Gothic attire in the woods.

Welcome Winter; with your branches bare, and cold, crisp air. On Christmas Day, this photo opportunity took place in the woods beside my aunt and uncle's house. Drama and intrigue abound at every turn...   

What comes next? I do not know-- yet I picture a small, black bear coming out from the brush. How about you? It could be anything, really. A flock of birds taking flight, or maybe even a person fleeing (gasp, I hope not!)...

As for the clothing, it is all handmade (aside from the new Dr. Martens boots). It certainly stems from the Japanese Gothic Lolita look which is a blend of Japanese street style based on Old European Fashion. This young lady's one-of-a-kind personal style is infused with a modern Seattle vibe though!

Here's wishing you your own cozy winter filled with warmth, cheer, and a touch of mystery!!!

xoxo

Photos of Maggie taken on a iphone 3gs using the Instagram app

Nordic Fashion Biennale 2011

If you're in Seattle and love fashion, art films, & the general juxtaposition of modernity and history, then run to see Looking Back to Find Our Future at the Nordic Fashion Biennale which is ending November 13, 2011 at the Nordic Heritage Museum in Ballard. Put on in conjunction with the Nordic House, Reykjavik, Iceland, this fabulous experience was curated by Hrafnhildur Arnardottir. I loved every minute of it-- from the easily wearable to the Avant-garde. Spot the clothing throughout the museum; some of which are arranged so secretly as to surprise and amuse you!

Still from a gorgeous art film.

Thank you to all of the designers for sending your remarkable garments all of the way to Seattle! It's a beautiful and highly varied show that features a multitude of talent. The Norwegian and Swedish parts of me are thrilled to be Nordic, too!

For the sake of getting the news out for people to see it during these last few days, I rushed this post -- including pictures and links to the main sites only. If anyone wants information on certain pieces, please let me know!   I look forward to the next show in 2 years... How about you?!  Enjoy!

Ghostly Ship-Wrecked Carnival Life

The hauntingly historic leanings of two skilled artists in Seattle's Georgetown neighborhood has blended seamlessly into their home life, too. Submerge yourself into the carnival atmosphere of Yvette Endrijautzki and Jethaniel (Spyder) Peterka's 
art studio/gallery/home The Nautilus Studio, and see the pure, dark beauty of their refinished, aged ship. Welcome aboard...

I am in love with this well curated, ever changing space. The two of them spent an intense year remodeling this location into a work of art. By utilizing unique, salvaged materials they have created a one of a kind environment that is infused with otherworldly richness and mystery.

From classical oil paintings, assemblage art, "foraged" jewelry, and beyond, the art they make themselves (and showcase by other artists), form stories that seem to be created with an industrial eye of rebirth (the word steampunk might come to mind-- yet in it's own unique way). There are references to fairy tales, myths, magic, rituals, tarot, history, etc. You might find aged metal pieces-- or skulls and vertebrae made new; fragments of past medical tools-- along with references to the cycle of birth and death. The fragility and precariousness of life is repeatedly seen. With that notion in mind, I believe that this post is just in time for The Day of the Dead, Halloween, & All Souls Day.

Do you want to be entertained? Then get on over and see a show! Lucky for me, I have seen many an evening event at Nautilus. This is where the carnival feel really comes to life. Be sure to stop by sometime to be charmed while watching the Magician Acep Hale-- or maybe even The Dandelion Junk Queens  performing in their own magnetic ways.

Nautilus is an art studio, gallery, home, event space...

Find it tucked behind Jules Mae's Saloon and situated right beside The Stables and across from the charming, vintage loving Georgetown Trailer Park. It's certainly a place to visit on Art Walk. In addition, you can now find The Nautilus Studio on Etsy.

I feel so lucky to have had both artists teach my daughter at The Gage Academy over the past few years-- something which will continue. Their studio has given me the chance to get to know them, and I must say that Yvette and Jethaniel are some of the most welcoming and encouraging people that I know! Be sure to check out their art-- Yvette specializes in intense, intricate assemblage art, and Jethaniel uses his classic atelier training to paint stunning, modern oil paintings (amongst other things for both).

Photos courtesy and copyright of The Nautilus Studio 

(excepting the typewriter one that I took a few summers ago). 

Thank you!

Handbags by Sabrina Love

Do you sometimes happen upon a woman who is naturally beautiful, stylish, and self assured, yet she's completely unaware of her mystique?  Don't you just want to know more about her; or maybe, just for one day, be a little bit like her? Welcome to your opportunity to do so! Twist your hair into a topknot or twist, and come along for the how-to.  

First off, spend a few years in Europe like Sabrina Love did. If that's not an option (!), simply watch foreign films while drinking red wine and wearing high heels. As an alternate plan, you could even wear ballet flats and sip green tea! Actually, it doesn't really matter if you are wearing a little black dress with your favorite necklace--- or, your favorite jeans with a fisherman's sweater and worn in boots. Pulling it altogether will be your purse. Sabrina Love has this down pat.

Chic & Refined

Laid back/modern preppy (in a casual way).

Sabrina has truly mastered the art of making bags that you will want to use for every occasion. Her natural affinity for designing such pieces stems from over 10 years working as a costume designer and a stylist. Of note, while she uses only the finest of Italian Lamb leather (along with fine hardware from abroad), the construction is done here in the United States.

Look at this fabulous mother/daughter team shopping at
 Henri Bendel New York
during Sabrina Love's 1st Trunk Show!

      Here's a lovely lady sporting her
new "Bklyn" at Bendels a few weeks ago.

As for me, I have one of the small clutch styles-- the Barcelona Azul, and I tend to use it for nearly every night out I have which involves long conversations and a candlelit spot at the table (which is not often enough)! Find your perfect bag here (just remember that there are some styles not on the web page). You can keep up-to-date by following the Sabrina Love Handbags Facebook page ; and if you are in New York, she's got a showroom for you to visit.

I think it's fitting that Sabrina is a good friend's close pal-- and that we met many years ago at my favorite little spot in Ballard, Sambar, which is a jewel of a space showcasing enduring elegance and design (in it's most sincere, modern French way). I think I see a common thread here...  Enjoy!

Photos copyright and courtesy of Sabrina Love. Thank you!