Jesse and I were asked to speak in our ward at church today [those of you not familiar with the LDS religion, every week in church different members of the congregation will talk for about 10 -    15 min on topics of their choice or what the bishopric has recommended]  We were asked to speak on the 13 articles of faith. I chose to speak on the last sentence of the 13th, which is: "If there is anything virtuous, lovely or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."  I love speaking in church... 6+ years ago I used to be sooo afraid of speaking in public, but now it is something I really enjoy.  That is what I love about being part of the Mormon religion, it is a faith that takes one out of their comfort zone and put you in a position or positions that most people wouldn't normally choose for themselves, this helps you grow sooo much as a person, that is if you allow yourself to.  Here is an article I found online that refers to the 13th article of faith. If you have a couple min, you really should read this...so edifying and it will make you think twice about the things you watch, read, listen to etc. but in a good way! :)

Seeking after the Good 

in Art, Drama, Film, and Literature

Travis T. Anderson

and to end on a fashion note: my new favorite tights.

Yesterday I got most of my office/design area organized... It will be nice to finally get back to sewing, making, painting etc.  Earlier this morning I decided to go through my old photos from way back when I sewed clothing and made accessories [2002-2004] that I then at the time sold on my website roxymarj.com - school started and everything was put on hiatus. Thankfully! I couldn't help but laugh at all the things I made.  Many of which I would never wear or adorn myself in...HOWEVER, it is really good to have as much documentation of one's work I believe.  We always want to be better than our last design...that is what my teachers at Parsons would say to us over and over again. And it is true.  2011 has definitely been a good year for me so far.  I have so many goals and dreams that I want to attain as quickly as possible [instant gratification syndrome] I bet many of my dreams are probably the same or very similar to any of you guys reading this.   I have spent a good amount of time wondering the best way to go about doing them...and the only thing I can come up with is Nike's famous slogan: JUST DO IT! --- Right?!  How funny if their slogan was: Try and do it if you can, or  Try and make time for it! lol Yeah right! Nope - it is JUST DO IT!  I ironically got the bug? to start a mini clothing line...ironic because that is what I went to school for --- but halfway through school I realized that passion A was in illustration...Fashion Design was passion B.  Anyways, tables have not turned...just merged...and I find myself saying these last couple weeks: JUST DO IT! 

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Here are some of my "designs" that I made before I started school... it is hard to pinpoint the style I was going for... It looks like I was making clothes for the crafty country raver or something.

But first, my humble little sewing area.... teeny tiny. :)

One can never have too many cowl neck scarves....I came across this designer awhile ago and instantly fell in LOOOOVE! Yokoo makes goregous oversized knit scarves, hats, shawls etc. that will make your mouth water, well for me they do! 

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wishing I could go Here today

especially with it being all nice and snowy-like outside...

A long time ago...gosh, I think it was 8 years ago...I took a shoe making class at Make Workshop back in New York City, I took it with my favorite girlfriends Jenny & Erin ----- Wish I could go back to NY and taking their knitting class with the two ladies.... someday....
but I must get ready for work now, I hope everyone has

a wonderful Thanksgiving ---- I am driving to Idaho today with the fiance and his family for the Holiday... I am hoping where we are going looks a little bit like this painting of Grandma Moses's!

So...here goes....

 To the readers  who also appreciate this current season, and the fashions it brings with it :  Warm and cozy clothing, shoes, and accessories that are made well and made to last!  If you haven't heard about Koos shoes & bags , it is about time you've had. And if you happen to be someone who owns a pair of Koos boots, I totally envy you. :)

 Gravity Pope is a shop you don't want to forget about.

Here are just a few items they currently have in stock [scarves & shoes excluded] that my wardrobe would gladly welcome. Also, a great selection of men's items too!

1. forte_forte pleated slim wool flannel pant - SALE $199.99  2. forte_forte wool/alpaca knit long cardigan - SALE $289.99 3. & 4. Wallace & Sewell scarves 5. Cheap Monday "five pant" jeans $70 6. & 7. TO & CO. shoes from Babooshka 8. (cacharel) long breasted coat $895.00 9. (cacharel) oversized heavy sweater $435.00 10. & 11. rENs Holland design - woven textile in museum in Holland

p.s.  wanna see some AWESOME men's shoes right now??? Click !

Cannot begin to tell you how excited I am about Toast's new Men's collection! It is a good thing I am not a man, because I would highly consider going into debt for some of these pieces. My favorite thing about their collection? That they used an OLDER model! I love that! I would love to see more older male and female models in magazines on and offline. There is something sooo beautiful about an older person who has gone through life without plastic surgery and has aged well i.e. lived a healthy lifestyle. Anyways, check out this fantastic classic collection!

Cori Kindred

Macha Jewelry

Wapa

Wondering what to watch this weekend?  Why not Annie Hall?  Great movie for welcoming fall and getting some styling inspiration....plus, Woody Allen is a total crack up in my book.

Before I go...Just so you know - Payless is hittin it up with designers these days, and I think they are doing a pretty good job.  check out these guys...

Lela Rose - Suede Chop-Out Shootie - only $45

 

 and these cuties:

Aemilia Chop-Out Flat - only $35

Have a great weekend everyone!

Just saw this on The Sartorialist!   LOVE looooove this photo! She looks so put together... I also adore her hairdo. I wish I could pull that off!

Two of my very good friends Jenny & Erin teamed up to redesign Erin's website Sodafine! It looks fantastic!  If you have a second, stop by and check it out OR if you live in the New York City area DO NOT HESITATE to go visit Erin personally in her shop in Brooklyn! I am a big supporter of shopping independent designers and Erin's boutique is always chock full of just that.  Some of my favorite pieces of jewelry and clothes that I own and ALWAYS get compliments on are from Sodafine!

For kicks, I found this photo of us girls at New York's first Renegade Craft Fair, back in 2005?  Good times....good times!

Here is what you can find online and in the store... but do make a personal visit if you want to shop more independent items.

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Also, you can find beautiful handmade items from Erin herself... I love her small painted "not plants" plants. Would love to start a collection of these!