Check out New Original paintings at PRISARTS GALLERY
For special orders or custom-made paintings email prisarts@aol.com
Monday, January 31, 2011
Custom Collage
When someone special has a birthday, a regular card just won't do. That's why I made a special collage for my friend, Chris. She's not just a 'friend', but a lifelong friend...since we were 11 years old, in fact. (Forgive me if I don't tell you how many years that's been :) Now we have the pleasure of watching the friendship between our sons; my three and her two. It's quite a houseful when we all get together...it's wonderful.
Creating custom collages really is a joy. There's something very special about using images of those you know and love.
Custom artwork is offered through my website, My Collage Art.
© Nancy Lefko
Bravissimo launches new own-brand label
Specialist plus-size lingerie retailer Bravissimo has announced the launch of new own-brand Pepperberry, which will be available from March 2011. The company that currently specialises in lingerie, swimwear, nightwear and clothing for women with a large bust size will drop its current clothing offering from March and will be launching Pepperberry in its place. Pepperberry is operating under Bravissimo Ltd, but will be a separate brand for the company.The Pepperberry collection will launch with 60 styles comprising of dresses, jackets, tops, trousers and skirts and will also include a selection of bags, belts, scarves and jewellery to complement the range. The seasonal collections will be in line with the majority of other high street retailers and will have phased launches to ensure regular drops of new styles throughout the year. The Pepperberry collection will use the same trademark sizing as Bravissimo clothing - standard high street sizes 8-18 each manufactured with three cuts, Curvy, Really Curvy and Super Curvy dependant on the size of the customers bust.
The company also plans to utilise 12 of its existing Bravissimo retail outlets for the launch of Pepperberry by converting them into Pepperberry/Bravissimo dual branded stores, and will be opening a new dual store in Reading next month. Pepperberry will be launching nationwide on 21 March via online, mail order and retail channels. Two stand alone retail stores will be opening in February in both Edinburgh and Aberdeen with the first dual branded Bravissimo/Pepperberry store opening in Reading on 14 February, a further 13 Bravissimo stores will be converted to dual branded stores throughout March.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Artful Blogging
The Spring 2011 issue of Artful Blogging by Somerset Studios has arrived on my doorstep. I am honored to have my blog featured among such talented artists. The photographs in this magazine are stunning.
My article covers three spreads and focuses on my entry into the world of blogging and the reason I enjoy it as much as I do.
I highly recommend this magazine...you will not be disappointed. I share space in this issue with some of my favorite artists: Kelly Campbell-Lish, Samantha Kira Harding and Mindy Lacefield. What fun to be in such good company!
And special thanks to the editor, Jennifer Jackson. Working with Jennifer is always such a pleasure!
Images © Stampington, Inc and Nancy Lefko
Friday, January 28, 2011
Illustration Friday ~ SURRENDER
Ahhh...sweet SURRENDER.
I encourage you to visit the Illustration Friday website, follow the links and find all of the wonderful artwork and blogs.
©Nancy Lefko
Unusually Shaped Quilts
The Quilting Gallery Blog has weekly exhibitions of themed quilts submitted by readers. This week's theme is "Unusually Shaped Quilts". I entered this one ...
Marriage - 24" x 38"
This piece was made to celebrate the union of marriage between my nephew and his bride in the year 2000. Two shapes join together, yet each retains its identity. However, a new shape, patterning and coloration is created where they intersect. The technique is reverse applique through as many as ten layers of fabric. It is mounted on a foam core board cut to the quilts shape.
Click on over to the Quilting Gallery see all 17 entries submitted from 5 countries that includes 3 provinces and 6 states. Be sure to cast a vote for your favorite quilt before Sunday at 11:59PM.
Drapers Etail Award winners announced
The best of the online fashion industry were recognised with a coveted Drapers Etail Award at the awards ceremony held at Altitude 360, London last night. Now in its third year the Drapers Etail Awards recognise and celebrate success and innovation in online fashion retailing.Best Customer Experience - Sponsored by Avail Intelligence
Winner: Red Label Fashion
Best Aggregate Site
Winner: ShopStyle
Best New Etailer - Sponsored by docdata
Winner: Missguided
Best Etail Innovation - Sponsored by Fashion Textile Children's Trust
Winner: NOT JUST A LABEL
Highly commended: farfetch.com
Best Etail Marketing Initiative
Winner: Pretty Green
Best Single-brand Etailer - Sponsored by Clipper Logistics
Winner: Sweaty Betty
Best Independent Etailer - Sponsored by Pure Spirit
Winner: Route One
Highly commended: Coggles.com
Best Multichannel Retailer - Sponsored by Success Appointments
Winner: John Lewis
Highly commended: Warehouse
Best Specialist Etailer
Winner: Seraphine
Highly commended: Javari
Best Pure-play Etailer - Sponsored by Adobe Scene 7
Winner: ASOS
Highly commended: My-Wardrobe
Best Use of Social Media - Sponsored by WGSN
Winner: Jimmy Choo
Highly commended: ASOS
Best Etailer of the Year - Sponsored by Fashshot
Winner: John Lewis
The Johnson & Johnson Beauty Care Journalist Awards 2011 winners announced
The 7th annual Johnson & Johnson Beauty Care Journalist Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 26 January at RIBA, London W1, to recognise the achievement in the following nine award categories:Best National Newspaper Beauty Journalist, sponsored by NEUTROGENA
Winner: Beatrice Aidin – Financial Times
Runner-up: Edwina Ings Chambers – Sunday Times Style, Sunday Times
Best Monthly Consumer Magazine Beauty Journalist, sponsored by RoC
Winner: Sophie Forte – Red
Runner-up: Lisa Durant – InStyle
Best Weekly Consumer Magazine Beauty Journalist, sponsored by PIZ BUIN
Winner: Emma Smith – Stylist
Runner-up: Anjana Gosai – Grazia
Special Mention: Helen Wright- Real People
Best New Beauty Journalist, sponsored by JOHNSON'S Baby
Winner: Jade Pickering – Yours
Runner-up: Audrey Patterson – My Weekly
Best Regional Beauty Journalist, sponsored by JOHNSON'S
Winner: Alice Hart-Davis – Evening Standard
Best Trade Beauty Journalist, sponsored by JOHNSON'S Baby Wipes
Winner: Emma Reinhold – Soap, Perfumery & Cosmetics (SPC)
Runner-up: Sarah Purcell – Beauty Magazine
Best Online Beauty Journalist, sponsored by Clean & Clear
Winner: Sarah Purcell – Beauty Magazine
Runner-up: Tara Gardner – InStyleUK.com
Best Beauty Freelance Journalist, sponsored by Aveeno
Winner: Lisa Reich – ELLE
Runner-up: Annabel Meggeson – ELLE
Best Beauty Blogger, sponsored by Neutrogena Multi-Defence
Winner: Charlotte Thompson - www.lipglossiping.com
Runner-up: Dil Uppal - www.scform.com
Johnson & Johnson Beauty Journalist of the Year – Claire Coleman (pictured here)
Breezy Doin' It Big
FRIDAY MUSE
Even with an indisputable mishap that ruined his image, Chris Brown is still recognized for his amazing talent in many aspects such as singing and dancing. Recently, he has shown a different side of himself in a more artistic sense. In the pictures above, Chris teamed up with Australian graffiti specialist Kid Zoom to collaborate on some art pieces.
Even with an indisputable mishap that ruined his image, Chris Brown is still recognized for his amazing talent in many aspects such as singing and dancing. Recently, he has shown a different side of himself in a more artistic sense. In the pictures above, Chris teamed up with Australian graffiti specialist Kid Zoom to collaborate on some art pieces.
Chris stated "Art was my only outlet. Aside from music, art is the thing that I like to escape. And I appreciate other artists who have that talent and that eye for detail and eye for their own imagination. Art is a part of my life and it influences me completely.”
While looking at the pieces he created, one can assume that his inspirations came from his every day experiences. Additionally, his art is also reflected in his fashion sense as both are independent and unique to himself. He says that when you think about style, it's what you basically bring to it and that's exactly what he did with the murals he created. His ideas for music, art, and fashion are all incorporated into one which makes Chris Brown the fashionable icon that he is today.
Chris always states that "The clothes don't wear you. You wear the clothes." Fans should try to replicate this mindset since fashion is all about how you present yourself. It's also about what you are trying to say by the way you piece your clothes together. It's all about making a statement and that's what Chris continually does whether it be through music, art, or fashion.
Clarks Originals launches new campaign and opens pop-up store
Clarks Originals is launching a brand campaign and pop-up store to celebrate the launch of SS11. Clarks Originals will take over the Clarks store in Piccadilly, London from 7–20 February, to create a floor dedicated to the brand. The pop-up store will also unveil the global SS11 campaign that includes Cara Delevingne and Josh Beech. The SS11 range will be available to buy in-store including limited edition collaborations; Millerain for men, Laura Ashley for women as well as classic men’s and women’s styles including the Desert boot, Wallabee, Natalie and Lugger in limited edition colours and fabrics.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Brownies and Cookies and Cupcakes...OH MY!
Come support TREND and buy a delicious baked good tomorrow on Library Walk from 11:00am-2:00pm. Everything will be sold for one dollar and everything must go! ;) See you then fashion supporters!
-the TREND Staff
Suit Yourself
THURSDAY: DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT
Recommendation: Bridgett, TREND Staff Writer
Paul Smith Spring/Summer 2011
Recommendation: Bridgett, TREND Staff Writer
Paul Smith Spring/Summer 2011
Collections: Part One
As I was ironing tablecloths today, my mind began to wander and I thought about my many collections -- vintage tablecloths for one. I started a mental inventory of the collections I house and began to wonder...do others collect too? And so, I thought I would share with you some of my collections and ask, "What do you collect?"
I have collected McCoy Pottery for a number of years. I've found many pieces in antique shops, but the bulk of my collection hails from Ebay. I have a few favorite colors and prefer the vases and planters from the 1940's and '50's.
A friend of mine turned me on to the beauty of vintage hankies and I like to display them around the house. You'll notice they share space with McCoy pottery, and a couple of head vases on the shelf above.
Then there are the birthday angels from the 1950's. I collect every July angel that I can find and have received a few as gifts. (You guessed it, I'm a July baby. My first angel was one that I received as a child that hails from the 1960's...I'll bet you can pick it out of the crowd.) I also have a boy angel for each of my sons' birthday months. Hubby is represented too as he shares a birth month with our oldest.
So, there is a peek at some of my collections....more to follow.
What do you collect?
Images © Nancy Lefko
Raven {Black and Ebony}
Personal Creation {Wedding Style}
This summer my brother's fiance (now my sister-in-law) asked for a little help on her wedding day. With her chosen colors and help we created the lovely paper programs, table numbers, information cards at the reception, amusing mad-lib wedding game, candy table embellishments, and the wedding cake (faux cake.. but we made it look delicious)! We had a blast playing with the classic black & white color scheme and adding in the touches of bright pinks. I drew inspiration from magazines and blogs, and awesome fonts from all over the web. Since this was my first wedding in creating some custom accessories (besides my own), I wanted to share. Thanks to Diana at {In'Vogue Photo} for capturing all the lovely images above and the memories of their special day. Also, thanks to Jami with {All Dressed Up} for pulling it all together on the day of the wedding!
-E
-E
Umbro launches new menswear capsule collection in Harvey Nichols
Umbro is launching Modern England, a new capsule collection of menswear routed in football and inspired by modern English culture, at Harvey Nichols next week. Taking elements from the recently launched England Home Kit, Modern England features the signature graphic, created by designer Peter Saville, of different interpretations of the St George’s Cross symbol. The traditional red cross graphic is present alongside blue and green colour additions. Three styles of t-shirts feature various cross print formations on colours of black, white and blue to enhance the colours of the graphic. Styles include a smart polo shirt featuring the England team crest on the pocket, a long sleeve crew neck sweater in white and navy featuring the all-over cross print and a lightweight jacket in the new colour addition of dahlia.Modern England is launching next week at Harvey Nichols Manchester (see DIARYdates) and will be available from Harvey Nichols nationwide following this. Prices range from £40.00 to £115.00.
Selfridges to support new talent during LFW
During January, Selfridges’ Bright Young Things initiative has given 20 up and coming designers, including milliners, jewellers, illustrators and set designers, the opportunity to decorate windows with their latest collections, contact details and logo. Selfridges is continuing this collaboration further by offering the designers a platform in-store to show off their talent to coincide with London Fashion Week AW11. A schedule has been put together from 14-20 February (including LFW) with BYT hosting personal activities each day in the 3rd Central space in-store (See DIARYdates). Each of the Bright Young Things has also designed exclusive pieces for Selfridges, which will be sold in pop-up shops both in-store and online. Here is the schedule of events:14 February - Craig Lawrence Knitting Workshop
15 February - Alex Noble Live Fashion Sculpture
16 February - Simone Rocha Meet the Designer
17 February - Sophie Stephens Life Drawing Class
18 February - Jessica Dance Tea, Cake & Set Design
19 February - Little Glass Clementine Break &Making Junk & Jewellery
20 February - Patternity - The Journey of Pattern, from Mundane to Magnificent
Pretty Ballerinas opens Covent Garden store next month
Pretty Ballerinas is opening a flagship store in Covent Garden next month. The brand has signature colours of Pink, black and gold which are combined with the rainbow spectrum of colours to characterise the SS11 ballet pump collection. The brand, which specialises in ballet pumps and flats, launched its online boutique in 2005 and following this opened stores in the UK in Mayfair and Belgravia and now Covent Garden. Prices range from £99.00 to £300.00 and styles are also available online from www.prettyballerinas.com. The new store opens on 15 February in St Martin’s Courtyard, Covent Garden.
Cult Beauty launches pop-up in Selfridges today
The online beauty boutique Cult Beauty (www.cultbeauty.co.uk) is launching a pop-up shop today at Selfridges London Beauty Hall which will run until 31 January. The Cult Beauty founders, Jessica DeLuca Moore and Alexia Inge, will be present to help with any beauty tips and advice, as well as members of the Cult Beauty expert panel including Tara Smith, James Corbett and Teresa Smith. Selfridges’ customers will have access to beauty brands such as Face Atelier, Ginvera, Immupure, Rodin, MV Organics and Rahua.Cult Beauty is an online beauty boutique backed by advice from a panel of beauty experts. It has created an authoritative beauty source and guide online that takes no beauty advertising to ensure product recommendation is influenced by nothing other than merit.
Actress Emma Watson in new People Tree campaign
People Tree today released the first image from the new SS11 collaboration with actress Emma Watson, in what will be her third and final collection with the Fair Trade fashion brand. The main collection will officially launch on 28 February, to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight, and will be promoted through a special mail-order catalogue with Emma Watson modeling throughout. A preview collection of nine styles goes on sale today featuring jersey harem pants, blazers and draped dresses as well as a striking silk gingham check dress and a polka dot tea dress.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Primark to launch new limited edition collection in March
Nine key Primark stores will see the arrival of the sixth limited edition collection this March. The new range will include Oriental prints mixed with chiffon and embroidery as well as palazzo pants, chiffon sheer blouses, a peacock feather maxi dress and a kimono. The new limited edition collection will be priced from £12.00 to £24.00 and will hit stores from 1 March for a limited time only. The nine stores chosen to stock the new collection are Oxford Street in London, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow Argyle Street, Bank Buildings in Belfast, Lakeside, Bristol, Meadowhall, Newcastle and Birmingham.
Giveaway {paislee press}
Why We Love Rachel!
It seems like almost all of our recent UCSD Best Dressed ladies have professed their love for the darling Rachel Bilson and her signature style. And anyone can see why. It doesn't matter if she is photographed running to grab some groceries or if she is strutting down the red carpet, Ms. Bilson knows how to dress. Her style is classic, yet eclectic, casual, but undeniably chic. So how does one get her look? It's easier than you think...
For starters, you'll need an awesome pair of Raybans. Rachel is almost never seen without them, and she changes it up between the classic Rayban style and aviators. Just find a shape that is best for your features and don't pick anything too narrow or too wide for your face. Luckily, the folks at Rayban realize that all heads are not created equal, and make their signature sunnies is different sizes now. Yippee!
A great pair of jeans or shorts is also a must. Go for a skinny or straight leg style. This pair of Hudson's will quickly become a favorite in your wardrobe because of the super-soft denim and rich color.
Next, find a flowy blouse. It doesn't matter what color you choose, but Rachel usually sticks to neutral tones like cream's and toupe's. This one from Urban Outfitters is simple enough, but them hemline gives it a touch of pizzaz. Don't pick one with too much design or embellishment, becuase the one thing Ms. Bilson knows how to do best is accessorize.
It's time for shoes! Depending on the weather, you can rock some great looking boots or booties. These slouchy ones from Steve Madden are adorable. If it's warmer outside, try some gladiator sandals or sky high platforms (only if you can walk in them). Nude peep-toes like these will look great.
Now, technically you could call your outfit quits here and look presentable. However, you would not be doing yourself or Rachel's style justice. The biggest thing that makes her style so great is her ability to accessorize. Now is your chance to have fun and make yourself stand out from the crowd. Rachel loves scaves, no matter the weather. This one from Express can be worn easily through spring and summer. If you aren't a fan of scarves, try a stranded necklace instead.
Now, the last thing you need to do is throw on a cardigan or leather jacket, tousel your hair, and you are ready to strut your stuff out the door. See? That wasn't too bad.
Love Endures
This canvas started last week and I have already shared some of the WIP photos with you. Here is the finished product and another look at its progression.
I had all intentions of keeping this canvas for myself, but with such a strong Valentine's Day feel to it, I have decided to list it in my Etsy shop and when time permits, make another for myself.
I hope you are enjoying your Valentine's Day preparations...maybe those include decorating, baking, shopping? And always remember..."love endures."
© Nancy Lefko
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