roadkillgirl

Karyn Cantor is the proprietor of Classic Hardware Jewelry. The talented and stylish designer  began her jewelry making career in 1995 with a line of pocket watches. The company has now grown into one of the most sought after accessory lines in the industry. Karen prides herself on quality and originality. All of the items are made in the US, and she is known for collaborating  with incredible artists like Caia Koopman and Lisa Petrucci (just to name a few), to incorporate their art work into the Classic Hardware pieces. Karyn has designed special items for Disney, including Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland”, “Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Tinkerbell”.

Cantor’s style is vintage-inspired with a strong post-industrial aesthetic. Not only are her pieces sophisticated, but just like Karyn herself, they scream fun. I knew we’d get a long just fine when she pulled out her iPad with its Etch a Sketch cover to take notes.

And, since Roadkill Ranch & Boutique is hosting a Classic Hardware trunk show at the store this Saturday, I have the pleasure of  hanging out with the “Accessory Queen” herself. She’ll be there from 1 to 6, so stop by and meet the amazing Ms. Cantor. You’ll be glad you did.

Bernie Dexter is an international pin-up model and fashion designer. She is definitely my favorite face in the Rockabilly scene and has modeled for several prominent companies including Rock Steady Clothing and Lucy B. Lingerie. Bernie’s passion for fashion started at a young age when she would watch her mother (a burlesque dancer) transform from the “girl next door” into a “sexy vixen”.

A few years ago Bernie decided to design her own fashions and hence, Bernie Dexter Clothing was born. The line of pin-up clothing has been a huge success and with Bernie’s expertise in modeling, she knows what fits best on a woman. I’m privileged to be able to work with her and buy her dresses for my store. She is the sweetest and one of the  most down-to-earth people I’ve ever met. Although her company is exploding, she still makes sure to personally call the boutique when an order is shipping. She’s an inspiration to many and the Roadkill Girls love her!

“Fashion design is the way I celebrate the female form.”— Bernie Dexter

Although bold brights have been leading the way this spring, there’s a shift in dynamics that has many appetizing for some feminine soft serve. Ice-cream-colored-hues like vanilla, strawberry, pistachio and  lemon sherbet are a fresh taste in fashion. Mix your creamy pastels with wooden wedges and chunky jewelry, or try color blocking in a Neapolitan or chocolate-chip-mint combination. I love this ad by Mulberry Clothing and the film snippet is awesome too. Click on the Fun Faire link to check out the pony, the over-sized, melting ice-cream cones and the excitement on the boardwalk. I hope everyone has a great week and don’t forget to dish out some style!

Fun Faire

Here’s my “Freaky Friday Fashion Frock” for the week. Japanese toy designer Michael Lau takes a stab at fashion. That’s all.

I could probably write about this all day, but I need to be in LA at 9  for an appointment with my dress vendor and it’s already 8:25. Yikes! Feel free to add your own caption or comments. I hope everyone has a glorious day!

Stella McCartney carries the torch when it comes to design, and when Adidas hired her as their Creative Director, the competition was over. She has just revealed the uniforms she designed for the official London 2012 Olympic Games Team GB.

“The first place to start on a project like this is to look at the Union flag,” McCartney said in a Team GB press release. “For me it’s one of the most beautiful flags in the world and it was important for me to stay true to that iconic design but also to modernise it and present it in a contemporary way. Ultimately, we wanted the athletes to feel like a team and be proud with the identity we created.”

What an honor and privilege to have a design opportunity like this. Way to go Stella! Roadkill Girls give you a perfect 10!

I like how nail art is on the forefront of the fashion and beauty industry lately. I love the creative,  fun colors and textures, but this has gone too far. Don’t get me wrong, in the name of “ART” I appreciate this, but really?  Where does she think she’s going with these coral claws? Hopefully not on a first date to the sushi bar.

“I’ll be right there!” She yells to her date who’s waiting at the front door, “I’m just finishing up my nails.”

Just then it registers that she can’t open the front door for him with her pretty pincers, so she climbs out of the window. When they get to the restaurant she realizes that she can’t hold the chopsticks either, so being the creative person that she is, she uses her nails instead.

Second date? I doubt it!

The Council of Fashion Designers of America teamed up with ebay on a campaign called, “You Can’t Fake Fashion” that raises awareness against counterfeit goods and original designs. Designers like Kenneth Cole, Tory Burch, Diane von Furstenberg and 72 other amazing artists contributed a one-of-a-kind handbag design. Each tote is priced at $200.00, and proceeds will go to benefit the CFDA. Every bag that was listed this morning on ebay is already SOLD OUT!  I’m so sad, I really wanted the tote for Milly by Michelle Smith, but I guess I shouldn’t have waited until 3pm to sign onto ebay.

Rumor has it there’s still a few standard totes availble for $45.00. Click on the FAKE link to see the collection.

Fake

This is my “Freaky Friday” pick for today by Manish Arora. This bodice cage is carved from wood, (definitely a masterpiece) but I’m not sure if I’d ever wear this. Well, I take that back. I’d probably wear this if I was married to a doctor.

Scenario: We’re fighting because he’s forcing me to go to another empty, social gathering with his colleagues and their trophy wives at The Country Club. He tells me that it’s my duty to make an appearance. The marriage is already on the rocks and I’m sick and tired of fake people with fake boobs and fake lips. I show up late making an “appearance” all right, in this ensemble. (Only I’d add a few hospital wrist bands for an extra dose of accessories.) And, since everyone’s face in the room is frozen from all of the plastic surgery and Botox, I can’t detect any reactions except the horrified look on my doctor spouse as he quickly ushers me back out to the car. Brilliant!

Or…if my name was Lady Gaga, I would snatch this Manish Arora piece up in a hot second for my next show!

I could seriously write about this all day. What was Manish thinking? Did he call his mom crying the night before Paris Fashion Week opened claiming he had no creative energy? Did his mother try comforting him with words of encouragement, “Look inside you son, the idea is inside you!” And then a lightbulb went off?

“That’s it!” Yells Arora, “I’ll pull my insides out!”

OK, I’m signing off now before I say something snarky. I hope everyone has an amazing weekend! Stay creative!