IIDA Couture Competition - Winner of Best Craftsmanship

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Well, I'm SO HAPPY to announce that my team won the 2010 IIDA Couture Best Craftsmanship award!!! This award honors the team for executing their assigned material (paint) in the most innovative, creative and flawless way. We won one of six award categories, and had major competition with a total of 35 teams competing. 650 people attended the event last night too! It was insane! Our dress will be featured in Neiman Marcus during the month of March. I will keep all of you posted on when you can go visit our design. In the meantime, check out some AMAZING photos of the dress taken by Promise Tangeman. =)

Here's our concept statement for our look...

"Chaparral"

Sarah is wearing an asymmetrical sheath dress that embodies the clash of hard and soft elements of the southwest landscape. Tailored tinted cheese cloth and dried zero-VOC paint create a pliable, minimal interlayer, which is captured and protected by an outer shell of organic shaped paint chips reminiscent of a saguaro cactus skeleton. The paint chips are interconnected by metallic brads and chains. Resting on Sarah’s shoulder is a voluminous desert blossom made of wire, cheese cloth and paint chips.

Date Night Outfit

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I love summer date nights. The warm breeze, beautiful sunsets...it brings out the California/Arizona girl in me. I usually end up wearing jeans and a nice top because jeans are comfortable, but most guys I talk to like it when a girl dresses up a bit. However, what if the date is a surprise? How do you dress for the occasion? You don't want to be over dressed and you never want to be under dressed. Here are my tips...

This outfit is perfect for any date that your boyfriend or husband may surprise you with. Pair an elegant top with a more casual skirt and black flats and you're ready to walk into a nice restaurant. Throw on a denim jacket and some classic sun glasses, and you are ready for some mini golf or an outdoor movie night.

Flats are always the way to go for dates because you can move in them easily. You never know if your date may take you for a walk on the beach or in a park...maybe even some dancing. Plus, you avoid any major difference in height.

Menswear Monday - Pocket Squares

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When we hear the term "pocket square" we often think of a piece of silk fabric that is stuffed into the pocket of a suit or tuxedo. Well, let me open your minds to a new array of possibilities that can add color to your outfit and set you apart.

Pocket squares and hankies can be found in all different fabrics, colors and prints. For the summer, I suggest cotton squares of colorful plaids, madras and gingham prints.  Forget any fancy folds. Just your typical triangle popping out of your vest pocket, casual blazer pocket or even the back pocket of your jeans. Here are some examples...