Drawing practice ! 8.5

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It has been officially an eon since I last had a free afternoon to sit and putter around with my art supplies. Feeling unfocused, I decided that drawing something already in existence was probably the best way to exercise my precision, and I chose the smokin’ red dress that Rhianna wore to the Grammy’s! 

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In my Illustration class review, I was told that I should work more on texture and on faces. I thought this would be a good choice because of the gathered skirt and translucent silk. 

Getting started was harder than I had thought, as I tried to remember the techniques I had learned months ago. I got started in pencil and took a pic so I could see what I’d started with by the time I was done. Lucky for me this time, I was already sold on drawing a long skirt so you didn’t have to see her weird looking cartoon legs…. 

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Her arms were looking a little wonky and her face was so small that my pencil could hardly make details, but overall I was pleased enough to move on. After all, I had to accept that I will not be turning into Michelangelo in one afternoon of drawing.

Then there was the coloring! After outlining in thin Staedler marker, I decided that I would mix it up and use only my PrismaColor colored pencils this time. Previously, I had been using mainly my markers, but wanted to work with a medium I was less comfortable with. Here’s what came out:

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Riri was looking a bit better at the Grammy’s, but I took away some great observations about my process and where to go from here. Somewhere along the line her hair grew, her smile got colored in, and the precision of the folds in her dress became muddied. I had a hard time getting her hair to catch that ideal ombre glow and had an even harder time getting the beautiful coloring of her skin just right. This led to over-compensation, and I couldn’t color any more unless I wanted to just draw right through to the next page. 

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All in all, it was a good checkpoint. I want to try this dress again, but instead use markers and spend more time on the details of her face and hair. I’ve heard designers say that more often than not a croquis gets drawn and redrawn multiple hair-pulling times until it is just right, but if I sit and roast any longer inside on this beautiful, hot day I think I will go insane in the membrane. 

On a positive note, I’m actually pleasantly surprised with the experimentation I did to make the fabric appear to be sheer through her torso and her face didn’t look like a man. These are both going in the “win” category.

I’m excited to try this again, and definitely will plan on more time for details. I think next time the most important part will be measuring and not second guessing my measurements. I got caught up in details that were not to scale and I lost focus of the precision that could have added some points for technique.

As we say around here:

Cheers, to sucking less! 

The grocery store calls! Stay positive friends, Monday is almost over 😉 

xo

Pictures of my TREEENNNNDAAAYYY outfit! 7.29

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I’ve been working hard lately at trying to grow up. I’ve lived on my own for two years, I feel like I’m finally settling into a great network of people, and I want to be able to put more exciting things on my plate. Yesterday I celebrated a wonderful day of domestication. I cooked. I cleaned. I socialized.

And I wore homemade clothes!

As painfully June Cleaver as it sounds, I couldn’t help myself! I made this classic A-line skirt out of a funky black paisley-esque cotton last winter, and haven’t had a chance to see if it was worth wearing until this week. As basic and boring as can be, but I kinda liked it with my pink J. Crew necklace, grey tank, and go-to wedges!

Cue pic that says “Oh! Please have some more casserole, I made plenty!”

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Don’t let my fake smile fool you, I was really just happy to see carpet for the first time in weeks.

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It really is the little things. 

Hope you have a gleefully-rolling-on-the-floor kind of day.

xo

What to wear for a summer job interview! Start with deodorant…?

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Here’s the sitch: it’s hotter than Birkenstocks in the 1990’s outside, and you need a job. You’d look great for an interview in January, but you’d be sweltering in thick, black fabric! Unfortunately a swim suit wasn’t the kind of suit your future employer had in mind for this occasion, and all of your other summer clothes may not be professional enough. 

So you asked, and I’m answering:

“I can’t find anything on Pinterest summer wardrobe ideas for job interviews! What tips do you have?”

 

Answer: wear this!

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Oh you mean you aren’t interviewing for the job of embarrassing prom date? Well then let’s dive into this a little bit more. 

 

MEN: 

Guys, tradition, unfortunately, will be keeping you in sleeves if you are looking to land that mainstream corporate gig. This doesn’t mean that you have to be boiling in wool, however. Summer-weight fabrics such as linen and seersucker are breathable and extremely classy choices for suits. Jackets are less necessary during this time, simply because of the heat, but when in doubt, err on the side of safety. Khaki’s and a button down are a practical choice. Be leery of different styles, however, should you be a gent who in interested in showing off your personality. Depending on the job you seek, consider how traditional your outfit should be. There is a difference between khaki colored slacks and khaki pants. If the khakis could be intermixed with jeans, then they probably aren’t job interview appropriate. More traditional companies or employers may be inclined to say that a pleated and cuffed khaki-colored trouser is more professional and classic. Likewise with shirts. Just because a shirt has a collar doesn’t mean it is the right shirting material.

 If I was your mom/sister/girlfriend (… and hopefully not all three) I would suggest you use good judgement and stray from getting experimental. There are ways of using subtleties to show off your personality, but if you aren’t sure what I mean, then you should probably just be going basic in the meantime. When you are ready to step it up, give me a call. We’ll go shopping.

Remember make sure that your belt, shoes, and socks match. Make sure your outfit isn’t wrinkled. Make sure everything is the proper length and fit. No shorts. No tennis shoes.  Not sure about something? Ask questions at quality men’s retailer. Women’s wear doesn’t have the same guidelines that men’s does, and quality male clothiers should be trained in the know-how of do’s and do-not’s. 

Here is a brief glimpse at how summer can translate into the modern day office.

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LADIES: 

Take a deep breath ladies, because fashion trends have transcended into business wear for summer. I actually think this is the best time to interview fashion-wise because of all of the possibilities! Being that it is sunny and warm, the shelves are lined with fun and expressive colors. Spring sales are aplenty and dark and gloomy colors have been buried, so forget that basic black a-line, and find something that shows off just how spectacular you are. My suggestion: make it classic, and also make it interesting. Start with basics like crisp linen pants, or a lightweight sheath dress. Traditional corporate job? Think pencil skirt and structured, short-sleeved top. Keep cool with silks and synthetics, and consider something flowy mixed with something structured. Make it your own with an accenting pair of heels and belt, or perhaps a dash of color with some fun jewelry. Keep it refined, but don’t let anyone tell you that a 9-5 means you will be relegated to sweater sets and 20th century conformity.  When you hit the shops to pick up that job-winning look, play with a variety of shapes and colors to make sure it works with your skin tone and body shape. Accents can be incorporated with practicality, and you may find that a brightly colored jacket or sweater is a suitable way to ward off A/C chill while not covering up your look.

Above all, make sure it is comfortable and flattering! If you feel good and aren’t pulling or tugging at your clothes, you will be much more likely to give the interview you want.  Leave your sky-high heels for date night!

Remember, cleavage is never okay. If it’s tight, it doesn’t fit. Close-toe shoes > your pedicure. No sequins are good sequins. Stay mindful of just how colorful you are- if you look like a walking color-by-numbers you may be overdoing it. 

Here are a couple ideas!

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Here’s an article I wrote for recent grads for the Portland State Vanguard… maybe this will help you too!

click here!

Friends, you are just one step closer to sweet, paycheck bliss. Now get off the couch, out of your Family Guy boxers, and take on the world!

Oh, wait… I’m the one in the Family Guy boxers…

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Probably time to get on with my day 😉

Enjoy the sun! xo

Don’t feel like going naked? Here is an article I wrote.

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I’m off to the fabric store and then on to my industrial sewing machine class, but to quench your DorkyChick thirst, here is an article I put out a couple weeks ago for the PSU Vanguard!

CLICK !

If you don’t like any of my suggestions, I hear there is a nude beach on Sauvie’s Island. 

xo

TRRRREENNNNDAYYY WEEKEND: Here comes da judge!! 7.20-21!

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Once again I’ve found myself in pageant land! I may not be destined for the courtroom, but I can still be a judge in the sparkly pageant arena 😉  So I’ve skipped town for a couple days to determine the fates of the ambitious young ladies competing for opportunities to find their inner queen.

This, of course, requires the right wardrobe so I played some dress up to exercise my styling muscles and make sure I was prepared for the weekend’s festivities!

OUTFIT 1: 

Orientation, first rounds of interviews, and introductions means it’s business time. A classic black sheath from Bebe was my first pull from my closet. Hotel A/C is usually pumping freezing cold air so I chose to cover up with this tweed jacket I found at J.C. Penney!  ($30!!) To ad my own flair, I put it with my favorite go-to cutout black heels, chunky silver jewelry to accent the exposed zipper on the jacket, and my favorite bracelet that reads “FEARLESS”

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OUTFIT 2:

Sunday morning is the perfect time to pullout a cheery business wear outfit! Again, A/C pumping means dress for indoor autumn. I brought my own summer in the form of a white, flowy jacket, indigo capris, a bright floral scarf, and my favorite comfy pumps. Don’t let the playfulness fool you, I’m still a tough judge 😉

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OUTFIT 3:

 Dear whomever it may concern at Fashion Police Department,

I’m repeating an outfit. Na na na boo boo. I don’t care.

Sincerely,

Caroline

For the final night of crowning, they said to pack our best! My pageant gown days are over, so I’m choosing to show my flashy flair through different means of fabulosity! I found this bright turquoise dress on sale from FCUK a couple months ago and wore it to the crowning of Miss Oregon 2013. I love that it is flattering, eye-catching, and comfortable! Great nights are only made better if you feel great in what you wear, and I’ve found that wearing a skin-tight sausage casing definitely gets in the way of being carefree- so I picked this! And I glitzed it up with heaping piles of jewelry.

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I firmly believe the best outfits should be worn again! If I ever made it to the big time, I would wear the same outfit a handful of times just so people know it is okay.

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Well, that’s that! I will not be accepting any creepy calls this weekend of people asking “what are you wearing??”  You already know.

 

Okay, I’m off! Have a fun summer weekend- I’m sending love from pageant land!

xo

 

 

 

 

Blogress Report: Button-up Shirt and Wrap Dress DOMINATION!!! Sort of!!!!

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Great news. It’s official. I am slightly smarter, slightly more accomplished, and slightly closer to crowdsurfing through thousands of adoring fans while people call my name and the trumpets sound and fireworks are exploding and Beyonce’s lipsyncing the national anthem and all there is to eat is pizza!!!!!!!!! That’s what dreams come true is, isn’t it!?

I just completed my next round of sewing projects! I took a “Perfect Shirt” class, a dress class, and also textiles! This weekend I have been doing a lot of last-minute crunching to get these suckers done.

PROJECT 1: THE PERFECT SHIRT

The “Perfect” Shirt is certainly not flawless, but this was an incredible introduction into traditional tailored garments. I made a shirt somewhat similar to this when I was back in high school, but it looked like doo-doo and was never seen again. This was a second chance for me, and it still wasn’t a walk in the park, but some serious progress was made!

Check it out!

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Eh? Eh??! I can’t take credit for just whipping this out myself, because I definitely had some guidance.That being said, I did have to finish a considerable amount on my own time since I missed some classes for my travels home.

Here’s what I learned:

-Proper plackets. The Rubik’s cube of fabric folding.

-Collar stands

– Adding structure with a yoke on the upper back.

– How to make a proper cuff

Here’s what I need more work on:

– Everything. There are a multitude of little tweaks that I couldn’t possibly think that I’ve mastered here, but all time spend working on this was incredibly worthwhile. There is little to no creative freedom in a project like this, so it is a classic example of “practice makes perfect”

PROJECT 2: THE WRAP DRESS

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Image << That’s the print up close.

This was a fun project to do because it didn’t require any zippers or buttons!!! Wahoo!! The fabric was fairly easy to work with and the garment seems to fit fairly well. It is lined with a grey synthetic, which frayed easily, but for as often as I’ll wear the thing, I think it will be fine.

Here’s what I learned:

-How to use a hemmer foot: this is a tool that wraps around the edge of the fabric and curls it as the machine stitches. This helps to make delicate hems.

-How to use twill

-A refresher in pattern manipulation

What I’ll work on for next time:

– Patience with the hem. I thought the hemmer foot would solve all my problems, but it is not a cure-all

– Measuring more accurately. It fits fairly well, but the..er.. girls ain’t gettin’ no bigger.

– Like the shirt, just overall confidence and proficiency.

I think the skill I am closest to mastering after this weekend is ironing. This is way more crucial to the construction process than I had ever imagined. I won’t try and make an irony joke here, but please know that I want to.

Well that’s all folks! I’m tired of sitting down, so I’m off!

As we say ’round here– cheers, to sucking less!

xo

Dorkychick Diaries: Oprah Where’s My Advil?

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I love Oprah. I used to sit and eat my after school snack and watch her give away cars and interview celebrities. Tom Cruise jumping on the couch as I ate Oreos was good livin’. Over the course of the past few years my mom started sending me articles from her magazine, which were always so wonderful. It’s only logical that one of the wealthiest celebrities of all time would be able to tap the brains of those with remarkable wisdom and superior schooling. I ended up loving the inspiration-packed publication and subscribed a few months ago and it has been nothing short of refreshing and thought provoking.

I’m not one for quotes- not in movies, books, or otherwise. It’s got to be really good to get my attention, however an exception caught my attention by way of contributor Gayle:

“Always be more than you appear, and never appear to be more than you are.”

– Horst Kasner

These words singed my brain and have been haunting me ever since. For as deeply as I attempt to immerse myself in the art of appearance, this sentence called me to reflect upon my own self projection. I felt a question mark ricochet around the walls of my noggin; rebounding off of recent dinner conversations, the unfinished sewing projects that are burning my conscious, blearning and other blog shenanigans, shiny sashes in my closet, and the tendrils of ruby bound in elastic on my head. Am I more than I appear… or just a wannabe? Where does one draw the line on these sorts of things? Where does this fit in with my lifestyle and what I project? Or am I thinking honest thoughts but not saying honest words?! Why on earth is this quote getting under my skin?

Oprah, in your next giveaway, can I have some advil?!

I spent some time thinking about all of the ways I wanted to know that balance in my life. As of late, my vision has been muddied by an influx of deadlines and remastering of priorities. I read the quote again and again as if to beam through fog with laser-vision. There, on a summer afternoon in the midst of some quiet time, I was reminded of the importance of knowing one’s own worth, and pursuing conscious humility. At times, such mentalities feel intangible in this world made of stitches. Fashion alludes to something “more” with every choice of material, photo shoot lighting, and hairstyle. I’ve found myself a contributor to such illusion. Right now I’m sitting on the couch, but it is quite possible your brain thinks I am in a goofy pose wearing a trendy outfit such as the one in the background. Objectively this is misleading, and, for me, discouraging as I sit here on the couch with a daunting workload of sewing and writing deadlines in the days to come. Certainly not playtime. It is these times that require words like those to remind myself that I’m still on the uphill battle. Time to get down to the nitty gritty…. I may need some late-night coffee.

This is one of those moments of clarity I created this blog for. I hope to look back on and say “yeah, I grew up a little bit more that day” as I type through the tension of the petty stresses of my week and clear some headspace for more important thoughts.. Thoughts like: “OW! I just poked myself with a needle again!” and “SH*&^^% I thought I did that right the first time!” It is times like these when I take comfort that every “trrreennnday” picture is a small building block and every missed stitch in a sewing project is one I won’t miss in the future.

My Friday night off of my restaurant job will be filled with the repetition of the sewing needle and cranking out tomorrow’s fashion piece for my college newspaper. It certainly won’t appear to be much more, yet as the breeze and the sweet melodies of a street violinist softly fill my quaint apartment, I admittedly am smirking with gratitude, knowing it is so much more than I could ask for.

xo

Zombie Apocalypse: Now Accepting Applications!

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As I slowly chip away at my roster of design classes, I’ve had some great opportunities to broaden my horizons, expand the scope of my skills, and most importantly, increase my chance of survival in the zombie apocalypse. 

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^^Portland zombie

It is no secret that I was the last child to complete the timed mile run in elementary school, and never got much faster…nor am I notably coordinated and have been known to mistake my finger for a block of cheese….So if I can’t hunt and gather or be a warrior, what’s left?

Translator? Nein, ich spreche nur ein bissen Deutch…plus the Germans have been learning English for decades so that’s out…

Medical expert? Oh! Maybe?  Let me look on WebMD and see….

Prostitute?   Does this look mean anything to you?

Photo on 7-11-13 at 7.24 PM

You cray! *snap snap snap*

I was starting to face the music;  fated to meet my doom as a zombie cupcake with cherry frosting… until now!

My love of needles+thread has led me to a class where I am learning the age-old art of  Leatherworking. Okay so ideally I’d like to be able to throw together some crafty bags or shoes like any girly girl, but as I beveled, skived, and saddle-stitched from the comfort of my desk during a couple-week intensive course at my design school, I realized not all hope was lost for me! Do you think your shoes are going cobble themselves?  Ever tried bringing back enough berries to feed a team using only your two hands? Where are you going to turn when you need a new scabbard?

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Exactly.

Things are off to a solid start- just check out the belt I made this week!!

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If you look at the top left corner of the first photo, you can see the strap of vegetable-tanned leather it transformed from!

 

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Here are just some of the tools used.  An all-purpose leatherworking knife and corkboard (those things are sharp!) , a box cutter and cutting board, beeswax and canvas, and lots of paper towels! We beveled, skived, oil-treated, dyed, smoothed, molded, soaked, hammered, sanded, burnished and punched holes– all in just a few short days! I have to let my belt set for 24 hr before I can buff it, but then it will be ready to wear!  bedazzle!!!!!

(You can exhale, I was kidding)

This weekend I have to go pick up my first pigskin for a tote bag as next week’s project.  The idea of going out to buy skin is still sort of strange, but- hey, I can’t deny that it is a really important part of learning about the industry and basics of construction. And of course, vital to my survival of the pending mass resurrection of conscious-less corpses.

With that, I will be taking applications for my survival team. I still need someone fast, someone who can use a knife without slicing their finger, a translator (pig latin counts, but I’ll need references), Dr. Oz, and a hooker.

Please e-mail applications to dorkychickinlipstick@gmail.com

Deadline pending, we need to find the right people for the team.

More on leatherworking next week 🙂

xo

Blearning Blog: “C” is for Cookie only 99% percent of the time

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It’s that time again for a …..

BLEARNING BLOG!

That’s right, gang! It is that magical time where I pick out a name I don’t know from an archive of designers and try and bolster my fashion-lover cred by a couple points. Today’s designer is brought to you by the letter….

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Yes, Cookie Monster. The letter C ! “C” is always for cookie, of course, but one of it’s less important jobs is being responsible for the alliterative and memorable name of today’s featured design house!

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This label calls Los Angeles home, and aims to capture the essence of California (which also conveniently starts with a C). Clover Canyon’s idea of fashion is not shy or subdued. Their website uses words like “jubilant” and “joyful” to describe these boldly-printed masterpieces.  Wild prints, forward-thinking silhouettes, and old-fashioned know-how of skilled structure are what make this label both trendy and timeless. 

Here are some of my favorite looks from their Resort 2013 line. The head designer Rozae Nichols chose Cuba (wait, what letter does Cuba start with again? 😉 ) as the inspiration for this year’s fair-weather looks. Bold floral accents and familiar architectural angles intermixed with loose island-worthy shapes and printed images have me captivated! Can somebody get me a plane ticket already?!?!

 

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I pretty much love everything about this. It is vivid and interesting and flattering and flat-out fun! And 10 bonus points for the model’s shoes being realistic. Heels that aren’t from hell?! I’ll take ’em!

The graphic on the novelty sweatshirt in the last image is of a cigar-roller Mavis Touissant Fuentes who was famous for her eccentric style. This is what she looks like when she is not immortalized on a sweatshirt….

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I’ll have whatever she’s smoking.

 

Want to check out some more from this designer?

click here

 

Want to weigh in? Drop a comment below! 

Cheers to being a little smarter and cheers to cheers starting with our letter of the day!!! Now about that cookie…..

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xo