Behind the scenes: Colette Patterns photo shoot

On Monday at The Cleaners there was a photo shoot for Colette Patterns, and I was lucky enough to be there assisting and documenting. From the prop stylist to models to photographer - it was amazing to see everyone working together to make the shoot fun and stress free. 

Mark Twain on friends and ambitions.

(via lisa)

Down in the Schoolyard

Anja and I spent Sunday afternoon shooting sweet back to school photos for Starr's blog, A Thought is the Blossom. We picnicked at a nearby moss covered school yard, brushed up on our vintage literature and enjoyed the sunshine and blue sky before autumn really sets in. I was in heaven every moment wearing this gorgeous 1930's organza dress, and if you've noticed the thirties theme going on over here this week, this dress is to blame! Check out the rest of Anja's post and even more photos here.

dreamin'

Desperately wishing I could afford a 1930's dress collection...

clockwise from the top: 1 2 3 4 5 6 

1 2 3 4 5 

thirties.

I had the pleasure of trying on a few 1930's dresses at Anja's house yesterday, including this one that she bought at the Antique Expo. I can't stop thinking of the luxurious silk and rayon fabrics and the flattering cut of 1930's era clothing. Perfection.

(source)

Here's a few characteristics I've noted, which may seem obvious, but will be on my mind while sewing and thrifting from now on:

• calf length, slightly flared skirts
• ultra thin, lightweight cottons
• silk and rayon
• fabric panels
• exaggerated shoulders

Feel free to help me add to the list!

clevernettle + lalouka

Anja and I recently had a little photo shoot with a few darling Lalouka pieces. Click here for more photos and the scoop behind these vintage inspired garments! 

Please Protest Ringling Bros Circus

Last night I asked Alex if he would attend a protest against Ringling Bros, and learned that he hadn't seen the photos of elephant and tiger abuse or watched the video of trainers referring to an elephant as a "fat ass" while whipping and striking them with unbreakable bullhooks. I urged him to watch, view, and read former Ringling Brothers trainer, Sam Haddock's disturbing account of the abuse he himself inflicted upon circus animals.

It occurred to me that if Alex, the one person who consistently reads my blog day after day, didn't click through to the links I provided earlier this week, then many of you may not have. I sat up with him late last night reading Sam Haddock's story again. And again, my heart is broken into a million pieces. I know the circus is only one of many money hungry corporations that abuse animals and lie about it, but by joining in on the protest at Portland's Rose Garden Arena, I will stand up for what is right and ethical, and I won't allow myself to take solace in ignorance.

I am urging you to repost this video and these photos and provide links to Ringling Bros Beat Animals to your blog, facebook, and twitter. If you do so, please tell me and I'll send you a handmade token of my appreciation. 

Alex and I will be protesting this weekend. If you are interested in standing up for animals brutally beaten and confined, please join us. You don't have to go alone, send me an e-mail and we can arrange to meet up. 

These protests are intended to be peaceful and educational. 

Here is the meet up info from the group In Defense of Animals:

"We will meet on the south side of the Rose Garden Arena, near NE Multnomah St. Street. If taking TriMet, your destination will be the Rose Quarter Transit Center. Meeting times are as follows:

Friday, September 3, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 4, 1 p.m.

Saturday, September 4, 5 p.m.

Sunday, September 5, 12 p.m.

Signs and literature will be provided - we just need you to be there!"

Moving Pictures

Documentaries are my favorite form of moving pictures. While most of the movies on Netflix Instant Queue are crappy, I can always count on the documentaries for a good time. Here are a few engaging and informative films that I recommend (all of which are available online if you're a Netflix subscriber, or if you're like me and your best friend's mom is sweet enough to share the netflix instant queue love)...

1. This American Life

2. Born Into Brothels

3. Beautiful Losers

4. Food Inc.

5. The Business of Being Born

6. Herb and Dorothy