It's Prom And Grad Season!

Click image to enlarge.


I have fond memories of my prom and grad, and not just because they were major coming-of-age events in a high schooler's life (yadda yadda yadda...cue the cliches) or because of what I wore (a slim empire-waist lavender gown). No, my best memories of both events are of the fun I had and the two acts of bravery I committed. (I won't go into too much detail here, but if you're truly curious you can email me and I'll tell you the details offline. :P)

So when Macky of Style Dump tagged me to come up with my dream prom and grad, how could I say no to this trip down memory lane combined with flights of fancy? In the words of Macky, "Since it's prom and grad season this time of the year, let's relive (for us oldies!) our own grad in a Vogue manner. Let's pretend we're kids of the Upper East Side, able to afford anything we could possibly want (I tag anyone interested!). Post your dream grad dress, a dress you'll wear to your date's own grad, your hair and makeup, and your dream grad date. Go Go Go!"

Collage details: I tag anyone who wants to do this! It was so much fun, and like the first time around, I had THE most trouble deciding on my dress.

What was your grad like? What are your best and worst memories of prom and grad?
11

Today's Outfit: Day And Night



I left the house in this outfit on Saturday but didn't return home in the same outfit that night. Before you start thinking "That Solo Lisa sure leads a scandalous life!!" I should explain: Among the many things I did that day (haircut, dinner with friends, salsa dancing), I managed to squeeze in a bit of shopping, stopping by the H&M sale and the Gap. I found a dress on sale at the Gap and liked it so much that I decided I couldn't wait to wear it out dancing that night. So really, in the end, I think the only scandalized folks around here would be the anti-consumerism people and the financial gurus who warn against impulsive sprees.

Expect more outfit posts in the coming months! Now that I'm not sticking to jeans and boots to keep from shivering my butt off, I'm antsy to show off my skirt collection.

13

The Midway Check-Up



Instead of a normal blog post, I thought I'd shake things up and open the discussion up to my readers. If you're a regular commenter, you know that I value your comments and opinions and I'd love to hear you chime in. If you've been a lurker all this time and have yet to comment, please take the plunge with this post! You can use the name/URL option and just leave your name if you don't have a website, or you can comment anonymously, but in any case I'd be delighted to hear from you.

So, topic for today: New Year's resolutions and 2009 goals. As May winds down and we head towards the latter half of 2009, think long and hard about what you set out to do in January. Do you still remember your initial goals? How much progress have you made? What were your successes and challenges? Have your goals changed or have you uncovered new ones you want to carry through with you for the rest of 2009?

I'll start things off by discussing how much progress I've made with the goals I mentioned in this post:

  • Pursue more opportunities with blogging and writing: Since the beginning of the year I've consistently blogged here and on Stylefinds, networked in the Vancouver fashion industry, attended events and provided coverage. Recently I also became a contributor to Vancouver Fashion Ezine. It's quite a bit, but I also wonder if I'm capable of more before 2009 comes to an end.
  • Travel to at least one new place: Ah this goal I haven't fulfilled yet, but gleeful plans are already percolating in my head for a getaway in autumn to coincide with my champagne birthday.
  • Go salsa dancing 1-2 times a week: I'm pleased that I've more or less kept this up, and nowadays I find that if I don't go dancing regularly I'm bursting at the seams and tapping my feet and bopping my head at my desk. I'm considering stepping this up to 2-3 times a week--for this summer, at least.
  • Incorporate more fruit into my diet: I actually did it!! I went from 0-2 servings of fruit a day to somewhere around 3-5. This is a huge improvement and I actually feel less sluggish as a result of eating better.
However, this year hasn't always been smooth sailing. I still struggle with living in the moment; any setbacks I've experienced with this goal have only reaffirmed that giving up on Big Love this year was the right decision.

Ooh, your turn now! Let's hear it.
21

Today's Outfit: In The Nude



I like to think of this outfit as an irreverent smirk in the face of office dress codes everywhere. Granted, my office is very lenient when it comes to its employees' garb so I suppose I shouldn't be too irreverent. The white dress looks like it's exposing quite a bit of skin, but on closer examination, part of that "skin" is actually a beige cami. Sneaky, no? The layering on this outfit worked so well that one of the interns thought this was one dress instead of three separate pieces worn together.

  • Dress (Zara)
  • Cami (Uniqlo)
  • Skirt (some boutique on West 4th Avenue)
  • Sandals (Nine West)
  • Earrings (Justine Brooks)
16

CC's Fellow Fashionista Questionnaire Tag

Unless someone specifically tags me, I rarely feel inclined to complete a general "You're all tagged!" tag. But in the case of Couture Carrie's fellow fashionista questionnaire I just couldn't resist. CC has taken the Elle magazine survey normally addressed to designers and turned it into a new tag. I love this feature in Elle and always have fun pondering what my answers would be while reading the responses of the subjects. If you want to complete this tag on your blog, go for it!

The questions...

Who is your favorite designer?
If you could come back as a dress, what would it be?
If you could come back as a model, who would it be?
Junk food?
What are you most vain about?
What are you most shy about?
If you could come back with someone else’s body, whose would it be?
Who are your fantasy dinner-party guests?
Fantasy celebrity one-night stand?
Favorite place to have a drink?
Underwear?
What can’t you travel without?
Last book you read?
At age seven, you wanted to be...
What’s the thing you find easiest to forgive?
What’s the thing you find impossible to forgive?
Biggest self-indulgence?
Favorite place to shop [brick and mortar]?
Favorite place to shop online?
Whose diary would you most like to read?
Least favorite food?
If you were an inventor, what would you invent?
Who are your favorite furniture designers?
Car?
What was your childhood nickname?
When and where are you happiest?
What piece of art would you most like to own?
What are your favorite vacation spots?
Most treasured possession?
Favorite fictional character?
Favorite musicians?
If you had another profession beside your own, what would it be?
What current trends would you like to see disappear?
Favorite trend of all time?
Always...
Never...

My answers...

Who is your favorite designer? My loyalties change constantly. I'd have to say at the moment it fluctuates between Coco Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, John Galliano for Christian Dior, Carlos Miele, Marc Jacobs, and Oscar de la Renta.

If you could come back as a dress, what would it be? The blue mosaic-patterned gown from Carlos Miele's spring 2005 RTW collection.


Photo from nymag.com

If you could come back as a model, who would it be? None of them. I like being me.

Junk food? Poutine.



What are you most vain about? My appearance overall.

What are you most shy about? My stomach.

If you could come back with someone else’s body, whose would it be? I'm pretty happy with my own actually.

Who are your fantasy dinner-party guests? Anyone who has ever charmed, fascinated, or loved me or touched my life. I think in this case the dinner party would more closely resemble a gongshow banquet.


Fantasy celebrity one-night stand? Diego Luna, obviously. :)


Favorite place to have a drink? A chic lounge, a crowded club, a summer patio, a tranquil beach...hmm, I think I just like to drink.

Underwear? Nude convertible strapless bra for versatility.

What can’t you travel without? Magazines, water bottle, sunglasses, lip balm, iPod, cardigan, and a toothbrush.

Last book you read? Pride and Prejudice.

At age seven, you wanted to be... A teacher.

What’s the thing you find easiest to forgive? Forgetfulness.

What’s the thing you find impossible to forgive? Duplicity.

Biggest self-indulgence? Handbags.


Favorite place to shop [brick and mortar]? It changes constantly, but the places I have the most fun browsing are Daiso, Winners, H&M, Zara, UO, and Holt Renfrew.

Favorite place to shop online? I rarely buy anything online but I do like perusing the F21, UO, and Anthropologie websites.

Whose diary would you most like to read? Sylvia Plath.

Least favorite food? Liver.

If you were an inventor, what would you invent? A dashboard-style web application that consolidates messages from all of your communications technologies and social networking profiles(cell phone, LAN line, MSN, multiple email addresses, Facebook, Twitter) in one place.

Who are your favorite furniture designers? Don't have any. Does IKEA count?

Car? I take public transit.

What was your childhood nickname? I never had one that actually stuck. Some kids used to call me Lisa Simpson, though.

When and where are you happiest? When: when I can be alone if I want to be, or be in the company of the people I wish to see. Where: any place that makes me excited about life.

What piece of art would you most like to own? The glass chandelier in the Victoria & Albert Museum by
Dale Chihuly.


What are your favorite vacation spots? Mexico, London, Paris, NYC.

Most treasured possession? My life thus far.

Favorite fictional character? Esther Greenwood (The Bell Jar), Anne of Green Gables, Luisa (Y Tu Mama Tambien), Blair Waldorf, Rory Gilmore.

Favorite musicians? Too many to list!

If you had another profession beside your own, what would it be? I can't envision myself being anything other than a writer.

What current trends would you like to see disappear? Ugg boots.

Favorite trend of all time? Black oversized sunglasses.



Always... Laugh.

Never... Despair.
23

Ishara Shopping Party


The Style Spy and Ishara are teaming up for Girls' Night Out on Friday June 5th at 5-8pm! RSVP before Tuesday June 2nd by emailing party@thestylespy.com and receive 20% off regular-priced clothing and 10% off denim. You have to RSVP to receive the discounts, so hop to it!

This post also appears on Stylefinds.
3

Award Time

This week I've been the lucky recipient of not one but two awards from two lovely bloggers! First off, Little Bow Prep has given me the Your Blog Is Fabulous Award.



I'm passing this award on to the following fabulous bloggers with grateful thanks for the hours of procrastination fun their blogs have provided:
MizzJ of Being High Maintenance, Not Bitchy has also given me a Friendship Blogger award.



Since this award emphasizes friendship, I'm going to pass it on to the sweet and gorgeous bloggers I've met in real life (and the ones who've become my Facebook friends):
A big thank-you to Little Bow Prep and MizzJ for the honours!
8

More Madonna! More 80s!

This past long weekend ended up being a little more jam-packed than anticipated, so for today's post I'm just going to invite you to check out Stylefinds. Shallom has posted the rest of our pictures from our Madonna/80s-themed photo shoot with Yvonne Chew here and here. Trust me when I say that the editorial's fantastic! A big thank you to everyone involved. :-)
9

Fleece Blazer Finds

Photo by Felix Yuen


This green fleece blazer from the PLEN+Y sample sale has become quite the workhorse lately in my transitional spring wardrobe. And with the constant wear, I've discovered why fleece blazers may have a place alongside tailored blazers as a wardrobe essential:
  • They have all the comfort and coziness of a beloved hoodie, minus the sloppiness.
  • So warm and perfect for early evening walks, blustery days, chilly evenings, beach bonfires...the list goes on...
  • Unlike lightweight blazers made of cotton, linen, or twill, fleece is pretty much wrinkle-proof.
  • If you get barbecue sauce on your sleeve at the long weekend patio party, you can toss your blazer in the washer. No dry cleaning required!
Practical advantages aside, picture one of these numbers with skinny jeans and flats, short shorts, or a flowy jersey dress.

Puma 'Nuala' blazer (Overstock.com, $140.84 Cdn). A colourful blazer can add pizazz to an otherwise neutral-coloured outfit. I'm kind of in love with the coral one on the left.



'Working for the weekend' blazer (Modcloth.com, $47.99). This one has a lining, but just look at it! Everything about it says "softness"--the perfect shade of gray, the cotton exterior. This blazer would make a great alternative to the cardigan for over-air-conditioned offices.



Mike and Chris 'Travis' fleece jacket (Nordstrom, $114). It's casual and relaxed, yes, but the button cuffs and pocket details make this blazer worth a second (and a third, and a fourth) look.



How do you feel about fleece blazers?
16

Today's Outfit: Single Girl Swagger



This busy Victoria Day long weekend is kicking off with a night of clubbing as some friends and I get dolled up and go out dancing. Apologies for the lame collage; I'll update this post later with an actual outfit pic later, I promise!
  • Two-tone sweetheart mini dress (AA)
  • Wedge sandals (Vasanji)
  • Wristlet (Coach)
  • Blue eyeshadow (worn as winged eyeliner--B cosmetics, London)
  • Wristlet (Coach)
  • Denim jacket (Smart Set)
If you're not Canadian and don't have a long weekend coming up, rejoice anyway because it's Friday! I've been listening to this song by The Veronicas on repeat since it aired on 90210 this week; it's getting me psyched for tonight.



What do you listen to to get you in the mood for a night of dancing/clubbing?

Update: As promised, outfit pics!


17

40% Off Love Peace the Planet Haircare



Show love for the planet and your tresses with Toni&Guy's new eco-friendly haircare line Love Peace the Planet! To celebrate the launch, Toni&Guy are offering 40% off Love Peace the Planet products on Friday May 15th (that's tomorrow!) to anyone who walks, bikes, or takes transit to a Toni&Guy location in Vancouver. For more infomation about the products, click here.

P.S. If you haven't done so already, check out Toni&Guy's handiwork in Stylefinds's 80s-inspired Madonna photo shoot!

This post also appears on Stylefinds.
5

Lisa's Most Coveted List

Holy smokes, almost 2 months have gone by since the last installment of my Most Coveted List! Here are the 5 things I love for the month of May.

1. AA sweetheart two-toned mini dress ($63). Compared to other stretchy form-fitting mini-dresses made out of a spandex blend, this number does something pretty miraculous: It manages to fit snugly without clinging to lumps and bumps. And although it's not completely backless, the sheer mesh panel in the back is enough flesh exposure for me. I think this dress counts as the "sexy low-back dress" on my spring shopping list.



2. Daniel Henney. MizzJ and I both salivated over the hottie who plays Agent Zero in the new X-Men movie.



3. The British Office of Government Commerce logo. Click the link and tilt your head to the left. Burst out laughing.

4. Great friends, fun times, and soul-searching conversations with inspirational folks.

5. 'Nightview' by Bernice Abbott. Flipping past The Knowledge Network one night, I caught an ad for the Pioneers of Photography documentary series and was absolutely captivated by this photo showing illuminated offices at night in New York. Abbott took this picture in 1932, but the themes it hints at--humanity, metropolis, hope in an urban landscape--still resonate today.

28

Madonna For Your Monday?




Instead of blogging, I spent the weekend shopping, relaxing, and participating in a super fun photo shoot with the staff of Stylefinds. Shallom, Serena, Miranda, and I went all-out 80s on Saturday, channelling the decade of excess and various incarnations of Madonna. (I was Material Girl Madonna. Can you tell from the picture below the other Madonna personae we're paying homage to?) This is just the sneak peek--more photos and re-caps are coming soon on Stylefinds and Style By Fire, including some behind-the-scenes looks at the shoot.

A big thank-you to the following people for making it happen!
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Links à la Mode



Super Kawaii Mama - A cracking interview with a very worthy girl crush - Amelia Arsenic!
Style Symmetry - Seven Questions with Susie of Style Bubble!
Solo Lisa - Canadian jewelry line DESIGN + CONQUER puts a bold, quirky spin on the meaning of geek chic
The Coveted - Win a $250 gift certificate for Avelle (formerly Bag, Borrow or Steal) luxury handbags!
Agent Dreamer - Hearts Idil Vice
Tickle the Blog - Make your existing make-up into summer beauty must-haves!
The Musings of Ondo Lady - Too cool for school, NYLON magazine have just recently celebrated their 10th anniversary
Dramatis Personae - Ashe Mischief Asks Herself “Why Develop Your Wardrobe’s Color Palette?”
fete a fete - Guerlain’s new summer Terracotta lip glosses, Fard Indien, and the new Rouge G lipstick!
The Capitola Fashionista - The 15 Must Have Sandals for this Summer
Style With Anna - The Hottest Swimwear and Bikini Trends for Spring/Summer 2009
A Few Goody Gumdrops - is giving away a Hana Elite Ceramic Flat Iron for Mother’s Day. Enter to Win!
Capitola Girl - So ready for summer on The Devil Wears Etsy
Two Thousand Things – Celebrity Walk-In Wardrobes and some pictures for reference
The Curvy Fashionista - A Curvy Fashionista declaring her fashionable existence in a straight world
The Fashion Grail - Get Miranda Kerr’s look for less!
Misslikey - my view on the night at Met’s
Fashion Pulse Daily - Khaki goes beyond its preppy stigma with the new Gap designer collaboration
Brick My Lane - DIY: how to make an “organic” spike Rock’n'Roll belt

The full version of Links à la Mode is in the IFB Forums...there’s a lot of great posts there too.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend everyone, and Happy Mother's Day!

Update: I just realized that this was my 500th post. Whoa.
1

A&N Shoe Sale Finds

It's taken a while with my blogging hiatus and posts about other things, but I've finally gotten around to posting about my finds from the Army & Navy Legendary Shoe Sale, which I attended with MizzJ. This year's selection wasn't as good as that of previous years (see here and here for those recaps), but it didn't stop me from finding several pairs of shoes to round out my shoe collection.

Aside from beaches, hotels, and communal showers, I rarely wear flip-flops out and about. They just look sloppy to me! These Steve Madden sandals ($24.99) are a perfect compromise, combining the laid-back comfort of a flip-flop with the dressier vibe of leather and gold hardware. I've already started wearing them during the recent stretch of fantastic weather.


I was on the fence about getting these Steve Madden heeled white oxfords ($24.99) but in the end I'm glad I did. They're unlike anything else I own and I'm gleefully dreaming up outfits to wear with them!


The shoe sale has always struck me as a great source of heels, sandals, and ballet flats, but rarely do I spot a pair of boots. I snapped up these slouchy gray Steve Madden boots ($39.99) right when I saw them. My concern that they wouldn't fit over my calves faded when I was able to tuck my skinny jeans into them. Hooray! Since my other two pairs of boots are black, these will be a nice alternative in the winter months.

Did anyone else attend the shoe sale? What did you end up getting?
21

My Spring Shopping List




This season, I'm planning to replace some of the well-worn basics in my wardrobe and add a couple of items to round out the gaps. My shopping list for spring/summer right now consists of:
  • A straw fedora (bought already; I snapped up this number from UO)
  • Black crew neck tees (to replace the ones that are fading and losing their shape from too much wear)
  • A white scoop-neck tee (the perfect casual cool complement for a denim skirt)
  • A simple low-back dress (to make me feel sizzlin' when I go out clubbing!)
  • One or two tops with interesting detailing (to wear with jeans for salsa nights)
  • Blue bikini bottoms (to go with a patterned bikini top from Mexico)
  • A black bustier (bought this already from local designer Malene Grotrian--yay!)
  • Beige heels (I just love the look of them)
  • A short-sleeved white button-down shirt (to wear under the bustier and vests)
  • Black yoga capris (to wear with long tunic tops...less danger of camel toe and indecent exposure than with plain old leggings, I hope)
It's a simple enough shopping list and I'm planning to scratch off a couple of these items when I go shopping with MizzJ this weekend, especially the basic pieces (American Apparel anyone?). Honestly, I haven't had the time or the desire to shop without a set agenda lately except for the Army & Navy shoe sale, which I went to on April 22nd. Stay tuned; I'm posting about my finds from that sale tomorrow.

What's on your spring shopping list? Tell me in the comments, or if you've posted about it on your blog, leave me a link!
10

Vintage Swimwear By Popina



Despite the gray and blustery weather we've been having lately, it's only be a matter of time before the sun shines constantly and beach season is upon us! Whether you've been dreading the big reveal or you're working out like a banshee to look good in a bikini, a cute swimsuit ranks high on the list of beach and pool time essentials--a fact I was reminded of recently when I received an email from designer Pamela Levenson of Popina Swimwear.

Originally from Victoria, BC, Pamela is now based in Portland, OR, where she runs her brick-and-mortar boutique and sells her swimwear online. Popina draws its inspiration from the retro chic swimsuits of the 40s and the 50s--fun, feminine, figure-flattering silhouettes that are stylish without, ahem, letting it all hang out. I especially love the one-piece suits with boy-cut bottoms and halter ties.

The retro halter style ($75) is available in an adorable heart print as well as other colours. I like how the black one channels screen siren sexiness.


The 'Sadie' ($78) keeps things cute and covered-up.


Popina isn't all about the Esther Williams-inspired one-piece swimsuits, though. For those chicas who love their bikinis or simply want to mix and match swimwear looks, the label has a variety of options in tops, bottoms, and tankinis. Definitely check out Popina's website if you're frustrated with swimwear shopping in your hometown!
11

My Vancouver Fashion eZine Debut!

Ooh ooh ooh! I'm interrupting my regularly scheduled posting to bring you this bit of shameless self-promotion. As you probably know, one of my 2009 goals was to pursue more fashion writing and blogging opportunities and see how far I can go with this endeavour by year's end. In keeping with this goal, I recently became a writer for Vancouver Fashion eZine. My first article for VFE about local label Jacqueline Conoir and its designer RozeMerie Cuevas is up! You can read it here.
10

DESIGN + CONQUER A Stylish Triumph

The 'Scorpion' earrings


Morgan Mallett's unconventional jewelry line DESIGN + CONQUER first caught my attention at Vancouver Fashion Week where her pieces complemented Joseph Domingo's sleek evening wear perfectly. Made of unusual materials such as acrylic polymers and industrial tubing, DESIGN + CONQUER consists of statement earrings, necklaces, and cuffs. Mallett's pieces reveal an inventive wit and bold confidence--definitely not for wallflower types--while at the same time sweeping away any notions of preciousness and daintiness associated with jewelry. I was lucky enough to have the chance to ask Morgan some questions via email, and I have to say, the designer behind the baubles is just as irrepressible as her designs.

Solo Lisa: You have a background in graphic design and have always done jewelry on the side. What prompted you to take the plunge and found DESIGN + CONQUER last year?
Morgan Mallett: Admitting to myself that it was possible to make an impact designing highly unconventional jewellery. I’d previously dismissed this idea, as I already worked in a creative career as a graphic designer and illustrator. I think in the past, I subconsciously assumed that one had to work with precious metals and glittery stones in conventionally aesthetically appealing ways to be considered a ‘jewellery designer.’ Once I let go of this narrow categorization, my ideas were free to maraud, and DESIGN + CONQUER was founded.

I suppose another tipping point for me was when I wore a pair of earrings I designed to a wedding the other summer—I made them simply to satisfy my inner anal graphic designer (I am a notoriously picky shopper, often modifying purchases, hunting items down online, or making things myself). Then I got all sorts of positive feedback (often from complete strangers!). These were fiercely unconventional pieces—and they appealed to people other than myself (and not just in my demographic). I thought…hmmm…I’ve got something here. I then made more samples and applied to Vancouver Fashion Week. My designs were accepted, and there was no turning back. It was ‘go hard or go home’ from there!

Solo Lisa: Why did you choose this name for your label?
Morgan Mallett: I design in many different areas, with diverse materials—and want to conquer as many as possible, hence DESIGN + CONQUER. Plus, many of my pieces are quite large—and have conquering on their minds!

The 'Mitosis' earrings


Solo Lisa: DESIGN + CONQUER is divided into 2 lines based on the size of the pieces. What prompted this decision?
Morgan Mallett: I love the drama of huge pieces—they are fantastic for special events and fashion shoots, and if they had their way, they would love to be worn every day (…the divas)! However, I also understand that people often wear jewellery as a component of an outfit, not just as a focal point. The Small + Saucy line was developed with this application in mind.

Solo Lisa: I sense a bit of tongue-in-cheek science geek fun in the names of some of your pieces—Mitosis, Valve, Scorpion, Vader. As a self-proclaimed nerd, I have to ask, are you one too? ;-)
Morgan Mallett: Ahhh, yes…there are quite a few science geek references in my collections—perhaps I’m just in denial about my penchant for Battlestar Galactica episodes, Lord of the Rings metaphors, and Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre quotes..."Chancho. When you are a man, sometimes you wear stretchy pants." How could you not love that quote!? OK. It’s official. Nerd alert!

The 'Vader' cuff


Solo Lisa: Your jewelry was so perfectly styled with Joseph Domingo's designs at Vancouver Fashion Week. How did you land this gig, and what was it like working with Joseph?
Morgan Mallett: Thank you! As soon as I found out that Joseph was showing at Vancouver Fashion Week, I contacted him, as I love his aesthetic. He called me right back, and Bob’s your uncle. We collaborated so well (despite us working from different countries!), and it was a dream to come up with custom designs for his show. He also used pieces from my existing collections at Vancouver Fashion Week, so this was exciting. He was unafraid to use my big pieces—he just layered them on the models. What struck me the most was his awareness of the powerful dynamic between accessories and clothing—how they can both be bold and opinionated, yet enhance each other. Not all clothing designers have the confidence to embrace this.

DESIGN + CONQUER necklace and earrings paired with Joseph Domingo designs on the runway of Vancouver Fashion Week. Photo by Yvonne Chew.


Solo Lisa: Where do you find your inspiration?
Morgan Mallett: Everywhere—that’s what I love about designing—you can find inspiration from the most classically beautiful art, or from a piece of dirty gum on the sidewalk!

Solo Lisa: What's next for you personally and professionally?
Morgan Mallett: To continue to DESIGN + CONQUER! I’m currently planting the seeds of my next collection—getting my hands dirty experimenting with different materials. I’m also marketing my current collections—I designed all of my promotional materials (anal graphic designer alert!), so it’s been exiting to be able to synthesize my diverse skills, and to work for myself. I also plan on traveling this summer—I find that this helps me get out of my (constantly designing) head. Plus, vitamin D is always good...!

Solo Lisa: Are there any new materials, design ideas, or inspirations you're toying with now that will end up in the DESIGN + CONQUER line sometime in the future?
Morgan Mallett: Yes! My upcoming line will be just as uniquely unconventional as the last…I’m experimenting with some reusable plastics that I ordered from the States, and am solidifying the art direction for DESIGN + CONQUER’s Spring/Summer campaign...so stay tuned!

This interview is also cross-posted on Stylefinds.
6

Oh So Deer



The lovely Najeema of In Pursuit of Fashion has given me this adorable Deer Award! I don't know what I'm more touched by, the cuteness of the award or the kind words Najeema said in the email accompanying it:

"I love your blog and wanted to pass on an award to you. It's my first, so I don't know if I should post it as a comment or where else. At any rate- you rock!"

Thank you, thank you, thank you! In case you can't tell, I'm absolutely thrilled.
3

Shoes From Solestruck.com!



Several weeks ago, Solestruck.com contacted me and offered me free shoes of my choice; in exchange, I was asked to mention Solestruck if I liked their services. Free shoes--really, how could I say no?

The website was very easy to navigate and offered a fantastic selection; you can sort the shoes by colour, size, or brand. I had a great time browsing around and spotted several pairs I would've liked. My only pet peeve was that I couldn't apply more than one search criterion at a time so that, for example, I could view beige heels in size 6. In the end, I ended up going with the DKNY 'Juli' booties ($124.95) as all last winter I felt like I was lacking a stylish dressy boot option to wear with skirts and jeans. The shoes arrived in a timely manner and I was pleased with Solestruck's responsiveness and great customer service throughout the entire process.

As pleased as I am with Solestruck's service, I'm even more psyched over my new ankle booties. I wore them out clubbing and danced for 3 hours straight in perfect comfort. They looked great with black tights and a skirt, and they'll look equally good with jeans or trousers.

Have you ordered shoes from Solestruck or been offered shoes by them? How was your experience?
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