Sometimes I get "Carried" Away

On a windy Sunday evening I put myself together for a friends wedding anniversary party and while adjusting my windswept hair and dress, my sister snapped this photo of the accessories I donned for the evening.  Always mixing in a bit of history, I thought that it would be a good idea to sport this vintage bracelet and vintage magazine clutch purse. These cluches were created with a number of different magazine covers on them but, interestingly enough, my clutch is identical to the vintage clutch sported by Carrie Bradshaw in  "The Big Time" episode of season 3's Sex and the City.  I've included the scene below. 

Jewelry is Art...Cirque du Soleil and Centre du Beaux Arts

The Centre du Beaux Arts hosted exhibits that catered to so many of my interests one being jewelry.  Ever the epitome of luxury, the House of Boucheron had on display fine jewelry inspired by each production of the Cirque du Soleil.  Having recently seen the Beetles "Rain" production I was amazed at how the necklaces whimsically reflected the spirit of the show.  Although I specialize in collecting costume jewelry I can't see why I can't join in the fun and post a pic of my Cirque du Costume pieces.

ReFashioner: Selection, Style, So Much Fun

I never could have imagined that this new invitation only, curated clothes swap site could be so much fun until yesterday's debut of ReFashioner.  Although swapping was supposed to start promptly at noon, some technical hiccups caused it to be delayed a for a bit.  No problem.  I just sat by my laptop...sometimes in the car, at restaurants and even while walking outside just to click the refresh button to see if it was time to log in and start snaggin' pieces.  I was surprised to see that so many of my posted items went so quickly--4 in just 6 hours.The necklace on the left (a French jet double strand with hand worked gold tone flower details) went just seconds after it was posted  There's another image of it in the blog post entitled "Miles...Inspires" view it at  http://appleshaberdashery.blogspot.com/2010/07/milesinspires.html. Oh yeah, I picked up a bunch of cool stuff too.  The method that Kate Sekules (former editor-in-chief for Culture+Travel Magazine) determined for this site is genius and has already made me a swap addict.  The minute I finish this post, I'll be back swappin' again! 

La Gaillard boutiqe mode ecologique

"The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping: Insider Tips, Helpful Hints, Hip Shops" by Melody Fortier was the catalyst for my journey across the border in the first place.  The author lists La Gaillarde as a Great Source for Vintage and I had to see for myself.  What I stumbled upon was so much more and I was fortunate to have a moment to speak to the store's stylist extraordinaire as well as its talented and dedicated fashion repurposer.  Although the store carries a lovely selection of vintage clothing and accessories (I purchased a charming Pierre Cardin scarf and tuxedo style mock blouse bib) the overall purpose of the store was to emphasize reuse in all of its forms.  This non-traditional, not-for-profit retail establishment is a collaborative of the fashionable.  In a nut shell, pre-loved clothing is cut and resewn into fashion forward/ avant garde wearable art.

New, Old and Everything in Between

Two photos/ two buildings-- very different, yet so very much the same.  While exploring the demand and availability of vintage clothing in Montreal, I had to capture images of the city's architecture as it demonstrates a clever co-existence of romanicism and contemporary culture. 

Miles...Inspires

The Miles Davis exhibit at the Centre du Beaux Arts in Montreal was a feast for the senses and I just had to bring back this postcard photo of Miles.  His confidence and swagger is evident and inspired me to create this display arrangement in my wardrobe salon when I returned home.

In My Element at the Montreal Jazz Fest

It's no secret--J'adore Montreal, and it's annual Jazz Festival (the largest in the world) solidifies this city's place in my heart.  While strolling through a private party I snapped a picture of the festival area from the best view in town.  The Hyatt Regency's 6th floor terrace lounge allowed me to grasp the enormity of the festival, away from the shoulder to shoulder crowds.

July's Style Watch

July's Style Watch winner has a look that says so simple, so chic and just right. The cherry blossom pattern, emerging from the floor of her maxi dress, turned a cocktail hour into a Japanese garden experience. Wanna be included on our style watch site? Click on the button to the left. If chosen, you'll receive a gift.

OMG The Launch Party was Hot!

This is one of the videos that premiered at the "red hot" red carpet video and CD launch party.  If you weren't there, then you missed a serious event.  Champagne flowed, cameras rolled and reporters interviewed those involved in the creation of what will be known as having a "Good Morning Amy."  If you are not sure what that means then you are gonna have to get a copy of the newest album release from Billy Drease Williams. 

By the way, If you think that the "Shut The Gate" video is on point wait til the "Just Doin' It" video hits a TV/ computer screen near you.  That one got a standing ovation...and a well deserved one at that.

Billy Drease Video Release Party

Picture this...Red Carpet, Anxious Media, Top Knotch Artists and Devoted Fans all present for the release of three (yeah that's right three) brand new music videos from Hip Hop sensation Billy Drease Williams.  Partial proceeds to benefit the Sattler Theatre Restoration Project.  There will be a live DJ and free CD's for everyone in attendance.  Tickets are only $20.00

Introducing Kendra Eaglin

My line of work allows me to meet the most interesting people.  I am pictured above with Channel 7's Kendra Eaglin.  Kendra, my newest client, asked me to create her "look" for the Niagara Chapter of the Links Inc. 60th Anniversary Luncheon where she served as the Mistress of Ceremonies.  The theme of the event was 60 years of philanthropy.

Kendra comes to Western New York from KTVM, the NBC station in Bozeman, Montana, where she anchored the 6pm weekday newscast.

In case you were wondering what I selected for Kendra here's a run down:  the suit was by Elie Tahari, the jewelry included an Akoya Pearl Necklace with a 14k Toggle detail and a 1950's Vintage Pendant (made of 14k Gold with a natural pearls and turquoise spray) attached.  Look close...her earrings are also fine Akoya Pearls set in 18k gold.  Not shown in this picture is the clutch she carried (a 1980's vintage piece) from the exotic collection of FURLA (made in Italy) and a 1960's vintage 14k gold cocktail ring set with an Akoya Pearl, turquoise and garnets.  Her hair was compliments of  the professionals at JC Penny Salon.