vintage poncho

I snagged this awesome find at the Urban Renewal Project right outside of Urban Outfitters in Hollywood right before I flew east to visit my family. [pictured at Overpeck County Park, NJ] It was a steal at $35 marked down from $100. If you are in the Los Angeles area I suggest you check it out. The prices are anywhere from $20 to $500. They have some really cool vintage and one of a kind finds! Now if only I can manage to squeeze myself a little rack somewhere in there.... hmmmm....

hear no, see no, speak no : evil.

I am Cleopatra
Caesar's former lover, now I am yours

Marc Antony, you're biting off
More than you can chew

Hear no evil : See no evil : Speak no evil

 I'm having major bursts of creativity these days, and loving it! I listened to the lyrics of this song by The Sparks and got really inspired. There is really nothing better than being able to express yourself! Especially by wearing black lace and turquoise, yum.  

BLACK LACE MAXI DRESS// FOREVER21 

BEADED HEADBAND // ELLE

TURQUOISE CUFF// MEXICO

WOOD BANGLES // ANIAS BOUTIQUE

TURQUOISE RING // KINGS BEADS

litter love !

Today I really just want to share my LOVE for the jewelry designer sister duo : LITTER! I absolutely adore their custom pieces!!!  I just ordered my first piece of what I foresee to be 1 of many! Hope you find them as amazing as I do! Happy Wednesday!!!! xxx

L.A.. fashion weekend

 

dress zara // headband elle // clutch zara 

 I've finally managed to get some of photos from L.A. Fashion Weekend at Sunset Gower Studios together! My night was filled with berry drinks, makeup stands, and a sneak peak at one of my all time favorite designers new collection. I was really disappointed that Betsey Johnson did not make an appearance, and the fashion surrounding me was not as fashionable as I had hoped... But overall it was a great night and the after party was even better! xxx

is Liberty Dead?

 

IS LIBERTY DEAD?

"The policy of the American government is to leave their citizens free, neither restraining nor aiding them in their pursuits" - Thomas Jefferson

What do you think?  shirt: bikbok

Sew L.A.

Today I took a class at Sew L.A. and I loved every minute of it! Our sewing instructor Shaerie was amazing and extremely  hilarious! I haven't touched a sewing machine in a while so it was a really great refresher. I made a super cute little bag and feel confident now to move onto the next class! If you live in the L.A. area and are looking for something fun and creative, I highly recommend Sew L.A. ! 

instagram lovin'

  

I am really in love with my iPhone and my instagram! It's so fun and so easy... remember the days of analog? I do really miss holding the actual photo in my hands, so I looked into some cool ways to get my instagram photos printed. I stumbled on the site stickygram and immediately fell in love with the mini magnets!!! You must check it out. I also found the site printstagram and fell head over heels for the mini book! love.. love.. love! I'm having a mini photo cuteness overload! Happy Friday! xxx

life lately

I have been really under the weather lately and have not had a lot of time to blog, or anything for that matter. Thankfully I am on my way out of it and getting back to my normal routine! These are some snapshots from my stroll in the Hollywood Hills with my 2 favorite boys. You would never think Christmas is only 10 days away with the sun shining and flowers blooming. I long for snow and cozy fires back east with my family and loved ones! But work calls this year [Celebrities don't ever stop being celebrities] so maybe next year! Stay warm wherever you are and happy shopping!

PS... I found this awesome Juicy bag while shacked up sick on my couch. I am so in love with this color and predict that it will be all we see in Spring 2012! xxx

bohemian punk

 

There is something about this whole bohemian - emo - punk rocker mix that really has me falling in love... xxx

Get the Look:

Gold Bangles ---- H&M

Friendship Bracelets ---- Urban Outfitters

Diamond Bracelet ---- gifted to me, but here is something similar on Amazon

Spike Friendship Bracelet --- One of my DIY projects... want one? 

message or e-mail me: dana.calabrese@hotmail.com

glitter & grunge

There is nothing I love more then dressing or decorating with contradiction! For example, a soft feather wreath on a distressed wall, a dirty grunge room with a beautiful vintage chandelier, or leather pants with a chiffon top! Aahhhh something hard, something soft! I hope you enjoy these gritty and glittery rainy day finds!

1. Chandelier Photo Print 2. G-Lish Sequin Top 3. Christmas at Tiffany's Decor 4. Eco Friendly Soy Candle 5. Shabby Chic Pet Bowl 6. Yummy Baked Apples Recipe A Beautiful Mess Blog 7. Mango Mini Radio 8. West Elm Feather Wreath 9. Glam Snow iPhone Case

rainy L.A.

After a meeting at The Bourgeois Pig (super cool coffee shop in Franklin Village) I sat outside to enjoy the rainy weather while sipping on an Americana! Living in Los Angeles you get really spoiled by the sunshine, so one day of rain seems to shut the entire city down! My parking garage completely flooded and I had to run barefoot with dirty water up to my knees!!! But the perks are I get to wear my rain boots, leather jacket, and lay all snuggled up on the couch with my love muffins while internet wish list shopping! (talk about a run on sentence) Can't wait to share my new finds xxx

versace for H&M madness

It was a a pretty chaotic scene this morning at The Beverly Center. There was about an hour wait and you were limited to two items from the Versace collection per person. The racks seemed to be empty within minutes and all that was left after awhile were a couple of boxes of shoes!!! My favorite items from this collection are the Fitted Leather Jacket , Cropped Leather Jacket both priced at $299, and the Pleated Skirt for $129. What about you?! xxx 

Freddy [ Rojas ] - tastic!

While I was cruising around the Hollywood Farmers Market one Sunday afternoon I saw something that really caught my eye... in between nothing but mediocre "vintage" stands, there they were, the simple well crafted designs of Freddy Rojas. I immediately tried on The Aztec Bustier and fell in love! "Rojas makes you feel sexy, doesn't it?" is what the designer asked... and yes, indeed it does! It's listed online for $50, but I got mine for a steal at 20 bucks! 

Rojas

Check out his store! xxx

chalk and [vintage] dresses

Today I went for a stroll around the Silverlake reservoir and found it to be extremely inspiring! Maybe it was the spanish lake front home that I have my eye on, or just the fall air setting in! Whatever it was I got the itch. ( All you creative people out there know exactly what that is...!) So as soon as I got home I had to throw on my baby blue vintage dress and play... after 10 minutes of trying to play model and photographer my fiance decided to feel sorry for me and grab hold of the lens. I would have never guessed a little play time would turn into a full on photo shoot. Out came the nikon and the lights and a fish eye later came some really cool frames! As soon as I edit a few I will post them! Happy Labor Day Weekend everyone!!!! Check back soon!

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for the [love] of chalk!

Chalkboard walls are a simple and cost efficient ways to spunk up your home! From my kitchen to my bedroom, I have adorned my walls with this lovely black chalkboard paint. It is so simple, yet so fun! Draw images, write reminders, or play hang man with your friends! For under $10 you can give your home a facelift!

Organically Romantic!

These custom bridal shower invites were inspired by the color palate and whimsical theme of my friends wedding. I wanted to give it a very organic yet romantic feel. I paired cardstock prints ( 5x7) with recycled paper backs and recycled brown paper envelopes. I wrapped each one (x50) individually with twine and added an olive green feather for a hint of romance. I threw in a couple silver flowers and topped it off with a silver heart sticker to seal the deal. I really enjoyed hand making these. It is always fun to watch a photoshop creation turn into something tangible! If you have the time and patience it really adds a personal touch to your event... and if you don't, then you can always hire me!

dress code (less)

I knew the day I decided to wear sweatpants to work (many years ago) that I was not a part of the corporate giant...phew. So while some people are forced to wear suits, I get to wear leg warmers... Or anything I want for that matter! (including the occasional pair of sweats) yippie!

Want a pair? Check out these super cute handmade creations :

Original Leg Warmers

Pan Am Vs : Pam An

Here is a t-shirt I made for a client who wanted to pay tribute to Pamela Anderson. I recreated the logo using illustrator, rearranged a few letters, and presto we had it!

Pamela Anderson seemed to be honored as she signed her autograph on the shirt for a photographer at LAX Airport.

Pamela Anderson Photo Copyright : NPG

back to the basics : etch a sketch!

My Etch A Sketch arrived today and I am completely elated! I chose to pay the extra $5 for the 1960's box ( I thought I was buying vintage, but it seems to be a remake) still super cool!

Get yours here : Etch A Sketch

photo shoot with elsa

Had a really fun shoot with my lovely talented friend Elsa Gernandt. She lights up the room with her amazing voice and her pretty face! You can see her regularly at The House of Blues on The Sunset Strip. Creative Direction and Styling by me xxx