New Accessory Trends

Bigger is better when it comes to jewelry right now. Bib necklaces are all the rage. I especially like fiber art jewelry because it's warm and comfortable. Metal jewelry is so cold in the winter! brrrr

Street Chic

I'm loving the ways all of these outfits were pieced together. What's hot? mixed prints, funky stockings, larges scarves, vests

Don't forget to have fun with fashion. If you're not having fun, then what's the point? :)

Images from Elle

What do I want for Christmas?

The BOYFRIEND Blazer, of course!

I didn't pay much attention when i first heard the phrase "boyfriend blazer." I've been noticing it with a new 80s twist with rolled up sleeves. I absolutely adore it! The blazer has always been a must have in my closet. I love layering it with dresses, jeans and a shirt, etc. It adds a polished, yet carefree finish to any outfit.

NOTE: Macy's has a fairly inexpensive version $49.50 by Style & Co.

St. Lucia Day

December 13 was St. Lucia Day. I first heard of this day when I was a child reading my American Girl Kirsten books. It's a Swedish custom, the first born daughter puts on a white gown, wears a wreath with candles on her head and wakes her family with a tray of sweets before dawn. This tradition came about because December is the darkest time of the year and it is thought that Lucifer will come and get you on this night. So people celebrate St. Lucia by throwing parties and people sing and dance all night long. Another essential part of this day is baking St. Lucia buns! These buns have been on my mind for years. I always wanted to make them, so finally this year my mother and I baked them! The buns were so adorable (I never thought I'd describe a baked good this way, but they were!). It felt like Kirsten's story was coming to life in my kitchen. They were quite delicious too. Since you might have missed celebrating St. Lucia day I recommend baking the buns for Christmas.

Designing for the Changing Seasons

This was the first ad I designed to focus on a few different specials.

I designed some black friday ads. It was a challenge trying to get in the Christmas mode in early November, but I rose to the occasion. Thinking ahead seasonally is essential as a designer, so I'm getting used to it. Once you start thinking ahead it becomes exciting...looking forward to next season's events (ie: Right now I'm thinking spring and it's really helping me get through the winter). For inspiration I looked at trends in black friday ads, then I blasted some rockin' Christmas music. I thought about my favorite Christmas movies like the Polar Express. My favorite part about Christmas movies are how people come together as a community during this magical time. My design has a Disney-esque whimsical quality.

Can humans change?

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results” - Albert Einstein

Think about this quote for a moment. Do we really learn from our mistakes? or do we just imagine this is true until the same temptation looks us straight in the face and we buckle once again. How do you move on from mistakes and really learn from them? When I think about this quote I imagine Homer Simpson when he would step on the rake and it would hit his head, then he would continue to step on it. Doh! Doh! Doh! When do we ignolidge that hurt? How many times does it take? 5? 10? 20? 100? Why do we think it will be better this time? This time is different. We are all guilty of this with one thing or another.
Can we change?

Are the trends this winter for YOU?

***Fashion Trends for Autumn 2009 - Winter 2010*** thigh high boots, capes & cloaks, see-through clothing, leather, ripped jeans and military fashion

Trends of course are not meant for everybody. Trends, like art are supposed to be extreme and push the boundaries of how we think about the world around us. Trends pave the way of tomorrow.

When you're a teenager it's more acceptable to try all the trends...sometimes even in one outfit! oh my! As you get older you develop your own style; you have likes and dislikes from years of following trends (or avoiding trends). The key is analyzing the trends, understanding them and adding one element to your wardrobe to freshen things up.

Every woman should dress to compliment her own body shape and skin tone. I recommend the book Color Me Beautiful by Carole Jackson. Yes, it's from the 80's, but its lessons are timeless. The most important thing about personal fashion is it should make you feel good. What makes one woman feel confident and strong may make another woman feel miserable. Don't forget the phrase, "look good feel better." Take trends as a mere suggestion and follow your instincts.

Scarves Scarves Scarves

Our luxurious fabric shimmers and shines in every type of lighting. Each hand dyed velvet devore scarf is burned out with a unique pattern design. Our devore scarves are one of a kind wearable art.

Each scarf is made from individually designed motifs, burnt out by hand and hand dyed. The scarves look like luscious pieces of candy when finished, coming in an a glorious array of colors - blues, purples, oranges, yellows, greens, reds. NOTE: These scarves are not your typical commercial scarves; they're better!

Devore is french for devour. It occurs when sodium bisulphate is applied to the cloth, dried, then heated. The heat process causes the sodium bisulphate to eat away at the fabric, leaving the treated area transparent.

In the areas where the devore is burnt out the material is transparent. These scarves really play with lighting through its shimmery fabric and shear sexiness. Our scarves are currently sold online and in museum shops.

Visit our shoppe: http://ricerafferty.etsy.com

Notes from Heaven Hair Adornment

I've been getting into hair accessory design. Objects in stores are very commercial and I usually enjoy trying to find things that are unique. I'm now making the items I wish were out there. The above picture shows a new design with silk screened handwriting, silk, vintage jewelry and stitching. The item has a hair comb on the back and a pin. The inspiration for the piece was vintage hollywood. You can wear the adornment in different ways depending on the occasion and your mood. Please contact me if you're interested in having some made for your bridal party. They can be custom made with different colors, materials, etc. Our items are unique, one of a kind wearable art.


http://ricerafferty.etsy.com

Christmas Gift Show at Babeville

Are you looking for something special for your loved ones this Christmas? Say no to products Made in China! Support your local artists. Come visit our table at Babeville this Saturday. We are featuring devore & velvet scarves, mosaic crosses, and unique jewelry items.

http://www.buffalowomensgifts.com/festival.htm
Saturday Nov. 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Asbury Hall at Babeville (Ani DiFranco's venue formerly known as "The Church"),
341 Delaware Avenue (at West Tupper)

Elmwood Ave Trends

The fashion show Friday night was amazing. All of the models really shined in their Elmwood Clothing Trends. There were twice as many people as last year, so the popularity has really picked up. Janet Snyder even made an appearance. Now lets talk clothes...my favorite trends were the glamorous dresses depicted above. The gray dress on the left has a classic look with a modern twist because of the unique way the dress is bunched on the bottom. I believe these dresses were from Half & Half on Elmwood Ave in Buffalo, NY. There was an array of clothing this year from super glam to punker rock styles. Everyone at the show shined and they got our imaginations going on how to be creative with accessories this winter. Don't Forget: Shop Local.

Fall 09 Trends

Fashion

Mass Appeal Fashion Show 2009

Do you have clothes in your closet too glamorous for a dive bar and you can never find a place to wear them? Well, look no further! If you live in the Buffalo area and you're interested in something exciting to do this Friday, Nov. 6, 2009 come check out the show! Mass Appeal focuses on promoting Buffalo boutiques on Elmwood and local designers. Buffalo State students and professors help to put this fabulous show together. It's our little version of NY Fashion Week rolled into one exciting night. The show is held in the Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church which makes for an amazing fashion experience like no other. Hope to see you there! xoxo

http://www.foreverelmwood.org/index.php?src=events&srctype=profile&id=14811&PHPSESSID=35ab43c85990e836a50c6e5e0173f0e3

Is NEW Always Better?

Living in the United States in 2009 you face certain pressures as far as status quo. If you don't own the latest cell phone or ipod or drive the hippiest car you may be looked down by certain "friends." Computers and cameras are viewed as disposoble. The prices of computers have decreased greatly within the past several years, so if you have a problem with your computer it's cheaper to just buy a new one. (Does this disposable attitude extend to personal relationships as well.) With all of these disposable products i begin to picture our giant landfills becoming larger by the second. What's the point of all this? Our spending habits aren't even helping the economy anymore because of all the labor has been shipped overseas. So basically we're left with no jobs, no money, no friends and lots of garbage. Our thirst for spending is still intact like a vampire's thirst for fresh blood.

It's time to return to the simple life (no, not the Paris Hilton reality tv show). We need to find the things in life that truly make us happy not what the media tells us should make us happy. Turn off the tv, the computer, the ipod, and yes even the *gasp* cell phone and spend time with your friends and family, develop a hobby, or volunteer somewhere. You can't avoid shopping altoether obviously. It's the small things that count, so when you feel that hunger stop yourself from going to the cheapest places like Walmart or the Dollar Store and go to local shops around your community. Support your local restaurants, theaters, coffee shops, and artisans.

Fall is in the air

It's that time of year again when you feel that chill in the air and start to wear socks with your birkenstocks. Are you looking for more ways to keep warm? Well, you're in luck! I just opened my online accessory shoppe on etsy. All items are completely one of a kind made by me or Carol Ann. Right now we have a great selection of fall devore scarves to choose from! Have fun browsing!

http://ricerafferty.etsy.com

Patricia Field

I've been following Patricia Field's designs since she was the costume designer for the series Sex and the City. Patricia went on to work on such films as Confessions of a Shopaholic, Sex and the City (the movie), and The Devil Wears Prada. Her costume decisions for her characters are usually a unique combination of fabrics, colors, and textures. Her designs break the rules of matching accessories and clothing.

Cookies and Concerts

The weekend was very fun and productive. I made lots of jewelry and attended a Rusted Root concert at Niagara Falls. It was the perfect setting - waterfalls, concert, casino. I also made a new cookie recipe from scratch (that's right no following recipes for me...I've been baking for 13 years!) I baked chocolate cappuccino chip cookies.

Here's a song to help you relax and enjoy nature on this beautiful day.

"Amsterdam" by Peter Bjorn And John

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7GU3msz72I

I'VE BEEN BITTEN

Guess what? I finally saw the movie Twilight and I'm hooked. I know, I know...it took me long enough and yes I plan to read the book too. The film appeals to both men and women because of the balance of romance and action scenes. Twilight is action packed!

Vampire movies never really struck a chord with me until this one. I first heard of the novel Twilight on Sunday Morning about a year or so ago. Stephenie Meyer's story of how she wrote the novel is what interested me the most. Stephenie, a wife and a mother of three, woke up from a reoccurring dream of a teenage vampire falling in love with a human. She sat down and wrote the novel in one summer. The words just poured out of her.

Twilight had a Donnie Darko feel about it, since they both share the thriller, scifi, romance categories. The cinematography, music, and scenery were great. Washington state was an appropriate setting with its cold, wet, misty climate and lush vegetation. It added to the creepiness. The dialogue was simple, but it's mostly high school kids talking. At least it was more realistic than Dawson's Creek dialogue. I loved the actors. The chemistry between Bella and Edwards was amazing. The meadow scene was my favorite. The vampires jumping around and climbing trees was strange, but I guess they had to do something to make them different from humans.

I really wasn't really sure what to expect, but I now understand all the talk about Twilight. I'm one of those people now! I plan to read all the books. I saw the trailer for New Moon and it gave me actual chills. I can't remember the last trailer that caused that sort of reaction. Countdown to Nov. 20, 2009...

Saying Goodbye to the Turnpike Ride at Kennywood Park

I'm very sad to report the Turnpike Ride at Kennywood in Pittsburgh, Pa had its final ride (until further notice...it might be brought back).

I have the fondest memories of going to Kennywood Park every year in May. Spring was in the air, the sun was shining, school was almost out for the summer and I was making my way over the river and through the woods to Kennywood Park we go! One of the greatest things about Kennywood were the old rides they still maintain. The Turnpike was the first ride that would greet you as you entered Kennywood Park, so of course it was the first ride you would go on! My favorite rides were not the roller coasters or the rides that spin in circles; my favorites were the "laugh in the dark" rides, water rides, and the small car rides such as the Turnpike. While taking the wheel on the Turnpike it allowed me to transform from a small child to an adult. I imagined I was off far in the country driving on the highway. You could see other children proudly steering their cars with large smiles on their faces and laughing with joy as they drove their parents around the track. I hope we meet again Turnpike ride!

Stina Perrson

I'm sure you've seen the artwork of Stina Perrson. Stina's illustrations can be found everywhere from Print Magazine covers, Gap t-shirts, to album covers. Stina typically works in watercolour, cut paper, acrylic, and ink. Above are some of my favorite.

Grandma's Chocolate Ice Cream Soda

A favorite ice cream treat of mine is an old fashioned Chocolate Ice Cream Soda. My grandma would make me this special dessert for me when I was a kid. I remember observing how my grandma made the ice cream soda with special care. She made it with love. She would carefully drizzle chocolate syrup in the bottom of an old fashioned glass, scooped ice cream into the tall glass, pour carbonated water into glass until it reached the top. She added some whipped cream, more chocolate syrup, some crushed nuts and a cherry to top it off. I guarantee this treat will cool you off! Enjoy!

TGIF

"It's Friday night/And the mood is right/Gonna have some fun/Show you how it's done, TGIF.."

Ahhh childhood nostalgia. It was a time long ago...before reality television. Fridays remind me of the good old days. When TGIF meant more than a saying it was an event for children in the late 80s-90s.

If you didn't recognize the quote it's the theme song from the TGIF "Family Friendly" sitcom television lineup on ABC. The lineup consisted of 4 sitcoms 8pm-10pm. 20/20 aired following TGIF. This block ran 1988 - 2005. TGIF had its own branding of graphics and a theme song. The family friendly shows lineup was an ABC staple reminiscent from the 1950s (The Donna Reed Show, The Brady Bunch, Leave it to Beaver). The shows were wholesome, they brought the family together and just made you feel good. Over the years TGIF shows included: Full House, Family Matters, Step by Step, Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, Perfect Strangers, Dinosaurs, Baby Talk, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Boy Meets World, and Clueless.

Thinking about TGIF reminds me of hanging out in the basement of my old house, writing on the chalkboard, playing hangman, making forts out of pillows, playing dress up with my cat, sharing air popped popcorn and ginger ale with my grandma, grandpa, mom, dad, and brother. It was more than television. It was about enjoying the simple things in your life - FAMILY. These are the things we need to focus on now more than ever during this recession. I admit even to this day...I sometimes sneak and watch old Full House reruns. It calms me like a glass of milk or a cup of chicken noodle soup. For 30 minutes I can escape to another time...a calmer time. So tonight find a way to calm down, relax, and have fun the way we did during the TGIF days. Enjoy! KR

JEWELRY HAS GONE SOFT!

Recently, I've been getting into making jewelry. Most jewelry items I find in stores are very ordinary. Beads strung on a string...oh boy... When I buy something I want something unique. I'm looking for the WOWza reaction! I've been looking at trends in jewelry design at Urban Outfitters, Anthropology, and some artists on www.etsy.com. My trend board above depicts some of my findings. Jewelry has gone soft! Pieces of fabric are tied, braided or just hanging loose as the necklace. Another popular trend is going green by utilizing recycled items such as cork, newspaper, old t-shirts, and plastic bags. Some of my designs will be posted soon!

Package Design Inspiration

While researching some package designs for a project I came across the above images. The designs are targeted to children with the use of bright colors and playful illustrations. The bunny slippers are too cute. Do you think they come in a larger size?

while i was away...

Hello All! I'm sorry its been awhile since I've posted. I drove from New York State to Georgia and back. Everyone should do that drive sometime. We live in a beautiful country with such different landscapes, plant life, and animals. I saw alligators, turkeys, palm trees, spanish moss, oak trees, lakes, oceans, etc...

While I was away I read about the shooting in Pittsburgh, Pa, August 4, 2009 at an LA Fitness center in my old neighborhood. The gunman lived a few streets away from me. I rode the school bus past his house for years. This is the kind of stuff my grandma would have nightmares about. She was always watching the news and worrying about things...now I see for just reason! My prayers go out to the victims, their families, and the gunman. He was very disturbed and isolated. It's sad he didn't have anyone to turn to. We must reach out to people who look as though they're going through a difficult time.

On another note my favorite writer/director, John Hughes, died August 6, 2009. You may know his movies - Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink, Home Alone, Weird Science, The Breakfast Club and many others. I was looking forward to his future films. His films will be appreciated for generations to come. RIP

Why is every good show cancelled?

It seems as though anytime I like a new TV show it lasts for about a season or two and boom it's gone. I don't watch much TV, but I like to DVR some shows and watch them during some free time. No reality TV shows though! Most recently I've enjoyed Samantha Who and Kath & Kim. Christina Applegate did an amazing job with her role as Samantha. Her delivery of lines was hilarious! Both shows were funny and offbeat (just the way I like it). Over the past few years they've cut a few other favorites of mine: Men in Trees and Joan of Arcadia. I guess it comes down to money and if the stations aren't pulling in the numbers then it's time to cut quality shows. Sad but true... Well hopefully there will be a new show this fall I'll enjoy for a season.

AT THE CINEMA...

I'm very behind with my movies these days, so I thought I'd see what's hitting the theater soon. It looks like there's a lot of interesting films coming out. Coco Before Chanel looks good. I love her style in the film! I'm sure the Annie Hall look will be everywhere this fall!

http://www.apple.com/trailers/sony/cocobeforechanel/ I always enjoy biographical success stories. People who become famous usually say the struggle was the best part of their journey. I always find that interesting.

Julia & Julia also looks great! Meryl Streep is by far one of my favorite actresses. Where The Wild Things Are should also be good. I'm curious to see the costumes, the scenery, and how the book translates to film.

Kara's Rainy Summer 2009 Top 10 List!

LOVE THIS! http://www.thebargainqueen.com

We can't let the rain and cold stop us from enjoying summer. Summer is about more than the heat. It's a state of mind.

Check out my summer top 10 ways to enjoy summer 2009:

1. sunscreen - the smell of sunscreen just screams summer to me...it might be the fact that I'm so pale so i always had to lather up as a child (never go anywhere without it if you want to stay wrinkle free)

2. museums, summer concerts, food festivals - Don't let the rain stop you. Look on the bright side; the lines will be shorter.

3. waterproof mascara

4. rain-boots and umbrella (choose one with a fun print and bright colors)

5. flip flops - I just bought some Tiva's that I love! very comfy!

6. sundress with leggings

7. summer songs on the ipod (Miles Davis - Summertime, Go Go's - Vacation, Beach Boys - Surfin' USA, and new summer hits of 2009)

8. patio lamp (to stay warm while trying to enjoy these cool summer evenings!)

9. fruit picking (all the rain has made the fruit nice and plump)

10. vintage inspired swimsuit

Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer...

Since the summer isn't getting super hot I'm finding other ways to make the summer entertaining. Attending local festivals, fruit picking weekend getaways around New York State, music events, museums, and of course making more artwork and designs! Rain or shine make it a priority to make this summer a special one. Call up an old friend, make a new one, or just sit and enjoy a sunset.

Video - Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer - Nat King Cole http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uj76br_aLdQ

NEW! Packaging

Below are some new packaging designs. After researching existing packaging, I discovered products in clam shells that hang are best designed to showcase the product. Photos and text were designed as the background to make the product the focal point.

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