Being an Artisan with Xun

We all have our dream jobs (personally I dreamed of being a zoo keeper who hangs out with big cats all day), but not every one of us has the courage or strength to pursue it, especially when our education or past work experience does not prepare you for the new path. But there are always a few of us, once found their passion, they just fearlessly set their mind to it. Xun is one of them. After graduating from School of Visual Arts in New York with a degree in motion graphics, she got herself a full-time job as the maker and owner of her own jewelry shop Tick Tack Tick on Etsy. Let's hear her story.

Q: Why did you decide to open this shop?

A: Ever since I was a little kid, I've always wanted to be an artisan. I love drawing, sketching and making things. After graduation, things got a bit slow so I started designing and making jewelry as a hobby. I would wear some of the pieces too. As a surprise to me, this one steampunk necklace I was wearing got noticed and many friends asked if I could sell them. Then I thought why not. So the next thing I did was open up my shop on Etsy and that is how jewelry making has become my full time job. The process of jewelry design and making really brings me joy. It even brings me a greater sense of satisfaction knowing that these little pieces will make someone else happy.

Q: What is your inspiration?

A: I've always been fascinated with the intricacy of old pocket watches. That's why you see me incorporate their intricate design in my pieces. I always love putting vintage watch gears and parts into necklaces, brooches and rings. Although they are not functioning anymore, they could continue to shine as a piece of jewelry. My fond of nature and animals also inspired me to create a series of these themed accessories. In the coming months, I will put up a wider selection of new accessories, as well as home decorations on Tick Tack Tick! 

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About our Friend Xun:
Born in Chengdu, China. Left for Singapore at 18. Now owner of online jewelry shop Tick Tack Tick. Xun loves vintage and often spends her spare time mooching around New York flea markets hoping to discover some interesting stuff. She also takes on freelance motion graphics projects once in a while.

Dare to Bare: Gentlemen's Choice

Casabella Color Splash Lingerie Line

In the tradition of last year's Valentine's day post, we asked some of our gentleman friends to pick what they would like to see girls wear underneath their clothes, just based on their perspective, as an  accompaniment to our lingerie post. We thought it would be interesting to let the guys do the shopping and find out what they think is sexy. Ladies, we want to hear what you think of these gents' choices! Who did you love the best? Who really missed the mark?


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Dan
"When it comes to lingerie, there is nothing more classically sexier than a garter belt and backseam thigh-highs. With matching bra and panties, these make anyone look like they just retired to their room overlooking the Riviera and slipped out of their pearls. All in black of course."

American Apparel

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Brandon
"In a world filled with hyper-sexualised entertainment and advertisements, it's nice to return to something a bit subdued; something that leaves room for your imagination to wander. What I've chosen is something sensual but does not give away too much. There should be some sort of build-up and anticipation with lingerie. A lot of these one-pieces, especially the lilibons wear, appear classic, accentuate shapes, adds a little bit of playfulness. They are sexy without being totally explicit. In modern times we've traded in tease for sleaze, you can still be sexy whilst wearing a number of the outfits displayed here."

Etsy

Alibaba

Lilibon

So Anxious Clothing

Agent Provocateur

American Apparel

Rakuten

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Johnny
"The thing about lingerie is this: it's not so much the lack of clothing that catches our eye, but it is, rather, the promise and tease of what lies underneath. It's that perfect moment when, too much more or too much less both result in there being nothing left to see.

My taste in lingerie is much like my preference for women: cute and feminine, while striking the right balance between conservative and edgy. And what says this better than black and pink?"

French Lingerie Outlet

French Lingerie Outlet

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Hsiao
"It's simple, seductive, and sophisticated. It leaves something for the imagination and it caters to the classy but naughty gentleman. I love it because if a woman wears that for me, she's trying to make our night special. She's showing me her best. It shows me she understands taste and pleasure. It's like opening a beautifully wrapped present knowing what's inside is going to be amazing."

Victoria's Secret

Top Picks: Tights and Leggings

May is a tricky month to dress for in both SF and Seattle. The weather in both places is often unpredictable and the temperatures can fluctuate from cold and rainy to warm and sunny.  Oftentimes, the weather is too warm to permit wearing jeans on a daily basis but not quite warm enough to just go bare legs with a dress, skirt, or shorts.

However, May is the perfect month to show off your leggings collection! We get a lot of compliments on our leggings and tights and we thought we'd pick out our favorites to keep your legs warm in this crazy weather. Hope you enjoy them!

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Xiang
"I absolutely love leggings! I think leggings, regardless of the design, always add a feminine touch to the entire outfit. I own many pairs of different textures and colors. I match them technically with pretty much anything: casual skirts, fancy dresses, shorts, heels, flats etc. I picked these five very different leggings that I would love to wear. (The AA geo pattern pair is featured in our post In the Mood for Rays of Spring) Hope they serve as an inspiration for something you would want to wear."

1. Ombre Tights     

2. AA Geo-mesh tights

3. Contrast Color Geometrical Pattern Leggings

4. Flower Print Leggings

5. Suspender Tights

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Jen
"I often wear solid colored tights but, for this article, I decided to pick some of the printed tights that I wish I had in my closet. Xiang already had dibs on the hand-dyed Sunset Ombre tights that I adore so I picked a couple fun colorful tights as well as ones that would work for every day. The stars fishnet is definitely a standout piece but would be fun and bright for summer and all the Fourth of July celebrations that ensue."

1. Textured-Rib Over-The-Knee Tight
2. City Star Fishnet Tight
3. Polka Stripe Tights
4. Sheer Luxe Hearts Pantyhose
5. Lace Back Seam Tight