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! 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          

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.

[Bloom into Spring Fashion: Menswear Edition]

DKNY Spring 2013

Spring, this season, is an exciting time for both menswear and womenswear! The bright colors of last spring are coming back bolder and louder than ever and no one is more excited to see these new trends than us. So we asked some of our close and most knowledgable friends to show us which spring trends they're excited for the most. Tell us how they did!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Antonio
The days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer, we all know this means spring is around the corner! In menswear it seems like last years trends and this year trends are very similar I've found some promising highlights. Below are three spring trends I’m looking forward to this year.

The wide leg trouser look

Although I too am guilty of always rocking the tapered skinny leg trouser, I think it’s time for a change. This free flowing look is great for the spring and very refreshing. This style has made quite a resurgence in pop culture, so mix it up.

Tailored shorts

Show a little leg fellas. Tailored shorts are dressier than jean shorts and more casual than your basic trouser. Pairing these shorts with rolled up blazer sleeves on a warm day will give a clean look.

Go Blue

Navy Blue is usually a staple in most wardrobes but this year it’s time to be more playful with you primary color friend. Try wearing other shades of blue like light pastels, aqua, sky and cyan.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ni
Spring is the best time of year to experiment sartorially. Emerging from heavy coats to a season still brisk enough to layer, we can play with fresh colors, a flash of ankle, an audacious silhouette. My favorite trends may be risky ones for men to try or translate from the runway (neutrals? psh), but to me, best capture the playfulness and fun of the season.

Prints Gone Wild
This isn’t your average windowpane or plaid: we’re talking the unironic revival of camo, suits like spring bouquets, and broad, bold pirate stripes. Not feeling up to liberty print florals? Try a simple (and safely heternormative-masculine) bike print button-down from Gitman Bros.

Dries Van Noten / Acrimony / Bottega Veneta

Carven / Need Supply

Bare Ankles (and Knees)
Playing with pants proportions is par for the course in spring, but this year it’s back with a vengeance. A recent surge in shoe styling (wingtips, colorful suede, the loafer and the monkstrap) has trousers cut slim and high; this year’s shorts are well within ladies’ bermuda territory.

Christopher Kane / Junya Watanabe / Costume National

Hermès / Club Monaco

Colorful Suiting
If you haven’t worked up the courage to rock a bright suit yet, this should be the season: even Ferragamo, usually subdued, sent blazers highlighter orange and turquoise down the SS13 runway. Ease in by pairing a single eye-catching piece with neutrals, or take a plunge with mixed brights.

Salvatore Ferragamo / Paul Smith / Moschino

H&M / Jonathan Saunders 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A little about our friends:

Antonio
Antonio is a finely dressed designer, creative strategist, and philanthropist.  His organization, Socializing for Social Change, are centered around helping non-profits create a social presence and give a voice to their cause. You can read more about them on their website. For now you can always Antonio and his fashion adventures on his Twitter.





Ni
Ni loves bright colors and bold geometries - whether in fashion, makeup, or interface design. When in doubt, add more capsaicin.


 

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?


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


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

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



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

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Rock the Coats: Menswear Edition

Pull & Bear Winter 2012-2013 Campaign

As James Bond has proved time and time again, all it takes is a well-fitted coat for a man to look his best all winter long. If you're not ready to embrace the cold months to come then don't worry because we've asked some very capable friends to pick their favorite winter coats so you'll be fashionably ready for what mother nature has to bring this year. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Albert
"Fall is my favorite season for fashion. It's the time of year where you can add variety and layer on several pieces of clothing and complete the look with a warm (but not too chunky) coat. I'm more on the slender side so I prefer my coats to be slim fitting and a little snug. 

I'm a big fan of large collars and hooded coats, which you will notice from the selections below. I especially like the leather jacket from All Saints. That store can be a little pricey but I usually find great deals during the holidays when many of their items go on sale. Being from Seattle a water-resistant jacket is a must. Northface is the popular choice here and I own a couple myself. However, if you want to break away from the usual give the links in Rain a try!"

Long

 left to right: Uniqlo, H&M, J. Crew

Short

 left to right: Levi's, G-Star Raw, Urban Outfitters

Rain

 left to right: Club Monaco, Burton, Aether Apparel

Leather

 left to right: Burberry, All Saints, Diesel

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sabrina
"It's a known fact that men look great in layers, and in that respect winter coats are the proverbial icing on the cake. The utility or 'field' jacket is making a respectable comeback in the Pacific Northwest and for a shorter cut it fills out much better than the blazers of seasons past. If a long overcoat is more your style try something more minimalist. The lack of military detail actually lends itself to a sharper appearance, taking us further into the 21st century instead of the 19th. For raincoats, being adventurous with bright hues like red and orange helps combat grey skies while appearing more athletic. In tune with the athletic trend there's been a recent resurgence in letterman jackets. To prevent being mistaken for a high-schooler try a modern re-appropriation of the theme such as Junya Watanabe's long version or TopMan's plaid patterning."

Long

left to right: Burberry, Shipley & Halmos, Edun

Short

left to right: Pendleton, J.Crew, Gant

Rain

left to right: Jack Spade, Arcteryx Veilance, Scotch & Soda

Letterman

left to right: H&M, TopMan, Junya Watanabe

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A little about our friends...

Albert

Albert is a Designer from Seattle, WA. He enjoys many forms of design including graphic, fashion, and interior design. His go-to outfit consists of rolled-up sleeves, skinny jeans, and a pair of Air Jordans. Check out his Tumblr.

Sabrina
This is the 5th post Sabrina has contributed on this blog. She has picked out menswear for Valentines day and predicted menswear fall trend. She has also modeled for us to demonstrate how to sport oversized pieces while being so petite. Sabrina was also the photographer for one of Xiang's post. Check out her Twitter.