Since its premiere four seasons ago, I’ve been a loyal Mad Men fan. More specifically, like many viewers, I’m madly in love with Joan. The strength and complexity of her character is riveting. And though it’s obvious, maybe even a little superficial, her look is a huge part of the draw for me.
I’ve always been curvy, but haven’t always been comfortable in my skin. Though I grew up with plenty of exposure to the hourglass shaped stars of Old Hollywood, it wasn’t until I happened upon Christina Hendricks that I really learned to embrace my figure.
Joan means a lot to me. I’m grateful that an impressive, powerful, unapologetically feminine, phenomenally dressed (what I wouldn’t give for an afternoon of being styled by Janie Bryant!), woman is on modern television. This sketch is my little tribute to her and all the people who help bring Joan to life.
On another note, I’m getting damn impatient for Mad Men to come back on the air…
- L
Thanks to my wonderful and glamorous cousin, Michele, I was happily introduced to the clothing line Effie’s Heart several years ago. Ever since that discovery, I have become a die-hard fan of the Effie’s Heart brand.
I don’t know what I would do without an arsenal of Kimo’s designs in my wardrobe each season. Soft and comfortable fabrics, retro-inspired cuts flattering to every shape, and top-quality construction keep me perpetually coming back for more.
Two of my all time favorite pieces are the Seven Year Skirt (a skirt so perfect it may require its own sketch soon…) and the Dolce Vita Dress.
Shown above in “Tea Time”, the Dolce Vita is a stunning, full-circle dress that is feminine, functional, and versatile. When the temperatures drop, it works effortlessly with layers. Tuck a button down blouse underneath and it becomes a jumper. Throw a snug turtleneck on top and it turns into a beautiful winter skirt. Needless to say, this makes for a fabulous travel garment!
The Fall 2011 line is available for purchase, so have a look around the Effie’s Heart online shop and be sure to check out their facebook page for more gorgeous shots of the latest season’s looks!
- L
My summer plans don’t involve traveling across the Atlantic on a luxury ocean liner, but that won’t stop me from trying to dress like a chorus girl from “Anything Goes.”
Bettie Page Clothing’s Shipmate dress has just the right amount of nautical details without looking like a costume. Deep navy stripes on the beautifully constructed bodice create one severely cinched-in waist and the lightweight skirt flares out to just skim the hips.
If you’re curvy, like me, it’s difficult to find a more comfortable and flattering silhouette to wear. This came in very handy when I wore the Shipmate dress to my recent high school reunion. Despite spending the week prior eating my weight in fried, Southern goodness, this dress slimmed me down and kept me cool on a very hot summer night in Austin.
- L
After many years spent living in Manhattan, I’ve finally made the trek over the river into Brooklyn. It took mere moments to fall madly in love with my new zip code and its charms show no sign of fading.
This doesn’t surprise me at all, seeing as many of my favorite New York experiences have taken place in this borough. Case in point, last summer I spent a dreamy August evening watching Sharon Jones play in Prospect Park while wearing Hearbreaker’s Marilyn Tee and Modcloth’s Midnight Mariner Skirt (no longer for sale). If you’re in the market for a retro yet casual knit top to add to your summer wardrobe, hop over to Heartbreaker’s site and pick up the Marilyn Tee in white, black, and/or red. It’s the perfect blend of sexy, feminine, and triple digit temperature friendly.
Looking forward to an exhilarating first summer in Brooklyn!
- L
Taking a sketch break from one very hot, humid, exhausting day of packing. All I’m craving now (besides a cold shower) is a crisp rosé in my new Brooklyn apartment while wearing this flirty sundress by Stop Staring.
- L
Found this alluring little number on Pinup Girl Clothing this afternoon. Sexy, comfortable, and comes in several Joan Holloway-worthy jewel tones. Will have to keep Ava in mind when holiday party season rolls around next winter…
- L
My day job keeps me busy. Really, really busy. While I love being a graphic designer, the hectic schedule can make it difficult to keep up with my illustration work. The best remedy I know for this is to frequently upload less-than-polished sketches (no matter how much the perfectionist side of me wishes I wouldn’t…).
To start things off, here’s a quick fashion illustration from the fabulous retro reproduction line, Trashy Diva. If you’re unfamiliar with Trashy Diva, their clothing is ladylike, high quality, and extremely flattering. The day dress illustrated below, Americana in Cool Watercolor, was absolutely perfect for a recent Mother’s Day brunch at Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon.
If you’re in New York, Trashy Diva’s fashions can be found at the adorable East Village boutique, Enz’s. More sketches soon to come. Have a happy Sunday night, all!
- L
Every Tuesday and Thursday night, from 6:30 to 9:30pm, something magical is happening on 63rd and Lex: the Society of Illustrators Museum holds its biweekly Sketch Night. This is a truly charming, uniquely New York experience that I highly recommend to all artists and art lovers.
Vintage paintings line the walls, concentric circles of artists form around the stage, a jazz trio sets up in their beautiful dark wood bar, and two models pose in varying stages of undress/costume. The poses are held for incrementally longer periods of time as the evening goes on, which allows for ample warm-up gesture sketching.
Stop by 128 East 63rd Street, bring your art supplies of choice, and settle in to one of the most relaxing and creative environments I know of in Manhattan. The vibe is retro and the artists are severely talented (particularly those who sit closest to the stage. I often leave feeling both intimidated and inspired… and, yes, a little tipsy). Plus, it’s only $15 a pop.
One visit and it’s nearly impossible not to get hooked, so don’t forget to sign up for their Scorecard Program, which rewards frequent attendance. Happy sketching!
- L
I first came across Neryl Walker’s work when I saw her darling illustrations for Buxom Cosmetics at Sephora. One look at her stylized, burlesque-inspired pin-up girls and I damn near bought out the entire make-up line right there! Her artwork combines beautiful economy of lines, vivid blocks of color, and voluptuous pin-ups. With all those elements in place, I really have no choice but to be a die-hard fan:
Have a look at Neryl’s blog, shop for her incredibly gorgeous prints, and enjoy falling head over heels in love with her work as much as I have. I’m thinking Boudoir is going to make a lovely addition to my new apartment…
- L
Through the wonderful world of twitter, I was introduced to the lovely online vintage marketplace, Market Publique.
Pamela, the company’s Co-Founder, approached me last fall with the adorable idea of including my pin-up illustrations in their upcoming Valentine’s Day Look Book. I, of course, jumped at the chance to work on this project and can now reveal the fruits of our collaboration!
Each of my Hellcats are dolled up in real, candy-colored vintage slips from Market Publique’s vast wardrobe (as a former fashion designer, and life-long clothes horse, visiting their studio to choose outfits was a fun, unexpected treat from this experience!). All of these gorgeous dresses are available for sale, so please do visit their online shop to satisfy your vintage fix.
And if you want to send one of these vintage-clad beauties to your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day, they’re all available as greeting cards and stickers on the Hellcat Honeys Zazzle Shop:
Happy shopping and Happy Valentine’s Day!
- L
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