Out West

by Whitney · April 16, 2013 · leave a comment

mountain-trip-freshlygiven

Long absences from the blog mean several things. And all chalk up to work. Fun work. Funny, I take tons of photos when I can, annoying many, but rarely take the time to share a few. Although instagram and I have grown much closer.

We headed west last week to celebrate my mother. Some parts were straight out of an episode of Bonanza – my dad, the experienced horse whisperer, going for an unintentional joy ride in a creek with his horse Lady. Hilarious!

**Way behind the scene, I’ve created new leather goods for the shop. Stay connected for the reveal.

Facebook || Instagram || Pinterest || Twitter

That Sophisticated Funk

by Whitney · January 3, 2013 · leave a comment

FreshlyGiven-2013-03

FreshlyGiven-2013-01

FreshlyGiven-2013-02

FreshlyGiven-2013-11

FreshlyGiven-2013-06

FreshlyGiven-2013-09

FreshlyGiven-2013-08

FreshlyGiven-2013-07

FreshlyGiven-2013-05

FreshlyGiven-2013-10

Somehow my sis and I picked up a bad habit, on NYE mind you, of singing bounce shake twerk work. No, actually the blame falls on my husband. He’s notorious for saying the most catchy and entertaining stuff. It takes a full out mental effort to get it out of my head. Love.
By 5am New Year’s day, I’d ooo wee’d 27 times, danced a total 16 miles, and wished I could go back to that dance shot from the Fuji instax. We were like a girl group (think Total sans bad girl image, and a lot of other stuff) Karla, Shanda, Kat, Whitney.

My resolution, to dedicate the first half of this year to prepping for dance-a-thons in the latter half of the year. Truth be told, becoming Zumba certified is on my list to do.

Thank yous are in order to Kat & Mike for providing the rug for cutting. And Fred for opening his door to pre-cracking-of-dawn stragglers.
—
Coat: Zara (Gift from my sis) \\// Dress & Belt: JCrew \\// Boots: Cynthia Rowley \\// Black Leather Clutch: Freshly Given \\// Earrings: Handmade by Susan A. \\// Mustache Mugs: (belong to Kat) made by Martha Moore

Cashmere Birdy

by Whitney · October 11, 2012 · 2 comments

Freshly Given Shoot with Kat Cashmere

My order was completely off. I was star struck AFTER I google stalked Kat. I’ve not known her long, but I look forward to every one of our lunch dates. Plus she’s been bit by the entrepreneurial bug, and is doing something about it. And I’m joining the club. Admittedly, she has a pretty spectacular modeling resume. My goodness, to imagine I got to take direction from her. OOO WEEE. All she had to do was say dance, and I wiggled.

Check out Kat and her line of cashmeeeeere on her shop. This birdy was as soft as it looks.

—
Sweater: Kat Cashmere
Earrings: Freshly Given
Skirt: DIY

NYFW: Nolcha .1

by Whitney · September 19, 2012 · leave a comment

Freshly Given New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 Nolcha

// Priti by Design //

// M. N. Aloush //

// Angelo Balek //

// Gulshachereli //

// Stephen Goudeau //

And the beat goes on. Running Stilettos, Lights, Techno-ish Hits, Walking Stilettos, Ewws, Awws, Clapping, Next Show. It was a crash course on how to shoot strutting models in beautiful garments without annoying my neighbor. Now I know why the front row is coveted. Better planning next time.

Really, who can ignore the heart that goes into design and innovation. The mixtures of materials and L.E.Ds (didn’t catch a great shot of that) make the off beaten path irresistible. Sure, Lincoln Center boasts headliners, but it was great to see a show of raw talent and supporters of the emerging designer.

There are many more photos to be edited. Which means I have a part 2 to this post. Follow-up on these designers and show your support. My photos likely don’t do justice to the beauty that was on the runway.

Thank you to Nolcha for the generous invite to cover the shows this year.
HUGE HUG to Priti of Priti by Design for using Freshly Given jewelry for her show. Totally not planned, but it’s called being in the right place at the right time.

Doing New York

by Whitney · September 10, 2012 · 2 comments

Freshly-Given-NY-Fashion-Week-Spring-2013

Before I landed I pulled the 2nd all-nighter this year. And BOTH were pre-boarding an early flight to NY. Oh God, I need a one-time-only 28 hour day.

Much of the crazyiness was due to my frantic and justified (in my head) sewing of ‘just one more’ sample to take with me. Handbag samples that is (see image #1). I’d hate to waste my ‘work trip’ by not bringing along the very things I’m hoping to build upon. My last two days have been a whirlwind. Fire escape dancing and singing to Anita Baker with my sis and Kamilah. An impromptu stoop sale. The George Tisdale Band ROCKING at Cornerstone. A Cosby-esque homemade lasagna dinner with my his/her cuff wearing friends Celena and Stefan.

Stick around for more and more. I’m off into the city, camera and samples in tote.

(Follow my journey on instagram and twitter: @freshlygiven)

(Picture of me chatting it up: taken by Kamilah)