Judah Ross | Spring 2012

Posted by Whitney on Mar 12, 2012 in Artist, Designer Wear | 0 comments

“Feel it in the air
The wind is taking it everywhere, yeah
Can you feel it?
Can you feel it?
Can you feel it?”
-A little bit of The Jacksons for you: “Can You Feel It” – The Jacksons, 1980)

We’re pushing 70 degree weather around here, and out goes the springy posts. It is only befitting to show you beautiful clothing. I love Oami Powers, the artisan behind Judah Ross. She is absolutely dedicated to bringing custom limited run and ethically sourced garments to our very quick quick faaaaast culture. All I do is watch and learn watch and learn. Picking up the lingo and absorbing her dedication.

Here’s a look into her spring line. There’s more to what you see here, so mosey on over to her shoppe.

(Note: I have not been paid to post nor tell the truth about the greatness that is Oami Powers and her line, Judah Ross.)

I’m wearing:
Judah Ross by Oami Powers

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The Occasional Ski Shop

Posted by Whitney on Mar 9, 2012 in Good Times | 0 comments

You know, color inspiration turns up in the most unlikely places. I really need a holster to keep a camera so I can whip it out when I feel the urge to snap a shot.

Just when you think only cool kids hang out in ski shops, you find me wandering around with a camera. My sister was actually buying, so it was the perfect cover.

The man posted at the door need not escort me out. I’m with a paying customer…

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Happy Blues

Posted by Whitney on Mar 8, 2012 in Outfits | 0 comments

New York chillin is what I call it. When the last call for sunlight sounds, and feels, like heaven.  And running my mouth with the sis gets me back into a groove. In my happy blues, thanking God for the 95% chance of a coffee shop on the next block.

He delivers every time…

The Outfit:
Blouse: gift from my Grandma
Leather Jacket: JCrew
Cape: JCrew
Trousers, Boots: On loan from my sister

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Meet Grandma Marie

Posted by Whitney on Mar 5, 2012 in Inspiration | 1 comment

Excuse the iPhone mixed with bad lighting photos. If you can get past it, I know it’s hard, fix your eyes on this one-of-a-kind dress worn by the beautiful Joanie. It was the perfect dress for the pre-wedding festivities. But get this, the dress is over 30 years old!

Thankfully, the woman behind it was in the room. I’ll never forget Grandma. Marie. A stylish 80-something cross country RV-er and full of life. She was most approachable and full of delightful stories about her life including her outings with her husband, also present. She’d made this dress for a work party she attended with him. We laughed and exchanged jokes about our husbands, the irony of sitting so close to the sweets, and how we both really wanted to stop eating the homemade turtles but couldn’t muster up the self-control.

My life? Stale toast in comparison to hers. Even on the dance floor she and her man out-shined the 20-somethings. I fell in love with her, and hope to leave an impression on others as she has on me. And to believe it all started with a dress…

What will you pass on?

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Eat Dance, Repeat

Posted by Whitney on Feb 24, 2012 in Good Times | 2 comments

When you have rushed and excited people together, you are likely to have a hyper fest. If trunk shows are supposed to be more conservative, well this was a fail. But in my book, it’s going down as an A+ good time! Perhaps I lost a customer or two by dancing after every bite of a chocolate chip cookie (see image 7). I may never know… Besides, this little leather skirt I whipped up at 4 that morning deserved a bit of hip action. Looking back, I wonder if street walkers were more amused or turned off by the threesome of dancers. Thankfully shop owner, Brittanie, didn’t seem to mind.
Where are our chaperones when we need them? One should never outgrow a little parental nudge here and there.

Thank you again Brittanie for allowing us to hijack your shop (Ehvonnae, Dumbo, Brooklyn). Stop by her shop if you’re in her area and do a little dance while you’re in there.

Shop the good shop >> Shop.freshlygiven.com

(images: Karla and her handy iPhone)

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I’m Back with an Official Introduction

Posted by Whitney on Feb 22, 2012 in Shop, Thoughts | 4 comments

Have you ever walked so fast that the only thing separating you from a flat-out sprint is the distance between the bottom of your feet and the ground. New York does that to me every time. Against my will:
“Why the heck am I walking so fast?”

Either way, my gut paid for it. Unintentional workouts are not my idea of a post-feast activity. And working off a perfectly delicious meal  after every 2 blocks is for the birds. But enough with the sad song. I do love that City. Having my first trunk show there was the challenge I needed to get my line off the ground. On my high horse I walked into some of the coolest shops to present my accessories. Looking back I’m shocked I did it.

I’ve not posted any of my new designs here on the bloggy, so this is me taking care of my people. These are a few of what you’ll find in my shop and a good representation of the greatness I call Freshly Given.

Get your colour fill at Shop.Freshlygiven.com

Thank-you’s: Charles (for the ridiculous love and support), Maw & Paw (for me!), Grandma (for sewing and providing), Nicole (epitome of dependable), Karla (the stick-to-it encouragement and day of hustle), Adrienne (PR/Dancing Queen), Ericka (world’s best photographer), Brittani (taking a risk by letting us dance & sale in your shop), Shanda (what can I say, emerging designer), Charisma + Arielle +Jodi (the last minute craziness), Phaedra (the earring’s display).

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Up For Air

Posted by Whitney on Feb 13, 2012 in Outfits | 2 comments

I’ve been cooped up in my home for the last few weeks pounding away at a smoking sewing machine. Literally smoking. There’s a reason why industrial machines exist.

My first trunk show is this week, Thursday to be exact, and the pressure’s on. Not stress… Presssssure.  Plus, I’m loving every minute! Even better, I finally ventured out in actual clothing after wearing the same black tights, blouse and leather jacket for goodness knows how long. Yes, I’ve tossed them into the dirty clothes bin. Time, and maybe even a little sound judgement, fly by when you’re having fun.

When I finally came up for air, the husband and I ran out to snap me in my little red or burnt [insert color] dress. It’s not exactly red, but I can’t remember how my mother described it. Freezing, we jumped in the car, drove like two hungry maniacs to a friend’s, and refueled on vegetable tomato soup, Havarti & cheddar grilled cheese sandwiches, and loads of laughs. We need a personal chef BAD. Who’s willing to donate their time. haha

I’m wearing:
Dress: Anthropologie, a lovely gift from the people who love me
Shirt: Clothing swap find
Boot: Miss Sixty

By the way, please spread the word about the Trunk Show. And if you’re in NY this week, I hope to see you there:
Date: Thur, Feb. 16
Time: 6-10pm
Locale: Ehvonnae | 145 Front St. Unit B, Brooklyn, NY

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Disappearing Act

Posted by Whitney on Feb 8, 2012 in Art, Artist | 0 comments

A week since my last post. Not a good look at all. I resisted the urge to check my analytics every hour. Just in case my readership plummeted exponentially. All the while thinking that perhaps I could get away with redirecting my homepage to my first post and cycling back just to look like I’m doing something over here. Haha. These are the thoughts of a Computer Science nerd.

On the flip-side, I’m adding the finishing touches to my first trunk show in NY. The excitement just may send me into a happy coma. I loved every minute of making more jewelry and the thought of meeting new people.

Now to this illustration. My sisters are all extremely talented. The youngest is a big-deal artistic prodigy who created my trunk show flyer along with this number in honor of Black History Month.

Typography love…

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Shop Update

Posted by Whitney on Jan 31, 2012 in Shop | 0 comments

FI-NA-LLY!

I’m about to jump on a plane, but I had to share the good news: new product added to the shop.

Yep, that’s right. All jewelry is handmade using repurposed top grain leather. There are a few styles I will unveil at the trunk show in a few weeks…so all you New Yorkers get ready?

Grab what you like. Things go fast around here. Especially since I have a habit of making about 2 – 3 of each style/color.

Check it out and let me hear it:

SHOP.FreshlyGiven.com

(Photo: Original phot0 shot by Ericka Smith, I added the text)

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The Sisters: Poly & Ester {DIY}

Posted by Whitney on Jan 26, 2012 in DiY, Outfits | 5 comments

Haha! These crazy shorts. I know. I thought the same thing while wearing them. And yes I know the patterns don’t quite line up in the front, but I’m getting there.

The two sisters Poly and Ester helped me with this one. I cut them to size, sewed them, and threw them on for a little psychedelic shorts action. Which warranted a relative to say, ‘where are you going in that?’. Plus, I mistakable wore these to a tea party with little girls, seriously, and was asked by the responsible adult, to change.

Haha. I need to plan my days better.

I’m wearing:
Blouse: Vintage from my Grandma
Shorts: Old fabric from my Grandma
Puffer Jacket: United Colors of Benetton
Boots: Miss Sixty

(images: The uber talented Erika Smith)

…there’s more

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Trunk Show | NYC | 2.16.12

Posted by Whitney on Jan 19, 2012 in Good Times, Shop | 8 comments

The flyer (designed by my talented sister, Karla Mickens) says it all… I’m having a trunk show in NYC during Fashion Week. And yes, I want to see your beautiful face. Plus! I’m giving you advance notice so you can book your flight. Plus Plus! Shop owner Brittanie Yvonne is kind enough to open her shop, Ehvonnae, for the event. Thank you Brittanie.

Spring is right around the corner and I’ve made quite a few colorful accessories to add to your wardrobe. And as usual, I’m using re-purposed materials. So in a way we get to look pretty while positively impacting Planet Earth.

Yes yes y’all! Spread the good news to your good friends.
See you in New York!

Who | What: Freshly Given | Trunk Show NYC
When: Thursday, February 16, 2012 | 6-10pm (During Fashion Week)
Where: Ehvonnae 145 Front Street, Unit B, Brooklyn, NY 11201  718.310.3686

(Follow me on Facebook and Twitter for more updates and Spring ’12 previews)

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Boogie Oogie Oogie

Posted by Whitney on Jan 17, 2012 in Inspiration | 5 comments

“You Should Be Dancing” (Bee Gees – 1976)

“Jungle Boogie” (Kool & the Gang – 1973)

Every now and then I watch Soul Train lines from the 70′s to remind myself of what I’ve missed. Yeah I know, it’s not the best therapy. But really, am I the only one drooling while I watch these videos? There’s this nagging feeling like I missed out on one of the most colorful times in history. Where creative expression was the norm. UH!

To add to my sorrows, haha, I put together a little idea board of what I would wear, if I were to be on the show. These dancers embody cool and OH my goodness, I need to get some of that.

Watch, dance, and enjoy.

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