Painfully Hip Design Collective F/W 2009: Daphne

The Painfully Hip Design Collective are on a roll. This time within the walls of the lofty new Eric Firestone Gallery, a magnificent building full colored glass and beautifully weathered murals and seasoned brick, what Eric hopes to call “Tucson’s version of Andy Warhol’s Factory.” So on friday night’s big opening (starts at 6pm, the gallery expects around 500 people), we plan to take that literally… by doing a live photo shoot with the art opening party as a backdrop. I can’t tell you how excited this makes me. Make sure you stop by if you’re in the area so you can witness my hummingbird-like styling and direction …although some may come for the champagne.

I am getting ahead of myself. The following is my interpretation of Autumn this year… a jaunty 70s schoolgirl with Biba Girl tendencies.

Shop the shoot (click images to see listings)!

Painfully Hip Design Collective – F/W 2009

photos by Ryan Mihalyi
model: Katie Palmer
hair: Addam Moreno
makeup: Octavio
styling and concept: Amber Mortensen
wardrobe and additional styling:Diana Deaver
accessory styling: Jasmine Jarrett
painting: “Pavane for a Dead Princess: Jezebel” by Terence La Noue
location:
Eric Firestone Gallery, Exhibition and Event Space
403 North 6th Ave
Tucson, Arizona 85701
Ph 520.882.2616

All clothing is vintage, except the luscious, soft as butter, cornflower denim (J Brand jeans. I found them for $30 at TjMaxx. SCORE.

Continue reading Painfully Hip Design Collective F/W 2009: Daphne

Painfully Here: Our First Roomie Shoot

After a very busy weekend, we finally got a chance to play dress-up with Diana’s closet (since mine has now shrunk from “walk-in” to “portable”) and chisel out our favorite fall trends. This, as fellow Tucsonans know, is a hilarious feat in early September. The relaxed look on my face is a SHAM, it was 96 degrees and not a good day for boots and sweaters and hats. However, fun was had… and not just by our on-looking neighbors with the cooler of High Life.

These were all taken in and around our new house – a veritable paydirt of textures and colors that any photographer would covet. Perfect! (Click on photos to get to the Etsy listings).

sundress to fall dress

sundress to fall dress

black ruffle dress

keepers - 172

waitress dress

hip prairie blouse outfit

Photos by Diana Deaver
Styled and modeled by Amber Mortensen

Ask Painfully Hip: What to Wear Whilst Weight is Waning?

Hey!
I love your blog!! It has helped me begin to tune in on what styles really work for me and fit my personality. Recently, I cleaned out my whole closet and got rid of A LOT clothes that I know I don’t wear. But also, i’ve been losing weight, and I don’t know what to wear during these in between times. I haven’t dropped a clothes size yet, but I know I’m close to it, so I really don’t know what to do! I kind of let go of a lot of my old styles, but am reluctant to buy new clothes because I’m afraid they will be too big for me in a few months. Do you have any suggestions?

Thank you,
Jo

Ah, the awkward stage. Nothing fun about being in-between. Firstly I should say that really, instead of “getting rid” of all those old clothes, you should have thrown a clothing swap, missy! Then we wouldn’t be having this problem. Have I tought you nothing? Well, make sure you do throw a clothing swap once you drop the full size and you’re set! I’ll forgive you just this once and try to help you out here, nonetheless.

I recently (accidently) lost almost 10 lbs. on what I like to call “the single diet”- I was newly single, and I hate to cook for just myself, am incredibly busy/lazy (case in point: it took me exactly 4 months to finish this post – Sorry Jo) and have no real schedule, so I end up living off mere snacks whenever I remember to eat. But I was able to keep a lot of my old clothes since I figured out a few tricks with some styles that still look good on me now that they’re a tad bit oversized.

You’re also very lucky because the oversized look just happens to be a la mode, as beautifully illustrated by Betty. Check it.

betty
oversize sweater

But if you are sick of your old wardrobe and really just want to show off your waning waist, here are a few pieces you can invest in to maximize your existing wardrobe and flatter your quickly-slimming new figure.

A corset belt.
Trapeze styles may be on the out, but you can still wear those overly-forgiving babydoll dresses from last year by cinching them with a wide belt. Get a nice statement belt that will make you feel like a stunnah even if you’re wearing your comfy “I’m bloated and lazy clothes.” You can also use it to cinch too-big pants and skirts into a chic paperbag waist.

la meow paperbag waist
la meow for wardrobe_remix

A cool belt paired with opaque tights or leggings is also a good way to convert your spring dresses and tops into layering lovelies for fall.

shorts and tights
corazones rojos for for wardrobe_remix
belt and leggings
fashionfillers.com

High-waisted skirts or jeans.
Tuck a loose-fitting t-shirt or frilly blouse into high-waisted vintage skirts or pants and you’re instantly tailored.

high-waisted skirt
johnnycutcorners for wardrobe_remix

A cropped vest.
Give your too-big dress or top a little structure and a style-injection with a vest that hits right at the waist.

cropped vest
tralfamadarling for wardrobe_remix

Most of all, it’s good to be healthy but don’t be too hard on yourself and remember this:

You’re more beautiful than you think – the flaws that you believe are constantly glaring out at the world like a large goiter are most likely only visible to you. Be unrepentant. Be happy to be you. Wear your personality and creativity with the confidence that you know exactly who you are and what you love, and eventually your peacock swagger will appear, along with the realization that you really are precisely as hot as you feel.

SO TAKE A FEW CHANCES AND HAVE FUN SHOPPING!