KANSAS COUTURE

Early Jewelry Valentine's Day Giveaway

2010-02-08T15:29:00.003-06:00

You got to know Kylie of Early Jewelry a little bit the other day, and now you have a chance to win one of her pieces! Here are the two beautiful items up for grabs: a gold-filled hammered wire and oxidized sterling silver heart necklace (retail $70) and a pair of asymmetrical geode earrings (retail $56). Two winners will be picked!

To enter, leave a comment on this post. One comment per person, please. Open to international readers. Entries accepted until 11:00 p.m. Central Time on February 13th. Winners will be randomly selected and announced on Valentine's Day. Good luck!

Also, if you want to get some cute earrings for a good cause, Early Jewelry is donating all of the profits from these $15 heart studs to the American Red Cross.

Snowball Fight!

2010-02-08T12:56:00.001-06:00

Scarf: Urban Outfitters, gift // Shirt: Thrifted, $3 // Pants: Old Navy, $9 // Shoes: Payless

On Friday, we had the best little snowstorm. It wasn't cold outside, the huge flakes looked beautiful as they fell, and the snow was wet, so it packed perfectly for snowballs. I wish I had had more time to play! The day was busy but casual, so I went for easy comfort with laid-back trousers, a roomy top and simple ankle boots.

Local Designer Kylie Grater of Early Jewelry

2010-02-05T18:21:00.009-06:00

I recently sat down with Kansas artist Kylie Grater of Early Jewelry at her studio. Much like Kansas Couture, Kylie expresses her design aesthetic from a Midwestern perspective. Her distinctive handmade pieces are loved by women all over the world. She sells her work through her website, Etsy and at boutiques throughout the country. Currently working with Free People for their May catalog, she has also sold her jewelry through Urban Outfitters and has been featured in Nylon, Teen Magazine, Rachel Ray and more.

Kansas Couture: Tell me about your inspiration.
Early Jewelry: I go for natural, simple, clean design. I'm inspired by open spaces and rural souvenirs like wood, leather and antler: things you might find on a walk. Design-wise, I draw on the cleanliness of the rural Kansas landscape... plots of field and horizon lines.

KC: How did you start making jewelry?
EJ: I grew up in a tiny town and always liked being creative as a kid. In high school, I had a great art teacher who gave me lots of allowances. I studied metalsmithing at KU and spent a year in England, which prepared me professionally. I launched Early Jewelry through LOLA in 2005 and have been doing it full time for three years.

"I like being from Kansas. It's part of the Early Jewelry identity."

KC: Tell me about your process.
EJ: I'm very materials-based. I don't do a lot of sketching. I'll see a shape in nature and then think about the design in my mind. I'm always manufacturing, forming and producing using techniques that I know work. I keep my production simple.

KC: Why do you stay in Kansas?
EJ: The internet is the only reason I can run this business out of Lawrence. My website allows me to have my own store, my own brand, my own identity. I can market myself internationally. And I like being from Kansas. It's part of the Early Jewelry identity. Being from Kansas can be cool. People find it quaint. It's not necessarily a reality to people. It's an idea or concept.

"I have ... a moral desire to have my business reflect good."

KC: Why is it important to be involved in the local art community?
EJ: Growing up in a small community taught me the importance of volunteerism. Involvement in the community in general is ingrained in me. I have a business but also a moral desire to have my business reflect good. Through this activism, I always meet people, which leads to other things.

KC: Do you have any advice for people interested in starting their own business?
EJ: Knowing business is really important. To go from just being crafty to a full-time job, you have to understand marketing, if and how you're going to advertise, producing a quality product, managing interns, bookkeeping, staying extremely organized and more. You feel like you have to do everything, but I'm doing what I like, and it's totally my voice.

Stay tuned: On Monday, there will be an Early Jewelry Valentine's Day giveaway!

Hey, Local Folks!
Here are some upcoming Early Jewelry events:

"Have a Heart" Valentine Art Show -- Van Go Mobile Arts, non-profit

RECEPTION: Friday, February 5th, 5 - 8 pm
715 New Jersey St
Lawrence, KS

SHOW RUNS:
February 6th - 14th, 1 - 5 pm

Early Jewelry @ First Fridays each month in the Kansas City Crossroads District 7 - 10 pm
Speak Salon
327 1/2 Southwest Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64108

Fashion Loves People and Early Jewelry Trunk Show
Saturday, February 6th, 10 am - 6 pm
Haught Style

6951 Tomahawk Road
Prairie Village, KS

Lola Valentine's Show

Saturday, February 13th, noon - 6 pm
500 Locust

Lawrence, KS

Thrifting is My Drug of Choice

2010-02-05T13:17:00.001-06:00

I used to thrift at least once a week. The selection in my town is pretty abysmal, but the nearby town where I work is a treasure trove. The stores are not picked over, and they're way cheaper. Once I got my little bundle of joy, however, I started rushing home after work, which means (you guessed it) no more thrifting. Oh, the sacrifices one makes for doggie parenthood. Yesterday, after a months-long hiatus, I made a quick trip to the thrift store. It felt amazing. I think I had been going through withdrawal. For how little time I spent there, the trip was pretty successful.

THE GOODS:

-Vintage oxfords
-Clark's flats
-Kimchi & Blue lace blouse
-Vintage batwing sweater
-Polka dot blouse
-Ann Taylor blazer
-Oversize sheer blouse
-Vintage high-waist shorts

THE DAMAGE: $24

Not everything fits (I hardly ever try stuff on at thrift stores), but I was definitely happy with what I came away with. I'm sure I'll kick myself for saying this next time I covet something totally unattainable, but I daresay it's better to NOT have a lot of money for buying clothes. Honestly, if I had an unlimited clothing budget or even just a considerable one, I wouldn't know what to buy. When you can choose from anything, how would you decide? And would it hold the same value and meaning to you? I would probably end up buying way too much and appreciating it less.

When your budget limits you to thrift stores or sale racks, you have to really hunt for the good stuff. It isn't just presented to you on a carefully composed display. And you have to make the most of what you get. That may mean altering items or getting creative with the way you incorporate them into your wardrobe. The feeling I get after a fruitful thrifting trip is way different (and way better) than the remorse or uncertainty that comes with regular retail shopping. I feel accomplished, invigorated and responsible because I didn't spend much and I'm putting old clothes to good use.

Anyway, Maybe this is just an unhealthy obsession of mine or my way of making myself feel better for not having a lot of money. I realize thrifting isn't fun for everyone, and I also don't want to downplay the importance of sometimes spending more for good quality. How do you guys feel about thriting, shopping on a budget and the prospect of having an unlimited budget?

Shady Lady

2010-02-04T22:40:00.002-06:00

Shirt: Gap, $10 // Skirt: Vintage, thrifted, hemmed, $1 // Necklace: Urban Outfitters, $10 // Boots: Courtesy of BC Footwear

My apologies for the shadowy indoor picture. I look like I should be telling a campfire ghost story. One of these days I'll figure out how to take a decent indoor picture. Anyway, this is what I wore to work yesterday. I finally got around to hemming this skirt. Since I haven't worn it in so long, it feels like a new piece. I love it when that happens.

Spring Fever

2010-02-02T23:23:00.002-06:00

Shirt: Urban Outfitters, $10 // Shorts: Insight, courtesy of 80spurple.com // Tights: Gift // Shoes: Forever 21, gift // Bow tie: American Apparel sash, $16

Here's what I wore on Sunday to a benefit. I swear, lately I've just been dressing like it's spring and then throwing on a winter coat. Speaking of spring, I can't wait to style these new shorts in lots of different ways once the weather warms up. Way back in September, Weardrobe Conference sponsor 80s Purple gave us all gift cards. I'm so glad I waited to spend mine. I have a really hard time finding shorts I like, and these are great. That's all for today, folks. I'm beat. Good night!

"Such Beautiful Shirts"

2010-02-01T11:18:00.006-06:00

Sweater: GAP (altered by me), $30 // Leggings: Courtesy of We Love Colors // Head wrap: American Apparel Sash // Necklace: Forever 21, $9 // Boots: Urban Outfitters, $25

Remember this sweater? I kept finding myself wanting to wear a big cozy sweater but passing on this one because the neck cuff was just too bothersome. So, as I often impetuously do, snip snip! And I'm so happy with the result. I think I'll wear it much more often now. Paired with soft, comfy leggings from We Love Colors, this was the perfect laidback Saturday look.

As for the head wrap, Erin of calivintage was definitely the inspiration here. I knew the American Apparel sash would be great for big bows around my waist and neck, but Erin's tutorial inspired me to try it as a turban. I definitely need to work on my technique. She does it like a pro!

In combination with red lipstick for an evening out, the turban elicited a lot of comments including references to Daisy Buchanan. Speaking of which... have you heard? Baz Luhrmann is making a Great Gatsby adaptation. I'm beyond thrilled!

Mod World

2010-01-28T23:09:00.002-06:00

Dress: Courtesy of ShopMamie.com // Tights: Target, $5 // Shoes: Lela Rose for Payless, courtesy of Payless (Weardrobe Conference)

Okay, I don't know if you can tell, but my hair is getting super shaggy. I used to go months and months without a haircut, so I'm not used to this whole maintenance thing. Luckily, I do have an appointment on the horizon, but I may have to get creative in the next couple of weeks with this mop top.

Speaking of the swinging sixties, how about this adorable mod dress? I don't usually gush (do I?), but I'm totally gushing over this dress. The girls at ShopMamie.com sent it to me. It's actually meant to be a top, but combine a short stature with a size too big and, voila, you have a dress (albeit a mini one). I've actually been wanting a dress with a neckline like this for a long time, so I'm super excited. Also, its woolly texture reminded me that it's still winter. I was kind of getting lost in thoughts of spring...

She Came In Through the Bathroom Window

2010-01-27T23:18:00.003-06:00

Turtleneck: Target, $5 // Dress: Old Navy, $8 // Sash: American Apparel, $16 // Tights: Courtesy of We Love Colors // Shoes: Forever 21, gift

...Protected by a silver spoon... such a good song. Yes, I took my photo in the bathroom today. What can I say? It has the best lighting of any room in my little apartment. I was going to crop the sides but then decided to just roll with it.

As for the outfit, I felt rather mouse-like in grey and pink with a Minnie-reminiscent bow. They look like the same color in this picture, but the tights are a pinky peach and the sash is creme.

We Love Colors kindly sent me the tights. While I was familiar with them from other blogs, this is my first pair, and I love them! They have the two things I look for in a pair of tights: stretch and strength. Stretch may go without saying, but they are not a pain to get on and stay put once you get them on. As far as strength goes, I snag tights all the time, and these definitely feel like they are going to hold up. Of course they're known for lots of color options, but my current love affair with neutrals compelled me to go for a soft, sweet shade.

It's About Time

2010-01-27T19:25:00.000-06:00

So I finally joined Chictopia, and the community has already been so welcoming! If you're a member, come say hi or add me as a friend.

I also got around to making a Facebook page for Kansas Couture. Become a Fan if you so desire!

In the Nude

2010-01-26T21:46:00.002-06:00

Ruffled cardi: Eyeshadow via TJMaxx, $13 // Pants: Vintage, thrifted, $1 // Shoes: Forever 21, gift // Necklace: Gift

Despite decidedly non-springy weather, I really wanted to style an outfit based on light neutrals today. I started with my high-waist trousers, added a plain white tee and layered on a short-sleeved ruffled cardigan. I kept accessories simple with nude pumps and a silver necklace. I really like the result: a soft, understated look for a day at the office.

Better Late Than Never

2010-01-25T13:12:00.001-06:00

Blazer: Vintage Levi's, thrifted, $1.50 // Shirt: H.I.P. via TJMaxx, $12 // Skirt: Vintage, thrifted, $6 // Shoes: Seychelles, $30

I came this close to giving up on my local Goodwill. The selection had been so poor for so long, that I went from checking in at least once a week to not going at all. On a whim, I decided to try my luck once again last weekend. Though I didn't find much, I did score this high-waisted leather mini that fits like a glove. It would have been great to have three months ago, but I'll take it!

Sting Like a Bee

2010-01-22T17:08:00.003-06:00

Shirt: Urban Outfitters, $10 // Hoodie: Thrifted, $3 // Sweater: Wildman Vintage, $12 // Jeans: Almost Famous via TJMaxx, $18 // Shoes: Forever 21, Gift

"Athletic" is probably the last word anyone would use to describe me. I mean, c'mon, my sneakers have heels! But today I'm feeling rather sporty, if only in a superficial way. Who cares that dog-walking is the closest I got to a workout?

I Dream of Jammies

2010-01-21T22:49:00.003-06:00

Shirt: Isabel Lu via Gilt Fuse, purchased with credit // Blazer: Vintage Levi's, thrifted, $1.50 // Skirt: Forever21, $14 // Shoes: Payless, $20

I was sick yesterday. Alternating between my bed and the couch, I spent the entire day drinking lots of tea, watching old episodes of This American Life and 30 Rock, intermittently sleeping and generally wallowing in self pity. Today was going to be different! Though I only felt marginally better, I willed myself out of bed, hopped in the shower, downed a cup of extra strong coffee, made myself look presentable and headed to work. I'm glad I did, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't longing for sweatpants all the while.

Good Wholesome Fun

2010-01-19T22:45:00.002-06:00

Sweater: Free via Clothing Swap // Shirt: Old Navy, $8 // Jeans: Tilt, $18 // Belt: Thrifted, $1 // Necklace: Gift // Shoes: F21, gift

A sweet, pale pink sweater with girly accessories seemed a fitting ensemble for a Friday night of bowling. Kind of '50s highschooler with a modern twist.

Spring Trends

2010-01-19T20:57:00.004-06:00

Erica from SheKnows.com asked several bloggers to predict trends for the upcoming year. At the time, I hadn't given much thought to the fashion forecast nor had I started shopping for spring, so I wasn't quite sure what to pick. I stand by my choice of short shorts, though I don't have the ideal pair yet: something loose, silky and high-waisted with a sash tie. The other bloggers had some great ideas! Check out the full article here!

So, now that spring is around the corner, what are you looking forward to wearing? Here are some things I'm in the mood for:

1. I'm totally with Christine in terms of color palette. Rather than the bold colors I often enjoy, all I can think about are soft, sweet neutrals like mauve and taupe.

2. The relaxed suit look and shorts with blazers.

3. Leather in light colors like my grey faux leather moto jacket. I would love a white leather skirt.

4. Lots of feminine frills like bows and ruffles.

5. The continued trend of interesting hosiery, socks with open-toe shoes and over-the-knee socks.

6. Lots more oxford flats.

7. Florals, polka dots and other punchy prints (solo or all mixed and matched).

That's what comes to mind at the moment. I'm sure my list will continue to grow as the mercury rises. What's on yours?

Like Ice Cubes in an Ocean

2010-01-18T11:54:00.003-06:00

Jacket: Collection via TJMaxx, $30 (purchased with gift card) // Shirt: UO, $10 // Shorts: Old! // Leggings: Poof! via TJMaxx // Boots: alice + olivia for Payless, sample from work // Necklace: Gift

After weeks of perpetual snow-covered ground, it slowly started to melt away over the weekend. While the winter wonderland was fun and beautiful at times, it's nice to see patches of grass and mud again, to leave the house without covering every bit of skin. I wore this grungy get-up while bumming around downtown on Saturday.

Beer, Birthday Cake & Betsey Johnson

2010-01-15T11:37:00.002-06:00

One's birthday is such a self-indulgent occasion. All eyes are on you, free drinks flow, and you can get away with almost anything... all on the grounds that you were born on this day so many years ago. Well, I took that to heart this year by donning a decadent designer dress. Mind you, I stayed true to my thrifty values. Weardrobe Conference sponsor Rue La La gave us a generous credit, and I finally cashed mine in to get this fun, frilly, feminine Betsey Johnson frock. On a freezing cold January night, surrounded by casually dressed company, I felt pretty silly but also special. It was my birthday, and I wore what I damn well pleased! As this picture demonstrates, a fancy dress was not the only thing I indulged in. Sadly, this was the most flattering (read: least incriminating) photo of me from the evening. I have my mouth full and appear to be eating chocolate with my hands... classy! I will spare you shots from the dance floor.

Glamour.com Feature

2010-01-14T19:30:00.001-06:00

I was so excited to be featured on Glamour.com along with some of my favorite fellow bloggers! Thank you, Glamour.com!

Leisure Suit

2010-01-12T20:01:00.001-06:00

Shirt: Old Navy, $8 // Pants: Old Navy, $9 // Blazer: Lux, $16 // Necklace: Vintage, birthday gift // Shoes: F21, birthday gift

Obviously, I'm not a suit person. I don't have to wear one for work, and a jacket and pants in the same color? Boring! Despite my lack of enthusiasm for standard business garb, I adore the laid-back suit look for spring. You know I'm a strict devotee to high-waist trousers, but I found myself magnetically drawn to this low-rise pair. In combination with a ruffly button-up, fitted blazer and simple accessories, they feel so effortlessly pulled together. Both the button-up and the trousers were found during a recent perusal of the Old Navy sale rack. It's terrible, every time I do my recycling, it turns into an impromptu shopping trip because our recycling center is next to all the big box stores. It seems kind of counter-productive considering the whole point is to reduce consumption. Ah well, I promise to get lots of use out of the items I picked up and continue to thrift as much as possible. In addition to my "recycling loot," I'm also sporting a couple of birthday gifts: a pretty silver heart necklace and a pair of nude pumps I requested. I don't know how this staple was missing from my closet, but I think they've already revolutionized my wardrobe.

Weardrobe 100

2010-01-09T13:32:00.001-06:00

I was honored to be featured in Weardrobe's favorites of 2009 and couldn't have asked for a better neighbor than the lovely Erin of calivintage. Check out the whole list of gorgeous gals!

It's My Party

2010-01-08T12:52:00.001-06:00

Dress: Old Navy, $8 // Blazer: Vintage Levi's, thrifted, $3 // Boots: Thrifted, $4 // Belt: Thrifted, $1 // Necklace: F21, $9

My birthday's not till Sunday, but because of the way scheduling worked out, my celebrations are all spread out. It's like having a long birthday weekend instead of just a day. Fun! Last night I had a low-key party with my family, and this is what I wore. I think I got the dress + hoodie + blazer inspiration from JCrew. I swear I didn't spill beer down my dress (though I wouldn't put it past me). This dress is slightly shiny, so shadows look like stains. Happy Friday, everyone!

Fool's Gold

2010-01-07T14:20:00.001-06:00

Don't let that sneaky sun try to trick you. Wind chills as low as 25 below zero are predicted for the day.

Jacket: Old Navy, gift // T-Shirt Dress: Old Navy, $16 // Denim Leggings: Active & Basic via TJMaxx, $8 // Scarf: H&M, $10 / Boots: Soda via Goodwill, $6

I must say, I'm feeling a little bit tough in my military-inspired get-up. But don't let that deceive you either. I went right back inside and intend to stay put! I know a lot of places are experiencing brutally cold weather right now, so stay safe and warm!

Excuses, Excuses

2010-01-04T17:22:00.004-06:00

Shirt: The Limited, thrifted. $1 // Pants: Vintage, free via clothing trade // Shoes: Kenneth Cole, thrifted, $4 // Bracelet: Christmas gift // Scarf and belt: Thrifted, $1 each

Many are feeling refreshed and excited about the clean slate of a new year. I, too, am looking forward to plans for the future but, to be honest, have been in a rut this past week. Hence, the lack of outfit posts. I'm hoping the brutally cold weather is to blame.

As for the outfit, I was thrilled to score these high-waisted, wide-leg trousers at a clothing trade a few months back, but I've had trouble wearing them. While they fit pretty well, they only work with flats, and I don't have many dressy pairs. The pattern mixing (stripes, polka dots and leopard), happened by accident. I feel like all three prints are kind of neutral, and the colors worked together easily.

Hopefully my inspiration kicks in again. My birthday is this weekend, and the fun festivities and special outfit might be just what I need.

P.S. I wore the "Jessica Rabbit" dress for New Year's but failed to get a picture! Maybe I'll re-create the outfit some time.

Accessorize Giveaway Winner

2010-01-02T00:58:00.000-06:00

Using a random number generator, I landed on comment number 7 as the giveaway winner. Congrats, Shelby! Please contact me as soon as possible at kansascouture@gmail.com. Thanks to all who entered, and hopefully I will have another giveaway soon.