The Creative Cookie

Upcycled Aprons, w/ Cookie!

I'm so excited about all the fashion camps and workshops that I'll be leading this summer! Here's the link to the Upcycled Apron class that I'll be teaching on Monday, June 18, and July 2, from 6:30pm-8:00pm at Brooklyn Brainery...unplug and hand sew with your favorite Cookie, xo!

Rule The Catwalk + Get Street Style

For the 2nd summer in a row I'll be collaborating with Spoke The Hub, at Camp Gowanee, to develop two ultra fashionable summer day camp experiences. Drop a line for more details!

Mother's Day Flowers

Wishing you hugs, stars, and everything nice! Happy Mother's day.

xo

photo: Lesley Ware © 2010

Manhattan Vintage Show

The Manhattan Vintage Show is a two-day shopping extravaganza that draws celebrities, designers and the fashion savvy. For the past few years it's been a hot spot for me when seeking inspiration and shopping for unique vintage pieces. I almost purchased my wedding gown from a dealer at the show a few years back. There are many oldies but goodies to choose from!

This year's show dates fell, at the end of April, during the time while I was traveling. So, I asked Liza & Reina, a stylish mother daughter duo, to attend in my absence.

Check out some of their finds:

Reina in 1960's groovy shades with chain earring combo

1970's Silk Maxi Dress- to die for!

 

Eye candy from Olive's Very Vintage, Brooklyn NY

Yes, DROOOLING! 1970's Lizard and snake skin shoulder bag

More vintage eye candy -- we can never get enough - Dolce Gabana, Christian Dior, Bulgari, oh my! Duchess Arts & Antiques, NYC

Reina trying on a tiara from Olive's

Gloves & assorted broaches from Daybreak Vintage Clothing, Albany NY

photos: Liza Quinonez © 2012

Narrative Pieces

I'm writing from my new apartment burrowed between a dresser, a white board, two boxes of books, and my stepson's guitar -- this is my temporary office space. Last week we moved and we're in the process of unpacking (womp womp womp).

On the bright side our space is SUPER fab!

A major outcome of this move has been an edit of my beloved collection of clothes. I gave to friends, donated items, and sold many things. Fashion has been my companion -- a friend who has traveled the distance, literally covering my back, on my journey from Michigan, to Pittsburgh, and ultimately New York.

After all of the purging and storing, when we arrived, I discovered that my new Brooklyn closet is still a tad too small for what I wanted to keep...and so the editing of coveted clothes continues. This ongoing refinement and letting go is allowing me to curate a collection of clothing that reflects the person that I am now. There was never really a need to hold on to the power suites, navy pumps, Girl Scout twin sets, unflattering vintage pieces, or once worn sorority ball gowns from college.

I'm living in a different world; what I wear should reflect who I am now.

Clothing holds our history and each piece tells a story making it hard to part ways. I hope the things that I no longer own find their way to someone who will love, wear, and care for them as I once did.

Here's the list of Brooklyn stores that I sold, traded, or donated to -- be sure to check them out:

• Beacon's Closet 
• Black Bear
• Pony
• Housing Works
• Saint Marys Church (salvage bureau)

If you are thinking of doing a major edit, email me...I'd love to share encouragement and the wisdom that I've gleaned in the process of purging 186 pieces.

It's liberating to let go (making a little space for the new, of course;)

Dress For Impressions 2012 / Sachiko Nagata

Sachiko is a new friend who I met while purchasing original artwork from her darling boutique in Soho, The Cutie Room.  You have to view her blog -- it's ummm, sooo, cute:). She's always on the patrol downtown NYC for cool places and great food.  Follow her @CutiePatroller!

>My name is: Sachiko Nagata
>I live in: New York City / Lower East Side
>My blog is: Cutie Patroller 
>Five words that describe my blog are: good food good fashion good friends
>When I blog, I love wearing: cute dress & high higher heels & gold hoops earring               

Happy 10 Years, TranquiliT!

I'll be co-hosting TranquiliT's Spring launch with Julia Coney this Saturday (3/17) at Tranquil Space in DuPont Circle:). So, to all my friends & family in DC come out and see me, new designs, colors + vintage finds (we'll also have tea & yummy treats)! Hope to see you there. Love me in TranquiliT...

 

TranquiliT & me

We just returned from DC where I was photographed for TranquiliT's spring 2012 collection. It felt so fancy to be back for a 2nd season! TranquiliT is an eco-friendly line, designed by Kimberly Wilson, made with luxurious rayon fabric from organic bamboo. Posting more about the experience and the new collection soon.

Look a stack of postcards w/ mini-mes:)

photo: kamau ware © 2012

Essence Style 24/7

Last week I attended Essence Magazine's Style 24/7 breakfast celebrating New York Fashion Week. The event started so early that I practically slept in my clothes to be on time, but I'm glad I went. Held on the Strand Hotel's rooftop the posh affair featured a presentation of designer Mimi Plange's collection for fall, manicures by Ginger + Liz, and an ultra-glitzy Swarovski bracelet bar. In attendance were Essence Magazine's Editor-in-Chief Constance C.R. White, top fashion press, trendsetters, and of course, The Creative Cookie:).

It was a morning full of sunlight, robust coffee, and love. Here's a taste of what I saw:

photos: Lesley Ware © 2012

You can view more Essence related Creative Cookie posts here.

I'm still s l o w l y rolling out the Fashion Week coverage...stay tuned!

 

Barbie's Virtual Dream Closet: Fall 2012

During New York Fashion Week I stepped out of the tents and behind the pink doors into Barbie’s virtual dream closet at Lincoln Center. The experience was inspiring, whimsy, & um very pink:). 

Try on looks from your computer by visiting the Barbie WOW site. There's vintage, haute couture, 9-to-5, and even attire for Ken.

photos: Lesley Ware © 2012

Me in Barbie's architect look; love Barbie's style

Read related Creative Cookie posts: The Barbie Issue, Barbie Exhibit

Likeable Looks I

I met designer/blogger Niv at Lincoln Center while waiting in line for the Carlos Miele show. Her wire headband design is so creative and chic!

Lesley Ware © 2012