Hey guys n' gals!

Congrats to Red Head Ruby on her two year anniversary!

Go check it out, and enter to win a pair of my signature round SparkleLux earrings in Kookie.

Contest closes at midnight (PST) on Sunday, October 21, 2012.

http://www.redheadruby.com/2012/10/two-year-blog-anniversary-and-first.html

Nick Curran: 1977-2012

It's been hard to try and wrap my head around the fact that Nick Curran is no longer with us.

It's a damn crying shame.

When I think back to the first time I saw Nick many moons ago, this comes to mind:

Young, perfect hair, good looking... COVERED in lipstick. Yes, it was like that. 

I secretly wanted to follow suit. However, my reasons were much different from those of the cholas that attacked him. Yeah, he was cute and all, but my attraction wasn't akin to that of those crazed, lipstick-wielding fangirls. It was that of the deepest respect. It's rather hard to explain. I guess I will start off by saying that folks like him are few and far between. 

First off, his presence has to be mentioned. Sure, plenty of people have it, but not like he did. I'm talking on AND off-stage. I can't recall which weekender I was at, but I remember being in a huge, crowded room. Just a massive sea of people. Somehow, my eyes just zeroed in on him toward the back of the room and were sort of fixated for a bit. I remember thinking, "Wow." He was teeming with this crazy life energy. So down-to-earth. Everyone wanted to talk to him, too. Why not? Maybe some of what he had would rub off on the rest of us!

Stage-wise... Nick's voice was phenomenal. Like, holy shit, crap-in-your-pants phenomenal. While listening to his album Player for the first time, I came up with a theory that his body had been taken over by the spirits of all the great blues shouters that had passed on. Looking at the guy unknowingly, there was no way you would expect him to sound the way he did.  His guitar playing was top-fucking-notch, too. I'd find myself blown away, every time. He was the true definition of a rock and roller. It's like he invented the genre.

The main thing I've always admired about Nick is his love for music. I really dig music, too-- it's the main part of who I am. I can think of many others that are the same way. But really, I can't think of anyone that has the same sort of love Nick did for music. He didn't discriminate, he made it clear that he loved it all.


The coolest thing that Nick ever posted on the internet was his eighth grade picture, and the story of how he wanted to wear his Guns N' Roses shirt that day, but his mom made him wear some lame preppy shirt. He rebelled by throwing his leather jacket over the top of it, and later got in trouble. I was like, "!!!!!!!!!!" when I read it... because I already knew the entire story.

Photo nicked from Nick's Facebook profile. 

I had the same sort of story, from when I was in in 6th grade. I had bought a brand new Megadeth t-shirt when the Countdown To Extinction album came out and I wanted to wear it for picture day. My mom said not no, but HELL NO and made me wear some itchy-ass blouse that used to make me feel super self-conscious. What did I do? Threw my leather jacket on right before pictures, much to the dismay of my teacher, the photographer and of course, my mom (though she didn't bust my balls too much about it. Besides, she was the one who bought it for me in the first place). Oddly enough, our hair looked similar.

It all boils down to individuality. Some people search their entire lives to find themselves. Others know who they are and what they like, right off the bat, and don't care what others have to say about it. That's the number one thing I've always admired about Nick. He definitely fell into the latter category, and ruled at it.

Seeing Nick develop from a young hepcat-looking feller to his eclectic mix of this and that which only he could pull off was a awesome thing. I really admired him for being HIMSELF, not what everyone else wanted him to be. He first played for a closed-minded scene that thought you could only look/dress, act a certain way and only play certain music. Nick didn't give a shit about any of that and did it his way.

FUCK CANCER.

I'm really tired of hearing about it and thinking about it. It's all around us. I'm tired of losing people to it. I'm tired of having to see people you know, care about and/or admire go through hell. Especially when they're so young and talented like he was.

To have Nick on this planet was a blessing and it pisses me off that he left so soon. It pisses me off that there are so many people still here who harm others, who are lying, scummy, dishonest, horrible people. It seems like they are always the last to remain and the good ones are the first to go. That I will never understand.

Farewell, Nick. You were an extremely special individual. You were unbelievably strong, your drive to get better was relentless. Your positive disposition was very contagious! You gave us so much raw, exciting music to enjoy. You were loved and admired by so many. Things will be a lot different without you, but I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say that this world would have been a hell of a lot less exciting without you.  Respect... then, now and forever.

Nicked from Jessica!

I personally think he did this better than Etta James. 

Nudeedudee and Pinup Girl Clothing reviews

I've been keeping an eye on e-tailer Nudeedudee for quite a while now. Though most of the designs are '30s and '40s style (not really my cup of tea), I've heard nothing but excellent things about the craftsmanship of the garments, as well as the quality of the fabrics the designer, Kim Stewart, uses. 

As many of you know, I mostly dislike reproduction clothing (and modern clothing, for that matter. Especially modern clothing). Inferior fabrics are the number one thing that will put me off on a garment. Second are the cheesy designs that look like they kinda could have been from back then, but totally weren't. Don't get me started on incorrect cuts and rises! Nudeedudee uses vintage patterns, deadstock fabrics (or reproduction and modern fabrics that aren't cheap and are made right!), and a whole lotta knowledge of what the old stuff was all about!The thing that draws me most to this clothing line is that they are made by hand by talented seamstresses in Los Angeles, California! Handmade in the USA stuff is totally worth all the extra pennies, to me! Plus, the unique factor is what really excites me. I remember when I found the coolest graduation dress when I was in junior high, only to turn up and two other girls were wearing it! That sucked. I see that happening a lot with the bigger repro brands when I'm out at assorted events. I swear that would be my worst nightmare come true (all over again). 

Anyway, I had been lemming this drop-dead-gorgeous '40s-style sarong made out of the most beautiful, vibrant tropical rayon fabric I've ever laid eyes upon. I was even  more amazed to find that it wasn't vintage stock rayon (there IS hope out there)!

I LOVE rayon. Yet, it's one of those things that piss me off. I could wear nothing but rayon, but finding garments made from it that don't cost an arm and a leg OR that don't have a cheesy print (a la middle aged men's vacation-wear) on them is a rarity. So, when I spotted this dress, I jumped at the chance to own it.

The cut of the dress is absolutely to-die-for. It drapes just right and is totally adjustable. My only issue is trying to find the right shoes to go with it (I prefer the stilettos of the late '50s/early 60s than any of the earlier stuff). Maybe I'll finally bust out some of those souvenir wedges I've been hoarding for years!

Kim is churning out some dresses with reissued Alfred Shaheen print fabric... I've already got my eye on one! Yes, I'm plotting my next purchase!

Make sure to check out Nudeedudee on Facebook
...and don't forget out the most important Etsy shop link HERE!

Okay, here are the pics of the dress I've been rambling on about! Get a bucket to catch all of your drool!

Wipe your mouth! 

I am a defective girl in that I don't own two huge closets full of clothing and 250 pairs of shoes. That is because I am SO picky about the things I wear. I constantly moan about my shortage of bottoms... namely capris/pedal pushers and cigarette pants. Why? BECAUSE IT IS SO HARD TO FIND GOOD ONES. I stopped buying the vintage bottoms (online, at least) years ago. I fell victim to the "old clothes at weekenders" one too many times and wasn't keen on having to slyly exit out of a crowded room because my pants had split up the cheek and my panties were exposed. I want a certain style, but something that isn't going to fall apart on me. 

There are a few things I look for when looking for bottoms:

•  Rise -- I will not wear anything with a low-rise. 13 is pushing it. I like a 14" rise a whole lot, but a 15" rise will make me squeal!
• Side or back zip - People always refer to anything with a high rise as being a "mom" jean or pant. It only looks that way, to me, if it zips in the front. Aside from regular ol' Levis, anything with a front zip looks so 'blah' and unflattering. 
• Leg width - I like slim-fitting trousers. Nothing worse than a capri pant with wide legs... and of course, cigarette pants were made to be slim-fitting. 
• Pockets - if they're not jeans, I don't want back pockets. 
• Belt loops - I prefer my pants without, especially when it comes to repro garments. I dislike it even more if the garment comes with a belt. 
• Rhinestones or other added "bling" - I wouldn't be caught dead. Embroidery falls in the same category.
• Ankle - I like a little slit at the ankle, but can live without it.

That really narrows things down, doesn't it?

I had been scouring the internet looking for a nice pair of pants because I really didn't have anything. Ms. Picky was having the hardest time finding anything. Then I came across the black Deadly Dames Cigarette Pants over at Pinup Girl Clothing.

I must admit, I was skeptical of purchasing the Deadly Dames Cigarette Pants because of one thing: STRETCH. Yes, the dreaded "S" word. The 3% spandex contained in the 97% cotton scared me. I loved the way the pants were cut. They zipped in the back! Darts where darts should be!  No cheesy belts or pockets or other add-ons. Micheline's ass looked phenomenal in them. Why didn't I just take the plunge?

In the past when I have purchased cotton sateen garments that had a stretch, they always looked splendidly craptacular once I washed them. They'd lose their sheen and it would be so hard to iron out the wrinkles. It's like they would suddenly turn to seersucker without the cheesy plaid motifs. 

Also, I have a 12" difference between my hip measurement and my waist measurement. It is SO hard to find pants that don't fit all funky in the waist because of this. The site wasn't specific on rise or anything like that. It was this two week battle over "Yes! Order them!" and "But what if you don't like them?" I never trust the size charts. I have always been so let down.

Anyway, I finally grew a pair and bought the pants (I guess a coupon code was the main motivator). Why the hell did I put up such a fuss?! Besides, it's not like I couldn't return them. I baffle myself sometimes.

These go on and fit like all the vintage pairs I've ever owned. They fit perfect everywhere! I didn't have that stupid gap in the waist that one will get with most modern pants due to the waist and hips having nearly the same measurement.

The cut of the pants makes my ass look AMAZING. 
The stretch wasn't bad, either. Just the right amount! One thing I always disliked about some vintage bottoms is how you'll get a pair and they look SO amazing on, but it's difficult to sit down comfortably... or stoop down, or do anything but stand there. You can do all of those things in them. You can even do a cartwheel (yes, I tried).

Their cotton sateen is of superior grade. I've washed mine several times and they don't look dull, puckered or misshapen. The care instructions say to dry flat, but I've had to dry mine as to shrink them a bit because I like them TIGHT. Even though I'm going against the 'rules', they still look good, like the day I got them.

I do plan on ordering additional pairs... in black! I'm really thinking about getting the tiger print pair, as well.

The Deadly Dames Cigarette Pants get two thumbs up from me. You need a pair, right now.

Lookit that ass! Yes, yours can look that good!

Go chopping!

The big secret unveilied...

All week, I've been on about something happening on Friday. Some big secret.
Well, it's Friday, and guess what?

That's what.

Meet Caliente.

Want to get your hands on a pair? Yes, they will be available for order soon...

But, my awesome friend Aurora Lady is giving away a pair on her blog. Check out my interview, and enter to win these opulent beauties. Hurry! Contest closes on Tuesday.

Check it out here:
http://www.auroralady.com/sparklelux-an-interview-and-giveaway-with-miss-tayva/


Happy Friday, everyone!

xoxoxo

Wasappening!

Man, o man. I've been super busy lately. A big thanks goes out to my customers-- both the loyal ones that have been there since day one... as well as all the new ones that keep cropping up! It may sound a little goofy, but I'm always so excited when I'm creating my earrings. It's so much fun and I'm always eager to hear the customer's reaction when they see my creation(s) for the first time.

That said, I'd like to share with you some of my latest creations and collaborations. 

Say hello to "Poison Ivy". I'd like to hoard these and keep for myself (yes, ALL OF THEM!) because I love them so much. I'm really digging my convex teardrop shape. The technique I use with these creates a 3D effect and everything captures the light and shines brilliantly! Today, I've listed up a ready-made pair for sale (check my listings). But since there is only one pair, you can pre-order a pair here:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/109293884/made-to-order-poison-ivy-confetti-lucite

Ah yes, the sweet and stunning Lisa Love. I'm so thrilled to have her modeling my jewelry! She truly is the epitome of class and glamour and I gotta say, she and these "Million Dollar Mermaid" earrings compliment each other perfectly.
Photo by Chris Gomez

Here she is wearing a one-of-a-kind, custom pair of earrings that I made for her.
Photo by Chris Gomez

This is Bri, and she's wearing my "Weekiwachee" earrings. This has been a popular summer selection with my customers. Brilliant marine blues stand out against a gold-flecked black background.
Photo by Marco Patino

https://www.etsy.com/listing/103503565/round-confetti-lucite-earrings-in

Another shot of Bri wearing "Jubilee" corrugated earrings.
Photo by Marco Patino 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/99180960/confetti-lucite-corrugated-atomic 

This item is due to be in my shop shortly (although I will take custom orders for it now).
This is "Fortune Teller", named after my favourite Benny Spellman song.
Black and silver stars, charcoal flake. I recently made these upon request of a good friend of mine. I loved the way they turned out so much that I decided to offer them to everyone!

I can't recall if I've posted these here before, but this is Palm Springs. Inspired by my favourite place on earth! Metallic desert tones make this a popular favorite.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/108973155/sparklelux-confetti-lucite-earrings-in 

I've not yet offered these up, but plan on doing so. This is "Telstar". This is merely a production photo, but I snapped several shots of these to try and capture just how awesome these came out. They capture the light even more than the photograph depicts!
The purple ones on the left are a special round pair of "Drifter" (gold and brilliant royal purple)  that I made for another one of the Beatnik wives. 

I call this one "Twixteen" and I've been receiving a lot of positive feedback on this one.
Gold and magenta accent a generous helping of blue shimmer.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/108972639/sparklelux-confetti-lucite-earrings-in

On Friday, September 14, I'll be announcing something super killer, so stay tuned to this spot.
Hope everyone is having a great Wednesday!

Purple Obsession!

I love violets. I am obsessed with their visual beauty. Obsessed with all things scented violet. Even more obsessed with the flavor of candied violets. 

So much that I constantly eat the candy, the candied petals, and now I've purchased a big ol' bottle of violet liqueur. For baking purposes, I swear. 

I am DYING to make violet-flavored French macarons. Eventually, I'd like to grow my own parma violets so I can candy my own petals (the price of these is RIDICULOUS). 

Anyway, here is some violet porn. 

Candied Violettes lip balm by Tokyo Milk. A definite staple in my makeup bag!

Rothman and Winter Creme de Violette liqueur. Pricy (shipping can be ridiculous for this), but so worth it. For baking, I swear. 

Parma Violets from England. I have an entire case of these!

Violettes de Toulouse perfume. Smells AMAZING, and who can resist this gorgeous bottle/atomizer!

Candied parma violet petals. 

Non-alcoholic violet syrup from Monin. I can't wait to purchase some of this!

This is a cocktail that has violet liqueur in it. Violet liqueur pairs well with citrus flavors. Doesn't seem like it, but they enhance the flavor and make for a stronger candied violet taste. 

Violet macarons with violet buttercream; crushed candied violet petals for garnish. I can't wait to bake these!

Choward's violet candies. I always have these on hand. I get them from World Market. 

Meterorites, by Guerlain. ALL of their makeup products have the essence of candied violets! I especially love their face powders because of this. 

The long discontinued Meteorites perfume by Guerlain. I HATE that this is discontinued. This is, in my opinion, the best violet scent in existence. Or that was in existence...

Vintage cowboy light fixture cover!

Thought I'd share this awesome light fixture cover that I sold yesterday. 

Dia de los Muertos Rock n' Roll Diorama!

My fabulous friend Nikki Hill commissioned me to do this Dia de los Muertos diorama box.

If you attended this past Viva Las Vegas, it's probable that you saw Nikki perform! 

I first met Nikki in 2007 in Green Bay, WI when my friends Big Sandy and Danny B. Harvey introduced me to her. There she was -- this little doll of a gal, playing slots with Lemmy (yeah, THAT Lemmy). I've kept in touch with her on and off throughout the years... but lately, we're in touch a LOT. We have this whole vintage clothing barter system thing going! :-)

Anyway, I know her musical tastes and I wanted to create something unique for her-- not the typical stuff you see around. I had so much fun working on this. Not only is it something she would love, but that I loved, too (makes my job much easier). 

Everything was totally handmade. 

Her dress is made of leopard print rayon!

Little Richard and Charles Brown!

Portable record player based upon an old Spear-tone. 
Period correct "tile" floors!

Esquerita and a bullet planter with a little plant I made. 

The outside of the box!

I will eventually be taking commisions for these. You'll hear it here, first!
I am currently swamped with several of these.
I can pretty much make any type of scene you'd like. 
By the way, Nikki has several gigs in California, coming up in August.
She is playing with my personal favourites, The Rip 'Em Ups, and also my other favourite, Big Jay McNeely. Oh, and another with Phil Alvin! If you're in California, make sure to check her out. She is AMAZING! 

SparkleLux!

Moonglow!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/104152120/round-confetti-lucite-earrings-in

The best present, ever.

Yep, you read that right.

SparkleLux - new color schemes to come!

I am proud to announce a few new color schemes from my confetti lucite jewelry line, SparkleLux.

I apologize for the craptastic photos. I snapped these quickly on my phone--I am in the midst of working on a ton of new pieces, so these are 'works in progress'. 

Clockwise, from top left:
* Lilli - Delicate gold tinsel and iridescent icy flake in a curved teardrop shape
* Upsetter - Gold lurex and vibrant red confetti in my corrugated shape

* Date Bait - Candy pink sweetness!
* Drifter - Brilliant gold flake backed by royal purple sparkles
* Weekiwachee (new and improved!) Genuine abalone shells on glittering gold "sand"

These will be available on Etsy in the next couple of days!

Click HERE to visit my shop!

Hope everyone is having a nice, relaxing Sunday!

xoxoxo,
Tayva

Thinning out what I've accumulated.

As far as 'collecting' goes, I think I'm pretty tame in comparison with what I used to be. 



Man, I LOVE *things*. I have my collections of this and that. Throughout the years, I've definitely downsized my wardrobe, my kitchen stuff and all the rest of the stuff in my house. 

Moving has made me even MORE aware of STUFF. 

I didn't realize how much STUFF of mine that has been hanging around my mom's house since the late 90s when I moved out. Not to mention all of the STUFF that has been lingering around in my storage/laundry room. 

I'm having a yard sale to remedy that... tomorrow morning. Eeeek! As always, I think it's going to be an easy task. Of course, it never is!

I made a rule... if it's been packed away for a certain amount of time (or if I haven't worn it in a couple of years), it goes bye-bye. So far, I've been pretty good about adhering to my rule! This yard sale is a part of just that... less stuff I have to deal with when setting up my new house. PLUS... room for ALL NEW STUFF. 

I know how I am while residing in California. Swap meets are my absolute favourite. I ALWAYS come home with something! :-)

I've slowly been listing choice clothing pieces on Etsy.

Today, I listed these:

This was one of my absolute favourite skirts! 
I flipped when I found it... WESTERN + PENCIL SKIRT?! 
Yeah, not something you see every day!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/103267865/killer-1950s-western-flecked-wool-pencil

The blouse I bought for myself but never wore...
It's just sooooooo teeny! 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/103270863/1950s-style-purple-marc-jacobs-blouse-xs

One thing I love... getting rid of my old wares and replacing them with NEW ONES! This year, I've had some wonderful finds (and have done a lot of trading with pals, too!). I'll share those with you in a future post. For now, I have to get back to preparing for my yard sale!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Friday! 
xoxoxo