Project Runway Challenge #4

 

There is no greater design terror than being charged with creating something specifically for your boss’s personal use.

Enter the Nina Garcia Day-to-Night Challenge and my least favorite judge. The garment we were creating needed to be something that would easily transition from day to night wear.

Turns out Nina was a nightmare client (shocking) and started by immediately rambling off a long list of what she does not like – pattern, color, basically anything of interest. Luckily, each contestant was treated to a one-on-one consultation with Ms. Garcia after the sketch phase. To which she showed up wearing a bright orange blouse with patterned sweater vest. Oh, the hypocrisy! Nina then proceeded to lead each and every designer down a path of wrong direction.

After making notes and sketches while watching the episode, I got to work on the HP Touch Smart 610. This is the first week where my final garment ended up diverting from my sketch fairly drastically. I blame some of this on the overly opinionated eye of my naked assistant who was heavy with the over the shoulder critiques.

 

 

 

 

I started off with a sort of A-line shift, fitted on top and created out of heavy black canvas. A risqué and edgy choice of material perhaps, but I’ve played it fairly safe so far. I then lined the piece in gold silk and added a one inch wide zipper about four inches off-center to the entire length of the piece. When zipped the dress remains corporate, yet sassy. And when unzipped slightly the neckline folds over to reveal the gold lining and play up a little sex appeal.

I kept things neutral at the Piperlime accessories wall and choose Nine West Gracious booties in toasted taupe, Hive & Honey’s hammered metal cuff bracelet, and Juicy Couture’s antique openwork ring.

If you haven’t caught episode 4 you can watch it right here.

 

Full Disclosure: HP provided me with a TouchSmart 610 for use. All content and opinions are mine. I have not been financially compensated by HP or Project Runway.

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Chronic Bitchface

 

 

From the artist, Kris Atomic:

Just doing my bit to spread awareness for this common, but little understood condition. Thousands around the world are affected by chronic bitchface, with sufferers having to endure being told to “SMILE” and “cheer up” by well meaning, but irritating strangers. There is no known cure.

Buy the print here.

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Warby Parker

I’ve been meaning to order a pair of Warby Parker glasses since they came out. Then since they opened a showroom at Shop Good. Then when they debuted their line of sunglasses. You get the picture. So when my two year eye appointment rolled around this month I knew it was really time. Lucky for me, Oklahoma City is one of four locations in the U.S. that have physical showrooms – it’s located inside Shop Good. I swear I’d been in there trying on frames no fewer than three times over the past year. The owners, Justin and Audrey, are sweethearts who I’ve been lucky enough to know for about a year and a half. After about thirty minutes I settled on the Beckett frames and my order was complete in less than five minutes. Monday I got the email saying my glasses had shipped, and yesterday they were waiting on my doorstep when I got home from work. They showed up in the best box with a case lined in electric blue.  Oh! And a pair of their glasses went to someone in need when I purchased mine, all for a very affordable $95 total.

 

Then I immediately took my contacts out and tried them on. After ten hours at the office. Just for you.

PS: This is not a sponsored post, I’m just a big fan of the company and their products.

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Wine Bottle Candle Holder

Slightly more refined than the actual wine bottles I used to hold candlesticks in college, one might say. These were inspired by the iconic spaghetti dinner scene in Lady and the Tramp, which only makes me love them more.

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Fax Blog

 

 

Sometimes the radness of the internet makes me giddy. Check out Fax Blog. Find the secret fax number (it’s not that difficult) and send them something. Anything.

PS: Good luck finding a fax machine to use.

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