Song of the Islands with Hilo Hattie

I have flowers in the brain....this movie is so happy and fun. The technicolor is beautiful. It is like taking a vacation only it was really done on a set in Hollywood. The entire movie can be watched on YouTube.

Hilo Hattie, A Legend of Our Time

http://www.hilohattie.com/

I have been thinking a lot of Hawaiiana lately, from flowers in the hair to smell of Honeysuckle, to tropical dresses and always sandals. My trips to Hawaii were filled with romance and relaxation.
Hillo Hattie was a very modern woman her real name Clara Nelson. She was a Teacher, Performer singing and dancing and when she was approached to endorse a clothing line her fun loving nature said "why not?". She started her "business" in mid-life which is a big inspiration for me now. Born in 1901 she paved the way for many modern women.
Her clothing, or should I say the companies clothing, is moderately priced with high quality. I just purchased a few vintage pieces on ebay for those are my favorite.
I told my daughter you have to have the thought first and then the rest is set into motion. I am set to go to Hawaii now and possibly open a Hawaiiana Shop. I have had the books on the topic for ages side tracted with family and other priorities. But first I must recharge my batteries!

Color of the year: Tangerine Tango

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I use Pantone as a guide and inspiration for sewing for the year. A lot of the colors are 'recycled' so I just pull out of storage...what I really like is the different color combinations. There is a free PDF download on the Share link for Pantone...

Successful Fashion/Art Blogging

Fashion Blogging: An Exploding Industry
My daughter and I were discussing what makes a Blogger popular. Some have a lot to share as far as talent and information. Here is a good overview from a business point of view. The graphics and technical part can be very consuming for my daughter has a very artful blog and has great insight from her college education but that does not mean it will be "popular". I tell her about the "bell curve" and that average is at the collective top and not necessairly a "good" thing...
You want "average" popularity just watch one of the "Reality" shows on TV. I do not watch those shows but can sometimes hear them blaring from my daughters room , the screaming of the usually girls and bashing...drama. Be careful how you feed your mind. Anyway popular does not always mean healthy or in good taste.
I think Fashion is Function and telling a story. I can tell what was going on in a given culture or period of time by the clothing people wear. One can tell what is going on with a person by what they are wearing, where they are from and their state of mind.
I just like the creative expression and the ability to share information. When I first started reading Blogs, many you had to subscribe to. The journalist had to make a living! I just closed down a popular Blog that people from all over the world read and took information without a word of thanks! I am talking about research universities etc.
Many are monitizing their blogs and some make a little here in there with only the most "popular" being able to make a living at it highly merchandised with goods to sell. That could backfire if people were unhappy with the transaction or merchandise.
Who knows where blogging will take us too soon to tell.

Win an ipad2 and Lorna Hobo International Bag

http://www.hobobags.com/Lorna/pd/np/390/p/1809.html
I am really pleased with my new Hobo Bag. Join Hobo International Facebook Page and enter to win a ipad 2 and a Lorna Bag to carry it in. The Lorna bag has a sleek design which will keep the pad from bouncing around...

Nostalgia: Brands from the Past

http://www.timelessperfumes.com/Jungle%20Gardenia%20Perfume.htm

I recently found some vendors that sell some brands from the past. Remember Jungle Gardenia and Jasmine! I would wear them when I went out dancing in the discos. The prices used to be very moderate but now you will pay a pretty penny for the trademarked brand. None the less I paid the price for nostalgia, they deserve it for being "keepers of the past". When I wear them I am 20 again, priceless;)
I also got something I never tried, Jungle Orchard keeping with my flower theme for 2012!

Billie Madley's Vintage Shoe Collection

I love following Danny Santiago the stylist/designer who has done the wardrobe/styling for several large department stores, movies such as SATC, Burn Notice, and Shopaholic. I picked up on the "spicy spark" he says his work has from his heritage. The below article was copied from 21Tradenet.com. I suffered for years over the guilt of buying Manolo's but now my daughter appreciates them and fits in them...I am now greatfull I collected his signature collection. I now purchase from ebay at the trusted sites but find that one can look great even with vintage pieces or gently worn items.
"Billie Madley collection of name shoes
Billie Madley is an actress, she grew up in Miami and now lives in New York.Classic shoes for her collection of fashion designer is a huge source of inspiration for many of her collections also appeared in Sex and the City in this movie.
Billie Madley: I do not know how many pairs of shoes in the end, I may wear more than 800 pairs, but also sell some.My apartment has 600 pairs of shoes are stacked up to the ceiling of the shoe rack.I like the exaggeration of the shoes, they look like a sculpture or work of art.I do not think people like to wear classic shoes very strange, because when you wear these shoes, you can imagine wearing these shoes the first Who, what occasion they wear these shoes, these are very interesting.There are a lot of my collection charles Jourdan, Norma Kamali, Maud Frizon design, I also like the Onex brand.My favorite shoes are always double-I just bought this, I really crazy for the shoes can not describe, I liked the shoes have to have it."

Kate Moss Collection Lipstick and Nail Polish from Rimmel

http://www.rimmellondon.com/uk/ourfaces/ads/new-kate-moss-lasting-finish-lipstick-collection/Not a lot of money for the little luxeries in life? Try Rimmel Lipstick and Nail color. The colors are kind to all skintones and the Nail Polish is the best I have tried with an easy applicator brush. I cannot find the Kate Collection yet but soon I hope!

V8636 | Misses' Top | Tops/Tunics | Vogue Patterns

V8636 | Misses' Top | Tops/Tunics | Vogue Patterns
"You gotta have style. It helps you get up in the morning. It's a way of life. Without it you're nobody. And I'm not talking about a lot of clothes"
...Diana Vreeland
(1903 -1989)
I received this inspirational newsletter from Marcie Tilton regarding "Style". I think one can create a signature style by having a few pieces that are flattering and suite your personal aesthetic using the same pieces over and over forever!

September is National Sewing Month

http://www.nationalsewingmonth.org/

My Style Inspiration for the week

I think in many contemporary societies we'd like to think of ourselves in ethnocentric terms thinking that our way is best when for hundreds or thousands of years many indigenous people have refined and simplified life. The Tarahumara/Raramuri have done so in their simplistic designs using a color palate that is based on bright colorful tones which go together regardless of the print which is usually floral taken from nature or their environment. Most can be made without sizzors or a sewing machine. I have tried the tear method and it works using strips of fabric torn.
Many of the Tarahumara simply wore seed bead necklaces and embellishments.

Turn old jeans into a jacket!

Found this clever jacket on V magazine free back issues for ipad apps. Can you see the old pant pockets and waistband? tap on photo for larger view

Hobo International

http://www.hobobags.com/

My Fav Pic of the week....Hobo International Hibiscus Clutch, wear with existing black thongs, tshirt and jeans for an updated tropical look. Also add a new pair of big sunglasses! Don't forget a flower behind your ear to pull the look together.

Do colognes get better with age?

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Does Perfume Have an Expiration Date? —powered by eHow.com

I thought that generally colognes became rancid with age. I have a very expensive parfume that was rancid after one year! So I was very surprised when my Jovan Island Gardenia was even better after a year and a half! I have always been a fragrance "junkie". My grandmothers name was "Kuka" which means "flower essence" to the Yaqui. The simple things in life can bring so much pleasure, like the smell of a flower (or even wearing one in your hair!)

6mm Contact Invisible Shoe Kit for Barefoot Running

6mm Contact Invisible Shoe Kit for Barefoot Running
Keep it Simple....to go along with your sew fast sew easy patterns , here are some simple shoes you can make for yourself.
I have also seen some Yaqui wear this shoe, particularly in some of the USA ceremonies.

DIY We Tried: Eco Dyeing – Sewing Blog | BurdaStyle.com

DIY We Tried: Eco Dyeing – Sewing Blog | BurdaStyle.com
These dying techniques are so easy and what a great way to reuse products that some may just throw away with such beautiful results! You could even mix the different effects in a garment!

Who made these sunglasses?

Usually I am pretty good at product identification but this is the cake...I haven's a clue. This is Fiona from Burn Notice TV series.

Sew Fast Sew Easy Patterns and Classes

http://www.sewfastseweasy.com/items/Pattern%2BKits
These patterns are the best patterns to start sewing with and if you don't have much time a great way to get the benefits of sewing (some of what is therapy for seasoned sewers) not to mention something new to wear.
I also purchased the book because this couple looks like they are having a lot of FUN and that is what sewing should also be! NOTE: Ladies, notice how the young lady on the cover is using her measuring tape, most sewing tools are dual purpose ;)

The best Jewerly Ever

http://www.highconcepts.com/

I have been having some pretty bad luck with ebay lately and then I found this little Gem! I was searching for a Maltese Cross and ordered several. The best quality one was the least expensive and from the above store! It was $5.88 six time less than another one...much better quality and look! I like the rudamental look which suits a lot of my things lately. The designs are endless and the concept very ethical. Most importantly they are Made in the USA.

Gaia "Sustainable" Festival

Sustainable Really? $70. a DAY ticket?
If you really want to be sustainable don't go...this type of 'festival' used to be free LOL
I could buy a big bag of beans to last me a year and enough gasoline to last me six months...sheesh.
The big wave of double digit inflation is rolling in so hang on to any money you have...

Renegade Craft Fair Los Angeles July 16&17

http://www.renegadecraft.com/los-angeles

People take control of your life. No employment? Make your own everything....

Good Source of Sewing Patterns

http://sewingpatterns.com/

This is a great source of sewing patterns online. Not only can you get exclusive indie designer patterns from the above pictured Bay Area Designer but Burda Patterns, both current and discontinued hard to find.

Latin Heat Online - "Let's Talk!" A Latina POV Talk Show Takes Off

Latin Heat Online - "Let's Talk!" A Latina POV Talk Show Takes Off

Hummingbird Pheromones

https://www.wisdomproducts.com/index/catalog?mode=search&q=PHEROMONE+OIL+PERFUME+HUMMINGBIRD
In Ancient Aztec Culture the Hummingbird was considered the "Love Goddess". I have been studying alternative/folk medicine and in the book "Curandero, A Life in Mexican Folk Healing" by Eliseo Torres" he writes about this history and belief. (as I write this a little Hummingbird hovers by my window)
This parfume smells a little like a blend of cotton candy mixed with Roses...delightful.

Traditions - Nick Chavez Beverly Hills

Traditions - Nick Chavez Beverly HillsSome of these products are formulated with Yucca, my favorite natural plant.
I have tried growing my own Yucca Plant which is all of six inches high after two years! I looked up the scientific name to make sure I had the right one and ordered it on ebay....I really do not think this is the right one.
What you can do with the real Yucca plant is to grow it and then pull it out and use the root. THEN you replant it and wait until the root forms again and "re-cycle".
It foams up and you can use it to wash your hair and your clothes!

Favorite Coachella 2011 look

What to do with all those patches collected over the years? Cover up any holes on your jeans...use heavy duty thread and a quilting stitch.

In the Air Tonight Phil Collins nightmare

I woke up in the middle of the night with this song playing in my head as audible as it is playing in this video! eeek

Geronimo's Family Reacts To Bin Laden Codename - Albuquerque News Story - KOAT Albuquerque

Geronimo's Family Reacts To Bin Laden Codename - Albuquerque News Story - KOAT Albuquerque
There's no explaination for this! I was floored when I heard this....

May

"Mary is the lady of flowers. Her rites usher in the month of May, which older people still call "mother of months."Flowers are, above all her symbol and they mean youth, newness and freshness, renewal. She is a joy bringing diety and her devotees make all the use they can of the color red." (From "People of Pascua" E. H. Spicer)
Kuka in Yaqui (Yoeme) means flower essence. No one knew why my Grandmothers nick name was Kuka but it was suitable for her for she loved flowers and was often in her Graden. I still have some of the 'off spring' of her CaliLillies that have been in our family for at least 60 years and I am passing them on to people who like them!

Yaqui Artist Louis David Valenzuela

Mother's Day Volumizing Collection - Nick Chavez Beverly Hills

Mother's Day Volumizing Collection - Nick Chavez Beverly Hills

Rapunzel's Guide to Fabulous Long Hair

Rapunzel's Guide to Fabulous Long Hair

Street Style with Miranda Valentine

Street Style with Miranda Valentine
This is a great way to update your wardrobe. I use the Pantone color/style forcaster to make a plan before shopping. Although we do not have a Crossroads in my community, we have a resale store where I found some slouchy natural suede kitten heeled boots and a sage green coach bag. I am going to LA and will visit one of these stores...join their e-mail list for special deals.

Avalla Skincare, Healthcare, Household care

http://www.myavalla.com/us/pwp/teresas

Many years ago I was introduced to a skincare and healthcare company which was based on studies done on aging in the 1950's which included nutrition and lifestyle. It has evolved into something much bigger, same concept. I have become a consultant with this company and I am excited to share what I know combining my business with sustainable clothing line as well.

Yaqui Easter Ceremony Book

http://www.uapress.arizona.edu/onlinebks/yaquieaster/ceremony.htm

I was trying to find out more about the Yaqui Easter Ceremony so I ordered the book from Amazon. I was researching the "Yaqui Sandals" and came across the entire book online on the link above, the only difference that it has that nice brown cover!
From looking at the pictures of the sandals they are a shorter version of the Tarahumara which I will post how to make those soon.

Nick Chavez is the Bomb

Nick does my hair everyday....

Cydwoq Shoes Inspired by Nature

http://cydwoq.com/

Here's some very contemporary handbags

Cydwoq Mini-Documentary (Full Version) from Cliff Dweller on Vimeo.

These shoes are not ""Hobo" for sure but they are inspired by nature. Made for durability and comfort the designs can also be very feminine as shown in his sandals with heels which makes them even more desirable. The soles of the shoes are think and mold to your foot!

USA's clip on "San Luis Obispo Happiest Place in the USA"

Now this is funny. The SLO in Slohobo stands for San Luis Obispo. Yes Bubble Gum Alley is GROSS and attracts tourists who block the walkways to take pictures while the locals try to go about their business. When I first saw this headline I thought oh no here comes another wave of tourists looking at us like we are part of Disneyland's amusement (I know that look for I also lived in the OC) but I think this clip made us look like a joke....BBQ? For some I guess but I do not think I had any of that for years. I go for the "Raw" for I have grown fond of cows after moving here and hiking among them grazing in the hills plus now they are showing signs of having higher amounts of radiation in their milk..if you have not read the other headlines about SLO.
Yes it IS SLO DOWN TOWN however so breathe deep and center before coming here if you still want to after watching this....ha ha.

Emma's Etsy Store

http://www.etsy.com/people/epintado?ref=pr_profile

This is my favorite Etsy store. I was actually looking for traditional Yaqui Flora Tops and found Emma on the internet. She also had some masks and simple wrap skirts with her specialty being hip belts. All things to make a busy Mom's life easier.
The above bag is also made out of recycled materials an added bonus.

National Train Day May 7, 2011

http://www.nationaltrainday.com/
Don't forget to support National Train Day May 7, 2011. There are events throughout the Nation with new ones to be added so check back.
They are also adding Car Trains because people are so attached to Cars they can bring them along and use them at their destination....

Hobo Style

http://www.hobobags.com/
http://www.hobofashion.com/http://www.hoboclothing.com/
I have been studying Yojhi Yamamoto recently. I like the simplicity of his designs and functionality. Functionality is the most important part of clothing and it can save your life, protection from the elements or environment.
Yojhi does not like high heels but I say they can be a form of protection...;)
Necessity is the mother of invention and a friend and I were talking about how some of the most stylish people in SLO are the 'homeless' not to mention creative. I love the hobo fashion site because it shows the function of fashion. Note the lady with the multiple layers of clothing. She needs to do that to live. It is the best way of staying warm.
At one time there were a group of people sewing together old used clothing to make a quilt blanket. They had a large piece of fabric and layered used clean clothing by tacking them down and then encasing inbetween another large piece of fabric making a thick blanket, distributing to the homeless.
Above are a few functional and creative links for Hoboesk clothing.

My Yaqui/Mexica Inspiration

http://www.qvc.com/cgen/render.aspx?qp=class|1517&rewrite=no
http://www.nickchavezbeverlyhills.com/
One of my favorite success stories is that of Nick Chavez and his haircare products. It started when he was young and grooming horses to show with his Mothers sissors. After a modeling career (might as well use your good looks if you have them) he moved to Los Angeles where he started cutting hair and then opening his own salon. He was also able to open his own ranch and show horses , his first love. He did it all with his positive attitude, hard work and strong faith. He puts a lot into his products as well for they do what they say they will do! Spread the Love Nick! He has a book that shares his story on Amazon "Perfect Hair Everyday", I think there's only used copies available though....

Here's to Hobos

I live in the happiest town in the USA....as labeled by the author of the book "Thrive". First I do not really think it was an "accurate" study. That being said I think some people are doing their best to make us NOT happy. I call them the "Wannabes". The people who come here to "exploit". We had a round of them in our neighborhood with vultures who came to take advantage of the downturn and flury of forclosures, one of which was the house nextdoor. A couple from the Bay Area came here and pickuped the house nextdoor. As they were remodeling in a frenzy I walked by them in my distressed jeans. The woman blurted out "Hobo". Being new to the neighborhood she did not know that I lived right nextdoor. She failed to notice my Gucci handbag and sunglasses that are 'real' and all paid for, she would not know authentic for she drove the cheapest Lexus and fake True Religion Jeans (my daughter noticed those right off). Well now the house they picked up is worth a fraction of what they paid for it and they have a huge loan and no renters....oh oh. Be careful what you are afraid of, you just may become that. Anyway I appreciate the little things in life which I will share here. So to my neighbor I say I love "Hobos" and authenticity, go back to Ohio? is my guess.