Artisitc Media: Bikes and Clothing

One can encounter inspiring expression in the way people use themselves as canvases to be adorned.  This was the theme of the bike ride with the Tucson Bicycle Belles this week as we rode to the Loft Cinema to watch a movie about a street fashion photographer from the New York Times.  The film was called Bill Cunningham New York. It was sweetly inspiring to see this smiling modest man live out his love of finding beauty (for over 50 years) through the lens of his camera, whilst riding his bike about the city. He does not discriminate between high fashion and quirky ensembles, the rich and famous and the common commuter.  It was also Kylie's B-day -Happy Birthday Kylie!!

To get in the spirit for the film, many of us dressed up (something I simply can't pass up) .

 

The Yetman sisters - bright and refined!

 

Kristen in her tiara with the b-day girl, 

Kylie in a fabulously flowing dress. 

 

Yep, that's me rockin' the leopard print.

Phoenix took this pic before I headed out 

to meet the group at the gastropub Wilko

 

One of my favorite local artists, Janet Miller, 

who encouraged me to share my art blog 

with the Belles after sharing my enthusiasm 

with her about taking photos of the styles & event.

Janet has a great vintage, lace hat on and one of those 

neat antique style face silhouette necklaces to go with her stripey 

dress. See her innovative skirt guard on her bike!  I first met her when 

I joined in helping the bike decoration stop she organized at Cyclovia in 2010 :)

cute helmet fashion :)

 

Bicycle Belle with Bike Beau

 

the ride to the theater 

the desert summers are kind by giving us cool nights

 

another colorful pretty site 

our bikes all lined up before the theater

I sincerely see dressing up as an opportunity to articulate my joy of colors and my love of uniquely configured style. I enjoy days of tuning out of the material life as much as many folk do, but then there are those days where I am glad I have a closet full of playful and fanciful items to mix and match-  collected over time.

The Bicycle Belles are a new Tucson group that has Kylie and others have formed to create fun ways for women to ride fun places together and share great resources. I was excited to bring my camera along because I love the aesthetics of Tucson culture and was inspired by Bill to document our wonderful displays of life. Everyone looked quite lovely! I think I will join them again for their next picnic!

Flora and Polinators

This post is for all the peeps who like to wear a little something special to liven up or get them through the day.  I see you out there and I know the uplifting feeling of adding a touch of extra you-ness to the day. Enjoy today your way! So, here is a little something I like to craft to brighten my outfits too...

Busy Bee Minding His Beeswax Business

Pic above- I took in Arroyo Seco NM.
Real life inspiration for crafts to wear with you all day.

My June Bug below: Perfect to wear as they come out this summer :)

Accompanied by a button rose I bought at Conspire.
Gotta support artists when I am inspired by their craft ideas.

Dressing up for work makes the day simply more fun in the morning and keeps it going all day long.  Dressing up with flowers helps keep me being my best self. It helps makes life feel splendid and charmed.  And but of course every flower needs its pollinator... it's only natural.

A different June Bug of mine, made of a stripey silk tie and an old muslin curtain and seashell button. Coupled with felt flower mom gave me for Xmas with awesome quilting like stitches gone crazy. I think she got it at an Etsy street fair. People are always commenting that they love it, ma! xo

A bedazzled bumble bee with a crystal from a broken vintage bracelet, polka-dot ribbon and felt.  Peace lily courtesy of SpellMonster Creations (the fantastic Alexandra)... one of my favorite types of flowers in real life and in paintings. I will have to share a pic of the felt broach ones I designed one day. Jenn gave me a great metal wasp pin once which for years I wore for luck some days. I think missing it motivated me to create more :)

Broaches- check! Sundress- check! Boots- check! 

And now I'm ready to go out!

 

And there's more where that came from!  Life is simply sweeter with a silk flower in your hair. You can get half a dozen at the dollar store for a satisfying assortment of choices when getting dressed.  I stitch bobby pins to mine which can also be clipped to clothes.  I wish I also had more of my grandma Hazel's old broaches and costume jewelry. You know what that also reminds me of? Shoe clips... aren't those just wonderful!  I need to make me some.