50 Shades of Blue

Good morning!  The summer weddings are wrapping up.  We're working with our autumn brides now.  For one of our very high fashion brides we're designing custom 1930's inspired hats for her bridesmaids - 50 Shades of Blue and a custom veil for the bride.  Her bridesmaids are wearing all custom dresses (by Anatomy) made from different fabrics she hand picked in the NYC fashion fabric district.  She wanted us to design mixed match hat's like a runway collection to coordinate with the bridesmaids dresses.  We designed each one emphasizing different sized flowers and fabrics with sequins, russian netting, tulle, and beautiful blue silk fabric.  Here's a sneak peek of the work in progress!

Click here to see our online shop and message us for custom designs!

Click here to see our online shop and message us for custom designs!

Flashback Friday - 80s Re Enactment

/// Flashback Friday ///

Rice Rafferty officially launched in 2009. Its initial origin began with Carol's ambitious sewing as a young woman.

Pictured here, Bushy Run Battlefield 1987 Ligonier, Pa (1750's French and Indian War Re enactment Group) - Carol made the clothing for the entire family.  Rice Rafferty's love of history continues with every design. 

Click the link below to learn more about Carol and Kara and their accessory company Rice Rafferty
www.ricerafferty.com

Some feathery inspiration

ooohhh la la...just a little Thursday night inspiration...I found this pic from the site http://www.homeofbeauties.com/amazing-sexy-hair-gorgeous-elegant-ny-great-transfiguration-photos/   and just drooled over how beautiful it is.  Have a good night ;-)

Dream a Little Dream

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.
Harriet Tubman

There's so much going on with Rice Rafferty accessories right now.  Two years ago this was all a dream.  A dream is a great place to begin and spending all of your free time working diligently on that dream can only help you get there.  We're finishing up the custom tutu order for our customer in the UK, working on sample details for the custom bridal veil order, prepping items for the bridal fashion photo shoot this weekend (so excited to see everyone again!), teaching a paper making class next weekend, and working on our new line for the fashion show in April.  Busy busy, but I love it!

xoxo

Light as a Feather

The big conceptual trend this year for fashion is birds.  I immediately think of the movie Black Swan with Natalie Portman.  Fashion accessories inspired by elegant birds is all the rage.  Feathery, airy looking material is the look we want.  Feathers are most commonly used in ballet/dancer costumes and wedding accessories/decor.  Imagine how graceful ballerinas look as they flutter across the stage on their point shoes.  Think of an exciting way to incorporate this trend.  Hair accessories, dresses, and scarves can all incorporate this idea to create a very chic look.

Happy Tuesday!!!

Do you have any regrets? I know I sure do.

We all have regrets. It's best not to dwell on them (which is very hard to do).  Instead, I'm trying to conquer my fears and regrets every day.  Maybe our regrets can be used as a blueprint for our future endeavors.

I have a few regrets from my childhood.  When I was five years old I took a dance/ballet class and quit only after a few lessons.  When we were dancing across the room the teacher saw I wasn't doing a dance move properly so she took me back across the room numerous times until I did it right.  I was extremely humiliated and honestly during a moment of humiliation my learning retention is very low.  I'm the type of person who prefers to make my mistakes privately and practice until I get it right.  My mom was really frustrated and disappointed I never went back.  I loved the dance/ballet clothing more than anything.  I was upset at myself for years because I never got to experience that magical world (I know it's not all pretty shoes and tutus, but I missed out on an experience).

Another regret was when I turned down the opportunity to be in a fashion show when I was a little girl.  My mom put on the fashion show for our church.  Right before I was supposed to go on the runway I decided not to.  I let the fear take over and once again I missed out.  I regret these experiences, but in another way I don't because turning them down taught me a few lessons.  Sometimes we need to do things that may make us a bit scared.  The temporary discomfort will soon pass and after we'll be filled with joy.  I DID IT!  I DID IT! 

My mom regretted not getting her art degree when she was younger, but in 2006 she graduated from college.  She has been accepted into numerous juried art shows and was the designer for a fashion show Runway 3.0. 

Throughout middle and high school I went to every single dance, I took every art class(which isn't easy exposing your emotions and getting critiques...believe it or not you get used to it), and studied art in college (I also inherited the love of art).  Recently I attended a salsa class AND I was one of the models in the Runway 3.0 Show.  It felt amazing to fix these mistakes by dealing with them in a new way today.  It definitely isn't easy to do things that scare us, but I just think back on the pain and disappointment I endured of not trying and it helps me to push myself harder and further.

By working on my business Rice Rafferty with my mom we're conquering our fears and we want to encourage other women to find their inner strength and conquer their fears too.  The dreamy vintage look of dance wear is a huge influence on Rice Rafferty accessories.

The photo at the top of this blog entry is of me.  I'm wearing a tulle trapeze dress with fiber optic lights and a feather hair accessory with ribbon and real pearls.  The hair accessory is great for bridal parties.  We can make custom items to match your color scheme.

www.ricerafferty.com
www.ricerafferty.etsy.com

Work or Play?

"You've achieved success in your field when you don't know whether what you're doing is work or play." --Warren Beatty

Friday night I was supposed to go out with my friend Kristen; however, plans fell through.  I sat down and decided I needed a chill session so I turned on the 2 hour Grey's Anatomy season finale from April that I missed.  Yes, it's now September, but this was great because now I don't have to wait months to see what happens next!  WOW.  I'm not so into tv these days, but it was riveting.  A shooter was in the hospital and a ton of our favorite characters were getting shot.  Grey's Anatomy always has an action packed season finale.  The story had me on the edge of my seat and it was heart felt.

After Grey's I put on a more calming Hallmark movie (my secret pleasure).  I looked around the studio and decided to make something (my hands must always keep busy).  My mother recently hand dyed a few yards of tulle bright oranges, pinks, and yellows.  I started making little rosettes and stitching beads and pearls for some new corsages.  It was just me...alone on a friday night and it felt damn good!  While playing with the tulle I got a flashback of my favorite movie when I was kid West Side Story.  I thought of the scene when Natalie Wood was dancing around in the seamstress clothing shop, her family owned, singing the song I Feel Pretty.  It feels like things are beginning to click and fall into place.  I'm doing what I'm supposed to do.  I'm on the right track!  Hours go by like minutes and I don't want to stop working.

The picture above is the tulle.  Aren't the colors delicious?  I had fun just playing around with it.  Have you ever noticed great ideas often occur when you're playing?  I suggest to make some time to play today.  What will you do?

Makeup is ART

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer 1 fl oz (30 ml)

I was browsing through the mall the other day when something stopped me dead in my tracks. SMASHBOX MAKEUP! The new ad campaign and styling is absolutely gorgeous! I love the look - Boho goddess hair and makeup!

Since the fashion show I find myself in makeup aisles more frequently. Makeup is truly an unappreciated art form. It can make or break a look. Makeup is also like a mask to help boost your confidence as you battle your way through the day.

Gina Doran Morrow was our makeup artist for RUNWAY 3.0 Fashion Show in Buffalo, NY. Gina brushed on theatrical eyeshadow in various shades of green and gold dust on our cheekbones and forehead. She helped to make us feel like the ultra feminine warriors that we are! Gina did makeup for 12 girls...twice (once for the morning show and again for the evening show)! If you're looking for some super cool makeup styling go to Gina! :)

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer 1 fl oz (30 ml)

Ultra Feminine Warriors

The show was a great learning experience and a fabulous celebration of women! :)

We were so proud to see our dresses come to life on such beautiful models on the runway. The line was made with the theme of armor with a feminine approach. Gaitors, gauntlets, hats and oversized tutus were constructed as a way to conceal and reveal - providing a glamorous protection, hence creating ULTRA FEMININE WARRIORS.

Did you notice some of the models are wearing our rice rafferty bib necklaces? Go to www.ricerafferty.etsy.com to order one now! Or check out our fan page for more pics from the show! http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/rice-rafferty/203899441756

Upcycled Rose Hair Adornment

***Unique, hand dyed silk adornment.*** Versatile - pin on your handbag, use hair comb and place in your hair or as a brooch. Wear as a cute cocktail hat for a night out!

* layers of silk

* Colors: blushing pink

* Measuring roughly 5-7" diameter

* Made in USA

* Note: This is a representative hair piece. This exact piece was purchased by a visitor to our studio. Each piece is unique and one of a kind.

All designs are handmade; each item is unique wearable art. The inspiration for this piece was old hollywood - flappers, vintage, pearls, weddings, elegance, glamour.

***Please contact us if you would like multiple hair adornments made for your bridesmaids. Each one is unique and one of a kind. You can choose other colors if you would like it for your bridal party or prom. We can make hair adornments with a comb, pin, clip or all three. Just ask!***

For more items look at our shoppe:
http://ricerafferty.etsy.com

RUNWAY 3.0 FASHION SHOW

The Buffalo State College Runway 3.0 Fashion Show will be held May 1, 2010. Carol Ann Rice Rafferty, an alum from Buffalo State and former professor, designed a line of hip, glamorous clothing for the show. The line is mix and match pieces full of rich, bright colors. Carol Ann's theme is - Ultra Feminine Warrior. The accessories are a collaboration from rice rafferty.

Above is one of the designs by Carol Ann - a white tutu dress.

For more information about the show and where to purchase tickets visit the blog below:
http://bscrunway.wordpress.com/

We'll see you at the show!

Runway 3.0 Fashion Show

Rice rafferty is proud to announce we're participating in the Runway 3.0 Fashion Show event May 1, 2010 in Buffalo, NY for Buffalo State College. We're so excited! Carol Ann Rice Rafferty is designing a line of clothing for the event. Both of us are collaborating on the accessories as well as the styling for the models. The theme of the fashion show is technology, so there will be lots of interesting designs (probably many are Lady Gaga inspired, of course!).

We hope to see you there!

2010 Upcycled Hair Adornment Headband - Nouveaux Antique Style - Silk Charmeuse

Looking for something special to wear? This handmade headband will bring all eyes on you. I wore one of these headbands out with some friends and everyone thought it was my birthday. The headband really made the night special. Whether it's a school dance, your birthday, a wedding, or an evening that needs a little something special this headband will help to make your night stand out. Hair accessories are all the rage right now (check out photos from New York fashion week). A hair clip or a headband is a great way to make your outfit unique.



***Unique, hand dyed silk adornment hairband*** Hand stitching, upcycled jewelry, vintage lace, bridal veil illusion. Perfect for weddings, proms, birthdays, or wear it when you just want to have fun! This accessory will surely make any event special.

* Colors: turquoise (the fashion color for 2010) silk flower, antique ivory lace, terra cota silk element, white bridal veil illusion

* Measuring roughly 7" wide 4.5" high

* Made in USA

All designs are handmade; each item is unique wearable art. The inspiration for this piece was old hollywood - flappers, vintage, pearls, weddings, elegance, glamour.

***Please contact us if you would like multiple hair adornments made for your bridesmaids. Each one is unique and one of a kind. You can choose other colors if you would like it for your bridal party or prom. We can make hair adornments with a comb, pin, clip or all three. Just ask!***

For more items look at our shoppe:
http://ricerafferty.etsy.com

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

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.