Uncategorized – Sequins In Seattle

Coping Mechanisms

February 1, 2013 Sequins In SeattleLeave a comment

As you recall in the previous post – my wife and I found ourselves stranded in a Mexico without our luggage and unsure of what to do about it since we had plans to ferry across to Belize the very next day. The prospect of never seeing our clothes again became very real.

Can you say that you’ve stared into that darkness?

Through a small stroke of luck the airline had caved and given us a modest stipend for our troubles, so the next morning we set out to find a whole new wardrobe.

I begged Amber to get this.

And I figured that since I was starting over, I should pursue my ‘pastel goth’ phase right here on the streets of Chetumal, but this shirt ran just a tad too small.

Instead, this is what we would up with. Amber bought this cool top on the street.

And I picked out this shirt, which was breezy and aided in the transition into island life. We moved on without our bags and ferried over to Belize to Ambergris Caye. Although we were miserable without our luggage, most of the pain was assuaged with the fact that Belize is an amazing country WHERE YOU CAN DRINK BEER IN THE GROCERY STORE. (see above)

Unfortunately, tragedy struck again as my underwear budget had already been spent before I FOUND THESE!!!!!!!

Belize is beautiful but we were in dire straits. No fashion guru would go as far as to admit this, but in the spirit of full disclosure I will say that I did, in fact, spend several days flipping between two t-shirts and a pair of sink washed socks. Eventually that turned into flip flops and a sleeveless shirt.

Yes folks, I had hit rock bottom.

My clothes did arrive four days later and order was restored to the universe. But not before the elements had a chance to take hold of me and forced my hair into impossible pirate-esque knots.

I went to these countries hoping for extravagant new fashion forwards. Instead I had to take two steps back and catch a glimpse into my depravity.

Let me leave you with this. A true fashionisto only has one fear in this world: having all of your shimmer and shine taken away from you. With what I would like to call my ‘hero’s journey’, I can safely say that I stared that demon in the face. And though I would never wish this misfortune upon my worst enemy – I know I can survive that battle. In my soul I know am a better stylist because of it. And for that, I am thankful.

Disaster Strikes

February 1, 2013 Sequins In SeattleLeave a comment

We were having so much fun in Mexico City & Oaxaca, seeing the sites and trying on incredible clothing left and right. It was a vision of a perfect fashion-fueled honeymoon. And then it all took a turn for the worse….

This is Amber filling out paperwork in the Chetumal Airport about 45 minutes after we landed (and our luggage had not). After a volley of exchanges with the staff, it was made clear to us that our bags had to stay behind in Oaxaca because our shopping sprees had swelled our suitcases to exorbitant weights that were unsuitable for the safety of the plane. True story! Unfortunately, they would not be returned to us for many days later.

In our distress, we got a fancier than usual hotel and bought ourselves pasta and cheesecake to quell the tears. How on earth could we be caught dead outside WEARING THE SAME OUTFIT TWICE IN A ROW ??????

WHAT WERE WE TO DO?

TO BE CONTINUED….

Shop Til You Drop Mexico Style

February 1, 2013 Sequins In SeattleLeave a comment

Here’s a rundown of some of my favorite things we shopped for in the markets of Mexico.

Here, a marvelous bracelet Amber snatched up for a few bucks.

And some righteous garb Amber scored.

And finally, here’s a pic of me back in Seattle wearing some stellar pants I found in Oaxaca and a bag we picked up on Caye Caulker (Belize). I’m trying to flag a cab with a bottle of Gatorade (to complete the look).

Sequins International: A Slide Show Of Style From Mexico to Belize

January 31, 2013 Sequins In SeattleLeave a comment

I’m finally recovering from my holiday break slash honeymoon with my new wife, travelling three weeks between Mexico & Belize. This was a great chance for exploring unfamiliar territories while also getting the inside scoop on fashion trends south of the border.

We started our trip in Mexico City. The Zócalo in the center of the the city was brightly decorated with shimmering nativity scenes. Angels, wisemen, donkeys all reflected light alike and I found it a humbling moment of sparkle unity.

The City was more than just sequins though. Here, we see an adventurous fashion pioneer on the streets near the Zócalo. Note the platform shoes, full mask, sceptre accessory, and winning attitude.

Of course, my investigative reporting would be incomplete without the current state of Mexican bling, and let me tell you, IT WAS EVERYWHERE. Here was one of my favorite street looks, a person dressed in head to toe sequins holding a cardboard box that says “Your Destiny”. An accurate vision of my future, I can only hope.

We did a fair share of shopping in the city markets, but we also took our time really exploring outside the urban areas. Here’s a pic of a day trip we took to the ruins at Mitla outside Oaxaca, where I donned my favorite ‘Goodwill Bins’ swim trunks and a Pierced Arrows t-shirt in sweltering heat. I found a perfect graffitti wall to pose in front of. Notice the large sun hat I picked up and made a regular travelling accessory. I love this thing! I’ve always felt a little cursed to a life without sunglasses (I have yet to find a pair of appropriate Dwayne Wayne style flip shades that can accommodate my specs); so without a way to protect my eyes, I decided to find a hat that would keep out the rays. I think I chose well because people could not stop staring (nearly always a telltale sign of fashion achievement)

After Mitla we went to a small factory where they preserve the wool dye-ing practice of the indigenous Zapotecs and showed us the natural materials used to create these fresh colors.

Back in Oaxaca, we spent our evenings in the center square trying street food and taking in the nightlife. Here’s a super slick clown with amazing blue trousers that would be the envy of basically anyone in Olympia. This guy was hilarious and had a great time singling me out and making the kids laugh at me at my own expense.

This is me the last day in Oaxaca. Absolutely brimming with joy. We had seen so many great things up to this point. I was walking on clouds!

With a full week left in the trip I thought to myself that surely nothing could go wrong…

TO BE CONTINUED….

A History Of Sequins

January 15, 2013 Sequins In SeattleLeave a comment

A History Of Sequins

Did you know that Michael Jackson, Leonardo Da Vinci, and FREAKING KING TUT were all into sequins? I know I am late on some posts for the blog – (I got some good stuff in the pipes) – but in the meantime, you should read this historical guide to all things sequins.

Hat tip to Amber’s mom for sending me this.

SEQUINS IN SAN JOSE?

December 24, 2012May 23, 2017 Sequins In SeattleLeave a comment

SEQUINS IN SAN JOSE?

My first fan submission, from Clyde Petersen:

“Here’s a picture of Your heart breaks and Nana Grizol while on tour in San Jose at a show space, an amazing vintage store called black and brown, or brown and black. I can’t recall. Either way, it’s a huge warehouse full of amazing clothing, Garth Brooks style pearl snaps and sequined beauties. I couldn’t resist asking the band to dress up in these sparkly jackets that were nearby each other on a blazer rack. We hadn’t taken a group picture yet and it was the last night of tour. I almost bought that pink jacket, but then I thought, Seattle is not ready for this. It’s hard to know when you’re in a sunny place, whether your town is prepared for such fashion.

Pictured is Clyde Petersen, Jared Gandy and Theo Hilton. ”

Oh Clyde… Seattle is totally ready. This is the birth of a movement and we are laying the bedrock for a full glam revolution. It’s not too late to call and have it overnighted, right?

Your Destiny

December 16, 2012May 23, 2017 Sequins In SeattleLeave a comment

I’m traveling in Mexico/Belize for the next three weeks (so posts may slow down). Right now I’m in Mexico City and finding many fashion inspirations .I sure hope this person is right, that ‘my destiny’ is to end up in this amazing head-to-toe sequined wizard cloak.

December 13, 2012May 23, 2017 Sequins In SeattleLeave a comment

Just got another feature on a new Seattle (and Honolulu?) fashion blog, devoted mostly to velvets, velours, and the the like. Put another notch in my belt.

sea-hnl:

SEA :: Sequin stars on the velvet air.

Photo’s From the First Ever Sequins In Seattle Runway Show

December 11, 2012 Sequins In SeattleLeave a comment

Thanks to my lovely wife Amber, we have a a photo series from our first runway show. Putting this together was an exhausting labor of love that kept me up many sleepless nights; I worked to the very last minute finalizing these looks and making sure every button was secured, every stitch impeccably tailored. Thanks to my incredible team and volunteer models (D, Jonathan, Kenn Job, Eric O, and Brittnie Fuller). You are all dynamite.

Now, for the show:

Mix 1 part Part Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Neutrino,

1 Part Screech from Saved By The Bell

Serve cool….

This is actually just what Eric was wearing that day. It was so good I pushed him on stage.

This ensemble is all about ‘magic’. Featuring a vintage green suit found on the street in Columbia City (next to a stack of books on Aleister Crowley & Pagan witchcraft), it’s also paired with shoes painted by Goddess Kring and a Hawaiian shirt my dad used to wear as passive-aggressive ‘formal wear’.

This look uses Weekend At Bernies care-free chic juxtaposed with a little Red Riding

Hood aesthetic.

I love it when my models ‘improvise’’

This lovely top is a recent addition to my collection, after being gifted from my AMAZING NEIGHBOR MICHAEL, who, as it turns out, is a MAJOR SEQUIN AFICIONADO. A look that says “I would follow that leader”

Here we introduce our first full bridal attire. Salvaging

a discarded white petticoat, we’ve broken the shackles of traditional gown & veil, and instead

crowned the top with a gold encrusted bodice. Red cranberries and a coral belt accent this simple wedding dress for no reason at all, really.

Don’t ever stop dreaming.

Reach for the stars….

Remeber you can be whatever you want to be.

Make every step you take a giant leap for humankind.

Believe in a world that is more than just Sequins In Seattle.

Imagine a world with SEQUINS ON THE MOON.

(YES THAT IS A NASA SPACE SUIT)

And scene.

GODDESS KRING

December 6, 2012 Sequins In SeattleLeave a comment

I’m just finding out that on top of the first ever SEQUINS IN SEATTLE RUNWAY SHOW, GODDESS KRING will also have a booth at this Saturday’s DIY HOLIDAY FAIR. I highly encourage you to stop whatever you are doing and watch this short documentary about her (nsfw):

GODDESS KRING (Shannon Kringen) is most well known for being a cult icon from Seattle cable access, but she’s also a terrific photographer (she’ll be selling prints this Saturday) as well as a SHOE PAINTER. In fact, for my wedding this year I had her do a custom pair of shoes. Check them out!

If you bring a pair of sneakers with you, she says she’ll paint on them for you right there ON THE SPOT.

“My normal shoes are 100 or 150 for fancy onces…but I will paint on the spot for a cheap price like 20 bucks. The shoes would dry in a few hours or I could also use sharpie markers on shoes if they are suede or smooth leather and it’s instantly dry. I’ll also do $5.00 for face paint.”

More info about the fair, here.