Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Pretty Things Fashion...Wedding Dresses


Balbec Gown by Carolina Herrera - $7,990.00



One Shoulder Feather Gown by Jim Hjelm - $3,500.00


Lace Applique A-Line Gown by Oleg Cassini for David's Bridal - $900.00


Floral Embroidered Cocktail Dress by Tara Keely - $2,190.00



Bardot Gown by Carolina Herrera - $3,490.00


Floral Crumb-Catcher Gown by Jim Hjelm - $3,685.00



Floral Crumb-Catcher Gown by Priscilla of Boston - $3,800.00



Quarry Gown by Lela Rose - $4,895.00

Warning: Curves Ahead

We're happy to announce that curves are finally back...and it's about time!

After years and years of anorexic models gracing the editorial pages of magazines, it seems that editors are finally realising that not
everyone respects and admires the stick thin, perfectly PhotoShopped {unrealistic} body type they've been spoon-feeding us.

Australian Harper's Bazaar features 'plus-sized' model Crystal Renn posing in sexy bustiers, strappy dresses, and sheer lingerie. The BEST part? Crystal used to be anorexic {!} and is living proof that being comfortable in your own skin is always more attractive than being PhotoShopped to perfection.




photos...Luis Sanchis

Monday, April 6, 2009

Pretty Things Fashion: Country Music Awards


Even if we aren't necessarily country music fans, we still appreciate that their stars are finally stepping up and discovering designer fashion. Here, our picks for best and worst dressed at the 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.


✿ ✿ ✿


The Best...


Julianne Hough - Our pick for best dressed of the evening, Julianne looked gorgeous in this Zuhair Murad gown.


Taylor Swift - Taylor looked demure in this gorgeous hot red gown with dramatic diagonal seams by Angel Sanchez.


Reba McEntire- We love Reba and she looked amazing in this beautiful ombred purple wrap front gown, which complemented her red hair perfectly.


Carrie Underwood - Many picked Carrie in this beautiful blush coloured one-shouldered gown by Randi Rahm as their favourite for the evening...and we agree that she did look quite elegant.


LeeAnn Womack - Even though many picked LeeAnn's strapless short dress as one to put on their 'Worst Dressed' list, we liked it, but think she should have pulled her hair up and worn strappy black heels for a more elegant look.


Gloriana - Our choice for best dressed group of the evening, all of their outfits were complementary and well styled.


✿ ✿ ✿

The Worst...

Kellie Pickler
- This Zuhair Murad gown is just all wrong...too tight, too gold and too fish tailed. And, just because one wears a super tight dress with the "girls" pushed up to the heavens doesn't mean they look hot...ask Beyonce, uhh, I mean "Sasha Fierce".

LeAnn Rimes - Her short dress with ill-placed 'origami style' folds didn't do her justice...and neither did her accesories.

Nicole Kidman - Haven't we seen her in this before? Whatever the case, this L'Wren Scott open back gown {designed by a stylist even!} doesn't do her justice...and neither does that hair style.

Little Big Town - Compared to our pick for "Best Dressed Band" this group looked like they didn't care that they were going to an awards ceremony and just threw on the first thing they could find clean in their closets. Our suggestion...Hire a stylist.

All photos...Jason Merritt/Getty Images

*❤* So Sorry! Taylor Swift was inadvertently left out of the poll for BEST DRESSED...if you'd like to pick her, please mark 'Others Not Mentioned'. We apologise that she was overlooked as she looked truly amazing!


Treasury Feature...Unforgettable

I'm so honoured to again have my Sewing Room Set featured in this sweet little treasury by TamiLyn entitled "Unforgettable".

click image to enlarge...


*❤*


My Sewing Room Art pieces are sold separately or as a set. Pick from...
  • Sewing Machine
  • Dress Form
  • Needle & Thread
  • Scissors
SALE ALERT! Take 20% off my Sewing Room art pieces or ANY other art piece in my shop during the month of April! Etsy Store purchases only. See store announcement or convo me for details!

xxx
Raven


*❤*



And be sure to check out some of the Steampunk Victoriana from TamiLyn's shoppe...

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Brewery Artwalk - April 18th & 19th

The next artwalk is approaching quickly and we are working away to make this our best show so far...so please excuse my not blogging every day until then.

If you'll be in Los Angeles on April 18th & 19th, stop by to
see me and Mikiep in our studio.

I'm finishing up some new paintings {not yet in my shop} and I'll also have my yummy soy candles, greeting cards, magnet sets and more for you to enjoy!

NOTE: As my soy candle scents are all limited editions, many of the scents you know and love are on their last run, which means, once they sell out, they will no longer be available. So, stop by Artwalk and stock up.
I'll also have lots of Artwalk Only shopping specials you won't want to miss!

Mikie is working on new fine art photography pieces of the urban landscape for this new show entitled "6:15". Of course, he'll have his other fine art pieces from past shows there too!

E-mail reminders are being sent out now, so if you didn't receive one or are not yet on our mailing list, be sure to email our reps: Serpentine
Republic@yahoo.com with your info.

We hope to see you at the show!

xxx
Raven



Friday, April 3, 2009

April Focus: COMPASSION


Compassion

Compassion is different than empathy or sympathy. Having empathy and sympathy are important steps toward full-hearted compassion. They are critical skills and a great place to start your journey.



excerpt by Rhonda Britten, Fearless Year
Picture...Kuan Yin, Goddess of Compassion

What Were They Thinking?




Paris Hilton
Paris made many failed attempts this week as a Lady GaGa wanna-be, but she just looked ridiculous.

photos...Ramey {left} & Pacific Coast News {below}




photo...Edward Opinaldo/Pacific Coast News


Paula Abdul

Hmmm...one has to wonder if she over-accessorised this outfit on purpose in an attempt to look trendy and super cool to the kids -OR- Is she really just as crazy as everyone says?
photo...WireImage


Nicole Ritchie
There's just something a little bit odd about wrapping a scarf around your neck so many times that you have no neck at all.photo...Todd Williamson / WireImage


Mariah Carey

Yikes! We thought she was scary BEFORE with make up and straightened hair...but now we're terrified after seeing these awful pics of what she looks like au naturelle.
photos...Ross / INF Daily


Christina Milian

Here are pics of how Christina Milian USED to look...sweet and very pretty, right?
click to enlarge pics...

NOW: Unless her career has gone THAT far south and she's now a stripper/porn star, she realllly needs to lay off the tanning and hair bleaching. She's just plain "Donatella Versace" scary. photo...Kaminsky / Splash News



Demi Moore
We think she's officially addicted to Twitter...Here's Demi looking less than her stellar self out and about with her daughters and STILL tweeting her every move.






Thursday, April 2, 2009

What We're Loving this Week...

click to enlarge...



from top, left to right...
1 } Lapin de Lune by LouLou and Oscar 2 } DressForm Stationery Set by Whisker Graphics 3 } Beatrix the Bunny Brooch by Crafty Folk 4 }"Koko" Kitty Stuffed Animal by Akane 5 } Japanese Flower Pouch by Nua Handmade 6 } Mushroom House Rubber Stamp by SugarSkull7 7 } Contrast Dinamic Blouse by Marta Claudia 8 } Love Birds Wedding Cake Topper by Red Light Studio 9 }Mushroom Forrest Original Art by RavenX 10 } Bunny Love Greeting Card by RavenX



Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Treasury Feature...In the Sewing Room

You won't want to miss this pretty little treasury entitled "In the Sewing Room" by CityChicCountryMouse as it's FULL of delicious little treats one might find in their sewing or craft room...and features my original Sewing Room art {see below for detailed pix}:

I thought I had been long forgotten in the world of treasuries. It seems my lovelies never make the cut anymore...so, I was quite happy to be included in one of the nicest I've seen in quite a while.


{ { In the Sewing Room... } }

click image to enlarge...


*❤*


My Sewing Room Art pieces are sold separately or as a set. Pick from...
  • Sewing Machine
  • Dress Form
  • Needle & Thread
  • Scissors
SALE ALERT! Take 20% off my Sewing Room art pieces or ANY other art piece in my shop during the month of April! Etsy Store purchases only. See store announcement or convo me for details!

xxx
Raven



*❤*



And, here are some pretty things from CityChicCountryMouse, who's shop is full of sweet little handmade items you'll want to beautify your home.

CityChicCountryMouse


Winner Announcement: Noodle & Lou ❤

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to read the Artist Spotlight feature on Jenn from Noodle & Lou and enter the give-a-way.


The winner of the give-a-way of a Lulette Heart Ring and print of her choice by Noodle & Lou is Andrea of Andrea's Creations on Etsy. {see pix below}.

Congratulations, Andrea!



And, if you've not yet had a chance to read about Jenn from Noodle & Lou, go to the feature here. You can also still visit & buy from her Etsy shoppe and read her cute little blog.

A new contest give-a-way for the month of April will be announced very soon, but my Artist Feature Spotlights are on hiatus until May 3rd. My upcoming art show here in LA is monopolising my time, ...but it only means new goodies and treats are coming for you, so stay tuned for a shop update soon!

xxx
Raven




*❤*

AndreaCreates... features handmade totes ,coffee sleeves notepads, and more!
click to enter shoppe