Gearing up for Fall

It's been great to finally begin layering some fall duds. And with the ritualistic cleansing of my closet came the realization that I now have to begin restocking it all over again.

However, while figuring out what I needed to fill the gaps, I delved into some rarely used pieces that had been confined to the back of the closet until recently.

This simple, light wool blazer with the chain detail.

 

Booties with fuzz.

Frilly, tunic shirts.

Grey denim: my new staple.

Blazer: Charlotte Russe, Booties: Dolce Vita, Blouse: Joie, Beads: Bedouin Vintage, Jeans: Re-sale

There's so much fun in putting together women's wear that looks a bit like men's wear.

With Love,

Noa B

Halloween Fun

Since I'll be working through Halloween this year I was expecially pleased to be able to attend my friend Jen's annual, pre-Halloween bash last Friday. However, coming in from out of town I found myself arriving back to LA with less than an hour to create a costume for said gathering.

Thank goodness for my vintage collection. I rummaged through my closet and at the last minute, decided to commit to a little Barbara, (Streisand that is).

 

Of course, it wouldn't be "vintage" Babs if I didn't channel a little Funny Girl style.

 

The hat came in especially handy...

Dress, Bag and Duster: Vintage, Heels: Sigerson Morrisson, Pearls: Vintage

I didn't have time to sew or paste or construct. But I had one hour of makeup, hair, and a closet ready to roll. Occasionally that's all that is required.

With Love,

Noa B

Glamourous Lashes and much, much more.

After two solid weeks of commercials, short films, TV, and set work, I was delighted to step into a studio this past Monday and play with wildly creative makeup while shooting a billboard for an upcoming, fashion campaign.

 

There's nothing like creating "fashion" or avante garde makeup to feed my soul. And I was privledged to have the lovely and talented Ms. Leah Dempsey rocking the hair looks alongside me.

While I can't show you the clothes just yet, (December 1st is when I'll be placing MY order) I can give you a tiny taste of the good-time makeup and hair that was flying in the studio. (Apologies for the Iphone snaps but there was no time for genuine, picture taking).

The paycheck is always great, but the days where work meets art are really just the best of both worlds!

Thank you Leah, for making it fabulous!

With Love,

Noa B

Dye-ing for Denim

How do you take your jeans from blah...?

  ...To Ahhh! The right shade of denim at last!

It's all about the re-dye to save jeans that may have a great fit, but are lacking in color and flair.  Here's how I saved mine.

 

1 Bottle of Rit Dye in Black plus one washing machine.

Here's the trick with dye: unless you use 2-3 times the prescribed amount when it comes to a washing machine cycle, it won't come out the color you're anticipating. Even the smallest cycle uses a lot of water and dillutes the color concentration. If you dye in a microwave or stovetop, you can deepen the color using less water, but inevitably you'll end up with an uneven finish. The best way to anticipate what your color will look like is to split the difference roughly in half. If I wanted my jeans to be jet black, I would need to use 2-3 bottles of dye against the washing machine cycle. But if I wanted to get them dark blue I could use a single bottle of black. (Just like my dress yesterday, for which I used a midnight blue to get it to that lilac finish).

 Thank goodness the fit was there. They just needed some depth.

Jeans: Re-Dye, Heels: Vince Camuto, Neckace: Boutique, Earrings: Tres Jolie, Blouse: Blu Pepper, Cardi: Lucca Couture

Happy Dyeing!

With Love,

Noa B

Dipdye Boho

I've always been a huge fan of all thing Boho, and a good, maxi dress is about the most comfortable thing you can throw on when work beckons on the early side. (As in 5:00 AM).

These next two weeks are a non-stop, filming spree, and while it's nice to look put together for set, comfort beats all when you work standing on your feet for 12-15 hours a day. 

So even though I usually reserve biker boots for slim pants and leggings, I'm mashing them with breezy cotton this week.

The mixed weather is allowing me to bring out all my tall boots--(not heel but height). These ones stop just above the knee.

I found this dress on a vintage hunt and took the liberty of dyeing it to remove the original, heathered, blue color. (I'll be showing you more fun with dyeing this week)!

Layering isn't limited to clothes. I like it best with really old silver.

 Amber from Poland, silver from Israel, chains from France.

 Dress: Vintage thrift, Neclaces: the world over, Boots: Steve Madden, Chapeau: Asos

With Love,

Noa B

Night Time: Quick Snaps

The Hubs and I went out for an evening with friends in Santa Barbara recently, and I was so glad that amongst the lighterweight dresses I've begun shifting to my new, "second" closet, I had thought to pack some wool.

  

Yup, it's definitely beginning to feel like fall. Especially in the central coast. Fortunately this Jenny Han, (which I shot at least 6 years ago for catalogue) still looks fresh and new.

 Easiest way to rev this up for a chilly night: raglan sleeves. Very "Batgirl".

My favorite thing about this little Mod dress? The heavily beaded neckline. 

Dress: Jenny  Han, Sweater: American Apparel, Booties: Sam Edelmann, Hamsa: Israel

But then, I love all things Mod...

With  Love,

Noa B