I had a chance to visit the Scranhatton Festival over the weekend for a taste of music, art, and film in Northeast PA. One of the vendors was from the locally owned DressMe Up Boutique. On display were hand-painted vintage bags from Lea Philips and bags made from recycled materials. A quick check on their website and I found this very original license-plate bag - the new FenderFlair Purse from Little Earth.

Two license plates and unique chrome teardrop shaped ends, crystallized twist-knob closure, hundreds of Swarovski Crystals, a 21″ recycled rubber strap, fully-lined velvet interior with velvet pocket, and a signed and numbered Certificate of Authenticity, 12.5″ x 6″ x 3″ (L x H x W) - Little Earth Retail Price: $280.00+Shipping - order online here.

Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine, authors of style books What Not to Wear, What You Wear Can Change Your Life, What Your Clothes Say About You and their latest, The Survival Guide have all the answers.

Using themselves as guinea pigs, Trinny and Susannah have evolved a foolproof formula for making the most of what you’ve got to look great in any situation.

They expound a simple philosophy: “Looking stylish is not about following fashion, losing weight, being rich or succumbing to the knife. It’s about dressing to show off what you love and hiding what you loathe about your body”

You’ve got to check out “The Rules.” It will only take a minute, and I promise you won’t be disappointed.

I still enjoy celebrating my birthday. A trip to the thrift store, Starbucks iced coffee, a Pepperidge Farm 3-layer cake (coconut and the new key lime), and a long set of Led Zeppelin - this is how I celebrated. When my daughter saw the pants I picked up from thrift store, she warned me that I would have to speak louder while teaching piano… to be heard above my (rather loud) pants.

I found this terrific vintage 60’s mod double-breasted top from The Vintage Wardrobe  shop on Fashionspace.com. The Vintage Wardrobe is based in Hampshire, England and describes this item as:

…a genuine 60s garment which is perfect for the MOD/RETRO fashion. It is double breasted with pearly white buttons and a gorgeous large white satin-feel collar. The collar and neck line of the top really is beautiful. The black body of the top feels like gorgeous soft velvet. The top is labelled as a size 12 but would fit a size 10 better. The top looks so amazing with a vintage pencil skirt/drainpipes and heels/pointy shoes. This top is so striking and unusual so snap it up whilst you can. (only £10.00)

• The Vintage Wardrobe
• The Vintage Wardrobe Shop
• Fashionspace.com

I don’t care for those with across-the-chest straps, nor do I like clunky hand-bags that you have to carry like a suitcase. I’m not crazy about back-pack purses and I hate those pouches you strap around your waist. I’m a shoulder bag gal and I suspect I always will be one. The only problem I have (and it’s a recent problem, perhaps brought on by aging, rounded shoulders) is slippage. You know, that heavy weight of your bag landing in the crook of your arm when you’re carrying an armful of groceries and trying to open the car door at the same time.

Well from the shape of this Baggallini bag from Careerbags.com, it looks like it just might stay up on the shoulder, tucked neatly under the arm. It features a cell phone pocket, and a front gusset pocket for quick access to a key fob, a detachable ID/Coin holder with its own mirror, and lipstick and pen holders too. It has a 52 inch adjustable strap and is made from lightweight water resistant fabric. At 9″ H x 11.5″ W and weighing only .85 lbs it sounds very comfortable.

Ellen Hart, President of  Careerbags.com, writes about the latest styles in laptop bags, messenger bags, carry-ons, and business travel on her blog LaptopbagLifeline.com. Check out both of her websites! 

Threadless is sponsoring a design contest - Threadless Loves. This sounds like one to really make you flex those creativity muscles.

Community-centric tee shirt company Threadless.com is asking designers to turn the true stories of their lives into works of art in its latest “Loves” campaign. To help lead the way, Threadless has partnered up with original, personal storytelling site Fray.com, self-publishing site Blurb.com, and the film Stephen Tobolowsky’s Birthday Party, written by and starring famous character actor Tobolowsky (Groundhog Day, Deadwood, Heroes) as he tells fascinating stories from his life on-screen and off. Find out more about the contest theme, prizes, deadline and all those details here.

In addition to the Loves contest, Threadless has an ongoing open call for tee shirt design submissions.  Anyone can sign up, download a tee template and submit ideas, which are then evaluated by the Threadless community for seven days.   Tee shirt designs are selected by Threadless from the pool of the most popular designs as scored by the community.  If a design is selected for print by Threadless, the designer currently receives a payment $2000 in cash and a $500 Threadless gift certificate.

• Threadless.com
• Threadless Love’s True Stories Contest
• Threadless Retail

Just got my newsletter from the Bustline and read about another great contest. This one from Dr. Martens.

This is your chance to show the world your talent. Choose your canvas: the 8-hole or the 14-hole boot. Use pens, use paint, use whatever. Use your imagination. Dr. Martens provided some tools on their site. Or if you want, you can use your own. They will have two winners! One voted for by the people. The other chosen by a panel of industry insiders. You enter it. Dr. Martens will make them. You’ll see them in shops. Worldwide.

• Dr. Martens Site
• Dr. Martens Boot Design Contest
• Bust.com

I found the RetroMe through Fashionspace yesterday and had to post this great summer dress with the wrap around collar. This is called Holiday in St. Tropez and is available to order here. I think I love these big collars as much as I like peblums. Come to think of it, they’re very similar.

RetroMe is based in Poland and

updates a timeless look. Referring to the very best trends of past decades transfers in modern way leading motives of retro clothes. The latest collection is a fresh look at the 60s. In every dress you can find refined simplicity and precise cut to bring back 60’s-full silhouette. (from RetroMe)

I’ve been inspired by by visit to the Woodstock Museum this past weekend. I’m going to sell my fringed leather drawstring shoulder bag. If you’re interested in purchasing this piece of sixties nostalgia, please leave a comment for me here or email me at cath (at) allchic.com. and I’ll be happy to send you details. Otherwise look for it soon on my All Chic Shop. I just have to get busy with some more photos.

Much disappointment that the Ringo Starr Concert was cancelled last night at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (the site of Woodstock). Apparently a truck carrying equipment for the band broke down at the Canadian border. We visited the museum (which was just okay) but the surrounding countryside was beautiful.

In anticipation of the Ringo Starr concert tomorrow night at Bethel Woods Performing Arts Center, I was looking for information about the Apple Boutique in London. I found this great post at Nicola’s Vintage Boutique’s Blog. She talks about “The Fool” and the rise and fall of the Apple Boutique.

On July 30th 1968 the Apple staff were told to open the doors the next day and give the stock away. John and Yoko were the first to go through the store, they walked away with arms full of merchandise that they piled into John’s Rolls Royce. Paul found one jacket and Ringo said he couldn’t find anything that fit. The giveaway was publicised in the newspaper and the next morning there was a line up outside the store three blocks long. There was no limit to how much stock people could take. It was so busy that they opened the basement so that customers could go right out the other side. (read more)

Sounds like fun!

Nicola has a terrific vintage shop at Etsy. Check out her 60’s Vintage Gauze Bohemian Balloon Sleeve Mini-Dress by margaret godfrey for Bagatelle.

tokidoki Dress $57

tokidoki is the Japanese-inspired lifestyle brand created in 2005 by Italian artist Simone Legno and his business partners Pooneh Mohajer and Ivan Arnold. tokidoki produces apparel and other products using art and iconic characters designed by Simone Legno.

Harajuku Lovers Plaid Dress $54.95 (Sale)

Harajuku (”meadow lodging”) is the common name for the area around Harajuku Station on the Yamanote Line in the Shibuya ward of Tokyo, Japan. The area is known internationally for its youth style and fashion. Harajuku street style is promoted in Japanese and international publications such as Kera, Tune, Gothic & Lolita Bible and Fruits.

The Coveted Shoppe has a wonderful pair of Pierre Cardin vintage gladiator-style sandals for sale.  These have a snake-embossed leather upper and a leather sole. Size 38 EUR and 7.5 US.

The thing I like about The Coveted Shoppe is that I always see something posted there that inspires me to resuscitate something that may be hidden in the back of my closet. Like this Disco Diva Satin Blouse which reminds me of a cranberry silk puffy sleeved blouse I have hanging in there somewhere.

Other reasons to love The Coveted:

1. You can spend hours getting lost in the The Coveted Blog.
2. The Coveted’s Ms. Jennie Tamm is also the founder of the fashion bloggers’ hub -  Independent Fashion Bloggers.

I saw this picture in the DailyMail yesterday and couldn’t stop thinking about it today as I dragged myself around town trying to run a few errands. The photo may be digitally enhanced but it’s still amazing that she’s 59 years old!

• Meryl Streep (IMDB)
• Mamma Mia (the movie)

In addition to her quirky line-drawing on T’s and hoodies, Myra Stuart from Tea and Oranges has a new collection - Tea and Oranges Sustain. This collection features exclusive one off pieces made from recycled materials. Handmade from start to finish, Myra creates fresh takes on classic garment shapes, prints, applique and embroidery constructed every garment and accessory using 100% recycled quality fabrics. Even the packaging is bio-degradable. 

If you’re lucky enough to live in London you can find Tea and Oranges Sustain at the Sunday UpMarket at The Old Truman Brewery.

• Interview with Myra Stuart, creator of Tea and Oranges 
• Tea and Oranges - Online Shop at FashionSpace.com - check out Sulky Susie T - my favorite!
• Tea and Oranges - Online Shop at TheHiddenWardrobe.com

Oh! The Visa Swap sounds like so much fun! You can trade in your old favorite designer and high street clothing and receive a Visa Swap card loaded with points relative to what you donate. Then take your card to No. 1 Piazza at Covent Garden and pick out some new vintage designer items. This is the second year for the Visa Swap and it all happens during June and July. All items which have not been swapped by the end of the event will be donated to charity.

And who’s the face for Visa Swap 2008? Our own Lindsay Lohan, of course.  Who knew she was a fan of vintage? Read the Daily Mail piece here.

Now here’s something you don’t see very often. Gaiterettes! These are handmade by LesFrivolites from Quebec.

Here’s what the designer has to say about them:

This pair of Gaiterettes or shoe embellishelent is inspired from a fancy antique pair of victorian boots. As a victorian boots collector, I found this alternative to have the victorian look without causing damage to my collection. Its an easy way to totally change the look of your favorite pair of summer shoes. Be creative and try them with a colored pair of stockings! They are made of black leather with a wax finish, lined leather. The open pattern let s show your leg. The 2 metal shank buttons are functional.The buttons imitated a greek silver coin aged.An elastic under the shoe hold the gaiterettes.

What a great way to dress up a pair of plain black pumps!

See more here:

• LesFrivolites Shop

• LesFrivolites Blog

Thehiddenwardrobe is  another terrific site to find the work of new designers including feegee. The Chloe dress (above) comes from their debut collection “Urban Elegance.” I love the 20’s flapper influence and the hand-dyed fabrics. And each piece is one-off!

A bit about feegee -

Seraphina has been designing and making one-off pieces for independent boutiques in Cornwall and London since she graduated 3 years ago, also running stalls at Camden and Spitalfields.

Keen to develop the designs, she teamed up with sister Tamsin and together they launched feegee at the beginning of 2008 from their dressmaking studio in North London. The feegee look is inspired by a need to marry style with comfort. The pieces are always easy to wear,  adaptable, perfect for layering but strong enough to wear alone. (read more)

I found Regenerate Clothing through my new Facebook All Chic business page. Here’s three things I love about Regenerate.

1. I love that Regenerate’s shirts and hoodies are hand printed with neon and metallic inks and are available to buy in organic fabrics on sweat shop free ethical t-shirts. 
2. I love that Regenerate takes inspiration from the Music Industry. As a musician, and as the mother of the most avid Doors fan in the world (the keyboardist for Land Of Ineptitude), I wish I had that Jim Morrison Hoody Dress shown above. 
3. I love that Regenerate was “established with the mission to make the world a little happier and a lot better dressed by ethically invigorating its wearers.”

• Regenerate 
• Regenerate on Facebook
• Regenerate on MySpace

June 2008 marks the first birthday at diva in a carryon! To celebrate, they’re having giveaways every week during the month of June for readers in the USA. Just send a quick email to divainacarryon@gmail.com with your name,  address,  email address and phone number to be entered into the weekly drawing!

Mark your calendars!

FaCshion is coming to London Saturday and Sunday, September 13th and 14th. FaCshion is the very first exhibition to target both trade buyer and fashionista in London. The exhibition will host four catwalk shows, a champagne brunch for press and buyers and 50 selected exhibitors over a two day event, held at ‘the creative hub of London’s East End’; the Old Truman Brewery.

Among the exhibitors is ethical womenswear creator, LaLesso (shown above). Inspired by vibrant colours and intriguing prints, Lalesso supports the threatened cotton industry as well as the textile manufacturing industry in both Kenya and Tanzania.

Other exhibitors include:

Kamua (Denim Wear)
New unisex denim wear label launching in September aimed at men and women driven by style and quality. The collection also includes knit and woven dresses, tops, and trousers which may be combined with the denim to create a refreshingly modern look.

Mayaa (Handbags)
The signature Mayaa handbag includes richly embroidered beadwork interwoven with use of hand made raw silk, tanned leather, brocade, jute and ultra fine linen to create a stunning array of formal handbags.

Osman Ozdemir (Womenswear)
Osman Ozdemir’s collection is a mix of strong and romantic feminine print combined with his design philosophy and use of 3-dimensional shapes and eastern elements.

Conquer Gear (Menswear)
Conquer is a collective using unique imagery from across the globe, by collaborating with artists from many scenes and being inspired by everything from Hip-hop and Ska/Punk to Sports and Street art. All garments are fair trade cotton of the highest quality

DeedamG (Womenswear and Jewellery)
New bespoke womenswear collection produced using natural materials to combine trends with elegance.

Tan Silver (Jewellery)
Stunning art glass creations 

For more information about becoming an exhibitor - or to get a jump on the latest designs before they hit High Street - visit:

• FaCshion
• FaCshion on Facebook
• Truman Brewery (Virtual Tour)
  

Simone Legno’s tokidoki store now has these cute pink hi-tops (they’re also available in yellow) $130.00

I discovered tokidoki through Lynda.com, a fantastic site for online training in computer (and design) courses. There are lots of freebies including 1 hour of tokidoki with clips like “what is tokidoki?” “Lynda sits down with Simone”  “Simon’s sketchbook” and more. Check it out here.

And for all you tokidoki fans click here to enter the contest to win one of 30 pairs of the boot especially designed for the Sundance Festival 2008.

These tokidoki™ for Onitsuka Tiger™ Snow Heaven 72™ boots are the first collaborative effort between Onitsuka Tiger™ and tokidoki™. The boot features a custom tokidoki™ design on the inside of the boot and custom embroidered tiger logo. Not available for sale, 30 lucky tokidoki™ fans hoping for a collectible item could win these boots. The boots are only in women’s shoe sizes of 9 ½ to 10 ½. By answering the following questions correctly, you could win a pair of Snow Heaven 72™ boots signed by tokidoki Creative Director Simone Legno himself…(tokidoki fans - find the online questions here)

As a former eBay seller, I’ve been on the lookout for a new auction site that’s easy to navigate and uncluttered. I think I’ve finally found the answer with FabricJam.com. Just launched on Saturday, FabricJam.com is designed for individuals who buy and sell women’s clothing and accessories, but do not have time to navigate through impersonal, broad-spectrum, unappealing auction sites. (That’s me!)

“While shopping at online auction sites is convenient, with a modern women’s busy schedule - wading through categories irrelevant to a search is time-consuming. With its clear, attractive layout, and a listing process far faster than its competitors, shoppers will enjoy using the site and sellers will spend less time listing their items. Fabricjam revolutionises the online auction format. Being able to shop by celebrity style is also a great feature,” says entrepreneur Claire Webb, owner of Fabricjam.

According to Ms. Webb -

My inspiration for Fabricjam was a combination of things. The only other real option for trading online is ebay which I found was too broad spectrum, expensive to sell on, and complicated for many users. Having so many categories and subcategories can make searching difficult and for sellers your items can feel as though they are lost within the site. I wanted to create a simple, straightforward but stylish trading venue which will appeal to women of every age – no matter how computer literate they are. I  also wanted to add more features, such as shopping by celebrity style, clear search categories for vintage clothing etc. Lastly, I wanted Fabricjam to be dedicated to all things female - which is completely unique.

Seven reasons to bookmark FabricJam.com today:

1. Its ease of use to buy and sell
2. An easy-to-navigate platform
3. A 30-Day auction, so bulk sellers need not re-list every nine days
4. Free listings
5. A final sale fee at 3.5% - half of what online auction giant eBay charges
6. A no sale, no fee policy
7. Multiple search categories, including a shop by celebrity style category, so users can easily find items in the style of their favourite

BB Dakota The Fairbanks Blazer

Tripp NYC The Blazer Hoody in White & Black Check

tokidoki The Candy Cuties Clear Rain Jacket

Get free shipping with your order of $25 or more at Karmaloop. Use code SLATER. Valid through May 31st.

Cracker Your Wardrobe is a free street fashion magazine from Korea featuring photos from around the world. You can find it in coffee shops, hair salons, and retails shops and, if it’s not available in your part of the world, you can check out the photos online.

I love that Cracker Your Wardrobe spans the generations.

For the lowdown on the latest Korean Trends and an ongoing series about Korean Fashion Designers such as Choi Bum Suk, visit FeetManSeoul. And just in case you’d like to pick up the latest Korean fashion from Pierced Eye and other contemporary Korean designers, visit Angie Hearts. Use the 10% code - angieloves - for the next four days.