurt the purse strings! His collection of women’ fashion and accessories will be available starting July 15th, 2007.

Note: See Proenza Schouler’s line for Target which is still available if I’m not mistaken.

finished Quip costume

I'm very glad that Richard sent me 2 of each shirt so that I could work out the design and skills needed to get his Quip costume done. He sent me 2 black button down shirts and 2 black turtlenecks so that I could add appliqués and patches. After a quest for fabric that would work, I found violet crushed velvet in a remnant pile for $3.99/yard. No spandex in purple could be found this time of year. Luckily, I think the pieces came out really nice even though one shoulder patch is a smidge lower than the other. Hopefully no one will notice. It's done and I should get it in the mail to Dallas tomorrow in time for Quip's reunion with his girlfriend in June.

Jason Reese, my buddy from Smooth-On, is going to be giving me tips on how to properly clean and store my Black Cat mask. And if I've damaged it at all, he'll be able to repair or replace it. He said silicone would have been better than foam latex. What do I know? I just saw what I needed at Xtreme FX and clicked to order. The mask is really beautiful and since I'm not actually climbing the buildings of New York City, I think it will last a while. Black Cat just happens to have a rather thin mask so I've been worried that it will break.

There was a big monster mash this weekend but I didn't make it to that. I'm saving my strength for Wizard World in Philly in June.

We Like Short Shorts!

Kimora Lee Simmons hosts the Baby Phat Spring 2007 Dinner during Olympus Fashion Week September 8, 2006 in New York City.

Grecian Goddess: Linien Jumpsuit, $24.80, www.forever21.com; Modus Rio Wide Leather Belt, $84, www.ravinstyle.com; Matt Bernson Distressed Leather Love Sandal, $99 www.ravinstyle.com; Ananas Nicky Bag, $399, www.bagtrends.com; Feather Drop Earrings, $18, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Grecian Cuff, $6.80, www.forever21.com

Bright Delight: Women's Crochet Button Camis, $19.50, www.oldnavy.com; Solid Ribbed Cuffed Short, $19.50, www.wetseal.com; Hatay Sandal, $100, www.aldoshoes.com; Button Down Gold Bag, $36, www.amiciaccessories.com; Seashore Necklace, $7.80, www.forever21.com; Vintage Ring, $3.80, www.forever21.com

Springtime Girlie: Belted Scoop Neck Top, $19.99, www.charlotte-russe.com; Crochet Bermuda Short, $22.80, www.forever21.com; Leslie Wedge, $16.99, www.payless.com; Striped Denim Drawstring Bag, $68, www.rampage.com; Wide Bangle in Silver, $12.99, www.girlprops.com; 5” Stripe Ribbon Headband, $4, www.wetseal.com

At the first sign of sunshine ladies across the globe run to their favorite pedicurist and get their toes perfectly polished. Rightly so since they’ve been in hibernation for the last five or so months. Now that our pretty feet are enjoying the sun’s rays what do we do with the rest of our legs? I say get a good all-over body massage and show them off in shorts. Whether you opt for this season’s brights or classic neutrals, brandish your legs with pride. If you have cellulite that you don’t want to impose on the world make Bermuda shorts your new friend this summer. And remember, the higher the shoe the better. ;)

Quip costume

I just ordered a single ticket for myself to go to Wizard World in Philly, only $25; Stacy and her friend Dave are going so I won't be alone and she'll drive.

I also started working on the Richard Quip costume for my friend. Actually I'm only doing the embellishments but I still need to find fabric. I'll have to order it online because the stores out here just don't have very much to choose from. What I find is that they have tons of cotton for quilters mostly and that's what I use for my totes, but they are very limited in anything like spandex. I thought there would be a better shot at it since it's a bathing suit fabric but the only stuff I saw was so horribly ugly I couldn't believe anyone would use it for a bathing suit. The only solid color I saw was a super bright lime green which would have worked for maybe another character but I need purple for Quip.

Color Block…

Beyonce arriving at Melbourne Airport on April 25, 2007 in Australia.

Maggie Betts with Rachel Roy, in Diane von Furstenberg at the Environmental Lecture and Luncheon at the Museum of Natural History.

Rashida Jones arriving at the 2005 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in West Hollywood, California.

Rihanna arrives at the 20th Annual Kid's Choice Awards held at the UCLA Pauley Pavilion on March 31, 2007 in Westwood, California.

Now is as good a time as any to confront your natural aversion to bright colors. I know it may seem a little frightening to wear luminous yellow or hot pink in the evening (never mind at work) but trust me, it is possible. Why not wear a bright coat over neutrals to ease you into the trend like Ms. Roy or invest in stand-out accessories like a clutch bag or statement earrings. If you’re up to the challenge then make like Beyonce and wear color with pride during the daylight hours. Leave the leopard print bag at home though ;)

My Picks!

Left to right: Payne Print Silk by Diane von Furstenberg, $425, www.net-a-porter.com; Color Block Surplice Dress, $39, www.hotkiss.com; Thick Strap Print Sun Dress, $70, www.topshop.com; Santa Maria Dress by Nanette Lepore, $445.76, www.my-wardrobe.com

Left to right: Cotton Sundress, $28.99, www.charlotte-russe.com; Gold Chain Sheath Dress, $24.50, www.wetseal.com; Zig Zag Sweater Dress$, $22.80, www.forever21.com; Fourtys Mix Print Three Quarter Sleeve Mod Dress, $178, www.shopintuition.com

Charlotte Russe are really stepping up their game. They’ve redesigned their site to make it easier to navigate through their enticing designs.

Unsung Designers

Since GirlShop.com is slowly slipping into oblivion, you may be on the search for a new source of untapped designer talent. Let me poke you in the right direction. Head to UnsungDesigners.com for one-off pieces from up-and-coming talent, in fact, Project Runway’s Kara Janx (season 2) started off by selling her clothes via the D.C. based business. The online store has recently taken its idea from the virtual world into the real world. Now open on the first Saturday of every month, fashionista’s in the DC metro area can browse through their rails at the location below. Just look for the inconspicuous pink door in an alley between Felix and New Orleans cafe in Adams Morgan… no seriously!

Address:
Unsung Designers
2412 18th Street NW
Rear Door A

Washington
DC 20009

Store inquiries: 202 2341788

Left to right: Blue Hawaii Dress by Mignonette, $145; Little Black Dress by Mignonette, $225; Tweed Foldover Coat by Gina Michele, $148 all available on www.unsungdesigners.com

Té Casan

Above: Té Casan’s New York Boutique

Shoes: 1. Raised-seam heel, by Manuela Filipovic, $265. 2. Chain-mail heel, by Gaetano Perrone, $725. 3. Grosgrain bow pump, by Gianluca Soldi, $285. 4. Art Deco hells, by Manuela Filipovic, $325. 5. Evening shoe, by Fay.B, $255. 6. Satin bow slingback, by Gianluca Soldi, $275. 7. Stretch bootie, by Zoe Lee, $315. 8. Satin bow mule, by Gianluca Soldi, $250.

Above: Inside Té Casan

What’s 5,500 square feet, has seven fresh designs each week and houses protégés of Alexander McQueen, Versace, Dries Van Noten, and Vivienne Westwood? Té Casan (A Woman's Path), the shoe store of dreams, recently with an ambitious manifesto. Seven young designers from big-name design studios have been recruited to design unique shoes exclusively for the boutique. Each designer is expected to come up with a new design each week! Israeli mogul, Yaron Kopel is the money behind the project and he intends to open 50 more Té Casans over the next five years. Visit them if your in NYC or click here.

Address:
Te Casan
382 West Broadway,
New York,
NY 10012

Store Inquiries: 212 584 8000

RimiStyle.com

Thanks for being patient with me! While on my hiatus I received an email from a new accessories online store called RimiStyle.com. Their stuff is quite cute and affordable. The bracelet section is full of charmbracelets – this season’s must-have accessory. Also pay attention to their belts, this one in particular caught my eye.

photos from FCBD '07

I'm still recuperating from yesterday's Free Comic Book Day. It was an amazing experience! I know I had a blast and can't wait to do it again. One little girl actually knew I was the Black Cat and that her real name is Felicia while half of the other people thought I was Storm and another good percentage thought Catwoman. Well, I tried.

Photo Gallery

received my first art

Here is the (first) piece of commissioned art I had done of Amber and Power Princess Caico ready for action, by Dan Gorman of argonautcomics.com.

In this scan, you can unfortunately see the linen of the paper but this artist totally hooked me up. I have a matted 8x10, 5 trading card size laminated, 3 of that size just on paper, plus the original pencil sketch.

And I will be sure to send the trading cards to my Assistant, Optical and her gifted brother.