phantasmagoria

May 06 2013

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Met Moments

Here’s my favorite looks from the red carpet of tonight’s Met Gala, which is arguably one of the biggest nights for fashion, considering it honors the opening of the Metropolitan’s fashion exhibition at it’s Costume Institute. Some celebrities made fools of themselves (*cough* Miley and Nicole), but others really blew me away with their looks tonight. Top 5 were definitely Uma Thurman, Gwen Stefani, Blake Lively, Miranda Kerr, and Kate Beckinsale. Anyone else have any favorites?

Uma Thurman

Gerard “the babe” Butler

Christoph Waltz.. (major old-man crush. It’s totes the accent)

Blake Lively. Oh be still, my beating heart… she never fails to knock my socks off. I plan on waking up one day and being her. Just warning you all.

Joan Smalls and Tom Ford… whyyyyy does he have to be gay? By far the most handsome well-known male designer

Anja Rubik. I know a lot of you will disagree with me on this one, but I love this, it’s so funky. It honestly reminds me of the Michael Jackson Thriller jacket.

Kate Mara in Delpozo. It’s refreshing seeing some short hemlines. I love the burgundy color on her pale skin.

Sienna Miller. That jacket is ridiculous!

Olivia Wilde. She can do not wrong. Cropped stuff is showing up everywhere, I’m kind of getting scared. Is the Spice Girl – age bare midriff coming back?

Emma Watson. I love seeing “sweet” girls go a little naughty.

“Rooney Mara, that dress…. is amazing on you, you look really pretty. And that hairdo must have taken hours.” (please.. someone get my mean girls joke)

Nina Dobrev

Miguel.. cheesin’

Gwen Stefani.. I think she looked so amazing tonight, this look is definitely top three for me

Sebastian Stan… ughh I wish I could just dip him in butter and roll him up in a crescent roll and carry him around like a little hot man snack (I crack myself up, obviously)

Miranda looking in-Kerr-edible! hahaha POINTS FOR ME! I MADE A FUNNY! No but seriously, top three for me

Kate Beckinsale. Or should I say BANGIN-sale. She is so gorgeous. I love this look.

And finally Nicki.. I was so surprised when I saw this I almost didn’t recognize her. Since her interview in V magazine where she was “dressed down” she really seems to have made a concerted effort to look more polished. And I LOVE it. because she really is a stunning woman.. I mean just look at that face. Her makeup is immaculate. This look, to me, is very reminiscent of Rihanna at the Grammy’s last year, no? I hope Miss Minaj sticks with this more sophisticated streak she’s on.

Tagged celebrity fashion, celebrity style, fashion, met gala 2013, met gala best dressed, met gala red carpet, metropolitan museum of art costume gala, red carpet fashion, style

May 05 2013

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Etsy Spotlight: Laminar

I’m so happy to share with you today the work of Melanie Shelor, the creative force behind Albuquerque- based Laminar. She is a talented jeweler (which doesn’t even seem to feel like the right title to use considering the amount of work and intensity that her creative process entails) whose work not only blows me away, but her words as well. As you’ll read below, she describes the inspiration for her jewelry in such vivid, particular ways. There is so much vision behind her unique pieces, which you’ll read & see, but there is also so much intention behind the designs, materials, etc. It’s always amazing to see beautiful minds hard at work making beautiful things!

1. Where do you draw inspiration from for your pieces?

Anywhere and everywhere. As a child I always had shapes running through my head, tracing their outlines in my mind, going around and around over and over again.

Of course, I draw from the minimalist artists, Ellsworth Kelly, Donald Judd, etc., but also heavily from the entropy visible in the desiccated, austere, or otherwise ruined landscapes of my youth on the High Plains and in my present space in New Mexico. For example, the tangle necklaces are an evocation of the twisted rebar and rubbled concrete left behind from demolitions that are so often left to sit on lots in cities until the economy swing up again. I specifically use uncoated stainless steel cable because it shimmers os nicely in the light and it kinks in a predictable manner. The use of a material that is frequently associated with high-tech architectural applications in its abject, deformed state offers a kind of poetic allusion to the contemporary global city: shimmering, yet ruined in a way…but beautiful, nonetheless. The glass pieces are simply moments ensured in a tangled matrix.

2. What materials do you prefer working with & why?

I very much enjoy using recycled, or found, materials. At the moment I typically work in glass, stainless steel, aluminum, and silver but I would like to understand better the properties of plastics and perhaps wood in the future. So far I have found glass to be the most rewarding in terms of processing – cutting, drilling, and tumbling. I use silver for earring mainly because it’s relatively affordable, is forgiving to work with, and is easily worn by people with different chemistries.

3. Describe the kind of woman you’re designing for

I design for the idealized version of myself out in the world.

4. What’s been your biggest obstacle/difficulty either inspiration wise or just technically in making your pieces?

Time and space, of course! In my recent move back to Albuquerque from Phoenix, I inherited a couple of junky yards in which I can do much of the messy work, such as cutting glass and tumbling. I find that the biggest challenge is setting up the studio – or factory, really – in such a way that facilitates a smooth work flow. It’s all about the infrastructure and I’m still struggling with it.

5. How do you set your prices?

Pricing is still somewhat nebulous to me and I continue to work to understand it! That said, the silver pieces are easier to price because of the material cost being a stable factor, for the most part.

6. What are some of your goals/future plans for your work/business?

I’d like to establish a steady following among the design niche in global cities in the coming years.

7. Anything else my readers should know? Anything I missed?

I have a background in architecture; I worked in a variety of offices and even did a bit of studio teaching and architecture research in the past several years. After having my daughter in 2008 I found that I couldn’t stomach the extreme stress of the working environment in the profession anymore. Coincidentally, 2008 also marked the burst of the housing bubble and pretty much every architect and designer I knew got laid off in the year and half that followed. It was a watershed moment in every respect, to say the least. So, Inspired by my sister’s desire to make resin bangles (which we still haven’t accomplished yet!) I just started making jewelry. I knew I was good at crafting things with my hands and people just responded to it.

So obviously now you’re just dying to get your hands on some of these wonders. Hop on over to her Etsy shop

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Laminar?ref=seller_info

And get connected with Laminar on Twitter and Pinterest!

Twitter: @laminar_d

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/laminar_d/

Love and safety to all my readers on this cinco de mayo!

Tagged artists, etsy, fashion, feature, hidden gem, interview, jewelry, minimalist, modern, new artists, shopping, style, up and comer

May 03 2013

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Red Hot American Summer

These recent American Apparel photos (and the 70 degree weather) have me super antsy for summertime. Et toi?

Tagged american apparel, crop tops, fashion, heat, high waisted, jersey, style, summer, summer 2013, summer style

Apr 28 2013

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Totally Buggin’

“You’re from the 70′s but I’m a 90′s b*tch…”

Today’s post is a fun one. The nineties are coming back full force this year, as many of you noticed. I was inspired by a recent Wild Fox campaign, and a shirt I saw in UO, to do a Clueless – inspired post! Fun fun fun. Anyone who remembers the nineties, or has just seen the movies, knows it was a very… special… time for fashion. However, just like history, fashion repeats itself.

Such a cute spread! I love all the cropped shirts and thigh highs. Finally a trend I can get behind. I was gettin’ pretty discouraged the past couple years or so with all that high/low ombre cross studded neon nonsense. Here’s the shirt I found in Urban Outfitters that gave me a little chuckle

I just realized its backwards, oops. Oh well, you get it haha. You can all see my darker hair in this photo too. Now for some Clueless humor. this movie never gets old. If you couldn’t already tell Murray and Dionne are my favorites, haha.

Below is some 90′s inspired duds I found. Click on any item in the set for details.

Motel, Topshop, Balmain, Suno, Missoni, Thakoon

Cropped Pants

Tagged 90's, clueless, crop top, editorial, fashion, plaid, style, thigh highs, trend, urban outfitters, wild fox

Apr 17 2013

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Greige Anatomy (+ H&M Giveaway)

So this has nothing to do with griege goods, I realized that, I just liked the cheeky name. And I mean it IS fashion related. Today I’m sharing anatomy-inspired pieces that are popping up everywhere online. I haven’t seen much in stores, but I really like them. Super funky and not something you’d expect. I don’t know if I’d rock any of these myself, aside from on Halloween, but they sure look cool. I do really like the spine/bone looking ones, as everyone knows I have a propensity for bones.. and wearing them.. haha. And I’m still in love with those Dsquared shoes with the spine heel. And the jewelry is really cool. Ok, I guess I am admitting I WOULD wear this stuff. Some of it.

Terminator, anyone?

Heart-shaped locket

A lot people really like these bodysuits, I realize. Especially the ones by Black Milk.

HOW COOL IS THIS?! ^

The muscle stuff just really looks like bacon to me

So neat!

In honor of skeletons and leggings and what not, I’m doing another giveaway this week. I purchased two pairs of leggings and two of a necklace I liked at H&M a while ago, now its your turn to win them!

H&M sugar skull print leggings, medium.

They’re totally new with tags, I only wear the other pair I bought for myself.

These aren’t the exact same, but here’s the incredibly gorgeous Alena Shishkova showing us all just how to rock these leggings.

H&M long chain necklace with blueish grey faux pearl pendant.

Here’s moi wearing the one I bought for myself

Rules:

Making it simpler than last time, ’cause I’m feelin’ lazy.

1. Must be a fan of/like Phantasmagoria on Facebook.

2. On the Phantasmagoria Facebook page in a message or wall post, tell me what warm weather garment/ accessory your most excited about rocking this summer when the sun’s out. Crop Tops? Gladiators? Flower crowns? Let me know!

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Tagged anatomy, black milk, bodysuit, bones, Facebook, fashion, giveaway, H&M, muscle, runway, skeleton, style, sugar skulls

Apr 14 2013

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The Boyfriend’s Back

I never actually see many people wearing boyfriend jeans, but I think it’s a neat look. I don’t know if I personally would try it, but I like the way it looks on some people. I especially like how Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wears them a few pictures down.

Love this one, with the blazer and black heels ^

I love this! ^

A “similar” look that I’m really unsure of, however, is the whole sweatpants thing. I understand where they’re coming from, but still.. they’re.. sweatpants..

I have to admit, this looks soooo comforatble ^

And pleather sweatpants? I don’t know if I’m ready for that, haha

What are your thoughts on these looks?

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Tagged boyfriend jeans, casual, fashion, jeans, oversize, runway, spring, spring 2013, street style, style, sweatpants

Apr 05 2013

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Fashion Girls

So I remember watching these videos a million years ago, but I came across them again today and they are just that much more funny now.

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Tagged fashion, funny, shit fashion girls say, style, video, youtube

Apr 04 2013

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If The Hat Fits.. Buy It

I’d always had a complex relationship with hats. We love each other, yet we hate each other. As much as we want each other, it hardly ever works out. Ok I’m done with that. But in earnest, I spend most of my time hating hats, ESPECIALLY fedoras. Since that trend popped up on the hipster radar and become a unisex summer staple, I groan every time I see someone I know falling into their trap. I can’t shake the feeling that hats have this discomforting sense of “trying too hard,” someone has to go way out of their way to put that hat on, make sure it looks right, and act like its not there the rest of the day. I know everything we wear is essentially like that, but theres just something about hats. However some of my favorite outfits in popular media have been those with hats, think My Fair Lady, Jackie O’s iconic pink pill pox, Scarlett O’Hara’s straw sunhat, etc.

There is one hat I discovered recently, that lured me back into our toxic relationship. I was in Target, looking for beach towels, when I saw something white out of the corner of my eye in the men’s section. I discreetly meandered over to it, acting like I was very interested in the ties or something, and picked up my first Panama hat. I’d also like to note that I have an absolutely MASSIVE head. It’s exactly 24 inches (yeah… 2 feet) around. On a hat size chart thats an extra large… in MENS. I guess I just have a huge brain, hah. But the two lonely hats left were a Small and a L/XL. I wandered over to a mirror, looking around to make sure no one was watching, and plopped it on my head. VOILA! It actually fit!

After buying it, I immediately ran home to find inspiration as to how one would wear this and not look like a total.. well, you know what I’d say I am now in love! The brim is wider than a fedora, so I like to think I can still make fun of those.

I’ve also warmed up to wide brim fedoras. Like the kind of floppy felt ones from Rag & Bone. I’ll do another post on that later though, maybe next fall. So ladies, tell me what you think of this style. Is it a hit or miss? Do hats make you as uncomfortable as I do or am I just being ridiculous?

Ermahgerd! Pernermer Herts!

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Tagged accessories, fashion, fedora, hat, hats, inspiration, panama hat, spring 2013, style, summer 2013, summer style, target

Mar 28 2013

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Sink or Swim

‘Tis the season.. to start working on that tan. Well, not here in Seattle, obviously, but I imagine it is getting warmer in some places out there in the real world. Usually there is that mad online rush once a year to the VS swim page where we can see which overpriced and unoriginal flowery brazilian inspired piece of polyester we’ll choose to stretch over our lumps and bumps that summer. Spring 2013, however, is shaping up to be one of the best looking years for the swim industry in a while.

Words like “swimgerie,” and “bay watch,” come to mind for me when seeing what’s been filling up the racks. Victoria’s Secret really surprised me with some of their options this year too. As you may be able to tell, I’m a fan of neutral colored swimsuits, so pardon the lack of pizazz if Rio brights are more your style.

Now the results of my online shopping excursions, I picked out a few pieces from different stores for those of you who share similar taste to mine. Most of these should still be in stock, and the store is listed at the top of each photo collection.

Nastygal finds:

^My summer ’13 choice. woohoo

Victoria’s Secret finds:

ASOS finds:

Lisa Marie Fernandez:

Shopbop:

Let me know what your favorite swim picks are for this summer!

& Hope everyone has a lovely easter <3

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Tagged bikinis, black, bondage, cage bikini, criss cross bikini, fashion, lisa marie fernandez, scuba, sexy swimsuit, shop bop, spring, spring 2013, style, summer, summer 2013, swim 2013, swimgerie, swimsuits, swimwear, swimwear 2013, trends, victoria's secret, zip

Mar 11 2013

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Etsy Spotlight: Osteal Jewelry

I’m so excited to introduce a new territory phantasmagoria is entering into! Today I’m spotlighting a very talented artist who I discovered on Etsy, and even more exciting- she’s local! The talented Amanda Langston is the creative genius behind Osteal; a Seattle-based jewelry line chock-full of unexpected, curious materials and exquisite craftsmanship. Aside from the unique designs, her line boasts sustainably and humanely obtained materials as well. She was generous enough to send me some of her precious pieces for me to share with you all, and also answer a few questions so that you can get to know the woman behind the works.

Be sure to check out her store for yourselves, and to connect with her on other platforms to follow her amazing work!

Etsy Shop - https://www.etsy.com/shop/Osteal

Follow the Blog – http://ostealjewelry.tumblr.com/

Destash and Sale items – http://osteal.storenvy.com

’Like’ on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Osteal

1. Where do you draw inspiration from for your pieces?

The natural shape of the bones, national geographic, mourning jewelry, paintings/artwork,
colors and textures, seasons, apocalyptic movies, my friends and the wildness of the pacific northwest.

2. What materials do you prefer working with & why?

I’d prefer to work with ‘natural’ elements and am trying to do that more as the shop evolves:
not just bones but also stone, wood, and shell.
i like raw, ‘wild’ feeling things and mostly i love the strange shapes and textures nature creates.

This is one of the incredible pieces sent to me by Amanda, entitled “Muroidea.” Made with recycled watch parts and cruelty-free fur.

3. Describe the kind of woman you’re designing for

Truly, I suppose, the answer is myself. I make things i like, things i find
beautiful.. things i haven’t seen yet. I design the things that make
sense to me, and luckily other people like them too.
When i think of my jewelry it’s all a bit rough, wild, unfinished but calming and lovely all the same.
Maybe it’s just an extension of the kind of person i am… naturally strange.

4. What’s been your biggest obstacle/difficulty either inspiration wise or just technically in making your pieces?

My only issues are with how fragile bones can be, and that i do not use anything that wasn’t found.
Its hard to have a ‘steady’ supply
of things when you rely on nature, friends and happenstance. I do not use anything from fur farms, factory farms, trophy
hunting or trapping – all things are scavenged and found.
I wish i could make exotic pieces and reproduce popular designs, but i answer to nature.

Another piece sent to me, vertebrae & brass key charm necklace.

5. How do you set your prices?

That is my biggest struggle! i try to factor in time: how long it took to make the item, how long it took to find the bones, how long to clean them
and then add in the price of materials on top of that..
Truly I just want things to be affordable, i want people like me to be able to have wonderful, original jewelry.

6. What are some of your goals/future plans for your work/business?

I would love to have a small store front, preferably with one or two others possibly selling clothes, art and the jewelry.
truly i just want to be able to continue creating.
I don’t make tons of money but it does help pay bills,
and lets me continue to donate to wildlife organizations and do volunteer work..

7. Anything else my readers should know? Anything I missed?

I regularly donate proceeds of my shop to the WWF, Defenders of Wildlife, ASPCA, Humane Society and other similar organizations.
In the bone jewelry genre there tend to be two types of shops, the Exotic/purchased bone shop – and the Cruelty free/scavenged shops.
I try to create all my items as cruelty free as possible. I value animal life as much, if not more so, than human life.
I want to encourage people to question where things come from, what they are made of and why. Animals should never
suffer for human fashion.
Additionally I always want people to know that finding dead things is not ‘fun’ for me, i always feel sad.
I want to honor and remember the lives that have been lost.

Its icky business, picking up roadkill and dead things. It takes patience, time and a high tolerance for ‘ick’.

I love that i can create an item that allows me to help protect other wildlife.

Creativity AND consciousness! I love it! I really hope you all find Amanda’s work and efforts as intriguing as I do. Again, I implore you to check out her shop for yourselves, as there are many more amazing pieces to be seen! And at amazing prices too. Below are a few photos from her Etsy shop of other drool-worthy pieces that will have you clicking like, favorite, save, and of course.. add to cart

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Osteal?ref=seller_info