Coney Island Baby: Lola Star halter with Natalie Suarez/Volcom top

Posted by Sabina on May 20, 2012 in Blog | 4 comments

Generally speaking, fashion illustrators tend to do two kinds of illustrations: Pictures of things we’d like to wear but no one’s designed yet, and things that have already been designed but we don’t own…yet… but would like to. Generally, the idea when doing the latter is do something that satisfies the soul without breaking the bank, specifically draw the clothes you want but can’t have. However in my case…. well, it’s kinda been backfiring. See, I don’t tend to swoon over outfits that make their way down runways or into the closets of celebrities as often as I lust after real-life-friendly items that can actually be found at stores… and at prices that are within the realm of reality. So illustrating the clothes I like just tends to make me even more jazzed about buying the piece rather than feeling like I no longer need to acquire it. Some examples would be the Modcloth Stripe Dress, which I illustrated here and ordered this week, an Another Man’s Treasure mint skirt I got last month and a red floral Free People dress I bought before that. There’s more, but… well, you get the picture(s).

Anyway, for this lil’ piece, there are naturally a couple of fashionable goodies I was inspired by when breaking out the watercolors. Pictured here is a red, pleated midi skirt, designed by a model whose blog I follow, Natalie Off Duty. If you’re tempted by this piece as I am, keep your eyes peeled because Natalie Suarez’s line, designed in collaboration with Volcom, is scheduled for release in June. As for the top, it was inspired by one of the ultra-affordable designs by Brooklyn-based boutique owner Lola Star. The striped halter top (though partially obscured by the girl’s hair here) reads “Coney Island” on a banner hung by adorably illustrated swallows. I couldn’t resist putting the Coney Island parachute jump in the background, in keeping with this outfit’s easy, beachside glamour.

Pinup Girl Clothing Leopard SwimSuit as Modeled by Masuimi Max

Posted by Sabina on May 12, 2012 in Blog | 16 comments

Although I don’t dress this way too often, I do happen to be a big fan of the 1950s, rockabilly, pinup girl look, and I recently re-discovered an online retail shop for clothes of that style, which I’m certain is going to be the death of me. Or at least my bank account!

Anyway that site would be Pinupgirlclothing.com, where I’ve spent the past couple of weeks ogling all the halter dresses and retro swimsuits. Interesting how sexy a one pice swimsuit that covers one’s entire booty can be so much sexier than a thong bikini! But then, a lot of sexiness is confidence, and well, the models working it for this e-tailer just ooze it from every pore. For this reason I decided to illustrate one of them, Masuimi Max, who was modeling, among other fab pieces, a glamorous leopard print bathing suit paired with a badass attitude.

I had so much fun painting this portrait, that I’m sure I’ll be illustrating more pinup girls soon, so stay toon-ed!

This post is linked to Sunday Sketches.

1950s Flair: WIP

Posted by Sabina on Apr 29, 2012 in Blog | 18 comments

Happy Sunday everyone. Just wanted to post a lil’ something I’m working on, specifically a fashionable chick rocking the 1950s look. It’s a WIP but I wanted to have something ready for Sunday Sketches.

UPDATE: Here it is. Model wearing a Modcloth Cinch You Asked Dress, Vintage Reserve Lucile Heels, and Hollywood if I Could sunnies.

When Everything Old is New Again: The Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show

Posted by Sabina on Apr 27, 2012 in Blog | 8 comments

For vintage lovers in New York City, last weekend was a twice-annual holiday, the Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea. Vendors come from all around the country to sell at this event and those who love to shop for vintage–for themselves or for resale or as inspiration for designers–happily shell out $20 for the privilege.

I wrote a story for Town & Village about the event that came out today. The story’s not online so if anyone wants a copy of the paper, just email me. But if you just want the condensed version: There were tons of calf-length dresses in sheer floral fabric; I noticed many were from the 20s and 30s. Prices ran from around $285 to $550. There were also lots of bright graphic printed items from the 1950s and some filmy, white turn-of-the-century lace slips that wouldn’t fit any non-starved person I know. Men’s wear was muted: think dark colors, ties, tie tacks and vests.

The clothes were all fun, though I ended up leaving empty-handed; I find it hard to shop when I feel overwhelmed, not to mention when I’m supposed to be working. I did however leave with some great free advice on shopping for vintage from fashion writer Lynn Yaeger, who I spotted shortly after she arrived.

Her tip: “If the fabric’s rotting, don’t buy it, no matter how beautiful it is,” Yaeger said. “It can’t be fixed.”

If you missed this year’s Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show, but want to attend in the future, no worries; it takes place every spring and fall.

Photos top to bottom:

Vendor Ignacio Quiles of GP & Monty

Fashion writer Lynn Yaeger

Shopper browses at the Tangerine Boutique booth

Vendor from Amarcor Vintage

All photos taken by me, some previously published in Town & Village 

French Girl Chic, Inspired by Striped Modcloth Dress

Posted by Sabina on Apr 22, 2012 in Blog | 22 comments

I don’t know what it is about French girls but I’ve never encountered one who didn’t know how to dress. When it comes to style that’s the right mix of feminine, casual yet put together, and luxurious, somehow they always get it right. So yeah, they’ve earned their reputation, collectively, as fashion editor muses.

Recently I spied with my little eye a striped dress on the Modcloth website, which to me just embodied Parisian chic. I unfortunately waited too long to get it and some other, lucky girl snapped up the last one, leaving me with some major un-buyers remorse.  I don’t remember the name or the label of the dress, so I’m posting this illustration here (and at the Modcloth Flickr pool)to see if anyone else remembers who designed it–and to see if I can get the e-tailer to stock it again!