Noirmuse

modiste tales: vintage full circle {part 1} ...

2012-02-19T13:16:00.000-05:00

I adore full skirts, and I think they're the most flattering style that just about anyone can wear. To bring this near obsession to reality I finally whipped out my vintage Simplicity 1794 pattern which I'd redrafted to adjust for modern sizing. Deciding to be festive I chose a lively orange cotton fabric and shortened the length to 19 inches to make the skirt a mini.

The paper is extremely delicate so I took great care in laying and measuring the original sheets before packing them back up again. (Sorry I put them away before shooting these images.)

I'll be honest putting in the soft pleats was hellish lol. If there was an easier way to do it, then I missed it by ten miles for sure. I basted the pleats before going under the sewing machine, but I still had a few mishaps I had to correct afterward.

The skirt alone as it is right now is a lot heavier than I imagined, but considering that its four panels I shouldn't be surprised. For now I'm putting it down (I worked on it all night and didn't bother to sleep because its fun. yup, its fun lol). The next step is to cut the waistband and the lining, sew the hem and insert the zipper. Stay tuned...

travel nostalgia...château de fontainebleau exterior

2012-02-15T14:00:00.000-05:00

The experience and photographs I took of the chateau were too expansive for one post so bear with me as I organize photographs and relive hilarious memories with you all. We spent a wonderful day in Fontainebleau; the weather was perfect and it seemed like we had the chateau to ourselves despite the other tour groups. Even the train ride was lovely. Fontainebleau was where I fell in love with preservation and knew that's what my next choice after graduate school would be.

I hope you guys like the photos. Have any of you been here as well?

forgotten and found elizabeth & james...

2012-02-13T13:31:00.000-05:00

Its almost the end of winter, I know saying that really boggles my mind but it'll be march next month then boom - spring!! I didn't mind this mild winter so no complaints about the season overall. Down to business: I'd completely forgotten about all the things I'd left at my parents home, but look what I found in my closet? These Elizabeth and James shoes that I purchased last May. They'd been left behind and imagine my delight at seeing them again. These are tricky to get one because you have to slip the ankle strap over your heel and it doesn't have a buckle but once its on, its on. Love these shoes. I can't wait to wear these with dresses and skirts during the warmer weather!!

visionary spotlight...whitney elizabeth

2012-02-12T04:33:00.001-05:00

I'm heartbroken right now and spent the last couple hours crying my eyes out. Despite her troubles Whitney Elizabeth Houston deserves mention as a visionary. Her voice was one of a kind: there is no other like it and there never will be. Whitney was everything; beautiful and with a heart so big that she championed and encouraged everyone she met. She did everything with passion.

I've been a fan since I can remember and never wavered in my support and love of her. She sang me through my childhood with many others, and I grew to love her like I did all my aunts. So that explains the hurt... With the completion of her filming the remake of the movie Sparkle recently I thought everything with her comeback was well on its way. However it was not to be and she will be greatly missed.

travel nostalgia...chapelle de la trinité du château de fontainebleau

2012-02-10T18:05:00.000-05:00

I found some captures I took on a day trip to Fontainebleau. These are of Trinity Chapel, within the Chateau. It was breathtaking as was the rest of the grounds, but that's for later. I must apologize for the poor quality of these images, I can't believe I though they were good a few years ago lol.

down to business...

2012-02-09T15:12:00.001-05:00

Thursdays are solely my thesis. I spend all day researching and writing, and today is no different. I try to stay off campus as much as possible and find other spots to change up the scenery. It gives me an excuse to dress up as well; being in school has killed any deep interest in dressing up to my full potential. My current uniform is jeans, tops/tanks, cardigans and boots/moccasins ... comfortable but its gotten really predicatble for me. Time to get back into the swing of dressing!!

wide leg trouser: mfrederic | tank: thrifted | blazer: asos

satchel: fossil | beaded chain link necklace: charm & chain | oxfords: dolce vita

perfection in light...

2012-02-09T07:51:00.001-05:00

I couldn't help but notice that the light fixtures in my extremely humble abode are - for a lack of a better word - unappealing. It's a studio, so the central living space is lit by a ceiling fan (no air conditioning) and the kitchen area has fluorescent lighting. Definitely not the best, but I get tons of natural light and that makes up for the small design setbacks. Now if I had permission to change anything I'd paint over this eggshell semigloss, and tear this place apart.

Not the most stylish but they give me light! If I could, the first thing I would do is take out all the current fixtures and replacing them with chandeliers. Lol. I love chandeliers, they can work in just about any location with the correct size and setting.

This small Clarrisa Glass Drop Sconce would be perfect for the entryway above my door...

and the Clarissa Glass Small Drop Chandelier would be great for the central living area. With some quality bulbs this would be divine. Other options I scoped out:

Crystorama Parisian | Mia Facted-Crystal Pendant | Regina Bronze

Until I get a place where I can actually decorate one day, I 'll post my design ideas here.

two year blogiversary...keeping promises.

2012-02-05T15:01:00.000-05:00

It hit me yesterday evening as I pulled clothes that my little blog would turn 2 years old today. I feel like a proud parent or at least what I think one would feel like. I remember I'd made some promises that I'd like to keep; like outfit posts. I'll post them, only problem: no remote or tripod. Not to mention I'm too impatient to constantly run back and forth to the camera to set the timer for 10 seconds to only get a blurry photo. Until then outfit posts will be sans human lol. This is what I wore to brunch with a friend. I forgot to take pics of the waffles, but trust me when I say they were delicious.

trousers: asos | top: jcrew's perfect shirt | shoes: sam edelman

distressed leather blazer: anthroplogie | clutch & watch: asos | scarf: zara | earrings: kenneth jay lane | necklace time piece: custom antique

décoration intérieure...vitara lidded cutwork vases

2012-02-03T15:32:00.000-05:00

The decorating plan for the apartment will be slow and steady process. I'll be honest, I don't have the funds yet but that hasn't stopped me from sketching multiple mockups for my teeny tiney studio. I planned on uploading them, but my computer has a nasty attitude and is refusing to recognize my scanner altogether. Why can't we all just get along? lol.

Knowing my color scheme and design trajectory makes purchasing ornaments easy; when I saw these vases I had to have them so they dove into my cart immediately. They're the perfect size for my limited counter space, and I'm loving the multiple textures.

travel nostalgia...pere lachaise, city of its own.

2012-01-26T03:29:00.000-05:00

I've been rifling through the unpublished traveling photos stored on my Picasa account and what's the point of hoarding them if I'm not sharing them. Here's a few pics from my excursion to Pere Lachaise. I'd never considered a day at the cemetery as a way to beat the heat and enjoy myself but what can I say? When in Paris. lol.

I immediately thought of St. Louis Cemetery in New Orleans; which oddly enough, I'd like to visit one day. I guess I'm more morbid than I thought lol...

obligatory James Morrison stop; to be honest this grave is so tucked away we barely saw it.

What trip to Pere Lachiase would be complete without visiting the tomb of Oscar Wilde? I don't care how much of an icon he is to some folks, I was not kissing that thing. Germs much?

and of course I had to stop by the tomb of Gericault... all my art history buffs understand.

As for these photos, there's only do so much editing I can do with them in the future. Mainly because they were shot in jpeg with my point and shoot. I can't do some of the editing I'd like to do now that I'm accustomed to using camera raw, so before I even begin to tamper with them I'll be posting them here. Once I'm done some of these will be great on display around the apartment. I honestly can't wait to take new images on my future travels with the dslr! I need to name her by the way. Any suggestions lol?

Sabine Piper for Vlisco...

2012-01-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

I love fashion illustration, even more so when its a mixed media combination with textiles. Just my luck that vlisco has a new campaign illustrated by artist Sabine Piper. The super detailed illustrations were layered with fabric and photographed to create these fantastic works .

I'm not at a skill level to create anything this detailed, but one day (it's been a while since my days in drawing class.) See more images from the campaign work on Sabine Piper's website here. Get into it my friends.

not my usual

2012-01-22T00:44:00.000-05:00

since the snow killed the few plans I had this weekend, I decided to play with makeup. To be honest I hadn't done that in a while, but I finally got my mojo back.

I decided to mix things up and use a color in my palette that I hadn't touched yet, and mix a new lip colour.

For the lips I layered my L'Oreal Sea Fleur 630, with Rimmel's Bordeaux 124. I actually love the affect the 630 had so I'll be doing this combo more often. I decided to forgo blush because the lips were so strong; which really means I couldn't find the blush I was looking for...

yeah, wheel chair jimmy really gets the struggle.

As for the eyeshadow... I can see why it doesn't get much use. It's in the yellow family and... yeah. Y'know how that is, unless its wetset. However its nice enough for day time. I do think that if I layered it with my neon shadow it'll pop so I can't wait to try that when I have the time this week.

Overall not my usual, however I can make it work. Anyone trying something new, I'd love to know?
ETA: I frickin love this camera, even the automatic looks great...

simply thank you

2012-01-22T00:20:00.000-05:00

Thank you to everyone who reads loyally (hey y'all lol); to those that stop by every once in a while and to everyone that only stopped by once. This weekend we hit a milestone, with 12,000 hits. This is a big deal to me, especially considering the numerous times I thought of deleting this blog and starting over. However I'm glad that I didn't as it allowed me to really hone the trajectory that I'd like to take. In true fashion I forgot to paste and save the screencap of the 12,000 in my excitement so this will have to do lol.

I have big plans for this blog and I hope to celebrate even more milestones with all of you in the future.

i'll make an exception...

2012-01-17T10:25:00.002-05:00

I'm usually not a fan of double breasted blazers and jackets in womenswear because it personally feels dated or too boxy. However this jcrew blazer I'll be willing to make and exception for; perhaps its the shortened length or the higher buttons. Again, if anyone wants to gift it, I'm a size 10.

jcrew double breasted ivy blazer

[source]

I've got a secret...

2012-01-16T17:00:00.001-05:00

I've been tumblring lol. What can I say? Tumblr's platform makes it so easy to reblogg so may things with just a click of a mouse. It's not only that but I've been able to connect and been introduced to so many artists and great bloggers. If you have a tumblr drop me a comment and I'll follow you or message me when you're on.
noirmuse.tumblr.com . Get into it

beyond a bargain...marc jacobs edition

2012-01-14T10:37:00.000-05:00

these were a steal for $45 bucks. I've admired these for a while and then I forgot about them. So imagine my surprise when I saw them for sale: the sale combined with promotional codes made this a steal in my book. I deserved them lol (that's my excuse and I'm sticking with it).

Update: You may or may not have noticed a difference on photo quality here on the blog. Well now that I've brought it to your attention I can say that it's definitely a great investment, especially since I've taken a photography class. It's absolutely worth it. It makes even the most boring photos interesting lol

new blog feature...petite vignette and more

2012-01-11T11:55:00.000-05:00

I'm introducing a few new blog features in the new year, one of which is called petite vignette. Every once in a while I'll come across an image that triggers a random memory from my childhood and what better place to share some memories? It'll be sporadic at best, and purely cathartic; but I really want to be able to share some of my writing with you all. It's been something I've been very protective and at times insecure about, but I've learned that sharing in the process is important even if I don't like the final product. It's something that I've learned to do in accepting myself as an artist and a writer. As an artist one of the many things that I dabble in is a selection of mixed media embroidery art where I mix crafting and photography...

This particular run was for a photography assignment (I don't have any images of the final products), but you get the idea. I've been working on a photography book where I've taken portraits (not posterized like the above images) and going craft crazy. Some of the final images will be posted within a couple months when the final book will be available. I'm really excited to share all the work that I've been doing with you all. Stay tuned...

my manifesto for surviving happily...

2012-01-02T09:09:00.003-05:00

Tiger Lily on Monet Property, Giverny France. 2009.
Tiger lily for prosperity in the New Year ♥

I don't think I've ever really been so excited for a New Year and a new start, however I’ve learned so much in 2011 that it allowed me to create my manifesto for surviving happily.

1. healthy personal critique

I promise to practice healthy personal critique; depreciative thinking does nothing but provide limitations where they need not exist...like we don't have enough of those to deal with. ;)

2. dream big

I promise to continue to dream big; to enrich my life by venturing to accomplish my goals both big and small.

3. having faith

I promise to have faith in my spirituality, my family and most importantly myself. I'll continue to be cognizant of my circumstances, but I won't worry.

4. living

I promise to appreciate all the life within me by simply living; to enjoy everything down to the simplest pleasures.

...

These are relatively open ended but that’s what so liberating about them. I had to give myself permission to have nuance in my thoughts and to accept my faults; I'm human and I'm not invincible. Here's to 2012 being a great year everyone.

visionary spotlight...tom ford

2011-12-30T01:15:00.003-05:00

I've gushed about Tom Ford before so this time I'll be brief. I adore everything about this documentary. It was every bit inspirational and what I needed to hear in the in this very moment. I've mentioned before that I've been down, but to be truthful the past six months have been a significant low point. Watching this over and over has reaffirmed that I need to stick to my ideology of doing what I love, no matter my current situation. Take the opportunity to watch as he gives a rare glimpse into his life. Enjoy!

Style Forum Special from Music Guy on Vimeo.

you do something to me...

2011-12-28T20:28:00.002-05:00

holiday gifts for everyone...

2011-12-23T23:45:00.000-05:00

This year I actually planned out some cute (well at least I think so) gifts for my family. Now that I'm actually celebrating with them instead of staying in Philadelphia like last year, I figured some nice presents were in order. The first watch is for Pops, the purse for my little sister (I'll be borrowing that), the second watch with the tortoise links is for Mummy and the chartreuse velvet schoolboy blazer from jcrew is for me!! I deserved that bad boy lol. Some chew toys for JuJuBee (he's not a pet, but a family member, don't get it twisted) and a few other things for everyone else.

All this aside I'm just happy to be spending time with my family; school has been entirely too draining and my enthusiasm is completely gone. The month of May can't be here fast enough despite the impending depressing idea of a job hunt. How I'm currently feeling!

Happy Holidays everyone!!

identifying the origin...

2011-12-21T23:42:00.001-05:00

...specifically the origin of my architectural design preferences. When it comes to architectural design I'm partial to collective styles, but exclusively many just never fully meet all of my criteria or go entirely overboard.

Only recently did I realize why; I'd romanticized and idolized the eclectic colonial homes in Trinidad and it took me almost finishing this degree in Historic Preservation to make the connection. I'm still working out how I feel about that, but I'm putting it out here anyway.

The admiration was there but the direct design influence was overlooked, if not even realized. I like a bit of everything as evident here; this maybe the reason why I absolutely detest Modernism. It's cozy and meticulously detailed but not cluttered. A nice cottage with temperate materials and design elements that stand alone - just lots of character. Lattice work in the interior door frame and gesso detailing on the ceiling...I'd move in immediately lol.

The Boissiere Home is still up for sale and if I had cool 12 million I'd purchase it, but that's not going to happen any time soon. At the moment I can only continue to advocate for the preservation and rehabilitation of these homes the best I can through informing others and calling attention to the risk of their demolition. I've written about these landmarks before but never from this angle...I'm still investigating how deep the influence runs and this discovery has been informing some of my future plans...keep tuned!!

[image source]

sometimes it really does take 10 minutes...

2011-12-16T00:14:00.001-05:00

I find that the more Naomi [my hair] grows out and gets out of hand, the less I'm willing to even think of styling. It's been buns and caps for months and that hasn't been helping with the helpless boredom I'm feeling when it comes to my hair. That never bodes well, so I decided to play around and voila. Ten minutes and an infinite amount of pins later is this versatile and dare I say rather elegant hair style. I was pleased and the boredom with Naomi subsided. I even wore it for another photoshoot for my art book (more on that some other time...).

Any of you guys have that unintentional miracle hairstyle that you love?

every little step...

2011-12-11T16:03:00.001-05:00

I've been removing a ton of things from my wardrobe to sell and donate; in an effort to live simply and remove the unnecessary. However, I'm making a concession for these bad boys lol. I don't know how they got in the sell pile, it's a fluke I tell you!! I'd purchased them for 45 bucks a few months ago so you can imagine my shock at seeing the same shoe selling for over 200 a few days ago. How does that happen lol? I'll be wearing them for the upcoming holiday festivities, and I'm still shocked that I can walk in them: don't let the pic fool you, they're almost 5 inches.

Do you have an amazingly ridiculous and fabulous shoe that you love and can't let go of yet?

creating comfort in a small space...

2011-12-06T05:53:00.001-05:00

At this point I think it's safe to say that I'm a studio dweller. I've moved into my second apartment and one would think I would size up to a one bedroom but not me lol. The decision was out of habit and opportunity; a studio allows me to live in a desirable area that's conveniently close to school and all the fun places here in Philly. The only downside is that I've moved into a smaller space with the same amount of stuff. Gotta love my logic right? lol.
My biggest challenge is creating an open atmosphere while making good use of every square foot. Simply put; I need all the storage space I can get without having spend money to make this place feel homey. This apartment will be a perpetual work in progress, call me crazy but I find it comforting! Anyway, here's my reading/working corner: it operates as book shelf, sewing station, part time desk, shoe display rack, additional storage space and if you give me 10 minutes I'll find another use for it. lol.

Favorite spot in the entire teeny tiny apartment. <3