The Creative Cookie

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;)

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:).

Dream & Create

Earlier in the week I designed this little flyer. The illustration is from the November 1967 issue of American Vogue.

Sewing class details soon:).

TranquiliT photo shoot: fall 2011 behind the scenes

Last weekend I traveled to D.C. to model for the TranquiliT fall collection!

TranquiliT is a eco-friendly line designed by the delightfully talented Kimberly Wilson. I met Kimberly a few years ago while attending her yoga retreat. TranquiliT recently expanded to include vintage and reclaimed items too. I got to wear the cutest vintage dress and tutu during the shoot -- you'll see it in the video.

In addition to Kimberly, on set were: stylist and make-up guru Julia -- photog Patrick -- videographer Tim.

The experience was creatively overwhelming:).

The photographer in me wanted to shoot, the blogger in me wanted to write, the seamstress in me admired the construction, the stylist in me kept asking questions, and the yogi in me kept transitioning into tree pose. I loved seeing the collection up close and in action.

Watch the video to see the reveal of select nouveau designs and the gorg colours. Also be sure to "like it" + leave a comment on the YouTube page.

TranquiliT's fall line is being introduced later this month -- I'll be sure to let you know when and where!

Thrift in Muskegon, Mich

It's hard to make a case against being thrifty -- it's fun, eco-friendly, and an easy way to save. When I go to my hometown of Muskegon, MI my frugality kicks in and I hit all my favorite thrift shops. I indulge in well-conditioned 2nd-hand dresses, accessories, and shoes galore.

People often ask me what favorite places to thrift are so I'm sharing my list. Next time you're on Michigan's West Coast stop by these stores and let me know what treasures you pick!

 

A-Z Thrift Shop / 1476 South Getty St. / (231) 773-8365  >> Great for craft supplies and sequined dresses. I got these heart-shaped clip-on earrings for just .99!

St. Vincent De Paul Society / 1338 Wood St. / (231) 728-6480 >> This place is great for household items and accessories. On Saturdays you can fill a bag of clothes for $5! I paid $1.50 for this star and 1/2 moon -- love em' to bits!

Hope's Outlet Ministries Inc. /2424 Glade St. / (231) 737-9707 >> Hope's Outlet is awesome for winter coats and jackets. I've also gotten some pretty funky cocktail hats and inexpensive Michael Jackson records. These earrings cost me just $1.00.

What Comes Around Goes Around / 1204 South Getty St. / (231) 728-6319 >> This is always my first stop for earrings. These retro colorful cuties cost me $1.00.


Muskegon Rescue Treasures / 2019 East Apple Ave. & 527 Sherman St. / (231) 777-1808 >> This is my absolute favorite place to thrift. Between their two locations, I always find interesting and ornate pieces to covet. For example, these handmade clip-ons for just $2.00. I happily added this pair to my collection.

World Mission Thrift Valueland / 525 West Sherman Blvd. / (231) 733-1481 >>This place is HUGE and there's so much to choose from. On the last Tuesday of every month items storewide are 50% off! I got this color-blocked, retro, pair for just .50!

photos: Lesley ware © 2011

spectacle rebel

I've been having fun with sunglasses this season. Here are photos from a mini-shoot with Ya Yun in some of my favorite pairs. 

80s vintage amber frame

    

80s vintage glam frame

50s inspired cateyes by Polaroid Sunglasses

80s inspired aviators by Polaroid Sunglasses

photos: Lesley Ware, © 2011 model: Ya Yun Teng

Flower Girl

During New York Fashion Week, I dropped into Starbright Floral Design to live blog and was inspired by what I saw. Each bouquet had a personality of its own -- from the pansies to the orchids they were all charming and sweet. Here are some of my photos: 

I find flowered prints to be wonderful...especially in knits & silks. I made a visit to MOOD fabrics and decided on this super comfy rose and daisy printed cotton flanel. I like how the fabric mimics some of the colors and spirit of the flowers that inspired me at Starbright. 

Using this retro pattern from Simplicity, I'm sewing a spring jumper. View #2 is my favorite -- now that's what I call a 'petal pusher'!     

Check back next week to see my progress with sewing. I'll also post my tips on wearing flowered pieces & prints this spring. PLUS a bit about our wedding flowers for April 30th, too!

Gorgeous!

The countdown to the wedding is on -- less than two weeks away. Today I tried on the bodice of my dress and I must say its gorgeous! Epperson, my fiance, and I tucked into an itsy bitsy corner at the Starbucks, on 42nd & 6th Ave, near Bryant Park. As Epperson quickly tied the top over my bulky winter dress an audience of people waiting in line for coffee peered.  Here's the latest sketch! 

kamau & I are designing & assembling our invitations, programs and favors. I'm even sewing bow ties. These are some of the patterns, books and templates guiding us: 

I must say a DIY wedding planned in 30 days is the craziest thing that either of us has ever done but somehow we're staying laidback & relaxed;). Posting more photos soon.

Dress for Impressions / Lesley w. (The Creative Cookie)

Dress for Impressions 2011 is over but I figured it would not be complete without ME. I had grand visions of scheduling a photo shoot that documented some of my favorite outfits for blogging but alas, I had to take this photo with my computer. As my good friend Jo would say, "oh wells". 

Thank you to all the fantastic bloggers who sent in their photos -- some of you for the 2nd year in a row! I'm humbled that you took the time to share what you like to wear and thrilled that we could all celebrate Women's History month together! I'm super appreciative for all my loyal readers, too -- you inspire me to be my best creative self. Excuse my excessive sweetness but > xo! 

>> My name is Lesley w. 

>> I live in Brooklyn, New York

>> My blog is THE CREATIVE COOKIE (yeah!)

>> Five words that describe my blog are quirky, observant, fun, creative & inspiring!  

>> When I blog, I like to wear anything vintage! It magically gives me a form of escapism that sometimes informs my writing! This evening I'm wearing a tie-dyed tunic from Boutique Flea, earrings from Goodwill & cat-eye frames from 16 Stone Vintage. Very mind over material, eh;)?

Fashion & the Planet -- Eco-Friendly Blogs

Here's a list of 11 eco-friendly fashion blogs pulled together by Miss Sierra,  Creative Cookie's fashion week assistant! These sites illustrate the power of green fashion as it relates to thrifting & vintage, shopping smart, and DIY. Fabrics typically take 100s of years to break down in landfills so we should all have a "mind over material" attitude about decisions that we make. Take a minute to check out these fantastically fashionable sites for use as a point of reference & a lil' eye candy:). 

Vintage

Sammy Davis Vintage / Sammydvintage.com
16 Stone Vintage / 16stonevintage.com
Vintage Thirty /vintagethirty.blogspot.com
Boho / bohomag.blogspot.com

Shopping Tips

Kaight NYC / kaightnyc.blogspot.com
Green Grechen / greengrechen.com
Evolved Fashion / evolvedfashion.com
Style Will Save Us / stylewillsaveus.com

DIY

Sew retro / sewretro.blogspot.com
ThreadBanger / threadbanger.com
Crafting A Green World / craftingagreenworld.com

Ya Yun's gently used winter hat + thrift store knit dress = fun functional look
photographer : kamau ware    model : ya yun     styling : lesley location: serenity at home