All this week I’ve been working on putting together issue #5 of Joie magazine….you’ve probably seen my calls for contributors. I’ve had a lot of eponse from writers, but I am really looking for ore photographers to create photo essays and artists to illustrate some of the articles and provide background artwork as well. So, if you are an artist or a photographer, get in touch if you want more info on contributing. Email me at jen@indiefixx.com.
One of the photographers from the last issue is Sade Williams. Sade is a fashion and editorial photographer based in L.A. and she’s actually contributed to two issues of Joie now, but I really love her shoot for issue #4. It’s so dreamy. Take a look for yourself….
In the last few years, I’ve read lots of magazines and blogs talk about the mix of high/low fashion. It was a little funny to see high/low (the mixing of budget and designer fashion) be treated as a trend. Of course, this is how people dress, right? And now, thanks to people like Michelle Obama, it’s a celebrated style.
But I like to take it one step further and add DIY pieces to my budget and designer fashion mix. For me, DIY fashion is another way to express myself. Sometimes I do it to get a look that I can’t find in a store or can’t afford, and other times I do it just for fun.
You don’t have to be Project Runway-ready to give it a try either. Jewelry and accessories are a fun and easy place to start. I often flip through fashion magazines with an eye for pieces I can make myself, but if you’re not ready to start from scratch then there are lots of great blogs that share their how-to DIY projects.
Here are a few of my favorites to get you started, and in my next column I’ll share an original DIY with you.
I am, by nature, a minimalist. While I admire the colorful, the embellished and the over-the-top, those clothes just don’t feel ‘me.’ My tastes trend toward neutrals and clean, uncomplicated designs, especially when combined with fine materials and textures.
MATTEO is a company with that shares my philosophy. For 15 years they have been producing sheets from the best materials available and focusing on the highest level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. In fact, they still sew their products right in their Los Angeles workshop and garment dye them in small lots.
But it was only recently that I discovered, in addition to their bedding, Matteo also produces clothing and accessories perfect for casual weekend lounging. Hoodies, pants, dresses and scarves are all made from 100% cotton or 100% linen and available in the range of perfectly muted MATTEO colors.
I’m crushing on these picks from the Winter Indie Fixx Galleria. I’m so ready for spring and these goodies seem to be just perfect for spring. What about you? What are you drooling over from the current edition of the Galleria?
Plus, I’m calling all artists, crafters, designers, boutiques (both handmade & vintage)! Apply now for the juried Spring Galleria. All types of goods will be considered and all artists, designers, crafters and indie boutiques that create or carry handmade, vintage and/or indie made goods are welcome to apply. The Spring Galleria will run from March 15th to June 15th and the cost is $50 to participate (covers all 3 months). All participants will also be featured on Indie Fixx in my regular curated collections as well as have a banner in the Galleria Participants section on Indie Fixx (this is new for Spring). To apply: send me an email with your url and/or 2-3 small pics of your goods. I’d love to consider you!
Minx creates stylish yet wearable clothes. Their design emphasis is on comfortable clothing that doesn’t look like comfortable clothing and I love that!
This Indie Style 101 outfit brings handmade pieces, natural resources and a closet basic into play.
Nothing is more perfect that a comfy, cozy dress. I like choosing basic colors and classic pieces allowing for a blank canvas to decorate with my favorite accessories. This long-sleeved maxi dress is perfect for a lunch with the girls, a shopping run in town or an evening dinner date with your guy. A turquoise stone necklace adds such a great pop of color to the dark gray. And, the natural wooden watch and platforms provide texture to the whole outfit. I love incorporating nature into my ensemble. Grab a sleek clutch and you’re ready for whatever the day brings!
About the contributor: Christina Crooks is self-described as being a bit old-fashioned and a lover of over-sized rings. She loves owls, wings and metal things. You can follow vintage, art, design, style and other pretty things at her 6 petals blog.
