10.5.12

Spring Fling: A Boho Prom


image: EstoyJeSuis.blogspot.com

The school year is coming towards an end and a glimmer of glamour is in the air.  You may be a teen getting ready for the biggest night of the year, a collegiate prepping for an end of the year bash or just a gal with a clutch full of excitement over the approaching warmer months and all the bonfire get-togethers they bring.  Whatever your walk of life, we've got a month filled with styliscious DIY's to make each outing your best ever!

image: EstoyJeSuis.blogspot.com
Yesterday, Katt and I hit one of our favorite vintage spots, "Golyester", on La Brea Avenue in Los Angeles.  We had lots of fun trying on some of the amazing AND bizarre finds they had.  However, we had a clear purpose -- to find two stunning bohemian gowns on the cheap.  Jackpot!  We also headed over to Michael's, an all-in-one craft spot here in the states (for you over-sea-ers) to pick out a few odds and ins to create beautiful headpieces and a simple arm-cuff to complete our looks {note: if you don't know how in-love I am with headpieces, allow this to serve as your official notice}.
image: EstoyJeSuis.blogspot.com

On first glimpse... rather pretty, eh?

Well darlings, below is your guide to making gorgeous accessories just like these for your special occassion or, if you're like me, any and every day.


xoxo, 
 & Katt

image: EstoyJeSuis.blogspot.com
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1) Begin by measuring out the length of ribbon you'll need to (comfortably & supportively) wrap around the circumference of your head.  Be sure to keep your thumbs in tact with the spot at which the two ends meet in the back so you can mark them.  These points will be where the decorative elements begin and end.  Then, allowing for plenty of room to tie the ends together, cut the ribbon ends at an angle so that when they hang down the back of your hair the ends are clean.  {On silk ribbons, you can lightly burn the cut ends to seal them and prevent fraying.}

2) The main ribbon band I chose came with gold thread evenly lined through it,so I used those lines as a guide for laying the decorative ribbon on in a straight line.  Lightly bead in hot glue in 2 inch sections, then lay down the decorative element and firm it into the base ribbon.  After 10 seconds, carefully peel the base ribbon away from the paper.  Any paper stuck to the backside of the base ribbon won't be seen in the front. 
image: EstoyJeSuis.blogspot.com
 3) Once you've completed part 2, continue with the third layer of ribbon or beading (I chose lace ribbon with pearl beading for extra texture and dimension).  This layer can be placed either directly over the first (on a thinner headpiece) or, as I've done, slightly higher up the base ribbon so that the final piece is more multi-faceted.
image: EstoyJeSuis.blogspot.com

Putting it all together... 
Bohemian Prom
1960's Original Orange Fishprint Maxi by Jack Hartley Miami
image: EstoyJeSuis.blogspot.com
image: EstoyJeSuis.blogspot.com
image: EstoyJeSuis.blogspot.com
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image: EstoyJeSuis.blogspot.com
image: EstoyJeSuis.blogspot.com
1) Here, you'll measure out the length of the chain, the same as you did with the ribbon in the tutorial before.  


2) Using a pair of fine needle-nose jewelry pliers, open one of the links.  Choose a link that is about three links longer than the one that fit most snug to your head in the back.  I chose to leave about 2 inches of extra chain hanging - leaving room for error and also because it's a pretty finishing touch.




3) Loop the open link (still attached to its original two links) now to the link on the opposite end of the chain that fit most snug to your head.  This will close the headpiece into a circular chain.  Be sure to give the link a squeeze in each direction so that its closure is secure.  There will be a long section of chain still attached to the second side.  Select the length of chain you want to hang down the back of your head and remove the remaining section.

4) On your secondary chain, open and remove the loop that the clasp would usually close into.  Set this aside to later attach a bead or pendant to the front center of this headpiece.
image: EstoyJeSuis.blogspot.com










 5) Using your jewelry/wire cutter, clip off the clasp attachments so that you are left with a long clean chain.  You'll then loop the chain through the front center link of your base chain and pull it so that it is also centered with even lengths on both ends of the chain link.

6) With this particular headpiece, I counted out 10 links from the center to one side, wrapped the secondary chain once around the base chain, then looped it through the 10th link on the base.  I continued this process until there was about 1 and 1/2 inch secondary chain remaining.  Repeat to the second side.
image: EstoyJeSuis.blogspot.com
7) Place a dab of hot-glue on a fine, thin metallic ribbon.  Set the remaining ends of the secondary chain and the section of the base chain where it lines up into the glue.  Before the glue dries, roll the ribbon around this section of the chains.  Then use the needle-nose pliers to firm the ribbon into the setting as the glue begins to harden. 
image: EstoyJeSuis.blogspot.com
8) Take the remaining section of the base chain that you detached in Step 3.  Attach the end link of that chain to the front center of the headpiece.  Put the headpiece on as you would wear it and measure the length of this third section over the top center line of your head all the way to the back center of the headpiece.  Remove the headpiece and attach the third section to the back to now complete the basic form of the headpiece.

image: EstoyJeSuis.blogspot.com
image: EstoyJeSuis.blogspot.com
9) If you have a pendant or bead(s) that you'd like to place at the front center of the headpiece, use the loop from the clasp you detached in Step 4 to assemble the final touch.
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1) For the cuff, we chose a 4 inch wide embroidered ribbon.  The starting end was cut at an angle and the wider section of that angle was placed up the arm to fit the increasing circumference of the arm as it travels up from the wrist.  To measure where the other end should be cut, simply match the cut end to the length of the ribbon.
image: EstoyJeSuis.blogspot.com
2) Place a 1/2 inch bead of hot-glue on the back-side of the ribbon at the top of the band and lay a very thin ribbon into that bead.  (We purchased about a yard of the metallic ribbon used in the chain headpiece and used the remainder of it on this step.)  You'll repeat this action at the inside base of the cuff ribbon and again at the inside center line.
image: EstoyJeSuis.blogspot.com
3) Folding the cuff ribbon in half with the inside facing out, flip it over and repeat the actions in Step 2 with the opposite ends of the fine ribbon.  Then, finding the center point of the fine ribbon attachments, make a cut in each of these three.  These will form the ties for the cuff to be fixed onto the arm.

image: EstoyJeSuis.blogspot.com


Putting it all together... 
Bohemian Prom
1930's Original Silk Mermaid Slip with Empire Waist Sash and Pale Pink Lace












7.5.12

A Letter From the Editor

Dear Readers,

It's been a while and I've missed you terribly.  This recent journey I've embarked upon, delving deeper into my yogic studies and Ayurvedic lifestyle is beyond words, but "incredible" will have to suffice.

If I've never shared this with you before, something of note is that for the last five years I've struggled with some very serious back pain.  It wasn't until after several bouts with immobility and a lengthy period of referred nerve pain throughout my body that I made a trip to San Jose for an MRI that provided a diagnosis.  I have spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease.  I also have a herniated disc, a rare one at that since it's centrally compressed causing bilateral pain -- which, in a strange way, has become kind of fun.  Allow me to explain.  Doctors rarely see this kind of herniation or the symptoms that come with it, so my case has brought on so much attention for medical understanding that it's provided me with greater knowledge AND a better ability to handle and progressively treat the situation.  -- If I haven't said this before, I'm a bit of an anatomy nerd. --

That said, between the intricate details of meditation, pranayam (yogic breathing techniques) and my now very intense multiple times per day physical yoga practice, I'm coming into a new and truly wonderful place.  All of these things are bringing me so much closer to what we call the Seer, the Purusha, the Soul... my soul... me.  Working towards looking through the mind, as a window, from the vantage point of my soul, life is appearing more and more miraculous.

Now, I know, you're grown accustomed to the fashion dialogue and accounts of my adventures to new boutiques, eateries and exciting mini-vacations.  You will not miss one of these things, they're still to come.  As a matter of fact, this week my assistant, Katt, and I will begin sharing DIY's for Prom Season, a day-trip to Long Beach and a new little must-see shop I've been dying to share with you, as well as some fantastic tips for your best summer yet!

I simply wanted to share with you, as we've grown so close these past few months, where I've been and where I'm going.  Each Monday, I'll be writing you to share a piece of my personal experience and how this yoga intensive is broadening the horizons of my life towards a more blessed living experience.  I hope that you enjoy traveling a little nearer to my story each time and, even more, I hope that somehow this inspires you to live each day a little more slowly, with passion for every passing moment and with love for every living thing.

Namaste.

xoxo,
   

7.4.12

Savvy Saturdays: The Lovers, The Dreamers and Me (honk if you get this reference)

img: Claire Wilson
I'm Claire Wilson and this is my Savvy Saturday...

Just a little about me - my passions are travel, fitness, various sports, various music (anything from opera to something heavy) and, most importantly, FOOD.  My personality, some may say, is a bit like "Monica" from Friends.  I'm a clean freak!  All things must be in their correct place and that cup better be on a coaster (Claire, you're just a Pisces, girl... I feel ya!).  Oh, and I say what is on my mind.

I believe in fate.  Everything happens for a reason.  In a polar duality, I also believe you make your own luck and make things come to you, so long as you're willing to dedicate the time and the effort.  I believe in life on other planets, but do I believe in fairytales?  Hmmm...  I am a typical Piscean, so I would say I'm a dreamer and maybe anything is possible.

I was born in Hannover, Germany before moving to Kuwait for two years and, then, finally to England when I was six and-a-half.  I have a brother who is four years older -- we are like chalk & cheese, but always there for each other.

I've never been much of a fashionista.  I love watching the E Channel and Fashion Weeks on TV, but somehow I can't quite seem to pull off the girlie look.  (Oh girl, give me a day in your closet and that outlook will change drastically!)  I like what I like and most of the time I dress for comfort, jeans etc.  In recent years, though, (maybe it's my age) I do like to make an effort, especially on Saturdays.  The day starts usually around nine A.M., as I'm more of an early bird than a night owl.  The gym kit goes on (Adidas, bright pink & black) and I usually go for a run or, occasionally, opt for cycling.  The traffic in England isn't exactly outdoor-fitness-friendly, so I mostly do these workouts on a treadmill or hit up a spinning class. 

After a good hour of sweat & a long shower, I feel I've earned the right to explore some tasty options.  After all, people, where there is pain there has to be pleasure to compensate!  So after throwing on some black Diesel jeans and a lacy vest with matching Abercrombie or Hollister cardi, the hair gets done (by the way, it's currently bright pink!) & the face goes on.

Here's a couple of makeup items and tips I swear by:
  • Eyebrows: DVA semi-permanent eyebrow powder with stencils
  • Shadows: Pick a palette that enhances your own eye colour; mine are green so I stick to browns & greys (Mine too! I like to use golds, plums, various shades of rose and blues as well.)
  • Eyelashes: Rapid Lash Serum - it really works
  • Perfume: Issey Myake l'eau d'issey Eau de Parfum
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My girlfriends and I love to meet up for brunch.  One of our favourite places to eat is Chimichangas Mexican Restaurant.  The decor is a mix of modern design with authentic south-of-the-border textiles and tones.  The kitchen is open and the food is fab.  The staff have come to know us quite well, so we have a special off-the-menu order that goes in the second we arrive -- tortilla pizza.  Of course, this particular meal wouldn't be complete without a good margarita.  








img: Claire Wilson

img: Claire Wilson
Unfortunately, when it comes to desserts we are not blessed with a Cheesecake Factory.                             (Oh honey, the CF is great and all, but a stellar bakery with decadent homemade recipes trumps that any day!)                                                                             However, we do have Lola's Kitchen, situated in Selfridges of London.  They have a great variety of cupcakes, but they are most famous for their New York baked cheesecake, and the Red Velvet cheesecake is pretty good too.  Suffice it to say, they make a tasty enough pastry that I make a point of stopping by every time I'm in London, no matter the occassion.

Other great eateries I frequent are... 
  • Pierre Bistro in Liverpool - delicious French cuisine, Wednesday night 2 course specials & "learn French" discs played in the loo.
  • img: Claire Wilson
  • Whiteheads Fish & Chips in Hornsey (this one's my Grandmother's hot spot) - the best thing about this place is that after filling our tummies, we walk along the beach and she tells me stories of all the trouble she used to get into in the land army during the war.  I never get tired of hearing it.  I may be a foodie, but one thing I love more than good grub is spending time with my Grandma.  She's pretty tech savvy in her eighty-four years and she can drink me under the table -- "A can of special brew with a shot of whisky in it please?", in her adorable Yorkshire accent, HA!

At the end of a good Saturday outing, I'll kick back with a beer or glass of red wine, sink into my sofa and get lost in a great film.  
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I hope you've enjoyed this sampling à la moi -- a bit like an amuse-bouche before the seven-course feast. 

For more scrumptious Claire De-Lights, Follow me on Twitter and Friend me on Facebook :)

Peace and Love, 
Claire

xoxo,


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