I Am a Plastic Bag DIY.

So, everyone's heard of these bags, right? Of course you have!


Well, I'm doing this post because: 1. The blue US ones are going on sale in the tri-state area tommorrow, the 18th (woo-woo!) 2. And even though Anya Hindmarch's bag has been over-hyped and undergone publicity overkill, it still brings into light an important issue regarding the impact of plastic bags on the environment and they take hundreds of years to decompose.

Unfortunately, some who have been lucky to get these are just toting around the supercheap bags because they're designer-- instead of using them to replace plastic bags (take it to the market, etc).

SooOoOoo I did a DIY regarding getting some more mileage out of plastic bags that you might just have lying around!


Haha :) well they're not just for children, of course. It just sounded cute saying that. Anyway, why would anyone want a smock? Wellll, in case you need to do some light, but messy, indoor work. AKA baking, painting... And it's a good as a last-minute usage if you need protection for your outfit. :P

I entered the one above in a "Plastic Ain't My Bag" photo contest I found online! Thought it would be fun. To look at the other entries (and vote for mine if you like :P) visit here.

Alright! All you need is one plastic bag and a scissor, which after it's used, can be thrown away (hey, you got some more mileage out of it). It's incredibly easy and does a good job. The only con might be that the rustling is a bother-- in which case you can use a thinner, not as "crunchy", plastic bag.

And there's only two steps:

1. Flatten the bag right and a make slit cut on each side all the way down.
2. Pull it open and once more, flatten it out.

...and that's it! And if you widen out the strap where it's cinched (on some bags) it makes a cute little kind of perpendicular cap sleeve (if that makes sense...).



Then there's a second option, if you just need a quick coverage on the top. But in this one, you don't use all of the bag.

1. Cut along where the dotted lines are...and voila!

I decided to wear pink shorts...so you couldn't really see the little "coat-tails" so I outlined them. Pretty cute for a plastic bag, huh?

The Last Word...or rather, the Last Pictures

I don't know why some of the ShopStyle outfit "widgets" aren't working (too much bandwidth I guess?) but if any of them don't work for you, you can click the "see more" link at the bottom of each box to see the outfit on the actual site or you can try opening up this same page in a new browser.

Here's my last word on the series, "Fashion Photography at Your Local Library".

So, I'm kind of addicted to ShopStyle.com now, a site I mentioned in one of my previous posts. I had put together these outfits, inspired by some of my favorite vintage photographs I picked out. I think there's a lot to take away from these old photographs.

Plus, you know, in case you want to wear something like these outfits yourself. ;)

For most of the items in the outfits, I especially picked non-leather, non-suede alternatives. There's just two items (LV flats & a bag) with leather that I had to work around (besides, remember it's the idea that counts in these outfits).

Gladiator Woman [Louise Dahl-Wolfe]



Braided details, high waisted full skirts, and a selection of cruelty-free gladiator shoes (ironic?) completes this strong look.



Contemporary Louise Dahl-Wolfe



I tried to make it a more contemporary look, which wasn't hard since it already looks like an ad in a department store. I could imagine Scarlett Johansson as the model so I paired it with some Louis Vuitton flats (of course, these do contain leather-- it's the idea that counts) seeing as she's the LV campaign girl.



Hirsch 1939 [The Art of Vogue]



This was the best look-a-like bag I could find (however, in real life it does contain leather) to the one in the picture so I worked the colors around that instead. Blue and yellow are just as bold primary colors as red, anyway. Although red would've been nice...



And then found a red striped bag so I thought I'd redo the look I did before and give it another go :)



The Velvet Shoe [Denney, 1950- Unseen Vogue]



The photo revolves mostly around the shoe, of course...but alas no pink velvet shoe to be found so I went with the next best option. This girl's studded with big jewelry so I picked a bunch of lookalikes out-- in case you want to recreate the look but want to opt for more affordable options.

Any of those dresses seem to work. Vivienne Tam's has a black net detail near the neckline like the net headwrap in the picture. Personally I would go for the softer pinks. Either way, there's the net details in the Pout cosmetics ;)

This photo evokes more of a bedroom boudoir so that's why I included the lingerie if that's what is.

Clutches are optional, but any of those can be paired with the total outfit you end up mixing and matching.

Remember to click the arrow to see more of the items.



Leaping in the Rain [Woman in the Mirror, Avedon 1957]



I couldn't find that dark brown colored, open collared coat on ShopStyle (limited retailers)-- next best option was this white trapeze coat, and then these open, assymetrical collared trenchs.

Couldn't really find a pillbox hat either (never understood how those stayed on one's head) but found the next best shaped hats. Paired with some dark closed toe pumps for leaping across the street, and a sleek umbrella- and you're 1957, Paris.



Old yet Fresh [Louise Dahl-Wolfe]



Jacquard, brocade, tapestry, call it whatever you want, this old fashion photograph does it justice.

The model has on blue and gold jewelry, and a pale yellow sheath dress underneath. The overall idea of this outfit is nice too-- can work well with white.

Then you've got the shiny, pale printed coat. A more modern way to go can be a long metallic one.

Paired with some red lip, and you can carry out a subtle jacquard on jacquard.

[remember to click the arrow to see the rest of the items.]



Graphic Flower [Louise Dahl-Wolfe]



Like I said before, I love love LOVE this look. The graphic black and white dot print really pops when paired with bright, colorful flowery accessories.



And ...now I better return those library books. I actually had a nightmare the other day that they were so far past due and I owed like hundreds of dollars.

Into The Blue or Under The Sea (I couldn't decide)

You know what's frustrating? Getting your hands on an image that company people don't want to give out because you're not an authorized retailer. I mean, I respect the whole...system. But it's so...nervewracking when you really want to see the gorgeous image of an ad campaign that you saw a few weeks ago in person at a storefront but the "man" has the image and he won't give it to you so you'll never see it ever again!! not even for the purpose of your website. Shouldn't art be out there for everyone and anyone to admire?

If you want to know what company I am wracking my brains about, it's Swarovski. Reason? Personally, I've been obsessed with a more "Under the Sea" theme as of late because it's definitely time for the nautical to take a rest. So what better way than to go down the anchor and delve further into the ocean? I mean, creatures and underwater life are a lot more animated than sailor decor details, seersucker pinstripes, and brass buttons.

When I first wanted to do this article, I was reminded of this beautiful ad I saw at the Swarovski store in Atlantic City. It was a picture of the back of a brunette woman with her hair pinned in a wavy bun with seahorse, seashell, and starfish hairpins from their "cruise collection". I wanted to secure the image and put it up here as a relevant way to start off...but I guess you'll just have to use your imagination, because, well, you know...god forbid Swarovski allow their ad to be posted on a website.

That happens to be the reason why I got to this post 2 weeks later than I planned...that and then my internet decided it was a good time to go into hibernation. And for the past few days, I've been terribly sick (rather not go into the details). At least now it's calmed to nothing more than a turbulent stomachache and an urge to consume biscuits and mashed potatoes-- neither of which I'm supposed to eat. [photos: swarovski.com]

Now, before I fully emerge your head into the ocean, here are some very worthy (and well-priced) above the sea, beachy and boardwalk-y picks.

Patrick Robinson's GO Collection @ Target was actually inspired by the Mediterranian. Worth checking out. Click on the photos to go to their webpages.




Other items at Target:

1. A White Straw Floppy Hat (I bought one for myself...been looking forever for one that wasn't over $60)
2. Issac Mizrahi Canvas Tote, Metallic Trim
3. Rafe for Target Flap Shoulder Bag
4. Issac Mizrahi Square Flap Bag (love the color set and it's really adorable in person)
5. Drawstring Leaf-Print Purse (ditto)
6. Clear/Gold Purse (..if you've been meaning to try out the current clear bag hubub. Speaking of, I think a clear bag's good for the beach but not much else. Do you really want everyone to see the unmentionables you put in your everyday purse?)
7. Kate Spade-like Woven Straw Bag (sold out online but probably still in stores)







And here comes the continuation of the previous all leather-free Alloy Shoe Sale post. Right now you can even get free shipping on orders over $75 with code AEGW75 . Click on the photos to go to their webpages.

For when you're thinking beach, And you've got to think espadrilles (for that woven rope sort of look)



Unless, um, you'd like to hit the deck in these (I'm sounding more and more commercial, aren't I?). I think they're kind of gorgeous. In a high fashion, impractical way. Part of me thinks that they must have been spun off from some runway designer. Interestingly enough, they're also by Charles Albert.


But since we're heading more into the sea, you should keep in mind shoes of a more royal blue. Like these. Damn! Which are also Charles Albert. Man, he has really good taste.


I can't help but think Vans look like the quintessential sailor's sneaker, in a more contemporary age.


And These are just cute for padding around. (Sugar, of course)


So if you're wondering how intense I am about this "Under the Sea" I assure you I am very serious. In fact, I was hypnotically induced by this idea that when I snapped out of it I found I made this. I call it "Crab Couture". No, seriously. Plus, since the crab's on hinges it's claws swing around.



Yes that's right, lady and gents, she makes jewelry too! A bit elementary and not professionally, though I actually hope to someday. Maybe as a fun, side-job. I've run out of those little v-shaped beads though...need to find some more. Agh that's the thing with beads, there's so many different kinds that it's hard to pick between them at the store. I can hardly figure out a certain style's potential until after I buy them, which has its monetary downfalls.

I've been thinking of making more "under the sea" themed necklaces. My little notepad reads like an ecosystem:

"octopus, jellyfish, squid, mantis/sting ray, starfish, crab, lobster, seahorse, crayfish, plankton,

sanddollar, algae necklace"

(PS. I have no idea how I would make a necklace look like tangled algae)

My obsession has grown kind of large. A couple days ago, I was at the library researching seahorses (that sounds very scholarly but I went, honestly, because my internet had been MIA for much too long). I learned that there are fisherman in Asia who capture large numbers of seahorses because they believe it has medicinal use and so their numbers are rapidly declining and I saw large baskets full of dead, dried seahorses which made me really sad.

Did you know that baby seahorses sometimes form groups by holding onto each other's tails (WorldBookEncyclopedia)? (Yes, I am aware of how dorky I sound) I've been looking for such a photo depiction (darn these image obstacles) and I can't find one. I was thinking of making a necklace with a bunch of seahorses linked to each other but I don't have a real life image so I'm not exactly sure how this tail-linking group looks like.


My under-the-sea obsession is strange too because crustaceans (which are no Sebastian) and slimy squids really creep me out in real life. But I like the idea of trying to depict them as cute.



Anyhow, Kate Spade's got the right idea of going into the blue with her summer lobster claw fob/charm and lobster print collection. Wish they weren't leather though, for my purpose at least.

[photos: neimanmarcus.com, nordstrom.com, neimanmarcus.com]

Of course, her Cape Cod collection (currently on sale katespade.com) is chock full of (saltwater) taste. I love that red dress.

[photos: katespade.com]

Another label that's getting the hang of things is C&C California, with their starfish and octopus prints.



[photos: shopbop.com]

Kenneth Jay Lane's got a few marine creatures stuck up his sleeve as well, including these octopus rings, starfish ring and bracelet, and pretty conchshell-type ring. Click on the photos to go their webpages.




[photos: vivre.com, electricladyland.com, pinkmascara.com]

Here are some more under the sea jewelry from Fred Flare and around the net. Click on the pictures to go to the websites.


[photos: fredflare.com]



[photos: lisakline.com, nordstrom.com, urbn.com, eddiebauer.com]



Now, I scoured Etsy top to bottom, and all over the seafloor, for these picks. Since I like supporting indie designers. :) Clicking on the below pictures will lead you to their respective webpages.

[right, "Grace" photo print]

[photos: etsy.com, respective sellers]

And now some more Designer ideas. Click on the pictures to take you through to their sites. In order:

Oceanic Top by LaRok. J. Crew Lobster Skirt. Madison Marcus Chiffon Blouse. Cynthia Steffe Starfish Trapeze Dress. Octopi Necklace Dress. Daryl K-189 & Barneys CO-OP Pintuck Belted Dress. Eva Franco Seahorse Dress. Nicole Miller Tie-Dye Ruched Dress. Betsey Johnson Starfish Dress. Mara Hoffman Octopus Dress.








Also, a selection from Anthropologie:




Totes from EBags and Urban Outfitters:



And lastly, pants. I love these two styles from Ralph Lauren, Ocean Parachute Capri Pant, and Citizens of Humanity, Octopus Skinny Jean in Atlantis Wash (Octopus Embroidered on Back Pocket!). Plus, the jeans in size 27 are on sale at Barneys.com for $89. For other sizes, but no sale, Saks.com will do the trick:



So you see, the water's fine. ;) You gonna leap in or what?

______________


Speaking of leaping in...please take a moment to send off a message (already written out online by SaveDarfur) to ask Secretary Rice to urge China & France to join together with the US on Darfur diplomacy when she attends an important diplomatic meeting on Monday. World leaders need to increase pressure on the Sudanese President Bashir and you can do a little bit of your part by just filling out a few blanks.

http://ga6.org/campaign/petition_rice