Two loves

I had this great post idea: tips on networking!!  Well because I love it...meeting new fascinating people...being out and about...but then I remembered, MOST do not love networking as much as I do.  But let's face it, lovlies, it is es-sen-tial to building a business/brand particularly in the fashion industry.  So...I thought I would combine my little talk on networking with another love: SHOES!!  Who doesn't love looking at shoe porn??  Further convoluting this post I thought I would highlight shoes from the most fabulous designer Yotam Solomon who I was just introduced to by my super amazing friend Miss Charlotte Wood.  Miss Char just started working with Mr. Solomon.

Anyways...back to the subject at hand...networking.  What I just described is, in fact, a great story about networking...I know Charlotte who knows Yotam and I was introduced to his work through Charlotte.  I might use his clothes in one of my future shoots or just purchase a few things for myself.  He might need a stylist and Charlotte might recommend me.  Who knows? But now I have an in.  I wouldn't be some random, strange person calling...well not too random or strange.  Ha!  Time for some shoes...

The statement...it's not what you know, it's who you know could never be truer.  Of course, once you get a little help getting your fabulous foot in the door then it is all about what you know.  But first, getting said foot in the door...

• Always ask.  You might meet someone you would love to work with but are afraid to talk to them.  DON'T BE AFRAID.  Just do it.  Ask for their contact info and say hey, can I call you/email you sometime and ask you a few questions about how you got started?  Trust me they remember the people who helped them out at the beginning of their career and want to return the favor.
• Get your name and resume/portfolio in front of as many people as possible.  Do the work and find people in your industry and email them.  Say you would love to assist them in future projects.  You might email 20 and only hear back from two...so what!  Do it anyway...who knows where those two new contacts will lead you.
• Energy in = Energy out.  The universe works in mysterious ways.  You might send out 20 emails one day and nothing happens from those emails but the next day you get a random call for a job.  Always be putting energy into your business.  Do something everyday that grows it and moves it forward.
•  Be your best person ALWAYS!!  Whether that is at your side job, or being an unpaid PA on a micro-budget indie.  You never know who is watching.  Your reputation will proceed you...make sure it's a good one.  Photo shoots or film sets are a team of people working together and ANY of those people could be the one hiring you or referring you to your next job.

And now...a final pair of shoes...

Happy networking!!!  

And remember...you can do anything if you have the right pair of shoes!

Oh and one more pair of shoes...on Yotam's website there is the MOST amazing pair of shoes in his Fall - Winter 2010 Native American collection called the Pandora Wedge.  I couldn't find a pic so click now and see the deliciousness for yourself.  CLICKITY

xoxo

Zombie Prom Queen

 

I know it is a few days after Halloween but better late than never.  I had a blast this year designing my costume!!  At first I wasn't going to dress up but after going through some of my vintage dresses I found this amazing 80's style Molly Ringwald dress and instantly thought ZOMBIE PROM QUEEN!!  Clearly I'm a bit twisted.  I aged the dress with brown chalk, red wine and fake blood...ripped off the hem at the bottom and cut it up a bit... and voila!!  Fabulously scary right?!

Holy heck batman

BAM!!!  BOOM!!!  CRASH!!!  A little fun with a cape.

Photographer:  Sean Willis
Model:  Jessica Aimee
Hair/MUA:  Eddie Giron

Behind the scenes

Here's a little sneak peak behind the scenes from yesterday's shoot.  We had a blast!  The locations were very urban...under freeways, old abandoned brick buildings....trash everywhere.  As for the wardrobe I chose darker colors and cool metallics, and focused on silhouettes with fun textures and movement.  Stay tuned for the pics.

Again many thanks to all involved!!

Photographer:  Sean Willis
MUA/Hair:  Eddie Giron
Model:  Jessica Aimee

Simple statements

Bright lights big city

More photo fun with photographer Sean Willis and model Joey Potts
Check Sean out at www.seanwillisphoto.com  Love him!!!

Be still my heart

Photo: Shopbop.com

For the love of all things orange...I want this skirt!!!  Gimmie gimmie gimmie!!!  Praise to Mr. Jacobs for this fabulous velvet number.  Watch out world...this girl is going to be covered in orange from head to toe this season!

Black and white...AND read all over

Kate Spade Journal Clutch

OMG!!  Here I am having my morning coffee actually wishing I had this weekend's copy of the NY Times.  My fave fashion blogger's would have to do... and BAM!  Check out this clutch.  Luuuuuv it!!  See it in full effect on Garance Dore's blog.

Happy Labor Day my loves!!

Black and white

Photo:  Harper's Bazaar 1964

It's a man's world

 

Last week I got to work on a fantastic photo shoot with one of my favorite photographers, Sean Willis.  Many thanks to makeup artist, Rachel Kooyman and of course our very talented model, Sean Paul Lockhart.

Bon appetite: a perfect summer meal

Happy Saturday my little skittles!  

How about an entry one of my favorite things...food?  So I love to cook and last night I made the most delicious dinner:  Pan seared mahi mahi with a red pepper relish on a bed of arugula.  Let's just say my taste buds were in heaven plus it's a healthy little dish.  Of course then I paired it with a mixed berry daiquiri...maybe not so healthy...I rationalized because of all the antioxidants.  

The how to:

1) Make red pepper relish.  Dice one whole red pepper.  In medium high heat, heat grape seed or olive oil.  Add one clove garlic (chopped of course), diced peppers, dash or two of cumin, dash or two of coriander.  Cook until peppers are soft. Set aside in a bowl.
2) Cook fish.  Using the same pan.  Add a bit more oil then cook mahi mahi or any other white fish on hand for 3-4 minutes per side.
3) Arrange a bed of arugula for perfectly cooked fish then top with a few spoonfuls of red pepper relish.
4) Eat and be merry!

My yummy supper was inspired by another dilish dish on my favorite cooking site Epicurious.com.  

Clicking now = a yummy dinner tonight.  You're welcome!!

Sweet and sexy

Photo: Street Style

Little white dress and rockin shoes...nuff said.  Happy weekend!!!!

Work it girl

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley you look fabulous!!  I think you killed it with this Gucci skirt and top at the Moscow premiere of Transformers 3.  Love love love it!!!

Sketches and details

So I'm working on all the costumes for Neighbors and I feel a bit like a frustrated artist.  I have all these ideas in my head and I'm am attempting to sketch them out.  And attempting is the operative word!!  Even though my drawings are more like chicken scratches...it totally helps to get my ideas on paper.  Plus I put notes and questions about the characters in the margins.  Here's a note:  Gillian take a figure drawing class!  Maybe one day I will post these initial drawings.  TBD.  


My friend Jennifer told me once that Robert De Niro said that actors would be wise to listen to the costume designer because no one has thought about the characters more.  The main character in Neighbors is Sam and he spends a lot of the movie in his bathrobe.  As the costume designer I'm thinking not just about the color of the robe and how it fits but other little details like...what is in the pockets of Sam's robe?  The audience might never see the contents but it helps give depth to the character and support the actor in his job.

Fun times my friends!!!  Stay tuned...we are in the middle of casting and I can't wait to share the amazing news!!

xo,
grc

New Project: Neighbors

Hi everyone!!  These past few months have been a whirlwind... and the FUN is only going to continue!!  As you can see I have not been so diligent with my posts.  That's because I have signed on to do costume design for this awesome indie film called Neighbors.  We are in full swing right now with filming to begin mid-May.  The team is incredible and it is such an honor to be working with such high caliber film makers and artists.

Clickity click to read all about the film....here!! 

More soon...mwah...I promise!!

xo,
grc

Stella McCartney fall 2011 RTW

Photos: Style.com

Simple.  Sculptured.  Stunning.   Can I have the blue dress please??

Knits, tartans, and plaids...oh my

Photos: Style.com

Sonia Rykiel Fall 2011 RTW...Colorful combos to keep us kozy this Fall.  Yippee!! 

P.S.  Red lips are ALL over Paris Fashion Week...on and off the runway.  Do you think I started a trend???

Fringe-tastic

Photo: Garance Dore

Isabel Marant goes off with the fringe at fashion week.  Luuuuv.

Click here for more.

Book love

Photo: Gillian Robin Christie

Here are my current faves...some new...some always on my night stand:

•  A Short Course in Photography by Barbara London and Jim Stone (thanks Tex!)
• Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M. by Sam Wasson
• Love Signs by Linda Goodman
• What is Fashion Design? by Gurmit Matharu (thanks Jennifer!)
  
• Domino The Book of Decorating by Deborah Needleman, Sara Ruffin Costello and Dara Caponigro
• Decoded  by Jay-Z 

What are some of your favorite reads right now??

It's in the details

Photo: Garance Dore

There are so many things right about this look.  Simple.  Chic.  Fantastic!  And did you check out those shoes??

Amanda Brooks is tre fabulous for sure.  She wrote one of my favorite books on style and vintage fashion I Love Your Style.  Get it here. 

The Classics: Valentino

Photo:  Julia Saner for Valentino, by David Sims

A sneak peek at Valentino's S/S 2011 ad campaign.  Absolutely lovely!

Flats or heels for Spring...maybe Garance was right?? 

The great (bedroom) debate

Photos:  Omniarte Design by Erinn Valencich

My bedroom is in need of a makeover.  Let's just say my bedroom hasn't received much love since I moved into my fabulous apartment over a year ago...it is pretty much the dumping ground for all my s*** when I tidy up before a party...and according to feng shui experts that directly translates to yours truly receiving or NOT receiving much love.  (another post all together!!)  

So it's time to redecorate...or really...declutter, organize, and overhaul my bedroom.  I want my bedroom to be girly, warm and inviting but sophisticated and modern...like a fantastic five star hotel room where I could lounge for hours. 

Here is my question lovelies....peach (which is really light orange so of course that's how I'm leaning) or pink.  The pics above are some inspiration.  Thoughts??

Cool but not cold

Photos:  Benjamin Chelly for Vogue.fr

I have been FREEEEZING this winter!!!  You???  Here are some tips from our fashionable french friends how to keep it cool in the cold.  Off to wrap myself like a mummy in my pashmina!

Happy 2011

Happy New Year!!!!

I hope everyone had an amazing NYE!!  My friends and I had a blast!!  So much fun that we didn't even stop to take any pics...well, a few...but those aren't blog-worthy...if you know what I mean.  Wink.

Here's a pic of my dress...H&M baby!!!  And yes I had my dancing shoes on...danced my way into 2011!!


Here's to a fantastic 2011!!  I've never been so excited for the year ahead!!

Much love!!

XO,
G