Re-cut Vintage Tee: Led Zeppelin (Best Rock Band Ever)

Last week I posted pictures I took of the Rose Bowl Flea Market.  I had bought some vintage tees and said I would re-cut them and post what I've made.  I started with a tee from my favorite rock band, Led Zeppelin.  I'll show how I created the shirt and then put an outfit together.

These are the tees that I bought.
 

The before shot.   Don't worry, I'll take good care of you.
 

I folded the shirt in half and cut a V for the neckline.  Then I cut the side seams off at the sleeve seams.
 

Ok, so I had made a mistake when I cut the V for the front and had it folded so the back also cut a V.  So, I improvised--I cut a seam in the back to shorten the V and make the top more fitted.
 

I cut one shoulder more narrow than the other and angled the bottom hem for an asymmetrical affect.  Then I simply sewed the shoulder seams and side seams together.  To finish it off I hemmed the raw edges by turning them and using a Z stitch.  The imperfections keep the rocker-look (that's my story and I'm sticking to it).
 

I found this great lace at Mood Fabrics in LA to add to the edges.
 

I sewed the lace to the edges and here is my finished product.
 

Here is an outfit I styled for my shirt.  I just bought a pair of JBrand skinny cargos that I just love and I can't wait to wear my shirt with it.  I also included Modcloth shoes, Numero 10 bag, vintage  fedora by Gumby Girl and Judy Lee vintage bracelet by Archive Vintage.

French Open Tennis: the Fashion Files

I'm amazed at how far tennis fashion for the grand slams has evolved.  Not every outfit is a "hit", but at least many players are willing to take some risks.  I always look forward to seeing how far the athletic brands can think outside of the box--or the lines (couldn't resist that one).  Let me know your thoughts in the comments section.

This outfit has caused quite a stir (not to mention healthy Facebook debate!).  I love her flair but would have preferred to see her choose red shorts instead of the nude.
 

It surprised me that Serena is the relatively low-key one this tournament--she usually makes the bigger statement.  A lot of players wear blue during the tournament which photographs well against the orange dirt.
 

Here they are in their doubles outfits which are a little more subdued.

Aravane Rezai, less well known in the states, adds some of her home country's French flare with gold lame--and I think some lace.
 

I like the subtle tone on tone print of Caroline Wozniacki's dress.
 

Alize Cornet, a French player looking very French in navy and white stripes.
 

The beautiful Ana Ivanovic in a nice red/orange outfit.
 

But the winner has to be Maria Sharapova.  She's always creative, well put-together and fashionable.
 

I figured I would mention a couple of men.  Most Improved has to be Rafa.  Not too long ago he was sporting capris (manpri's) and a tacky graphic muscle shirt.  Now he's taken a page from Roger's fashion playbook and is wearing classy flat front shorts and a nice color combo shirt--that looks great against the orange clay.
 

The winner for the men is, and will always be, Roger.  Classy.  Champion.  He may not always win, but he has elevated tennis to the next level in so many ways.
 

Thanks to the Roland Garros French Open website for "letting" me jack these photos.

LA Stories: Rose Bowl Flea Market

The Rose Bowl Flea Market is on the second Sunday of the month.  You could easily spend the entire day just in the vintage section and not see everything there is to see.  It's so visually stimulating, it almost hurts the eyes.  I took so many pictures that I'll post it in sections.  Today I'm just posting some overview pictures that I think have some visual interest.

I love the light blue coral and the sea horse bottle toppers.

Gives new meaning to a peaceful night's sleep.

 Interesting combo of spiders and Jesus.

It almost looks like a black and white photo with hits of red.

The color palette of this painting is so subtle but striking.

After 3 hours (that's all my eyes could take), this was my big purchase.  I love finding old tee shirts and re-cutting them to make some cool tops.  I bought a Rolling Stones concert tee, Led Zeppelin (Best Band Ever), and an Escher tee.  As I make them into new creations I will post my progress.

I [heart] Tennis (part 1): the French Open

The French Open is my symbolic start to the summer--the middle of the tournament always falls over Memorial Day.  I love watching the players elegantly (and sometimes not so elegantly) slide around on the red clay, playing the way I could only dream of.  I also love the glimpses of Paris you get watching the coverage.  One day, Kato and I will travel to each of the grand slams and explore the cities where they are played.  In the mean time, here is a little collage of the city and the game (and Roger!).

 Follow the action, players and draws.

Jewels: Italian Gioiello

I came across these photos in Italian Vogue Gioiello.  I wish I could have been there for this photo shoot.  The hair and makeup is so intriguing and imaginative--it makes the jewelry look like it's a part of this fantastical creature.

These images are from Vogue Gioiello IT March 2010: A Precious Make-up by Francesco Carrozzini.

Stylin': Funky School Girl with Cool Shoes

Here is a little outfit I threw together: mixin' it up with vintage and new, designer and chain retailer.

Vintage plaid skirt, Jason Wu tank, Forever 21 sweater, Constellation earrings by Hurricane Jane, Alexander Wang boots, and vintage Korbet bag.

Adult Beverage of the Month (A.B.O.M.): the Manhattan

Each month I'll feature an Adult Beverage (of course, only for the over 21 crowd!).  This month's cocktail is a true classic: the Manhattan.

I love a cocktail napkin that sets the tone for the drink.

These are my preferred labels, especially the Basil Hayden.  Cheers!

LA Stories: Melrose Murals

There's an alley just North of Melrose between La Brea and Fairfax that has this unexpected artistry painted on the walls.  I asked one of the shop workers on Melrose about them and he said: oh, you mean the "Graffiti"?  Then someone drove by asking if this were the place to find the "Murals".  What do you think, art or graffiti?

I love the LV inspiration for this mural.

What story are they trying to tell in this one?

Black and white checkers are very "on trend".

Cool steampunk fish.

The Muse: Marie Antoinette

One of the earlier fashion icons, Marie Antoinette is a notorious, possibly misunderstood, but always iconic historical figure.  When I learned I shared two names with her, she quickly became my muse--I even named my blog after her.  Here is a collage I created using her as my inspiration.