heysusy

PURE VISION {maditi photography}

I need to take some photos of my own work today and am just about to get started to capture the best light in this apartment. But first, I wanted to post about the lovely work of maditi, who although she doesn't provide a great deal of information about herself...produces work that speaks volumes about her life and thoughts.

I am most in love with her beautiful interior shots, and polaroids. Although her nature shots and medium format photos are incredible too...the indoor work has a soft, observant quality that I think is really unique. For her extended body of work, take a visit over to her flickr page, where she has a bunch of delicious photo sets to peruse through. I'm hoping that she re-instates selling her sweet sets of polaroid postcards, which I found images of, but no way to purchase. 

maditi also curates a gorgeous photo blog called maditi likes. which is a real treat, with frequent links to other talented photographers' portfolios.

Enjoy! Sunny images for a sunny day!

EYE CANDY {prolific poetry}

For those of you who didn't read last Friday's post, I'm a little busier than usual this week...working on getting ready for the Stationery Show here in NYC, and, I'll be going to Las Vegas on Thursday. So, I'll be posting about single topics, artists and must-sees, not large lists of inspirations as I have been. Many times, my posts take a really long time to pull together- so, in the attempt to streamline, at least for the time being I'm going to try and post my finds more often, but with simpler, more direct subjects. I'm looking forward to it!

I couldn't pass up taking a little break and wandering around on ATMOSTHEORY, the website of the prolific, philosophical explorative and playful artist, illustrator and typographer Christopher David Ryan, who is also the creator of the daydreamy and simply sweet Sleepyheads. I came across his work on one of my absolute favorite sites; FFFOUND.

I absolutely adore the retro style of his typographic work...but,  beyond that, I appreciate that his subject matter seems to meander wherever his subconscious wanders. Phrases, shapes, colors...drifting in and out of view.

Anyway, many of his posters and prints are available for sale at his shop, MY LITTLE UNDERGROUND. And also very worth checking out is his visual blog which runs on a simple monthly scrolling format, so you can look back at his catalog of recent work.

LOOKING FORWARD TO {next week}

Next week, I will be pretty busy updating the SusyJack* website, labelling postcards that are going out to potential buyers at the National Stationery Show, making pencil cups, binding books, and assembling greeting card packs...pulling together pricelists, taking photos, updating the shop, and all other things SusyJack*.

I'm really looking forward to it, and just got the great news yesterday that I've been selected to be featured in Stationery Trends magazine as an up and coming designer! About a month ago, I heard they were looking to feature someone who was going to be at NSS...so I sent my details. I'm thrilled-- I could not ask for better advertising.

Anyway, It's time to get cracking. There's lots to do, but I'm looking forward to it greatly. I hope you enjoy these few, beginning photos-- just playing around with my camera, a few new desktop notebooks, and a cool background to see what happens. This is my favorite part...well, one of my favorites, pulling it all together and polishing it up.

Enjoy your weekends, all...and to everyone that visited HS* this week and partook (is that a word?) in my own personal fashion week, a big, lovin' thank you from me.

FASHION WEEK {inspired trends}

Well, what started out as a week where I was going to pick reasonable, functional items that I could afford has quickly degenerated into a visual splurge of picks that I would have to rob a bank to buy. Oh well!

It was hard to post anything dress related today, because of yesterday's post. Seriously, those Alexander McQueen dresses are the MOST. But, I soldier on...

Above, three hot trends that I like right now-- just for fun...not the most practical things, but, perhaps they will work their way into some of my pattern designs for the next collection! I particularly love the trend I'm dubbing 'Tribal Deco'. Loving the theatrical-meets classical-muse-inspired themes of the top three picks...especially the playful partial-lace overlay in Philip Lim's dress...and the freeform playfulness of the second row.

These dresses, and many, many more can be found at Brown's. and net-a-porter, where a bunch of new styles have just arrived. And what I love most about Brown's  and net-a-porter is that the dresses are shown off the model...so they're easy to appreciate as objects. Nice to keep in mind when I hit Filene's Basement or Century 21.

Other really fun places to look for style ideas online are edress me, Nordstrom, shopbop, and eluxury...

Okay duckies, enjoy your day...I'm off to work!   

BEST DRESSED {standout}

I had envisioned a long, detailed post about various dresses I've been saving to show, today. But how can I put *them* up when *these* exist??

I had to take a pause just to gaze upon these. So many things look the same...and it's hard to make new ideas work well. I have to take a second and dedicate a post to these dresses by Alexander McQueen which are the first really new thing I've seen in dresses for a while. The simple idea that structure, tailoring, and one bold move can make a work of art out of a piece of fabric. The art of the dress.

Anyway, I'll be back later on with the post I had intended for today...dresses galore! But, I really felt these needed to be in their own, special, separate, superior place.   

NO LOGO {spring bag picks}

Design: Function. Fashion.
I will NEVER wear a logo bag. No monograms. No big, brassy brand names. In my opinion, nothing makes one look poorer or trashier. So, I'm happy that trend seems to be going the way of all things in favor of a concentration on more contemporary and thoughtful takes on classic shapes and materials. If I'm spending..investing, in a bag, I want quality and design. Wallpaper of a logo isn't design. It's frill.

I'm happy also to see that designers are really embracing the idea that a woman's bag can be functional as well as beautiful. Above...some handbags that are great takes on classic ideas...shapes that take their cues from the material they are made of. Graceful. Natural. Feminine.

One Bag, Two Bags...Red Bag? Blue Bag?
In the spirit of simplicity and frugality, I only have 2 handbags. A dark, pebbled copper colored shoulder bag, and a black, amorphous shoulder bag. Then, assorted vintage/used clutches for formal occasions. That being the case, my bags need to have some staying power both quality-wise and style-wise. It's a tough bill to fill. While there are lots of great bags out there, for a long time, they simply weren't versatile enough.

Kooba / I love everything this company has to offer. Great color, great shapes.
Hayden Harnett / Great Bags. Great Color. Anthropologie stocks some of their designs.
Isabella Fiore / Incredible, Classic woven textures and embellishment. Tough. Romantic.
Derek Lam / Combining function with beauty on an ongoing basis. And tassels...you gotta love the tassels.
Lauren Merkin / Colorful, minimalist bags with an easy to browse website.
Kenneth Cole /  I always love Kenneth. Easy to use. Affordable. Body Conscious. Edgy.
HYPE / an incredibly fun website...love their fun, pebbled leather bags!
HOBO / highly recommended. I love their emphasis on bags created BY women FOR women.
Giorgio Brato / great bags...useful...slouchy...comfortable...chic! Italian leather...mmm.
Fendi / Guilty pleasures...but  eluxury is where I like to go when I want to drool for a while. 

More recommendations:
Banana Republic / great sale items happen here. My copper bag is BR and  after 4 years...it still holds up.
Bag Borrow or Steal / Formerly the domain of only seriously neurotic fashionistas, this option is looking better and better to me, knowing what I know about our economy....and my personal bag deprivation.

IRRESISTABILITY {bulletin!}

I know...It's fashion week. And I only post once a day. But for these little sweeties...I HAD to break the rules! These are created by the talented Elsita of Etsy Fame..I don't think she sells these...but they are on view at her flickr gallery.

I don't know...but I have a feeling that if these got enough press...Elsita *might* get a book deal. Any takers....Chronicle? Anyone??

I know I'm about to send an email their way...I think Elsita's flower children need a book deal.

SPRING BLING {jewelry trends + finds}

Hello! I hope you all had fun weekends! Anyway...I'm back with the first accessory installment of Fashion Week...Accessories Part 2 is right around the corner...I hope you'll enjoy.

Trend: Loving the trend of beading and cord, rope...texture...fabric! And these picks were chosen because they have a sort of timeless, bohemian, exoticism that I think is perfect for summer...but also carries well into fall.

Bigger is Better: I love wearing jewelry that feels like it came from another time...chunky...quality...dark metals and bright beads and stones. And, being that I can't afford really fancy clothes, I love wearing big jewelry...and when it's a natural shade, one that feels like it's been worn before, all the better. Nothing is better for sprucing up a tshirt, jeans, and sandals than a giant bracelet, long necklace, or an intense pair of earrings.

Antique Roadshow: I'll never be the sort of person who wears bright silver or gold...I prefer a patina. It makes things more wearable day to day. And, since I like big jewelry, wearing an antiqued shade helps me pull it off and not look like Mr T. Sorry, T...but, my posture won't abide all that bling.

And, while I can't exactly afford much of what is up here, it will definitely inspire my while I'm tooling around Claire's, Forever21 and Rainbow looking for some flavor for my fashion. I'm not going to give exact links here...because each of the places I found these items is really fun to browse. So...I'll just list them out here...Designers First.

Definitely worth a visit: Subversive Jewelry. An incredible collection inspired by nouveau lines and design...Beautiful stuff.
Also...don't forget the Etsians. If you like Subversive, then check out Mme. Fortuna's and another one of my absolute favorite jewelry sellers, NEA. Also worth a visit is  Marni which has the best Bracelets and also Necklaces

More to see:
Forever 21: In my opinion, the best place to buy VERY cheap jewelry that mimics what's on the runway.
Urban Outfitters: Is where I go when I want things that are more rock and roll-- thinner necklaces with feathers and beads...
French Connection: Has some really great items...although in my opinion...they're pretty expensive for what they are.
Net A Porter and Vivre are where I go when I want to find the latest in jewelry. Vivre especially...Eva has a great eye.
 

FASHION WEEK! {spring shoe picks}

Okay! I'm kicking off HeySusy* fashion week with the item that most inspires my style of dress...shoes in some of my favorite and most versatile bright colors.

This spring, since I really can't spend a great deal of money. I am going to spruce up my wardrobe, and I need to do so strategically. This means buying classics (a great pair of jeans, simple shirts or dresses) and pairing them up with items that will make everything pop.

I am in love with all of the shoe colors out there, but at the end of the day, I'm probably going to have to limit myself to one earthtone or neutral pair, and one pair with color, two if I can swing it. And, they have to be wearable; when you live in a walkable city, pounding the pavement is a part of life. Loving the details on these picks...I like the idea of pairing a more detailed shoe or accessory with a very simple outfit

FRYE has a great spring collection. Their shoes are comfortable, cute and quality.
PUMA has finally caught on to adding a retro, new wave style to their sneaks. (These are men's and only $50)
Couldn't resist adding these Givenchy yellow rubber shoes...but I bet these go against the Blister Mandate.
Cute Colorful and Patterned Flats abound at Anthropologie (which reminds me....when does Anthro start paying bloggers for all these mentions??)
And Dolce Vita makes these peep-toe maryjane combos in a rainbow of cute colors.
Chunky heels by Tahari...peacock blue goes with anything!
A light and pretty metallic sandal looks great with jeans or a dress. I love the comfortable look of Colonial Madness' tie sandals and the mod detail and generous coverage of  Steve Madden's Kenya sandal.

More in store...cutout details, great fabrics and eyecatching details. Whoever is doing the shoe buying at Nordstrom this spring is covering all the right bases.

Tomorrows post...Accessories: Part I. Jewelry....yipee!

SNEAK PEEK {better late than never...}

I hope you'll accept my apologies for being SO late with a post. I have been down for the count with a combination of allergies and deadlines. It could be I'm allergic to deadlines...but for the time being I'm going to assume it's pollen. I am building files to release to the printer and it's taking a while...checking, double checking and triple checking that I have it all together. But enough technical talk...on with the next series of posts!

Anyway, If you are anything like me, every spring, you might take a hearty look at your wardrobe and realize that all of your warm-weather clothes are trashed. That's what I'm feeling right now...and while I should be looking forward to warmer weather, I can't say I am in the fashion sense.

So, this growing malaise with my wardrobe situation has inspired heysusy* fashion week.

I'll be taking today and Wednesday off, but on Thursday...and for 4 more days after that, Fashion Week begins.  I'll be scouring the land for items that will breathe new life into my flagging spring wardrobe.

I'll be dividing the posts up into footwear, accessories, jewelry, dresses and separates, and my goal is to showcase items that are actually wearable, affordable, fun, classic and versatile Knowing my penchant for bright colors and even brighter patterns...we'll see about that. But...I'm going to give it my best!

xo for now...and more soon. sus.