Finally: A spark of inspiration

So today wasn't really a good day for me. I did poorly of my AP exam, and I had some personal matters that bothered me. Shortly after a quick cry sesh, I decided that I would pick myself up and do some Gouaching. I hadn't painted in a really long time, mostly because I've been feeling uninspired, as mentioned in a previous post. So I channeled all the negative feelings and colors to painted this beautiful dress in the face of adversity. I attempted a different approach to outlining. Usually I outline with a Cool Grey 90% Prisma Colored Pencil. But a little while back, I bought a micron pen, .2. I think i really like how this came out better! I give myself a pat on the back for this one. Not too shabby, I must say.

Pastel Leaves
Medium: Gouache

I hope you all enjoy this. I definitely feel more relaxed after doing this. What do you do to relax? Feel free to comment!

Long Legged Beauty: Chanel Iman

My favorite model, of all all all times, Chanel Iman! I started noticing this beauty maybe three years ago, when I started seeing her in a lot of pictures in TeenVogue. Then when she graced the cover of TeenVoge When I pointed her out to my friend, she said, "Oh Chanel Iman, you kinda look like her." I said don't insult her like that she's absolutely gorgeous. But nonetheless, I began keeping a keen eye on her when I read magazines, and grew to like her more and more!

Look how young Karlie Kloss looks!

When I began to see Chanel Iman in runway shows, I said to myself, "Wow there's really something about this girl that I really like!" She has blossomed into a beautiful model. I was overjoyed to see her with her Victoria's Secret wings! Keep up the great work, Chanel. Stay beautiful!

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show!

Dior Haute Couture

Teen Vogue Spread

Time Cover

Vogue Korea Cover

German Vogue

Gucci Spring/Summer 2011

Feel free to comment who your favorite models are!

Photos from chaneliman.com

rustyautumn

Lately I've been feeling that I haven't been drawing or painting in a while. Partially because I've been feeling uninspired or unmotivated. Then when I get a spark of determination, I realize that I have no more tracing paper, and I'm too lazy to go to Michaels. Fail.

So, I will just post another piece that was part of my college portfolio for Fashion Design.


Title: Rusty Autumn
Medium: Gouache!

(click to enlarge!)

Has laziness or lack of motivation ever gotten in the way of a necessary task? Feel free to comment!

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Long Live McQueen!

I don't know about you guys, but when I read the January Vogue, I was very excited. Why you may ask? Because an Alexander McQueen exhibit is going opening at the Metropolitan Museum on May 4! I mean, the 4th is a Wed-nes-day and I will have school, but I will definitely be there by the weekend. I imagine that this exhibit will do the house of McQueen justice!









Photos from Flickr
www.smithworldwideonline.com
and Photobucket

Manish Malhotra & Karan Johar

I find different cultures to be very fascinating. I found myself browsing on Vogue India and saw this absolutely breathtaking collection by Manish Malhotra and his friend Karan Johar. Along with these beautiful garments, the women are stunning! The first photo below is my favorite.









Photos from Vogue India

markergarment

Below is a peasant dress I drew using markers. Then I sewed it using cotton and gold trim.

markermarkermaker

Tangerine Dream
Rendered with the use of permanent markers
Drawn by myself.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

navybaby

So today I enjoyed a fabulous day of shopping at the mall, primarily H&M.

I spent my Christmas gift cards with the help of the mama. As I picked up everything I wanted, (which was probably one garment short of the entire store), I realized I had unintentionally filled my hands with PURELY navy and striped garments! Of course, I had to go back and regroup, put some items back. But I must say, the items I picked up were EXTREMELY versatile. I was able to create at least nine or ten different outfits with what I had bought, and isn't that a great feeling? Knowing that that one piece of garment can go a long way. I'm just itching for an occasion where I can wear most of these outfits. I am especially excited to get all decked out for my internship in New York, which will begin in a few weeks.

The Style: Nautical
Typically, I'm not a blue person. Not in the least bit. The color just never appealed to me. But the way the blue and white has been depicted for the spring, I just can't get enough! I'm very excited to match a thick blue and white (or red and white) stripped 3/4 sleeve shirt with a floral dress (please refer to the about me section). Plus, the hint of yellow will finish off the outfit. This is not a new trend for the spring, but I for one am not ready to put a passing eye.

Below are just a few of the outfits I was able to put together with what I bought today.

This is a jumper that I place to piece together with clunky heels, and either a striped blazer or a cream laced top.

These pants are probable going to be the new staple in my closet. These brown bag capris fit really well and sit very nicely above my belly button. I have plenty of blazers I plan to mix and match with.

Now this is a secret that's just between you and me. This dress is actually one of my mom's vintage skirts that she passed on to me. I was being goofy and brought it up to fit like a dress and I actually liked how it looked. I put a belt with it and put this lace top that I got today and I really like this relaxed, summery look as a result.

Another secret. Also another vintage skirt from my mom. Another look for the spring/summer. I LOVED the brown patch at the elbow, which I pinned for you to see. Very preppy. We can get out of this cold weather now, please.

This was an actual vintage dress that my mother gave me recently.

Now these are just some socks that I found in my mom's drawer and I thought they were the CUTEST things. Haven't seen any like these really. Very excited to wear.

I will take more pictures when I have occasions to wear these outfits to.

greengiant.

Oh, what we do for fashion. I'm the person that will try to implement heels with any outfit. Pumps with skinnies, wedges with sun dresses, stilettos with skirt. I love my legs and heels accentuate them (of course to the appropriateness of the occasion). It was about 2008 when the runway began showing socks with heels and I was in LOVE. Each passing season has made this trend more and more popular and I can't get enough of it. But now what is the growing trend for this season? Flats on the runway? I must apologize, trend forecasters, but I simply cannot comply. Not that I have a problem with flats or I do not own them. I just feel that a ballet flat cannot give the same wow-factor as summery heeled sandal. I understand that the shoe can dress up or dress down an outfit, but I do not believe they can transcend the same affect. When the occasion calls for heels, they cannot simply be swapped for flats for the same intent.

On the other hand, I do feel that when matched appropriately, flats can look chic, not a dumb-down version of the style adjusted for comfort (depending on the intention of the outfit. Of course there are times when we all can be comfortable). White laced socks can give off a "cutesy" feel when matched just right. Below, a friend of mine exemplified a relaxed feel, and an outfit the necessarily calls for flats. A summery, breezy silhouette.

Alexandria Photograph.Italy

Alexandria Photograph.Italy

In conclusion, I have to say: In no way am I condemning flats. I am giving a simply requesting that you, in the holy name of shoes, choose wisely.

feelgood.

Every year, I always come up with a life changing New Year's resolution that lasts two weeks and then goes out the window. So this year I decided I would actually do something feasible. Drink. More. Water. Well, more fluids in general, but specifically water. I don't know about many of you, but I am a person that only drinks liquids when I'm thirsty. And the "experts" say if you start to drink and you feel like you're chugging the whole glass, you are already dehydrated. So essentially, I'm dehydrated 90% of the time. And I have to say, I want to make a change. This year I am going to drink water water water. And for those of you who are already half aquatic with the amount of water you drink, then I am telling you nothing new.

So I tried this whole water gig. I drank nothing but water for about three or four days straight, and I ate very minimal amounts of food that would disrupt my skin. Results? Glowing skin. My blemishes had diminished, and my skin felt radiant and hydrated. This goes for many of us, but we feel better about ourselves when we have a good hair day, or makeup day, and skin day as well. Personally, if I don't feel in tune with my appearance, than I just feel a little off. Not necessarily self conscious, just not my best. I, for one, have never been a huge advocate of expensive facial products. A few home (particularly Guyanese, in my case) remedies will have your skin glowing in a week. I only know about the success of these remedies from my own experience. Try them and see if they work for your own skin and leave a comment!

Egg White
My mother showed us an egg white facial that pulls all the information and excessive oils out of your face. Crack a small piece of the egg and just pull the egg white out. Then beat it up until it creates a foam. Put a thick, but even layer of the egg white on your face and wait until it hardens. Once it does, wash it off with some warm water. I promise you will feel a difference.

Oatmeal and Honey
This trick I used to do with my friends when we were younger, but it really leaves your skin glowing. Simply mix dried oatmeal and honey together and lay your head back (it will drip). Leave this mask on for about 8 minutes, then wash it off with a warm wet wash cloth. The Oatmeal acts as an exfoliant. The honey cleans and smooths the skin.

Sleep
Don't we all wish we could sleep all the time. I do. I have actually implemented a daily nap into my sleep cycle. It's really not good, but I need it to function. Also, I don't fall asleep until late because of these naps. And we all know a good night sleep also contributes to glowing skin. So for all those nights I toss and turn, I use Lavender Vanilla Aromatherapy Lotion for Sleep from Bath and Body Works. I usually rub some on my shoulders if I need a good night sleep and it knocks me right out. This even works on my mother, who I'm convinced hasn't slept in 27 years. And plus, I happen to like the scent.

$13

BITTERS
Alright, this is probably the worst option in terms of procedure, but the results are AMAZING. My mother buys cassava grass, most easily found near your local market place. She boils the grass down to this watery substance, if you will. We keep usually about a jar full for a week or so (my mom waters it down so that I can actually drink it. I'm a huge baby when it comes to this). Drink a small cup full of these bitters for about a week. This will clean your body out from the inside out. And as a result, MUCH CLEANER SKIN. It also flushes out your intestines and your blood and what not. I'm not going to lie, the taste is horrific. I've been held down to drink this numerous times. But I must say, this produces the best results, and a healthier you.

Alors

So, here it is. I finally got around to making this blog. I wanted to create something that I could voice my opinions on a topic that I feel very passionate about: fashion. I wanted to share my love of the subject with fellow fashion lovers and perhaps even provoke conversation.

Writing was actually my original passion that in which evolved into fashion writing, then fashion designing. Now it looks like we are right back to square one. However, I still plan to attend college with a major in Fashion Design (But college is a whole different type of mental break down that I'll express when the time comes). I thought it would be cool to create something on the side.

Vivant is vibrant in French. I chose this to name my blog because I feel that it is a word that describes my idea of style (plus it just sounds better in French). I hope my words and my insight will convey that of the same.

And, so down to business. My fashion marketing class had a trip in town to local shops, or Urban Outfitters, essentially. With only about fifteen minutes left in the classes, a friend of mine and myself booked it to the end of the street to see if we could pick anything up quickly before we had to return to school. Now, while I'm writing this entry now, I'm kicking myself for not buying these patterned trousers that I found to be absolutely fabulous. Me being the terrible second thought shopper that I am had no justification whatsoever as to why I did not make this necessary (in my eyes) purchase. Of course, I plan on returning and making right my wrong.

This will be (or should have been) my first attempt to rejuvenate my wardrobe for the spring. I am in full support of moving on from the currently all too generic skinny jeans.

Kimchi Blue Cummerbund Trouser

$59