Lana

Crafting with Denim at Michael’s

Crafting with Denim at Michael's

Image: Michael’s. Floral Embellished Gift Boxes

Crafting with Denim at Michael’s

I miss being a crafty kid. I usually now just enter craft stores for a specific purpose, like if I have a recent snag on a sweater I need to cover up with a pretty patch, or a frame I need for a new island-themed poster to post as my own kind of dream-catcher above my headboard. The last time I really hit craft stores hard was when I needed a new batch of acrylic paint every week for my color theory classes in college. I miss those days…as I get older and life gets busier it just seems that anything real creative takes a back seat. One of the things I loved doing so much was sewing denim scraps from my mom’s old jeans together into quilts, bags and other projects after learning how to use her sewing machine! I was fairly happy to see Michael’s recently added a denim section to their Make Market projects, and there are some super cute items! I always had some strange fascination with making or collecting containers and bags, so the above image of the Floral Embellished Gift Boxes caught my attention! All projects are stated to take up to 15 minutes or less to over an hour, all at a beginner’s level. Here are a few more of my favorite projects from this collection. I figure I’d enjoy all of these, with my own personal touches, of course!

Crafting with Denim at Michael's - Denim Rosette Headband

Image: Michael’s. Denim Rosette Headband

Denim is a staple in your wardrobe and now it’s a trend in your home. For an of-the-moment take on denim, use it for décor or a DIY project. Colorful denim-finish paints, papercrafts, and textiles reimagine your favorite fashion fabric in new and exciting ways.”

Crafting with Denim at Michael's - Denim Cuff Bracelet

Image: Michael’s. Denim Cuff Bracelet

View all denim projects in Michael’s Make Market here, which also includes a place setting made from a denim pocket and a pocket wall organizer!

Lana

Four New Innovative Denim Brands

Four New Innovative Denim Brands

I guess by now these aren’t “new,” per se, but in the grand scheme of things they’ve popped up pretty recently (or I’ve just caught wind of them) and it’s always worth noting how creative denim brands are getting as the market becomes more saturated and competitive. As mentioned a few times in past posts, I’m always surprised at how much you can do with a pair of jeans…once you think you’ve seen it all, someone else breaks the mold. This is why I love and am fascinated with the denim industry! No two pairs, or brands, are alike, and the concept of taking something one might think is so basic and expanding it into a limitless range of possibilities is an awesome (and quite addicting) one. It certainly makes me wish I could start my own denim brand…technically I could, but at the same time, I want to do *everything* (kind of limits my allotment of available time quite a bit). So without much further ado, here’s four new brands that have caught my attention lately.

Bethnals

The brand above is UK brand Bethnals, who has quite an interesting story. They define themselves as “a new revolution of style undefined by gender. Inspired by fit, detail and the diverse cultural hub that is London.” Basically, Bethnals creates unisex jeans! You’d think with fit being different for men and women, that this couldn’t be possible, but they’ve somehow managed it. But they do have a point: “Never before has there been more desire in the industry to go back to basics – this is what Bethnals is all about – simple, fuss-free denim that speaks volumes without the need to be over-styled.” This is a concept that many brands, denim and not denim, are adopting, as simple and “less is more” speaks louder with everyone trying to top each other. The cool thing is that each denim piece from Bethnals is indigo selvedge, feeding to the ultimate denim collector’s taste. The fabric on some pieces is made up of “Italian power stretch denim,” ranging in variations of 92% Cotton, 6% Polyester, 2% Elastane and 10.5oz or 11oz Comfort stretch for retention of form, and others are 100% cotton pure indigo selvedge rigid denim, with no embellishments or any gender-defining qualities which makes for a truly basic jean that fits your specific preferences whether you are male or female. Shop Bethnals here!

Debenhams

Thanks to celebrities like Nicki Miniaj and Kim Kardashian, some are moving way past the days inspired by Twiggy and are chasing a curvier shape for themselves, with a more ample derriere. There are already many types of padded undergarments on the market but one denim brand, also in the UK, has taken it upon themselves to apply these kinds of enhancements to jeans. British retailer Debenhams already owns a good name for themselves, both with general apparel and accessories, and with denim, but their new Jasper Conrad Shape Enhancing Jeans gets the spotlight here. According to the Daily Mail, these jeans add up to two inches to your behind. At only £45, it appears these are already gaining traction to those who crave an instant butt lift! Debenhams states, “Whether your’re looking to trim that tum or boost your bum, our range of shape enhancing jeans gives classic denim a thoroughly modern twist.” Shop these jeans here.

Dish Jeans

I’ve already seen many kickstarters for jeans made for cyclists, but I haven’t seen any for women until I spotted Dish Jeans. The brand actually manufactures denim for all kinds of active bodies, and are another brand that has combated the rise in activewear over denim by including stretchy, form fitting active denim that move with you (a la yoga jeans). They also have innovated L2X%reg; denim that helps regulate your temperature using Coolmax® denim that whicks away moisture and keeps you cool! This is integrated into their cycling jeans, so you can enjoy your daily commute without worry of sweating it out before you get to that important meeting. Dish Jeans was born and raised in Vancouver and is 35 years old, recently taking on new partners in NYC to take the brand to the next level and “reinvent the denim category.” Shop Dish jeans here!

Poetic Justice Jeans

It’s definitely a transformative time in the fashion world, especially with denim, in terms of improving ranges of sizes and realizing that size and shape are not the same thing! Several brands have released curvy models, such as J Brand’s Lovestory flare, Joe’s Jeans’ Honey bootcut, and 7 For All Mankind’s Kimmie. Poetic Justice Jeans is a whole new brand dedicated to fitting everyone and anyone. They don’t only focus on sizing, but also to fit your shape. Sizes range from 4-22 and “are on your side, and your thighs, and your hips.” With free shipping over $50 and a collection of basic jeans, hipster jeans, fashion jeans, destroyed jeans and shorts in a huge variety of washes and lengths, I think Poetic Justice has gotten something going here and has done an amazing job addressing an often-ignored side of the fashionistas around us. These jeans aren’t even overly stretchy, at 2% elastane and 98% cotton, so they appear to have the durability factor down as well. Read more about the brand at eurweb, and shop the line here!

Lana

Flower Print and Raw Edges

Flower Print and Raw Edges - Side View 2

Flower Print and Raw Edges

And yet another post involving me wearing a top favorite brand of mine, Level 99. You might remember these pretty printed jeans, the Janice Ultra Skinny in Moon, from a previous post! I felt kind of inspired by some of the independent designers for festival attire that I thought I’d pull something out of my closet that kind of has a foresty, nature look to it: an old tee from Wet Seal. Yeah, from way back when, actually…when the brand was seen in malls everywhere, when malls existed (now I feel old). I wore this through high school and when I had my band, so unfortunately there are a few pills in the fabric from my guitar strap rubbing against it. Either way, it’s lasted for quite some time, which I guess could give Wet Seal a bit more credibility. I haven’t checked out the brand for awhile and was surprised to see a store pop up in my town recently, but I still have yet to walk in. With this outfit I’m wearing a hat again, of course (I work out a lot so that’s how I handle my curly bangs while my hair is drying), and a La Mer “Odyssey” wrap watch in Stingray I snagged from Rue La La a few months ago. The cardigan I got from my sister because she was going to donate it but I LOVED the color. It’s from American Apparel. On my neck I am wearing my favorite little amethyst pendant with a heart I found at a local jewelry store, and a cerulean gemstone wrap. The shoes were once my sister’s too, and I’m not sure what brand they are. I wear them a ton and the brand name is worn off the inner sole. All I know is that they came from London! I love all the earthtones in this outfit and I had to snap some photos to document it for future styling ideas.

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Lana

Banksy Art at Touch Of Modern

Banksy Art at Touch Of Modern

I’m pretty sure we’re all familiar with Banksy. Well, at least, I wouldn’t be if I hadn’t caught “Exit Through the Gift Shop” on Netflix a year or two ago. I love tasteful street art (read: TASTEFUL), or anything that shakes society up from its normal, mind numbing flow and makes people think for a minute. Banksy’s art is brilliant, and I love that it’s gotten to a point where we can all decorate our walls with his work. He’s been around since the ’90s, and has somehow been able to evade capture while making his point(s), so I’d have to say he’s got a good amount of respect from me. Usually things that make people stop and stare or break into a bit of confusion I find pretty darn humorous, and Banksy’s art kind of gives me that satisfaction along with the gratitude that someone is out there putting forth these kinds of messages that should make you rethink what society tells you is “normal” and how you should be living your life. I’m thrilled to see several of his best works available through this Sunday on Touch of Modern, my favorite event-based retail website that’s all about amazing technology, modern art and genius design for the home or for the self. These pieces are all made of archival quality wrapped canvas print, coated for fade and moisture resistance and stretched over natural wood. Check out the sale here…and as mentioned, hurry, because this sale is over on Sunday, February 22nd! Prices are pretty great…$49.99 down from $110 for a 20″L x 16″W x 1.25H print or $59.99 down from $160.00 for a 30″L x 20″W x 1.25H print.

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Lana

Independent Designers for Festival Attire or Alternative Style

Independent Designers for Festival Attire or Alternative Style

I’m actually really excited about this post, because in a way I think it describes me better than anything else I’ve posted so far, and might help explain why I chose the blog name “Decadent Dissonance.” The dictionary definition of “dissonance” is “lack of harmony among musical notes.” Notes are all notes, but some go together well while others might cause “a tension or clash.” In terms of personal style, or anything in life really, I don’t like to limit myself. I have a wide range of things I love, and when it comes to style, it certainly doesn’t stop at contemporary premium fashion. As a DJ, I have a huge appreciation for music (electronic, especially), which of course, naturally brings up the topic of festivals. But along with those festivals, more than just the music, is the experience of everyone coming together as one in a peaceful celebration of life and individual freedoms without the assistance of the mundane and constricting structure of society. I always leave feeling so refreshed, both spiritually and creatively! I’ve enjoyed my occasional EDC, but those ones that really get my heart pumping are transformational festivals. Yes, I’m a bit of a closet hippie. My hippie friends and my fashionable friends both kind of see me as an anomaly…one of my hippy friends calls me an “urban hippy” before, which I kind of like. Either way, one of the things that transformational festivals has helped me really appreciate is independent, handmade, and sustainable apparel found at vendors at these events. Not only are these items of clothing extremely fun to rock while running through the forest while music from all angles bounces through the trees, but they are one-of-a-kind, super creative, and I know I’m supporting an independent artist with every purchase. Most pieces definitely work better at an event, but many could be integrated into your everyday life. Another thing that makes them so special is that most of them are made to order! Here are a few of my favorite artists, some of which I discovered at the events I’ve attended and some I found later online (Etsy of course)! I hope some of them inspire you!

Elven Forest Creations (above)

This has got to be my favorite Etsy shop, I think. Elven Forest Creations features “tribal clothing inspired by elf and fairy fashion as well as by fashion in underground communities of artists and travelers.” The Weave Me Wings Top (which is cool enough to wear anywhere) and the Elven Over-Skirt Shirt (which can be worn as a skirt or a top) above I’ve purchased for the upcoming Lucidity Festival and Lightning In a Bottle and I wish I could buy everything in the store, including the Tassel Lace Up Dance Pants. Owner Ashli Hara is awesome at communicating with her customers and making sure your order is made just right for you. Most of her items are made of either recycled or sustainable fibers, and she does her best to keep prices as fair as possible. She says, “I have always been deeply inspired by what I call the sacred art of self decoration and I love to make clothes to reflect this. I opened this shop with the idea that it could kind of be like a collective. Right now Myself and and my friend Eva sew and send out the orders together.” Ashli resides in San Francisco, and now accepts bitcoins (which I have no idea how to use yet, but hey, cool!).

Luna Designs

Luna Designs is actually one of the first ones I purchased from. This Israeli-based company has some of the most unique looks, and I’ve worn the Sleeveless and Backless Sassy Summer Top in Vine at numerous events and DJ gigs too. The cotton jersey and spandex blend is soft and stretchy and has held up through many washes! I love the hood so much. Luna Designs say they “are inspired by the grace and beauty of magic and nature.” The faces behind the brand, Dea and Nir, both reside in Israel but have had many multicultural experiences around the world which has inspired the beautiful clothing and accessories they create.

Herban Devi

Herban Devi is a brand that I think works very well both inside and out of the festival environment. One of my favorite pieces in my closet is the Nomadic Ballerina Hooded pullover, which is made of organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, lycra, and spandex. It’s so perfectly cozy for a long road trip or a cool breezy spring or fall day. I wore it for a Denimology review too! I’ve been eyeing the The Travelers Tunic for awhile too! Herban Devi is run by Jennifer La Peire in San Francisco, California, and “handmade, eco-friendly apparel” to keep “life comfortable and sexy for women around the world.” Jennifer has been sewing since 2008 and it soon became a way for her to be a stay at home mommy. She states, “another attribute that makes my clothing line unique is that it is all hand cut, sewn and printed/painted by me with some help from my wonderful husband, Luke DuMonthier. I love being able to express myself through my fashion and feel so blessed to have this as a job.” If that doesn’t make you want to shop the department stores a little less and support talented people like her, I don’t know what will.

Maha Devi Design

I haven’t yet shopped Maha Devi but I really like their selection, and they often issue sales and discounts! In fact, if you sign up for their newsletter and create an account, you get an instant $10 off. They also offer free shipping in Canada and the USA on all orders over $100. The shop is owned by Freyja Skye, who made her first dress at age 11, and Jules Marie Emmerson, who studied Jewelry Design and Gemmology at George Brown College in Toronto in 2003. While studying fashion design (with a dream to design eco-clothing) at Blanche MacDonald in 2006/07, she met Freyja, and Maha Devi Design was born. The two began promoting and selling their brand at festivals and dance events via vegetable oil-powered vehicles, and state that “new designs developed inspired by patterns from nature and goddess energy (hence the name: MahaDevi means Great Goddess in Sanskrit, honouring all goddess energy in creation and in us).” Everything is made with organic bamboo or hemp, and some items offer you a choice of one of the two materials. I’m sure I’ll be grabbing something from their shop soon!

Crossfox

I first discovered Crossfox at Lucidity Festival a few years ago. The brand caught my eye because of it’s attractive blend of steampunk and tribal apparel and those freaking awesome leather hip bags! They’re definitely more on the pricey side, but I don’t expect any of these items to be any less than they are since they are all created meticulously by hand and with love. I don’t have anything from Crossfox yet, but I hope to see them soon this year when I hit up a few events. I’d have to say the Basic Pocket Leggings, made of hand dyed eco friendly bamboo fleece and terry jersey, have been on my wishlist for awhile! They’re definitely more on the theatrical side, and I’ve been starting my festival attire collection more on the basic bamboo/hemp pieces that have a bit more flexibility, until I actually have more of a costume or persona I want to take on, if it gets to that point. But right now, I do like to admire what Crossfox has to offer.

Opal Moon Designs

Opal Moon was also a discovery at Lucidity Festival. They’re definitely a bit more on the higher-end too, like Crossfox, and are more on the gypsy/nomadic side of things. I haven’t yet shopped them either, as it’s also such a different style, but I have so much fun looking through their collections every year. Opal Moon can be found at renaissance and transformational festivals alike, and owner Kerrie Kordowski states her mission is to “transform and empower women, while instilling strength, beauty, form, and function.” She is inspired by “Medieval costuming, ancient mythology, & science fiction” and calls her signature style “Tribal Sci Fi.” Her shop was born on Etsy in 2009 and still is going strong at her studio in the Santa Monica Mountains!

The Opal Moon photo above for the The Underbust Holster Vest w/ Pockets & Detachable Hood kind of describes what I’ve wanted to do outfit-wise for these burning-man-esque festivals, but obviously it takes some planning, and money…and how do I balance that with my obsession with jeans and everything else? Again, there’s that dissonance thing…I just want to do it all at once, which leaves some of my interests stagnant for awhile. Le sigh, such is life, right? Either way, it’s fun to acquire a piece every now and then and remember the experience I had in them at each event. Many of them work well as lounge attire as well. In a way, due to the higher quality and price of many of these items, it helps me appreciate being more selective, and buying less frequently, which allows me to better enjoy the items I do get. Fashion should be like that, independent or not. “Less is more”…which is definitely a mantra held consistent at these away-from-the-mundane events which I love so much.

Lana

Printed Leggings by Carbon38

Printed Leggings by Carbon38

I think it’s safe to say that everyone’s pretty tired of Facebook ads…while most simply mirror what I’ve been browsing in another tab (creepy yet awesome technology, actually), most just seem to be cheap knock-off sites and I barely give any of them a second glance. But just the other day I discovered Carbon38, thanks to an eye-catching ad featuring these marvelous printed leggings! Unlike most ads I’ve seen on Facebook lately, these are high end, and the real deal. I’d like to say they have the potential to give Kate Hudson’s Fabletics a run for its money, but apart from the two being entirely different business models, I might only feel that way because I spotted and coveted these leggings pretty much immediately after I saw one of those Fabletics sponsored posts. Either way, they seem to be doing pretty well, and I could see them growing rapidly if they aren’t already huge already. Following the trend of the activewear as everyday-wear that’s been going strong lately (and rivaling the denim industry), Carbon38 was developed by classically trained ballet dancers Katie Warner Johnson (who’s also a top celebrity trainer) and Caroline Gogolak to be “the most directional activewear-minded fashion on the market.” A panel of fitness and livestyle experts even test out all product before it goes out to the ultimate stylist: you. Carbon38 carries a full range of activewear, not just leggings, by several hand-picked brands like Onzie, SukiShufu, The Upside, Zara Terez or Koral Activewear.

At Carbon38, we believe in fashion that suits our modern, active lives, which is why we scour the globe to curate the hottest, most hard-working sportswear labels that make style statements from the gym to the streets and beyond. Our panel of fitness and lifestyle experts test-drives each product, ensuring its quality and utility. We’ll leave the styling up to you.”

These leggings are made of top-quality stretchy, soft, moisture wicking fabric (most are 80% nylon, 20% spandex) for your toughest of workouts, but are also designed to wear outside of the gym or be styled up as well. Carbon38 also features a Liquid Onyx collection, full of liquid latex-style leggings, sports bras, jackets, accessories and more, as seen below. Total love!

One of the most important things a brand needs to sell is incredible photography, and Carbon38‘s already got that nailed. I love some of the alternate images shown on several product pages, like these two!

I’m currently craving the Free Fly Graphic Legging by Onzie! It took me awhile to really fall for printed jeans, and leggings I’m still not so sure about, but these just might help me make up my mind…and I would DEFINITELY use them for the gym (I can’t put aside my beloved jeans for day-to-day wear), or maybe even to a festival or two. What do you think? How would you rock them?

Shop Carbon38 right here!

Lana

Trying Out the Tunic Sweater

Trying Out the Tunic Sweater - Front Angle View

Trying Out the Tunic Sweater

It finally got a bit cooler here in California for some bigger, comfier sweaters, which I love pairing with black skinny jeans! Now if only this could go on a little longer so we could get the rain we need so badly…I actually shot these images last week, and it’s already back up to the 80s today. Le sigh…anyway, I grabbed this red cowl neck tunic from American Eagle Outfitter’s Extra 60% off clearance sale along with the cobalt blue waffle knit sweater I wore for this post! Again, I am wearing my distressed Level 99 Tanya jeans in Crawford jeans that were part of a review for Denimology several months ago. I can’t get enough of these jeans. The boots are by Report Signature and I snagged them off Hautelook a few years ago. They don’t see the light of day often, since I live in California! I just dug the refined look of the sweater with the boots, paired with the slight rebellious look that distressed jeans give. I like balance of several different “themes,” if you will, in one outfit, because it’s just more fun to get creative that way than to stick to one specific look. In case anyone wonders why all of my photos seem to be taken in industrial looking areas, is because it’s easier to fit quick iPhone shoots in my busy schedule while I’m at work (my hubby/photog works at the same place I do)! I like the available quick scenery for shoots like this, and it helps also to put more attention on the outfit rather than the background. However, I kind of miss Denimology shoots because we’d do them all over town…in parks, my apartment complex, downtown…but those will resume soon. We have plans in store for the popular denim blog 🙂 Anyway, happy Friday everyone, and HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! Although, I hope you all spend all year letting those you care about know how much you appreciate them!

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Lana

Denim Beyond Jeans

Denim Beyond Jeans

Denim Beyond Jeans

We think denim, we think jeans, right? I love the fact that such a simple term brings up such simple thoughts amongst most people, but when it comes to creativity, the sky’s the limit. Denim is obviously a staple fabric around the world, and has been for years and years behind us, but it hasn’t only been used to cover your butt. I love repurposed items as it is, but denim is just a fun medium to go crazy with and it is always somehow appealing no matter how it is applied. Denim comes in so many shades and washes to provide a myriad of possibilities. I’ve been running across some amazing uses of denim lately that is far beyond your typical (or not so typical) pair of jeans that I figured it warranted a post. I know there’s a lot more out there, but these are the items that stood out to me the most! Now I feel like rummaging through all the scraps of denim left over from hemming jeans at home and getting crafty…

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Lana

Keep Your Essentials Secure with FlipBelt

Keep Your Essentials Secure with FlipBelt

Keep Your Essentials Secure with FlipBelt

We have our everyday bags that carry our lives around with us for our usual commute, our crossbody bags for those quick runs to the grocery store, our clutches for fancy evenings out…a bag that’s convenient for carrying only the items essential to the occasion. But what about working out? Obviously fanny packs are out of the question. Activewear is becoming more streamlined than ever, and the last thing you want when you’re on a big run or pumping up a sweat the gym is bulk and bounce. I discovered this cool little product a few years ago and it’s been my ultimate running companion ever since! Meet the FlipBelt, which is a handy, stretchy little tubular belt with well-placed slits for you to slide in and stash your phone, keys, cards, or whatever else you might need while out moving about. You can flip it over so the slits are tucked in for extra security, or leave them facing outwards for easy access to your items. I love this thing, and I’ve actually used it in non-running environments, like trips to Six Flags! Who wants to worry about paying for lockers at every ride entrance when you can keep just the items you need close to you? It’s just a cool little idea, all around!

Keep Your Essentials Secure with FlipBelt

Flipbelt is made of a durable, moisture-wicking spandex-lycra fabric, just like your activewear. I throw it in the wash with everything else (but hang dry it, as I do with all of my spandexy exercise clothing). I know I put it off for awhile because I was so used to carrying my iPod in one hand with my keys tucked underneath and a water bottle in the other, but as I got more into trail running, figured it might be a good idea to have hands free for those occasional trips and spills (I am a clumsy one). My iPod quickly became an iPod mini for the clip-on action, I got a FlipBelt, and the only thing in my hands now is a water bottle and I’m able to take my phone with me too in case of emergencies and for recording my activities with Strava. Super convenient! I’ve used this thing for at least 3 or 4 years now and it is still holding up perfectly, too. Others have caught on quick, as it’s now carried in stores everywhere!

Keep Your Essentials Secure with FlipBelt

These come in so many fun colors that it took me awhile to choose one. I rock the purple FlipBelt! Read more about, and shop the FlipBelt here!

Lana

Black and Blue and Booties Too

Black and Blue and Booties Too - Front Jacket View

Black and Blue and Booties Too

I can’t get enough of cobalt blue! I think it’s safe to say it’s become a staple color…almost a neutral even, which is weird because it is so vibrant. But somehow it fits with everything. I even still am carrying around my cobalt Foley & Corinna Mid City Tote, even with this outfit! I thought I’d be too blued out, but I actually like combining the color with two colorless neutrals…either the white tank underneath my sweater with my black Level 99 Tanya in Crawford or the blue sweater, black jeans and grey Forever 21 jacket. I obviously cannot get enough of these jeans…the black rips give the perfect edge to any classy sweater or top, the fit is amazing and the tencel fibers in them is just so COMFORTABLE! The jacket is also a common item in my outfits as you can probably see…not long ago I was scouring the market for a fleece-like grey peacoat-style jacket and scored this one for $20 at Forever 21, which is really not a choice store of mine but every now and then I can find a cheap but surprisingly decent quality gem in there. This soft blue waffle-knit sweater I found when I attacked American Eagle Outfitters‘ recent Extra 60% off clearance offer, and scored it along with two other sweaters which I am digging so much right now. They are so perfect with the “winters” that we get here in California…I’ll feature them in some upcoming posts!

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