Paiges of Style + Design

Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2011. I love the movement in these dresses! Such motion and energy! But are those fanny-packs!? What do you think? Does D&G have the star power to make fanny-packs make a come-back!?

Pictures from Style.com

Inside the tents

2011-02-26T14:51:00.000-08:00

Here is 11 seconds of the Y & Kei Fashion Show I captured during Fall 2006 fashion week at Bryant Park. I was backstage and I got to dress models Lily Cole, Ikelina Strange and Alanna Zimmer. A magical time, a magical place.

Wear Your Words

2011-02-01T09:45:00.001-08:00

One single word can be very powerful. Words are not just letters scrambled together, they have meaning, and lately I am finding one "word" can say it all for me. People throw around words everyday and often we have to "retract" what we said because we didn't "intend" what originally tumbled out of our mouths. I want to encourage people to think about what they say, and the words they choose to dance upon their lips. Words are dynamic, let's not dilute the power of language.

I came up with the idea to use scrabble pieces one day while my friend Bob and I were trolling through vintage shops and flea markets looking for old furniture. There was a vase full of old Scrabble pieces, and I immediately pulled out my journal and wrote down the idea to make barrettes out of the letters.

I can create a scrabble barrette out of any letters, contact me with your favorite word, name or place and I'll turn it into wearable art for you. Two, three and four letter words work best, but five is doable :-)

Fashion Candy

2011-01-30T14:10:00.001-08:00

A fabulous lesson in fashion branding. A MUST read if you are doing anything in fashion!!
By Mike Toth, Rockport Publishing

Resilience

2011-01-28T12:44:00.000-08:00

I want to see the good people. I want to believe they always have your best interest and that they will always rise to the occasion. I want to be positive versus jaded and negative. However, when people prove their true colors, how can you not be disappointed and frustrated!?

Maybe I had a heavy dose of "naivete" as a 20 yr old. Maybe too many experiences and too much of life's more tragic moments have now splashed cold water on my face. But the reality of life, competition, and the mere fact that NOT everyone has good, pure "intentions" is constantly being brought to life.

But you know what!? That's okay. Because I am okay. I am determined to be RESILIENT. I have had to bounce back on a much grander scale over much larger issues. And disappointments do make you stronger, they do push you to go further, to innovate and take your mentality and projects to a whole other level. Kanye's "Stronger" is pounding away in the background as I write this ;-) It will be this week's theme song!

So here is to disappointments; to believing people the first time they show their true colors, to knowing that no matter what they do, I will be okay, because I am determined to be resilient. And when you can innovate and re-invent, well, there is no stopping me then!

And here is also to the true, the genuine, those with with beautiful souls and pure intentions -- you know who you are, I adore and appreciate you EVEN more each day. Sometimes you have to detox to get back to a pure state and this with a heavy dash of resilience is what I plan on doing...

Let's Be Annymous For Once

2011-01-20T07:19:00.000-08:00

So refreshing. My manifesto, as of late, as been good design is less design! Strip away all the bling, all the flashing lights, all the frosting! Let's get down to products that work, fashion that is well-made, well-thought out, and sharp! And let's move away from all the logo-celebrity-obsessed-Ed-Hardy paraphernalia that has been cluttering the airwaves for so long!!

The Europeans always lead the way. Check out the NY Times article and see what the Milan designers have to say about this.

Forever Fashion: Forever Art: Chanel + Jacobs

2011-01-07T14:14:00.000-08:00

When I was living in New York City my dear friend, Lizzie Keach's, now husband, Mike, worked for a high-end construction firm. Mike's company built designer boutiques and stores. While remodeling the Madison Avenue Chanel store, Mike "rescued" the Chanel letters from being thrown away in the trash, and Lizzie brought the coveted letters to me!

I had them mounted in my West Village apartment, and they made my bedroom the quin·tes·sen·tial fashionista-space. Thank you Lizzie and Mike, those pretty six letters will always remind me of you guys...and singing karoke at some dive bar on the Upper East Side ;-)

While reading Jane Aldridge's fashion blog, "Sea of Shoes" I stumbled up the artist Danny Roberts (http://igorandandre.blogspot.com/) and I told Bob I thought Danny's prints would look nice hanging in my Beadle Box. Bob gave me Danny's print of "The Marc Jacobs collection", for Christmas -- it's even signed!!!. It is awesome and oh so fitting! I'm the girl who used to sign her emails to certain friends "Miss Marc Jacobs" and Brian knows that instead of saying "Thank you" when strangers complimented me on any MJ purses, apparel or shoes I had, I would boldly reply with "It's Marc Jacobs" -- yes, I am rolling my eyes at myself now! I was obsessed with Marc -- well, until I went to his Christmas party at the Rainbow Room and he was dressed as a Camel Toe ;-) No, he is still one of my favorite designers, and no one can touch Lagerfield's personality.

So I think it is only fitting that Chanel letters and Marc Jacob illustrations continue to grace my home and creative space. And just now I returned from getting the mail, and I received the cutest "Chanel-themed" card from Diana, congratulating me on my remodeled Beadle Box. And in my email in-box is an email from Danny Roberts himself! Thanking me for my words of inspiration and gratitude! How cool is that! I am printing it out and putting it behind the Jacobs print.

I will DEF be collecting more of your works of art Mr. Roberts!!!!

Art is in the air! Fashion is Forever!

Strip Me

2010-11-29T18:03:00.000-08:00

I came across Natasha Bedingfield’s new song “Strip Me” and I am completely and utterly OBSESSED! This could be my mission statement song!

I have had plenty of situations in my life were I was “Stripped” of something precious and dear -- my parents, my designs, my ideas. It is heart wrenching, it is frustrating, it eats at your soul. But feeling entitled, even to having parents, is not going to get me anywhere, and it will only hold me back from progressing forward and growing.

And bottom line, you can’t take ME from ME. And as the song proclaims “At the end of the day, It’s what you do and say, That makes you who you are”

Life can beat you up. Situations can turn sour. Friends can walk away. People leave your life for good. But at end of the day, who are you? What do you stand for? How will you re-act? And will you get back up and continue to be YOU!?

I wrote an earlier post about stripping away all the “frosting, all the glitter, all the bling” and going back to the CORE! This song ties right in...

Go ahead “Strip Me”, I know I am strong enough, that at the core, I am Jennifer Paige Boonlorn and you can’t take that away from me!

I wish they made Women's Clothes

2010-11-22T13:39:00.001-08:00

Reading List

2010-11-17T12:25:00.000-08:00

What Have You Been Filling Your Mind With?

Selling My Supplies

2010-11-07T15:21:00.000-08:00

I am selling some of my supplies at wholesale prices -- plain headbands, ribbon, chains, pearls, etc. Message me if you are at all interested. I have a link up on Etsy as well.

So now it is your turn to get creative and use your imagination. Send me pictures of what you create and maybe I'll feature you on my blog.

Time for me evolve and move on to the next project....

Marie Antionette Photo Shoot

2010-10-23T10:11:00.001-07:00

Marie Antoinette::Orpheum::Fashion Edit from Beautiful Day Films on Vimeo.

Manifesto 1

2010-10-17T11:56:00.001-07:00

Take all the frosting. Take all the glitter, all the bling and all the frenetic chaos. I CHOOSE to return to a simpler, cleaner, grounded life.

I will believe people the first time they show me who they really are. I will truly value my friends and invest in them. I will appreciate their time, energy and friendship and if they don't value mine, then they are not worth the expended energy. Onward and upward, life is too short to be mad, but it also too short to wallow in anything that inhibits or causes one from progressing forward -- we should all respect ourselves enough to not be treated any less than how we would treat others. The best predictor of the future is the past. I am only responsible for me, not how everyone else acts, behaves or feels.

Quality over quantity. Claim the life you want!

Solid foundations
Solid friendships
Solid relationships

Clean and simple lines. I was always drawn to minimalism in art and design. I choose more cake and less frosting....

She was worth the move home

2010-10-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

I get asked all the time if I miss living in New York City and if it was worth it to move back home. New York City was magical and amazing. And I miss working with the caliber of people I had encountered at Parsons and in the fashion industry. But life isn't about being stationery, and my time there was coming to a close. If Blake Emery had not made her debut on June 29, 2009 I may have stuck it out for a few more years, but my heart belongs in the desert of Arizona. And now that I am home I am completely and utterly happy with my decision. To miss one moment of this little tyke growing up would be heart breaking. I adore my niece, my sister and the friends I have here. Both my parents are gone, so it is important for me to be near the people who are left in my life.

There will be moments of wishing I could run to a certain vendor in the fabric district, eat at a certain cafe or visit with certain NYC friends. But overall it isn't enough to be miles away from the life that I had built here before I headed off to Parsons.

So to New York City, you are incredible, you gave me the confidence to realize I can accomplish anything I have set my heart on -- because I checked off several huge goals just by living there, graduating from Parsons and getting into Henri Bendel. And to Blake Emery I would do just about anything for you. You are loved, adored and I am honored to be able to watch this incredible process of watching a little baby grow up into what she will grow up into....

PS. That is Mia Jordan in the picture. Erika's precious baby and one of Blake's BEST friends :-)

The Mirror

2010-10-08T21:20:00.000-07:00

I downloaded "Pomp & Circumstance" a few months ago when I heard that they used it in Alexander McQueen's Fall 2010 Fashion Show. I always loved that song as a child, and I thought that was so fitting and emotional that they would use it to show the first collection, that were half his designs, after his death this spring. And the music has since inspired and stirred me. But back to this in a moment.

I spent the morning at MCC in the sewing lab, and being on MCC's campus took me back to a few years ago when I decided to pursue fashion, design, Parsons and New York City.

Then I met Bob for lunch to go over remodeling plans and discuss cabinetry. After that it was off to ASU to do some research at Hayden Library. Being on ASU's campus was a "total trip". Hayden Library and the Business School felt haunted with memories of a time long gone, and a life that was so utterly different!

As cliche' as this sounds, when I stood in the bathroom -- one of which I had used on a regular basis ten years ago -- and looked in the mirror, I thought about how the girl looking back at me is so different. Of course that would be very scary if ten years had gone by and I was that same girl! But still it was an odd feeling being in that same bathroom, looking in that same mirror and comparing the life I had then, and the life I have now.

Prototypes, home remodels, some of the same dear friends, and several wonderful add-ons...there was a lot bouncing around my head. And I used to stand in that bathroom and compare finance and management notes with Kristin Horton, and then head to the "tables" to chat with the UKAZU crew and convince Brian Lutz that we should plan a trip to Thailand.

And than what was even more of a trip was the fact that as I dug around for fashion articles and statistics at the library for my latest endeavour, the more I came across articles written by people I have interned with, worked for and know because of my time in New York City, Parsons and the fashion industry.

Talk about closing out the circle...no wait, that would be when Pomp and Circumstance came on my CD player and I contemplated the day, the past ten years, my life and where I am going next...

This is Me

2010-09-26T15:46:00.001-07:00

This is Me by JustBeJenniferPaige on Polyvore.com

I love making mood boards. It is probably one of my favorite things to do - EVER :-) It's putting what inspires you on paper in order to go on and imagine and create even better products and designs.

Fairytale Inspiration

2010-09-19T14:29:00.001-07:00

Dennis Basso Spring 2011. Images from Style.com
Just looking at these images has my wheels turning. Pure Bliss!

Natural {Posh Prepsters} in Fashion

2010-09-08T06:45:00.000-07:00

My aunt bought me this amazing book Natural Fashion Tribal Decorations from Africa by Hans Silvester for my birthday. It just goes to show that style & fashion expand way beyond just labels and runways. The desire to add ornamental elements to our bodies and express ourselves through decorative features is just as common in New York City, LA , Paris, Milan, or London as it in Tribal Africa. I love that! And I love seeing drastically different cultures have the same energy pulsing through their society.

It's In The Bag

2010-09-03T11:18:00.000-07:00

I have donated several items to WOMAC's (Women of the Metropolitan Arts Council) auction to raise money for the Phoenix Art Museum. WoMAC of Phoenix Art Museum was created to serve as a source of networking for professional women in the Phoenix metropolitan area; promoting interest in Phoenix Art Museum for groups that are traditionally underrepresented at the Museum; and providing a mechanism for art education.

Robin Macy of VinT Bikini, Cathy's Rum Cake, Bunky Boutique, Loveland, Baby Butter Clothing, and Kelli Nash are just some of my colleagues that have also donated items (due to my prodding :-) Thanks everyone!

There will be a fashion show by Jose Trifillo, a live and silent auction, appetizers and an open bar.

The event is to be held on Friday, September 24th, starting at 6pm. Tickets can be purchased at the Phoenix Art Museum's Website

Emmy Fashion Favorites

2010-08-30T05:43:00.001-07:00

Dianna Agron, in Carolina Herrera, with Cartier jewels.

Lea Michele, in Oscar de la Renta, with Lorraine Schwartz jewels.

January Jones, in Atelier Versace, with Miu Miu shoes and Cartier jewels.

Now this is true fashion. Stunning dresses on beautiful girls. Go Glee! Go Mad Men!
Images from Style.com

September issue of "So Scottsdale"

2010-08-19T20:17:00.000-07:00

I Dare You...

2010-08-16T20:45:00.001-07:00

I was with Bob Wilkinson at La Grande Orange last week and we started flipping through books while we ate lunch. I flipped through the book "Think Big" which is made up entirely of quotes regarding creativity, inspiration, going after your ideas and dreams while being movtivated to think outside the box. The book of course resonated with me and I bought it.

I always look back over the year{s} on the eve of my birthday. I can remember doing it all the way back to when I was a little girl. So much has changed in the course of _X__ years, wait I am not going to tell you how many candles I will be blowing out tomorrow ;-) but the point is that, as I reflect over my life, there is a lot to take in and a lot to think about.

This quote from "Think Big" struck me as the perfect birthday-eve quote "I dare you to, while there is still time, to have a magnificent obsession" -- William Danforth. Birthdays prove to us that the years are fleeting and time stops FOR NO ONE. We have one shot at this life and we can dilly-dally, waste our time and energy, or we can go forth and do SOMETHING really magnificent.

And whatever that "Magnificent Obsession" is, is up to you. We all have different goals, dreams and purposes. And the race is truly only against the amount of time we are given.

This is the tenth birthday that I am not getting to celebrate with my parents. Of course, it makes me incredilby sad, and they are on my mind all the time -- for some reason they have been in my dreams every night this week! But I refuse to sulk and wallow in their accident. They are gone, but I am not. I was given more time and now I am going to go out and do something with my "Magnificent Obsession" -- what will you do with yours?

Back To School Party At Arcadia Tavern

2010-08-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

Sons Of Sylvia - Love Left To Lose

2010-08-08T18:05:00.000-07:00

My spin teacher played this song yesterday. It has been on repeat. It is empowering, it makes me want to go out and conquer the world! And the lead singer is delicious! I'll take him!!!!!!

Project Key Chandelier

2010-08-06T14:29:00.000-07:00

Last fall I designed a barrette out of two keys. I have always thought keys were very ornamental and decorative, so why not wear them in your hair? The reactions I have received are funny and I often look at people and think "Did you really just say that OUT LOUD!?" But none the less the keys have become one of my signature hair pieces.

Bob and I were brainstorming different ways we could design a chandelier for my Al Beadle condo. One of my ideas was to stuff Voss water bottles full of all my headband making scraps (strips of ribbon, bits of pearls and charms, etc.) and have him then construct a metal base to hang them off of. Then one day while sitting at a traffic light I started playing with my key clip and the idea dawned on me to make a chandelier out of keys, I emailed Bob and he called me within seconds! He had the same idea dawn him moments earlier!!!!! WE were onto something! It was in the air. The two of us tend to have a lot of synergy when it comes to our design-art projects...

Here are the Sketch Up pictures he made for me of my "Key Chandelier". We are going to need over a 1000 keys and we would love to collect them from families and friends. We want the chandelier to have a story, to have depth and to have some soul. If you would like to donate any of your old keys we will gladly take them off your hands...message me...your keys can be a part of a larger art project.

-- The Key Girl

Leather words and sentences

2010-07-28T07:01:00.000-07:00

Back when I lived with Brian in the West Village, we flew out to San Francisco to visit Paul and Kelly and go snowboarding in Tahoe -- can you tell we are "West Coast Kids" we dragged our snowboards across the entire country to snowboard, when Vermont and other east coast snow spots were just hours away! Anyway, back to my story, so Brian leads me to his all time favorite boutique, ever, AB Fits, which is right near Union Square in SF. Granted we lived in the West Village steps away from Bleecker Street, SOHO and just a couple of subway stops away from Fifth Ave and Madison Ave. But no, Bri-Bri felt the need to splurge in California, and I wasn't going to stop him.

The girl at AB Fits was very snotty and I was determined to not give them any of my business. But then I melted when I tried on a distressed leather jacket with a hood by Mike and Chris. It was very rock and roll and the fact that it had a hoodie was beyond amazing. I whipped out my credit card and I did not look back, and ever since I have been drawn to little, leather jackets.

Fashion is a form of expression, and someone at Parsons once mentioned that clothes are merely external words and sentences...so even though I already own one great leather jacket, oh wait, make that three, I am looking for a few more words and sentences for the fall!

Headband Give Away

2010-07-21T19:23:00.000-07:00

My very fabulous, fashionista friend Alex Evjen, is a stylist and has a super cool fashion blog. Check it out, and you can enter to win some of my headbands. I am doing a modern-day Marie Antionette photo-shoot at the Orpheum Lofts Penthouse apartment next month. I heart all my creative, artistic, fashion-savvy friends :-)

http://www.avestyles.com/blog/jennifer-paige-designs-giveaway/

Color Blocking

2010-07-20T04:33:00.000-07:00

Now this is a fabulous example of color blocking. Shoes by one of my favorite designers : DSquared.

Bridal Pieces

2010-07-11T20:08:00.001-07:00

Custom bridal headbands. Bride Heather Siedentop at the Camelback Sanctuary.

All That I Am After

2010-07-08T06:07:00.000-07:00

"All that I am After" by Daughtry came on Pandora , and the line "All that I am after is a life full of laughter as long as I am laughing with you. " I love that! Life is short, I know that unfortunately first hand. Things change in a nano-second! My family was driving home from Tucson, my mother turned around to ask my sister where we wanted to vacation and a split second later the tires blow out on my dad's SUV. The car flipped over and seconds later my mother was dead and my dad died six hours later in the operating room. My sister and I literally crawled out of the upside-down car practically unscathed as we watched in horror as my dad screamed for help being pinned inside and needing the jaws of life to unleash him.

My parent's car accident is constantly putting life in perspective: Soak up all the precious moments, appreciate the good, learn to cut ties with the bad, pursue your dreams and don't think you have forever, because we don't. Seek quality over quantity and remember you are only responsible for you, you can't control other people's actions or feelings.

Furthermore it is making me realize what is most important and what brings me the utmost joy and happiness. If I had to list it would be the following:

This is all that I am after...

Laughing hysterically with my friends. The moments where our sides hurt and we are doubled-over in pain barely able to squeak out the next word
Being so inspired it makes me want to go out and create my own masterpiece
Design, Architecture, Art and Fashion, especially when all four collide
Being with the ones I have chosen as my favorites. Learning it is more than okay to walk away from the past and THOSE that no longer have a place in your life due to growing up and moving forward
Traveling to new places to explore and see more of this wonderful playground called Earth
Watching my niece Blake Emery giggle and play. Watching my sister be the most amazing mother to this incredible little person.
Being a source of light and inspiration to others

That's my list, if I can live that life...I'll be happy...

Hotness

2010-07-06T08:34:00.000-07:00

Could Jared Leto get any hotter!!?? And he went to the fashion show of all fashion shows, John Galliano's presentation for Christian Dior Resort 2011. And Blake Lively of Gossip Girl was there too, sitting next to the gate keeper of fashion no less!!! So much eye-candy, well mostly Jared, but I'll take a piece of it all ;-)

Olympus Fashion Week Fall 2007

2010-07-05T20:05:00.000-07:00

I have been organizing all my old photos and I came across these. I still can't believe I got to experience several Fashion Weeks while living in NYC. There is nothing like being inside the "tents" during Fashion Week. There is such a buzz and energy, you can almost get high from it.

Vision

2010-06-30T22:12:00.000-07:00

Making mood and vision boards were practically a part of almost every class I attended at Parsons. And for good reason, it is an essential tool that communicates ideas, concepts, inspiration and vision in the fashion industry. I put together many boards while at Oscar de la Renta, American Eagle, and other private label firms.

Vision boards are not limited to only fashion either. Bob Wilkinson and I spent an entire Saturday covering a rather large piece of particle board with images from Dwell, Architectural Digest and other design magazines in order for me to show him what I wanted done to my "Beadle Box" remodel.

So last week when both Ashley Bugg and Alexandra Evjen suggested I create a mood board to help with my brand and latest collection, I WAS all about it. They had attended Promise Tangeman's "Show It" marketing and branding conference and Promise was talking about creating vision boards there. I figured it would be a great exercise for Tracey Martin and I.

Making mood boards ranks up with there with one of my favorite activities!

(un) FASHION

2010-06-29T08:59:00.001-07:00

I was required to buy this book while at Parsons, it is by Tibor + Maria Kalman. It goes to show you that fashion is not only what comes down the runway or appears between the pages of the glossies. It is everyday life -- you just have to look. And you have to have the "eye" to not judge but to take in and SEE.

My Stylish Friends

2010-06-28T07:58:00.000-07:00

Shannon Campbell is a Wardrobe stylist from New York City. She has worked for FORD Models, styled Italian Vogue and she now resides in the Valley. She is writing a story on me in So Scottsdale magazine. I met her through the fabulous Evonne Bowling at MCC -- it always seems like all fashion roads lead back to Evonne.

Shannon and I met up for a drink at Revolver this weekend with her friend Tracy Rasinki a very cutting and edge photographer. I love being around creatives! I love fashion! I love being able to follow my dreams right here in Phoenix.

Shannon and Tracy are rocking my latest and probably favorite JPD pieces. My key and scrabble barrette pieces.

Boutiques to Bars

2010-06-19T20:15:00.000-07:00

Come shop Jennifer Paige Designs as Here on The Corner features my products.

WHEN: Wednesday, June 23rd
WHERE: La Bocca on Mill & 7th Street
TIME: 5pm on.....

The common thread

2010-06-15T16:14:00.000-07:00

I am sitting at Gelato Spot in old town Scottsdale and a flood of memories are flashing before me. I have met so many people and friends here to collaborate, network and catch up.

A year ago I caught up with my college friend Ryan Hyland here. He told me to go and meet Steve at Fabtex Graphics who introduced me to Tracey Martin of Baby Butter Clothing.

Then a few months later, Bob Wilkinson and I met at Gelato Spot to brainstorm mannequin ideas. After spending hours at the 99 cent store we settled on making a mannequin out of throw-mats.

And now Tracey and I are taking elements of that mannequin and coming up with something completely new.

The evolution of networking, friendships and creative collaborations is fascinating to me....

Namaste

2010-05-26T13:38:00.001-07:00

I am a pretty laid back, flexible & gracious person. When someone tells me they are not going to be able to make it to an event or simply tells me "NO" to my request, I understand and I leave it at that. We all lead extremely busy lives, I don't expect a novel of an explanation. No means No, clear and simple enough -- nor am I offended by the answer "No".

But what kills me is that I respect other people's boundaries but the moment I stand up for myself I seem to get slapped on the wrist. This drives me nuts! REALLY NUTS!

I do not have magical super powers, I have a limit to what I can take on and how much I am willing to commit to. And there are days I simply CANNOT answer one more phone call, one more email or make it to one more event. I am not trying to be snotty or self-important, I just simply can't go beyond what I can handle.

I am becoming a big fan of yoga, and the saying "Namaste" means to honor yourself as you honors others. And that is what I need to do. You can't be there for others if you are never there for yourself. You have to refuel before you can attend to the needs of others.

This month I have had a tremendous amount on my plate. I am not complaining, but at the same time, there are many moments where I just need a few moments to myself and I do not want to have to justify, validate, explain or qualify why I need that moment. I respect when you tell me "No" without throwing a fit, now PLEASE do the same for me. Even if you don't understand, could you please respect :-) Namaste...

Purses

2010-05-24T15:24:00.000-07:00

My latest creation. A messenger bag created from recycled woven fabric that has been weaved together with a braided leather handle...also comes in a clutch....

Ten Years

2010-05-15T20:25:00.000-07:00

I cringe as I look at my calendar. This week of all week is not going to be easy. I have been strong for so long. I have not let myself fall apart, sulk or have a huge pity party. My sister and I have persevered on. We have graduated college. Jaime got married had a baby. We both started businesses. Stood up for what we believe in. Created. Loved. Laughed. Hurt. And LIVED.

But as time looms closer and closer to May 21st I kind of feel myself mentally spinning in a thousand directions. How can tens years have gone by! Sorry for the language but WTF!??? How did this all happen!!!??? Time speeds forward at a frightening rate and yet it seems like eons that I have had two parents. Ten years is a pretty big mile marker.

I miss my parents so much! I am not mad that they are gone, but I am completely and utterly sad. Within a nano-second they were taken from us as the tires shredded and our SUV flipped over. And yet ten years is still not enough time to heal from all this.

I am so caught up in my life. The busyness, the excitement, the chores, the projects, the people I have chosen to surround myself with, that at times it feels like my parents are not a part of any of this. And I feel guilty for that. And yet they are. I am who I am because of them. They gave me the foundation to be the woman I am today. They taught me well and now I am trying to live out their legacy. But there are days I just want to say "Screw It. I am soo tired of being strong. So tired of trying to have it all together. I just want to curl up in bed and have my mama say 'it's going to be okay. " Those were her last words before my dad's SUV hit the concrete billboard...I will hang onto those words until I see them again.....

I could really use a wish right now...

2010-05-13T22:01:00.000-07:00

B.o.B ft Hayley Williams – Airplanes Lyrics

[Chorus - Hayley Williams]
Can we pretend that airplanes
In the night sky
Are like shooting stars
I could really use a wish right now (wish right now, wish right now)
Can we pretend that airplanes
In the night sky
Are like shooting stars
I could really use a wish right now (wish right now, wish right now)

[Verse 1 - B.o.B]
Yeah
I could use a dream or a genie or a wish
To go back to a place much simpler than this
Cause after all the partyin’ and smashin’ and crashin’
And all the glitz and the glam and the fashion
And all the pandemonium and all the madness
There comes a time where you fade to the blackness
And when you’re staring at that phone in your lap
And you hoping but them people never call you back
But that’s just how the story unfolds
You get another hand soon after you fold
And when your plans unravel
And they sayin’ what would you wish for
If you had one chance
So airplane airplane sorry I’m late
I’m on my way so don’t close that gate
If I don’t make that then I’ll switch my flight
And I’ll be right back at it by the end of the night

[Chorus - Hayley Williams]

[Verse 2 - B.o.B]
Somebody take me back to the days
Before this was a job, before I got paid
Before it ever mattered what I had in my bank
Yeah back when I was tryin’ to get a tip at subway
lyrics courtesy of www.killerhiphop.com
And back when I was rappin’ for the hell of it
But now a days we rappin’ to stay relevant
I’m guessin that if we can make some wishes outta airplanes
Then maybe yo maybe I’ll go back to the days
Before the politics that we call the rap game
And back when ain’t nobody listened to my mix tape
And back before I tried to cover up my slang
But this is for Decatur, what’s up Bobby Ray
So can I get a wish to end the politics
And get back to the music that started this sh-t
So here I stand and then again I say
I’m hopin’ we can make some wishes outta airplanes
[Chorus]
[End]

"You Know JENNIFER PAIGE!!!???"

2010-05-13T08:55:00.000-07:00

I have become good friends with Robin Macy the designer and owner behind Vin-T Bikinis.

Robin's daughter goes to St. Theresa's Catholic school and she asked me to donate several headbands for a charity auction they had last month. She told me the little girls went crazy for my headbands and now when she goes to pick up her daughter the girls will come up to her and say "I just have to have a Jennifer Paige headband!" & "YOU know JENNIFER PAIGE! Oh my goodness do think we could meet her!?"

Yesterday I went with Robin to pick up her daughter Alexa. The little girls flocked around us and squealed as I handed out my business cards, it was all too cute for words -- simply adorable!

ABC 15 Promotion of MADCAP Fashion Show

2010-05-05T05:47:00.000-07:00

Fashion Events

2010-04-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

Come shop Jennifer Paige Designs this Sunday, May 2nd at The Shops At Gainey Village's Farmer's Market. I am switching up my new collection, so once I sell out of my old styles, I am going to put them into retirement :-)

When: Sunday, May 2nd
Where: The Shops At Gainey Village, Scottsdale Road & Doubletree
Time: 9am-1pm

And then Saturday, May 8th my accessories will be featured on Mill Fashion Mash-Up runway. Time 5-7pm. Click on the link for more info

Baby Posh Prepsters

2010-04-27T10:58:00.000-07:00

Rework - Don't Copy!!!

2010-04-23T22:47:00.000-07:00

Paul told Bob who told me, to read the book "Rework" by Jason Fried & David Heinemeier. It is the best business book I have read in a long time. It's short, snappy and full of sound-real-life advice. Perfect for those about to embark on their own business, or who are already in the swing of it.

I love the chapter that talks about NOT COPYING. I am going to "copy" word for word what they said ;-)

"...The problem with copying is it skips understanding - and understanding is how you grow. You have to understand why something works or why something is the way it is. When you just copy and paste, you miss that. You just repurpose the last layer instead of understanding all the layers underneath...The copycat doesn't really know why something looks the way it looks or feels the way it feels or reads the way it reads. The copy is a FAUX finish. It delivers no substance, no understanding, and nothing to base future decisions on. Plus if you are a copycat you can never keep up. You're always in a passive position. You never lead, you always follow. You give birth to something that's already behind the times - just a knockoff, an inferior version of the original. That's no way to live...Be influenced , but don't steal."

--- Amazing, that last line is absolutely right on the money! Love it!

Gaga For Gaga

2010-04-21T15:34:00.001-07:00

Lady Gaga is brilliant! Her music, her personality, her outlandish outfits. She is amazing! And she is bright and truly talented. You don't graduate from Tisch without serious talent and hard work, she is not a pop-tartlet with 15 mins of fame and a one-hit wonder....Anyway this crazy creation is inspired by her and for her. I am determined to push it even further and eventually get it into her hands. And thank you to my dear friend Kelly Nash for buying me the fun sequin mannequin head.

Live.Work.Create.

2010-04-21T15:04:00.001-07:00

Some of my latest creations that are not hair accessories. I slashed up my Dolce & Gabbana tank, cut up and spray painted over my Brooklyn Industries shirt and spray-painted and sewed on dollies to an Old Navy hoodie I found on sale.

The Colors Of My Imagination

2010-04-20T15:06:00.000-07:00

I am sitting at Hava Java doing a bit of brainstorming. This truly is my bliss. There is nothing I love to do more than drink good coffee, stick in my headphones and let iTunes take me away so I can zero in- focus and then CREATE. Creativity is my crack...

I brought my prisma colored pencils, markers and fashion illustration book from Parsons. I have a ton of ideas and a lot of them have nothing to do with headbands. It is time to evolve and push myself behind just hair accessories...this brings me back to Parson days. I love it!

Cupcakes

2010-04-13T15:55:00.000-07:00

Created for Steph & Linny at "Cupcakes" at Hilton Village. They have amazing cupcakes! And I love the vegan "Skinny Minny" just as much as the regular cupcakes!

For The Tinest Of Posh Prepsters

2010-04-13T15:53:00.001-07:00

Al Beadle or Whitney Port?

2010-04-12T10:17:00.000-07:00

In January Cassy Saba and I were walking through NY's garment district. We were leaving Laura Bennett's (3rd season Project Runway finalist) apartment on our way to talk to Laura's manufacturing company when Cassy spotted Whitney Port, MTV Reality Star. I was on my iPhone scrolling through an email that Heather Maclean (my real estate agent) had sent me. I was in the market for a new home and Heather had graciously been showing me homes since the summer.

I wanted something modern. I wanted to be in the Arcadia area. I was partial to Al Beadle homes and mid-century modern design. As I flipped through the MLS listing Heather sent me, my heart stopped. The Camelback Place Townhouse she sent me was PERFECT! It was in the heart of the Arcadia-Biltmore area, it was mid-century modern, it was an Al Beadle design and the price was phenomenal for a Beadle home at the golden intersection of 32nd and Camelback. Cassy grabbed me as she let out a scream and booked it down the street to run after Whitney. Cassy is a jewelry designer and she wanted to connect with Whitney to show her designs. I know the importance of having a celebrity wear your designs and the marketing impact it can create. But instead of chasing Whitney I scrambled to call Heather and tell her I wanted that HOME and that we should put an offer in! I had not even been inside the townhouse but I knew it had to be mine.

Three days later when I was back in Phoenix, Heather showed me the home and I put in an offer later that day. That was only the beginning of what turned into a very stressful roller-coaster ride! First someone outbid me, then a month later their offer fell through, so I put in another offer, then the appraisal did not match the seller's price and the lending piece got screwed up. One moment we would have great news and the very next, very deflating news, it was like Katy Perry's "Hot N Cold" song. Finally at the end of March I closed escrow and the deed was recorded. The place is finally mine!

It needs a good deal of work. But that is okay. I am hiring my friend Bob Wilkinson to completely remodel the place. We have a ton of ideas and we are going to create a masterpiece & turn this townhouse into one huge art piece. I am Bob's first official client since going out on his own and starting a design-build firm, Worksite.

So I may not have connected with Whitney Port but I got my "Beadle Box". And who knows, if Bob and I do an amazing-enough remodel, maybe we can be featured in a design magazine, and Whitney is no stranger to the world of high-end magazines ;-)

Forever Young at Abercrombie and American Eagle

2010-04-11T14:44:00.000-07:00

Jay Z's "Young Forever" has been on repeat and it made me think about my taste in clothes.

I love fashion. Do I really need to even validate it -- I graduated from Parsons, worked in the industry, and lived in one of THE FASHION CAPITALS for 4 years. I have boots that cost as much as rent, a closet full of designer purses, jeans, and enough fashion magazines and Women's Wear Dailies to wall paper an entire house. And yet what do I revert to? Not Lanvin or Rodarte but Abercrombie and Fitch and American Eagle!

Seriously, I dress like a southern-California surfer girl. Ripped up jean shorts, denim skirts and tank tops! I appreciate, adore and enjoy almost every aspect of fashion, especially the creative process. But when it comes to buying and putting together my own wardrobe I am not the poster child for haute couture! And to top it off, I am shopping at retailer's that cater to the tween and teen market! I may be obsessed with Blair Waldorf and Gossip Girl, but I dress more like the cast of 90210 and The O.C.

Maybe it does come from growing up in sunny Arizona -- everything is relaxed and Phoenix & Scottsdale draw a lot of their energy & style from their next door neighbor, California.

I also think it is comes from liking to layer on the accessories -- bangles, headbands (surprise, surprise, I was buying insane head gear years before I even started designing them), and my dedication to rocking super-tall shoes and fantastic boots ;-) It really does boil down to being more a shoe and accessory girl. Wear simple staples and then rock out with the crazy shoes and accessories.

The Middle

2010-04-11T14:36:00.000-07:00

The power of music, the epiphany of lyrics, there is something that mentally and soul-fully just washes over me when a song captures what I am feeling, thinking, or going through. It can be magical, eerie, or overwhelmingly empowering. I have probably posted dozens of songs on this blog that really mean something to me...and it is here one more!

This song is almost a decade old, but it's lyrics are just as prevalent and timeless.

Jimmy Eat World's "The Middle"

Hey,
Don't write yourself off yet.
It's only in your head you feel left out,
Or looked down on.
Just try your best,
Try everything you can.
And don't you worry what they tell themselves
When you're away.

[Chorus]
It just takes some time,
little girl, you're in the middle of the ride.
Everything, everything will be just fine,
Everything, everything will be alright. (alright)

Hey,
You know they're all the same.
You know you're doing better on your own, (on your own)
So don't buy in.
Live right now.
Yeah, just be yourself.
It doesn't matter if it's good enough (good enough)
For someone else.

[Chorus x2]

Hey, don't write yourself off yet.
It's only in your head you feel left out, (feel left out)
Or looked down on.
Just do your best, (just do your best)
Do everything you can. (do everything you can)
And don't you worry what their bitter hearts (bitter hearts)
Are gonna say.

My Heart Belongs To

2010-04-08T14:01:00.001-07:00

Bleeding Love

2010-04-06T09:10:00.001-07:00

2010 has been a bit of a rocky year. And it doesn't help that in one month it will be ten years since my family was in a roll-over accident and both my parents were killed. I often laugh and think, "Well, if I survived ten years and got through all the emotional turmoil that comes with watching your parents bleed to death on the side of the road, I can handle almost anything." And I guess God says "Yes, you can, here are some more trials to work through and grow from!!!" You can't become "gold" unless you walk through the fire, but it would be nice if there was a drama-draught for once!

However, in the end I am determined to rise above it all, the cattiness, the hurt, the pain, the friends who have proven their true colors and are now no longer a part of my circle, the sickness, the stress of trying to make it as a designer and business owner. A lot has been thrown my way, but I shouldn't complain because my life is still amazing and I don't believe in whining and sulking in self-pity.

Last Saturday, I went with one of my best friends, Kealey, to feed the homeless downtown. It was a tremendously rewarding experience. To serve and give back to those who have nothing, really opens your eyes to the fact that no matter how much I have lost, I still am incredibly blessed and I still have a tremendous amount to be thankful for. These people have NOTHING, and they were the most gracious and kind individuals merely because we gave them some hot food.

It's hard because I get extremely annoyed at those who don't rise above and live life with morals, integrity and kindness but in the end I am going to be the bigger person and continue to bleed love....

In the words of one of my favorite singers of the moment, Leona Lewis:

"Bleeding Love"

Closed off from love
I didn't need the pain
Once or twice was enough
And it was all in vain
Time starts to pass
Before you know it you're frozen

But something happened
For the very first time with you
My heart melts into the ground
Found something true
And everyone's looking round
Thinking I'm going crazy

But I don't care what they say
I'm in love with you
They try to pull me away
But they don't know the truth
My heart's crippled by the vein
That I keep on closing
You cut me open and I

Keep bleeding
Keep, keep bleeding love
I keep bleeding
I keep, keep bleeding love
Keep bleeding
Keep, keep bleeding love
You cut me open

Trying hard not to hear
But they talk so loud
Their piercing sounds fill my ears
Try to fill me with doubt
Yet I know that the goal
Is to keep me from falling

But nothing's greater than the rush that comes with your embrace
And in this world of loneliness
I see your face
Yet everyone around me
Thinks that I'm going crazy, maybe, maybe

But I don't care what they say
I'm in love with you
They try to pull me away
But they don't know the truth
My heart's crippled by the vein
That I keep on closing
You cut me open and I

Keep bleeding
Keep, keep bleeding love
I keep bleeding
I keep, keep bleeding love
Keep bleeding
Keep, keep bleeding love
You cut me open

And it's draining all of me
Oh they find it hard to believe
I'll be wearing these scars
For everyone to see

I don't care what they say
I'm in love with you
They try to pull me away
But they don't know the truth
My heart's crippled by the vein
That I keep on closing
You cut me open and I

Keep bleeding
Keep, keep bleeding love
I keep bleeding
I keep, keep bleeding love
Keep bleeding
Keep, keep bleeding love
You cut me open and I

Keep bleeding
Keep, keep bleeding love
I keep bleeding
I keep, keep bleeding love
Keep bleeding
Keep, keep bleeding love
You cut me open and I
Keep bleeding
Keep, keep bleeding love

Keyed

2010-03-31T14:31:00.001-07:00

I created this key barrette back in September. I love the comments I get from wearing it. "Your keys are stuck in your hair!" Me: Really? Let's think about that, have you ever seen someone get their keys stuck in their hair. At least it's making a statement. :-)

Synergy

2010-03-03T14:47:00.000-08:00

Last week Evonne Bowling asked me to be a part of Mesa Community College's Fashion Advisory Board. She wanted valley locals connected to the fashion industry to give their input on how MCC could improve its fashion program and better prepare their students for the real world.

It was a fabulous place to meet people! I met Lisa Bayne the owner of the VERY adorable boutique Here On The Corner located in Tempe (714 South College Ave/SW Corner of College and University across from ASU's campus). I brought my pieces into Lisa's boutique today and she took several headbands and barrettes. I also did a bit of shopping -- she has really fresh, fun and affordable items. I love it!!! It is going to be my go to place for birthday and Christmas presents!

I also met the stylist Shannon Campbell at the advisory board meeting. She is in the process of photographing my headbands for an editorial spread. Shannon told me to go over and check out Robert Black (of Ford Modeling Agency)'s new vintage shop in Scottsdale -- Fashion By Robert Black. Robert fell in love with my photography and the look book Ashley Bugg had created. Ashley now has one of the biggest gigs of her career. I hope this launches her into the big leagues!

And this doesn't even include the lovely lady I met through Tracey Martin of Baby Butter Clothing on Saturday. This friend of Tracey just bought a children's television on Nickelodian and I am going to assist Tracey with the styling of the characters!!! Jennifer Paige Headbands will be rocked by actresses :-)

I love networking. I love connecting with people. I love when things fall into place!!!! I love the genuine. The Authentic. The real! Viva those with a soul!!!

Stupid

2010-02-28T13:42:00.000-08:00

http://diesel.com/be-stupid/

Spark

2010-02-25T14:59:00.000-08:00

Jamie Weise sent me this quote today. I love it!

“Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark in the hopeless swaps of the not-quite, the not-yet, and the not-at-all. Do not let the hero in your soul perish in lonely frustration for the life you deserved and have never been able to reach. The world you desire can be won. It exists.. It is possible.. It’s yours. “ –Ayn Rand (Atlas Shrugged)

Principles

2010-02-25T14:52:00.000-08:00

My friend Bob, who is an architect introduced me to Ray Kappe's work. Ray is also an architect. Ray was asked what he thought were the ten most important principles that helped him become a successful architect, planner and educator...I thought they were very good principles for anyone in any field.

1) Think positively, not negatively
2) Accept structure but know that it is to be questioned and broken when necessary
3)Always be willing to explore, experiment and invent. Do not accept the status quo
4)Know your yourself and keep your work consistent with who you are and how you think
5) Maintain good moral and social values
6) Be humble, honest, compassionate and egalitarian
7) Have conviction about your work
8) Be open and say yes to most ideas and requests. The good ones will be valuable; the bad ones will cease to exist
9) Allow employees and fellow workers freedom and the ability to work to their strengths. Avoid hierarchy
10) Money should be the residual of work, not the goal. But do not compromise your worth

Live your life's story

2010-02-16T22:01:00.000-08:00

I am fascinated by trends. And I am always amazed at how I will be having a conversation with someone and then I will go and have a conversation with a completely different person and without my initiating it, they will bring up the same topic I had just been discussing previously! When something is in the "air", you begin to notice the pattern.

In multiple conversations the topic of what I would want to do if I had an infinite amount of money and time were brought up.

I have been thinking about this a lot lately, but not so much as what I would do with copious amounts of money but more with what I want my legacy to be. I want to live a legacy and leave a legacy.

In the meantime here is my list:

I want to travel to Japan, Scandinavia, South America, and New Zealand and return to Thailand and Australia. I love soaking up and viewing other cultures. My favorite part of traveling is seeing the everyday life of another society -- the touristy spots are alright, but I get a thrill out of going to the super-market and sitting at a cafe just people watching. There is so much to absorb in doing that.

I want to write a tell-all of the homeschool world with my friend Diana -- The Devil Wears Prada of homeschooling...and it would be awesome if it turned into a New York Times Best Seller

I want to collect art, I would love to start with "street art" and help foster and nurture new artists, but I would also LOVE to be in the position to purchase from well known established artists.

I want to design an absolutely-sick-modern home with the help of a really cool architect -- well I guess I am kind of getting to already do that ;-) And I then want my home featured in a prominent design magazine.

I want to create a "Creative-Art-Design-Idea-Incubator" -- Jennifer Paige's version of Andy Warhol's "The Factory" a place where creative, artistic, savvy people come together to exchange ideas, network, & collaborate. A place of explosive synergy and imagination. Just sans the crazy '60s drug scene

Connections

2010-02-16T14:25:00.000-08:00

I am total people-person and on my Meyers Briggs test I am a solid "E" for extrovert. Over the years however, I have seen friends go, I have left friends go, and I have learned that sometimes people will only make a brief appearance in your life and they were only meant to be there for a season.

It's okay to walk away from a relationship that is no longer healthy or beneficial, we were probably meant to learn from that situation and then go onto other bigger and better things. Whenever I have let go of the toxic, the negative, or the frustrating, I am blessed ten-fold by even more amazing friends and people.

It has not always been easy for me. I have had things happen to me where I was completely and utterly frustrated by another person's actions. The quality of our life is directly effected by the people we surround ourselves with, the projects we tackle, the books we read, and where we focus our energy. You can't grow and become great if all your energy is consumed by bad relationships and negative energy. You need people who are going to inspire you to be better, to strive for more, and to encourage you to move forward vs. just being stagnant & existing.

The bottom line is that people are what matter the most in this very short stint we have on earth. But their role may be for only one scene in your play. Sometimes they will make an appearance, an impression, or link up beside you for the long haul.

I am thankful for all the amazing, wonderful people currently in my life. And I look back behind me and I smile from all that I have learned, there were times friends have totally drained me, and at other times they have made my blood boil, but I have grown from those situations and it has made me 1000x more thankful for the good and the wonderful that are currently in my life!!!!!

Sometimes you have to say "Goodbye" in order to say "Hello" to the truly spectacular.

Shopping Extravganza

2010-02-16T14:20:00.001-08:00

Broken

2010-02-02T18:45:00.000-08:00

I just feel completely off...completely out of it...I am sure it has to do with the news regarding my aunt. My drive and spark to create also seems dim at the moment...I know I'll bounce back...but for the moment, I need a moment...and until then I guess I am just holding on.....

Lifehouse's song couldn't speak to me more...

Broken by Lifehouse:
The broken clock is a comfort, it helps me sleep tonight
Maybe it can stop tomorrow from stealing all my time
I am here still waiting though I still have my doubts
I am damaged at best, like you've already figured out

I'm falling apart, I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart that's still beating
In the pain there is healing
In your name I find meaning

The broken locks were a warning you got inside my head
I tried my best to be guarded, I'm an open book instead
And I still see your reflection inside of my eyes
That are looking for purpose, they're still looking for life

I'm falling apart, I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart that's still beating
In the pain is the healing
In your name I find meaning
So I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on
I'm barely holdin' on to you

I'm hangin' on another day
Just to see what you will throw my way
And I'm hangin' on to the words you say
You said that I will, will be ok

The broken lights on the freeway left me here alone
I may have lost my way now, having forgot my way home

I'm falling apart, I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart that's still beating
In the pain is there is healing
In your name I find meaning
So I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on
I'm barely holdin' on to you
So I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on

Loveland Boutique Soiree

2010-02-02T12:24:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day Soiree

Location: Loveland Boutique,
107 E. Baseline Road in Tempe (SE corner of Baseline and Mill), Suite A3
Time:7:00PM Thursday, February 11th
Live Models, Wine, Cupcakes, and lots of fun socializing....Stop by anytime and bring all your friends.....

Haunting

2010-01-29T07:22:00.000-08:00

I am sitting at Mayo Clinic waiting for my aunt to get a CT Scan. They found a large mass on her Pancreas. I am anxious and scared. This just doesn't seem right, but as I have already experienced, life can so quickly turn on a dime.

This place CREEPS me out. I have always had a phobia of hospitals. The smell alone makes me nauseous. I have this weird notion that you get sick just by being in a place like this. I sanitize my hands every few minutes and I refuse to place my purse on the floor or eat anything from the cafeteria. I have real issue with it all.

But maybe it goes a bit deeper. My mom used to work here, at this very campus. Walking these very halls brings back very strange and intense memories. I used to surprise my mom and drive up from ASU and bring her flowers or a pretty plant. Her co-workers loved me and during my senior year of college I ended up interning in Mayo's Marketing department. It was a fabulous experience, however this place is still full of ghosts that are seriously haunting me!

I guess my mind is just on over-drive. I am very worried about my aunt, I am in a reflective surreal state being at Mayo, especially coming on the heels of the 10 year anniversary of my parent's death. After the accident my sister and I had to spend time here, wrapping up their affairs. It is all so freaking eerie.

Furthermore, digesting that 10 years has passed makes me think about how much I have changed. That little girl that used to drive up from Tempe, sure isn't the same! My hopes, my dreams, my goals, my taste in everything from clothes, boys, music, etc has completely done a 180!

Life has changed tremendously in the past ten years! And I am scared it is about to change again.

Couture Water

2010-01-21T10:25:00.001-08:00

I had lunch with several of of my creative & artistic friends yesterday at Oakville Grocery in Scottsdale. It was cute place to meet. It felt like an expanded La Grande Orange. They were selling Christian Lacroix Evian water bottles, and I of course had to have it! I am always a sucker for cool packaging design - ALWAYS! Christian Lacroix is one of the few remaining haute couture designers left. He is a master and a genius!

Moreover, the intricate lace-like pattern etched onto the bottle reminded me of dollie-placemat I found at the New York restaurant Falai. Brian suggested Falai when I was in New York last week. It is in the lower east side and it is marvelous! I highly suggest going if you are in the lower-east side and of course New York. It is a very design-savvy, modern-Italian-fusion restaurant. Small portions but everything is art! The platting, the presentation, etc. I asked if I could take the placemat because I had ideas of using it as a stencil.

Last night I spray-painted the placemat onto the back of a black hoodie. It is a work in progress, but it is on its way to being a pretty cool hoodie!

So from couture water bottles to placemats, some of my best inspiration comes while socializing over food or over everyday items!

A Few Of My (current) Favorite Things

2010-01-21T10:06:00.001-08:00

I seem to go through periods where I will buy "multiples" of a similar product. If I love something, I seem to want it in an abundance. Right now, I am into collecting pretty cake plates. They are perfect for visual merchandising and displaying my headbands at trunk shows. Kelly gave me a beautiful baby-pink cake platter from Miette a delightful pastry shop in San Francisco.

The other item is boots -- actually, that is a lie! I am not in a boot-phase, I am always addicted to shoes! It doesn't matter how many pairs I have, there is always going to be another pair that screams out to me that it needs a home in a my closet and a place on my toes! I found the cream pair of boots in New York City. They are so ballerina-princess meets sassy New Yorker, I just had to have them....

And lately my lingerie collection seems to be growing. I love the intricate details that come with lingerie.Working with the Aerie designers at American Eagle, I saw first hand the design process behind intimate apparel. It was quite fascinating, and it made want to grow my collection....but I'll leave those pictures off the web :-)

Unwritten

2010-01-05T20:13:00.000-08:00

I know I blog a lot about songs and song lyrics. But to me, song lyrics are my poetry. I have so many songs that I feel "fit me" are or "my song". I guess there are a lot of artists out there who are able to capture the thoughts and feelings inside my heart and my head.

2009 set me on a new path and led me to experience some really incredible adventures. When I started this blog I was gearing up for Henri Bendel's "Open See", and all that has transcribed since then is at times mind boggling.

Kelly made me a picture slide-show set to music four years ago when I left Scottsdale for Manhattan. The very first picture on the cd was a picture of when we went to New York to look for apartments, I was standing in front of Parsons. Kelly set that picture to Natasha Bedingfield's song "Unwritten".

And then Brian would play "Unwritten" over and over again on his computer because it reminded him of the opening scene of "The Hills" which made him think of a happy, sunny place -- I know, I know ;-) So the song reminds me of both of my awesome roommates and of course as I re-listen to the lyrics I see how fitting they are for this next adventure and for the fact that it is a new year...

I am unwritten,
Can't read my mind
I'm undefined
I'm just beginning
The pen's in my hand
Ending unplanned

Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words
That you could not find
Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions

Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten, yeah

Oh, oh

I break tradition
Sometimes my tries
Are outside the lines, oh yeah yeah
We've been conditioned
To not make mistakes
But I can't live that way oh, oh

Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words
That you could not find
Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions

Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins

Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
drench yourself in words unspoken
live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
the rest still unwritten

(Gospel)
Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words
That you could not find
Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions

Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open *****
Today is where your book begins

Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open *****
Today is where your book begins

The rest is still unwritten

But It Feels Like It Should Last Forever

2009-12-16T08:17:00.000-08:00

This summer I pulled out of storage everything I had packed up from my Scottsdale condo . All the memories of living with Kelly and Jason, the UKAZU parties, studying for the LSATS, and then the nostalgic items that go back even further -- things that go back to childhood days. Then I flew back to Manhattan to clean up my West Village apartment. Four years of living with Brian and Michael, Parsons, the fashion industry, New York City.

I felt like I was cleaning house on old memories -- the good, the bad and the ugly!

It was erie going through my stuff from two very different periods of life within such a short span of each other. It was like rewinding over two different movies at the same time.

I had not been in my Manhattan apartment since June of this summer and when I walked in I was completely overwhelmed! I thought it shouldn't take me more than a day and half to pack up -- come on it's NYC, our place wasn't that big. Ohhh, was I ever wrong. Tackling JUST my room was a nightmare! I had saved every school project, every note ever written to me, and my shoe collection is a bit out of control. I had shoes under my bed, in my closet, in our linen closet, and a long the side of my wall!

But beyond just organizing all my items, I was packing up four years of a fabulous adventure in New York City and unpacking 30 years of a lifetime in Arizona. I had my mother's Lenox China, my dad's old architectural drawings, barbie dolls, old school pictures. Talk about a bit of an emotional roller coaster.

I have had the itch to leave New York for a while, and being back didn't make me change my mind, like all the times in the past. However, it was weird to sink right back into the Manhattan way of life for at least a week. Brian was working from home all week, so I would pack, then we would go and grab lunch at all our old spots and it felt like old times and nothing had changed at all. I definitely got choked up as I hailed a cab and took off for JFK. I do miss our roommate banter and laughing at all of Brian's insane quotes, and having to watch him model outfit after outfit just to go downstairs to get coffee.

As I said goodbye to New York friends and re-connected with Arizona friends, I realized that nothing lasts forever, we are here but for a fleeting moment. Everything passes within a blink of an eye. So enjoy the ride, tomorrow could bring something totally different and new....

iTunes Junkie

2009-12-01T22:36:00.000-08:00

I have documented my playlists before, but I have downloaded so much music the past two days, I decided to list it again...it's "iced-coffee" for my ears :-)

LOVE:

Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" - adore this song, but the whole album is fun
Glee's version of Wicked's "Defying Gravity
Glee's version of "Imagine"
Glee's version of "True Colors"
Priscilla Ahn's "Dream"
Sexy Bitch
Chromeo's version of Vampire Weekend's "The Kid's Don't Stand A Chance"
Beyonce's Halo
New Soul
When Love Takes Over
Kelly Clarkson's whole album -- "All I ever Wanted"
Santigold
Dance Remix of "Viva la Vida"

Live your story

2009-11-15T18:13:00.000-08:00

I have been in a super reflective state of mind. I guess it makes sense, being that I am packing up my NYC life to make Phoenix my permanent landing spot, at least for this next stage of life. Funny, how time never stands still, and what feels like is going to be a never-ending adventure is really just a short chapter in a much larger book.

Ohh New York City and all the memories and adventures:

Parsons The New School For Design
My crazy classmates
My awesome roomates and getting to be "Grace"
Monday Night Dinners with all the boys + Amanda
Living in the West Village
Incredible school projects
Women's Wear Daily
Riding the subway
Brunch every weekend
Frigid weather almost all of the time!
Oscar de la Renta
Staying out until sunrise
Marc Jacob's Arabian Night Christmas Party
American Eagle Aerie Pre Production
Aeropostale
Boys at the Inn
My 30th birthday at Megu when alot of my AZ friends flew out for the weekend
Henri Bendel's Open See
Launching Jennifer Paige Designs
My Trunk Show at Henri Bendel
Meatpacking dance parties
Manolo Blahniks
Meeting some really incredible people
The chance to experience a completely different life than I had ever imagined...

Proving to myself that I could live and make it in NYC, and that it is okay to say goodbye to an amazing adventure for the chance at a calmer life that includes family and lifestyle that only the West can afford.

"Live your story, FAITH, HOPE AND GLORY, hold to the truth in your heart...if we hold onto together I know our dreams will never die..." -- Diana Ross

The next dream is just beginning.

Trunk Shows

2009-11-13T10:12:00.000-08:00

Come check out my trunk shows! Headbands and Hair Clips make great gifts and stocking stuffers. It's time to do some Christmas shopping and I now take credit cards.

DATE: Wednesday, November 18th

TIME: 2-7pm
PLACE: New Way Learning Academy, the school is located at 77th St and McDowell, right off the 101.

I will be in New York, but Brooke & Alexa with Royaltees Clothier will have a booth and they will help to sell my headbands.

DATE: Wednesday, December 2nd
TIME: 4-6:30pm
PLACE: Chestnut Lane Cafe, southside of Camelback & 44th Street near Camelback Florist and Havana Cafe

There will be pink Champagne and delicious treats such as cinnamon rolls and cookies. This adorable little cafe has become my favorite Arcadia spots for coffee.

DATE: Tuesday, December 8th
TIME: 2-8pm
PLACE: Silver Leaf Country Club 18701 North Silverleaf Drive, Scottsdale, 85255

I had a dream

2009-11-08T09:29:00.000-08:00

I love music that makes you sit back and be quiet and reflective. I even like when it stirs you to get a bit misty-eyed.

Ashley Bugg set this song to Tracey Martin's Baby Butter photo-shoot that Blake was a model for a few weeks ago. It is the song I journal to. So many thoughts dancing through my head -- my headband business, if I want to make the leap and buy another house, and where I want to be in 10 years. But the thoughts that won't stop lingering is how much I wish I could just see my mom. I may be all grown up, but at the same time I am a "little girl who just misses her mom."

DREAM

By Priscilla Ahn

I was a little girl alone in my little world who dreamed of a little home for me.
I played pretend between the trees, and fed my houseguests bark and leaves, and laughed in my pretty bed of green.

I had a dream
That I could fly from the highest swing.
I had a dream.

Long walks in the dark through woods grown behind the park, I asked God who I'm supposed to be.
The stars smiled down on me, God answered in silent reverie. I said a prayer and fell asleep.

I had a dream
That I could fly from the highest tree.
I had a dream.

Now I'm old and feeling grey. I don't know what's left to say about this life I'm willing to leave.
I lived it full and I lived it well, there's many tales I've lived to tell. I'm ready now, I'm ready now, I'm ready now to fly from the highest wing.

I had a dream

100% Sure

2009-10-27T20:28:00.001-07:00

People are constantly asking me if I miss New York City, and if I am happy with my decision to move back home to Arizona. I can say with 100% certainty that I made the right decision to move home. I am soo happy right now, I feel like I am in my element and things are falling into place like I would have never imagined.

I have grappled with the issue of East Coast/West Coast since the day I arrived in New York 4 years ago. New York was an adventure that I always wanted to experience, but it was never home. I am a south-west girl through and through and that never changed while living in Manhattan.

Parsons, working in the fashion industry, the thrill of living in the West Village, my fabulous roomates and celebrity friends was all an absolutely incredible ride. However, deep down inside I knew it would someday need to wrap up because I missed the calm and wholesomeness of Arizona and my old life too much. The four years of living in New York, I never lost touch with my Arizona friends and of course family -- and I constantly felt like I had put my life on "Pause" to experience New York and I was aching to hit "Resume" on my old life.

Earlier this year, as well as a year ago, I wanted to move home, but than I changed my mind and decided to stay in New York because I felt I still had things to accomplish in the big apple, but this time things are different. This time I am no longer on the fence and I have no qualms about leaving the vibrant, sparkling city for something slower paced and not quite as frantic.

Yes, Blake Emery, my adorable niece is a huge factor as to why I moved home. Spending time with her and my wonderful sister is priceless and all the success and splendor of New York could never make up for that. But Arizona also affords a lifestyle that New York could never give me.

I had a lot of email exchanges with my friend Ryan Hyland, as the issue of moving back west started to weigh heavily on my heart. Ryan said something about just having the Faith to follow my heart and to see what unfolded if I just made the leap. And then one of my now fashion mentors, Tracey Martin (Baby Butter Clothing) told me "The Business Is You! Not where you reside!"

Those two ideas stuck in my head. And I am seeing how absolutely true they both are! My business is taking off in ways I could never have imagined and it does not matter where I am, because I am the business, not the city I reside in. And God is faithful when you are faithful to Him. I am surrounded by super creative people and artistic projects ( in the past I was leary of moving home because I was afraid of living a "Vanilla-White-Rice" life as compared to what I had in NYC). And now that is anything but true....God has laced my life with creativity and fantastic people who I couldn't be more happy to collaborate and surround myself with.

I am so happy, so certain and so excited to be back home :-) I'll always remember New York, but the sun has set on that chapter...and of course the sun is still shining in Arizona...as is Blake Emery...

Oh Beautiful Barneys!

2009-10-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks my entire focus has been helping Cathy Jahnke with the grand opening of the east wing at Scottsdale Fashion Square. The east wing houses Barneys New York, a 6,000 sq foot H&M, Forever 21, a concept Banana Republic store, and Sam Fox's latest restaurant Modern Steak, among a slew of other stores.

Cathy came up with the concept "The Mannequin Is Our Muse" and we reached out to valley locals (designers, artists, architects, vendors, and merchants) to create mannequins. We ended up with 123 mannequins! Simon Doonan, creative director of Barneys did a mannequin, and we even had mannequins flown in from NYC and California artists. The Armani Exchange mannequin had to be flown to Milan for Mr. Armani's final approval!!!!!

I collaborated on a mannequin with my architect friend Bob Wilkinson. We used floor mats from the 99 cent store. There was a bit of controversy with our mannequin, but I'll save that for another post. She is now standing in my kitchen -- she is a bit freaky but I am pleased with our final product.

It took an insane of amount of work to get the project off the ground. But Cathy is amazing, and she always pulls out all the stops and it comes together quite grandly. During the grand opening weekend we had live entertainment, pedestal modeling, and a huge breakfast. I was at the mall everyday from sunrise until way past sunset. Besides just overseeing the mannequins we had to direct the entertainment and models. Valarie Schad, who also worked on the event, and I nicknamed all the male models "CMs" for Couger Meat, they were all quite delectable but probably at least 10 years our junior ;-)

Everybody kept asking what I thought of the new Barneys, and the event was such a circus that I barely had more than two minutes to whip through the store. I loved going to Barneys in NYC. Kealey and I once ran into Cameron Diaz at the NYC Barneys and she even stopped to chat with us. Going to that store was something that I always did with Brian. Brian and I would never miss the Barneys wharehouse sale. He would always hold my bag so I could dig for Prada platforms or Michael Kor boots. It was always a madhouse but we would come away so proud of our purchases. Sigh, I do miss that boy...

So yesterday Jaime , Marleigh, Blake and I went to the mall for brunch and shopping. I love the store! But then again I love well designed products and clever visual merchandise, and Barneys satisfies both those credentials.

And how can stairing at a pair of Christian Loubutins or Giuseppe Zanotti over-the-knee boots ever put you in a bad mood? Oh beautiful Barneys, I am glad you have come to Scottsdale...

My website is up and running

2009-10-19T14:32:00.000-07:00

www.jenniferpaigedesigns.com

Thanks to my fabulous sister! You rock!

Under Construction

2009-10-04T21:56:00.000-07:00

My website is currently down while my sister revamps it. It will hopefully be up by the end of this week. Sorry for the inconvenience.

To see my latest pictures go to my photographer's website and then email me if you interested in purchasing anything : jenniferpaigedesigns@gmail.com

www.buggphotographer.com,then go to clients and type in "jp designs" all lower case and with a space between jp and designs.

It's going to be all right...

2009-10-02T22:05:00.000-07:00

Jaime and I just got back from visiting Aunt Carol in Tucson. Aunt Carol had a ball showing off Blake to all her friends. And I really enjoyed visiting with the ladies, they were all sweethearts.

It is a beautiful drive through the desert, but emotionally it is probably one of the ugliest areas! We have not driven up I-10 since that fateful day almost ten years ago, we always take the Florence route, but still the drive weighs heavily on both of us.

I sat in the back to soothe little Blake. She was fussy and exhausted from not having a nap all day. Jaime put in Blake's "Baby Lullabies" CD. And then I was the one with tears in my eyes. I miss my mom. Blake is most the precious little gift, but it just does not seem right that my parents are not here to be a part of it.

I felt sick nauseous the rest of the ride home and it wasn't a physical thing, but a mental one.

My mother's last words before that horrendous moment when our SUV flipped was "It's going to be all right"....and yes it is....we have their legacy to carry on and a little baby girl Blake to be there for :-)

The Mannequin Is Our Muse

2009-09-29T07:43:00.001-07:00

Bits of My Imagination In The Form of Headbands

2009-09-27T22:23:00.001-07:00

Chills and a sense of pride

2009-09-25T20:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my former ASU marketing professor, Dr. Beth Walker (who is now the dean of the MBA program at the W.P. Carey School of Business) took me to the Spirit of Enterprise luncheon as her guest at the Biltmore.

The event honors entrepreneurs and small time business owners.

They began the ceremony with someone singing "God Bless the U.S.A". That song always gives me goose bumps!

My dad loved that song, so 1) it reminds me of him and his journey from Thailand to America to pursue his Masters degree in architecture and 2) it reminds me of every time I go through customs and they say "Welcome back to the USA."

I am not overly patriotic, but it does send a jolt of pride when I get in line behind the sign that says "Citizen". I have a lot of foreign friends and they often complain about the US and all its faults and the agonizing process of entering the US for extended periods without a VISA or Greencard.

And I agree America is far from perfect, and I am not one to think that this is the only place to live, but I have done a fair amount of traveling to both really nice countries and to some places that still operate in "third world states". And at the end of the day I am glad I live here and I feel honored and blessed by all that this country affords me. And no matter what "I LOVE THIS LAND, God Bless the USA"

Discounted Designer Threads

2009-09-25T20:18:00.000-07:00

Eek! I love a good find. I just googled the Sue Wong beaded dress I found at Last Chance, and it is selling at Neiman Marcus for $355! Needless to say I paid next to nothing for it!

I took my friends Jamie and Dee on Wednesday night. Dee found brand new Prada Suede Heels for $99, Jame found Seven Jeans for $29 and I nabbed a pair of camel-fur DVF heels )that are so Mad Men) for $69. AMAZING!

I love nice things but I love them even more via the bargain hunting method :-)

Pushing it to the edge

2009-09-16T20:58:00.001-07:00

Most girls are not daring enough to strut something like this on their head. I am sure the average girl would feel absolutely ridiculous walking down the street, especially if they were outside of NYC, Paris or Milan. However, what I love about fashion, is that eventually we will see a weak, watered-down version of these headpieces over time. Just watch -- Forever 21 will come up with a VERY TAMED down version. Or maybe Jennifer Paige Designs will draw inspiration and push the envelope a bit this next season and come up with a collection that is a big more daring.

Stream Line

2009-09-16T09:21:00.000-07:00

How does one person collect soo much stuff!!!???

I moved my items out of storage this past week and I have a ridiculous amount of items. And I have not even packed up my New York City apartment yet! Of course, prior to living in NYC I had a 1600 sq ft condo and most of what was in storage used to be housed in that condo, and there is also a lot of nostalgic leftovers from my parents, that I am not willing to part with, but still, oh my goodness this is too much clutter!

Putting things up on shelves just for the sake of "decorating" has never been my thing. I love the minimalistic look, and a piece of art has to really move me for me to want to display it. I am over all the knick-knacks and tacky collectibles. And going forward I want to stream line not only my decorating style but also my life. I want to declutter and weed out the unnecessary!

Whether it is situations and projects that I should NOT be involved in, to buying more than I need, I want to stream line it all.

Some Pictures From My Photo-Shoot

2009-09-04T12:53:00.000-07:00

She's in Control!

2009-08-26T23:20:00.000-07:00

I would rock these Rodarte boots in a heart beat! Love, love, love!

Creative Synergy

2009-08-25T04:37:00.000-07:00

On top of everything else that is going on, I am helping my old boss, Cathy Jahnke with Cjcommunications, with the grand opening of Barney's at Scottsdale Fashion Square in October. She purchased 150 mannequins and her concept is to have artists, designers and other imaginative types use the mannequins as their canvas and create something really spectacular. The event will be called "The Mannequin Is Our Muse".

The mannequins will be displayed through out Scottsdale Fashion Square, with the top 5 mannequins being auctioned off and the proceeds going to the Scottsdale Art Museum. Local celebrities will be the judge of the contest. Simon Doonan, creative director of Barney's, as well as installation artist Janice Leonard (AZ 88 and Bar 89) are both participating in creating a mannequin.

I am collaborating with my friend Bob Wilkinson who is an architect and we might even get to work with another architect Bill Tonnesen on the mannequin project.

I know NYC is a mecca of creativity, but everyday seems to bring more opportunities for some absolutely fabulous creative synergy right here in Arizona. I could sit and brainstorm with Bob for hours ideas on what to do with our mannequin. We are started experimenting last weekend with various ideas and art mediums. It felt like my soul was being artistically fed.

And then there is my photographer Ashley Bugg we got together yesterday to do still-life shots of my headbands. It is like Ashley is my creative kindred spirit. She totally understands my vision and her ideas are off the charts! Working with her is a pure delight! And I am totally bouncing off the wall with ideas, excitement and concepts when I am around Ashley.

Oprah's magazine "O" magazine contacted me about my headbands. And Ashley is going to help me put together a Look Book and Line Sheet for the magazine. I think our finished product will be pretty slick. And of course my mannequin with Bob is going to be out of control.

Creativity, I love it! It is my addiction and high...

Pieces of Creativity

2009-08-03T13:46:00.000-07:00

Last Monday I went to LA's garment district with Shannon. I was blown away by the array of supplies! They have everything! And in massive quantities! NYC's fabric/garment district is great, but everything is tight and cramped. LA's garment district pushed things to a whole other level. I felt like I was in the Costco of fabric, beads and ribbon. The district stretched for blocks upon blocks and I barely was able to scratch the surface.

But I did pick up a lot of new supplies. And I am excited to start experimenting and designing.

I really have found my passion and niche'!!!!

I could do this every weekend!

2009-07-25T22:11:00.000-07:00

Several years ago my sister invited me to a "Stamp It Up Party". We made all sorts of adorable hand-made cards. The gal that hosted it was named Ashley Bugg. Ashley is also a photographer.

When I told my sister I wanted to do a photo-shoot of my headbands while I was home, she suggested Ashley. I looked at her website and I was sold! She had exactly the type of look I wanted!

We chatted on the phone and it was as if she was inside my brain, she totally got my "vision" and what I wanted to accomplish with my photo-shoot.

I have some absolutely gorgeous friends, who fit the mold of the "Posh Prepster" so I asked them to be my models. They were thrilled and I figured since we were all friends it would be natural for the camera to pick up on our chemistry and bond. Editorial shoots can be amazing, but I did not want anything severe and stuffy. I wanted something playful and warm.

Ashley was spectacular to work with and we all had an absolute blast "playing models" and striking poses.

So thank you Erika, Jamie, Diana, Jaime and Kealey!!!!! And of course Ashley!

I could not have asked for a better day. Today is one of my best friend's birthday, Kealey, but it was such a great day, it felt like my birthday :-)

I can't wait to see the final pictures! In the mean time check out Ashley's work

Ohh Balmain, why do you have to design such fabulous things?

2009-07-19T21:08:00.000-07:00

Soo many shoe desires. I need to sell a lot of my headbands because there is always something new tempting me!!!!

The Adventure

2009-07-13T21:59:00.000-07:00

For the past two weeks "gems from heaven" keep dropping out of the sky for me.

My Monday began with several emails from Melky Jean (Wyclef's sister) personally thanking me for her birthday headbands and praising my designs, the NY Post came to the hair event at Henri Bendel and asked to photography my headbands, and then of course my most precious niece was born. It was killing me that I was in New York City doing my trunk shows while my sister was giving birth.

But blessings were being sent to both my sister and I, and when things are great, they are often AMAZING! And my little niece sure is amazing! She is beautiful, and perfect, and the most priceless gift!

However, listing all these great things is barely scraping the surface! I have been given the most incredible opportunities and it has all happened in less than a week! The chance to go global, and the chance to collaborate with two really big business ventures.

It is interesting because this year has not been 100% smooth sailing, but when I learned to let go of "the bad" and just focus on what is important and re-direct my energy, well, I feel that God has then opened up some amazing doors for me. Negative energy is never good for anyone or anything. It is toxic and life is too brief to get caught up in it.

The adventure is barely beginning, but I am excited to see what else is in store....Two of my all time favorite songs are 1) The Adventure by Angels and Airwaves & 2) About Midnight by Sarah Kelley -- both do a good job of explaining my life this past year...

Defining HOT

2009-07-13T21:44:00.000-07:00

I don't even need to explain it!

My roomates gave me gift cards to Manolo Blahnik a few years ago. It was a fabulous birthday present, but I am wondering if we could up the ante this year :-)

Uptown Chic, Downtown Diva

2009-07-11T21:28:00.001-07:00

I have so many stories I want to document from my trunk shows last week at Henri Bendel. It was quite the adventure and I met a slew of people, as well as some real "characters". For now, I 'll just post pictures...more of stories to come later....

signing off from Scottsdale for now...

Things Have Come Full Circle

2009-06-29T04:32:00.000-07:00

I started to reflect on my own "fashion-history-time-line", thinking about where things began and how far a long they have come.

Kelly and I used to go to French Connection at Keirland Commons in Scottsdale all the time in search of the perfect party dress or outfit for Axis Radius. Nicole, the manager of French Connection, had graduated from PRATT and was a trained fashion designer. We would always chat about fashion and New York City.

I was wanting to do something more creative with my career and I was toying with the idea of design school. Nicole suggested I take some of the fashion illustration classes she taught at Mesa Community College. That truly was the beginning of this current adventure.

The first night of Nicole's class, I met Evonne Bowling, the director of the fashion program at MCC. Evonne was handing out flyers promoting the New York Fashion Trip she does every May. She takes a group of students on a tour of the fashion industry -- you meet with designers, photographers, stylists, journalists. You name it, Evonne covers it. But mostly Evonne just shows you "Fashion" is not a pie in the sky/Hollywood dream. It is very attainable if you work hard enough and apply yourself.

And that is what I did. I applied to Parsons Fashion Marketing Program, all the while taking fashion classes at MCC. I took a history of fashion class, color theory, visual merchandising and 2D design. I met some incredible people a long on the way, one of whom is my current intern, Katie. Katie and I instantly hit it off, when we realized we would laugh at the same crazy things that seemed to be unfolding during class. One of these days Katie and I are going to write a book about all the "Characters" we seem to bump into, especially those in fashion.

One of our projects was to create a window display. My brand was "Juicy Couture". I bought a case of styrofoam cups from Costco and I had labels made with the Juicy logo. Then I got pink straws and tons of pink tulle. I stuck the cups to the wall, and lined the ceiling and the floor with the pink tulle and I made a poster that proclaimed "Juicy Couture quenches your thirst for fashion". Evonne suggested I look into visual merchandising, and I actually got paid to "dress" a window on Mill Ave in Tempe.

I did not go into visual merchandising, but in a way I guess I did. Creating and designing headbands is creating a visual for a live person versus a display.

Tomorrow is the start of Henri Bendel's Hair Atrium. I still can't get over the fact that I am selling at Henri Bendel. When I set out to do all this, Bendel's was a goal, but it seemed like the golden dream to actually get in! And that I got in, and now my merchandise is going to be on display!!!! In the 5th Ave window no less! It is all pretty amazing to me. All those trips to Keirland Commons, all those shopping sprees, well they paid off! I just wish I could get in a few more trips to Keirland Commons with Kelly, I hate that we are on exact opposite coasts. Dreams really do take you to far away places...