Dewdrops

Valentino

2011-10-18T11:40:00.000+02:00

This must my favourite dress this spring, from Valentino's SS 12 collection, it is just too exquisite! See it in motion here http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/slideshow/S2012RTW-VALENTIN?event=show2342&designer=design_house67&trend=&iphoto=43#slide=44

South African Creative Network

2011-10-18T09:15:00.000+02:00

A big thanks to the South African Creative Network for the lovely article xxx

http://sacreativenetwork.co.za/2011/10/fashionable-showcase-by-the-talented-natalie-creed/

Baby steps

2011-10-14T22:51:00.001+02:00

Thanks to the lovely Jenna Skead, talented graphic designer, I am the proud owner of a beautiful new logo. Behold...

And my website is up! Well partially, have a look, hee hee!

www.nataliecreed.com

xxx

Peek!

2011-10-09T19:51:00.000+02:00

It's been a busy BUSY week and I can now officially say, I am back in business! NatalieCreed.com registered, business account opened, first 2 samples made! It's all so exciting, but there is still loads to do before the range is launched. In the mean time though, here's a little look xxx

Factory Girl

2011-09-20T22:17:00.000+02:00

Friends, after a long, long inspiration drought, I have rekindled the flame with fashion! Welcome to my new bedroom turned fashion factory!!! We've moved into the lounge of our teeny one bedroom flat to make space for a creative workshop. I'll be busy busy getting the label up and running in the next two months, just in time for the holidays! Look out for some fresh Summer goodies from Natalie Creed

xxx

Pierrot

2011-08-17T11:45:00.003+02:00

For an illustration project inspired by Pierrot the sad clown. Photographs by the amazingly talented Amy Scheepers. Model: Frances Van Jaarsveld. Styling: Me <3

Two cute

2011-07-01T10:33:00.001+02:00

A sweet lamb and precious fur ball kitty <3 Adorable x

Rekindling the vintage love

2011-06-30T09:12:00.001+02:00

You know when you haven't done something in a long time, and when you do it again it feels even better than before? Well I went second hand shopping last weekend for the first time in months and it was incredible. Wading through the masses of dresses, I found myself enveloped in a happy heap of vintage goodness. This was my favourite find. And all the alteration it needed was two rolls of the sleeves and a belt. Love it xxx

Fluff

2011-06-18T09:48:00.001+02:00

Cutie resident cat at Vovo Telo...My friend Lee is the new chef there. She'll be designing a new specials menu soon, so pop in and try this talented lady's delicious treats!!! Xxx

Fun with colours

2011-06-16T21:13:00.001+02:00

Swatches for my project...

Another peak...

2011-06-14T13:35:00.001+02:00

...at that new project I mentioned...

Doodles

2011-06-13T16:19:00.001+02:00

Happy wall

2011-06-13T09:55:00.001+02:00

Some snaps from my pinboard, which makes life at work a little more colourful! Xoxo

Back in the blogging business ;)

2011-06-12T20:57:00.016+02:00

Hello. Recently, thanks to some lovely criminals and a well paying insurance policy, I got me a faaancy new phone. Now I can blog on the run like that cute French girl in that one tv advert. So hai.

To start with, here is a little snippet of something really exciting I'm working on. Its under wraps for the moment but I'll keep you posted ;)

Feeling Spring

2010-09-18T01:50:00.004+02:00

Here are some pics I took for a magazine article about the company I work for and the new clothing line we are working on. The cute aqua dress with ruffly bow, the creamy lace dress with blossom bib, the sleek grey coat and the gossamer style cowl are all made of luscious kid mohair and Lara De Lange modeled them beautifully. Ain't she pretty!

I saved my favourite shot for last, isn't it lovely?

xoxo

Rainbubbles

2010-07-29T08:47:00.003+02:00

The pretty view from my balcony, look at the beautiful rainbows. I love this weather. xoxo

New Jewels Part II

2010-07-28T22:58:00.004+02:00

Here are the second and third jewels I promised. The first is a necklace with gold backing, black perspex frame and heart button, and the second is a brooch with green perspex frame, black backing and blue bunny button. Tonight is my last sleep till the big adventure and it's just kicking in, wish me luck! xoxo

NeckLACE

2010-07-27T23:21:00.004+02:00

I've been dreaming about this idea for months now, and have finally taken action and made this necklace. It is the first in a series of three which I hope to finish by tomorrow. I want to wear them in the Big Apple. The necklace is a miniature ornate frame in perspex with a gold backing and vintage lace. I added the little metal mesh bow which I found at Bead It, isn't it cute? Will post the other two as soon as they are done. Ooh and I spoiled myself with a new camera. My old one broke and that explains why my last few posts have just been inspiration pics from the internets tee hee! So there shall be plenty postings of creative goodies in the near future.

Only two more sleeps! I'm so excited YIPEE! Can. Not. WAIT! xxx

She's a talent

2010-07-16T09:13:00.003+02:00

Check out Tascha's lovely writings and creations. Her jewels are precious and so are her sweet words. http://swallowmewhole-swallowmewhole.blogspot.com/

I need New York I know I need unique New York

2010-07-15T22:03:00.005+02:00

So its off to the Big Apple for me in two weeks and I'm dumbstruck with amount of amazing things to do! So many! Google maps and vpike.com have been my sneak previews into the breathtaking city that is New York and I can't believe I'm going. I've been asked to go for work to attend Accessories, The Show (1-3 August 2010 at the Javits Centre) to show some of our new products and colours. So, I have two days holiday I've been doing a lot of research as to what I want to see and where I want to go, but there's just so much! So here's my proposed list of touristy things to do (I'm the luckiest, thank you stars!):

The Museum of Modern Art

It's one of the art museums I've always wanted to see, along with the Guggenheim which is also on my list. I want to see all the beautiful masterpieces that I learnt about in History of Art.

Top of the Rock

Not only is it the setting of one of my favourite TV shows (30 Rock), but the view of the entire city is sure to blow one's mind.

New York Botanical Gardens

Nothing like getting in touch with nature than in the middle of a gigantic bustling city. This greenhouse looks like a heavenly piece of lacy architecture, I wish it was my home.

Broadway Theatre District

I don't know if I'll have the time to see a show, but I definitely want to do the walking tour around this area. It looks like it has that magical stage feeling that makes my heart jitter like school plays.

5th Avenue

And Madison Avenue and Fashion Avenue and all those wonderful places for people like me who love fashion. I plan on doing a tour of the whole garment district...and loving it.

Greenwich Village

I hear its the food and cultural hotspot and is also a great place for shopping. I'm there.

Well here's hoping I get to see all these lovely things and loads more, I'm going to have to do some serious time management and plan this trip to the minute. I've got my comfy sneakers packed.

Please give me suggestions if you know of any other spectacular spectacles worth having a look at. I really would like to know if there are any good gigs happening while I'm there but can't seem to find anything out online. Ideas are welcome.

Blueberries or Peaches?

2010-06-15T12:26:00.003+02:00

I'm trying to decide whether do dye my hair beautiful blue or pretty peach... The peach is more subdued and is closer to my natural colour (sort of), but the blue is just so exquisite!! Decisions!

A whole year and a day...shew

2010-04-08T20:19:00.008+02:00

Can't believe I've been writing little posts on this here blog for 366 days. Well not everyday, but still. So here are some piccies from my 'Inspiration' folder, which I've been collecting for a while. I can't reference them unfortunately because I always forget to make notes of where I find pictures. So *credit* to everyone who is involved. Oh I remember some of them now. Amor Coetzee, The Advertising Archives, Lula, Mademoiselle Robot, Tavi, The Neverending Story, Style.com

Oh my goodness, image overload. Sorry :) And, oh, I have some other good news. I got a job as a knitwear designer! Its a company that makes mohair products and have now put me in charge of their new fashion division. How exciting! I've been working there for about three weeks now and its been fun!! I actually get excited to go to work and feel sad when I have to leave, weird. So as soon as I find out if its okay to blog about what I make at work, I will upload some pics. We're doing an exhibition at the Alliance Francais for a month starting this weekend, anyone in the P.E. area, pop in and see. I'll be sharing the space with the lovely Steph from Silverspoon and Tasha from Swallow Me Whole. Come see! xxx

And I Love Givenchy

2010-04-03T11:03:00.002+02:00

I Love Chanel

2010-04-03T10:59:00.002+02:00

Its like a magical sky jellyfish

2010-03-13T19:02:00.003+02:00

I found this dress at the end of Marc Jacobs spring collection and gasped out loud. It's a dress-dream come true.

Scarlettttt

2010-03-12T10:55:00.004+02:00

Say hello to my latest vintage find, a seriously RED waist length top with pooffy sleeves, button-up back and this intense black and gold embroidery. It has a crass kind of beauty, but I love it.

Crossing borders

2010-03-12T09:26:00.003+02:00

Jean-Paul Gaultier has always been a firm favourite, and this season's collection made my eyes hurt with awe. A lovely mash up of cultural influences resulted in a pleasing array of colour, textures from velvets to cloudy soft fur and some delectably intricate leatherwear. Headgear reigned supreme, with little floppy doeks and large Russian looking fur hats, while ice cream coloured tights gave a girly contrast to the hard leather and ethnic patterning.

The best leather jacket this season.

My ultimate hair and socks.

Craig Native at Design Indaba

2010-03-10T10:40:00.005+02:00

My knitwear for Craig Native's show at Design Indaba.

Knitted geo leggings

Men's geo cardigan

Batwing fairisle top

Grey geo panelled top and tube scarf

Mohair Love

2010-03-09T16:11:00.007+02:00

New catalog images for my website (www.nataliecreed.com), here is your first look... modelling and photography by the lovely Farran Bagg, what talent!

Striped navy dress.

Navy lycra dress with fringed neckline.

Floral dress and stockings and suspenders set.

Black mohair jumper dress.

Pink mohair v-neck jumper.

Mink mohair cardigan with bows.

Mohair cross over top with nude lace.

Cream cashmere camisole with lace.

Black round-neck mohair jumper and angora bunny beret.

Grey layered mohair dress.

Cream mohair dress with hand crocheted sleeves and black belt.

Mohair dress with hand crocheted neckline and black belt.

Design Indaba 2010

2010-03-09T15:38:00.003+02:00

After months of waiting, I finally found out that I was accepted to exhibit at the Emerging Creatives section at Design Indaba. Two weeks to create a mini boutique and stock it full of clothes, oh my goodness! We worked until at least 10pm everyday and finally made it to the event with a trunk load of clothes and a boutique in a box.

My tiny store, note the precious ceramic bunnies who drew the crowds in, thanks buns.

My little two square metre shop was overflowing with excited customers, each wanting a piece of the prettiness! The clothes flew off the hangers and by the third day I was left with two measley looking rails, dressed with only a few items each. The remainder of the clothes are now availabe at Mememe in Long Street, Cape Town. Go have a look! xoxo

This is love.

2010-03-07T14:32:00.002+02:00

Audrey Kawasaki, my one true art love.

The Broken Hearts break my heart.

I dont know where this came from, but I'd like to live there and lie in that chair.

Vogue Italia, exquisite. The epitomy of this winter, for me.

J&B Met

2010-03-05T12:41:00.005+02:00

In November 2009 I entered the J&B Fashion Challenge, a fashion design competition and model search which eliminated finalists over 3 rounds. After surviving the scrutiny of the judges and the competitors in the first two rounds, 'Start a Party' and 'Green Glamour', I made it through to the last stage of the challenge. The final round was named according to the J&B Met (a major horse race/fashion event) theme for this year, 'In Full Colour.'

Challenging it was, to design a winning dress overnight, choose the fabrics the very next day and create something to please the judges (whose taste I'd come to know over the previous two stages). I needed to create a colourful, glamourous showstopper, although my inherent style is significantly more subdued. The fabric I found was dauntingly bright and way over the kitsch borderline, but I had plans for this loud silk satin.

I spent hours creating paper patterns for an enormously full skirt and days hand beading the bust piece. But it was all worth the sweat and tears, because although it was only by two points, I won the first prize! An all expenses paid, luxury trip to Cape Town, a VIP ticket to the J&B Met where I would be surrounded by fashion big wigs and celebrities. Good fun.

Zipho, the winning model in my dress.

The hotel was exquisite, the lobby towering with two storey water features and palm trees, enormous marble pillars and the friendliest smiles to welcome us. I squealed when I saw the number 2806 on my room key, this meaning I would be sleeping high up on the twenty eighth floor, above the summery city. I swooshed the curtains open, like a Disney princess and fell onto the king size marshmallow soft bed.

The Met welcomed us with a glass of champagne, sushi, caviar and all the lovelies one can think of. A mini day spa offered massages throughout the day while GHD and L'Oreal Paris made us feel like stars with professional hair and make up. We were entertained by some of the country's top performers and socialized with the elite.

Me and my compardres for the weekend.

Us with Corne & Twakkie. Love them.

Inspiration: Nature and Pastels

2010-01-09T14:37:00.006+02:00

A new girl

2010-01-05T21:15:00.003+02:00

Its been ages since I last blogged, and I feel like every post I write starts with this statement. I guess I've just been busy, and a little uninspired. But a long conversation and a magazine for Christmas have re-ignited my creative flame!

Amongst the chaos of the festive season (in all its glory) I've moved into a new flat with my boyfriend and started my own business! Exciting I know. So its all working well with the arrival of the new year, because I feel brand new and my inspiration is fresh!

My business is named after myself and I create knitwear in mohair and other fibres. So far, I have a few exciting prospects up my sleeve so hopefully things will flourish!! Wish me luck!

Here are two new drawings, all the holiday time has given me opportunity to get arty and spend some time with my creative side.

Graaff Reinet = Love

2009-11-22T12:14:00.004+02:00

I don't think I've come across a town prettier than Graaff Reinet. Filled with exquisite churches, parks, chocolatiers and antique shops, we were in explorer's heaven. This was the beautiful view from one of the antique shops we found, I want to dance on the rooftops.

We arrived at the International Mohair Summit a little later (we took our sweet time enjoying the pretties before getting to work) and got the mannequins all set up and ready for the trade show.

We spent hours making the felt cut-out background, but didn't end up using it as the weather turned bad and we moved inside. This was a blessing in disguise though, as all the important people got to see my work.

Last minute move inside, unfortunately there was no place to hang our decor, but we made do.

The summit was swarming with fashion 'big-wigs' which was great, as we got to meet many established designers, editors and trend forecasters. The best thing was getting feedback on my collection from these people, as most of them had lovely things to say and were interested in helping me progress in my career.

We were lucky enough to be invited to meet Li Edelkoort and witness one of her hugely influential trend forecast conferences. It was absolutely awe-inspiring and partly lead to my big career decision, to start my own business. Exciting!

The African themed evening was the best. These lovely ladies painted our faces in the traditional style and the venue was like a malibu holiday resort, in the middle of South Africa. Wonderful!

Getting traditional

The Palms - heaven

Baby momo... cutie!

Well I think they're pretty...

2009-11-22T11:21:00.002+02:00

I took these 3 photo's while tipsy at an exhibition after party. My photographer friend said they're lame but I think they're beautiful. Not that I'm particularly into abstract stuff, but I like the pastels.

Bon Forêt - Illustrations

2009-10-23T11:48:00.005+02:00

Bon Forêt

2009-10-20T08:26:00.011+02:00

Its bright and sunny outside and I have that special, anxious feeling that I would get as a kid when the holidays were beginning. After a very long week of sleepless nights I had all sorts of moms helping with sewing, and I finally completed my collection for hand in. Its amazing how all the little things you have to fix up take the longest time.

A few weeks ago, Sasha and I did the photoshoot for the collection. It was by chance that we found the location. While we were straining to think of a good place to shoot, I suggested that we try the beautiful little cottage style house over the road. We popped over, bravely, to ask the owner if she would let us turn her house into a fashion studio. Not only did she invite us in to have a look around, but we discovered that her house was a wonderland of beautiful nooks with a magical garden, ideal for the shoot. We ended up staying for tea, the sweet Earl Grey was handed to me in a beautiful blue and white china tea cup and saucer, while the kitty, Princess, swirled around my ankles. Perfect!

Long time no see...

2009-10-14T12:53:00.003+02:00

Hello there! *echo...echo..echo...* Its been non-stop madness since my last post (which was like 5 centuries ago) and all the work is finally coming to an end.

Our annual fashion show was cancelled half way through the year because the sponsors pulled out due to 'recession issues', so the massive responsibility fell into the hands of the students. We were asked to put together a showcase featuring all the work of the 3rd and 4th years from Photography, Graphic Design, Fashion Design and Interior Design. 'The Collective,' as we named it, grew with publicity and word of mouth and turned into a major event with pre-parties, present parties and after parties. The fashion show and exhibition opening were spectacular, showing off work from all the design departments. The truck load of box wine also eased the night along nicely.

Fun with pro make up

Luckily, my collection was finished in good time, so the show was pretty stress free on my part. Kerys and I spent the evening backstage drinking ciders and red bull and making fun of 90's boy models. Kerys calling one very arrogant queen model a tannie (aunty) was the highlight of the evening.

Beautiful backstage chaos

Jo'burg and Lolita

2009-07-02T21:46:00.006+02:00

Hello there, it has indeed been a long, long time. I was very lucky to win a trip up to Johannesburg last weekend to compete in the finals of the No Kak fashion competition. We were treated to a lovely guest house suite each, what fun! Hello mini champagne, heated beds and buffet breakfast! The fashion show was a little unorganised, my awesome gladiators disappeared just before the show, so the model had to wear some lamo mules..ugh! And the dress didn't really fit her, but she still looked cute. Ta da...!

The dress is made of 100% organic hemp silk blend and the jersey is mohair.

I know, I know, its nothing like my original storyboard, but unfortunately I didn't get the fabrics I requested so this is what became of the situation!

Laz, Kelly and I had the best time doing gay family photos and amateur fashion shoots on statues... They were totally going ANTM with the elephant shots, especially Laz with the Sarah-copies-Joanie pose!

I finally wore my kimono silk dress, and it did look rather dashing if I say so myself!

My dear friend Hanlie in Plett asked me very nicely to make a dress for her. This is what I made her, sweet non? I love it, I want one for myself (not gona happen - I am lazy when it comes to me...ME). It is very lolita to me. She's doing a shoot with a friend soon, so as soon as I get the pics with her in it, I will post ala Dewdrops. Please excuse my shocking photography. I read a guide on good blogging photography the other day which almost made me weep with disgust, I really must get things together. Till then, deal with these :)

Transparent polka dot fabric from the treasure box, lined with organic cotton jersey with black binding, buttons and skinny belt.

xoxo

My Little Monte Carlo

2009-06-24T09:03:00.004+02:00

When my best friend, Dacey, lived in Plettenberg bay, we would often pretend that it was our own little version of Monte Carlo (my dream town). I spent last weekend up there to see the people who are buying my mohair shrugs and to see my brother. The place where the mohair people are based is a beautiful store out in the countryside with gorgeous products, unlike the odd little fuzzy mohair blanket shop I imagined. I also spent a day teaching the ladies there to make cardigans which they will possibly make and sell under my label in the future... exciting!

Saturday was magical! We spent the morning at this amazing little farmers market which is held in a big clearing in a forest outside Sedgefield. It was full of beautiful foods and fresh produce...and olives!!!!! Yummmm!!! *died and gone to olive heaven*

This is a little restaurant in the forest, how cute! I find forests so inspiring!

On our way out of Sedgefield we found a vintage car dealership. I then continued to die and go to car heaven. There was a giant pink Cadillac, like a marshmallow on wheels!!Beauuutiful! Daddy can I have one pleeeeeease! *nag* Ah and I wore my favourite turquoise dress, black cardi, tights and boots and my big old cream shrug... winter weekend wear.

Sexy mafioso car... I think its a Camero...nice!

Could a car be any cuter?

Sweet!

I am totally inspired by these cars! Imagine the sweet outfits you could wear with these cars...Oh my god what fun!

Anyway, I'm keeping very veryyyyy busy with knitting etc at the moment. I'm starting my collection now (I'm such a procrastinator) and am hoping to finish it by September. Wish me luck!! I will post some more pics of my work soon. I just sent my outfit for the No Kak competition up to Johannesburg, but will take some pictures of it when I go up there on the weekend. Till then, cheerio dearios!

xoxo

So busy busy!

2009-06-12T08:50:00.005+02:00

Oh oh oh, I've been so terribly busy! I've spent the entire week making a big order of shrugs for a lovely shop in Plett, and I'm going up there this weekend to so some ladies how to make cardigans...knit knit knit!! So this is why I haven't been blogging! And I don't have time for a proper post right now. But I'll share this; I created a little logo for myself.

Sweet non? Have a lovely weekend!! *love*

xoxo

Organization = Productivity

2009-06-02T08:45:00.004+02:00

Wow! Organizing my work area has proved to be most beneficial to my wardrobe. Ever since I cleaned up the other day I've been so productive and motivated. I think that will be my key to success. So yesterday, just on a whim, before watching Days of Our Lives, I made this beautiful little top. I never do that! Its awesome!

The fabric is some synthetic knit which I found amongst all those bags, it has a lovely shimmer to it. The lace is vintage, I found it at art in the park.

So this is my new way of life, organization organization organization!
That is difficult to say 3 times.

xoxo

I love my new dress

2009-06-01T09:18:00.004+02:00

My friend Jenna was so sweet as to give me this exquisite Japanese kimono fabric last week. Its absolutely beautiful, and I love how it has two different prints. It has sections with the navy and floral print, and then sections with the stripes and floral. So instead of throwing it into my pile of fabrics that I say I will use (one day), but never will (this doesn't apply to these), I decided to get right onto it and make myself a beautiful dress! I'll take a picture of me wearing it when I go out in it.

Click to see the print up close

We went to a cat show on Saturday, it was magnificent! I LOVE cats (not in a catlady kind of way) and was in awe of all the beautiful kitties. These were my favourites...

Exquisite big Maine Coon, it was almost the size of a dog, I want him! hearts!

Could you be any cuter! I love you!

Another Maine Coon, stunning! I love their big tiger-like, masculine faces...

Its the mommy from the Aristocats! Beautiful!

xoxo

Another lucky treasure day

2009-05-21T22:08:00.009+02:00

I was on my way to the post office, yesterday, when I received a call from Linda, my boyfriend's stepmother. She told me that she had a friend who was trying to get rid of some fabric and suggested that I go with her to have a look. They were selling it all for R300, which I don't really have right now, but I decided to go anyway.

We arrived at the house this afternoon and were lead to the man's garage. What lay before my eyes would make any fashion designer gasp with delight. Six large garbage bags FULL of fabric, and after peeking through a few of them I came to the sweet realisation that this was not bad fabric...

Its all beautifully gaudy fabric, perfect for vintage looking dresses and edgy pencil skirts...what fun! I am so excited, as I was looking through it all, my head was overflowing with images of exquisite little items. Whats makes it even better is that most of the pieces are large enough to make any item. Wonderful!

I love this print, its looks almost medieval/baroque in a way

Oh the gaudiness

Love

Love Love

Love Love Love! Childhood holiday hotel curtains!

These colours make me feel joy

Love that lacey scallop in between the roses. I love rose prints by the way.

This would make a sweet lolita blouse

These colours look really vintage, which is so cute with the 60's NASA images.

A mountain of creativity, Soco was loving it.

xoxo

Love this dress

2009-05-20T21:02:00.004+02:00

Its so pretty! Here's what I wore it with to Vovo Telo for a meeting yesterday. I've been appointed the representative of the fashion dept to plan the fashion show/graphic design/photography exhibition at the end of the year. Its quite exciting, but a daunting task all the same. Wish me luck!

Okay this mirror needs urgent cleaning. I don't have any ledges in my house that are high enough to take auto timed full length outfit shots, so this is what I resort to. Also I am too shy to ask someone to take a photo of me, which is ironic since they are to be posted on the web for all to see. Darn I typed that all in blue underline and don't know how to undo it.

Here's a detail shot of my pretty accessories, that corsage is love.

xoxo

P.S. Thank you to my bestest friend for my beautiful birthday gifts!

Whats black and white and red all over?

2009-05-17T22:50:00.004+02:00

Without sounding toooooo Sex and the City; starting the weekend off with my 3 close friends and cocktails on the beachfront is always good. When it leads to a metal-head gig at a dingy 'alternative bar' though, I usually end up going home at 10pm to blog or listen to a Harry Potter audio book or something.

I wore my new gladiator heels to cocktails, as a test of my endurance. I figured if I can manage in them after two-for-one cocktails on a Friday night, I'll hang on to them (I was having second thoughts about them because I bought them a size too small and they are uber high - bad combo). I teamed them up with some black tights, a turquoise vintage dress which I modified, one of my shrug/scarves and a coat - because I had the flu, again.

Too tipsy to smile apparently. Oh look, my birthday clip-on earrings...sweet!

My turquoise vintage dress, nice print and this is the first time I've worn it since I bought it 6 months ago.

Spent the rest of the weekend playing Eternal Sonata on Xbox, trying out the new treadmill and powerplate machine at Kyles place, knitting, and watching tv. This cutie pie slept with us last night, oh my gosh so cute!! Cute cute cute!

Soco...Socute

Oh and this is what I knitted today, another shrug/scarf. I quite like this, with the cream stripe. Its knitted in a very fine mohair yarn, super soft!

xoxo

Kittens in trees

2009-05-15T15:13:00.008+02:00

I've been keeping very busy making some samples for a boutique that may be interested in stocking some of my knitwear. I'm keeping it simple, as I couldn't keep up with producing a bunch of garments on my own right now, so I'm just making shrugs and scarves. Here's what I've done so far, please excuse my lame photography...Oh the shrugs double up as a scarf, so there are 2 pics of each. Cute yes.

This is a very fine mohair boucle yarn, beautifully soft Love the different levels of transparency in the scarf... jellyfish-esque

This colour is amazing in real life, its got hints of pink and purple, all minky like

These two have skinny sleeves, cute with a little dress

I love how minimalist this is, it looks almost ceramic

They're really sweet because they're uber warm (mohair), good for layering and because they fit nicely in a little handbag, so no carrying big coats around. Yay for that. Also, here are just some of the fashion-related birthday prezzies I received. Thanks friends!

Little earrings from Jenrah, big white clip-ons from kerys, and teacup necklace from Carryn

Vintage royal blue handbag, compliments of Kerys

And this beautiful top made by Jenna

Thank you to everyone for spoiling me rotten!

xoxo

Birthday Buys

2009-05-14T15:16:00.004+02:00

Hello's... What a lovely birthday weekend and a fantastic party... Everyone dressed up beautifully, from 'Senile Senior Citizen' to 'Ron Burgundy', everyone went all out. What fun! |Here are a few of the outfits...

'Dead Riding Hood'

Princess

'Pregnant' and 'Gay'

'Footballer', 'Ron Burgundy' and 'Senile Senior Citizen'

I got some lovely prezzies, here is what I bought with all my Greenacres vouchers. I'll do a post on the rest of my presents later.

Awesome shoes

More awesome shoes

Awesome bag

xoxo

After many days in bed...

2009-05-06T00:01:00.004+02:00

Eek flu! I had it for almost 2 weeks bleh! So this is what I wore the first day I left the house after many tedious bed ridden days. Excuse the dusty mirror shots. (I'm supposed to be preparing a presentation for later on, 9:30am [its 01:11am now] and I've just done 3 blog posts in a row... can you say 'procrastination')

This waistcoat has the sweetest embroidery, and the buttons are covered in thread. I love little details like that. There's my leather belt again, can't help throwing it in.

Any my favourite shoes (I might have said that about the other pair, but I bought both pairs together so they're equal). They look good with that rug.

Okay I must go prepare now. Cheerio xoxo

Birthday Parteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!

2009-05-05T23:25:00.008+02:00

This weekend is my birthday party! I'm turning 21 on the 8th.. eep fun! So I've decided to keep my party small, just close friends and family. After much umming and ahing about the theme, I decided to do the 'Dress up as the letter ---', but instead of having everyone dress as one letter, they're each getting their own. Here's the invitation (the rainbow lifts up and there's a letter underneath)...sweet!
I got the letter 'J' !! yay for J... So I'm going Japanese. But not traditional Japanese, Tokyo Japanese, y'know, Harajuku and what not. Les inspiration:

That hat desperately needs to be mine.

Colour!

So I went out with my brother today (he got the letter 'S' and while at the second hand store I had the genius idea that he should go as 'senile,' so we got him some mighty grandpa clothing old chap, and his entire outfit is sorted for a mere R29! Deal!) Anyway, as I was saying, I popped into the local Chinese store to look for accessories, found some cute lace stockings, white organza scrunchies for pigtails and cute cupcake bobbles.

Organza - the cheese of all fabrics

They look like brains... brain cupcake with a strawberry on top...anyone?

Then popped into Mums for some fabric. Was going to make a poofy little dress but later decided it'd be rather unflattering in gingham, so I opted for a pencil-ish skirt instead for that school girly thing they sometimes do. The pink fabric was cute so I made a little apron with a lace frill and big old ribbon. Yes?

I just remembered to add only the best bag I've ever had the privilege of being given...my step mom bought it for me just before I left Taiwan... isn't it magnificent!

Betty = Love

Nike high tops - I wanted some big ass colourful platforms, but had no hope finding any in this town. I might check out some more shops tomorrow *holds thumbs*

And so fitting, my Hello Kitty earmuffs - perfection. I just hope I can manage them and pigtails.. whovs, I'll find a way!

Gloves Again

2009-05-05T22:32:00.005+02:00

Hiiiiiyeeeeee!! I'm so excited, I designed the cutest pair of gloves and am very keen to make more and sell them..

[10 minutes later...] Okay I'm so effing frustrated now, I just tried to set up a PayPal account in vain hope of creating an adorable online glove store...ARARRrrrghh!! When I click on 'Add Bank Account' it asks which AMERICAN bank account I want to add... why give South Africans the option of using paypal if you can only use an American bank account?! Am I missing something here? This is extreeeeemely annoying and my little vial of patience has been drained. If anyone has answers for me... please...

Anyway here are the cute gloves! I want to do lots more colours.. this just happened to be the colour combination that was lying around at the time.. I wana try lots of different vinyls and leathers and nice yarns.. I have some Angora rabbit yarn that will go down a treat with some soft leather.. eep excitement!

I might put a bow or something on top of the cuff next time... Yay nay?

Cute button detail

Oh another little project I did was this scarf for my friend's birthday... The stitch actually looked more interesting when in was on my machine, it had pretty loops but they sort of stretched out when I took it off. Next time I'll make the loops bigger me thinks. The yarn is a combination of mohair and cotton, it has a lovely pearly lustre. Doesn't she look pretty in it.

P.S. If anyone has any alternate ideas on how to sell online, eg direct bank transfers? Do people do that? I'm new at this xoxo

Long time...

2009-04-28T14:10:00.004+02:00

Eep I haven't blogged in ages... Kyle just bought a Nintendo DS and I have been sadly addicted for a week! I also have the flu so I've been in bed and lazy. I've been quite slack about my creative projects, I've been feeling very distracted lately and have only sort of clicked back to reality today.

Kerys and I went to a birthday party last week... we had to play this horrible game which involves plenty downing of horribly strong drinks. Being responsible young adults, we ended up 'nominating' the poor birthday girl to have most of our drinks.

Grey cable jersey - Pick 'n Pay, pink french lace blouse - somewhere in Brick Lane, floral dress - Papagayo, Knysna. Not sure where Kerys got that spectacular coat but the colours make my heart flutter!

We made our lions kiss

Alright I did have some of the shooters

I found these photo's on facebook, my sister posted them recently. It seems they went to some burlesque show that night. They look so beautiful.

This is my incredibly beautiful sister who is a style genius. Love.

And another lady of exquisite taste, my best friend Dacey (wearing a dress I made - yay) with her dear husband, Brad.

xoxo

Knee How

2009-04-21T11:14:00.009+02:00

Photographs from Taiwan 2005 !!

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial - This place is massive, look at the teeny people. We arrived just in time for the changing of the guards. Apparently if they drop their gun while doing their routine, they are to be imprisoned and possibly killed. Eek!

Taipei 101 - It was one of the tallest buildings in the world at the time, we didn't get to go to the top, but the shops inside were great!

Beautiful Windance Mall, I love all the lights!

Cutie was nibbling on my dad's shoe hehe.. he was so friendly, I want one!

He was hanging out at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial, I love huskies x

Oh hai inspirational animal

I found these little gems in a little town called Neiwan, how adorable!

Flamingos at the zoo... magic!

Its a grapefruit... really.

Somewhere over the rainbow... They have such amazing architechture and sculpture everywhere, Taiwan is such a visually pleasing country.

All the big beautiful shops in the Taipei 101 ... Exciting stuff for a small town girl ..lol

xoxo

In the navy

2009-04-21T11:01:00.004+02:00

Hello... So I thought I'd just post something quick and pretty today. I went for breakfast with my aunt at Vovo Telo this morning, my favourite bakery/cafe! I wore my beautiful yellow blouse from my sister with a navy pinafore dress and my exquisite Marine cardigan which I found at big second hand clothing warehouse in Knysna. I love it!

xoxo

No Kak

2009-04-20T10:30:00.004+02:00

Its been a lovely weekend, spent most of it lazing and yesterday I did my entry for the 'No Kak' competition. No Kak is a competition which focusses on environmentally friendly design. The theme is 'World Cup Fashion - Naturally Passionate and Fashionably Natural.' All entries must be designed using natural fabrics, dyes etc which do not have an adverse effect on the environment. I designed a little dress which is covered in coral coloured ruffles (layers of red and peach) in a fish scale pattern. The cropped jacket of hemp silk has a long 'bib' which is crocheted in mohair and embedded with pearls. All the fabrics used are completely harmless to the environment.

Furrrocious

2009-04-17T15:41:00.003+02:00

Hai! Yesterday my lovely boyfriend took my on the first half of my 21st birthday shopping spree... yay! I bought some fantastic items, which I will share after my birthday, since I'm only actually getting them then. But the one thing he let me keep was this exquisite yarn. Its black and dark dark maroon with black glittery pieces and looks a lot like fur. So I knitted it into a scarfie type thing this morning. I felt like getting dressed up all fifties, since I was invited to some event at the Opera House (that place always makes me feel rather grand). I feel a bit silly uploading these photos, but I had lots of fun doing a little home photoshoot hehe...The furry yarn is alot prettier in reality, the glitteriness doesn't show up so well in the photo's.

And then I got carried away

This is what inspired me

Oh my god, Elie Saab, that is the best fur item I've ever seen! Magnificent!

xoxo

Felt good

2009-04-15T19:01:00.003+02:00

Puns. Hi hi hi... SO my first project using the bag of goodies! I decided the first ingredient I'd use from the bag of wonders would be the felt. I saw some children's felt puppets up in Plett over the holidays and have been keen to try out some felt art for myself. There wasn't much of a selection when it came to colours, most of the pieces were green and looked much like pool table felt. I found a nice pink piece, but when I applied the glue, it seeped right through and made horrible marks all over my clam shell. Maybe I should use Pritt rather than clear adhesive? Anyway, I ended up using black.

Necklace

Brooc h

I thought I'd just throw in a picture of my favourite shoes, thrifted at Hospice. They're so beautifully worn, oh and they're resting on my favourite shrug too, also thrifted from Hospice.

And this, I forgot to add in the previous post, I found it in the bag and had a giggle. Its braiding with cute little hand embroidered socks across it. So sweet.

xoxo

Treasures

2009-04-14T11:31:00.006+02:00

So as I previously mentioned, I was given a giant bag full of lovely sewing things.. so exciting! I've got so many ideas of what I want to do with everything!

What lovely braiding, its about 10 cm wide, would make a cute waistband

Fringing! Glorious fringing!

Bags and bags of colour coded crochet cotton, and some lovely colours indeed!

Pretty corsage

This is only half the lace I found in one of the containers! Lace = Love

This is my favourite of all the lace. There are so many beautiful pieces though.

Lots of embroidery thread. Oh hello favourite colour combination!

These strange little guys are attachable like jeans buttons. Was thinking they would look sweet all over the shoulder/chest area of some top, like armour... there's a container full of them!

Cute on something maybe?

And a nice little tapestry, maybe as a little backpack? Cute!

So this is my new inspiration, so many creative projects! Watch this space.

xoxo

Clothing with a Cause

2009-04-14T00:18:00.003+02:00

http://clothingwithacause.blogspot.com/

This is a fantastic cause, definitely worth supporting. x

Shopping

2009-04-13T23:07:00.005+02:00

So this is my third creative project; shopping at the Splash Festival. The reason it falls under my 'creative projects' category is because one really needs to be creative to be able to shop (and find something worth buying) at the Splash. So amongst all the junk, hypnotist shows and greasy food stalls, I found 3 items. The first is a scarf from and eastern type stall. I thought the print was quite nice and I might be able to make a top or something with it, since its a decent size piece of cloth. I wouldn't wear it as a scarf and I'm going to have to be quite careful not to make whatever garment I use it for look too exotic-beach/evening-dress-a-la-JLo. We'll see what happens when I get some inspiration for it.

The second item is a sweet little black chiffon blouse with a bow, which will look cute with something cinched in the waist because its quite wide. And of course it will need a nice lacy cami or something. Which reminds me, my boyfriend's step mom gave me a black bag full of sewing wonders. Lots of antique lace, crochet cotton, ribbons, belt buckles, buttons and the list goes on. Yay how lovely! I'll post more about it later, was too lazy to bring the massive bag up to my flat tonight.

Anyway, the third item is an adorable grey patent Alice band with a cute bow type thing, similar to the bows they make with florist ribbon to put on gifts. I love Alice bands.

I haven't been sticking to my contract and doing projects everyday, since this Easter weekend has been quite busy. We did the whole Sunday lunch with family thing, and today I had to help Kyle move. Also I started playing this new game on Kyle's xbox (yes), its called Eternal Sonata, and its exquisite. Its taken up the rest of my weekend. Look how pretty it is...

Beauuuuutiful. Anyway its late and my eyes are drooping, so cheerio! xoxo

Creative project #2

2009-04-11T12:07:00.006+02:00

Hello deers. So yesterday I did my second creative project, a little headpiece. It was the first thing I thought of as I woke up, so I jumped out of bed, grabbed a scarf, a needle and thread and a pair of scissors and headed for the balcony.

So what I did was, I took a pretty silk scarf which I bough in Plett over the holidays (only R20 - nice deal) and rouched it up into like a disk. I made a bow on the one end of the scarf and when I reached it, I stitched in onto the top of the little hat part... don't know if this is all making sense, but here are the pics...

front

back - you can see the flat 'disc' part... I stitched a big hairclip onto the bottom.

We went to the Splash Festival yesterday, so here's what I wore my new accessory with:
Silver vintage jersey thrifted from Portobello Road, black patent belt, brown bag, brown shoes all thrifted, floral dress by me, mesh tights by me.

xoxo

The beginning

2009-04-09T21:09:00.007+02:00

This year has pretty much been a holiday so far, which one would think would result in endless bouts of creativity and experimentation. But in reality I've been a little lazy spending most of my days watching Days and repeats of Days (and shootin' some B-ball outsida school). Okay its not that bad, I have been knitting.

So starting today, I'm going to try to do at least one creative project/make one creative item per day *signs mental contract*.

We went out last night and I got chatting to my good friend, Sarah, of Titmore & Asspley. I've been keen to design a pair of lacy crocheted pasties or tassles for one of her collections and after much excitable idea-sharing banter we decided they would be awesome.
Many distractions later, I found myself lying in bed, unable to sleep with an incredible urge to crochet. The granny in me keeps popping up. This is what happened:

Quite cute non? They're not quite perfection yet, I need to write out the pattern and try get them exactly the same as one another. And thats just the crocheted bit, I still want to put a proper backing on them with black glitter and maybe a tassle. I think they may turn out rather marvellous.

Oh there is one other thing that's been keeping me occupied. Every Thursday morning since 2 weeks ago, I've been helping out at a mission centre in a very underpriviledged area outside of town called Kleinskool. They have a number of knitting machines there, a shipping container full of yarn and fabric and a whole lot of other stuff, all of which has been donated. Basically we've been teaching the ladies there skills which can provide them with an income. I've been doing machine knitting and crochet with them, and its good fun. They're lovely to work with and always keen for new ideas. I've also been giving them designs to work on that they can sell in the community. I haven't taken my camera with yet, but I will do next week and get some pics of what we've been up to.

x

Hi, its me

2009-04-08T10:07:00.005+02:00

Hello. I'm posting a bunch of my previous work, just to show where I'm coming from and what I do. Later on I'd like to record my process of creating my knitwear range so that the development can be seen in one place. So these dresses are from 2007, they were made for our annual 'Free Creative' fashion show. For the show, all the fashion students must make 2 outfits of any theme and really push the creativity. 16 Finalists are chosen to go through to the Smirnoff Young Designers Collection competition.

Photography by Faran Bagg

This next outfit was a little project I did for a competition that Goldfrapp held years ago. The competition was to find the best outfit for some concert they were doing.. I don't really remember the details to be honest. But I love Goldfrapp and thought I'd give it a bash.

In the woods

2009-04-07T21:36:00.016+02:00

This shoot was done in a last minute panic to add some work to my portfolio for a major competition. Sasha loves nature shoots so we decided to head out of town to a little spot just outside The Island, a bar out in the bush. We found this beautiful scenery which worked quite well with the whole feel, I thought.

This dress is draped and handsewn using a curtain I found at Art in the Park. I used the big gathers at the top of the curtain as a feature on the dress (over the bust). This also worked really well because, since I was in a serious rush, I didn't put any zips or anything in and the drawstring on the curtain served as a closure for the dress. Yay for multifuctional.

This skirt is also a curtain, from my aunt. It's also just draped and handsewn and also has a drawstring closure. Yay again. The green cami is from Woolworths and the champagne frilly one underneath is one that I made years and years ago.

The fabric is so exquisite on both of these curtains, so I'm glad I didn't have to cut them up. I'm gona unpick and reuse them at some stage. There we are, sustainability. Recycling. Saving the world, one curtain at a time.

I found this fur at Art in the Park on the same day I got the green curtain. I decided it was alright to buy it since the man told me it was made in 1910 and I'm sure they didn't torture the poor critters in those days. I love animals.
The dress is another hand sewn and draped piece of fabric that I got at MGE, a local fabric store.

Dress by me. Fur from Art in the Park. Belt thrifted.

Dress - me.

Dress by me. The skirt underneath was green and I tried to tie dye it with purple dye and it just came out grey. Bleh. I guess it works.

I had to include all three of these shots because they are just incredible. The dress is thrifted/altered.Stripy peplum top and crocheted shrug both thrifted.

That print is worth living for. My favourite EVER.

Dress by moi, my mom found the beautiful fabric (like 5 metres of it) for a pound in a thrift store in little Bexhill on Sea in the UK. Love it! Pink blouse thrifted, a gift from Dacey.

Photography by Sasha Hatherly

Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings

2009-04-07T20:53:00.014+02:00

These are a few of my favourite things.

So I've taken to crocheting. I tried it out last year and thought it was pretty l-ame. I retried it out in December and thought it was cool, but soon realised that I was doing it all wrong. For anyone who knows anything about crochet, I was basically just doing hundreds of chains, trying to make them look like lace or something. My mom only came to my rescue (crochet rescue, dramatic as it sounds) last month and taught me how to do it properly. Now I think its radical.

Lame. Cool. Radical. Evolutionary. So anyways, I made my first actual item, or pair of items, for my best friend's birthday. Its a pair of fingerless gloves in beautiful flamingo pink! They're all acrylic, but I couldn't find such an awesome colour in anything else. Eep I love them.

My boyfriend just took these photo's while watching some big football match which explains their lack of professionalism.

I also thought I'd mention that I quite like buying sunglasses, but never wear them. I'm paranoid about the red marks they leave on my nose. Hmmphf. Here are some that I like. Wayfarer's are a bit waaay over saturated (over saturated is what I said), but some red in a picture is always nice. I used my cover of Valley of the Dolls as a prop, because its also one of my favourite things. The book that is, not the cover. I cant find it. Hmm.

These deserve their own frame because they have the most beautiful case. I think I might like the case more than the glasses.

Oh and my most favourite thing...

liefde x

To whom it may concern

2009-04-07T11:17:00.001+02:00

Hello world, let me introduce myself.

I am a new born blogger, excited to share ideas and creativity with all of you interested in fashion and art. I am busy finishing off my fashion design degree and am so nervous and excited about entering the big old real world. Eep!
I'll start off with pictures of my first collection.. here goes!

xoxo

Photography by Sasha Hatherly