I raided Missy’s closet, as I always do when she goes out, and played around in the yard.
Thanks Melissa!

My latest handmade Etsy craving…

Behida Dolic’s collection is inspired by 1920′s and 30′s silent films as well as modern architecture.  Each piece is hand made and one of a kind.  I love the drama and romance captured in this particular hat but please check out her Etsy shop Yellowfield7,  there are many more styles.  Comment and let us know which one you see yourself in.

This is my latest creation, soon to be up for sale.

If you would like one of your own leave me a comment and we’ll make it happen.

I got dressed this morning thinking Missy and I were going to be running errands.  Heels may not be the most comfortable things but they make me feel fancy sometimes and it was a fancy kind of day.  We left Rachel with the kids and sped off into freedom…

When we finished all of our to-do’s and had more time to be Cokas kid free we went on a hunt for nature.  I had totally forgotten about Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve and Missy had never been. It felt so good to walk in the woods, even in heels. The nature preserve is tucked in the middle of East Lyme. The trails aren’t too long and clearly marked. It’s a perfect spot to go if you want to forget about bills and the laundry you have waiting back home. I will be repeating this adventure again very soon.

khadija working on a pair of baby bloomers.

I have been blessed with a college intern.  Khadija Griffith is a dance major at Connecticut College and asked Cristin (over at Aticc Boutique)  and I if she could work with us for her summer internship.

I met Khadija when she modeled for Cristin’s clothing line at Super Moda runway show in 2009.  She went on to model for both Cristin and I on many more occasions.  She has been a wonderful asset to our events.  In February’s Re-vamp fashion show she choreographed and performed (along with Susan Connelly and Rachel Potchoiba) a dance piece to open my line. Did I already say she’s very talented?  Anyways, I am excited to have her work with me.

Tuesday was our first session. She did spectacular job. I’m looking forward to showing her many more things.

Promo video for First Night Fashion Show August 2008

featuring Cristin Gallagher for Ima and Me for Raw Culture…

Ok, It is finished. We did it: 5 designers, 1oo designs, 25 models and 350 guests…Wow.

 Big thanks to all who gave their time and donated props for the show.

I’m exhausted. I’ve got a little post show blues but, it was all worth it. The toughest part of runway show is you spend so much time working on the event and clothes then when it is all over you realize you have no idea how your line looked. Then you have to wait until people begin getting pictures back to you. I tend to have a little blue moment the day after everything is done.

That being said… We got great feed back. People genuinely seemed to enjoy the show. I pushed myself this time and tried things out of my comfort zone. As always with these events I learned a lot. I am still working on my time management. It’s not an easy thing to be doing makeup, staging and runway practice when I should be working on last minute fittings and order. I also think the models were exhausted by the time it was my turn to present my collection. They’re becoming pros though and pulled though for me. I’m starting to think I should start a modeling agency with the raw talent we have around here. I truly feel blessed to have these girls.

I just can’t imagine what we could pull of if we actually had a budget!

Silver drape front cardigan

• $36 – dorothyperkins.com

Spaghetti Strap Jumpsuit

• $29 – forever21.com

Bedroom Athletics Faux Fur Slipper Boots

• $37 – oli.co.uk

Grey Floral Tassle Scarf

• $24 – missselfridge.com

Fair Isle Slouchy Beanie Hat

• $40 – topshop.com

1st Model Call

It has begun. I have thrown myself into another world-wind adventure. I will be creating new fashions for my clothing line Raw Culture, to be shown at the closing event for the Hygienic Art Gallery’s annual No Judge, No Jury show.

I do think that it is an insane commitment to make on the heals of a big move. Planning events is one thing, but planning and coordinating everything for the show as well as making a new line and merchandise with no budget in a month and a half … Well it’s a rush. I couldn’t help myself.

I will be working along side Cristin Gallagher and Susan Hickman to organize this event. I couldn’t pass up the chance to work with Cristin again. I feel 100% confident working with her. Everything we’ve done together has been a success. I am sure Susan is going to be a huge asset this time around too. There will be 5 designers showing men and woman’s fashion. This will be true underground fashion at it’s best.

We had our first open call for models last night. We had a good turnout. we are still looking for a couple more male and female models. We will be holding one more open call on Jan. 3rd at the Hygienic Gallery at 7pm. Hope to see you there.

I will keep you all posted on my progress.

Things to add to my wish list…

Elastic Cinched Shrug – here

Stripe Body - here

H&M skirt – here

Navy Suede Pump - here

Fiorelli Metal trim shoulder bag – here

Twisted Multi Bangle set - here

Snake Bracelet - here

Gilded and Glistening Diamonds - here