Brooklyn Botanical Garden: cherry blossom festival

So when I went to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden for the last day of the cherry blossom festival and Sakura Matsuri.

I was super proud of myself for wearing my cherry blossom inspired headband and bangles, and pink chiffon shirt. I thought I would be the only one there who would think to dress the part.   “Who would ever think to get so decked out to come to a botanical garden to see trees?”

But clearly I know nothing about this event.

Much of the crowd was in full costume specifically tailored to the honor of the cherry blossoms.

There were pink scarves and floral printed dresses abound, each person taking the best of their personal collections to capture some cherry blossom-ness before even leaving the house.

Many appeared to have prepared for this day for weeks leading up to the event. 

They crafted their frothy baby-doll outfits months in advance with giant oversized bows, white petticoats and cupcake printed skirts and pinky winky lip-gloss and eye shadow.

Even the less dramatic folks got into the spirit of things.

I saw a middle-aged woman who simply wore a full-sleeved floral chiffon blouse and carried a Japanese parasol that she had purchased when she arrived. In my mind, I could see her pull that out of the back of her closet saying, “oh this blouse sort of looks like a kimono, right, honey?”  These lovely girls looked so pretty too:

 

There were a select few who looked as if they had been waiting since comic-con to resume life as their wild gothic alter egos.   Of course this makes sense since cherry blossoms= Sakura Matsuri Japanese festival= Harajuku fashion= whatever.

With such a simple theme, it was incredible to see the range of interpretation that people had for their attire.  And it was incredible to note peoples desire to attend the festival in a using clothing to connect to the events of the day that they related most closely to. Be it Japanese culture, modern or traditional for that matter, or just for the beauty of nature, most people used their clothing as a way to enter the event and transcend a visual interaction.

While I brought my camera – almost by accident-- to take   a few stray pics of some extraordinary cherry blossoms, the people who attended were all the more fascinating to me.

 

My headband in full swing.

 

Jamie's pup. I am in love <3

Jewelry inspired by an Enchanted Princess

 

I made some jewelry today!! something completely spontaneous and creative. I had this idea to explore a slightly different approach to design, which I often forget is in the details.  Since jewelry is nothing BUT details, it really forced me to slow down and consider honestly how each tiny piece would affect the total outcome of each design.

It is also nice that I HAVE something tangible as a product for once... it is not just a theory or a sketch.

 

 I am really inspired by my mom's weeping cherry trees in full bloom, and these enamel beads I found... and this really strange/pretty chic I met at my local coffee shop, who has inspired me to experiment with my look, and test the limits a little bit.

When I was done, I was reminded of the Enchanter's Daughter.

I revisit this fairy tale, on occasion, as it is very rare to find a princess whose quest is not for marriage to a handsome prince, but for her identity.   She has no name given to her by the enchanter other than “Daughter”, and she has vague dreams in which she can remember another life, in which she has a name. As the story continues, and  the enchanter tries to convince the princess that she had been a rose, a fish, a deer, a bird, who he had transformed into a girl by magic.  But each time, she remains clear that this is not who she is, and she focuses on her path of self discovery.

 Anyway, I like this group.
More to come...

I'm not gonna lie, I love this subaru commercial..

It's spring... lets talk about pretty

 

longing for summer...

             I cannot wait for those lazy days of summer.  

I look at these Urban Outfitters catalog and I think… 

         

I really want to get this relaxed energy in my life....

 

  Loved  the retro 70's  proportion here.  It reminded me of the items I have stolen from my mom's closet... 

 

 These lovelies are just croquis waiting to happen... too cool for school, and I love how their poses just make those maxi skirts look so easy.. I am loving these tank shapes too... what a cool proportion.

 I like this because she's bouldering in a dress :)  any girl who dares to rock climb in chiffon is OK by me. :) maybe this should go on the other blog...

Fully obsessed with Mila Kunis, and Ellie Saab

HOLY S!(&#2!

I didn't think anything in the fashion world could EVER take my breath away again! Mila Kunis took the Oscars to a whole new level. Her dress was incredible, risky, romantic, and sexy. 

 Ellie Saab, the dress was  fresh, & relevant.  Something I would actually want on my body.  (Ahh ! One day....).

I think this dress had just as much " fashion intellect" as Cate Blanchett with the added bonus of looking like clothing, not architecture ( and also, I didn't wretch when I saw it.. sorry Cate). 

I mean can we say intense draping?  This is no easy task, and it was tailored to perfection, melted onto her. Someone probably died in the process of making this dress because of the complex construction. Lace and chiffon is  a tortuous mess to control and here it is. Not ONE puckering seam, not one weird section  at the chest, not one awkward bubble where the zipper might be. How exactly she puts this on and takes it off is a crazy mystery. Clearly no zipper exists.

The hair was elegant, soft, sweet and simple.   Notice the way her hair color is lighter right around her eyes ( not so light at the roots). This is what makes it look as if she is actually glowing (Abbie Klenzman at Arte Salon in NYC  is great at this technique if you are interested).

Her warm- bronze eye shadow was the perfect compliment to the lavender gown. And of course her globes are forever framed in black eyeliner for that extra POP that made this look so successful.

too bad Jolie didnt make it! cat- eye showdown, MEOW!