THE SWANKY ABODE

Presenting a Lifestyle

I’ve been spending a great deal of time in Columbus, Ohio with my sisters; you know, the holidays and all.   I don’t know a great deal about Columbus, but I’m learning it  has a great deal to discover.  It’s been fun,  learning all about the restaurants, the mall, watering holes and this fabulous spot called The Swanky Abode.

My sister is a new homeowner who is eager to personalize her space  [YAH-Z!] so we took a quick walk around to check out new home design and furniture shops.  Little did either of us know just what a treat this spot, Swanky was going to be!

This store brings the full concept of   the“pop-up store” to life: a store that has been put in a space/store front for a given amount of time for the intention of selling in a particular area, learn the market/demographics and then move on.    The plan being that the store can "pop-up" anywhere at any given time. The idea of the pop-up is amazing and something we should be seeing more of in the future.  The pop-up allows a community to have something new and exciting and the store an opportunity for exposure.  Swanky combines all of my admiration. I love reclaimed items, mixing the old with the new and offering people something unique.

The Swanky Abode is a family run business and a business within a business.  As a large space with small concept shops within the store, each shop brings unique notions covering so many ideas to fill your home and life.    There is a grouping of kitchen items old and new, furniture, antique cameras, artwork, soaps, glassware, stationary and jewelry.  It has a flea market feeling with a “nuevo chic” appearance. The  current space is large and open with great natural light, allowing you to the opportunity to revel in your finds and open your imagination to how it can work in your home.

Swanky also offers the service of bringing a designer/consultant individual to your home to assess your space, mix  and/or alter your current items with new finds to create a totally new appearance.  Swanky even makes mention of the importance of “home staging” to sell in this very difficult market.

 

Do yourself the favor of checking Swanky out!

                   Easton Town Center

                   4230 The Strand
                   Columbus OH, 43219
                   Phone:  330.466.7350
                                                                                                             

The Swanky Abode Blog: Keeping up with the Joneses

http://theswankyabode.wordpress.com

Not only for the items mention, but for the overall impression.  With our need to recycle, interest in new views, interesting methods to sell (and for many others to retain their own money), I see The Swanky Abode is the store and concept of the future. 

HAPPY DÉCOR!!

NAVY NAIL POLISH

Now, I’m an old fashion girl when it comes to beauty products.  I have a hard time stepping out with new colors in eye shadows and lipsticks, but this season brings on many surprises.   In fact it seems that some of these trends have been going on since the summer,  particularly NAVY nail polish. 

Even as I type this, my hands & tooties are painted classic red-but the hotness is all about the NAVY!!

  

Navy nails will be a great addition to the fall wardrobe.  It’s a great way to add something new, mystery and in the big scheme of things very inexpensive.  Even the most expensive nail polish is going to be a better bargain than that purse or shoe….

YSL: Color# 43

http://www.yslbeautyus.com/La-Laque/184YSL,default,pd.html?cgid=makeup-nail-lacquer&start=3

ESSIE: Midnight Cami

http://www.essie.com/shop/shade-families-bluesgreens-c-2_9.html

OPI: Russian Navy

http://opi.com/

Chanel: Blue Satin #416

http://www.chanel.com/en_US/fragrance-beauty/Makeup-Nails-89313

Dior: “Blue Tie” Vernis Nail Lacquer Tuxedo

http://www.dior.com/beauty/usa/en/makeup/nails/nail_lacquers/diorvernislacquerssbl/y0002950/py0002950.html

I see the navy nails working well with denims, plaids and that ultra classic  
“Mad Men” look. 
Although this isn’t the color the ladies in the 60's secretarial pool would have chosen, it adds a great twist for the 2011 version.

Give it a shot!

I’m going for it and use it as the introduction to my own, personal
Fall Statement!!

FIT FORUM

I consider myself a true “Denim Head” with my work, research and love for denim growing stronger everyday.  A good pair of jeans has the ability to be dressed up or down and are seen as the staple of our society.   Knowing that denim is every American's God given right, it will revolutionize, involve in evolutionism but never die!  Too much?

Denim jean design is how I’ve made my living for the past 10 years and believe it is not just a “garment” but a lifestyle!

http://www.7forallmankind.com/?keyword={keyword}

With this confession I wanted to make sure everyone was aware of 7 For All Mankind new commitment to their consumer.   They are offering you the opportunity to speak with a member from their design team in an effort to learn about your likes and ways to improve the fit of your jeans.

With the 1^st session out of the way, I found it interesting that 7FAM-went through the trouble to answer as many questions as possible.

Example of conversation forum:

Customer

I'm a bit curvy, got a butt , thighs and hips. If I buy juniors or womens jeans I always have to wear a belt. I have to wear a belt because its always very loose in the back. Like if I squat down you could see my undies. Am I just mis-shaped or always buying the wrong pants. I feel like its too much to find a good pair. Help!

7For All Mankind Staff Member

Hi Customer!  I think the Kimmie , Kaylie and Highwaist styles would be best for you , the Kimmie styles ( straight leg and Bootcut ) and Kayie have a contour waistband and are slight smaller in the waist helping the back from gapping

http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=279031298789487

7FAM will be conducting these fit conversations every Thursday in the month of September.  I suggest tuning in for the conversation.  Even if you are not a 7 For All Mankind fan, this is an excellent forum.  You may learn things that can be applied to your other jeans or you may decide this is a perfect opportunity to start wearing 7FAM.

NEW LV STACKED HEEL for FALL 2011

Straight from runway!

 
I already have a kinship with this shoe!!

Louis Vuitton Mongram Mary Jane for Fall 2011

Right now I should be focused on a limited budget due to reasons I won't bore you.   Just as every other human being on this planet; attention to finance must be paid!
 
SO-Louis Vuitton must be aware of the decreases in the Stock Market, the NIKKEI and overall despair of the masses...(pause for drama). 

This shoe is an update to the classic Mary Jane style; with the LV monogram, tiny strap across the shoe and feminine bow, it's so difficult for me to resist.


Why on Earth would Louis Vuitton come out with such an extraneous luxury that forces an individual to choose between the light bill and three square meals a day?

Because their shoes continue to sell out each and every time!

 

I've been checking and they are not in the stores yet, but you can get on the list to reserve your pair at your friendly neighborhood Louis Vuitton store.
Price $910.

http://www.louisvuitton.com/

Cheers!

SWAG LIKE US-GRAPHIC TEES

If you know me, you know I LOVE a good graphic tee!

It’s always fun to express “you” without having to say a word! 

Combining the love of fashion and music (always a plus) we have Swag Like Us, an LA Based design company with a group of musically inspired graphic tees!

Not only are the graphics from song lyrics you know and love, the silhouette/fit of the tees are wide neck with an A-line shape, giving the garment a "lived-in" relaxed feel.

Neiman Marcus is sponsoring this line of tees as well as the opportunity to win VIP access for two to the AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS in Los Angeles with red carpet access, limo service, hotel stay and entry to the show; basically EXTRA COOL on top of ALREADY COOL!!   Entry deadline is 9/26/11 at 5pm CT. 

You are automatically entered to this drawing with your purchase! 


Click below for details and rules on the contest.

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/templates/P9.jhtml?itemId=cat40380735&parentId=cat000059&masterId=cat17740733&grandMasterId=cat000117&cacheCheckSeconds=1&icid=insite_8_26_1

FASHION NIGHT OUT

This event is right around the corner, Thursday, September 8^th.

Created by Anna Wintour the Editor and Chief of Vogue magazine this event was brought into existence to help put the FUN back in fashion.

Anna Wintour

Different events will be happening allover New York City including fashions shows, meet & greets, parties and give aways.   That sounds like FUN; right?!

40% of the proceeds will go the benefit the New York City AIDS Fund.

The idea has made its way all across the country with events happening in LA, Chicago, Miami, Atlanta and Dallas to name a few fashionable cities.   Similar concepts are being held allover the world in cities such as Paris, London, Milan and Moscow.

Virtual concepts have also been added to this event with stylist preparing ‘outfits’ for the shopping evening and contest on Polyvore, awarding the best styled ensemble!

http://blog.polyvore.com/2011/08/fno-style-setter-week-3-of-3-grace.html

Now you don’t have much time!  If you haven’t already done so go to the website and start to plan out your evening like I did. 

There are so many different events going on, you’ll need to organize your itinerary carefully.

http://fashionsnightout.com/fno

You can also apply the app to your phone to organize on the go.

So get out there and have some fun, spend some money and get free stuff!

We’ll have to do some follow up to learn how everyone’s night was.  I plan to have FUN and I hope the same for you (smiley face).

THE NECKLACE

               The Handmade Necklace [by ME]

As I mentioned in my last post, I wore my handmade necklace [made by me] to the Alexander McQueen Exhibit at the MET.  This necklace is a piece I’ve been thinking about and working on for a long time.   I was very excited to have something of personal expression to wear to the show of man who excelled at personal expression.

 I regularly receive the J.Crew catalog.  I admire J.Crew's ability to take simple concepts, style them in a way which makes the entire outfit unique and add dramatic twist to the simple.   I’ve gotten to the point that I’ve created a collection of the catalog next to my bed!  I constantly flip through them for a fresh idea or “Hmmm-what do I wear today?”       I may not always buy the pieces from J.Crew, I might not always style my outfit the same way as I witnessed in J.Crew but I appreciate their ability to provoke thought and give me direction.

The March 2010 catalog is a particular favorite of mine because they featured their own staff modeling the clothing.  The model/staff member that stuck with me the most was Molly Carey, a Designer for J.Crew.  While Molly’s outfit was one of my favorites, what made her outfit the best was the signature necklace she personally made and added to the outfit.   

Talk about personal style!!

Molly Carey from the J.Crew catalog

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Navigation/whosthatgirl.jsp

http://www.molly-hanna.com/about/

With more research, I learned Molly has created a group of these unique and amazing necklaces with J.Crew for sale.  The only problem being that it took some digging to find this out and these necklaces are far from cheap (average cost $495.).   Since I wasn’t aware of Molly’s business when I started my “quest” I decided that it was time to make mine own, in honor of Molly’s one of a kind.

I bought different flowers and corsage ideas from Hobby Lobby and Michaels to create my version, picking various sizes, styles and mediums. I purchased many of these ideas on sale with the most expensive being $7.00 for a white enamel and metal flower approximately 3”in diameter.   

variety of mediums





from Hobby Lobby-$6.99

The 8 ½” x 11” felt square (base/backing for the flowers) cost me $.29 cents.  The most difficult part of my design was sticking with a color theme.  Shopping at Hobby-Lobby and Michaels I found there are so many different types of decorations, beading and flowers that it’s easy to pull together many different versions of this necklace.  Wal-Mart also has a great sewing section and collection of flowers I could have used, although I found this out too late to use on my necklace.

flowers at Wal-Mart..not bad

Since pink is my favorite color, I decided to use it as the strongest color story for my necklace.  I took a cue from Molly’s version and offset the necklace with a bit of contrast.   Molly used green for her contrast, but I found the most darling aqua corsage for my necklace.  Copper worked as the best compliment metal to pink, so that was the focus for this necklace.

copper looks great with PINK

So-using incredibly unique beads I found in metal, enamel, plastic and silk, I’ve created my own version.  In total, the necklace cost me about $30.00; the cost of all components including the straps (silk shantung) purchased by the yard and cut in bias strips.

All in all-I think I did pretty well.  I have exactly what I wanted; it’s unique even from Molly’s necklace and it’s much less expensive than anything J.Crew would have offered.

You can do the same thing! 

• Focus on a color story. Mine was pink, my favorite color.
• Choose a contrast color that will give the necklace statement. Mine was aqua. Molly’s was acid green.
• Play with the layout on a sheet of paper to help focus the overall look and give you a visual of the basic layout and size. You can then use this piece of paper as the pattern for the felt.
• Trace your pattern piece on your fabric backing. I used for the felt and approximately ½” smaller for the wool fabric.
• Take your time!!  The more time and care you put into the necklace the better your results.
• Sew the components on to your fabric.  It’s better to sew the components than to glue because the necklace will be sturdier and last longer.  Some components may have to be glued but it’s better to have a few pieces glued to the necklace than a lot of glue all over your masterpiece.




layout of paper for preview

Remember to have FUN!!

I hope your version turns out as great as Molly’s and mine (what I think anyway).

Best of Luck!!

MY NECKLACE



ALEXANDER McQUEEN MET SAVAGE BEAUTY

This is my Maiden Voyage!

As a long time lover of fashion, avant-garde holds a very special place in every designer’s heart.  There is a struggle from within of what is seen as “commercial” and what’s art.  We all wish we could be as creative and successful as “Lee” (as he was known to his close friends) and the still have the ability to be financially successful.

My friends and I decided to make this the Sunday activity of our annual girlfriend’s weekend.  After waiting on line for 2 hours (yes-we checked, it was literally 2 hours) we shuffled through the very crowded room to experience one of the most talked about museum exhibits amongst my friends and peers in a very long time.

Alexander McQueen’s designs pushed the concept of art and fashion making conversation amongst his peers necessary.  Every show challenged your concept and beauty and made you ask yourself-“Now why didn’t I think of this before?”…well at least for me.

The MET exhibit (ending on Aug 7^th) focused on this same idea and drew the essence of this artist to the masses.  Those of us who always respected and learned form his work and those who have never heard of him before have an opportunity to review these pieces, which will never be created by the master again.  While there will long be discussion of his work, inspiration drawn from his ideas and business obtained from his concepts he is gone.

I loved this show and thank my favorite museum for paying homage to one of the most respected designers of the 21^st century.   I was lucky enough to purchase a private exhibit ticket for the show on Monday, when the museum is officially closed.   Because of the show’s popularity opening on Monday was an excellent idea.  There was no wait, but it was pretty much just as crowed  on Monday as Sunday because people lingered and studied as many details as possible; I can’t blame them.

The focus on the tailoring details, the display of his simple ideas made into massive objects with a bit of “cheeky” which questions sex, politics, creed, religion and nationalism would make anyone pause.

The audio allows you to hear first hand from friends, contemporaries and models who knew him who all speak with a sense of reverence and melancholy at the same time.

“It’s the ugly things I notice more, because other people tend to ignore the ugly things.”

A quote from Alexander McQueen which I believe helps to give you a glimpse into the artist and man-but he will never fully be understood.

Check me out at the MET with my

                                                                    necklace.

                                                                     Next post-The Necklace!

                                       

http://blog.metmuseum.org/alexandermcqueen/