Mama's Day Picks from Etsy

Everybody's got a mama. And most people love their mamas, which explains why on May 13th more people will buy flowers than any other day of the year. Flowers are great, but if you want to mix it up, I've created a selection of picks from Etsy that are sure to please that special lady.

The card says it all

Mother of Pearl Inlay Box

Silk Flower Hydrangeas

1950s Scarf

Art Deco Brooch

1920s Enamel Necklace

Neon Mamacita's First Video

At our last photoshoot, we had an extra half hour of studio time, a light set up, and a pair of computer speakers. That was enough- our first music video was born. Its a silly little thing, just me doing my dance routine in my outfits (which also happens to be my favorite thing to do). But thanks to Brian Papish, video editor extraordinaire, I think this video has some spunk.

Shot by Nick Shepard
Assisted by Andra Georges
Edited by Brian Papish
Clothes by Neon Mamacita

The Portrait Project

Portraiture is a celebration of the individual. But more than that, it is an imprint of the sitter. It presents the subject's likeness after death, or after aging, to future generations of spectators. Perhaps that is why portraits have such gravity, it is impossible not to wonder about the life behind the face.

I was particularly inspired by a recent trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see their Renaissance Portrait Exhibition. After decades of Mary and Jesus, the "Renaissance witnessed the rediscovery of the individual." Of course, I was most interested in the clothes, jewelry, and hairstyles that were perfectly captured in the profiles of the most beautiful ladies of the day.

But Nick and I, being products of our generation, decided to tackle portraiture with a healthy dose of post-modernism. Enjoy the photos!

Photographed by Nick Shepard
Styled by Annie Shepard
Assisted by Andra Georges
Modeled by Mikaela Flynn and Katie Hoffman

More Portraits after the Jump

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Island Fever: Hawaiian Inspired Picks from Etsy

Way back in December I started dreaming about Hawaii. And after the monsoon that we just had, beaches and sunsets are back on the mind. It seems I'm not the only one. The Pacific Islands are officially trending right now, inspiring everyone from Givenchy to Topshop, Zara and everyone in between.

Retro Hawaii Map

Of course, we've been here before. In 1946 the first transatlantic flights to Hawaii began to, allowing the newly moneyed middle class access to a bit of American paradise and Hawaii began to export a new kind of product- vacation. While you can't bottle up and bring home a day at the beach, your clothes can certainly make the trip.

Lanai Hawaii Pendant

Tropical Charm Necklace

Thus was born the Hawaiian shirt, sarong, and Pake Muu. Invented in 1924, Rayon quickly became the fabric of choice for this new industry, with its silky feel and light weight.  When buying Hawaiian, I always recommend buying rayon because it has the best hand and is the most authentic (but it is extremely flammable so watch out for those bonfires). And of course, the prints! Oh the prints!

1980s Hawaiian Shirt

Surfboard Planter

Of course, it wouldn't be fashion if it wasn't repeated. The 1980s saw a resurgence in Hawaiian style, by pretty much copying the styles and prints of the 1940s. Hello Tommy Bahama. And while I generally hate the 1980s, you can actually find some pretty good pieces out there at really good prices.

Tropical Maxi Dress

Sunrise Shell Charm Necklace

And as fashion would have it, 30 years later, we find ourselves yet again in the midst of island fever.If you wanna get with it, check out my picks from Etsy

April Flowers: Etsy Picks of the Week

They say that April showers bring May flowers, but this April has seen its own explosion of blossoms. These springtime buds inspire so much ornament and design that I've decided to pay homage by selection the best floral pieces on Etsy and bring them to you.

This is the start of a new weekly feature, in which I will curate a collection around a chosen theme. I've chosen Etsy because of its vast offerings of handmade and vintage pieces (the fact that I sell on there doesn't hurt either). 

So be sure to check back each week and let me know what you think. Enjoy the springtime!

 Pink Cherry Blossoms Photograph $30:  Full of vivid colors and textures, this picture captures the fleeting beauty of spring cherry blossoms, and delivers it in an 8x8 photograph. Perfect for adding a splash of color to any room.

 Hand painted Watercolor Tulip Scarf $25: The artist who painted this scarf allowed their artistic expression to come through, giving it a nice, slightly abstracted air. The swirl of colors read great on the neck as well as off.

Sheer Floral Dress $58: I love how the floral pattern on this dress is denser at the hem, as if gravity simply pulled down the flowers. Plus, this type of relaxed style is very wearable, perfect paired with a pair of sandals and a fitted leather jacket.

Golden flower headpiece $245: This might have been designed with a wedding in mind, but it would look beautiful on any woman, blushing bride or not.

Burnout Floral Kimono $239: This piece nails that sought after combination of pretty/ cool. Inspired by the piano shawls of the 1920’s, the modern silhouette brings the velvet burnout look up to date.

1950s Blue cotton dress $208: The 1950s silhouette with a narrow waist, stacked bodice, and full skirt is incredibly flattering to women’s figures. To top it off, it’s covered in a lovely blue floral print. Ideal for a spring or summer wedding.

Vintage Shopping Guide: New York Edition

I always get a lot of questions about where I have bought pieces of my vintage collection. The answer is, all over; I'm always keeping an eye out for great finds. But I find myself returning to some stores over and over, drawn by their selection, curatorial taste, and value. Here is a list of some of my favorites, so go forth and shop.

I will also update my sidebar with the names and addresses of these stores for easy reference. And keep an eye out for new cities and additions. 

Manhattan

Amarcord- The Soho branch of this vintage house focuses on European designers such as Missoni, YSL, Mugler (you know, all the good ones). The prices are on the higher side, but reasonable given the quality of the pieces and Lafayette street location. (Women and Men's wear)

Edith Machinist: Walk down a couple steps and find yourself in vintage shoe heaven. Shoes, boots, and bags cover nearly every surface with their perfectly worn leather. But be sure to check out the clothes too, I've bought some great pieces here. (Women's wear)

Narnia Vintage: I always find something I love in this tiny store on Rivington. Featuring a killer mix of contemporary consigned pieces and beautiful vintage pieces, it's hard to leave this place empty handed. I find that the vintage is reasonably priced here while the consignment pieces really pay the rent. (Women's wear)

Ritual Vintage (formerly Exquisite Costume): If you are looking for truly old pieces, from the 1910's- 1940's this is the place to come. Best of all, the pieces are all still wearable and good condition. There is also a selection of newer designer pieces but the strength really lies in the older stuff. (Women's wear)

What goes Around Comes Around: This is definitely one of the pricier vintage stores you will find, but expect that extra cash to buy unforgettable pieces and excellent service. It's like the buyers know how to buy the perfect example of every vintage piece- the perfect denim jacket, the perfect sweater, the perfect gauzy dress. Definitely ask the shopgirls about lower priced pieces, because they are still pretty awesome even if they don't carry a designer tag. (Women and Men's wear)

Williamsburg

Amarcord: The Williamsburg branch is like Soho's little sister; the clothes tend to be less mature, a little funkier, and definitely cheaper. Although I feel like the quality of some of the pieces has gone down at this location, I still find the occassional gem at a great price. (Women and Men's wear)

Beacons closet: If patience isn't one of your virtues, don't go here. To add fuel to the fire, whoever controls the music is obviously a sadist because they play the absolute worst bands I've ever heard. BUT if you can make it through that, this massive warehouse of used clothing is an absolute treasure trove of vintage and designer finds on the cheap. (Women and Men's wear)

Le Grand Strip: What I truly appreciate about the owner, CC's, taste is that she embraces all that is fun, feminine, and sexy. The clothes that she selects really work on a woman's body, especially for those trying to impress a gentleman. (Women's wear)

10ft Single by Stella Dallas: This store is an excellent combination of thrift and vintage. The front end is devoted to clothes from the 1980s on, at prices that is every hipster's dream. But be sure to wander into the back room that holds the real vintage pieces. The only bummer about this shop is the entire lack of any help from the employees, they just don't really give a shit.

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This is a Man's World (But it wouldn't be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl)

Leave it up to Miuccia Prada to bring the sexy back into fashion. To do that, she had to bring a man's eye to women's fashion.

Women and cars, with a healthy dose of 1950s nostalgia, serve as inspiration for the latest spring collection. But I would argue that the collection is really designed for the men who drive those cars and the women who dress for the men. 

In a season of demure hemlines and delicate florals, Prada counters with bandeau tops, pencil skirts, and bright pops of crimson. She even goes so far as to turn the women into cars, with tailpipe fire shoes, colors reminiscent of auto-paint, and prints that seem branded by"spray-painting mechanic boyfriends".

The gaze of the invisible man has been expertly translated by a 62 year old woman. In a way, this is a collection about how a woman thinks a man thinks a woman should dress. I love these collages (although she stole my idea) as a way to see the 1950s from Miuccia's perspective translated into the collection.

Click here for accompanying video

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Caught in a Net

I love how this photograph initially appears very simple; a single figure against a wall. But the elements are extremely complicated; a gradient blue background, a pane of light, a face obscured by bird cage netting.

Photo via Dazed Digital

For Sale!

Missoni mini dress

1960s Hand painted Silk dress

1940s Floral print dress

Pendleton X Opening Ceremony skirt

1960s sequin top and Sheer embroidered skirt

I'll continue to add links this week, or check out my Etsy

----------More clothes after The Jump-------

Coming soon to a Neon Mamacita Near You

1970s Neon Lime Green Backless Dress

1970s Cotton Gauze Dress

Vintage Silk Kimono with Floral Pattern

1970s Corset Dress

1920s Eyelet Dress

1960s Mandarin Collar Dress

More after The JUMP

Acid House Party

In this photoshoot we pay homage to the technocolor scene of the early days of electronic music, when raves were known by their more evocative name "Acid House Parties" ( I can only imagine the fear on parents' faces when their children said , "Don't worry mom, I'll be home before 6, I'm just going to an acid house party"). Madchester, Tony Wilson, and of course ecstasy turned this fringe music scene into a global party phenomena.

Of course this dance scene is still alive and kicking. Even if you aren't at a warehouse party in Bushwick the elements of a rave- the lights and beats- can be found in nearly all music events. So here we are to celebrate the origins and the spectacle of Acid House Parties.

Photographed by Nick Shepard
Assisted by Andra Georges
Styled by Annie Shepard
Modeled by Laura Schneider and Annie Shepard

More after THE Jump!