[Designer Spotlight: Regalia Designs]

(Credit: Model: Vivid Vivka, Photographer: Ryder Makeup Labs)

Regalia Designs

NW Artist & Crafter:

Nicole Carter

Nicole Carter, founder of Regalia Designs and lifelong fashion maven, has been designing beautiful and unique hair clips since 2009.  She recognized her deep desire to fill the world with embellishment and color.

"I had seen other hair clips before, but I wanted something brighter, more sophisticated.... not so festival-furry-over-the-top, just pretty....."

Drawing inspiration from such fashion influences as Cleopatra, Heidi Klum, David Bowie, Frida Kahlo, Andre 3000, and Audrey Hepburn, Nicole crafts each original adornment with a gypsy-wedding style flair, where natural elements and luminous qualities unite.  Using delicate combinations of vintage rhinestones, unique feathers, fabric flowers, silk, Swarovski crystals, pearls, lace, and other delights, each accessory  is guaranteed to complement any any event, outfit, and style.

In addition to the hair clips, kitty ears and top hats are already available for purchase.  Patrons are able to order custom designs   for special occasions such as weddings, holidays, festivals, as birthday gifts, or for specific ensembles.  This includes wedding and bridesmaids dresses, burlesque and belly-dancing costumes, or for circus, theater, and dance performances,  After gathering important information about the person and event, Nicole will create a personally tailored piece to add a touch of class and sass, a pop of color, and an elegant finish to any look.

(Credit: Model:Carolyn Creasia; Photographer: Mandy Darling)

Love what you see?  Stay tuned for details, as Nicole seeks to include wire-working, leather working, and jewelry making into her repertoire for new ways to dazzle and excite.  I am also working with some of her pieces and I can't wait to share the finished results!  And don't forget to "Like" Regalia Designs on Facebook  and check out the Etsy Shop!

xo

- K

[Fall Trend Report 2012]

Get Your Fall Fashion On

*Guest Blogger Feature!*

With fall just around the corner, guest blogger Zarah at My Big Fat Alt Life has prepared a list of our favorite up-and-coming trends for fall.

3. Oversized printed sweaters

 Let's be honest: sweaters in fall isn't exactly an earthshattering revelation, but we're thinking a little less Cosby and a little more couture.   However, though the Burning Heart Sweater on the left comes courtesy of Wildfox for a price tag of just under $300, if you need style on a budget, we've got an outfit for you for under $200, handbag and shoes included.  If you're looking for something a shade darker, we've love this wool-cashmere skull printed pullover from the brand 360.

2. Fur and Leather Platforms

Our apologies to PETA, but fur is back in this season and frankly, leather was never out. At only $95 from heels.com, the Luichiny boots to my left are a great way to get the look for less. The use of goat fur in these Jeffrey Campbell wedges ($160 from farfetch.com) is a touch outrageous while the design remains chicly understated. Laasskaa's goat fur and wood heels 

are far more unabashed in their style, revelling in their own macabre, high fashion glory. They wouldn't be out of place on the runway, on 1990s era Marilyn Manson or, if you have the fashion cred to pull them off, on your feet at your next big event.They may not be for the faint of heart, but good fashion rarely is.

  1. Velvet, velvet and more velvet

Throughout the ages, velvet was adored and worn religiously by nobility and Anne Rice

characters alike. From bohemian-gypsy types like Stevie Nicks to the old-school goths who still remain with us, clutching their crushed velvet and Bauhaus bootlegs, velvet has a history almost as rich and decadent as the fabric itself. It is no surprise, then, that it takes our number one spot for the season, starting with that painfully chic Emilio Pucci velvet jacket to the left. For your viewing (and shopping) pleasure, I've put together a complementary look for the $2500 jacket, though it is not for the faint of wallet. For those of you seeking a more afforable option, this Peter Pan-collared dress, a steal at just $38, will have you singing "Blue Velvet" in no time (our apologies to Mr. Lynch.) 

 But wait, what about me?

No, I haven't forgotten my plus-sized fashionistas. Here's a few of our fall favorites in size-friendly options:

 According to their size chart, BMA Modified carry the above sweaters and more in sizes up to 5X.

From ASOS Curve, this jersey and velvet dress and these velvet leggings come in up to a size 26. Also, carrying up to a 52" waist/64" hip, Persephone Plus carries more tradgoth velvetwear than you can shake a stick at.

[Note from Khrist: Thank you for all of your letters and emails! To those that have started the fast - from what I've seen, you've all had awesome results. You guys are an inspiration...keep on, and I'll be updating soon. <3]