"Disneylamb" muscle tee courtesy of UNIF layered under Rick Owens cropped cardigan & my own DIY Vice Squad sleeveless hoodie; Zara cutoffs, Givenchy bag, Karen Walker sunglasses, gold leopard print creepers by Demonia.
UNIF recently shipped me a very generous care package (thank you, Eric and Christine!), and it included their "Disneylamb" shirt design. There has yet to be a UNIF piece on which I've laid my eyes and didn't adore.
Everything about their t-shirts is perfect: they're appropriately threadbare and distressed in a very authentic-looking way, they fit beautifully due to the thin [combed?] cotton, and their prints just straight up fucking rule. I love the hot pink of the pentagram against the white of the shirt, Mickey's inverted cross body, and how his hands are (I think) throwing the horns -- though his thumbs are out, so maybe he's sign language-ing "love" to us. Either way, I am buttfunky in love with this print.
I haven't owned a pair of creepers in 6+ years -- the last pair I had were white, thick-soled, and I had splattered red acrylic paint on them to make them look like I had been present at the scene of a gruesome homicide (or committed the homicide myself, since I thought I was such a badass with my green hair and 8 gauge septum ring) and they had been sprayed with blood. A ridiculous concept in retrospect, but they actually looked pretty cool. However, I was still primarily a Docs, Chucks, and Vans girl, so the bloody creepers were sold online.
However, when my husband and I were e-shopping for stage boots for him, I stumbled across these gold leopard print creepers, and fell in love. I don't have many flats that are appropriate for the winter or walking around in snow/sludge, and these were very reasonably priced, so I had to have them: the perfect hybrid of geek and gaud. They're by Demonia, and they also come in purple, red, and blue, for those of you who want a pair of these uglies to call your own..
I had mentioned on my Twitter, in response to some people who had asked me about the MeineLiebe project, that I made the decision awhile ago to respectfully withdrawal my association with the line. When I initially decided to launch my own line, I made a vow to myself that I would not rush production or take any short-cuts in the design process for the sake of saving time and/or money, compromise my vision or "settle for less" by using cheap materials for the sake of saving time and/or money, and most importantly, I would not try to sell an inferior design to customers at an outrageous markup. My mantra was and still is: no design is finalized unless I would wear it myself with pride on a regular basis. With all due respect, I just did not feel my partners at MeineLiebe and I had the same creative vision; therefore, I deferentially stepped out of the project, and am no longer associated with MeineLiebe.
However, my departure from the MeineLiebe line does not mean the end of RTW and accessories designing for me. A very gifted artist, who is a "think outside of the box" kind of individual, and I will be launching our own line, consisting of unisex RTW, jewelry and other accessories. We have only had a handful of meetings thus far, and already designs are going into production. My partner in this project and I have very similar creative visions, and witnessing them amalgamate and materialize into kick-ass designs is fulfilling and incredible beyond words. We hope to have our webshop up with pieces for sale around late March to mid-April. We do have a name for the line already, but I'll save that for the next post.
Ann Demeulemeester triple-lace boots, gifted Obesity & Speed "Even Death Can Die" t-shirt, Topshop knee-highs & garter, Zara cutoffs, vintage 1970s silk blend kimono, vintage Balenciaga sunglasses, Alexandra Cassaniti money bag w/ fur tail, Antti Asplund Block mirrored cross pendant, gifted sterling skull ring by Alberto Juan, Margiela matte black brass ring & cuff, gifted eye tooth/hair earring by L.S.D..
Late-term pregnancy + record-breaking heat = cutoffs and t-shirts, so I apologize for the delay in posting! Since the MeineLiebe inventory is coming very impressively into fruition (I've also been ridiculously busy with this) and I want to get a few good new posts in before I deliver baby boy, I thought I'd share my ensemble today ... I'm particularly excited about the jewelry.
This massive (and dangerously heavy) sterling skull ring by Alberto Juan is a true masterpiece in both craftsmanship and design alike; inspired by post-punk street style of the early '90s (and according to designer Bruce Snell, not to be taken too seriously -- just a tough, quirky statement piece), Alberto Juan has once again managed to produce a must-have accessory for any statement sterling enthusiasts like myself. This ring, though monstrously heavy and somewhat macabre, has a certain whimsy I can't quite put my finger on. I will, however, be putting this ring on my finger like, every day. It also comes in a 14k gold-plated version (which is just as striking) and can be purchased at the Alberto Juan webshop.
I absolutely adore this powder-coated "diamond" brass cuff/ring set by Margiela; so quirky & simplistic in its design, yet so unmistakably Margiela.
This 70s kimono was given to me by my mother-in-law and is a heavily rotated piece in my wardrobe. I'm such a sucker for poly/silk blend 70s apparel. It has such a lovely cut and is so functional in both summer and winter ... I thought it complemented my much-loved Ann D triple-lace boots very well (I was going to opt for a pair of purple satin Proenza Schouler slingbacks w/ sculpted heels instead -- I've yet to style these on the blog -- but they were a little "too much" paired with the kimono).
Thanks so much to everyone for your continued support in this joyous (albeit very hectic!) time in my and my husband's life; I vow to continue updating as often as possible, before and after our son arrives! Much love & have a wonderful weekend &hearts
Striped top from Nasty Gal, vintage red polka-dot silk blend blouse, Balenciaga boat wedges, Topshop thigh-highs, Zara cutoffs, mirrored XL cross pendant from Antti Asplund Block; gifted stag shield pendant, eye tooth/hair earring, and = pyramid ring by L.S.D. (Little Sister Designs), Gareth Pugh scythe ring, Jas M.B. leather tote.
It's hard to make an effort with clothing while over 7 months pregnant in 95 degree humidity, but I had a business meeting today, not to mention a few new pieces I wanted to share ..
A Finnish reader emailed me a link to the Antti Asplund webshop a couple of weeks ago, where I ordered the mirrored cross pendant. Such a beautifully designed, simple statement piece -- it's also very lightweight and not cumbersome whatsoever. For some reason the link to the webshop wasn't working for me tonight, but I remember this pendant comes in a variety of different colors. The mirrored one is good for lazy people like myself who don't want to rummage around in their bag for a compact mirror.
Victor Griffin gave my husband the red blouse on their last tour. Victor and his wife are great at finding amazing vintage pieces. I'm not sure who the designer is, but I love the "airbrushed" polka-dot effect and the ruffled sleeves. The lightweight silk blend fabric allows it to be worn in the heat without any discomfort. The Balenciaga kicks are from a couple of seasons ago. I don't get a ton of wear out of them due to the platform-to-heel ratio, but they're very versatile nonetheless, and still fall into my "must-have" category. Custom Ralph Lauren glasses.
I recently received the sterling stag shield pendant, the equals ring, and the eye tooth/hair earring from L.S.D. ... I so adore these pieces. They're completely appropriate to my style, yet simultaneously unexpected. The earring (not yet sold on the L.S.D. webshop) is a real bleached human eye tooth attached to a lock of brown hair ... creepy to some, but to creepy people like myself, more on the "voodoo-cool" side (the designer sent me the cutest note with it, reading: "if the hair kinks up a bit, just run a straightener through it").
When I first discovered L.S.D. (Little Sister Designs), a one-woman jewelry label out of New Zealand, I was immediately drawn to the dauntless sterling/metal statement pieces. The designs are what I would deem as "appropriately offensive" -- subtle enough that one takes a second glance as opposed to blatantly gawking. From the Area 51 knuckle duster (a massive two-finger ring with a sterling silver UFO atop a green "grass" disc) to the shield pendants/brooches (customers may choose from the stag head I wore in this post to a pair of kidneys, among many other designs), L.S.D. are quirky, brash, beautifully detailed, and vastly unlike anything else I had seen before. Seldom do I take such a liking to a line that I feel compelled to contact its founder, but I found myself immediately emailing Charlotte Burkhart, the designer behind L.S.D., after thoroughly perusing the webshop in its entirety. As it turned out, Charlotte is a total sweetheart; she was generous enough to send me the three beautiful pieces pictured here, and give me an interview focusing on the conception of the line and what motivates her to create such striking designs.
1. How long have you been making jewelry and when did you launch Little Sister Designs?
I started making jewelry when I was about 10 (11 years ago). In the past year I have only started making things I actually love and treasure. It has taken a while for me to get to that place. I changed the name of Little Sister Jewellery to L.S.D (little sister designs) at the beginning of the year.
2. What prompted you to call your label LSD? What is the significance behind the name, if there is any?
It used to be called Little Sister Jewelry, but it never felt edgy enough. The reason I called it Little Sister is because I am the little sister of the family, my fav song was called "Little Sister" by Queens of the stone age, and it just sounded cool. But as my work progressed I felt it grew away from Little Sister. I was contemplating changing the name when my sister said "Why don't You call it LSD??" Short for Little sister designs... it just felt right. It still had elements of the name I love.
Sterling silver "shields" by L.S.D.
3. From where do you draw inspiration for your designs?
I have a strong attachment to pop culture, and draw inspiration from different movies, t.v programs, and symbols. At the moment my jewelry is heavily influenced by the fantasy world of Harry Potter, and elements of True Blood, Star Trek (haha), Rocky Horror Picture show and Dexter. I love the quirky and gloomy side of jewelry but with added humour.
4. Describe the process, both creative and manual, involved in producing such striking statement pieces.
I do a lot of research and planning for most of my work. Lots of drawings help to finalise ideas. Sometimes I just get random ideas and draw them down and come back to them months later. I just think you need to draw or write things down, no matter where you are, or you will forget them. When I have drawn several versions of what I want to make, I will settle on one and photocopy it so i have a few templates to work with.
5. On what type of person do you picture Little Sister Designs being worn?
I can see people with an edgy style wearing my pieces. A lot of my jewelry can be worn by male or female, and I hope men realize that. My dad rocks the shield brooches!
6. Which is/was your favorite LSD piece and why?
It's hard to say as i am continually making pieces I love (not to sound up myself or anything, I just think if you don't like what you make, what's the point?). I would have to say my favorite piece I have made is probably the stag shield, or my eye tooth earrings. I also love my space ship rings.
7. What was the biggest challenge or obstacle you faced at any point in time involving LSD? How did you deal with it?
I haven't been doing this full time for very long so I haven't faced many obstacles, but at the moment I would probably say the need to prove to people that I want to be successful with my jewelry, and it isn't just a hobby for me; it's my life. And I love what I do. I think I am slowly proving that by being totally committed to what I do.
8. If you could choose anyone in the world to wear one of your pieces, who would it be and what piece would you choose?
Oh man that is such a hard choice. I would probably have to choose two! for artistic sake and for advertising's sake I would have to say Lady Gaga, and my area 51 ring (not that i am a fan or anything, but her style is pretty cool!). And for my own personal satisfaction I would want to see J.K. Rowling wearing my Stag Brooch or necklace. I would be the happiest girl in the world, as she is a real inspiration to me.
9. Who is your favorite independent jewelry designer right now whose work you feel is underexposed and under appreciated? Which jewelry designer do you feel is totally overrated?
My favorite independent jewellery designer at the moment is Margaux Lange. She makes the most amazing jewellery out of Barbie dolls! At the moment I am in love with jewellery and items from beetle and flor, i am not sure if they are under exposed but I think they deserve more fame! I am not sure which jewellery designer I see to be over rated, but I know I am REALLY OVER acrylic laser cut jewellery. I find it really plain and lacking elements of coolness. Its too one dimensional!
10. Where do you see LSD two years from now?
I would love to see my jewellery in stores around the world, as well as my home land New Zealand. Of courseIi want it to do well but I also want it to always have the one off, hand made feel - unlike mass-produced jewellery. It would just make me so happy if I can make things people love and treasure.
Vintage Hendrix Experience shirt, Zara denim cutoffs, Miu Miu halter clogs, Margiela canvas bag, various accessories.
I won this Forever 21 cross ring from Closet Obsessions ... since they're now going for like $100 on eBay and I missed out when F21 first started selling them, I was so stoked to win! Neighboring rings: Pamela Love cross, custom or vintage sterling silver designs; Ray Ban sunglasses.
Since Bobby (who is responsible for all of the photography on this blog) is on tour, JF graciously agreed to snap some photos for me at the park today. We had a lot of fun!
I really can't get enough of these Miu Mius. They're very comfortable and look so good with everything. I wore them the other day while visiting my mom, and her eyes almost popped out of her head when she saw what I was walking in while pregnant. I swear they're a breeze!
I really love this bag. That shade of teal is one of my favorites, and I dig the black airbrushed effect. It holds a lot of shit and the shoulder strap is really comfortable as well.
I got this super soft vintage shirt on the cheap from eBay ... I love the full color print, and obviously I love the Experience.
My new F21 cross ring, custom sterling silver wire skull ring, vintage onyx/sterling ring.
JF is one of the dearest, most special people in my life. We have been very close for about seven years. You don't find a lot of people in this world like Josh. Thank you JF for helping me out today. &hearts
I'll soon be hosting a giveaway for an incredible custom piece by Summer Adeline Jewelry, which normally retails at around $300. In the meantime, check out her site to get a little taste of what you're in for. Her creations are truly remarkable.
My outfit today was pretty boring since the heat has prevented me from wearing anything out of the ordinary ... but it sure as shit couldn't prevent me from wearing these spectacular vintage David Ackerman leopard print boots.
Worn with Sham 69 t-shirt, Zara cutoffs, Jas M.B. leather clutch/belt, custom Ray Ban aviators, Chanel ivory cocktail ring & other custom sterling accessories.
Born in 1972, these boots were a crazy good eBay score I managed to snag for a very reasonable price. I don't know too much about David Ackerman or if he designed anything other than footwear, but when I saw these I fell in love. The platform-to-heel ratio makes for a very comfortable walk, too. This style of shoe would be a good choice for someone just starting to learn how to walk in heels; it doesn't look like it, but it's pretty much impossible to trip in these.
The craftsmanship on these boots is incredible. The leather is all hand-stitched and the interior of the shaft is fully-lined and printed with this weird 70s motif. The zippers and other hardware are of superior quality. The soles are stamped "David Ackerman, Paris." If anyone has additional info on this designer, I'd love to hear it!
I wonder who was the original owner of these beauties back in the early 70s ... ?
I just recently dug up this old Motorhead necklace from my jewelry junk pile. The pendant I purchased on eBay many years ago, and the steel chains I found at some thrift shop around the same time. Pros: a neat conversation-inducing statement piece. Cons: the pendant isn't double-sided, so it constantly needs to be flipped over. Oh well! I'd also like to reiterate with the same disclaimer I posted yesterday that I, my husband, his colleagues and his friends do not endorse any anti-Christian ideals; the earring was simply a gift.
JF came over yesterday to pick up my hair clippers, and he brought over a bunch of his old t-shirts for me since a lot of mine no longer fit. Thank you, Josh &hearts This Sham 69 one I think I might've given him for Christmas 5-6 years ago. Obviously then it wasn't worn thin and full of holes, but that's the way I've always liked my t-shirts, anyway.
Red lipstick totally changes the look of one's face, huh? I personally prefer without, but I felt the boots called for something similarly garish.
This Jas M.B. bag is an extremely multi-functional piece; the strap can be removed for it to be carried as a clutch, or left on and you have the option to wear it in your belt buckles. The latter utilization came very much in handy the last few days on tour, when I had to work merch and needed someplace to store the cash. Like all other Jas M.B. leather products, you get a lot of bang for your buck.
Even though they're SO not seasonally-appropriate, you'll be seeing these again very soon.
Sham 69 on Top of the Pops performing "Angels With Dirty Faces" from the 1978 That's Life LP. "Angels With Dirty Faces" reached #19 on the UK singles chart that year; an unusual feat for a punk band of that era.
I'm planning a custom jewelry giveaway for this week with potential for two different winners, so keep checking back .. and as always, thank you for all of the continued support. xo
