Accessories | Painfully Hip

Painfully Hip Design Collective and Wingflash Designs

When I came upon Laura Kepner-Adney’s glorious gilt organics line of jewelry, I was stunned. Jaw-on-floor. She uses semi-precious stones, but only the kind you’ve never seen before, and combines them with organic materials like shark teeth, delicate baby’s breath, oil slick beetle wings and diaphanous leaves dipped in liquid gold. If you are craving something real in your life, visit Wingflash. No photo will ever do these pieces any justice.

This shoot was my Tucson collective’s first shoot, taken in my living room and closet. I rather think we rocked it. Ok, well “we” might be a strong word, since it isn’t very difficult to style a partially nude redhead with the most beautiful jewelry I have ever handled. Let’s just say I have been over-fucking-whelmed by the tsunami of talent currently swarming about me.

photos by Ryan Mihalyi
model: Ashley Geiger
hair: Addam Moreno
makeup: Octavio
jewelry by Laura Kepner-Adney
styling by me and Addam

closeups (by request): Continue reading Painfully Hip Design Collective and Wingflash Designs

check me out: i think these shorts are actually made from my skin

Honestly, I took this outfit shot a few weeks ago and can’t recall where I wore it. I do remember not really wanting to put much effort in so I chose black on black (but I can never resist some colorful accessories). So this outfit is my comfy casual version of a little black dress.

I have do have to say one thing: These leather shorts are the most perfect garment I have ever owned. My friends are getting sick of hearing about them (“So… my leather shorts totally slept through the night last night for the first time, can you believe it? I can’t believe what a pleasure they are, can you?)

high waisted leather shorts

(Everything is thrifted/borrowed from Diana’s thrifted collection except the green headband from Little Red Fox).

These shorts are in perfect condition, lined in satin, light as a Miller High Life, and they make the shit out of any ensemble. They are as low-maintenance as a couch-surfing Mr. Clean – wipe and go. They are somewhere between classy call girl and pin-up rock chic. They complete me. I should re-name this blog Painfully Repetitive – Amber Wears Her Leather Shorts. Again.

I promise there are more things to come besides leather shorts. Saturday we had a photoshoot of next level professionalism. It features, among other things, a stunning 6′2 redhead named Ashley, eyebrows fashioned from tiny green leaves and jewelry made from the teeth of sharks. Giddy!
Also, I received a perfect, perfect haircut from the most talented stylist in Tucson, possibly Arizona, possibly the world. Although I could not, of course, prove any of this except the haircut part (because now I’m even hip when I’m picking my nose).

Can I say one other thing? Tucson, AZ is wonderful.
But then, the quality of a city is all about who you know in it.

Dearest Tucson,
I’ll admit it. Moving to you was a total whim. I had no clue what to expect, but it was not, within 5 weeks of arriving, to be swept up in an unstoppable tidal wave of creativity, inspiration and unfettered acceptance. I want to say thank you to beauteous Emilie, who brought me to the cool kid convention, who always hooks me up and is there for me and my shenanigans. To hip as shit Erin – if you are into it, I will be too. To loverly and amazing Kristen and Noah for instantly embracing me and making me feel a part of their family at the opulent palace of Casa Libre (I may have to start paying rent). To brothers and huggers savant, Adam and Abraham for being incredibly kind and always cheering me on. To Addam(!), Octavio, and Ryan for being unbelievably talented and endlessly enthusiastic toward every one of my stupid ideas. And to Diana for your unabashed support, for keeping it real, for being you. All of you inspire me to be compelled to create and to savor every morsel of the process.
I love you, Tucson, because you have a a cost of living to make a pauper feel like a prince, a kickass art and music scene, stunning vistas, and spring instead of autumn.
I love you because you love me back.
Lucky me,
Amber

How To Pack In Your Purse (No, Really!)

When sensational Sarah of Yes and Yes (two of my favorite words and definitely one of my favorite reads), approached me to guest post on Painfully Hip, I nearly pooped myself… it felt almost akin to Angelina Jolie asking politely if she could guest host on The Bonnie Hunt Show.
I thought I had the subject of packing light covered, but now she’s gone ahead and one-upped me like I’m, well, Bonnie Hunt.
Thanks so much, Sarah (I think)!

Do you guys actively fantasize about The Type Of Woman you want to be? My imaginary best self usually boasts a wardrobe of carefully selected vintage gear, makes witty commentary about current events (“Oh that Kim Jung Ill is just rapacious!”), owns a boxer named Steve and never, ever has to check her luggage.

While I may never accomplish the dog-ownership (my apartment’s too small) or the witty commentary (unless you count thinking of a clever comeback in the car two hours later) I think I can manage the luggage component of that fantasy. In fact, I’ve got this bit so down pat, I successfully packed for a weekend in Chicago using only my purse.
What? Yes.

Now, I grant you that my purse? Well, it’s rather large. But within its confines I managed to fit my netbook, camera, makeup bag, pajamas and two outfits. If you’re keen to try this madness yourself – a few tips:

Dresses are Best
Dresses are fantastic even when you’re not trying to pack in your purse – one thing! outfit complete! You can bring one cute dress and a few things to layer with it and viola – several outfits, you genius, you!

Accessories = Totally Different Outfit
Yes, I’m now applying for a job with the Obvious Committee. But it bears repeating – headbands/necklaces/leggings completely change the look of your ensemble, right? I brought a cute navy dress that I thrifted to wear on its own with a funky necklace as I poked around Millennium Park and shopped. The next day, I wore it with a little button-up and a different necklace when I met Winona of DaddyLikey fame for lunch and gossip.

The All Important Big Scarf
The big scarf. It elevates most any outfit, makes you look like you miiiight be European (or at least from New York) and it can double as a pillow/wrap/towel/blanket. When I got off the bus in Chicago at 6 am, I wandered around the city in my pajamas taking photos. When I stopped at a coffee shop for breakfast, I asked the barista if it was painfully obvious that I was wearing my pajamas and she assured me that it wasn’t. I credit my big scarf for this answer. And her desire for a tip.

Skimp on the Toiletries
If you’re staying with friends or at a hotel there’s really no need to bring shampoo/conditioner/lotion and the like, eh? They take up heaps of room, weigh your bag down and might spill all over that cute satin lining. Besides, I’m always partial to trying out my friends’ products to see if I’m missing out on anything.

The Patented Roll-Packing Technique
Any experienced packer will corner you to sing the praises of roll-packing. Rolling your clothes will keep them (relatively) wrinkle free and take up exponentially less space. If you want to up the level of anal retentiveness just a bit, you can put your rolled clothing in a separate bag inside your purse so they don’t come unrolled and mingle with everything else. You will also be less likely to pull out your black thong at Panera when you’re digging through your purse looking for change.

Would you ever pack in your purse? What are your packing tips?

thrift star of the day: le chat chic

originally uploaded by lokello for wardrobe_remix

Lovely Lokello has the greatest smile known to man – it even outshines her amazing leather jacket (thrifted) and that adorable orange cat who is obviously admiring her innovative black sock / white shoe combo. More girls should learn that a big gleaming smile is, hands down, the best accessory.

By the way, check out our amazing turquoise romper featured in an acidwash blog post over at the super sweet vintage auction site, Market Publique! Yay! Thanks, MP.

check me out: sacramento’s next top model

I had an awesome time at the photoshoot for my Sacramento Magazine interview because the photographers, a young, keen couple who called themselves Tyler and Christina (coincidentally also the name of their photography company) were really excited and passionate about their work. And on top of it, treated me like a bona fide model. I was totally ready to hear Tyra call my name FIRST. (Hmmmm….I think maybe I’ll try out next season! To do list: Grow 3-4 inches taller, become 8 years younger and stop eating… uh… food for a month.)

Tyler and Christina were nice enough to send me the non-copyrighted images from the shoot. More to come in approximately 90 days. I know you’re all feverishly counting the minutes.

floral pussybow blouse – Bows & Arrows
vintage denim shorts – Thunderhorse Vintage
tasseled leather loafers – Thunderhorse Vintage
gold leaf belt – thrifted for like 10 cents

purple peacock dress – Cuffs Urban Apparel
vintage woven leather peeptoes – Cuffs Urban Apparel