Klea McKenna

Look for more Klea McKenna in the current issue of "Black and White Photography" magazine

Basic Blue Jeans? Nah!

I've become a bit bored of blue denim. Lately, I've been really into my skinny black and grey stiped pants (which I've seldom worn over the past three years) and my black and grey plaid pants. Denim is great (and perfect for some looks), but I like to have something unexpected on my bottom half these days. I may even wear skirts more often.

Anyone else feel this way?

The times....

photo by stacey mark

I haven't blogged much this summer. For that, I apologize. I love interacting with you guys and getting inspired by your blogs. It's just that I've changed a lot, positively. Major things in my life (and heart) are different because I stopped running away from changes that needed to be made. A less serious issue that I've been mulling is this: being the kind of person who wears the same few items of clothes for years, not worrying over what the don't have, but enjoying the creativity of reinventing and cherishing a small collection of clothes or being the type of person who understands that they are privileged, knows that there are much less fortunate people out there (who can't even afford one, necessary, pair of shoes) and sincerely appreciates the lifestyle that they have. My relatives have said, "You are young, you are stylish. Have fun with your clothing." But I felt that I was not honoring the gift of creativity that I have been given. For a long while I've contemplated consigning excess clothes that are not versatile and living simply. Lately, I've been living in a middle ground between my two choices. I can go shopping, see things I like, and come home with nothing simply because I don't need them. Sometimes, I find a garment that stands out. Something that I can see myself in for years to come that will go through processes reinvention, like artwork. I consign things that I don't really wear and alter of dye clothes that have potential. With my gifts comes great responsibility. By doing this I feel that I am honoring my gifts-feeding my creativity. I am thankful to be as fortunate as I am, but I don't want to abuse it.

There will still, of course, be posts where I gush over others designs, but this blog will probably focus more on music, art and my DIY projects. Stay tuned. I'll be posting more regularly soon!

Love,
Pretty In Black

Artemas Quibble

Here I tend to dwell on clothes, but I have a lot of jewelry. A LOT. I've recently enjoyed taking my jewelry apart to create a new pieces. But nothing compares to the journey one takes in searching through thrift stores and ethnic boutiques for interesting pieces. Recently, I've been enchanted by Artemas Quibble. The designer uses vintage found vintage objects (anything from jewelry to 18th century books and clocks) to create beautiful yet severe pieces. He even made a pretty sick, trashed pair of pants that I would love to wear - with his leathers of course. Sorry vegans.

Artemas Jason Ross

http://www.artemas-quibble.com/

An e-mail from Lucia of HoneyMag made me aware of this amazing Vivenne Westwood top! I haven't worn much blue in a while. Yet, one color that I am particularly intrigued by is cobalt. The only cobalt clothes that I own are my chucks (that I've had since 7th grade) and a mini skirt. I'm in love with the way the cut of the Westwood top echoes a dress. Feminine, yet bold.

There's a similar shirt at Free People that has my attention also.