DIY: Serape Print Shoes

If you you've taken a peek at my  blog…  you probably noticed how much I love myself some ethnic prints. I especially love it in small pops in a wardrobe and thought it would look great on the upper portion of this shoe. The steps are pretty simple and can be used on a variety of different shoe styles, maybe something that's already in your closet. Here's how...

Materials:

- shoes

- serape print fabric (or any print you fancy)

- e6000 glue

- scissors

- pencil

- tracing paper

- tape

Steps

1. Trace the region of the shoe you would like the fabric to be placed on.

2. Cut out the drawn pattern. Tape the pattern onto the fabric and cut out.  Remember to do a left and right side.  Using a sewing machine, sew a topstitch around the edge of the cut fabric shapes.

3. Glue fabric onto the shoe using e6000.  There you go!  Easy breezy!!  SwellMayde serape shoes!

DIY: Painted Rhinestone Necklace

I love the idea of adding some color into my wardrobe for Spring. The easiest way to do so is with accessories. When I saw these necklaces from Tom Binns, I immediately knew what my next DIY would be. The DIY steps are simple and allow you to update a rhinestone necklace that may have been sitting in your drawer since prom.

Materials:

Spray Paint

Scrap Paper

Permanent Markers

Rhinestone Necklace (Similar 

Here

 and 

Here)

Scissors

Masking Tape

Steps:

1. Cut scrap paper to cover areas of necklace that you do not want to spraypaint. Tape paper in place.

2. Spray paint necklace to desired color. This will give a more opaque look. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for different sections of the necklace to create a fun color combination.

3. Marker in certain sections with the permanent markers to achieve a colored, yet translucent look.

4. Easy breezy!! Enjoy your SwellMayde DIY Painted Rhinestone Necklace.

Spring Show 2013 Lookbook

The Spring Show is just around the corner and its about time to get excited for the 325+ amazing vendors that will be offering their locally-made products for sale at UNIQUE LA on May 11th and 12th! Check out a few of our favorites in our Spring Show lookbook!

Everlane Studio Tour

This week, we had the chance to visit the Los Angeles offices of Everlane - one of the Internet's most legit fashion brands that wants you to know that you're probably paying too much for you name-brand basics (t-shirts, totes, oxfords, belts, etc). With an insane amount of detail to design and BFF relations with the factories that produce similar products for designer labels, Everlane is making ripples in the industry by simplifying the equation and cutting out the middlemen.

Their studio is based in the Arts District in Downtown LA and serves as the hub of production and creative. Everlane's entire production team (both domestic and international) is located here as well as creative team including the art director and graphic designers.

"We refer to this office as the heart and the San Francisco office as the brains." - says Everlane's Head of Culture, Eva Goicochea.

Enjoy the tour!

DIY: Polka Dot Jeans

I am a denim fanatic and am always on the lookout for great new styles to add to my wardrobe.  When I saw this adorable pair byMarc Jacobs, I knew what my next DIY would be.  I love that he used a light washed denim with distressing; it is such a fun and refreshing take on polka dots.

Materials:

- Mossimo distressed denim (here) - 3/4" circle sponge brush (here) - Tulip fabric paint (here) - paper plate - ruler

 Steps: 1. Add about one tbsp of water to 3 tbsp of white fabric paint on a paper plate.  I chose to water the paint down a bit to match the look of the washed out denim. 2. Mix the paint and water together and dip your circle sponge brush into the paint mixture. 3. Press the circle sponge brush onto the denim. I painted the first dot at the front side of the denim, near the belt loops. 4. Measure the next line of polka dots. Mine are about 3" apart horizontally and 1 1/2" apart vertically. 5. Continue to paint the dots all over the front side. Let dry for a couple hours, then paint the back side. Let fully dry. It is important to set the fabric paint, if you plan on washing the jeans later. Once the dots are fully dry, set the iron on medium and run across the front and back side of the pant a couple times. Remember to constantly move the iron, and not to use steam.

Fake Prom, a Real Blast!

This past weekend we held Fake Prom, a fundraiser for Inner-City Arts, an arts education non-profit in Los Angeles. WOW, it was The Jam! 600 guests filled the Inner-City Arts campus in their prom-inspired outfits to dance the night away, and we raised just over $20,000 for the great organization! Everyone looked fabulous (and in some cases fabulously tacky), it was really amazing to see such spirit for the nostalgic event...

I'm not sure if guests looked better on Saturday, versus their real Prom, as gold lame, pink taffeta and blue tuxedos still dominated. I myself wore a polka dot dress, which one party-goer told me was in fact the exact dress she wore at her 1993 prom! What are the odds of that?! To capture the night guests showed-off their best "awkward prom poses" with Oh Snap Studios.

Like, OMG totally radical, that's Marguerite Moreau from Wet Hot American Summer dancing with Michael Philips of Handsome Coffee and the fabulous Kabira Stokes of Isidore Recycling! A HUGE thank you to our sponsors OPI, Kind Snacks, Tender Greens, JOIA, Monkey Shoulder, Reyka Vodka and Frey Wines who helped to make Fake Prom so fabulous. Our dance contest winners got down to DJ Bryan Davidson's tunes and were treated to prizes from Undefeated and BC Footwear!

We are extremley proud that our "unique" community came out to support such an important cause, and had a blast doing it. On the surface arts education is fun and colorful, but it's much deeper then that - being creative and having the chance to learn in a creative environment has proven to help kids develop lifelong skills such as being able to think creatively and to problem-solve, it instills self-esteem, and it engages students and keeps them interested in learning. To find out more about Inner-City Arts, visit their website. Thank you to all who came to Fake Prom... Next year's will be even bigger and better!

For more photos, go to our Flickr Page!

Tailored Minimalism

The minimalist in you needs to know about Outlier  - an NYC-based apparel company started in 2008 by two fabric nerds who wanted to make the best cycling pants. Founders Tyler Clemens and Abe Burmeister have now expanded their line to shirts, coats, henleys, shoes, and accessories. Outlier's garments are created far better than those you'd normally encounter and, more importantly, their design philosophy states that the world doesn't need more design; it needs less. Its definitely a brand to look out for. Visit their online store here.

DIY: Studded Clear Clutch

There is something so beautiful about the minimal look of a clear clutch. I love that it also forces me to declutter my purse and only carry my essentials... absolutely the theme of 2013 for me. When I saw this beautiful style from Nasty Gal, I immediately knew what my next DIY tutorial would be.

Materials: - large paper (even use the back side of wrapping paper) - clear vinyl - button stud - scissors - studs - e6000 glue  - bbq stick or wooden chopstick - ruler - scotch tape - sewing machine - sewing thread

Steps: 1. Cut a piece of paper: 12" x 19". This will be your paper pattern. 2. Tape your pattern onto the clear vinyl. 3. Fold the bottom piece up 7". 4. Sew the left and right side that you folded up 7". 5. The unfolded/unsewn part is the flap of the clutch. 6. Glue studs to the outside of the flap. Try putting a small amount of e6000 on a paper, and add glue to the stud using a bbq stick or wooden chopstick. The trick to keeping the stud layout very even, is it to place the ruler underneath as a guide for straight lines. Please note to keep a small area free of studs, for placement of the button stud (the closure of your clutch). I placed my 1" up, centered from the bottom edge of the flap. 7. Draw a very small X or dot onto the top layer of the clutch for the placement of the button stud. Have it located directly below the area you left without studs on the flap. It is important that these match up. Cut a very small X where you put the mark. Screw in the button stud here. 8. Now, close the flap and cut a small slit where the button stud lands. This is so that you can open and close your clutch.

Holiday Show 2012 Lookbook

Our 5th Anniversary Holiday Show is this weekend and to get you even more excited about shopping from 350+ hand-selected designers and artists we put together a lookbook in order to show you some of the great things that you'll be able to get at UNIQUE LA this December 1st and 2nd. For those of you that won't be able to make it to the show (bummer!) or simply can't wait to shop made-in-America, we linked all of the products in the lookbook to each of the designers' online stores. For those of you that ARE coming to our Holiday Show this weekend... See you there!!!

Open publication - Free publishing - More art

Halloween DIY

Having just moved into a house after years of living in an apartment, I'm looking forward to passing out candy to the kiddies in our neighborhood this Halloween. I'll be wearing this little DIY all night. Please check out the full tutorial after the break, along with suggestions on what to wear to complete the look.

Materials: - tulle - fabric covered headband - e-6000 adhesive - stem wire - thread - sewing needle - 1 1/2 yards of decorative trim (1/4" or 3/8" wide) - scissors - computer paper - black spray paint

Steps: 1.  Spray paint 2 stem wires black.  Once fully dry, twist the ends together 2 times about 1 1/4" from the tips.  Curve them like the photo to look like rabbit ears, trying your best to make the shapes similar. 2. Trace around the curved wire. 3. Add a dotted line around the tracing about 3/8" away. Cut out using the dotted line. 4. The cut out is now your pattern.  Using the pattern, cut two pieces of tulle.  Pin or tape onto the tulle if needed before cutting if needed. 5.  Hand sew the cut tulle onto the wire rabbit ears.  Remember to double knot at the end and beginning. 6.  Repeat step 5 for both ears. 7. Wrap the extra ends of the wire ears onto the headband, towards the top of the headband, about 2 1/2" apart. 8. Add a dab of e-6000 after wrapping the wire around the headband. 9. For the veil, use a piece of computer paper (8 1/2" x 11") as the pattern.  Cut one piece of tulle 8 1/2" x 11". About 1/2" from the edge, use your needle and thread to rouche the tulle. 10. Continue roughing the tulle, until it is about 3" long.  Remember to double knot at the beginning and end of sewing. 11. Using e-6000, glue the decorative trim on the tulle ears to cover the wire. 12. Sew the tulle veil onto top of the headband, in between the ears. 13.  Glue a piece decorative trim at the top of the veil to give it a finished look.  Also, if the ears feel a bit wobbly, you can add a little bit of e-6000 on the inside of headband where the wire is wrapped.  Then, add a small piece of masking tape to hold it in place.  Hold with your thumb for a minute, to lock in the glue, then let fully dry for a couple hours.

To complete the look: Try wearing a black bodysuit (here or here) or a cute fit and flare dress (here).  Then, add a black pom pom as a tail.  Follow the tutorial (here) to create a pom pom!  Enjoy!  And have a fun Halloween!!

Designer Q&A: VERAMEAT

Name: Vera Meat Age: 25 Neighborhood of residence: East Village NYC Favorite thing about NY: The smell of tea, pee, ice cream, cigarettes, sex & expensive cologne all mixed together & that’s before you open the front door of your building to take on the day.

What made you switch gears from modeling into jewelry design?

I think any child of immigrants who studies so much she forgets to color her hair or cut it, who has so many allergies her body won’t store fat, who cares so little about others opinions of her she’ll throw an attitude at anyone - that kid can model.  But not just anyone can make a Dino Eating Fried Chicken ring. Also the modeling industry has no child labor laws. So at 14 years old I was working 12 hour days & 70 hour weeks. That’s not good for even the most naturally flawless complexion. Also I’ve always wanted to have my own business as my parents always had their own business.

Did you have any formal training in design?

No, I’m lucky to say I was just inspired by my Mom weaving really strange sweaters on an old machine she got as a gift & my Dad making pins. Friends’ art work always inspired me. People’s street styles while I was traveling as a kid inspired me, especially in street caves of hilly Finland, women in the markets of Rome, Austria’s country side & the swimsuits of the Black Sea. Also, animals, natural cloths & accessories. Like bird plumage, cat and dog nails, animal mutations like Cyclops kitty & writers/artists of our time.

What else inspires you?

My mascot & puppy dog Fred. My friends, who have so much energy, and my strange family who has roots all over the world in so many different cultures.

For up-and-coming students and designers reading this, how were you able to open your first store? And then grow into multiple locations?

Well I’ve always been lucky and just happened upon the great location of 315 E 9^th St in the East Village. I lived nearby so I wanted to work near my home. Then my old landlord had a store open up in Williamsburg. Since we were friendly, he offered the space to me; N. 5th near Bedford is really a dream location in Brooklyn so I jumped in.

You come from a family with nontraditional careers, and have lived all over the world. How does your eclectic upbringing play into your art?

Well it’s hard to say what came first - the chicken or the egg!

Where is your studio?

On 14^th Street near 1^st Ave. in the East Village

What does your typical day look like?

Feed Puppy Fred, start work on a new design,  meet with Operations Manager Megan, get breakfast in the hood, visit one of my stores to see if my girls need anything, do a photoshoot or interview. It really depends on the day; go to an art gallery, museum party, you know - NY living.

Tell us how you take an idea and turn it into a product.

Does a zebra reveal it’s spots? No - it just limps away.

You just opened a new store in Brooklyn. What are the plans for Verameat’s future?

We’d love to open another store, debut our new driving gloves & wallets. We are making other accessories, not just jewelry. Check out Facebook page for details & updates!

As a small business owner and designer, what are your top resources that help in your day-to-day?

Greenerprinter is great for recycled cards. I love Instagram. Check ours here http://statigr.am/tag/verameat

What advice would you give to entrepreneurs that you wish someone had told you?

Always have fun, anywhere, everywhere - no matter what.

OC iPad App

In August Opening Ceremony launched their own magazine called Annual. Now they are rolling out its digital companion piece, which offers original content, various interactive stories by contributors including Bruce Weber, Terence Koh, Tim Barber, Poppy de Villeneuve and more! The app is available now on iTunes and its FREE.

Take a look at this little video tour of the app and download it ASAP!

Katie Gallagher at NYFW

26-year old budding designer Katie Gallagher debuted her 7th collection, “Everything Forever”, at the Standard Hotel during New York Fashion Week. A RISD alum, Gallagher has proven herself as a rising star in NY after snagging the attention and advocacy of NY Times T-Magazine and fashion influentials like Daphne Guinness and Nicola Formichetti

“Everything Forever” stayed true to her defining aesthetic; it was sophistication without pretention, downtown chic without any effort, and art at its best. Models lined a stark white runway in cool cut-outs and rich materials like kangaroo leather, lambskin, and lycra-wool. Despite the minimalist look and neutral tones, Katie added interest by infusing the clothes with unusual textures.

In Katie’s words, the line sprung from the concept of rebirth and purity and the idea that “everything we do is in us forever”.

Check out our exclusive photos from Katie’s NYFW presentation:

Header image via the ride

DIY: Chain Link Bracelet

I have been really inspired by chain bracelets lately.  Here is the first of 2 chain bracelet DIY's. When I saw this beautiful Marc Jacobs bracelet (here), I instantly knew what my next DIY would be. I love the gold chain against the elastic band. It feels chic, yet casual. Here's how to make your very own. Pretty easy peasy! Full tutorial after the break...

Materials: - elastic rope (here) - chain (similar here) - clamp (bought from Athenian Fashions) - pliers - sewing thread - e6000 adhesive

Steps: 1. Cut the 2 length of elastic rope (about 5 1/4" to 6" depending on your wrist size). Then, cut 1 piece of chain about 2" long. 2. Fold one cut elastic rope and fold in half. Loop through one end of the chain. 3. Take the two ends of the elastic and put through the loop. 4. Pull the two ends of the elastic tightly. Repeat steps 2 through 4 for the other elastic rope. 5. Hold all 4 ends of the elastic rope, add a dab of e6000, then wrap tightly with sewing thread. This will keep all the ends in place. 6. Add a small dab of e6000 onto the inside of clamp. 7. Place the clamp onto the wrapped ends. Tightly squeeze each side of the clamp using the pliers to secure the ends of the elastic rope.

Kickstarter: Alder New York

We love to scour the internet in search of the latest trends, news, companies, and individuals that are shaking up the Made-in-America movement; and what place is better to search for "what's next" than Kickstarter? This week we were fortunate to stumble upon the Kickstarter campaign of Brooklyn-based clothing and apothecary company Alder New York - a brand started in the Brooklyn Navy Yard in 2011 and in dire need of your help to produce their Fall 2013 collection and lookbook.

"Unfortunately, our goal to make high quality products in the USA comes at a cost: the price of fair labor. It costs us a lot of overhead to make our products and pay our skilled craftspeople the wages they deserve, and we need help to make and document our next collection." - they write in their kickstarter.

Check out their video below and support them HERE.

Mark McNairy S/S 2013

One of my favorite menswear designers Mark McNairy (who also happens to be a big supporter of the Made-in-America movement) presented the 2013 Spring/Summer collection in his first ever appearance at this year's NYFW. McNairy continues to surprise us with an interesting mashup of off-the-wall prints and patterns combined with his signature preppy silhouettes. Dedicated fans will be happy to see the return of crazy camo, floral, and gigantic polka-dot prints.

images via GQ.com, hypebeast.com