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Aurora Lady is a portrait artist and Girl Pop Visionary from gorgeous Los Angeles, California. She loves vintage issues of Sassy, girls-girls-girls, and projects of heart wrenching proportions. Email her at alady@auroralady.com, and make dreams come true.Have you always been creative and artistic?
Yes! No! Kind of? I think most people start out creative--they are encouraged to draw and paint, to solve problems visually. Then we are trained to think this is the territory of children and that being creative won't pay the bills. As if art and responsibility are mutually exclusive. I went through a fierce period of creative denial in high school and college before I took a drawing class as an elective and was forced to realize that the safe path wasn't something I'd be happy with. And then, after graduating, I worked shitty jobs, still not confident or trusting of my skills. My like changed when I accepted that I not only liked making art, but that I was capable of supporting myself with it.
How would you describe the style of your work?
A Quaintrelle Soiree, with cherries on top. Leave with your heart in your hands.
What’s in your pencil case and what’s your favorite tool?
I am slightly obsessed with switching out my pencil cases and supplies, depending on where I'll be and what I intend to do. Right this second I'm a sucker for white watercolor pencil for highlights. My case in my purse contains a Gossip Girl notebook, a tiny paintbrush, scissors, watercolor pencils, and glitter glue.
Who is your favorite superhero?
I don't read a lot of comic books. Really, I read Classics Illustrated and Katy Keene when I was little (I'm certain that Katy's blue-black hair influences me still!) I watched the first two seasons of Heroes, but was mesmerized by the villain more than anybody else. My real superheroes are women I know and love: Taryn Hipp for her superhuman strength and honesty, Dyana Valentine for her intuitive presence, my mom for teaching me to look for the potential in everything.
If you could have one super power what would it be?
To not be hindered by self-doubt or fear in the pursuit of what I want.
Where do you look for inspiration?
I am very thankful to live in Los Angeles, which inspires me every time I turn around. I love walking outside and smelling jasmine in the air. I adore reading or hearing about people operating from a place of kindness or empathy, just because they have an opportunity to do so. Emails that are secretive, containing intimate soul baring details that liberate or unite. My friends that make beautiful things or aid in the realization that people are beautiful. Being selective about the internet. Thoughtful encouragement to make better, to be better.
Who are your favorite artists or comic book authors?
My favorites are those that live honestly about who they are. I love folks who create who they are with sincerity and mindfulness. I am always checking out Kim Burly, Augusta Gail, Jennifer Emerling, and Doe Deere. I like people who don't deny that their own fear exists, and then they push through it to produce great work that resonates with others. If you can do that, if you can connect, then you've really gotten somewhere.
By
Purple
The best thing about living in Asheville is the vibrant culture of downtown and the gorgeous mountain views. The people are like living art and everywhere you go you are inspired by the creativity and beauty of the surroundings.
Fujifilm sent us their new Instax Mini 8 instant camera to play with and give away to you guys in a super special contest. Aside from the sleek new design, the cameras come in a range of new pastel colors making them look even more adorable.
The camera is simple to use - just load the film in the back and then press the chunky button at the bottom to pop out the lens. Turn the wheel around the lens to select the best function for your shooting conditions. The camera even has a flash for shooting at night.
When you're happy with the settings just press the shutter button to take your photo and watch as the photo develops from white in front of your eyes. We love it and think you're going to love it too!
Win Crafterella's Pink Instax Mini 8
For a chance of winning your own camera, simply draw, scribble or paint your own fan-art of Crafterella and upload it at the link below. Good luck and she can't wait to see your art!
Submit your fan art here »
By
HIGHonDIY
Outfit details:
- Top - Zara
- Shades - Le Specs (Nordstorm)
- Skirt - DIY (see below)
- Heels - Halogen (Nordstorm)
DIY Porcelain Print Pleated Skirt:
Recreate the look with Rinchen's Porcelain Print Pleated Skirt tutorial:
How would you describe your style?
I love to experiment with different kinds of styles as I am still discovering my personal style but I often find myself leaning more towards a more minimalist modern chic look. More often than not though, I really just wear what I love and feel comfortable in regardless of it being in style or not.
What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?
It’s always the dress I can quickly throw on without thinking twice when I am in a rush and know that I’ll still feel good and look polished wearing it.
Who are your style icons?
I don’t have any particular style icons but if I were to pick, it would be the street style stars or fashion bloggers such as Rumi Neely whose styles are so effortless and chic.
Do you have any favourite designers?
Balmain, Altuzarra and Erdem are some of my favorite designers.
Where are your favourite places to shop for new clothes clothes?
I don’t have one particular store/brand that I would consider a favorite. When I am shopping for something, I usually checkout a bunch of places hunting for that perfect thing. I always have difficulty finding my size whether its clothes or shoes so the hunt usually lasts quite long.
Do you make or customise your outfits?
I customize more often than creating an entire outfit or piece of clothing. Usually it involves some kind of embellishment getting added on the piece. Other times, if I see a really nice print or texture but can’t find the dress in my size, I’ll buy whatever size they have and either customize it to fit me or use the fabric to make something else entirely.
Do you have any great tips for mixing up and personalising an outfit?
In a single look, I only use one customized item whether it’s a piece of clothing or an accessory just to keep it minimal. I also tend to not use more than 2-3 colors in an outfit. Beyond that, I'd just stick to a balance of what you are in the mood for and what makes the most sense for the occasion.
Which other fashion blogs do you love to read?
I love to keep up with other DIY blogs. I have too many favorite ones to list here. I also read a few street style and personal style blogs. Fashion Toast and Jak & Jil are my absolute favorites.
By
Magnolia
The best thing about living in Madrid is that it has everything you can imagine, it´s a big and metropolitan city. In Madrid you can see musicals, monologues, exhibitions, museums, football games, basketball games, theater, concerts... Anything you need you´ll find in Madrid. There is a lot to things to do and has a great nightlife.
We head to New Jersey to go behind the scenes of Scathingly Brilliant and tour Kate's craft space which is as pretty as can be.
"I love the colors and how bright and cheerful it is! I'm also proud of how well I've organized all of my supplies. I use a lot of closed storage so that things are neat and tidy but still pleasant to look at."
Tell us about your space?
Any tips & tricks for organising supplies?
By
Veva P.
Outfit details:
- Sweatshirt - DIY (see below)
- Sneakers - DIY
- Bracelets - DIY
- Jeans - Primark
- Beanie - local store
DIY Aztec Sweater:
Recreate the look with Veva's Aztec Sweater tutorial:
How would you describe your style?
I think that “less is more” My style is very simple but I always wear a special necklace or bracelet who gives color to the rest of the outfit. When I dress up, I I never wear more than 3 colours, I always try to highlight an item and the rest remaining in a second place. I love to wear sneakers, and mixing it with more formal clothes.
What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?
My belstaff jacket, I love ride my motorcycle and I have this jacket since 2005
Who are your style icons?
I love Sienna Miller, her style is natural and perfect
Do you have any favourite designers?
I love all the things who Marc Jacobs has done, I think he is a genius.
Do you make or customise your outfits?
Of course! I have customize a lot of clothes like sweatshirts, pants, tops.
Which other fashion blogs do you love to read?
I love Sincerely Junles, Collage vintage or Lovely Pepa.
We head to Grand Junction, Colorado to take a look around Bri's inspiring office.
"Every time I come in here I feel like I am being invited to create. I love that."
Tell us about your space?
By
Erin P.
This week Erin from Thanks, I Made It recreates the look of 70s style icon Bianca Jagger:
Bianca Jagger has such glamorous signature style that is quintessential '70s luxury. Who else can pull off the white suits or riding in on a horse to a birthday party the way she did? And don't forget the headgear-- veils, berets, turbans... she rocks it all!
By
charity_chic
Outfit details:
- Shirt - charity shop/DIY (see below)
- Skirt - vintage
- Shoes - Clarks
DIY Heart Printed Shirt:
Recreate the look with Sally's Heart On My Sleeve tutorial:
How would you describe your style?
My style is classic, smart, elegant and chic with a slightly 'fashion' edge. I wear high heels a lot. I source my clothes and accessories from a variety of places, largely charity shops but I also make my own clothes and customise my charity shop finds to make my unique wardrobe (I have been blogging about this since 2011). Overall, my wardrobe is a real mix of high-end, high street, self-made, charity shop and vintage and I love mixing things together to create unexpected results!
What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?
Tough choice! This summer dress I made is a prime candidate. It's a designer copycat piece I made from old sheets, using Japanese shibori dyeing techniques. I was delighted with how it turned out.
Who are your style icons?
Carrie Bradshaw.
Do you have any favourite designers?
My favourites include Erdem and Stella McCartney, but honestly there are a lot that I admire.
Where are your favourite places to shop for new clothes clothes?
I'm a charity shop addict. I love finding old and unusual things and turning them into something new.
Do you make or customise your outfits?
A bit of both, but mostly customise. I do everything from tweak the size of garments to dyeing/bleaching to cutting them up and starting again.
Do you have any great tips for mixing up and personalising an outfit?
It's great fun mixing up vintage with high street and charity shop with designer, but remember, less is more. One killer piece or one killer accessory only! Let that piece shine!
Which other fashion blogs do you love to read?
The US has some of my favourites including Atlantic Pacific, Wendy's Lookbook and Lam in Louboutins.
