Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Imagination... life is your creation

ZIEGFELD FOLLIES
the personification of sexy eclectic, electric energy!




The Ziegfeld Follies were a series of elaborate theatrical productions on Broadway in New York City from 1907 through 1931, inspired by Folies Bergere of Paris. The Follies were lavish revues... like an elaborate high class vaudeville show. Many of the top entertainers include Will Rogers, Helen Morgan, W.C. Fields, Eve Arden, and Gilda Gray.

The girls were usually decked in elaborate costumes by couture designers Erte, Lady Duff Gordon, or Ali Ben Hagan.

Which leads me to my second inspiration in life... the great legend himself, Erte. Known as the illustrator behind the early Vogue covers.


Saturday, March 24, 2007

Introducing Puckish!

Puckish now available at Pieces Of Venus!

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

15% off all merchandise!

Shop Venus now!
15% off all purchases

enter coupon code at checkout:
springfling

only until March 31st!
shop now before this offer is over

Monday, March 19, 2007

Boycott Urban Outfitters, A&F & other big biz!!


Boycott Urban Outfitters / It's come to our attention that mainstream shop Urban Outfitters has ripped off yet another independent artist, Johnny Cupcakes. Urban Outfitters is notorious for infringing upon the rights of independent artists everywhere under the label "Urban Renewal" and it's time artists everywhere come together, spread the word and put a stop to this ridiculousness. Support Johnny Cupcakes, support independent artists and shops or just go out and make your own tees, but for all that is sacred... stop shopping at Urban Outfitters. Please discuss, this entry is open for discussion.
Read about UrbanOutfitters' other grotesque acts of copy. Aren't you all sick and tired of these big conglomerates that take advantage of small shops?


More to follow....

Johnny Cupcakes work



Urban Outfitters version


Thursday, March 15, 2007

Designer Hot Seat!


Beautifully handcrafted pieces of jewelry to complement you. That's the beauty behind Brenda's exciting accessories line. Started as a hobbyist, Brenda's passion blossomed into the something special she wanted to share with others. Early pieces started out as stringing glass beads together. Eventually, her craft evolved to creating ethnic style pieces inspired by her own culture and with the energy behind New York City. Her niche pieces are the weave pieces using various forms of pearls.

These lil' ditties are now for sale!

Monday, March 12, 2007

Coast to Coast: Shopper Finds



New Yorkers and tourists know of the infamous bargain designer outlet called Century 21. An outlet just across from the World Trade Center site, it is frequented by the masses and budget fashionistas alike ready to scour the racks of designer clothing and horde the dressing rooms. But have you ever visited Loehmann's on 16th Street and Seventh Avenue in Chelsea?



Loehmann's is best known for its world-famous Back Room, where fashion-conscious women can find their favorite designers at prices that are always 30% to 65% lower than department or specialty stores. Weekly shipments from Barney's New York, Bloomingdales, Macy's and Anthropologie fill up the store floor. But you better move fast as there is a quick turnaround for all merchandise! Names like Dolce & Gabbana, Catherine Maladrino, Seven For All Mankind jeans sell for 1/3 of the price!

To make the most out of Loehmann’s, sign up for the Insider’s Club card which alerts subscribers via e-mail when new shipments arrive and sends coupons for member-only discounts frequently. Card-holders can also rack up award points every time they present their cards at the register, earning up to 20 percent off on future purchases. Best of all, birthdays are celebrated at Loehmann’s with more discounts — an extra 15 percent on top of existing discounts.




What about the West Coast? You won't have trouble finding great boutiques in Los Angeles.

BlondeLA is one of my favorite destinations off Hollister Ave & Main Street in Santa Monica. Just a block away from the beach, its location transports you to somewhere breezy and playful. What awaits your pleasure? Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, Black Halo, Ella Moss, Puella, LaRok, Yumi Kim, and much more.

Visit The AdDress Boutique off Wilshire Blvd. in Santa Monica. AdDress Boutique is in a class of its own with bowls of candy, complimentary coffee, quarters for the parking meter, and attentive sales personnel. If you want to pay full price at Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth, go right ahead. But AdDress is the serious shopper's secret haven carrying new and resale designer fashions. An original Badgley-Mischka gown that retails for $1,495 is on sale in the boutique for $175. Can't beat that! Oftentimes, wives of writers, producers and directors head to The AdDress Boutique to get a dress for an awards show. Founder Maureen Clavin won’t say who they are, but she says that every once in a while, she has a celebrity shopper, too.

Everyone likes a bargain!

If you'd like to share your fashion secret, email us!

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

To market, to market!


The Pasadena Rose Bowl Flea Market....... ahh a heaven for bargain hunters! A trip to the flea market can be a delightful treat, but can be daunting when faced with hundreds and thousands of vendors ready to sell their wares. Rose Bowl itself has over 2,500 sellers and the numbers are steadily growing! Market trips can also be very tasking to the body if you're ill-prepared. So here are a few tips to consider before taking off:

  1. Set a fixed budget
  2. Study the layout and walk the market in an organized way
  3. Know what you want
  4. Don't get distracted
  5. Come early
This upcoming Sunday, I am prepared to scour the racks and the bins for vintage couture clothing and accessories. Buying vintage apparel is very different from getting antique furniture. Look for quality and inquire about an item's history. This should help you pinpoint its place in time (60's? 70's? Old Hollywood? Ethnic?) and figure out its true value. Follow your instincts... is this vintage Dior coat really worth $100? Inspect items carefully for rips, stains, or odors... these will cause headaches when its time to reconstruction and resell. Then bargain away!



If you go:

Rose Bowl Flea Market

1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena

The second Sunday of the month, from 5 am til 4:30 pm (admission is $20 from 5-7 am, $15 from 7-8 am, $10 from 8-9 am, and $7 after 9 am)

2,500 vendors sell each month, and there is plentiful free parking, and ATMs on site but hit one before you go. ATMs charge high fees. Bring water and snacks as the parking lots get very hot.

Do you have a favorite flea market or swap meet? We’d love to hear about it!