Ivy Frozen Productions

Rose Tea

2012-01-25T00:47:00.000-08:00

On Sunday January 22nd, a group of local lolitas met up for tea at Rose Tea in San Francisco. Click the read more link for a write up of the meet and a review of the tea house.

It was raining off and on. The Rose Tea Lounge is located near Golden Gate Park on Irving Street in San Francisco. It's kind of a steep, hilly area, and it was difficult to find parking. Two members of the group spent an hour and a half trying to find parking, and missed much of the tea. My group managed to arrive early and find parking in a small nearby lot.

Parking: 2/5

While we waited for guests to arrive, a small feast was laid out. There was plenty of food for all, including things I liked. I'm a very picky eater who doesn't really like fancy, complicated food, so that's a big plus for me. There was plenty left over, so even the people who arrived late didn't miss out on choices.

Amount and Variety of Food: 5/5

Even though I was in it for the fruit, I found myself enjoying the treats as well. I especially enjoyed the coconut cookies dipped in chocolate and the almond tarts. I was informed by others that the sandwiches tasted good and were filling. There wasn't a complaint about any of the food.

Food: 4/5

Unfortunately, considering they're a tea house, the tea wasn't particularly good. It was kind of weak, an not flavorful enough. I was glad that I ordered a cup of hot cocoa, which was good. We tried their cherry tea and their apple cider tea. It smelled really good but failed to deliver.

Tea: 2/5

Everyone mingled really well. It seemed no one was left out, as can sometimes happen at meet ups when people just stick to the people they know. The teahouse was comfortable, not too hot, not too cold, and smelled of flowers since they also sold flowers. It was nicely decorated, but the floors and ceiling were left out.

Atmosphere: 4/5

After eating, it was time for photos!

The ladies all got together for a group picture, while the menfolk obeidiently took photos. The shop staff also were very excited to take photos too!

Shoe flower!

Then individual shots. Everyone was really shy for some reason, so I went first. I wore my Cars and Guitars dress. It was inspired by Angelic Pretty's Classic Melody jsk, Heather Ross's wonderful print, and Tori Amos's song Cars and Guitars. I made it quickly for her concert in Oakland back in December. I paired it with Angelic Pretty's Melody Doll piano bag in white for the concert, but took my new pink violin bag for the tea party. My shoes are from lovelyshoes.net and decorated with a shoe clip off a pair of Baby the Stars Shine Bright shoes and a pair of guitarr earrings from clairs. The headband was made by me. The necklace is from Alice and the Pirates.

A lovely couple. I actually do know everyone's first names, but I don't wish to reveal them to the internet. The gentleman is in mostly black peace now I believe, and the lady is wearing black peace now boots. Her dress and headbow looks to be from either baby the stars shine bright or angelic pretty.

Our lovely hostess! She's wearing baby the stars shine bright starry sky of mother goose print skirt.

My new best friend! Naw, really. I'm not sure what she's wearing, but it looks super cute.

Angelic Pretty's Suger Hearts Twins!

This girl shall forever be known n my head as nutella. She's in Alice and the Pirate's Melty Mermaid op.

This girl is looking sweet in Metamorphose's Twinkle Journey Jsk.

She's wearing a bow print from Angelic Pretty expertly coordinated with some pink with white polka dotted shoes from Baby the Stars Shine Bright.

This young lady looks to be wearing Angel's Whisper in the Holy Night JSK from Baby the stars shine bright and making it look amazing.

My honey pilfering blueberries and looking dashing in his first brand purchase, a black piece now tie. I love it with that shirt!

After photos came the awkward moment when the bill was sorted out. Even though only 14 people showed, the reservation was for 17. We had to pay for 15 people, which I guess was the minimum for our package. The staff were very friendly and good at allowing substitutions to the menu, such as the hot chocolate for me at no extra cost. They also had a piano player who played in the afternoon. They could sometimes be hard to track down and weren't the most attentive to our party.

Tea House Service: 4/5

Overall, the meet was a success and a lot of fun. I give the teahouse a 3.5/5. The food was good, the atmosphere was nice, the staff was friendly, and the food was good; however, parking could be a nightmare and the tea could be better.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T12:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I know I've been sparce around here, but I hope to pick up my blogging soon. You've all been so supportive of me. To give thanks to all my customers, those of you who like my shop, blog, and facebook page, here's a 10% off discount good for the whole shop! blackfriday 11

Monday I should add a bushel of new clearance items and a few new regulular items too. ;D If you haven't checked out the items I uploaded this week, give them a look, and as always, I welcome your feedback.

Hope you're all having a good time,

Ivy

New Stuff in Store

2011-10-04T14:32:00.001-07:00

New stuff being uploaded finally! And some old favorites are finally making their return. New stuff all week. Check back frequently. I have some Halloween things up and hope to add two more later this week with 3/4" sleeves.

The celebrate, free shipping within the us and discounted shipping worldwide! Woo!

Just enter the coupon code: FreeShipUSA

Very busy,

Ivy Frozen

ivyfrozen.etsy.com

Under Construction

2011-08-24T18:10:00.000-07:00

Silent this week while I work on the websites. Codes should be fixed on the blog now, yay! Let me know if you're still having trouble. Feedback on the current main site would also be appreciated as I buckle down and work on a html version. Let me know what you like and don't like, please!

http://www.ivyfrozen.com/

Figuring out her codes,

Ivy Frozen

P.S. Wearing:

metamorphose top and skirt

baby the stars shine bright shoes

and clairs socks

How to Coordinate Like a Boss Part 1: The Golden Rule

2011-08-17T15:07:00.001-07:00

Hello, children. Today I want to talk to you about something very important: your bodies...

...and how you dress them! It seems many people are very insecure about putting outfits together, especially when they're trying to do a particular style such as lolita. Therefore I thought it might be nice to do a series of posts on putting outfits or coordinates together. I'm going to focus on dressing in the lolita style and vintage style since I think those styles go together well, and I happen to like those styles. That doesn't mean this series can't be useful if you aren't interested in those styles. I'll be going over some principles of art and design that anyone can gleam inspiration from. Hopefully, those new to the styles will gain some confidence, and those old pros of the styles will discover some new tricks. Today we'll start off with the golden rule. So click the jump so we can get this party started.

The golden rule is to look nice and flatter yourself. This rule supersedes everything else. You can break many rules in a style as long as you come out looking awesome. Don't get too caught up with trying to create a lolita or vintage look or whatever style you're going after and forget that. In most styles, that is the key to working it. Also, everything you do doesn't have to be in that style. If you have a dress specifically for that style, it doesn't mean you always have to wear it in that style. Here's a handy flowchart to help you get dressed in the morning:

Partying like it's 1985,

Ivy Frozen

P.S. if you haven't fanned our facebook page, go over and give it a like. It's a lot easier to post small updates over there, so I'll probably post daily there and once a week (or more!) over here.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Ivy-Frozen-Productions/149607545056447

Sale

2011-08-10T22:01:00.000-07:00

Check out the sample sale going on this week in the shop. New items will be added daily. $30 dresses. They aren't up to my current standard, but they're certaiunly wearable and won't fall apart on you. And they look nice =) Certainly worth $30. Hurry over if you've been eyeing something before it's gone!

The above dress won't be making a full appearance yet, but it's more of a teaser on upcoming things =)

Doing out with the old!

Ivy Frozen

Snow White and Rose Red

2011-08-03T15:44:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a fall* collection for you all inspired by the story of Snow White and Rose Red. But I'm expanding the story a bit; Snow White is also the Snow White of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves fame and Rose Red is also Red Riding Hood. Here's a quick sneak peak of one of the dresses in it, though this isn't the final version.

Working away,

Ivy Frozen

*Don't worry! I'll continue to offer my usual spring and summer things and I'll still be accepting custom orders. =)

Take to the Sky

2011-08-02T19:47:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted my creations in a while, in part because I didn't have a song to use. Health and other issues have kept me from listening to music as much as I usually do. =( Music is the one art I don't do at all, but it also has the biggest impact on me. I usually have a song in my head, but this time I didn't. Luckily, Tori has come to the rescue again. She has a song for everything, and I'm excited to see her again in December. For this post, I've selected "Take to the Sky." I think it's very relevant to both this blog and myself at this point in time. I'll give you all credit and let you determine what the song is about.

this House is like Russia

with eyes cold and grey...

You got me moving in a circle

I dyed my hair Red today.

I just want a little passion

to hold me in the dark...

I know I've got some magic

buried

Deep

in my heart,

yeah.

but my priest says,

"You ain't savin' no souls."

My father says,

"You ain't makin' any money."

My doctor says,

"You just took it to the limit."

And Here I Stand

...

with this sword in my hand!

you can say it one more time

WHAT YOU DON'T LIKE

Let Me Hear It One More Time

and have a seat while I

take to the sky.

Take to the sky.

my heart is Like the ocean...

it Gets in the way...

so close to touching Freedom!

then I hear the guards call my name.

but my priest says,

"You ain't savin' no souls."

My father says,

"You ain't makin' any money."

My doctor says,

"You just took it to the limit."

And Here I Stand.

with this sword in my hand.

you can say it one more time...

what you don't like.

let me hear it one more time

and have a seat while I

take to the sky.

take to the sky-y

take to the sky-y

if you don't like

me

just a little

why do you

around?
hang

there she goes again

wearing those purple panties

there she goes again

wearing her heart

there she goes again

Why do You

take it,

take it,

take it?

--"Take to the Sky" by Tori Amos

Returning this Fall

2011-08-01T17:06:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to announce my return this fall. I'm working on a lot of cool things for you guys. Keep an eye out for a site redesign and new clothes starting in September. In the mean time, I'll reopen for comissions and a sample sale next week and maybe a few new items will sneak in. ;) I'm resuming posting this week, and hopefully I'll get you all as excited for the official reopening in September as I am! Check back each day this week for more teasers and actual info, as well as one of my giant image posts filled with things I've sewn and the usual sort of stuff I post.

Glad to be Back,

Ivy Frozen

P.S. Like my facebook page!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T19:10:00.000-08:00

I'm going through a tough time right now, but thanks everyone for your kind comments and other actions (I really do appreciate them!), and I hope to respond to them all soon. They mean a lot to me, especially while I'm at the bottom of the wheel*. I'm also hoping to return to blogging and my other internet activities soon! Click the Read More! link to see the outfit details and explantion of the "wheel" reference.

Big wheel keep on turning,

Ivy Frozen

My Valentine's day dress made last year and just properly photo-ed this year.

Dress- me made
shoes- wanted
blouse- jc penny
hair bows- hot topic
socks- robyn marie's shoe closet

*bottom of the wheel-- Life is cyclical, sometimes you're up (at the top of the wheel) and sometimes you're down (at the bottom of the wheel) or at any of the points in between. I believe that I'll always return to the top eventually.

Back with a Boom?

2010-05-31T23:01:00.000-07:00

I wanted to be back with a boom, with lots of nice awesome pictures of new stuff. I have a new photographer that I'm going to work with this friday, to see if I can get some better pictures for you. In the meantime, it seems silly to wait another week to resume posting just for that. Click Read More! to continue this.

My goal for re-opening my etsy and filling it with new things is June 20th, for the start of summer. In the meantime, I'm working on finishing old projects. Hopefully, I can find some time to write out those tutorials. In the meantime,

Check out my New Site: http://www.ivyfrozen.com/

I also joined Model Mayhem: http://www.modelmayhem.com/ivyfrozen

& I'm working on a facebook page.

There'll be a real post tommorrow,

Ivy Frozen

Really Back Soon

2010-05-09T10:44:00.000-07:00

Remember when I said I'd be back soon? By soon, I meant after I graduate (or just walk in the ceremony) on the 22nd of this month. In the meantime, I'll probably update the layout and I should have lot's of goodies for you all!

Stay tuned,

Ivy Frozen

Test Post

2010-03-05T10:08:00.000-08:00

This is a test post. Look for more from me soon!

Coming back soon,
Ivy Frozen

Winner!

2009-11-02T13:12:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the delay everyone! I got a little sidetracked by a phone call from the police talking about firemen being at my place. Don't worry, no injuries or anything, but still waiting on the damage report.

But, on to the winner. Click the Read More! link to find out who won.

I'll send the winner an e-mail later today and thanks everyone for entering! I loved all your entries.

May the muse be with you,

Ivy Frozen

Victoriana

2009-10-26T19:39:00.000-07:00

I find it interesting that many of the issues around now, that seem so new and current, were issues in the previous century and even the one before that. Take for example, fast fashion. We take it as a sign of the times, but fast fashion was shaking up the fashion world long before designers rushed to complete seasonal collections. Perhaps that's why I'm so drawn to the Victorian at the moment. Click the Read More! link to find out more about Victorian Fashion.

The Victorian era was named after Queen Victoria of England who reigned from 1837 to 1901. In the early part of the Victorian era, fashions lasted about a decade, but as communication and production were sped up, fashions soon lasted only a year or two. Before 1851, all clothes were entirely made by hand, making clothes expensive. Only the rich could afford to have a large wardrobe. But in 1851, the sewing machine was invented. Clothing was able to be made quicker and cheaper. Department stores spread. Ready made clothing was available in stores by the end of the century at prices the masses could afford. Of course, the wealthy still had their clothes custom made.

Since dresses were expensive, many of the excessive layers we associate with the time were designed to protect the dress. Undersleaves, camisoles, and attached shields protected dresses from sweat stains. Ruffles were attached to hems to pick up the worst of the dirt and mud from the streets. The ruffles could then be replaced. A plain petticoat was worn to protect skirts from a hoop skirt, with a fancier petticoat worn over for when the skirt bunched up.

Because dresses were so expensive, a woman did what she could to protect them. Decorative undersleeves could be slipped under the dress sleeve to just above the elbow to protect hems. Fancier gowns which didn't allow for a camisole, had shields sewn into the bodice to protect the material from perspiration stains. Ruffles were sewn into the hems of outdoor dresses. Even with the hem of the dress in front, they fell about 1/8th of an inch below the hem in back. The ruffle picked up the worst of the mud and dirt from the street, and could be replaced much easier than the whole skirt.

The wealthy, on the other hand, didn't have as many qualms about replacing their frocks. In 1858 Charles Worth made a collection of designs that weren't commissioned by an particular patron. He presented his collection on live models, and then people bought is designs. Until that time, fashion details and changes were suggested by the customers. He was a big hit.

Disposable fashion was also popular with the wealthy. Lovly dresses made from fragile materials were made, intended to be used only once or twice and then tossed. Excessive trims and decorations were used on dresses, which was also quite wasteful. Then as today, conspicous consumption and waste were seen as marks of great wealth and status. Yes, those wealthy Victorians were pimpin'.

It seems fitting the Victorian period is the start of the modern world, at least in my mind. Perhaps that's also why the steam punk style seems to be becoming increasingly popular.

This dress was inspired by the Victorian Period and lolita dress. It's actually two pieces: an overdress and an underskirt.

The underskirt has three rows of ruffles down the back, but only one ruffle in the front along the hem. I do have enough fabric left to make another of these for my shop, but it seems I won't add anything to the shop until the end of the semester. If you'd really like this dress though custom made to your size, just send me an e-mail, comment, or message.

References and Further Reading (& looking):

Dressing the Victorian Woman

Fashion Era.com: Early Victorian Costume History

Victorian Fashion

Long live Queen Victoria,

Ivy Frozen

En Trees--Closed

2009-10-21T02:48:00.000-07:00

The entries for my LBD contest are after the jump. This post will be updated as entries come in, so you can all see the competition, er, entries and know what your number is for the random number generater-draw-thing. If you decide you want to change your entry, you may up until the deadline. And you may want to check on your entry to be sure you sent me the right file etc.

*NOTE* Allow a day or two for your entry to appear here.

So basically if i were 2 win I would wear both pieces at the same time with a pair of purple faux suede ankle boots, a purple belt and if its cold enough a purple beret! Considering i'm only a student and becoz i've pretty much used alot of purple, i would accompany the ensemble with a black leather backpack/purse, some pearl stud earrings to keep with the classic style the dress radiates, a pearl necklace as well as pink lips and purple eye makeup!

#1 Cypriotchick

On the left is the skirt. I would pair it with a green tank and a turquoise cardigan. (to pick up the green hues in the cardigan) Under the skirt I would wear green tights under a pair of fishnet tights. The necklace depicted is an old locket that was my grandmother's to throw in a little vintage flair.

On the right is the top. I love the sophistication of a tailored sleeveless top. I would wear it tucked into a pencil skirt with a fun, floral print (although my drawing skills leave something to be desired). To add more color, I would wear a coordinating bracelet of some sort.

#2 Nicki

So why I chose the looks (provided in the attatchments) are because they
are very close to my personal style, and The dress just fits right in to
what I would normally wear so easy.

The day look, which has the waistcoat and shirt is perfect for work or
college and still has a little puch with the hat/lace-up waist coat, and
I love oxford style shoes.

The night look is my own way of using a splash of colour with the bright
red shoes and Bow. I don't think too many accessories would work well with
that look and I think it'd be a perfect look for a christmas party, and I
love heels with a big platform (and my glasses).

#3 Megan

#4 BeesKnees

Ok so the pieces I've added to your wonderful creations are items I already own. I decided to draw them instead of pasting a bunch of photos together. Forgive me the colors didn't turn out well because I used markers, couldn't find color pencils.

For the outfit on the left I paired your skirt with a royal purple top with sleeves that are shirred down the middle from the shoulder to the arm. For jewelry I added a silver necklace that is just a bunch of circles linked together with chains. Shoes are faux suede wedge heels that have a bow on the front.

For the outfit on the right I paired your top with a powder blue pleated skirt that has beaded designs and horizontal pleats near the bottom. Added is a black fitted jacket with black and blue pinstripes, black heels with little bows and blue stitching, and some silvery white flower chained hoop earrings and matching bracelet.

#5 Kim

May Lady Luck be with you; winner will be announced on Halloween,

Ivy Frozen

LBD Contest--Ended; Winner Announced 10/31

2009-10-14T15:30:00.000-07:00

Yay! It's here! Win a little black dress made by me. But since it is made by me, you know there has to be some twist to it, not just an ordinary LBD. Click the Read More Link! to find out more about it and how to win it.

As I mentioned before, black is a tough color for me since it's a very pedestrian color. When I design my clothes, I want stuff that you can't find in stores. Pretty much any woman's clothing store has a LBD. Plus, I'm terribly girly and romantic. Black is the color of mourning. And, it's a safe color. And I associate it with Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel, figures I associate with the boring "chic look", that makes fashion work instead of fun.

But, I decided all that isn't necessarily bad stuff. Black is a safe color, which is what makes it so versatyle. When I design clothes, I also consider that. I want my clothes to be able to have lots of wear. Plus, I can't say that I wouldn't like to channel an Audrey look or two, and Uncle Karl put out those awesome thigh high boots a few seasons ago.

So, without further ado, I present my vision of little black dress.

But, it's not actually a dress...

It's a skirt.

With inseam pockets.

Good size pockets.

A skirt holds its shape well even with something relatively heavy in its pockets.

And, it's a top.

A fairly plain top.

But, it takes decoration well.

And the zipper opens all the way, like a jacket.

It's made out of cotton, so it's a great base for diy, if you'd like to add your own permanent decorations. I left the neckline plain so blouses could be layered beneath or you could use a vintage collar. And you can always mix and match the top and bottom to your delight.

So, how do you win it?

I'm a curious little thing so, Show me how you'd wear it. An image is required. You could use polyvore or any image editing program. Send me the image (or a link) and I'll post them up on the blog in the order they're received. I've included some quickly photoshopped images for you to use. You can use the top, skirt, or both. You may use any of my images of them and photoshop them to illustrate who you'd wear it. You can also use none of my images and draw something to illustrate it. Whatever. Just show me how you would wear it. A short text elaboration on your entry is encouraged, but keep it short and to the point.

In two weeks, October 28th, I'll use google to find an online random number picker to select a winner. The folks who entered the FAILED contest will be entered in this draw as well if they comment again, since I can't find an e-mail for most of you. Just let me know you entered before for a bonus entry. Everyone else only gets one entry, so make it good.

But wait! There's more!

If there are a lot of entries, I will give away a second LBD to the set I like the best. Or even if there aren't a lot of entries, I may award a set I find outstanding. In other words, I reserve the right to add more prizes if I feel like it. So it's a good idea to spread the word about this little contest. It's also a good idea to do a good job on your entry.

When I receive the first entry, I'll start a post that will be updated with each entry as I receive it, so you'll know I got your entry and what your number is. I'll also try to reply to your e-mails.

More Details...

The set will be custom made to fit your measurements. I will ship internationally, though you're responsible for any customs fees etc. I'm not adverse to certain customization options. If you win and would like something in the set changed, ask. It may cost extra or it may not.

Post questions or comments about the contest on this blog entry, and check it for replies. Similarly, if you have a question, check the comments to see if it was answered. That way, I won't have to answer the same question many times.

At the end of the contest, I'll post the set up in my shop so you can buy it if you love it.

So what you waiting for? Enter Now!

Handmade by me with love, care, and possibly a swear,

Ivy Frozen

ivyfrozen@att.net

FAIL

2009-09-27T12:36:00.000-07:00

About that giveaway... I lost contact with Chick Downtown, the folks giving it away. As such, I feel horrible. Hence, the huge vacation. Well, that and I tend to get caught up in my sewing. But I miss blogging.

Fear not! I do intend to make good on the giveaway. I will giveaway a custom made dress by me. Since the contest was about a little black dress, I'm going to giveaway my take on it. As I avoid black in ready to wear dresses, I also am uninspired by it for the dresses I make. It took me a while, but I think I have created something that will appeal to a great many of you as it appeals to me. It's everything a LBD should be. It's cut out, and ready to be assembled after I finish some orders. Since it is a change in plans, I am going to open the contest again for a week or so. I will ship internationally, so non-US readers will be able to enter. Everyone who entered before will automatically be entered. I'll do my best to contact you all and make sure you care for the new dress before entering you.

So be on the lookout for that in the next week or so. Give you guys early warning so you won't miss it, having given me up for dead. And hopefully I'll make my return to blogging.

I hope you all will forgive me,
Ivy Frozen

Is it Wrong?

2009-07-20T13:30:00.000-07:00

Is it wrong that I like to look at the shoes on costume sites? Is it wrong that I desire many of the shoes to wear everyday, not in costume? Is it wrong that I feel that way about some of the actual costumes too? Although with costumes it's usually a piece or two from it, since costumes are usually made poorly with terrible materials and fit.

And here is the rest of it. x

Buycostumes.com

Bordello is an offshoot line from Pleaser, designed to appeal to Burlesque performers and pin up girls. I pretty much love the whole line, but here's a few of my favorites.

Violette

Teeze

Siren

Whimsey

Cabaret

Saloon

I couldn't resist and bought the Bordello- Whimsey boots in red. They are the most perfect boots ever. Apparenty, the style is similar to the pair Violet wore in the A Series of Unfortunate Events movie. Violet has good taste. Unfortunately, it is etirely too hot to wear them out. So hot, everything's falling apart and melting around here. So hot, even I don't want to put on a dress and would rather walk everywhere in a bikini. It is hot. Look for them this fall.

Ivy has good taste too, or so she thinks,

Ivy Frozen

Giveaway: BB Dakota

2009-07-11T00:59:00.000-07:00

A while a ago, I realized I had no LBD's, despite constantly buying dresses in blue or other colors because I had so much black in my wardrobe. Realizing this great oversight, I set out to correct it. And here's your chance to correct this oversight in your own closet or just to add to your steadily multiplying LBD collection. Chick Downtown is anxious to give one of you this dress. Click the Read More! link to find out how to get a free dress.

This LBD is made by BB Dakota, the people who made Bella's jacket from Twilight. We can't hold that against them though since they do make some cute stuff, including this dress. It's perfect to dress up or down or anywhere in between; a perfect piece to carry you through your day.

To win the dress, just live in the US* and leave a relevant comment on this post by July 25th. You've got 2 weeks. Comment on the post, my blog in general, Chick Downtown, tell me you want the dress. Anything that's relevant by 6 degrees of seperation or less.

Chick Downtown has a lot of cute stuff too, like their stuff from Loeffler Randall and Current/Elliot, so be nice and check it out. Loeffler Randall has some ethereal, floaty looking pieces that look like they hang well. Current/Elliot is all about the denim. They even stock vintage. Join their mailing list for a free $50 giftcard. Hellz yes. I mean, ergh... Well that is what I mean.

Be sure to check out their Twitter and facebook pages and follow them if you like them.

Is it YOUR day in the sun?

Ivy Frozen

* Sorry international readers; your day will come.

Loli-con

2009-07-09T23:15:00.000-07:00

So it seems the lolitas are winning me over a bit. I mentioned the lolita's before, and how I felt their style was akin to mine while not being mine. But after making a more tuned down lolita dress for a friend of mine, I find myself wanting to add lolita details to my own dresses. While I'm inspired by the full on Japanese Lolita looks, I find myself wanting to try a sweet American Lolita look. American lolita, true to American sportswear, is simpler. More minimalistic, but still really cute. Many of the staples of lolita are things I already wear: bell shaped skirt, bloomers, sweet headwear. Why not try a whole lolita look? I haven't made the jump yet, but Lolita and the Victorian Era have definately been on my mind. Click the Read More! link to take a look at how that inspiration has translated and to see me slowly creeping closer. And check back tomorrow for a give away and diy tips for when you screw up.

The Loli's are COMING!

In the night,

the loli's stalk...

N i g h t m a r e C r e a t u r e s

With black holes

for Hearts.

Cutesy bows,

Glowing red eyes

Feasting on BUMS who sleep in the park

The Loli's are coming

so be Aware

The loli's are coming

touch one

if you dare

The Loli's are coming

you can't turn the tide

The Loli's are coming!

There's nowhere to hide.

I made all the dresses I'm wearing as well as the above dress my blond friend is wearing. The pictures of her in that dress are hers from Fanime.

Lolita Lovin',

Ivy Frozen

Re-opening Preview

2009-06-29T20:43:00.000-07:00

The shop is now re-opened! Woo-hoo! Right now I just relisted some pieces you've seen before, so if you missed them, here's your last chance to get them. This post will be filled with previews of pieces that will be available, most of them custom made to your size, throughout the rest of this week and possibly into the next. My robot pal and I are working very hard to get everything listed. If you see something you like, you can message me for more information and/or to have it reserved. Bonus to reading my blog, ne? Click the Red More! Link to see the picture show.

I'm the Scatman. I'm the Scatman.

Everybody Stutters one way or the other,

so check out my message to you

as a matter of fact,

don't let nothing hold you back

if the Scatman can do it, So can you

Where's the Scatman? I'm the Scatman.

Why should we be pleasin' all the politician heathens

Who would try to change the seasons if they could?

The state of the condition

insults my intuition

and only makes me crazy

and

my heart

like

wood.

Everybody Stutters one way or the other,

so check out my message to you

as a matter of fact,

don't let nothing hold you back

if the Scatman can do it, brother, So can you

I'm the Scatman.

Bee-bop bop bodibo, bop bop bodibo

Bee-bop bop bodibo, bop bop bodah

Bee-bop bop bodibo, bop bop bodibo

Bee-bop bop bodibo, bop bop bodibo

Skibby-do dodda dum dodda da
dum dodda da

Skibby-do dodda dum dodda dum

dum dodda da

Skibby-do dodda dum dodda dum
dum dodda da

words from Scatman by Scatman John

While you're still sleepin' the saints are still weepin' cause
Things you call dead haven't yet had the chance to be born,

Ivy Frozen

Great Expectations

2009-06-27T21:50:00.000-07:00

I've never read the book. Though the plot sounds awesome, no doubt Dicken's absurdly long sentences and flat characters will annoy me too much. I'd been meaning to watch the '98 film version of the movie since my all time favorite artist Tori Amos did some of the music for the film, including one of my favorite songs of all time, Siren. When I saw it was airing on t.v., I had to watch. The first part of the film drew me in with it's ethereal shots of young Finn and Estella and the crazy Ms. Dimsmoor (Havisham). But when the film progressed to Ethan Hawke and Gwyneth Paltrow, it started going downhill in all areas. Click the Read More! link to see photos and a trailer.

If Ivy Frozen was based on a historic figure, it would be Estella from Great expectations. Estella is very much like Ivy Frozen, especially when decked out in green and living in a house overrun by plants as in the '98 film. She's assertive, lively, ladylike, confidant, and unconventional, yet she's also passive, cold, masculine, and bound by society. I've talked about the meaning of my internet name elsewhere, but I'm fairly certain I haven't done it on this blog yet. Ivy Frozen is derived from Poison Ivy--as played by Uma Thurman-- and some ivy filler plants covered with frost that I saw outside my window. Frozen Ivy was then switched around to sound more like a real name, as the name first appeared as a penname on a writing site. The name has endured since it suits me. A teacher once told me I was like an iceberg, with the vast majority of my content underwater and unseen. I'm also often perceived as cold and snobbish like Estella, and hand trouble with relationships until I found my Finn who's sticking for the moment.

As this blog points out, Miss Havisham (book)/Dimsmoor (film) is one awesome, cooky old lady. She's the revenge of bitter old maids anywhere. After being abandoned at the alter at the tender age of 45 (in the film), Ms. Dimsmoor went crazy. In the book and more faithful adaptations, she wears nothing but her wedding dress and walks around unkempt while making random demands. In this film, she turns to clownish, 60's make up that makes her resemble a Bratz doll, and various green 60s-70s ensembles that match her house that is overrun by her garden. The further put Carrie Bradshaw to shame, Ms. Dimsmoor makes it her purpose to raise Estella to be a beautiful and cold girl, destined to break many men's hearts.

Finn is unwittingly caught in the middle of things that occurred before he was even born. I love the young Finn dressed in green as he visits Paridiso Perduto, as the green really brings out those gorgeous eyes of his. This is a simple trick for a guy to do or even a girl to look stunning, even in rags or your work-out clothes. The picture I included with this post demostrates that with my brown eyes, I like great in brown. Unfortunately, my hair and glasses obscure my eyes.

Here's the trailer so you can see some more of the outfits.

Not so Great Expectations,

Ivy Frozen

Clara Bow's Thighs

2009-06-23T23:41:00.000-07:00

Like any person, I have insecurities about my body. And when I'm experiencing one of those moments when nothing about me seems right, I like looking at popular, old sex symbols. The women considered the beauties of their time. It might sound creepy, but I especially like seeing their thighs. Having chicken legs myself, with larger upper thighs and going down to narrow ankles and feet, it's nice to see these curvy ladies being celebrated and not called fat by magazines or being airbrushed to within an inch of their humanity. These images make me more comfortable with my body, but also leave me a little sad. I can't see many off these women being cast as leads today, instead being relagated to the kinky/quirky friend role, unless their weight was an important part of the character.

I don't let my insecurities bother me in the long run. I like short shorts-- sometimes dangerously short shorts-- because long shorts tend to rub against my knees. I notice a lot of runners seem to also prefer the short short, likely for similar reasons as my preference.

I didn't like the picture above since it isn't the most advantageous view of my thighs in keeping with the media's view, but the more I look at it, the more I like it. I couldn't imagine my thighs any other way without looking frankensteined together and having hip bones sharper than this model. Not that there's anything wrong with them, but those are some sharp hip bones.

This play set won the Project Threadbanger April Challenge. If you haven't been to Threadbanger in a while, you should check out their new look. They're moving up.

The Little Mermaid,
Ivy Frozen

Pretty Pretty Dresses

2009-05-05T17:01:00.000-07:00

I get many requests on how to make my dresses/bodices etc. or what patterns I used for them. I made the patterns myself. It took much trial error. You can see my trials in some of my earlier pieces. I used information I found on the web as well as patterns I found at my local thrift store and fabric store to help me figure out how to draft. I also studied garments at local stores, my closet, and the thrift store. Then I pooled all that information together and winged it. Click the Read More! link for help finding patterns of the sort I like, drafting patterns, and altering patterns to suit your needs.

Method 1: Draping

When I made my initial pattern for my bodice that pretty much most of my other bodices are based off of, it went something like this. That's a link to Goofipinay's thread showing how she made her from dress. Of course, I did not have a dress form-- and I still don't since I can't find one that doesn't suck -- so I had to do the pinning on myself. It's difficult but doable.

Method 2: Pattern Drafting

Some links to help with that:

Modern Pattern Design- See Chapter 2

Basic Sloper pattern from Burdastyle -- also see the how tos

PetternMaking.com

Thread Banger-- see corset pattern

Don McCunn-- videos

WhattheCraft-- I used her circle skirt tutorial

Kuky Ideas Shirring Tutorial-- I sometimes use shirring on the back of my bodices.

Threadbanger Video on Shirring

Also see crafting and sewing forums such as Crafster, Threadbanger, Cosplay.com, and Burdastyle.

Also, check out my DIY Link post, which will be updated soon-ish.

Method 3: Already made Pattern

Hey, this kind of looks familiar...

Yellow Ball Gown/dress from Modern Sewing Patterns. I've linked it before, but it appears that link is broken. It is free. I've never used their patterns though, so I don't know about fit and can't vouch for them. The pieces look to be shaped right though. If anyone does use it--or any patterns from that site-- do let us know how it worked.

If you wish to buy a pattern, I recommend going for a vintage pattern. My designs are inspired by the New Look period, which was from about the end of WWII to the mid 60s. Patterns from the 70s or earlier also fit better. Also, some pattern companies are reproducing some of their vintage patterns. Unfortunately, I do think they've been resized to the modern sizing system, which doesn't fit well.

Can't find a pattern the perfectly matches what you want? Remember that patterns can be mixed, matched, and altered to suit your needs. The only important part in my dresses is the fitted bodice. I always freehand my skirts since they are simple geometric shapes: either a circle (donut) or a large rectangle gathered to fit the bodice. Once you have a fitted bodice, it's easy to alter it to all sorts of shapes.

The same things applies to tutorials. You can take parts from tutorials or even whole tutorials and apply them to other projects. Break your project up into parts. You'll find it easier to find everything you need to complete it.

Working on finals,

Ivy Frozen

The Wizard of Oz

2009-04-08T22:22:00.000-07:00

Like many girls of my generation and beyond, I have a soft spot for The Wizard of Oz. It used to play every year around thanksgiving and Christmas, and every year television would claim that it would never air on television again only for the Wizard of Oz to make an appearance on some station or another the following year. It seems that The Wizard of Oz has finally faded off the air, but it certainly hasn't faded from my mind, particularly those iconic ruby slippers.

The Wizard of Oz film we're all so familiar with is based on L. Frank Baum's book first published in 1900. Baum says of his book:

‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was written solely to please children of today. It aspires to being a modernized fairy tale, in which the wonderment and joy are retained and the heartaches and nightmares are left out.’

The Oz books (Baum wrote 14 sequels to the first book) was one of the first picture books written by working with an illustrater, so text and images were made at the same time and complimented each other. William Wallace Denslow's art nouveau style illustrations set the tone for the 1939 Oz film so dear to many of our hearts. He used sepia tones for the 'The Grey World' of Kansas in the opening and switched to bolder colors for Oz.

In these stories, Dorothy was only 9 or 10 years old and her slippers were silver and not red, which went with the art neveau style of the time. The 1939 movie adaptation changed Dorothy's shoes to red, among other things. The switch to red was likely to capitalize on the technicolor shift. Red is a very vibrant color that attracts the eye. It also gives a primary color scheme to the main elements of the story; the yellow bick road, the ruby slippers, and Dorothy in her blue gingham dress. This also results in Dorothy wearing American colors of red, white, and blue, also the blue isn't as vibrant as the blue on the flag. MGM's slippers are also mid to low heeled pumps, which point to Dorothy coming of age in the film. When Dorothy comes to Oz, she switches from flat loafers to glamorous heels and trades her pigtails for a sexy head of curls. She also dons vibrant red lipstick, something I doubt she wore back in Kansas.

I confess, I haven't really read the books. I read one in the series quite some time ago, and it was in chapter book form without Denslow's pretty images. Thus, when I first set out to make my version of the famous slippers, I wanted to make a pretty faithful replica of the shoes used in the film. But when I took a closer look at the shoes used in the film, I saw they looked kind of cheap.

On screen, they shine brilliantly. In person, they're kind of dull, which is acceptable given their age. But rows of sequins were sewed onto leather shoes with white thread, which is clearly visible. The flat bow actually has rhinstones and bugle beads on it. Kind of a ladyboner crusher. (I read Agent Lover recently. My boyfriend was rather amused with "ladyboner.")

Those fabulous costumes in old hollywood films often used hook and eye tape and snaps to hold the garments closed and make it easy to get the garment on and off. That sounds cheap because the costumes were cheap at the time. Your local playhouse may have costumes on par or even better made.

Since my shoes weren't meant to just look good on screen, I decided to move away from a facsimile. I kept the main elements of the shoe: an almond-toed pump with a comfortable heel, red sequins, and a bow. Then, I modernized the look a bit with a sleeker, higher heel (though still comfortable) and the bow placed to the side at an angle. Instead of sewing the sequins on, I glued them on en masse. I like the texture it gives verses rows of perfectly placed sequins or glitter. My bow is also three dimensional, made from fabric scraps.

For More Information than you may want to know on the various incarnations of Oz, check out The Wizards of Oz post from Verdoux.

Even more informtion than you may want to know.

Costume Discussion.

Click on images to be carried to their source, most of which are also linked at the end. Sources of my information also linked at the end.

Lost somewhere in Oz,

Ivy Frozen

It Shouldn't Be This Hard to Spend Money

2009-04-08T01:16:00.000-07:00

Barefeetshoes.com seems like an innocent enough site. They have a good selection of cute shoes for excellent prices. A look up of their reviews shows a mixed opinion of them, but no deal breakers. I'd say go ahead and order from them if you have a month or two to receive your shoes. Oh, it wasn't the shipping. They take 3 days to process your order--we'll come back to this-- and my shoes arrived 2 days after this. It's the ordering. It took me three weeks just to order the things.

Barefeetshoes has a lovely policy where they only ship to the address that your credit card is registered to. The only way to circumvent this is with a money order. This is to protect their customers against identity theft. That's very thoughtful of them. It might be more thoughtful if their Nazi-ish adherence to it didn't make it hard to gift them, as my boyfriend was trying to do for me.

Being a college student who moves around a fair bit, my card wasn't registered to my current address but a more permanent one. I changed the address to my current address just so I could purchase a pair of the most perfect shoes ever made. The bank informed me the change had taken place. Apparently that wasn't good enough for the site, since despite me typing the address exactly the same as it appeared on my bank statement three or four times, barefeetshoes still rejected it. I called the site and attempted to phone order, but was told I needed my mother to hold my hand while I dialed to prove that I was who I said I was and her mother holding her hand to prove she was indeed my mother and... Okay, really, they said I had to call my bank and three-way chat with them so they could prove my address.

I rang my bank to learn they had approved my transaction and they could not tell BareFeetShoes.com my address and that I was I. Oh, no. Instead we had to circumvent that by the bank worker asking my my address and having her confirm that it was the address on the account. Joy of joys.

After this game my shoes were finally ordered. I had wanted said shoes for my birthday, which is why I ordered them about a month prior. But my order could not be processed for three days. That's the time it took for the magic elves to find the elusive imaginary purple and orange cows needed to make the shoe. On the second day, they could finally cute out out the shoe, but they'd need a third day to stitch them together. This would have made more sense if their wasn't a charge from the last failed attempt still pending in the bank account along with a dollar account check charge from google, that google failed to inform me of when I signed up for their shopping cart service. Shame to google too.

After these three business days, my shoes arrived two days after. I had ordered two pairs to take advantage of free shipping. What i got was one pair, with a notice that the other pair I had tried to order was out of stock. I would have been more annoyed that no e-mail/phonecall/ etc. had informed me of this had I really cared that much for the second pair I was supposed to receive. Of course, this was also after I missed out on the original additional pair I had ordered and actually wanted. They were the perfect plain pump for me to sequin up for some Wizard of Oz whimsy. It took two weeks to figure out they had canceled that order, though that was more do to my lazy and impatient boy. Luckily, the ones I cared about came and I still received free shipping.

Of course, the ending still wasn't very happy. The shoes I did receive were somewhat beat up. They had discoloration spots, a few tiny stickey dots of goo on one. A price sticker was removed from the sole of the other, leaving it stickey and covered with blond hair and other crud. Dried glue was visible inside and the sole came up at the toe with my first wearing. One of them was also stitched somewhat poorly, with the lining jerked to the outside. I might have attempted to exchange them, however given their crappy service, I didn't want to risk a worse, and I truly am in love with the shoes. Perhaps they heard the bit about me eating their babies when they put me on hold and hung up on me. Or perhaps when they were chatting with other people while on the phone with me. The sound of their physical store was clearly audible over the line.

If I hated them so much, why did I spend three weeks trying to order from them? I orginally saw the shoes at Lulu's. I had seen the triple strap style on Ranna, and adored it, but despared of finding it on any shoe with a heel below 4". But these shoes had the triple strap style and a comfortable and chunky 2.5-3" heel. They were also in purple, a color I had longed to add to my shoe collection. But when I tried to order the beauties, they didn't have a matching pair. Apparently, they had sent out a mismatched pair. I turned to google for help, and found the best price at Barefeetshoes. By the time I realized how craptastic their service was, the one other site I had seen the shoes at --with a considerable price hike which I would gladly pay now for a site that actually wanted to sell shoes-- only had the shoes left in one color, which wasn't the color I wanted. But feast your eyes on these beauties and perhaps you'll see why I went to such pains to secure them, however I will never order from Barefeetshoes again.

Never goign throught that again,

Ivy Frozen

Anchors Aweigh

2009-02-27T01:45:00.000-08:00

Anchors Aweigh is a 1945 musical extravaganza starring Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Kathryn Grayson. It's most famous for the number where Gene Kelly dances with Jerry from Tom and Jerry. The numbers are all good, there's just a lot of them. It's like Benjamin Button or Pirates of the Carribean 2: you're entertained but you're still just waiting for the end to come. Anchors Aweigh is about two and a half hours of musical numbers. It's also creepy how Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra's characters refer to Kathryn Grayson as "Aunt Susie" while pursuing her romantically. We'll go into the story later. All you need to know now is Kaythryn Grayson's outfits rule.

It's hard to find pictures online. These pictures do not do any of her outfits justice.

And look! Here is young Donald, already on trend for Spring '09 with the pajama look.

The story is thus. Gene and Frank are two soldiers on shore leave. Gene is a ladies man and nerdy Frank makes him help him find a girl. They get roped into returning young Donald--pictured above--home, where they meet his Aunt Susie, an aspiring singer/actress. Frank thinks Aunt Susie is the girl of his dreams and thus the pair set about securing her heart. Musical mayhem ensues.

Did I mention this?

[insert nerdy fan-girl squeal here] Yes, I am nerdy. And possibly Amish.

I might not have been able to find many pictures online, but I did find the movie. Check it out.

Click their images to head to their source for more information.

Anchors Aweigh,

Ivy Frozen

Pandora's Aquarium

2009-02-25T23:22:00.000-08:00

Alright darlings. I have been away from you for awhile and I have tons of stuff to show you. So, I'll start off with an omnibus presentation of the pics I've taken. Most of these are of new dresses I made, and should give you an idea of what I'm thinking about for Spring for the shop. Some of them will be available in store as custom orders, and others are merely new shapes and such you'll see popping up in my designs. It might not officially be Spring yet, but it is Spring semester, and I've taken as much advantage as a can and have been dressing as Springy as I'm able. It seems I have been thinking pink and pastels and nude this year. And, Pandora's Aquarium. Click the Read More! link to view the onslaught.

Pandora

Pandora's Aquarium

she dives for shells

with her Nautical Nuns

and thoughts

you thought

you'd ...

never tell ...

I'm not asking you to believe in me.

Boy, I think you're confused

I'm Not Persephone

Foam can be dangerous

with tape across my mouth

These things you do

I never asked you how

line me up in single file

with all your Grievances

STARE

but I can taste you're still

ALIVE below the waste

ripples come

and ripples go

and ripple back to me

back to me

Pandora

Pandora's aquarium

she dives for shells

with her nautical nuns

and thoughts you thought

you'd

never tell ...

line me up in single file

with all your grievances

STARE

but I can TASTE you're still

ALIVE below the waste

ripples come

and ripples go

and ripple back to me

I am not asking you

to believe in me

BOY, I think you're confused

I'm NOT PERSEPHONE

she's in New York somewhere

checking her accounts

the Lord of the Flies was DIAGNOSED

as Sound

Pictures by me, lyrics by Tori Amos. As always, click on the pictures to be carried to my flickr where the outfit details are.

Diving for shells with her nautical nuns,

Ivy Frozen

Still Alive

2009-02-16T23:28:00.000-08:00

So, I'm still alive. Sorry; I tend to get wrapped up in my sewing and not update over here. You can almost always assume if I haven't updated in a bit though that I am feverishly sewing and will return with lots of eyecandy for you. I've never been good at keeping up diaries. I'm too busy doing stuff and starting new projects to take the time to write about the old ones. But, if you'll put up with my wayward ways, I shall return to you. 'Cause I'm cyclical like that. I suppose I would be like the moon, ever turning through a series of phases including the mass sewing phase, internet boredom phase, and of course the good little blogger phase. Stay tuned for my return to that. Or in any case, I'll have some new posts up soon =)

Think Pink!

2009-01-08T20:48:00.000-08:00

Ah, spring is in the air and I'm thinking of pastels, nudes, and pinks. There was a time when I wouldn't be caught dead in pink, that hated symbol of Barbie and mainstream. While I have been reconciled to the color- it can be very pretty and looks good on me--I'm still very picky about pink shades. Pink can easily get to be too much for me; head to toe pink in the same shade is one of the few fashion things I can't stand. A girl was in front of me as I walked to campus wearing a hot pink jogging suit. It just bothered me; I had to walk faster so I could pass and not have to stare at the hideous concoction any more. Very few things effect me that much, even uggs, but just so much of that color and so bright I couldn't look away. That has little to do with this post though. Actually, this post has to do with Kay Thompson in Funnyface.

Funnyface was far from Fred Astaire's or Audrey Hepburn's greatest films. As far as I'm concerned, Kay Thompson stole the show. I especially love the opening number for the film, which I've found on youtube and posted below. Pay particular attention to the end, when the man says that Kay is the first woman he's seen in for months not in pink and her response.

I suppose Fred and Audrey didn't have a chance after that firmly sealed Ms. Thomson into my favorites list. I love all her shoes and clothes in the movie, and hope to be as graceful when I'm older.

Look how graceful and sprightly she is next to the kinda awkward Audrey:

On that note, I love how all the women walk in this movie, with the hands. Gene Kelly does a good impersonation of them in Anchors Aweigh.

But, More Reasons to Love Kay... Besides her role in Funnyface, Kay Thompson is also the autheress of the Eloise series of children's stories as well as a night club performer, Liza Manelli's godmother, a voice coach to the stars, and she arranged the music for many of MGM's musicals. She' was born in 1908 and died in 1998.

Decorated,

Ivy Frozen

As always, you may click my photo for outfit details.

I Believe I Can Fly

2009-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Think of the presents you've brought...

Any merry little thought...

Think of Christmas, think of snow

Think of sleigh bells; Here we go!

Like a reindeer in the sky...

You can fly! You can fly!

You can fly! You can fly!

you can fly

You can fly

YOU CAN FLYYYYY!

Soon you'll zoom all around the room

All it takes is faith and trust

But the thing that's a positive must

Is a little bit of pixie dust

The dust is a positive must...

You can fly! You can fly!
You can fly! You can fly!

You can fly!

YOU CAN FLYYYY!

When there's a smile in your heart

There's no better time to start

It's a very simple plan

You can do what the birdies can

At least it's worth a try...

You can fly! You can fly!
You can fly! You can fly!

[ You Can Fly! You Can Fly! You Can Fly!]

Happy New Year everyone! Get used to those wings because you'll be seeing a lot of them on me in the new year. One, well, two of the cheapest presents I received for Christmas, and they're probably my favorite. Best friends rule! I'm also sporting new mary janes. I'll reveal the rest of my Christmas loot on 3 Kings Day. (January 6th, the 12th day of Christmas.)

High on life (or possibly vicodin),

Ivy Frozen

Click the photos for outfit details, if you care.

Tights. Make. Sense.

2008-12-29T22:38:00.000-08:00

We interrupt your regular programming to bring you this public service announcement. Winter is now officially upon us. And while you many be tempted by pants, let me tell you all why tights make sense.

Two pairs of tights layered will keep your legs warmer than any pair of pants.

There are many different weights and types of tights. Try a pair of wool tights if the opaque pairs from your childhood don't cut it.

Tights can be worn under pants for additional warmth. The also provide coverage and extra ornamentation if you happen to fancy like those sorts of pants that look like they had a disagreement with a lawnmower.

Dark tights lengthen and thin your legs.

Tights allow you to wear those shorts and other summer wear well into winter.

Tights, a pair of boots, and a short, leggy number are perfect for rainy days. No more dragging around mud on your pants cuffs or wet ankles.

Tights can be worn in many colors and typically work out better than brightly colored pants.

Tights are more comfortable than jeans. Tumblers, ice skaters, and acrobatics all know it. And of course, superheroes. In fact, jeans aren't really comfortable at all, but that's a conversation for another post.

Now that we've got that out of the way, a few tips on tights. If they give you a muffin top, seek out low rise varieties. They do exist.

If you can't stand that waistband, seek out thigh highs. Sock Dreams Long Cuffable, Scrunchable socks are one of my favs. They go ALL the way up your legs.

Also, don't just stick to plain black tights. Make your tights a part of the outfit, not just a necessity to keep you warm.

While I think no tights collection is complete without a black pair, seek out bright colors that fit in well with your wardrobe, and don't just default to black.

Fishnets make anything hot. The patterned variety will earn you compliments.

White tights, patterned tights, and heavier weight tights will likely make you legs look bigger. Play with proportion to get a result you like.

Matching your shoe color to your tights will also give you legs for days, and help with the leg stumpifying power of some tights.

If your nails tend to snag your tights, use a pair of gloves to put them on and take them off.

Tight with tights,

Ivy Frozen

P.S. I blame all typos on vicodin.

Merry Christmas All!

2008-12-25T12:04:00.000-08:00

I hopped in my time machine to wish you all a Merry Christmas or whatever holiday you kids are celebrating now. As a present to you all, I present a couple of terrible photos illustrating how I have trouble posing with other people. Click the Read More! link to view them and see me use my time machine even more.

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My sister and I dressed up in our Christmas dresses. My patented smile.

If you care, I'm wearing vintage dresses I altered in the two current photos of me. The green one had a hole in the back, so I had to cut it shorter than I would have liked. I'll have to see if I can find some matching-enough trim to go around that hem.

Anywho, I hope you're enjoying your holidays. I just had my wisdom teeth out, so now I have plenty of time to sleep and update my various pages in between staring at the phone and demanding that it ring. And longing for Jamba juice. It was promised to me. Bananaberry.

Suffering from a major case of the magnet effect,

Ivy Frozen

The Cube Revisited

2008-12-17T14:04:00.001-08:00

It being the season and all, I decided to pay Marshalls another visit and raided their Cube section. There's definitely a quick turn over, and some good bargains to be had. They keep a good selection too, making it easy to find something for every girl's tastes. The staff is also friendly. All you last minute shoppers might consider paying them a visit. Or you might just wait and use your holiday gift money to hoard cute stuff for yourself. For a more detailed review, see my first review of the Cube here. Get more information on the Cube and where to find one here. And if there is no Marshalls with a cube near you, fret not. They have a lot of the same stuff sprinkled throughout the juniors section. It's just not presented as nicely. Click the Read More! link to see what I couldn't resist picking up.

This purple top. Ruffle? Check. Rich color? Check. Feels good? Check. The top is actually long enough to be worn as a dress, but it threatens to cross into chocha territory with rigorous movement. You know, rigorous, like walking or sitting down.

This dress. Too bad I didn't pick up the matching shoes. I know all those fashionables deride matching, but I love love love it. As for this dress, it just the perfect gothic rainy day dress for me. And of course, pattern mixing! Even my boyfriend who hates the swamping muu muu dress loved it.

And last, also featured in this posts first image, the most comfortable shoes ever. Seriously. These beat out many a pair of flats and lower heels in the comfort area. They make my low heels feel like flats after I wear them. Plus, they're freakin cute and were freakin cheap. Score! This years Christmas shoes fo' sho'. Sorry about that. All my friends are turning gangsta and bringing me along fo' the ride.

In the name of Christmas, I will punish you. Golden Age style. Okay, maybe not.

Ivy Frozen

I'm Baaack

2008-12-03T12:25:00.000-08:00

And better than ever. Maybe. Sort of. It's finals time, so I'll still be sparce around here, but I hope to post once or twice a week. Or more. And to those who sent me e-mails, I'm a little backlogged so forgive me if a take a bit to answer them. Today I'm going to turn the floor over to some vintage Ladies Home Journal articles I got from microfilm. Click the Read More! link to take a look at them.

Click on the images to head over to their flickr page. Above the image there should be an icon of a magnifying glass. Click that to access multiple sizes of it. Large or orginal should be enough to read these.

The first article is "How to Dress Well and Cheaply." It's from the January 1884 edition of Ladies Home Journal and is that paragraph in the middle of the page. I liked this one since the advice contained in it is as good now as it was over 100 years ago. Also note that the black dress was considered a goto even before the little black dress was coined. While I certainly don't exactly follow all of the advice in there--it just doesn't quie suit me-- I don't believe I could think of a bad thing to say about anyone who did follow it. They probably would look quite chic.

The second article is Be Yourself from the February 1936 edition of Ladies Home Journal. You'll have to go up to orginal size on this one. It's a bit hard to make out, but it can be done. Natuarally, I champion this article very much which talks about the wonders of standing out versus standing in and bemoans the group clone looks. The prose is also very well done; it has a good upbeat tempo to it. Inspiring, encouraging, and once again, it's timeless advice.

That's it for now, chickadees. More stuff to come soon.

Working like a dog,

Ivy Frozen

The Girl Zone

2008-11-12T23:29:00.000-08:00

While the full attire of the Lolita style is not my cup of tea, I never realized what vehemence some people have to it. A recent article on the style-- which I found thanks to a post on Suburban Queen-- garnered pretty vicious attacks on the style and the girls who wear it. Accusations of it promoting pedophiles and promoting woman as helpless, infantile, and subservient to men were some of the tamer comments. This interests me so much because I do identify with the style a bit, even though it isn't mine. Click the Read More! link do find out what I'm talking about.

From what I've read on the subject, the Lolita style is a style for women by women. It caters to women's likes and innocent fetishes while ignoring the male population. Lolita is also a lifestyle, with rigid requirements for every variation of Lolita, and there are a lot of variations. Lolita makes no secret of the fact that they dress to impress other women, and I should think themselves. Here's one of the Lolita's responses to the article I linked above; it's Lolita exlained by a Lolita. And here it's explained briefly by a few New York Loltas.

While I don't think I'd ever don full Lolita garb-- too rigid a style for me, not a fan of typical ruffles on skirts, and the shoes are often too clunky for me-- my style does share some elements with Lolita, elements that are contested.

Like the Lolita, my style embraces uber feminine shapes and design details, like ruffles and lace. While Lolita draws from the French Rococo, Victorian children's wear, I draw a lot of inspiration from the New Look period, late 1940s to 1960s. Both were times when these feminine looks were signs of female oppression, when women were considered inferior to men. As such, looks that reference these periods are often seen as anti-feminist and supporting this subservient state. Like the Lolita again, however, I feel the embrace of these feminine styles is very feminist. Some people seem to be of the opinion that feminism is about being exactly like a sterotypical man and doing all the things the stereotypical man does, wearing pants, spurning bras and make up and any special female detail. I don't see how it's very feminist to deny my love of ruffles and lace and bows and force myself into styles I hate. That seems more regressive to me. I prefer to embrace my stereotypical feminine traits and know that they don't make me dumber or less capable than a man. Embracing your traditionally feminine whims and whimsies shouldn't be some great travesty to all of womankind. Feminism is about the freedom to be you, however that may be. In pants, in skirts, and stripper heels or sneakers; loving pink and purple or lumberjack plaid. You're a person equal to any man no matter what your taste in clothes is.

The article also pointed to Lolita style as a kind of rebellion. I too consider my style a bit of my way of rebelling. The usual rebellion styles are so commonplace and expected these days. In this day and age it's become more rebellious to dress well than to dress bad. The typical hallmarks of the rebel-- jeans, drinking, partying, sex, skimpy clothes or pjs/sweat pants-- have all become mainstream and expected. Everybody and their mother is doing it. Dressing up-- particularly in surburban areas-- will garner you much more attention, good and bad.

The Lolitas and I also share a love of knee socks and other legwear that is considered sexual. I don't know why. It's interesting to me that a leg covered up in a knee sock or fishnets is sexier than if the leg were left bare. I wore one of my playsuits with my floral patterned fishnet tights and got far more catcalls than when I wear it barelegged. I suppose the art of seduction isn't entirely lost. I know didn't really go anywhere with that, but I just find it interesting, so I dumped it in here. It fits. Really it does.

And last, while I never really go Lolita, I do occasionally dress rather youthfully and meet with disapproval of those "overly" youthful elements, most notable when I tie a big lacy bow on my head. It makes me look about 12, but that is half the point. I have youthful features and I like to play them up sometimes. Some women take it so personally, every woman must look her age or some little pixie somewhere will die. I like myself and all aspects of me, including the child within me. I see no reason why I can't dress youthful when I feel like it. And with those thoughts, their disapproving words work their way out of my vortex.

Lolita is a style very dear to me, although it's not my style, although I've seen some good arguments for it lately...

Ivy Frozen

Oh noes!

2008-10-31T15:12:00.000-07:00

Gasp!

Teehee!

You guys thought it was something serious, didn't you?

This Halloween I am Luna--the black cat from Sailor Moon-- in her humanoid form. I made the costume myself on Wednesday. They were out of black tulle so I had to use tulle circles from the bridal section. Also, since I did it so last minute I didn't have time to make her necklace or earrings. Maybe I'll make them for next year's conventions. It's not like I hobnobbing with serious cosplayers who will force you to commit ritual suicide for not having everything perfectly accurate. The dress could be more accurate too-- I messed up on the bodice-- but overall I'm pleased with the costume, especially since I made it so last minute.

The underskirt was ripped out of another dress that I've had for over a year now and never worn. Maybe I'll wear it soon...

The shoes were also diffucult to get. In most pictures, she has no shoes, but I saw one photo where she had on some strappy black sandles like I'm sporting. I found these almost new Chinese Laundry shoes at the local Salvation Army. They were probably one worn once for a prom or something. I found them on a Saturday, but they weren't priced and the manager wasn't there, so I had to go back Monday and hope they were still there. Monday I have class all day until eight though, so I went back Tuesday. Miraculously, they were still there! But unpriced... I tookk them to the counter, prepared to have to rip someone one, but I guess the manager was managing the register. She gave them to me for $5. Score!

Luna is actually the first character I wanted to cosplay. On Halloween, I hate all the sexy costumes. Especially the ones with random cut outs that make no sense whatsoever. As such, I've avoided even my childhood hero Princess Jasmine because of the whole midriff thing. I might just do her next year though, since her costume makes sense and I love her so. Luna, though, is another childhood favorite of mine. I never really had a favorite among the inner senshi; Sailor Saturn and Sailro Neptune are my favorite scouts. I also took to the villains, but not the inner senshi. The only one I could name as a favorite among them would be Luna. In the anime, she only turns into her human form in the Sailor Moon S movie. It's the best Sailor Moon movie, although Sailor Moon R is so hilariously bad that it's good. The Sailor Moon S movie is also th eonly Sailor Moon movie featuring a story from the manga, whch explains a lot. It's a touching story that develops the cats, Luna and Artemis alot, though mostly Luna. Throughout most the series, she's just the wise character guiding all the rest of our heroes. In the American dub, she's portrayed as much older than the other characters, a bit of a mom or aunt role. In the Japanese version, they make it clearer that she's about the same age as the inner sailor senshi, as she is in the manga. In the movie, Luna falls in love with a human man who takes care of her when she's sick. I won't say more though to avoid any spoilers for those who haven't seen it. It's one of my favorite movies.

In the manga, Luna also turns into her human form to fight one of the evil Sailor Galaxia's underlings who happens to be from the same planet as Luna.

Alright, that's it for now kittens. Have a happy and safe Halloween! Watch out for edibles made in China.

Ivy Frozen

Thievery

2008-10-30T21:49:00.000-07:00

Being a creative person, the issue of creative theft comes up a lot, in design and in blogging. While there is the obvious theft, such as when Unique Vintage ripped off a Trashy Diva design, there's also a lot of grey areas. The reason I opted to post this post is thievery seems to be coming up a lot in the internet sphere of fashion and style websites and blogs. This post explores two recent issues I came across.

Blog names and personal identities on the web. With the internet as popular as it is, there's bound to be two independent people who come up with the same name. Look at any popular membership-required site and see all the repeat names with numbers behind them. Within individual sites, it's handed with crazy spellings and adding numbers and words, but what about with blogs?

When I selected my current internet name, I made sure that it wasn't a popular name. I hate numbers in names; it's kind of like Prince changed his name into a symbol. The uniqueness of my name is one of the reasons it's stuck around with me for years and adorns pretty much every website account I currently use. It's also why I bestowed it upon my etsy shop and clothing. In all the years I've been using it, five now, six mid-January, there's never been another Ivy Frozen out there.

There are other Ivy's out there. Since Ivy is a real name, there are those truly named Ivy. In the fashion blogger sphere I know of Ivyology, Fashion Ivy, and several commenters who use Ivy to identify themselves with. On account based sites, Poison Ivy is usually taken and often Frozen Ivy is too. I feel my name is distinct enough as Ivy Frozen. Likewise, there's two Punky's writing popular blogs, but one identifies herself as Punky B while the other is simply Punky. I also think their names are distinct enough.

With all the years I've had my internet name, I feel a sort of ownership over it. I'd feel cheated and stolen from if someone else happened to use it for something. So what does happen when someone new on the fashion blogging scene uses the name of a moderately to highly known fashion blogger who's been blogging for years? The official titles of their blogs vary, but they identify by the same name. Is it laziness on the part of the newcomer?

When I selected my name, I googled it. It's actually the result of me googling the name I originally wanted, which turned out to be fairly popular and then playing off associated ideas and what I wanted until I ended up with this name. If you google Ivy Frozen, you'll get all stuff related to me, and the occasional site that happens to have both of the words.

Is it outright theft of the newcomer? The original blogger has been blogging for years, is fairly well known, and recently gained much deserved recognition in a very popular magazine. While the newcomer still might have been clueless when she started, she's now been informed by at least several bloggers of the mishap and doesn't care. Would she care if the roles were reversed?

So what do you think readers? It's okay, because while we may feel we own the names, we don't really. Two people may independently of each other come up with the same name, and as long as they aren't copying and pasting.

Or do you think it's just lazy, rude, and/or disrespectful. For bloggers, our names are like a brand. If you make a new toy, you don't use the name of a similar existing toy for it. While there is no law against it, it's just the tactful--and smart-- thing to use an original name when you opt for a pen name.

Now, to case two. A thread on wardrobe remix recently pointed out a site that takes a lot of streetstyle sites from other sites without permission or even informing the owners. A good portion of the photos on Whatthewear.com came from Wardrobe_Remixers. I recognized photos from Franca (you!me!dancing!), SwanDiamondRose, Strawberry Kitten, and Ranna right off the bat. A lot of people use photos from Wardrobe_Remix and street style sites on their sites; what makes this site different is that the photos are allowed to be rated. This is very against Wardrobe_Remix, which is against the rating of outfits and photos. While if you click on the photos you can find a link to orginal photo, the credit is unclear. The names' of the owners of the photos never appear on the site. In response to a query about using the photos in this way without even informing the owners of the photos, the owner of the site said that people should be "honored" to have their photo up there. They also state that in posting photos to Wardrobe_Remix, people give their permission for the photos to be used on the site in question.

When I use photos of Wardrobe_Remixers or bloggers, I always ask first. I also always make sure to give them proper credit and use their photos in a positive way. I'm also sure to send them a link once I have the post up. And when I post photos to Wardrobe_remix, I'm posting them to wardrobe_remix, not to other sites.

So, once again readers, illigal, merely frowned upon/kinda douchy, or a-okay in your book?

Some people use the internet to spread kindness. Others use it to be total dickwads. Where do you think these idividuals stand, and what about yourself?

Always trying to keep on the good side of right,
Ivy Frozen

Korean Style in List Form

2008-10-29T23:39:00.000-07:00

I mentioned my current preference for Korean style over Japanese style on a post of Strawberry Kitten's a while back. She asked for more info, so here it is. What can I say about Korean fashion? Most of it I pick up from Korean drama series and films. But, for this post, I did go in search of Korean street style pics. My impression of Korean style is that while it has elements of the cute like most Asian styles, they tend to combine it in a more sophisticated, grown-up way as a whole. There are always outliers. And of course, most people thinking of Asian style think of the crazier Japanese styles like fruits, Lolita, and the Harajuku district. Even considering Japan's less out-there fashion, I think Korean style tends to create longer lines than those the Japanese favor. Click the Read More! link to go to the link list with images from Korean Vogue spliced throughout.

This site apparently hasn't been updated since '07, but it has some good streetsyle pics. Some of the pages even have some japanese street style pictures, so you can see a bit of a comparison so you can see what I mean about it having some of the same kooky cutesy elements of Japanese street style but coming off more refined. And I really love all of their guy street style pictures. My dream guy dresses like those gentleman.

Here's a more current flickr pool for Korean Street Style Pics.

Street Peeper has a lovely collection of streetsyle pics from Seoul.

Your Boyhood features street shots from Seoul.

I Heart Berlin has a post featuring some colorful Korean style.

Images not of me taken from the Korean Vogue official site and nihilistic youth's Fashion photoset on FLickr. I encourage you to check out nihilistic's fashion set too since it has oodles of excellent pictures from Korean Vogue.

Korean Vogue is my soju,
Ivy Frozen

Health Alert

2008-10-27T14:08:00.001-07:00

If you haven't heard already, products containing Chinese milk products may be contaiminated with terrible toxins. Symptoms may take months or years to appear, but are serious and can be life threatening. Children are the most at risk. A lot of Halloween candies are made in China. Even Hersheys has a factory there. Unless you see some certificate saying that the item was tested and does not contain any of the toxins, please don't buy or eat it or hand it out at Halloween. It seems ALL of the milk producers in China were caught up in this scandel and none were cleared. Apparently only the US is in the dark about this, but I wouldn't know if that's true or not. 54,000 Chinese children ill and some even dead. Don't risk it! Read the label!

This has been an emergency health alert from Ivy Frozen. Regular programming will resume soon.

Extra! Extra! Read All About it!

2008-10-20T22:16:00.000-07:00

Who cares what they're wearing

on main street and santa fe

It's what you wear from ear to ear

and not from head to toe

that matttttteeerrrs

So, remember those larger sizes I promised? They're finally here! A size medium and two larges shall be hitting the store this week. Plus, another small. All of them previewed above. I've shown the medium and small dresses before. I've just been delayed since I was ill last week. Tooth troubles and then a reaction to the medicine. Actually, I took the first pic when the side effects were just starting up. Yucky.

Hopefully, I can get some more posts up this week, but I have to play catch up with school work, so I might still be on the DL for a bit. I hope to get a better post for the two large dresses up this week, once I find someone who fits them to model for me. As you see, a hanger might be better than me for those two. The pinky-purple one has glow in the dark thread on it, which is awesome. The blue uses rick-rack.

BTW, anyone else creeped out by the whole followers thing? I feel like I have a cult or something. It's the only reason I haven't decided to "follow" all you lovlies. The name just makes me feel like I have to follow you around everywhere and adorn you with flowers. Or maybe you're running some crazy death cult or something.

Anyhoo, I got a post on Korean style, slips and other undergarments, and my fictional BFF planned, so stay tuned. They should appear by the end of this month.

Locked in the cult of domesticity,
Ivy Frozen

The First Hat Post

2008-10-09T23:45:00.000-07:00

I haven't been dead. Just busy making good ness for you and musing about hats. Hats used to be such an important part of people's wardrobes. So important that numerous phrases make references to hats. "Hats off to ya." "That's old hat." "I'll eat my hat." "He just talks through his hat." "I'll put on my thinking cap." etc. In the early 1900s, hats were universal; the only people who didn't wear hats were beggears. However when President Kennedy opted not to wear hats, the rest of the nation soon followed.

Here's an article on the importance of hats in the film the Duchess and some further reading on the importance of hats in a wider sense from Fashion Era.com. Now the closest we get to a hat trends are of the ridiculus sort, like the trucker hats made popular by Ashton Kutcher. Wear a lovely cocktail hat and get in one man's first fashion impression, "Isn't that what they wear to funerals?" From the girls though I typically get a lot of hat love. Many girls say they love pretty chapaeus but wouldn't dare wear one. So, what is with the decline of hats? Why are they now almost a freakish component?

Hats were popular up until about the 1960s. During the 1960s, hair rose to new heights. The new hair styles made hat wearing difficult and undesirable. Imagine Elvis covering up that pompadour with a hat. It would completely defeat the point of the 'do. President Kennedy was the first president to forego a hat at his inaugaration. hat wearing by men declined and soon women's hat wear followed. I find it especially interesting that apparently Kennedy's inaugragation made his wife a hat wearer. Most musings on the decline of the hat point to Kennedy, as in this article. I find that article particularly interesting since it makes a connection between social manners and hats. While the author's connection is merely a touch, it does seem that our idea of manners have a direct connection to hat wearing. Perhaps hats were the expression of those manners, or perhaps those manners were dictated by the hat. But that's a detour from our present subject.

Considering hats have been popular for hundreds of years, there must have been something more than Kennedy refusing to wear hats that pushed them out of regular rotation. Barton Castor believes that sunglasses replaced hats and shoved them to a back corner.

The sunglasses make sense considering celebrities are more known for the sunglasses than their hats. People are also more likely to don an interesting pair of shades than a lovely chapaeu. Sunglasses also do share some of the functions that made hats popular, keeping the sun out of the eyes and making people look cool and mysterious. Those same girls who pine to wear hats would not think twice before donning a glam pair of sunglasses. Sunglasses are also more peopular than hats in modern times.

Thus as with most things, it was a combination of things that turned hats into fashion's shy, nerdy cousin. The new hairstyles, lifestyles, and sunglasses in addition to the decline of hat wearing by iconic figures diminished the social fashion importance and left us with mostly functional wear only.

If you've read my blog our followed a few of my outfit pictures, you should realize that I love hats. They're perfect to finish off an outfit and make it look complete, particularly when your hair is as unruly as mine. Here's a scan from my old Better Homes and Garden's sewing book illustrating the power of hats to balance a silhouette, which I often use mine to do. There is another reason I may favor hats though. Since I wear glasses and have no contacts, sunglasses are a tricky issue for me. I'd have to get some specially made and commit to that pair; no $7 sunglasses for me. Recently, I've been attached to my hat since I noticed considerable indications of sun damage popping up on my neck and face in a relatively short period of time. Thus I've taken to my hat, and as autumn rears it's head, there's quite a bit of wind around here. So, I purchased myself a hatpin from yakarina.

In one of those moments that make you really feel like a genius though, I realised I have no idea how to use it properly. I get the jist of it, but just how to set the pin through hat and hair without poking the pin through my head and have the feathers properly displayed on the hat eludes me. Research into the subject revealed that hatpins were popular with the suffragettes after a courtroom incident where suffragettes were required to remove their hats since the hatpins could be used as weapons. This was humiliating to the women, since although men were required by social manners to remove their hats indoors, it was optional for women to remove their headwear. I imagine in addition to the more elaborate manner of women's hats, it had something to do with the women's hair which was surely a bit mussed by their toppers.

Still trying to figure this hatpin out and expect the second hat post full of even more hatty goodness when I do,

Ivy Frozen

Playsuit/Romper from Old Lady Capris Tutorial

2008-09-28T12:33:00.000-07:00

I finally got off my lazy bum and uploaded it, cuzzah! And it's on youtube this time, so free viewing for all. I kind of freaked out at the end which is why I didn't show how to make the straps and the upper bust. I winged those since my bodice turned out too short for my liking because I over-hemmed the top and these capris might not have been as highwaisted as the last pair I used. I aso didn't include detailed instructions on inserting a invisible zipper and using the invisible zipper foot, hemming, etc. because I felt those deserved tutes of their own. I do have some footage, so I could create tutorials of those if you want. Oh, and I seem to have developed a lisp. Did I always have a lisp?

The romper/playsuit in the video is staying with me. I can't get the stain on the straps out and since I did a lot of firsts with it, it's not as polished as I like my stuff to be. Maybe I'll eventually get to making the rompers I want for the shop. I want a long metal non-separating zipper though. There must be one somewhere...

Oh, and my blog is displaying funky for me right now. One of my posts is missing and the comments from it lifted to my post on Dr. Walker preventing those comments from showing up, so I'm unable to respond to your comments on that post right now, thoguh I thank you all for your comments. And since you seem to like that one, I'll maybe do some more fashion in history posts.

Trying to accomplish so much in so little time,
Ivy Frozen

New Stuffs

2008-09-28T12:26:00.000-07:00

I finally finished stuffs.

I'm finally getting a handle on my schedule, so hopefully my sewing pace will pick back up. Completed projects include two test dresses and the long awaited first larger sized dress. Click the Read More Link! to take a look.

The first is a new, experimental design. It's made from a thrifted white sheet I dyed with RIT dye. Since it came out really plain and boring, I added felt feathers to it and some white quilt-like embroidery. I plan on adding a patch pocket, but can't decide if I should and what I should put on it. More felt feathers? Maybe just embroidery? Ribbon? Rick rack?

This one's staying with me so I can test the dye, see if it fades and/or bleeds with further washing, and so I can see how the felt feathers hold up. And also the design needs a few minor adjustments for when I make ones like these to sell. Dying stuff will allow me even greater control, which I relish. I'm a bit of a control freak when it comes to my stuff. I'd be happy if I could grow the fibers and weave the fabric myself. Unfortunately, there's not nearly enough time for me to do everything I'd like, but I can dye stuff now. Or soon I'll clear myself for that.

This dress was inspired by the tale of Beauty and the Beast. It's made from a thrifted white sheet I dyed yellow with RIT dye. Since Belle was sweet and simple girl, I gave her a sweet halter dress with eyelet trim on the hem. She struck me as a yellow or blue girl, not just cause of the Disney version, but I imagine her sisters in pink. She though, she would go for something diffrent. I would put her blue, the old feminine color, but with the Beast, she needs yellow. Yellow/gold, brown, and black is our palette. The buttons have little lion/beast heads on them. That speck at the top of the bust is a black rosette, to represent the rose.

I paired my new over-the-knee boots with it because they reminded me of Gaston. I know he doesn't appear in anything other than the Disney version, but I felt that our Beauty had a tough side to her. She's have to be strong to take her father's place with some crazy monster-beast thing in a creepy castle in a creepy wood far away from her home. Thus she gets boots to toughen her up a bit.

This one may or may not be sold. Yes, I admit to falling in love with it. But the buttons are vintage, picked up at a local thrift store, and they say they are not washable and must be removed before the garment is washed or drycleaned. I'm still learning, developing, and growing Ivy Frozen Productions and figuring out what Ivy Frozen stands for. I want my clothes to be easy to care for, being a lazy launderer myself, and taking off the buttons would be a terrible annoyance. I also did make this dress with the intent of keeping it for testing reasons since this is the first time I've used the dye and need to know if it will bleed more and/or fade. Am I just rationalizing keeping it? It seems in this case though, that the whim was to sell it.

Of course, I love and want to keep all my items. It's not ready for store until I want to keep it. Hence why when their listings expire, most items will not be relisted. Instead, they'll be absorbed into my private collection. I have a few items that will be expiring in October, I think... This one will stay, since it is a test piece, and the only reason to sell it was because of my slow pace. Next dress is yours though.

The Long awaited larger sized dress:

It's a size medium large and should fit about a size 6-12. (I like to use JC Penny size charts.) It's made from curtain overheady thingies. When I first saw the print, it was love. Then I made the dress, and was like, "Woah! That's A LOT of PRINT!" and freaked out a little. Then I tried it on, and it just grew on me. In the pictures, I'm completely in love with it again. I think it's good that it took a bit to grow on me. Those likes that grow tend to be everlasting, while those that are instant likes have more of a tendency to become repulsive over time. Or just as instantly disliked.

Not, the dress is too big for me, so it will look much better on someone it fits. I know some people think that if you can get the dress on and it doesn't fall off, it fits. I believe they have not found anything that perfectly fits them yet, because then they would notice the difference. Something may look decent or good on you if it fits, but if it fits perfectly, it'll be stunning. Trust me, it's just a size too big for me at its smallest. (It has shirring on the back to stretch to fit your curves.)

I have a ton of this fabric left, so if this isn't your size whether you need a bigger size or smaller, I can accomidate you. Also, I can make it without the shirring ont he back just to fit you. Or I can apply any other dress design I've done to it, except possible a full circle skirt. Just send me a message, and I'll be happy to work with you.

I plan on making more larger sized dresses. The people have spoken, and it seems like what you want. It also seems you like nice prints, so i hope you all are pleased with this dress. I have a dress started that will be a small/medium. (Sorry! Fabric limitations!) I bought a bunch of awesome fabric from the Salvation Army and some sheets from another thrift store that will include larger dresses.

And last, a hair do-dad. More felt feathers.

I'm considering making these freebie with every purchase or just making them available seperately in my shop.

I've hesitated to send out freebie thus far, so I don't want to send crap or items you're not interested in. I think these are nice, reflect Ivy frozen Productions, and everyone can appreciate them.

I plan to put them on hair clips and maybe pins for those who have trouble with hair combs. They'll also have diffrent colors. I have a bunch of green felt right now... What do you think?

Sewing when she can,

Ivy Frozen

That THING

2008-09-25T20:17:00.000-07:00

It's interesting how people call caring about dress a a vain activity and yet it's such an important thing. Many people claim to not care about fashion. Not caring about fashion may be true, but certainly they care about what they wear to some extent. I bring this up since I encounter much praise and opposition about the way I dress--or rather the fact that I actually dress everyday-- living in a college town and suburban area. I recently read an article for one of my classes about Major Doctor Mary Walker and all the opposotion she faced while trying to help soldiers during the civil war. Click the Read More! link to find out why she makes an appareance on a fashion style blog.

Besides being a woman doctor at a time when the United States was pushing all medical care on science and men--mid-wifery and natural remedies being squished out-- and her dogged determination to provide medical care for Union soldiers on the battlefront, Doctor Walker had another peculiarity. In the midst of corsets and hoop skirts, Doctor Walker wore pants.

Doctor Walker was an early advocate of women's dress reform, including bloomers and shorter dresses. The long dresses tended to drag on the ground, picking up all sorts of debris and disease. The many layers were also pretty heavy. By the end of the day of working on the battlefield, the traditionally attired famale nurses's dresses would be so saturated with blood that they could barely move. While I'm a big fan of dresses, I can see Doctor Walker's point.

She wore pants under a knee-length dress. When she finally managed to secure a civilian doctor's position in the army sort-of, she dressed in a full major's uniform with her hair in curls.

Doctor Walker was as much ridiculed for her insistance on being a doctor as she was for her style of dress. Many men referred to her as "that THING"-- as though she had seven heads or something-- simply based on her style of dress. The men also accused her of just trying to show her legs and seduce them into giving her the position she desired, totally ignoring her stellar resume.

When she was captured by the confederates, Captain B. J. Semmes described her arrival in a letter.

This morning, we were all amused and disgusted too at the sight of a thing that nothing but the debased and the depraved Yankee nation could produce--"a female doctor"--... brought into the pickets this morning. She was dressed in the full uniform of a Federal Surgeon, looks hat & all, & wore a cloak....[She is] fair, but not good looking and of course had tongue enough for a regiment of men. I was in hopes the General would have had her dressed in a homespun frock and bonnet and sent back to the Yankee lines, or put in a lunatic asylum....

C.S.A. Brigadier-General William M. Gardner, the administrater of Walker's case, took it upon himself to lecture Dr. Walker on how she would have been more successful (as a spy as they thought she was) if she had dressed herself in more "feminine garb." He was a mite friendlier in his description of her as "the most personable and gentlemanly young woman I ever saw."

Dr. Walker gained a bit more respect when she was finally returned to the Union-- exchanged for a six-foot tall southern major-- and still insisted on being an army surgeon. She was never officially recognized as an army surgeon, but President Johnson managed to secure her a congressional medal of honor. Dr. Walker wore that medal even after it was later revoked when the conditions were changed for which it could be given. It was her only token of her service as a army surgeon since the government refused to officially recognize her in any way despite liberally helping themselves to her aid.

Besides her total awesomeness as a doctor--seriously, this woman was amazing. I haven't nearly done her justice with this, but I wanted to focus on her style. Read up on her!-- she appeals to me since she was ridiculed for her style. As many compliments as I get, I also meet with opposition that I actually bother to dress as I live in a college community and suburbs. My girl friends love it and see hanging out with me as a chance to dress up themselves. My male friends think I have the neatest stuff. My mother, who used to complain that I dressed like a bum, complains that dress up too much to go shopping or to the movies. And there are those who are obviously very insecure and write me off as weird.

I overheard a classmate talking about me behind-my-back-in-front-of-my-face and saying how weird it was that I dressed up everyday. Must be some sort of conspiracy, huh? While I certainly don't need that person's approval, it still bothers me. I had hitherto considered them to be a nice sort of person, and now they give me weird looks with a cloud of their unspoken disapproval hanging about me like the deepest darkness in the vacuum of space. It gets a little cold in that vortex of hostility.

As a fashion eccentric during a much more restricted time, when it was against the law in nefarious ways to dress as she did--she was arrested several times for impersonating a man-- Dr. Walker is a great inspiration to me. She also believed that dress should "allow freedom of motion and circulation," which is a strong factor in what I choose to wear and my designs. Shorter lengths, fuller skirts, a natural waist, and lack of boning are all considered for comfort by me. I adore her shorter version of civil war era gowns, which feature all of the conditions named above. I'd totally those minus the pants and with prettier shoes. While I appreciate menswear styles, I'm a pretty pretty girly girl at heart.

Pretty Pretty Princess,
Ivy Frozen

P.S. That first dress reminds me of my Nutcracker dress.

quotes and information on Dr. Walker taken from "Mary Walker, M.D." by Elizabeth Leonard. All images linked to their source, which will also provide extra reading on the good doctor.

Hold the Phones

2008-09-18T22:12:00.000-07:00

Vertical stripes make you look fat? What? Horizontal stripes are actually slimming?

Horizonatal stripes are more slimming?

Horizontal stripes are slimming?!

In case you didn't get that, scientists claim that horizontal stripes are slimming! I'm having trouble accepting this. I feel like they just told me Santa Claus isn't real, and next thing you know, they'll be talking about the easter bunny. And then maybe gravity. Yes, even I have bought into this, which may be a myth, and I feel so betrayed.

The fourth article I linked has a drawing illustrating this concept. The woman in horizontal stripes does indeed look slimmer. However, the stripes on both women are not the same. The horizontal stipes are black and grey, and the dress is shaded, giving her more dimension than the flat black-a white vertically striped dress. All of that points to bias in the article, the picture portion anyways. Perhaps the fashion bizz is finding new ways to lead/start trends? I hope the test the scientist's used were more scientific than that.

If it's true that horizontal stripes are slimming while vertical stripes are widening, I wonder why the fashion world would chant the oppossite. Despite it's reputation as being silly, vain, and full of foppery, I suspect if you're reading this blog that you recognize that though there are parts of it that are silly, vain, and full of foppery that it also has an intellectual side. Fashion is an art and a science, so it seems odd to me that so many people would find horizontal stripes to be widening and vertical ones to be slimming.

Does it have to do with the tailoring of the garment? Once again referring to the drawings in the fourth article linked, if that vertically striped dress were more tailored, that stripe would likely not cut across her hips on the ends there. They would contour more, which I suspect would be more slimming. That same article also includes pictures of women in dresses with horizontal stripes. All of those dresses are tight dresses that countour to the body. The one example of vertical is not fitted and thus obviously not slimming. In the same vein, where I've tried on horizontal stripes and find them widening is in t-shirt knits. I find fitted t-shirt knits make me look larger anyways, and even if I could find a horizontal striped one, I doubt that it would be particularly slimming. Non-fitted tees make me look wider, also regardless of pattern, and that's where my other widening horizontal's tend to fit; not fitted. Finally, ending this thread of thought is that the vertical stripes I find to be slimming are actually countoured to my body, so they're not exactly perfectly vertical, as in the illustration.

I also wonder is it can have something to do with size and placement. Where you choose to divide your body can visually alter your proportions, for example, making you look short or taller. Also, looking at advice given out by the Budget Fashionista for sporting the widening horizontals, she discusses size, improving the contour by adding more lines thus placement, and body shape. Referring yet again to that article with the pictures, all of the women where slim to begin with. Stripes might just be a difficult pattern.

Since I can't find the actual test, I suppose I'll just have to muse for now.

Alright, let's do a semi-experiment by looking at stripes on me.

Competing with black, the fail safe slimmer according to the articles. Fitted and highlighting the smallest part of me in between the widest. It cashes on on contrast, and not just its stripey nature.

Same shirt again, diffrent position.

Fitted horizontal tee-shirt, at the same place.

Horizontal, non-fitted

Vertical, non-fitted

Wide horizontal and a little big.

Both types of stripes, fitted and non.

Vertical, but contoured a bit.

Both, though vertical non-fitted.

Both. Knit, too big horizontal.

Too big sweater cut like the previous one with with vertical stripes.

Fitted vertical.

Today's outfit also features vertical stripes. The bodice is very fitted, making the stripes contour well. I'm also actually smiling, which is the new black. It makes everything look better, at least according to the radio guy in the Annie.

After looking at all those pictures, and with my aforementioned reasoning, I'm convinced that the slimming or widening effects of stripes have to do with the fit and tailoring of the garment. Vertical stripes are more likely to be tailored or otherwise form lines that help out the silhouette. Contrast might also have something to do with it.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it,

Ivy Frozen

P.S. If I have time, maybe I'll do something a little more scientific. But first, I should finish my sewing.

Shoes

2008-09-17T23:05:00.000-07:00

Shoes

Shoes

Shoes

Shoes

Like mother like daughter, I suppose. My three loves are shoes, dresses, and hats. And socks. And belts. And short shorts. But, anywho I come home and find the little dumpling sleeping in my shoes. She does love shoes though. Everytime someone comes over, she always investigates their shoes. At my parents house, first thing she does is investigate all the shoes by the front door. She's a little snobbier than I am though; if she doesn't like someone's shoes she won't talk to them. Ditto for allowing them to pet her. My shoes are very hard to live up to. She talks to few people besides me.

I got free money, so what do I do? I buy myself these. It was a choice between those and this jacket. They're just the perfect over the knee boot. I've been wanted a round toe flat-ish over the knee boot for a while now. They should keep me warm when the cold weather finally shows itself. The jacket was perfect and then I saw it in person. It's a nice faux leather, but it has these pepto bismal colored fades in it that I'm having trouble getting over. They aren't particularly prominent, but it's pepto bismal colored. I talked myself out of the jacket for now and opted for the boots instead. I'm also buying something off etsy after I put the check in the bank. That purchase will warrent a post of its own.

Word

Let's get some shoes,
Ivy Frozen and Twinkle too

P.S. You can see the dress I've promised you all I'm working on in the first and last photos, the green pink and blue. That one's a larger size.
.

Hansel and Gretel

2008-09-16T22:49:00.002-07:00

Hansel and Gretel is the story of two children who are abandoned in the woods by their parents, their plan to find their way home foiled by the forest's creatures. Thus, they encounter a candy house and a witch who tries to eat them. That doesn't work out so well for the witch, who is shoved into the oven by the children before they go off to live happily ever after. Yah, this isn't THAT Hansel and Gretel. I'm talking about a Korean movie made in 2007 that goes by Hansel and Gretel in English. Pretty costumes ensue. Click the Read More! link to see them.

This Hansel and Gretel is about a young man who finds himself stranded in the woods after he spins off the road to avoid hitting something. He meets a girl who leads him back to her house. Her house, family, and she are all just a tad weird. To top it off, there seems no way our hero's going to make it out of the woods...

The story of Hansel and Gretal while not identical to this film plays an important role, and many of the elements of the story do make an appearance.

The costumes in the movie are this sort of preppie fairy tale. A very preppie look with a hint of magic to them. The kids of Narnia would look at home in these outfits, when they're in the real world anywho.

The girls wear some sweat Victorian by way of 60s-70s reminiscent frocks, perfect inspiration for the upcoming season.

The boy's clothes are more distinctly preppie.

I really love the silhouette of big slippers worn with a straight skirt. I also just like the bunny slippers.

There are a lot of bunnies in the house. After watching the movie, you may find yourself needing bunnies like I do. That Beatrix Potter type.

The film inspired the child within me to create today's outfit.

Sorry, it's too hot for 70s victorian. We went for something a little cartoony and childlike instead. It is cool enough for socks though now, yay!

Abandoned in the art building,

Ivy Frozen

Dress A Day Day

2008-09-15T23:03:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard, it's Dress a Day day! Time to bring out those frocks, take pictures, and add them to the flickr group. If public photos of you aren't your thing, you can still participate by wearing a dress. And if you missed the memo and weren't able to proudly sport your dress on Monday, the rest of the week is fair game too. A sort of roaming-extended dress a day day. Naturally, I had to wear my ivy dress. Click the Read More Link! to hear more about it.

I've always had a niggling feeling of the dress resembling another. In the photo above, it hit me. The dress is like a modern interpretation of Scarlett O'Hara's picnic dress.

I've always found Scarlett to be a bit of a bitch. My mother tries to defend her as a strong woman, but there's a difference between being strong and being a total jerk. She could have been strong without trampling everyone around her. To me, the people are more important than the plantation, whereas Scarlett believed the oppossite.

My mom finds it interesting that I feel that way, since Scarlet and I share more than a few similarities. However, my personality is more like if Scarlet and Melanie did DBZ fusion. While I can take charge, be harsh, and lead if need be, I generally favor a quieter approach than Ms. Scarlett. And, as mentioned, I favor the people around me more than my material possessions. Happiness for all is my goal, which can occur with or without such things. I think some people, Miss Scalett included, think that happiness can only occur with certain material things, while I believe happiness can be achieved infinite ways if you're open to it.

Despite my distaste of her, I think we're of one mind when it comes to dresses. I can't find a single one of hers that I wouldn't wear myself. She wears several iconic gowns in the film. My absolute favorite has got to be the drapery dress, which is mocked often.

I don't understand why people mock the drapery dress. I mean, curtains are just fabric. There's not some special "only for curtains" fabric. I love using home decor fabrics for my clothes since they come in wider widths making them perfect for huge skirts. They also often have fabulous prints and designs.

As for the itself, it is fabulous. One of the few things I like about Mizzzz Scarlett is her quick thinking and resourcfullness, and that dress has certainly been burned in my mind. Perhaps it is an early influence on me, since the film is one of my mother's favorites.

Note the tassels... I plan to bring them back in the fall and winter since they need rich, bold colors.

For those of you unfamiliar with the film, I'll leave you with the movie in a nutshell.

Part 1:

And part 2:

Gone, gone with the wind,
Ivy Frozen

Vanitas

2008-09-09T14:12:00.000-07:00

Do you believe in magic?

In a young girl's heart?

how the music can free her...

Whenever It Starts

and it's MAGIC

if the Music is Groovy

it makes you feel Happy like an old time Movie

I'll tell you 'bout the magic

It'll free your soul

But it's like trying to tell a stranger

about Rock and Roll...

These are two outfits that were ispired by previous outfits of mine that used some of the same pieces. This is one reason I like taking pictures of my outfits. When I'm having diffuculty with wearing a piece or I don't know what to wear one day, I can click through my old outfits and be inspired anew. It's especially usefull for the pieces you find more difficult to wear in your wardrobe.

These photos also act as a visual diary. I use them to recall details such as where I was at what date, what I did, how I was feeling, what day I mailed that, ect. I can analyze my outfits like I can a story or novel and get quite a bit of information back from them that has proved useful on several occasions. I'm not the type of person to be able to keep up a written diary. Stating the obvious to me eveyday just doesn't hold my interest; I've never been good at small talk. But a picture diary, so much packed into such a little thing, that I can do. It's different and engages me satisfactorily.

Vain is it? An interest in myself? I've noticed bloggers and people dropping out of groups like W_R because they get self-conscious and feel like they're being vain. There are those who don't even get started because they can't get over such feelings. And of course there are always those who who point their finger at those of us that do and proclaim us vain and narcissistic, despite numerous evidence supporting otherwise. It's just like the song I quoted above. Trying to explain everything that's behind these pictures is somewhat useless to someone who doesn't understand what it is. These pictures aren't "look upon my hotness/beauty/vast superiority and revel." It's about sharing, not pride or vanity. Sharing what I wore today. Sharing and accepting my curvy thighs and that they don't make me some freakish mutant who should be thrown off a cliff for not starving/medicating/carving/excessively exercising them down to half their size as fashion magazines suggest. And of course, having others share such things back with me. So we get ideas, a community, and friendship. For some, it might be about "look upon my hotness and weap for you shall never achieve it." But for the majority, it's sharing, being part of the community. Sure, it feel snice to get complements. Of course, a vain, narcissistic person would not value those complements...

Go out. Take photos of yourself and post them on the web in appropriate places. There will always be those people who just don't understand and will write the practice off as vain while simultaneously at least intimating that they are better than us, which is incidently kinda vain itself. To that, Ivy says you know why you do it and you know you're not vain. And if you were vain, than vain can't possibly be such a terrible thing to be-- don't you think?-- considering you know some pretty awesome vain people including yourself. Be vain. Be not vain. Take pictures of yourself and post them on the web. (Please no bad porn though!) Or don't. Do what's right for you!

I believe in magic, do you?

Ivy Frozen

P.S. Like my new floor? Never know that it's vinyl. And now that the floor is finally in, I can return to my sewing and hopefully actually progress. Look for the promised dress most likely this weekend to next week. & that tutorial and maybe some mini one's too.

Update and Shoes

2008-09-02T22:06:00.000-07:00

Woo... I'm exhausted. I had hoped to spend labor day weekend sewing for you. Unfortunately, I had to work on my computer. It only had 12% of it's storage space left; not good for someone who's an applied computer graphics major. I also had to go out seeking supplies for those dresses. I picked up some awesome vintage buttons, which you'll see soon on a garment. I also found fabric to make my perfect coat. Well, it'll be inspired by that one anyways. I did manage to get three dresses in the works. One that should come out medium-large, as promised, derived from my cloud dress. It's a green and pink floral print that reminds me of Dr. Seuss and Where the Wild Things Are. I accidentally ended up with a lot more of the fabric than I thought, so I can make more of those in different sizes or use the fabric on another design. The other two are more experimental and thus smalls, so I can fully test them out. Sorry guys! Working on my fall sorta-collection, which when stabalized, will include more larger sized dresses. I'll probably still put out summer dresses though since they're so versatile. And speaking of summer, I managed to form a tutorial out of my video for the romper. I'll get it uploaded to youtube soon. So, what shall we talk about today? How about shoes. Click the Read More! link if you love shoes.

I'm so happy I managed to snag these for a dollar at what is now known as and shall be for all time (or until they raise their prices) known as the GOOD Salvation Army. My town has three or four separate storefronts of this secondhand chain, each of them unique. But I'm happy I found these shoes, not only because they are the comfort, mid-heeled sort of sandle I adore, but because I've been drooling over these:

Hard to beleive they're renaissance fair shoes. They'd be awesome over tights. On the other hand,

Argyle! I mean err, there are these. I love how these shoes lace up the front. They'd be magnificent over a pair of tights. Oh, how I wish I wasn't reduced to the most abject poverty by school fees and supplies. I better get sewing...

Buy a dress and feed an overly-dramatic Ivy,

Ivy Frozen

Trend Alert!

2008-08-27T01:27:00.000-07:00

We interupt your regular programming to bring you breaking news of fashion's next big thing. This video is borderline work safe. View at your own discretion.

Wait! There's more! Click the Read More Link! to see what other find products they have come up with.

Not bowed by the world's plan to starve her to death,
Ivy Frozen

Breaking All the Rules

2008-08-26T20:57:00.000-07:00

I watched the movie Legends of the Fall the other day. It basically chronicles the life of three brothers living in the west in the early 1900s. Towards the end of the movie, the eldest brother Alfred observes to the middle brother Tristan that Alfred lived his life following all the rules known to man and God. Tristan followed none of them, yet everyone loved Tristan more than Alfred. It's ironic, since we set up these rules as a sort of ideal, yet who do we tend to worship but those that defy them. In the movie, Alfred is a nice guy, nicer and more responsible than Tristan, but Tristan's just so much more exciting, even if he is a total jerk sometimes. Tristan also happens to be played by Brad Pitt; more injustice for poor Alfred. Those who follow the rules kind of fall into the cracks; they blend in but don't stand out. This is true in fashion as well. You've got to break some rules if you want to be more than just a nice guy. To find out how, click the Read More! link.

Fashion has rules too, rules you'll be familiar with if you watch What Not to Wear or pick up fashion magazines. Following these rules will lead you to a nice outfit, and that's it. Your outfit will be nice. Sometimes. If you really want an outfit that will knock everyone dead, you've got to break a rule or two. Now, breaking rules does not guarentee a good wow! factor. The people we hate the most are the people who can't seem to follow the rules. The key is balance. You've got to know which rules to follow and which to break and when. To help us out, I've found two ladies who chronicle their wears on the net. Both of them have taken items that would traditionally be used in insults on other items and turned them into covetable things.

First up, we have the lovely Nadine over at Strawberry Kitten. Her magic with diffucult to wear items has been mentioned here before. But today, or rather a few days ago, she managed to wear an actual garbage bag and made it look good. Granted, it was for a school event, but when it looks that good, do we care? That little tie detail on the skirt is what takes it from trash to high fashion. Also note how she keeps the outfit simple, allowing the garbage bag to shine. And the bag is also monochrome black/grey, which is the safest color to experiment with crazy details. It's a fairly boring color, so it can handle a little jazzing up.

And now, making her debut on this blog, I''d like to present the lovely Double-Speak, from The Life and Times of Archy and Mehitabel. She also has her own website here, and her own etsy here. We'll talk more about her etsy in a future post; she has some fubulously cheeky slips. For now, take a look at her shoes. Closely. Do you know what those are?

Why they're crocs of course. One of the most hated enemies of the fashion world. When you consider such things as the open-toe shoe boot, you do wonder why crocs and uggs are so rejected by the fashion set. Perhaps shoes such as these, which don't even have comfort going for them, are more well loved because at least they have a sort of cool factor to them. Crocs and uggs do not. Yet Double-Speak has managed to make these atrocities of human manufacturing, look, well, good. While she is working with the less offensive mary jane version of the shoe in black-- the best color to refine a crazy design-- she makes me want to run out a grab a pair, especially when she couples them with dark socks. Then I pinch myself and come to my senses.

While in the first two looks, she downplays the crocs with monochromality, here she manages to rock them with color, but she sticks to classic pieces and silhouette.

And finally, for the guys; I have not forgotton about you. May I present Frank Sinatra in Guys and Dolls?

While Guys and Dolls was not the best movie ever, I'm still orgasming over this stripes and dots combo. Stripes and dots are traditionally clashing patterns that will make an outfit "too busy". There's a lot of movement with all the lines in the coat, Sinatra--or should I say Nathan-- manages to keep his outfit cool by using the nuetral black and white. The proportion of the black and white in each pattern is also similar, making the patterns go together and not against each other. You really can't comprehend this combos assumness from the tiny bit visible in this picture. I reccomend seeing the movie for this and other outfits.

Once again, Ivy Frozen encourages you to break the rules and form your own. An outfit works if it accomplishes the goal YOU set for it. Go crazy, experiment. I feel like my style is settling down now that I've done a lot of experimenting to figure out what exactly my style is. That doesn't mean I don't still experiment a bit though.

Oush the Limits!
Ivy Frozen

Hiding My Face Around Here

2008-08-25T21:54:00.000-07:00

School has started for me, meaning things are going to be a little wonky while I figure out my new schedule and adjust my diet to support the new activity. Food and I don't get along as well as I'd like. I have a very sensitive stomach prone to stomach aches, and I'm a picky eater, partially due to the sensitive stomach. My stomach is so sensitive that I can't watch Nightmare Before Christmas without throwing up. You see, the first time I saw the film, I ate a bunch of gummy bears and hurled. Gummy candy has been on the outlawed list since that day. My stomach also growls in warning whenever the bad guy from that movie comes on, which is my cue that I still cannot handle the movie. If I could give up one necessary function and still survive, I'd give up eating. I'd be very happy to never have to eat again. I hate the feeling of a full stomach (weighs me down), and for the most part eat about as little as I can and still survive. Accordingly, remember when Heather from America's Next Top Model went down at the Enrique video shoot because she needed to eat? That would be me at the moment.

I've complained about this to my doctor(s), but I have Kaiser, and Kaiser does not care. It might seem nice to maintain your weight without specific effort like going to the gym, but it's trying emotionally when your family doesn't understand and think that you're just being difficult. It's also annoying when you have to ruin your friends' fun because you need to eat and/or you can't eat anything there. And, being a woman, I get the added bonus of having to balance my diet for my period or else I get really bad PMS. PMS where I'll be in a good mood and mean to say soemthing nice to someone, but somewhere between the thought of the action and the action itself, it gets warped by rage and will come out pretty damn mean. Uncontrollable for me since I never thought the mean thought. Where'd it come from? Was by body taken over by some unseen invader? I'm Spock, dammit, part of the reason Ivy Frozen stuck around as my internet name. It is terribly disconcerting.

So, there you get a lovely explantion for my difficulties with school and why I will likely slack over here on Mondays, when I'm in class all day. When I'm sick, it's usually this; I never really get colds anymore. Looks like I will need to talk to some of my teachers about being able to take a roaming snack break.

Eating disordered,
Ivy Frozen

P.S. Watch out. I might just do a post on Star Trek Fashion.

P.P.S. Gotta love the dramatic music in the Spock video I linked. Imagine that playing behind my post.

Worken Like A Dog

2008-08-20T20:14:00.000-07:00

'ello lovlies. I'm around. Just really busy now getting ready for classes which start next week. I'm truly a child of the spring and summer, yet fall is just the one season I look forward to the most. I just love fall colors, and all the changing leaves. So, click the Read More! link to see the images that are inspiring my fall fashion.

Artfully jumbled letters as an adornment. Curtesy marc Jacobs Fall '08.

Collars on socks. Curtesy Emilio Cavallini on mytights.com and the Queens

Rich monochrome starting with the hair. Curtesy of Tori Amos from her Beekeeper album.

Did I mention I love Princess Jasmine, and that she sparked my love of harem pants? However, in this image of Princess Jasmine in her spacesuit, it's all about the bodice. Expect it. This is curtesy of streetrat.net, where they cover quite a few of Jasmine's different outfits.

This sweater. Guy diy. This image is from the Facehunter.

Did I mention I love harem pants? I like this sleeker version of them. Unfortunately, I can't remember where this image came from. It was on another blog. If you know its origins, please share.

An Edwardian coat that I'm obsessed with. It's just the perfect coat in every way. One day, I shall recreate thee, my love. One day. I can't find the link for it right now, but I shall update when I do.

I know. Pants aren't my thing, but these ladies make the whole oversize thing look so good. And I found a pair of vintage jeans of my mom's that I like, probably because they're too big... These two ladies were spotted by Garence Dore.

And I have these. I want to wear them. Now. from Sock dreams.

Spats. They're on my to-do list.

Did I mention I made a romper? It has ladybugs on it. It and the hat I'm wearing are both intended for the shop. I plan to make rompers into fall because I love the look of this sexy, fitted kind with tights, a belt, and a cropped jacket, though I have some much more Fall types on my to do list. Keep an eye out for them.

Considering marrying her sewing machine,

Ivy Frozen

Rainbows and Clouds

2008-08-18T18:40:00.000-07:00

New dress! The fabric is the clouds from Toy Story. They rather resemble popcorn though too. This is a test of a new pattern and new techniques I hope to use on future dresses for the shop. I used shirring for the first time, along the back panels. This will allow me to make larger (and smaller) sizes and ensure a nice fit, even if you aren't shaped like me. Otherwise, to ensure the fit without the smocking/shirring, you'd have to request a custom from me. I orginally found a smocking tutorial over at Kuky Ideas, but my first attempt didn't go so well. When Threadbanger finally posted their own tutorial, and I saw others had no problem with it, I kicked myself into gear and gave it another go. I'm satisfied with it this time, but I still need to test it's durability etc. If it passes my tests, I'll be offering larger sizes and even better fits in my etsy shop soon, hurray! But I'm keeping this one cause it's too perfect for my major (3d animation, basically) and isn't quite up to my standards for stuffs I sell, being the tester. Like this dress but can't wait until I make this style available in the shop? Or you just don't have the money to buy from me? Click the Read More! Link to find out where you can get a similar pattern for free!

Get your free patterns here! Modern Sewing Patterns is a site chock full of free patterns you can print out and use. The site design isn't the best. You face clicking every link in a list with such descriptive names as "# 5520 Dress" in the dress category in the dress category alone to find a pattern that doesn't look like something Queen Amidala rejected. I haven't actually used any of them, but I did save a couple to my computer to try out later. There are a few nice nice patterns mixed in among the galaxy queen ones. Many have parts that can be used, even if the whole design isn't to my taste. So, give it a look. At the very least, you can make entertain yourself coming up with stories and captions for the women in the pattern drawings.

This dress is similar to the ones I make. Click on the picture to go to the page where you can download the pattern for free. For my size, small, I usually use a little less than two yards on my dresses. I don't think anyone will really need more than three yards. To be safe, you might want to look at the envelope of a similar pattern online or at your local sewing supply store to see how many yards they suggest for your size.

As I haven't used their patterns, I can't vouch for how good this pattern is. Let us all know if you do use any pattern for their site.

Look out for a thoughtful post,
Ivy Frozen

The Dresses are Coming!

2008-08-15T19:47:00.000-07:00

I promised you new dresses this week. Camera and photography problems (mainly the fact that I live in a place with the worst light ever!) kept me from bringing you the images on Wednesday. But, I have overcome the issues by basically taking all the mobile lights in my house to my kitchen/dining room area and shining them on me with the windows open to let sunlight in and still finding the pictures coming out a bit dark. Anyways, click the Read More! link to take a look at what I've been working on for you.

I made two of these one for me and one for you. The one I made for me is the original, so I could work out the pattern. I have to finish the adjustments on mine. They're made from fabric that DeSamothrace didn't want and thus kindly offered to members of the Diyscene forum for the price of shipping.

I didn't coudn't scrounge up enough of the fabric to make the straps wide enough on the store one, so I used blue cotton I had left over from a costume to line the straps. I originally had wanted to use the blue cotton on the dress in some way, but was scared the blue was too dark to to interact well with the blue flowers. I was right and I was wrong, and adore the blue fabric there.

Both dresses feature a contour bust top, some ruching on the bust, and a full circle skirt.

This one was concocted out of the fabric left over from the sheet I used to make this dress. Unlike that dress, this one has a full skirt gathered with pleats at the waist to make those vertical stripes look amazing. I made a big collar panel petal thingies for the bust which help make the bust appear larger and help bring attention up to the face.

Since the fabric is sheer, the top is lined to keep a little mystery to yourself. I used a cream lining fabric and with white lining fabric on the side panels for a visually pleasing inside. The dress comes with a seperate half-slip I made for the skirt. That way you can wear a crinoline if you want and you can also use the half-slip for other things.

I just love this dress with a belt at the waist. The belt curves so lovely over the side and the skirt flares just right for a sexy hourglass silhouette. You can see it a bit in this photo and the one at the top.

Right now I'm at work on a dress made of cloud fabric. It's like this dress; the same brilliant blue but clouds instead of polka dots. I also found ivy leaf sheets so I can make myself a signature ivy dress to wear out to events etc. & I've got a hat made for the shop, and a romper planned with ladybugs on it, and well, lot's of stuff coming up. Stay tuned, my lovlies!

And you are all lovly. I know,
Ivy Frozen

High Rise

2008-08-12T14:21:00.000-07:00

I finally managed to score some high waisted shorts that I adore. They're nice and stretchy to keep my patooty covered though my less ladylike adventures, much like the romper I made. They are also denim! If you take a look at my style , coming up on a period of two years, you'll see that my last pair of denim higher-waisted shorts quickly overran all my other shorts to become my favorite pair. Thus, to celebrate this momentous occasion, I've done a faux photoshoot. Click the Read More! link to view the best results.

Where do you go, my lovely?

My argyle in the rough?

You have such long legs...

But cats don't dance.

Sorry about the terrible lighting. All of the images look better if you view them larger. Just click on them to be carried to their flickr home and then click All Sizes by the little magnifying glass above them. I'm working on some pretty dresses for you (and one for me =) that will probably be listed Thursday. I've been in a rather creative mood lately, hence all the poetry. The more insane I am, the better for you; just means I'm engrossed in my projects.

Sewing pretty stuffs,
Ivy Frozen

For the Love of Argyle

2008-08-11T13:12:00.000-07:00

While everyone else is crowing about the return of black (it was gone?!), I'm really feeling all the argyle I've been seeing in stores for this fall. Odd, since normally I wouldn't look twice at it, and the one look I did give it might have inccluded the wrinkling of my nose. Being such a dark and mysterious person as myself, it just seemed not me. They went into the box with cardigans as something that might be cute on other girls but made me feel 90. But now, for some reason, I'm excited about argyle. Perhaps it has something to do with Miu Miu's ad campaign featuring Kirsten Dunst--I know, I'm at least a season behind or am I 19 ahead?-- which made argyle a little edgy, a little dangerous, a little less clean. Click the Read More! link to see me express my newfound love of argyle in the form of a poem.

Argyle

Argyle tees...

Argyle socks...

Argyle sweaters...

Argyle dresses...

Argyle Bags...

Argyle skirts...

Argyle

Argyle

Argyle

A bit Harlequin, maybe,
Ivy Frozen

DIY or Die?

2008-08-07T21:56:00.000-07:00

Starting from a completed garment can sometimes be harder than making something from scratch. When I transform a garment into something else, it usually involves a lot of extra prep work. So while I may save myself the trouble of doing a hem, I spend about the same amount of time, if not more, taking out stitches, ironing stuff flat, and figuring out how to make everything work. Click the Read More! link to see my tips on when to DIY, when to buy, and when to make it from scratch.

When to DIY:

When in the store, you see something that you'd love if it had a minor alteration such as humming, changing the buttons, adding a patch, etc.

When it would be perfect with different sleeves, a lower neckline, etc.

When you see the potential and plan on bringing it out.

When something is huge and thus has enough fabric for what you want to turn it into.

When your feelings for the fabric cause you to question your mental health and sexual identity.

When you can utilize a part of the garment to avoid a step that you hate/suck at.

When to buy:

T-shirts are usually cheaper to buy than to sew them. In addition, regular sewing machine stitching doesn't stretch as well as serger stitching--what they use on professional garments-- so your shirt is more likely to break, unless you have a serger.

Ditto certain basics and stuff.

It usually doesn't make sense to make anything you can find cheaply in stores, unless it's a quality or fit issue. Usually then it's worth it to buy and diy, unless the fabric is unbearable.

Circle skirts are hard to hem, since the hem curves. Buy them the right length or get a professional to hem it unless you've got the skill. Gathered or a-line skirts are much more straight forward.

When to Make it from Scratch:

If you want an entirely diffrent garment, it's pretty much always easier to make it from scratch. However, if what you want is that tee with different sleeves, DIY is your friend.

Remember, sewing is really straightforward, and not some complicated mystery art hanging out with rocket science on a ledge somewhere overlooking the ocean of For-Mysteriously-Born-Talented-People-Only. Though certain fabrics, garments, and effects may require a bit of Houdini's touch, there's usually books and internet resources on the subject.

Avoid satin. Satin is evil, and unforgiving. If you're lost of what fabics to use, bother the workers at your fabric shop for some good fabrics for your skill level and project.

Let me in your window,
Ivy Frozen

Of Link Lists and Dresses

2008-08-06T20:03:00.000-07:00

I finally managed to get my links updated! Just waiting for my cookie now. The written instructions for the bubble dress tutorial are coming as soon as I find a suitable sheet, hopefully I can pick one up this weekend. And, I finally got that lemon-limey striped goodness listed. I did a full circle skirt for my sister about the same length as the one on the striped dress and the calculated hem of that one was over 13 feet, over twice my height. And circle skirts are such a pain to hem, since the hem is circular and not straight. Everytime I hem one, I vow never to make one again. Unfortunately, I'm rather enamored of them and their perfect movement. Click the Read More Link! to view a preview of the projects I'm working on now.

This dress and hat are next on my list. The dress has of course a full circle skirt. I look forward to hemming the litttle demon.

And if I have enough of the fabric left over, I hope to concoct this little number, which will also have a full circle skirt.

Sew excited,

Ivy Frozen

Asian Connection

2008-08-05T16:52:00.000-07:00

Whenever the fashion of the far east is discussed, most people speak of Japan, the bithplace of such streetsyle looks as lolita, visual kei, and fruits. But Japan isn't the only country in the far east that has amazing style. Click the Read More! link to get some inspiration from China.

I've mentioned my love of Asian drama series before, and I've just started watching Patriotic Knights, a kung fu drama from China.

I love the feathers in the guy on the left hand side's hair! Though it's hard to see in the picture. So free spirited and child of the sun.

Patrtiotic Knights, in the true way of soap operas, has a very complicated plot. Since I just started watching, I'm not clear on the whole thing though it seems clear that love triangles, Rube Goldberg-esque schemes, and melodrama will win the day. Punctuated with awesome kung fu fighting filled with the great trash talk that I love in Chinese kung fu movies, it's infinitely more bearable than American soap operas and has sucked me right in. Check out Jonah Lee Walker's Asian and US Movie Reviews blog for a review and plot summary.

As for the costumes, well they're a visual delight. They seem to feature a solid-colored overcoat type thing in a bold hue that looks amazing on the wearer. Underneath the coat they wear some sort of patterned tunic-dress-thing that picks up the color of the overcoat thing. Most of the characters also have a solid colored undershirt in a contrasting color to the overcoat.

Many of the characters also sport fantastic feathers and/or headbands in their hair.

I love all the feathers used in the costumes. The feathers combined with the skillful use of tie-dye, which I didn't even notice until I looked for the stills, make it seem a sort of Chinese hippie/boho-chic. The poorer characters seem to use the tie-dye as their pattern while the richer characters sport more elaborate motifs. I wasn't quite convinced by the big designers and fashion magazines that tie-dye was chic, but this series makes a very good argument for it, a year or two before the designers I might add.

Yan Yan, pictured above, has my absolute favorite costume of the group so far though. I gasped with joy when I first saw her fantastic color pairing in the screen-cap at the top of this page. She was originally wearing the scarf as a hood, which cai=ught my attention, but it's not until the hood fell that we get to see the true joys of the color combo in her costume. I mentioned before being enamored of that blushing sort of pink with blue seen here and here; now I shall have to try combining it with forest green. It's so Robin Hood meets Legend of Zelda in Final Fantasy's early adventures, back before the Final Fantasy artists decided that their men needed leather bras.

I also love those feathers in her hair! Anyone know what they are because I need some. And i love the waist detail! And, and I love the perfect shots of yellow in the green which make it look like the rays of the sun bursting out of her waist! And, and...

Hyperventilating with love,

Ivy Frozen

Transformers, Sandals in Disguise

2008-08-04T22:52:00.000-07:00

If you live somewhere like San Francisco, where the weather just can't seem to make up it's mind, have I got news for you! In addition to your cargo pants that turn into shorts with the pulling of a zipper, you can now sport converse-like sneakers that unzip to reveal sandals! No, it's not photoshopped. Click the Read More! link to find out more.

The novelty of the idea makes me want a pair. I love that it takes advatage of appendix-like design features of the ever-popular converse type shoes. The fact that the pair pictured in the Mail Online article, where I first heard about the shoes, are shiny doesn't hurt either. Ignoring the fact that transforming the sneakers to sandals will still require you to cart the upper part of the shoes around in a bag, the one qualm I have with the design is that the sandles are fricken fugly. I'd happily wear the sneakers around, but I'd suffer quite a lot before I'd have THOSE sandles grace my feet. So I decided to investigate the source of these shoes, Nat-2, hoping for some lovelier offerings for the ladies. Unfortunately, it seems the line is either aimed at males or designed to be unisex.

They seem to be a young company though. I shall keep up hope that one day something more like these or these will pop out of these.

For those who find the sandles more to their liking, it looks like they're available in stores throughout Europe and Asia, but not the US yet, though they promise an international site soon.

Still sporadic,

Ivy Frozen

Brief Intermission

2008-07-30T14:49:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I'm moving back to university this week so, I'm kind of slacking in the posting. We're putting new flooring in my place next Monday and Tuesday, so I might be a little incomunicado for a bit. Hopefully, I can still be around. I'll probably list that dress late tomorrow though. Also, hopefully once I'm back in my university town I'll be able to find a suitable sheet to make a fitted sheet bubble dress. The sheet I got turned out to not be suitable. I swear the gods are against that tutorial. Even so, hopefully that written tutorial will finally show up and I'll get my links updated.

Busy but Happy,
Ivy Frozen

Dark Knight

2008-07-25T21:55:00.000-07:00

Why so serious?

Dark

Knight

Rules

.

Joking with the Joker,

Ivy Frozen

New Stuffs

2008-07-24T17:58:00.000-07:00

I've been on a floral kick lately with all my creations. And I've been sewing, sewing, sewing. Click the Read More! link to view some of the results, if you haven't already spied them.

First completed was this little skirt, made from a pillowcase.

It's a little tight on me, but loosens up with wear. Besides, I like a tight waist. It has a yellow zipper and yellow biastape covering the waist seam. I even put some stiff interfacing in the band and did actual gathering [instead of hand pleating] for the first time! It has two rows of stitching on the hem to keep it secure and look good. I love this little skirt. The pattern reminds me of unicorns.

I made this tank from a plain white shirt. It takes care of your bra flashing through. Plus, it's made out of soft, tee shirt material with no ribs. I made the bib and riffle detail from the left overs of the capris I used to make my romper; the fabric has some stretch to it. The bottons are from the left over part of a dress I turned into a skirt a while back. I love this tank too.

Last is this delicious little dress. It's my newest creation made from a thrifted skirt. I tried a bit of 50s Hawaiian dress style with it, but I made my neckline differently and didn't gather it. It's purple with gold-green leaves and blue flowers on it; a gorgeous combo. The halter ties in the back and connects the dress under the bust. It's a full skirt but not a full circle skirt, pleated at the waist. It should show up like this one with a crinoline underneath. The fullness I love without fear of a Marilyn moment.

It was a pain to make though; the fabric was one of THOSE that just doesn't want to behave right. It's a really soft and comfy rayon though.

Loving all her creations and partially hoping they don't sell so she can keep them,

Ivy Frozen

P.S. Clicking on these pix takes you to their etsy listings, not my flickr =)

Product Review: Renegade Craft Fair

2008-07-22T12:25:00.000-07:00

While I was being a renegade on this blog, I visited the Renegade Craft Fair in San Francisco the Sunday before this past Sunday. I wanted to go when I heard about it, then I flip-flopped to not wanting to go for various reasons. But then, I heard the Threadheads were going to be there so I had to go. Click the Read More! link to find out more about my experience.

So, the fair. It was smaller than I thought it was going to be. They had a huge banner up on the wrong building. One building back and two to the side was the real craft fair, in a dark warehouse. My sister and I weren't sure we were in the right place until we located the Renegade Craft Fair banner hidden behind the crowd on the front of the Etsy table. From pictures I located online, looks like the fair had done good business on Saturday, meaning a lot of the sellers had downsized their booths. My sister located a map and we set off.

Coincidentally, one of our first stops was the Threadbanger booth. They had a ton of secondhand fabric and three sewing machines so visitors could build their own bags. Totally the best booth at the fair, though it's hard to compete with that. My sister completed her first sewing project ever; she was so excited. I was more excited about getting to meet Rob, even though I was too shy to say much. He's just as mellow in person as on Threadbanger. Good thing my sister brought her camera because like the genius I am, I forgot mine. Corinne wasn't there on Sunday because she had gotton a call back for Project Runway. I hope that went well for her. I had been looking forward to meeting her too though.

While we were hanging out at the Threadbanger booth, the reason I wanted to go on Sunday started: Mucca Pazza. Their name wasn't on the flier, but I knew a steam punk marching band had to be awesome. They were. They had so much fun playing, which equaled fun for the audience too.

After that, I was a lot more jazzed about the fair. My favorite products? These awesome clock face necklaces with little charms. The clocks didn't actually work, which I found a charming spin. One booth had a sewing machine pendant necklace which I also wanted, but it wasn't worth to me what it was to the seller. But, my absolute must have for the fair was a cow skull pin by JB Lowe. I wanted it so badly, but unforutunately, he only accepted cash and I didn't have enough left in cash after unforeseen travel expenses. There was only one atm at the event, which quickly went out of order. So, I left without a pin. He said he was planning on opening an etsy shop soon, so I'll be waiting.

Since I couldn't get the pin, I settled for a cute wallet/coin purse hybrid by Amies instead. I needed a new wallet, and this is a perfect. I also picked up some free lute from the Threadbanger and Burdastyle Booths.

My ultimate review of the fair: I think it lacked "Wow!" power, perhaps because it was Renegades first time in San Francisco or perhaps because I went on the second day when many sellers. Looking at the sewn goods made me feel better about mine. I didn't buy any because I didn't like how the sellers just let the ends of their sewing lines go wherever, instead of keeping them straight. (I try really hard with that in my sewing, though I understand if they're rushing to build a lot of product for a show why they'd do that. Really doesn't effect the outside of the garment.) They had a lot of screenprinters and artists; I was disappointed that none of the artists seemed to have magnets. I was also disappointed that there was only one place to get food. I would have liked to see some crafty food. All in all, it was a good fair, but just lacked that extra oomph that would have made it perfect, although Mucca Pazza very nearly made up for that. I give it 7 ivy leaves out 10 and look forward to seeing how they improve next year.

Making like a renegade,
Ivy Frozen

P.S. Since I forgot my camera and my sister had some diffuculties with hers, I had to seek some photos out on the web. Click pictures to be carried to their source.

Upcoming Attractions

2008-07-21T12:50:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts last week. Everything I wanted to write about, I had to wait for pictures of. So, I just kind of pouted and didn't write anything and sewed instead. I have losts of new posts that I'm anxious to post up now, so this week should be full. Also, I wrote the instructions out now just need to take pics (since my computer won't screenshot) for the bubble dress tutorial, so don't worry international peeps who can't view the video, a written version is coming. And I hope to finally get around to updating my links bars this week too. Click the Read More! link for some international contests held by Japan.

So, I received an e-mail featuring international contests held by Japan asking if I'd announce them on the blog. I can't vouch whether these contests are real or not, so do your research if you decide to enter one. They look like they're all art contests. So, now a lazy copy and paste of the contest information from the e-mail:

UT GRAND PRIX 2009
UNIQLO’s annual T-shirt design competition since 2004, the 5th “UT Grand Prix” will call for entries from July 15th.
UNIQLO has actively developed its global expansion as a casual wear brand from Japan, opening flagship stores in New York, London, Paris, Hong Kong, Korea and China, and also shown the global promotion campaigns that world people can participate such as UNIQLOCK and UT LOOP!
Based on the concept of “T-shirt Design Olympics”, UT Grand Prix calls for T-shirt designs from young & upcoming creators from all over the world. Works will be chosen from more than 10,000 submissions in the first and second phases of judgment, & these will be shown on the web. In the final stage, 20 designs will be selected by presiding guest judges, & these designs will then be sold as UT (UNIQLO T-shirt) at UNIQLO stores. Cash & other prizes will be also presented to the winner(s). The Grand Prix (top) prize is 3 million JPY (or equivalent in local currency at current rates).
Submission Period: July 15th - September 21st, 2008
http://www.shift.jp.org/en/blog/?p=216

AMUSE ARTJAM 2008
AMUSE ARTJAM, a new art competition by a Japanese agency for all-round entertainment “AMUSE”, will open calling for entries from August 1st.
This is a competition that has counted more than 5000 submissions and total 70000 visitors in the past 6 events, gathering attentions as a gateway for young artists to success. This year as a new project, they will open a new gallery for contemporary art called “ArtJamContemporary” in the art complex building “NADiff A/P/A/R/T” in Ebisu, Tokyo. The participants of ARTJAM will be mainly featured in the gallery and sent to the world.
Anyone can participate in this competition regardless of genders, nations, ages, educations, professionals or amateurs, and genres. However, the competition winners need to participate in the award ceremony, which will be held in The Museum Of Kyoto on October 5th, 2008.
Submission period: August 1st - 31st, 2008
http://www.shift.jp.org/en/blog/?p=215

12TH JAPAN MEDIA ARTS FESTIVAL
CG-ARTS Society with Agency for Cultural Affairs and The National Art Center, Tokyo will start calling for entries for 12th Japan Media Arts Festival. They seek vibrantly creative works that are opening up a new era in each division of Art, Entertainment, Animation and Manga.
Submission Period: July 17th - September 26th, 2008
http://www.shift.jp.org/en/blog/?p=212

DOTMOV FESTIVAL 2008
Online magazine SHIFT presents DOTMOV Festival 2008, a digital film festival aiming to discover talented creators and provide them with an opportunity to show their works. Works submitted from all over the world will be screened throughout the world venues from November 2008 (Date will be different depending on the venue). Last year's total submission was 297 works from 34 countries. This year's tour will be Sapporo, Sendai, Shizuoka, Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka and Sao Paulo.
Submission Period: September 20th, 2008
http://www.shift.jp.org/mov/

SHIFT 2009 CALENDAR COMPETITION
Shift has been trying to offer artists many platforms to showcase their works online. The Shift calendar competition held from 2003 successively, pushes the boundaries between online and off line using a "calendar" as its medium. Entries are invited from all over the world and selected works will be distributed throughout the world in the format of a physical calendar.
This year, selected works will be exhibited and sold at PRINT'EM web site for a year with support by PRINT'EM, a graphic print center operated by Mitsubishi Paper MIlls Limited.
Submission Period: September 10th, 2008
http://www.shift.jp.org/2009/

[End lazy copy and paste]

All the links carry you to the lovely shift blog, which has lot's of pretty images and international news of art related events. If I can find the time, I might look into some of them.

Domo Arigatou Mr. Roboto Domo,
Ivy Frozen

Chrismas in July

2008-07-11T14:26:00.000-07:00

I don't really care for Christmas music at Christmas time. But when the sun gets hot in the summertime, I get the itch to sing Christmas carols. I guess the contrast just appeals to me the same way singing "You're the One that I Want"--especially "It's electrifying!"-- in the shower does. Did I mention I love awesomely bad jokes too? But we are about the clothes here, so let's discuss the tricky color pairing of red and green sans the Christmas conotations. Click the Read More! link to discover the super secret secret to wearing red and green together in the warm months.

If we're going to talk about red and green, we need to call in some experts. Style and color experts. The first is Vasiliisa, one of the foremost color mixing experts on Wardrobe Remix. She is in fact the one who showed me that such a pairing was possible.

The the easiest way to wear red and green together is to use a lighter shades of the colors. Lighter and brighter variations of red and green scream of the warmer seasons and bring images of watermelon and other summer fruits to mind. Here the brighter shades and fun check print of the dress invoke images of a picnic, not Saint Nick.

Here Vasiliisa is using the traditional Christmas colors and she's even sporting pattern on the skirt associated with the cold. She keeps it spring-y by combining it with warm weather accessories. Those shoes are unmistakibly summer-like and help bring out the warm weather nature of the miniskirt.

The colors on this dress are the same colors as my strands of multicolored christmas lights. Again, the trick to working these colors are the unmistakable warm weather accessories. She warms the outfit up with the sock and shoe combo. Her hair up and the sunglasses also speak of the sunny seasons. And the shape and cut of the dress is easily seen as a summer shape. She also mixes other colors in to take down the Christmas connotation.

Just want to wear Christmas red and green sans other colors? Let's look to Strawberry Kitten for help.

While being cute as a button doesn't hurt, Strawberry Kitten manages to make apples dance through our heads instead of sugar plums by actually wearing an apple. She then matched the shades of red and green on the shirt for a tasty combo.

Then she adds a leather jacket which really doesn't have much to do with this post per se, but I love a good kitty has claws look: a sweet outfit worn with some tougher elements.

Those two ladies make me want to trip to europe to see Finland and Germany, as opposed to the usual tourist spots as France, England, and Italy. Luckily, both of them blog. Vasilissa's blog is currently on a hiatus, but it's well worth it to poke through the archives. Stawberry Kitten posts pictures of her killer sense of style regularly and she also makes some of her own clothes.

Here's another look at my take on the red/green color combo. I went for using brighter shades of the colors and using a patterned piece featuring the color combo in a small dose. Then I picked up the red on the dress with the shoes and scarf.

Walking in a Summer Wonderland,
Ivy Frozen

Ivy Frozen Productions

Rose Tea

Happy Thanksgiving!

New Stuff in Store

Under Construction

How to Coordinate Like a Boss Part 1: The Golden Rule

Sale

Snow White and Rose Red

Take to the Sky

Returning this Fall

Happy Valentine's Day!

Back with a Boom?

Really Back Soon

Test Post

Winner!

Victoriana

En Trees--Closed

LBD Contest--Ended; Winner Announced 10/31

FAIL

Is it Wrong?

Giveaway: BB Dakota

Loli-con

Re-opening Preview

Great Expectations

Clara Bow's Thighs

Pretty Pretty Dresses

The Wizard of Oz

It Shouldn't Be This Hard to Spend Money

Anchors Aweigh

Pandora's Aquarium

Still Alive

Think Pink!

I Believe I Can Fly

Tights. Make. Sense.

Merry Christmas All!

The Cube Revisited

I'm Baaack

The Girl Zone

Oh noes!

Thievery

Korean Style in List Form

*Health Alert*

Extra! Extra! Read All About it!

The First Hat Post

Playsuit/Romper from Old Lady Capris Tutorial

New Stuffs

That THING

Hold the Phones

Shoes

Hansel and Gretel

Dress A Day Day

Vanitas

Update and Shoes

Trend Alert!

Breaking All the Rules

Hiding My Face Around Here

Worken Like A Dog

Rainbows and Clouds

The Dresses are Coming!

High Rise

For the Love of Argyle

DIY or Die?

Of Link Lists and Dresses

Asian Connection

Transformers, Sandals in Disguise

Brief Intermission

Dark Knight

New Stuffs

Product Review: Renegade Craft Fair

Upcoming Attractions

Chrismas in July

Health Alert