Wear Your Black and Gold With Style

Are you a huge fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers?  Do you love black and gold?  Do you want something that will add a little bling?  This is the hair accessory for you.

I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA and I'm quite aware of the strong support for Pittsburgh teams.  I remember hearing the song "Here we go Steelers, Here we go, Pittsburgh's going to the Super Bowl."  In grade school we were asked to wear black and gold to show our Steelers support so I wore all black - black leggings and black top with a gold chain, of course.  I always liked a little bling.  The accessory above is made from up cycled jewelry, lace, mesh glitter gold netting, and hand dyed yellow tulle.  The accessory is great for weddings, proms, homecomings, birthdays, dance costumes, parties, or any other special occasion.
Check it out here www.ricerafferty.etsy.com

I remember singing a song in grade school "Pittsburgh...a smokey old town, Pittsburgh."  It's hard to believe Pittsburgh was once a steel town full of smoke and now it's grown to be a health care center, fashion haven, Super Bowl Champions and ideal site for major film productions.  It's a city that shows old industrial towns how to turn a depressed economy around.  The city is full of top companies now - like Google, Dick's Sporting Goods, American Eagle, and Modcloth.

I love success stories!  They inspire me to think outside the box and imagine the impossible.

Rice Rafferty Accessories November 2010 Photo Shoot

Our Rice Rafferty photo shoot with the photographer Jessica Elizabeth was amazing.  It was a magical day.  Our fashion stylist Liz Szeluga found inspiration from the JCrew 2010 Lookbook, Marc Jacobs Spring 2011, Alexander McQueen 2010, Ecco Eco, and Confetti System.  Liz was my right hand person helping with hair ideas, makeup, inventory, organization, and style ideas. We decided to go with a blood orange matte lipstick - Revlon, and natural looking eyes with minimal makeup.  We wanted the look to have a vintage flare with a modern twist to work with our accessories.  Rice Rafferty accessories are inspired by dancer/ballet clothing, old hollywood glam, and current influences. 

The day started off with a flat tire and my makeup artist who sadly canceled (because her son was sick) and ended with magic.  The photo shoot was a complete success and that's what happens when you have a hard working, creative, and passionate team.  Liz Szeluga and I started the day by getting everyone's makeup ready.  Once everyone had the uniform blood orange lips we were ready for hair.  For the hair I wanted a soft, romantic look.  Carolyn Holmes Harbison, a hair stylist and makeup artist, came prepped with every hair styling and makeup tool one could imagine.  Carolyn's hairstyles included a soft braided up-do, a bun, long soft curls with braids pulled to one side, and soft curls with bangs framing the models face beautifully.  Carolyn nailed the look!

One by one we got models prepped and they were ready to accessorize.  Liz helped me dress and style the models.  It was a great time intuitively coming up with color combinations and deciding which scarf with which necklace or hair piece.  One of my favorite looks was the lace on lace.  I also love the combination of the bib necklace and a devore scarf.  Rice rafferty accessories are so interchangeable.  We brought hand dyed devore scarves, long and short tutu with fiber optic lights, hand stitched bib necklaces, and headbands with feathers and up cycled jewelry.  Most of our looks were wedding and dance inspired. 

Our photographer Jessica Elizabeth has an eye for accessories and fashion.  I knew she would be the perfect photographer for this shoot.  Jessica photographed from so many interesting angles which really helped make the accessories the focal point.  Our models all brought something unique to their photos - Bri - bright innocent modern yet vintage look, Tina - was regal and mysterious,  Laura - brought a sexy look and flexible ballet moves, and Christian - was confident and glamorous.

Rice Rafferty is a company for women by women.  As our company grows we are giving back to our community.  We print our business cards and marketing materials locally in Buffalo, NY.  We buy our materials locally and work with local photographers, models, and stylists.  Thank you to everyone who made it a magical day!  We can't wait for the next fashion photo shoot!

Visit us at www.ricerafferty.com
www.ricerafferty.etsy.com

Why be negative when you can be positive?

In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.  -Albert Einstein

When faced with a difficult circumstance you have two choices - be positive or be negative.  It's just as easy to be negative as it is to be positive, so why not be positive?  Rice rafferty is faced with some challenges, but we're ready.  We will put on our warrior headbands go full speed ahead.  Always advance...never retreat.

We're working hard like little elves in the rice rafferty studio and most importantly we're having fun!  We designed new headbands for the ultra feminine warriors. 

Headbands made from up cycled silk, tulle, jewelry elements, and feathers. We can make custom designs for weddings. One for all your bridesmaids. We can use different hair clips/combs, colors, feathers, jewelry elements (rhinestones, pearls, silver, or gold) - you design it!  Each piece is one of a kind.  We are also working on veils, cake toppers, garters, corsages, boutineers, and wedding bouquets.  We'd love to be part of your special day.  Send us a message to learn more.  :)

Rethread Fashion Show

The Buffalo Reuse Rethread Trashion Show (Fashion Show) is next week Oct. 21, 2010.  Rice Rafferty has designed some very chic and eco friendly dresses made from recycled materials.  Stay tuned for updates and photos!

Fashionable Active Wear - Green Apple

For years I have been searching for attractive active wear.  I'm not a fan of the black pants that look like garbage bags with three white strips on the side.  Yes, I need to feel somewhat attractive while I'm working out.  I'm a woman and I don't want to look like a boy just because I'm going for a jog.  Recently I discovered a fabulous clothing line for working out - Green Apple Active wear - eco active wear for free spirits.  http://www.greenappleactive.com/ Green Apple Active wear is designed by Cristofer Smith.

I love finding brands I believe in.  The clothing is made of a bamboo and organic cotton blend.  It keeps you warm during cold weather and cooler during hot weather.  I know what you're thinking...bamboo???  Wouldn't that be rough?  No, actually it's extremely soft and comfortable.  The bamboo also minimizes sweat, acting as an anti-bacterial deodorizer.

I bought a tank and leggings and it's sooo comfortable to wear!  The tank has an attractive floral screen print around the neckline adding a simple, feminine touch.  I also bought a short sleeve Hurley hoddie to go with the tank and leggings. 


I want to work for Green Apple!  Are you looking for a graphic designer or marketing coordinator to add to the team???  :)


Green Apple is divine!

In the Pink

My mum [who has breast cancer] is a fighter. I've got that from her, I know she's a fighter.
Naomi Campbell

Rice Rafferty has joined the fight against Breast Cancer.  Our new line "In The Pink" was inspired by the pink ribbon and breast cancer awareness.  We plan to give a percentage of the sale of this line to Look Good Feel Better.  The next most important part of recovering from cancer after all the surgeries etc is feeling good about yourself and finding the beauty within to keep going.  Our designs are meant to help people find their beauty and joy in in life again.

Cancer is something that has touched at least one family member, friend, or acquaintance.  The earlier we detect problems the faster we can fix them.  Get a mammogram once a year.  If you're too afraid to do it for yourself then do it for your loved ones.  Both of my grandmothers and my aunt had breast cancer and they're all survivors. 

Our line includes statement bib necklaces and corsages.  We hand dye our tulle and use upcycled beads, pearls, and upcycled jewelry to embellish the accessories.  The bib statement necklace pictured above also incorporates one of our handmade and hand painted polymer clay roses.  The back of the necklace is reinforced with a soft fabric and our rice rafferty label.  The necklace length is adjustable with the long ribbon.

We're also looking to donate a necklace fto a breast cancer organization to be raffled off or auctioned off.   Please contact us if you're interested in purchasing an accessory, helping out or know an organization we can help.  Thank you!

(Bib Statement Necklace $115, Corsage $22)

Fabric Flower Corsages

The beginning of September has me reminiscing of homecoming season - brisk autumn evenings watching football games and the homecoming dance.  I loved dressing up and going to school dances with my friends.  I was thinking about one of the most memorable parts - the corsages!  The wrist corsage was such a fun part of the homecoming dance, but it always made me sad when the flowers would dry out.  I decided this would be a great idea for a new rice rafferty design - upcycled fabric flower corsages.  A corsage is a great way to dress up any outfit for weddings, dances, homecoming, prom, mother's day, or just a special evening out!  A corsage is also a great keepsake.

The wrist corsage above is made from pink tulle, shear nylon floral petals, pearl beads, and an elastic wrist band.  Corsages can also be made so you can add live flowers into it too. 

www.ricerafferty.etsy.com

Be Green and Chic

Check out our new headband for autumn 2010!  Look glamorous and chic in our up cycled silk rosette headband.  The headband is eco friendly because it's made from upcycled beads and hand dyed silk.  Green tea, beige, and terra cota red colors glisten as you wear the headband.  www.ricerafferty.etsy.com

How Safe Are Cosmetics Products?

A friend told me about this site http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com you can look up companies and products that you use on your skin to see how it ranks.  The results are very surprising.  We really don't know what we're putting on our skin and in our hair.  It's pretty scary.

I compiled a list of basic cosmetic products to stick with:

Shampoo Synergy Hypoallergenic Shampoo
Mascara Afterglow Cosmetics Pure Soul Mascara - Mink
Lipstick Afterglow Cosmetics Organic Lip Love Lipstick - Divine
Nail Polish Acquarella Nail Polish
Sunscreen Panama Jack Sunscreen Oil, SPF 8
Toothpaste Miessence Mint Toothpaste
Lip Balm Smallbones Studio of Home Arts & Sustainable Living "Touch of Honey" Lip Balm

Is organic really worth it?

Everything around us seems to be headed in an organic and sustainable direction.  Grocery stores like Wegmans now carry a variety of organic products as far as milk, fruits, and vegetables.  Fashion is also taking the hint.  I hear buzz of eco friendly fashion collections hitting the runway constantly now.  The downside is the price rises substantially with these eco friendly products.

The question is how are people responding to it and is it really worth it?  Your budget might not be able to pay for everything organic, so maybe try some specific items.  Even though we wash our fruits and vegetables they still contain some pesticide, scary thought, huh?  Milk and some fruit items like apples, grapes, blueberries (because you eat the skin) are best to buy.

What organic means:

• Animals have not been treated with: antibiotics, growth hormones, or feed made from animal byproducts.
• Animals must have been fed organic feed for at least a year.
• Animals must have access to the outdoors.
• Food hasn't been genetically modified or irradiated.
• Fertilizer does not contain sewage sludge or synthetic ingredients.
• Produce hasn't been contaminated with synthetic chemicals used as pesticides.

What the labels mean:

• “100% Organic”: Product must contain 100 percent organic ingredients.
• “Organic”: At least 95 percent of ingredients are organically produced.
• “Made with Organic Ingredients”: At least 70 percent of ingredients are organic. The remaining 30 percent must come from the USDA’s approved list.
• “Free-range” or “Free-roaming”: Misleading term applied to chicken, eggs and other meat. The animal did not necessarily spend a good portion of its life outdoors. The rule states only that outdoor access be made available for “an undetermined period each day.” U.S. government standards are weak in this area.
• “Natural” or “All Natural”: Does not mean organic. There is no standard definition for this term except with meat and poultry products. (USDA defines “natural” as not containing any artificial flavoring, colors, chemical preservatives, or synthetic ingredients). The claim is not verified. The producer or manufacturer alone decides whether to use it.(sited from http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/13737389)

 Thinking about this..it's no wonder we get sick with various diseases and cancers.  Pesticides may not be the main cause, but they definitely can't be helpful to our bodies.  Did you read the recent article about how 7 year old girls are now hitting puberty?  What will happen to their bodies throughout their life after going through puberty so early?

I'm curious to purchase some bamboo fabric to experiment with it and see how it feels and how the dyes react to this material.  I also want to buy some organic groceries and see how they taste.  Are you willing to pay higher prices to help the environment and possibly your health?

Let There Be Light!

We're always cooking up something new in our studio.  Recently, we designed a new bib statement necklace with LIGHTS.

Our new bib statement necklace is made with fiber optic lights, hand dyed and hand burnt out velvet devore, and upcycled jewelry elements - copper wire, beads, rhinestones, etc.  Simply slide the switch and voila! instant party!

Wear to a special occasion or wear it just for fun!

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

MENSWEAR with a FEMININE twist

Nothing is sexier than menswear worn by women.  It's especially attractive on a strong, confident woman.  Think Annie Hall - Diane Keaton is always workin that look and she's FAB! 

Recently, we've been experimenting with new wearable art materials in our studio and we designed Samurai Warrior tie belts made from upcycled, recycled, eco friendly ties!  It's interesting to see how two completely different patterns can look so exciting together like they were made for each other. 

Wear tie belt with tank tops, t-shirts, or even a button down blouse!  The look has an asian twist, but also preppy like Ralph Lauren, so you can really take this accessory and style it in many ways.  The tie belt is a great office look to show men you mean business.  :)

Tie belt $22

Visit our shop:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/52047327/green-blue-samurai-warrior-upcycled-tie
http://www.etsy.com/listing/52045757/red-samurai-warrior-upcycled-tie-belt
www.ricerafferty.etsy.com
www.ricerafferty.com

We're the Real Gilmore Girls

We're the rice rafferty girls - aka the real Gilmore Girls. We're not the typical mother/daughter we even share the same names. My middle name is my mothers maiden name hence we share the names rice & rafferty. Since neither of us have a sister, we're best friends and actually enjoy hanging out together (i thought this was normal ).  While each of has our own friends we share; inside jokes, love watching foreign and old movies together, attend concerts, cook, garden, work on our designs, and doing our own photo shoots.

We share cross generational information.  Mom took me to see Cyndi Lauper, Leon Russell & Mikhail Baryshnikov. Last week I took my mom to an Ingrid Michaelson concert to meet up with my friends and tonight we're going to see Rusted Root (to support our Pittsburgh roots, go pittsburgh)!

We even went to colleges together (sort of).  When I was looking at art colleges my mom decided she had unfinished business.  The same day I started at University at Buffalo, my mom entered classes at Buffalo State College (yay Cindi Sherman). We joked that day from Romey and Michele's High School Reunion, " If this doesn't work out, you want to fold scarves?" It actually worked out really well because we would share information, critiqued each others work, and share supplies.  My university education was more conceptual and her college program was stronger with craft and technique.  Together we were able to fill in the gaps everyone finds in their education.  This is when our serious art camp began. 

My silk screening class projects were heavily influenced by my mother's fiber background.  While the professor had all of his students printing on paper, I was off silk screening on t-shirts, up cycled denim skirts and even created fabric made into a bras to ward off breast cancer. My mother taught me to make handmade paper which I silk screened my designs then built into lamps for my Senior BFA Thesis Project.  Graphic design became more interesting when I combined fiber elements - embroidery in books, binding handmade books, and scanning in interesting textures.

After graduation I began working graphic design jobs while my mother taught classes for her college program.  Working full time jobs left less time to make handmade items at first, but I quickly learned I'm a maker and it makes me happy.  My mother kept designing her devore scarves, dyeing them, and burning out the designs.  I would assist her with it the process and soon we began a partnership that keeps building.  I design the business cards, labels, websites, work on trend research, and the jewelry. She keeps making new garments, statement necklaces and devore scarves.

Always hungry for knowledge, mother moved to Savannah to attend Savannah College of Art and Design masters fiber program while I stayed in Buffalo working as a designer.  We were miserable apart.  I kept researching about textile and accessory businesses while she was gathering information @ SCAD.  Last June she returned home.  Full of ideas and  armed with more knowledge we started working on more projects together and that is how rice rafferty was born.  We specialize in making one of a kind accessories items; statement necklaces, devore scarves, silk scarves, copper jewelry, hair accessories, aprons and tutus.  Visit our website www.ricerafferty.com to learn more about us and see our designs!

The Rice Rafferty Story

We are mother and daughter indie designers.  We are a cottage industry business.  Our style is nouveaux antique - new items that are meant to resemble treasures you may find in your grandmother's attic.  We formed from the dissatisfaction with inexpensive, commercial items that don't last.  We create one of a kind accessories made from our own hand dyed fabric and upcycled materials.  No two pieces are alike, but we can try to make items similar if you request more than one.  Our items are meant to last so you can have treasures to pass down to your family members.  We make bib/statement necklaces, devore scarves, hair accessories, and tulle accessories.  We thrive on experimentation and unconventional ways of making things.  Our line is continually blossoming and new items are posted to our website regularly so check back soon.  www.ricerafferty.com


The above bib/statment necklace is made from upcycled silk, upcycled jewelry, and braided silk straps  $95

We Love Tulle

 

The above are some pics of me wearing our rice rafferty tulle accessories with fiber optic elements.  Pictured from top to bottom - Trapeze Dress/Tutu (wear as a dress or tutu), Short Tutu, Detachable Tulle Accessory, Tulle Bridal Veil, and Tulle Gauntlet.  All pieces have hand dyed silk elements embedded in the tool. www.ricerafferty.com

If you're interested in a child size tutu - click here - Small Miracles Girl's Glamour Light Up Tutu 

Every Girl Needs a Tutu

 

When I was a little girl you couldn't get me out of my tutu.  I remember twirling and dancing around the house.  I quit my dance lessons (sorry mom), but that didn't stop me from dressing up and dancing free style.  I felt so elegant and grown up.  The revival of the 80s dance wear as street wear is very exciting to me.  

The above picture is showing our Ultra Feminine Warrior tutu, made from layers of white tulle embedded with strands of silk and upcycled silk flowers with bead stitching and fiber optic lights. $80 www.ricerafferty.com

www.ricerafferty.etsy.com

When I was in college my art building was shared with the dancer/theater majors so I was heavily influenced by exposure to dancer clothing.  Even though my hands were full of art books, sketch pads, and paint brushes I'd wear leg warmers and leggings and my hair up in a messy bun several days a week.  Gee!  No wonder my favorite painters were Renoir and James Tissot!  I'm not a dancer, but drawing/painting ballerinas and wearing dancer clothing made me feel like one.  Wearing dancer clothes also puts me in the mood to work out, stretch, maybe do a little ballet workout (check out the NYC Ballet Workout - really great for your posture and makes you feel very graceful).

DANCER LOOK

Wear the tutu with black leotard or leggings and a tank top if you plan on dancing. 

 TRENDY LOOK

If you're a tad more daring with fashion, like Carrie Bradshaw, pair the tutu with a short skirt and blouse/tank (maybe a blazer if it's chilly) with a few strands of pearls and stiletto heals. 

RICE RAFFERTY LOOK

Pair it with our Ultra Feminine Warrior silk one shoulder turquoise tunic and bib or statement necklace.

NIGHT TIME LOOK

Simply flip a switch and turn on the fiber optic lights if you plan on going dancing!  

My favorite dance movie is Center Stage (Special Edition)

I seriously can't get enough of this movie.  I've watched it at least a hundred times.

Now YOU can make rice rafferty accessories!

Whenever I show friends our rice rafferty accessories they are always curious how we make things.  I've decided to compile some tutorials showing how to make some of our designs.  I'm making a bib necklace instruction manual right now.  Above is a photo of a bib necklace I found on the internet.  Our instructions will help guide you, but also encourage experimentation.

Are there any items you would like to try making on your own?  Go to www.ricerafferty.com to see more of our accessories.

We really support being green - collect items from estate sales, garage sales, flea markets so you can incorporate these fun finds into your designs.  We love to up cycle items! 

Is that YOU wearing RICE RAFFERTY?

Here's a photo of one of our happy customers wearing a rice rafferty up cycled 2010 silk floral headband.  When we saw this photo our hearts just melted.   This is why we do what we do.  Seeing this photo makes all our hard work worth it!  Come visit our new site www.ricerafferty.com to check out all our products (aprons, accessories, apparel) and our personal websites!

THE CLOTHES BAR, EMPHASIS ON THE CLOTHES

This past Saturday I had the privilege of attending a fashion truck show hosted by Althea Harper from Season 6 of Project Runway Project Runway: Season Six at The Clothes Bar in Clarence, NY.  I had never been to The Clothes Bar before, but I recall hearing the name because it was so unusual.  The Clothes Bar is a clothing store, not a bar.  My eyes went wild the second I got in the door.  I was super impressed with the large selection of hip clothing for women 18-40 something.  They had everything from cute summer dresses to short evening gowns and trendy accessories.  Painted shoes were hung on the brightly painted walls.  I LOVED it!  My mom and I got a chance to talk with Althea and ask her about her experience on Project Runway (This is the second project runway person I have met before, woo hoo!).  Althea was absolutely gorgeous - 6' blonde, perfect hair, makeup and a fab bod.  We told her a little bit about our business, rice rafferty.   We loved that Althea dyed her clothing by hand!  Althea's clothing is made from bamboo!  Overall it was a great afternoon hanging with rockin fashionistas!

To view some of Althea's designs go here http://altheaharper.com/Project Runway: Season Six