The Creative Cookie

Make Me Over

Dear Lovely Reader,

The Creative Cookie is in the process of getting a mini makeover for 2012! Here's a peek at our mood board of inspirational things:

We're feeling outlines, rounded text, old-school elements and glitter galore for the new look. Ooh la la!

Please keep up while I'm away from blogging by:

• following me on twitter @creativecookie
• checking out my thoughts, ideas, and comments on Blogversation (click here to learn more and read my resolution for the new year!!)
• liking Creative Cookie on Facebook
• peeping our boards on Pinterest

Wishing you a bright start to this new foxy year!

hugs and stars,

Lesley Ware

New Year, new ingredients!

Happy Holidays:

I SO appreciate all of the love and support in 2011. What a full year?! A quick recap:

our Wedding, moving to a sew studio, oodles of teaching, modeling for TranquiliT, Dress for Impressions, one big career change, two fashion weeks, three fab events, street fashion fun & the list goes on!

I'm delighted to report that there's more goodness in store for 2012. We're getting a fresh look and revamping Easily inspired (our scrappy zine).

Make sure you're following us on Twitter & Facebook to stay in touch during our transition.

Wear your best this season & I can't wait to see you in the new year.

xox,

Lesley w.

our 1st Place

In August I picked up the keys to The Creative Cookie's new studio located inside of the Gowanus Arts Building! It's amazing to have dedicated space for creating, teaching and learning.

Three cheers for growth!

I'm in the process of decorating the studio and making a page with classes & events. Feel free to send us some snail mail, in the meantime, to:)

Lesley Ware (aka The Creative Cookie) | Gowanus Arts Building, 2nd floor | 295 Douglass Street | Brooklyn NY 11217

let's sew!

bat mitzvah dress I made for a client (hanging in the cutting room)

Look at the totebags we just finished -- DIY rocks!

photos : from iPhone © Lesley Ware 2011

Happy Shopping

Tis' the season of gifts.

This year most of my presents will be handmade (surprise, suprise:) and the others I'll get online to save time. Before heading to my preferred destinations I asked expert online shopper Jennifer Handshew to give me some advice. Jennifer's cash and time-saving tips are below!

photo: Lesley Ware © 2010

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Five Tips for Hassle-free Online Holiday Shopping

Despite the fact that online shopping has grown exponentially, shoppers are still wary on buying certain merchandise for fear of going through the inconvenience of returns.  I am here to tell you to GET OVER IT!  You can truly find some amazing bargains and ensure fewer returns, if you keep the following tips in mind.

1. Online is the best place to find shoes
Where else can you browse through an inventory of 5,000 or more shoes in less than an hour?

2. It’s all in the numbers to find the perfect-fitting shoe
Go a half inch lower for anything over three inches. With platforms, subtract the platform height from the heel height to get the shoe’s true heel height. For boots, know how tall you want your boots and your calf circumference (measure the largest part of your calves). Also, know what type of material you want and what material you are buying.

3. Shoulders and arms guarantee a perfect fitting top, sweater and outerwear
Your shoulder-to-shoulder (top of shoulders across the chest) and sleeve (top of shoulder to wrist) measurements will guarantee a perfect fit every time. To get your merchandise’s measurements, speak with customer service.

4. Always look for a promotional code
A majority of the time, retailers have some type of promotion.  Go to your browser and type in the retailer’s name and “promotional code” or “promo code”.  Chances are you will get at least $5 to even more than $50 off your merchandise and/or free shipping.

5. Take advantage of sales – even if you missed them
Most stores have a 15-day policy to ensure you get the best price.  Meaning, if you bought something that was not on sale and within 15 days, it goes on sale, you can get the difference back!  For online sales, you need to call customer service
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Jennifer Handshew is a (self-proclaimed) expert online shopper, contact her at jhandshew@msn.com.

Full Circle

Circle skirts are fun and easy to make. My student completed this polka dot piece last week -- so cute!

photos: Lesley Ware © 2011

'hello' Creative Cookie winter interns!

I'm so happy to be adding Genie and Virginia to the team! Say 'hello'.

They are super creative interns who will be working with me on the blog, with Easily inspired zine and events. Look for more from them soon!

≈

My name is Genie. I'm almost 16 and I'm in 10th grade at a performance High School in New York. I'm an Instrumental major and play the violin. I love to dance, and perform. I'm interested in theater, and one of my newer interests is modeling. I've enjoyed working with The Creative Cookie so far and hope work with everyone more in the future! :)

My name is Virginia. I'm a 16 year old girl from the Bronx I go to a Fashion-related High School in Manhattan. I spend my free time doing makeup and decorating and planning new things. I want to become a famous event/wedding planner. the best part of life is exploring new things where i can express my creative wild side. I love traveling even if i done very little of it, it helps me learn about new cultures which I love. My goal in life is to not shy away from the amazing opportunities you get.

***As a side note, Genie's photo was taken at the Don Oehl event and Virginia's in our Brooklyn Sewing Studio.

Don Oehl Artist Talk - video

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today I am....

Today I am stronger than I was yesterday. 

The puny Michigan girl who moved to Manhattan 5 years ago is now more tenacious and sturdy.

This time last year I juggled a budding creative career alongside a 9-5 job that often made me cringe. Eleven months later I'm much happier, filling my time with the things that I enjoy -- making art, teaching, and being around fashion on a regular.

Filling my time with more of what I love has been the greatest gift ever. I have a better sense of self. My purpose is clear.

I will say that sometimes its simply frustrating. I get impatient as I sit and sort through my list of dreams and aspirations wondering how they'll all come to fruition. I feel glad, I feel sad, I feel like I accomplish alot, I always want to do more but sometimes I just can't.

I've discovered that the dots do not always connect instantly, but working towards a dream takes endurance and faith. Each seemingly little connection moves me closer and refines my weaknesses.

Thanks for making me stronger on this uncharted creative trek via The Creative Cookie. What a trip!?! Luckily this is just the beginning. xo

JustFabulous

Last Wednesday I had an opportunity to catch Kimora Lee Simmons, model/mogul/mom, as she discussed her latest enterprise JustFabulous with Terrence J on 106 & Park.  JustFabulous is a membership program that grants access to stylists, as well as cool stilettos and handbags. Kimora is the company's president and creative director -- super inspiring!

...what a great way to step into November.

photos: Lesley Ware © 2011

See more of my photos on the YBF.com!

TranquiliT

TranquiliT's fall collection is now online! I'm so grateful to be the featured model this season. Loved all the layers in rayon made from organic bamboo.  So dreamy--check it out! xo

My past TranquiliT post here here & here:).

PS. Happy Halloween!!

little blue jacket

It was so cool bumping into Shervin, of Shervin's World, while running errands in Soho one Thursday afternoon. I was wearing my favorite little blue vintage jacket w/ medallion print, metallic dress, vintage accessories, and Ivana Helsinki tote. Here's a photo see another here.  

photo: shervin © 2011

Do you have a favorite vintage jacket this fall? I'd love to see some photos in my inbox of how you wear it:).