Aimless Wander to Artful Wonder

My roommate Jennifer and I found ourselves reaping the benefits of an insatiable curiosity last week as we wandered down Cahuenga Blvd with empty stomachs and eager hearts. Through the window of the TOMS pop –up shop at Space15twenty I spotted some colorful interesting people, craft tables , buckets of paper and shiny things, and an eye-catching wall of larger than life collages that I would later find sewed a story heavier  than your average wall decor. After convincing Jennifer that a good dose of arts n’ crafts would be more nourishing than whatever she was going to order for dinner, we ditched our plans and went to see what the fuss was about. Turned out we had arrived right in time for a TOMS- sponsored “Urban Field Journal“ workshop inspired by the work of the late Reuters Journalist and artist Dan Eldon . Two lovely ladies that run the adorable blog  http://www.MakeSomethingHappy.com  taught us how to assemble personalized journals complete with envelopes tucked between the mismatched pages  to save little tokens of your urban adventures.

And now for the WHO/WHAT/WHEN/WHERE/WHY

WHO is Dan Eldon?

Someone too multifaceted and inspiring to sum up here, Dan was a journalist who was tragically killed in Mogadishu. His book art is incredibly beautiful. Check out his website for his whole story.

“Dan Eldon was an artist, adventurer and activist. The spunky and incredibly talented Dan left a legacy and a powerful humanitarian spirit that continues to inspire people of all ages all over the world”

http://www.daneldon.org/site/

WHAT the heck is an Urban Field Journal?

this

and this

or this

WHEN can I make one of these nifty lil’ thangs? And…WHERE?

How about TODAY at the drop in Journal Making Workshop at the Craft In America Study Center from 12pm-5pm!

Craft in America Study Center, 8415 W. Third St. Los Angeles, CA

http://www.craftinamerica.org/studycenter/story_498.php

WHY are these people so fun to look at?  

        

Because they wear shirts with cats playing keyboards in space with a blazer.

Because they look like they’re wearing a Dan Eldon collage

Because I’ll always love a man in pink who comes prepared with his camera-unlike me

 (sorry for the low quality cell phone pics!)

My Ensemble:

This event caught me in an outfit that is a prime example of how you can get “crafty” with your wardrobe staples by mixing them with a bold thrift store find.

Staples:

Thin braided leather belt

Chunky metal necklace from Wasteland.  Go big. I may as well pierce this thing to my neck I wear it so often.

70’s inspired floppy hat. Wear with an easy-as-pie messy side braid on those lazy hair days.

I found this plum colored bohemian pleated dress at the thrift store.  Cinch in the waist with my trusty belt, add leather + wood heels, a chunky gold-metal necklace and a worn denim vest, throw me some hardcore impromptu crafting: I’m set. 

Moral of the story is… be spontaneous ( with your wardrobe, with your life) There is so much in this world we will never see, why waste time doing the same old same old? In my experience, some of the best things in life have come from deviating from the plan.  I have met the most passionate people , seen the most beautiful things, and of course, found my favorite outfits by ditching the expected and venturing out of my comfort  zone.  Thank you to all who were involved in the Urban Field Journal workshop. Whether you were sharing the life and works of Dan Eldon, sewing the pages of my new journal together or  just wearing something unique while crafting, I feel my life is a little bit richer because I’ve met you.

Wander off to wonder my friends.

Crafty Love,

Amanda

Get Carded.

We're so legit.

Our First Fashion Launch!

Hooray, hooray!  Having a fashion blog and well-connected friends like Amanda has already paid off!  This weekend we had the priveledge of attending the Mamadoux Spring/Summer 2011 Collection Preview Party hosted by designers Elliot Beach and Palma Wright. http://www.facebook.com/PonyboyBeach?sk=photos#!/PonyboyBeach?sk=info

Luckily, our ever-favorite mysterious Argentinian photographer, Dalmiro Quiroga came along, camera in hand, and captured some incredible stills!

This was Amanda's own ensemble.  Talk about no-fear!  That hair!  Amazing.



Things were already in full-swing as we arrived around 10:30 pm



Much to our delight, Elliot insisted on throwing us into some pieces upon arrival!



Not exactly "Ants in the Pants..."  The dress was theirs, but the necklaces were mine!  All three from India- the turquoise was a gift from my sister, found at a fair-trade store in Ann Arbor, MI.  The other two were borrowed from my roomate Hanna, who got them during her own travels in India.



Love this jacket, reminscent of a Letterman jacket with a great deal more funk.



Thandi gets in on a group shot.  Work it, girl!



This pic courtest of Davide Laffe Imaging.  Love that they used us for their site!



This vest was made of a poofy plastic material and had some stretch to it.  I felt fierce.  ;)
I'm always excited for a chance to wear my Cole Haan's!  This pair is part of their Air line- Cole Haan and Nike Air paired up 2 years ago to create a shoe line "as comfortable as a pair of tennis shoes".   I wouldn't go THAT far, but these bad boys have gotten me through some long nights on my twinkle toes, let me tell you.



This sexy number could have been made for Amanda.  The fabulous Jeffery Cambell heels and opaque yellow stockings are her own.



How adorable is Thandi in this dress made from a pillow case?  Her model counter-part is a dream in his vest with the line's signature tassles.



Dalmiro forks over the camera to capture his own sexy ensemble, including this 1980s jean-vest and leather cap.



Amanda takes a minute between outfit changes.




Designer Elliot Beach in carefully careless-looking layers of fabulous.



I didn't catch his name, but this eccentric man looked fabulous in a tassled vest, and owned the chic loft the party was held in.

Thandi and I pose together in our comfy third outfits.

This darling model took charge of the jammin' tunes pumped throughout the loft



We saw this long mesh-dress on both male and female models.  Many of these clothes are great for both the dames and the gents.



Thanks for the invite, Elliot!





Bye bye!



Over-and-out! 
<3Eden

Equality.

I apologize if this post may get a little bit off of the beaten fashion-path, but I'll start it off with a message to the ladies.  DO NOT BE AFRAID TO WEAR MEN'S CLOTHING!

For decades girls have been gifted or have stolen their boyfriend's jackets and sweaters.  There is something adorable about a pretty little thing donning her man's over-sized apparel.  I've taken it to the next level, regularly shopping the men's clearance section as thoroughly as the women's.  Several men's cardigans, shoes and even jeans have crept their way into my closet.  In the shoot below I found occasion to show of my boy-jeans found on sale at Urban Outfitters, paired with my absolute favorite pair of shoes- men's wingtips discovered at Wasteland on Melrose.  I regularly sport the pair, double cuffing the jeans and making sure to have some ultra-feminine accessories or a hair-bow included in the ensemble. 

A few months ago I scored a coveted shoot with the LA-based art photographer rock-star Dalmiro Quiroga, who's photos I featured in my last entry.  I'm not a model and I was excited that he wanted to work together, as I'm always looking for new artistic expression to relay some message or other.

I had the idea of addressing a really pertinent issue in California that hits rather close to home- marriage equality.  I was beyond shocked back in 2008 when Proposition 8 passed, banning same-sex marriage in the state of California.  There has been a long and tumultuous journey since then, which has been ultimately disappointing thus far.  We will continue to fight- it seems completely backwards that our country, originally founded on the basis of separation of church and state, could be so filled with ignoramuses. 

It's hard to imagine being told by the government that you aren't allowed to marry the person you love, and though I happen to be attracted to men, some of the people I hold closer to my heart than my rib-bones will be restricted by this idiotic notion. 

I wanted to present a literal depiction of someone trying to force themselves into a mold in order to be accepted.  You can't fit a round peg into a square hole, no matter how badly you want to. 

I've only included a few photos from the shoot, entitled "Boys Don't Cry."  The entire shoot can be viewed here:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2074663&id=1257990074&l=bd077c0c95

What do these images mean to you?
<3Eden

What Goes Around Comes Around SAMPLE SALE and the Umami Tsunami Benefit

It’s a good day to be at SPACE 15TWENTY in Hollywood! Take advantage of the gorgeous LA weather today and head out to high- end vintage + contemporary brand store WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND and take advantage of their juicy SAMPLE SALE, then walk across the charming vine covered corridor to UMAMI BURGER and support the “Umami Tsunami Benefit”, Where the popular restaurant will be donating $1 for every burger sold to the American Red Cross to help out the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami fund today Tuesday March 29^th. 

I stopped by the sample sale a few days ago to hoping to find a few treasures and made out with some incredible finds. When I saw the flier boasting  up to 90% off their collection,  I thought it was too good to be true.

I was happily surprised.

 There’s a table full of dresses between $20 and $30, and trunks of purses, blouses, and belts all from $10-$15! I snagged this studded white leather vintage belt that was originally priced at $248 for only $10. Can’t wait to use this to add just the right amount of edge to a sweet frock or full skirt. You will drool when you see the wall of vintage shoes and boots- all 50% off! The sale has been going on for a few days, but there was still a great selection when I was there.

Shopping at WGACA is an experience. The store is blooming with an expertly chosen selection of designer vintage dresses, jackets, tee’s and more all displayed with humble beauty amongst  the exposed brick walls, well-worn rugs and tattered suitcases. This place is bursting with character that’s bound to inspire you. Check out their website. The vintage Chanel Jewelry is on the top of my fantasy-fashion wish-list. 

http://www.whatgoesaroundnyc.com

What Goes Around Comes Around - Hollywood
1520 N Cahuenga Blvd
(at Space 15Twenty)
Los Angeles, CA 90028

323-836-0252

Monday - Saturday 11:00am - 8:00pm
Sunday 10:00am - 7:00pm

 

As for UMAMI burger, all I can say is if you haven’t tried their signature burger, and you eat meat, GO NOW. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that I actually teared up a bit after taking a bite of this burger. OK, ok, ok, perhaps the beer that I had with the meal aided in this ridiculous emotional eating experience, but it really was THAT GOOD. Don’t even think about asking for substitutions or messing with the UMAMI burger, they won’t do it. Plus, if you go today at any of their five LA locations, you’ll be supporting Tsunami and Earthquake relief in Japan. Burgers are around $10.

Umami Urban 1520 Cahuenga Blvd, Hollywood

http://umamiburger.com/

Also, beware of one-hour parking meters. You may get carried away shopping or tearing up over burgers like, eh hem…someone I know, and forget to pay the meter, resulting in everyone's favorite surprise- a parking ticket. ;)

yummy love,

Amanda