Bari J.

Defining Style and (if you are into that sort of thing) Brand via Pinterest

Defining Style and (if you are into that sort of thing) Brand via Pinterest

This is my "Art and Illustration" board from Pinterest. If you take a look, you might notice a theme or a mood of sorts.

You don't have to be an artist or a designer to want to have a defined style. You may not be defining a brand, but style is part of who we are as people, and one way we relate to the rest of the world. To accurately portray the way we feel and the sense of who we are, it's important to define for ourselves what our style is. 

When you think about it, it's a tough question to look at from the perspective of words, really. It's a lot easier, for me as a visual person, to be able to know by seeing.

That's one of the reasons I love Pinterest so much. I pin what I like, and it keeps me on track in terms of branding. I want to be on track because it's all too easy, to get distracted by things like what we "think" we should be, instead of just being who we are (speaks from experience). I know I'm a bright, flowery type of designer. I like complicated prints and lots of eye candy. And you can see that from my boards. The tone and mood of the boards shows who I am as a person, and who I am as a brand.

Even if you don't have a brand, or have no interest in branding, I encourage you to have fun with this great tool. It's not about the "stuff". We all have enough "stuff". It's nothing monumental when you think of the truly important things in life... It's simply about enjoying the aesthetics around us, having a little fun and being able to focus in on what our styles truly are. 

Warning: It's addictive.

Print and Pattern

Color Inspiration

Bijoux Maxi Dress

I have so much to tell you about quilt market and so many pictures to show, but this sweet face wanted a Bijoux maxi dress for the last day of school (tomorrow), and I couldn't resist her charms. Look at that gorgeous smile... she just got her braces off! For those of you who noticed, yes, she has taken over my new purse.

I totally winged this dress... Basically, I hemmed the top using my hem foot. Then I added 1/4" elastic by zig zag stitching it on just under the hem (the elastic is just slightly shorter than her measurement). Then I added the skirt which is simply the width of the fabric gathered just a touch. I did the elastic the same way at the waist. I put one seam all the way down the back after the top and skirt were sewn together. I used half inch seam allowances which was a good thing because we found after she put it on that it needed a slit in the back. So she can actually, you know... walk. I simply opened the seam at the bottom 12", slit the seam allowance to the stitching at the top, and folded the slit in 1/4" twice, and top stitched all the way around the opening. I back stitched several times at the top of the opening so that the stitching in the seam doesn't come out. And, no, I didn't bother matching the print. Don't judge.

Prints used: Bijoux Dancing Harvest in Guava for the skirt and Bijoux Embroidery's Fortune Rose for the top.

Happy sewing! 

Flips, Tees & Me Getting Carried Away

So, when I heard Flip was letting you Design Your Own Flip Camera, I HAD TO HAVE ONE. I wanted one for a long time, but when I heard that, well, I FLIPPED! Then I find out, I can list my design on Cafe Press, so you can buy one too, and I was totally sold. And now you can get your own Bari J. designed Flip Cam here... LOL.

But then my little brain started whirling, and I thought "Oooh, what else can I design?". So, I went and designed some of these... for all of my favorite Fabric Junkies... and now, you can get one here.

I'm so excited. I can hardly stand it. What should I do next? I'm just itching to design... Book and fabric lines be damned  But I think I'll get back to work... on my book.

Quilt Market III ... and there's way more than this too!

I gave up and stopped categorizing these pictures. They're all crazy mixed up, and that's the way they're going to stay. (Man, I have an uncanny way of creating more work for myself... I'm trying to give that up, but it's vuuuuurrrry difficult for me.).

Below is my new friend, Genevieve. She's also a new designer at Windham with her beautiful Collection, Flower Bucket. Genevieve also makes the most adorable jewelry. You can see some of it here. Wood, leather, total cute.

Next is Joanna Figueroa's booth, Fig Tree Quilts. Joanna is a local gal, and also a friend. She was so much part of my inspiration to get started. Her booth, btw, won best merchandising. You can see why.

Here is a shot of Jenean Morrison's marketing piece for her newest line for Free Spirit called Picnic Parade.

And here, a piece I nearly fell over when I saw by Paula Prass. It's in her new line, Summer Soiree for Michael Miller. I roomed with Paula, her daughter Jennifer AND Sandi Henderson. Four gals. One room. Tons of fun. And Miss Sandi... had a flip cam. She's in big trouble if she ever shows her recordings though. Makeup free and in pajamas. Hmmppff.

And, last (for today) but not least, Maw Bell Designs GORGEOUS quilt pattern. To die for, huh? And there's more more more to come. I didn't even show my very own space yet, did I?

Quilt Market II

There was so much to see. This (in no particular order) is just the tip of the iceberg. I was absolutely crazy about all of these designers, but Laura Gunn's debut collection from Michael Miller had me at hello. Check out the fabulous prints based on her paintings. They even have a textured look. Totally incredible. And not an easy effect to create on fabric. But it works SO well! Links are below.

LINKS: 

Patty Young

Valori Wells

Laura Gunn

Market report part I

Oh, you guys! Did I ever have fun. I Tweeted and photographed and socialized my way through quilt market. And I have so much to report back to you! It's going to take me days to report it all. Day one: just a few of the WONDERFUL sewing patterns that were at this market! You are going to loooove it! Links to all the websites are below.

LINKS:

Favorite Things

Sue Spargo

Indygo Junction

Too cool for school.

Oh, she is baby! Too cool. Much cooler than I ever was. Anna made these yesterday by cutting out motifs and glueing them on with permanent fabric glue. The back is just written in sharpie. Easy-peasy... and you gotta' appreciate her composition. I like her "Anna-tude" (until she uses it on me, that is)! 

A must see!

Yay! Good news. My friend Jennifer has opened her new Sis Boom web store with home goods, childrens, women's and more made from her own fabrics. As expected, it is super beautiful. The site, first of all, is just so Jennifer. She has the most wonderful (I'd say classic/vintage-modern) style...

I am especially happy that she decided to sell her tunics in finished form. Methinks I'd look super-cute in this one! I think it's going to have to be a gift to myself when I loose that last 10 lbs. When am I going to do that?

And I'm also thinkin' this pillow would look really fluffy fun on the little settee in my living room.

This is one of my favorite Jennifer Paganelli fabrics. There's something so not-too-sweet-but-just-sweet-enough about Jennifer's designs.

So, if you haven't already stopped by the new site, it's definitely a must do/must see/must shop.

How to wear bright colors when they're "off-season".

Tum dum... tee dee... What in the world do you wear with this in the Fall? I'm making new rules... are there rules anymore? No. no. no. no. There are no rules. If you are not in a completely cold climate where it's snowing and sleeting and something like this might get ruined, then I think it's perfectly acceptable to wear bright yellow, pink, green, blue and red all year. 

So I was forced to go shopping. 

And looky-loo what I found. I found an apple green jacket (fall fruit) at J.Jill... It's CORDUROY. And, if you ask me that is decidedly Fall-like. (Of course, in the Spring I'll tell you I think it's acceptable now too). Plus it was discounted from over $100 to $35. I'd actually been eying this for months and waiting patiently for it to be reduced... a game that paid off. They are having an awesome sale ... 25% off already reduced items. Wee hoo! I scored on a bunch of goodies...

Now, is there any way I could also wear this? And why is my daughter so embarrassed when I pick her up from school wearing it? I'm in the car... no one can even see me!

New Black and White Messenger Bag

Available here.

Oh, Jimmy Choo! You didn't have to!

According to The Bag Snob, I am the new "It Bag".

OK, not MY bags. A bag named for me.

Well, not named for ME.

Named, "Bari"... by none other than Jimmy Choo.

This gives me a good giggle because my name was the source of a lot of playground fodder.

As I wrote the other day, there is also a boot named Bari. Not by Jimmy Choo. By Miz Mooz.

It's a cute name after all, and apparently it means "Home" in Bengali. Who knew? It's also a town in Italy. Maybe that's the connection.

Anyways, thank you to Jimmy Choo who has gotten me a lot of web traffic. Fashionistas everywhere are busy Googling "Bari". If you are one of those fashionistas, you've found it. Bari by Bari J, that is.

Ooooh, I am going to have to name a bag "Bari". I never thought about naming one for myself.

Note to self... Design the new "It Bag". Name it "Bari".

Bari J.... Jimmy Choo. What's the difference???

EDIT: Oh GOOF! I wrote earlier that Jimmy Choo isn't a man, that's it's really designer, Tamara Mellon. Guess I wasn't paying too much attention to the Oprah show I saw her on because apparently Jimmy Choo was there too. They are actually a team. Oh my goodness! My apologies. See! I so have ADD!

Fashion, Santa Cruz Style

A while ago, I told you I'd be participating in a fashion show in Santa Cruz. It was last night actually, and it was so  much fun. I didn't get home until really, really late, and ended up eating In and Out Burger at midnight (never a good idea) because I realized on my way home much to my dismay that I hadn't eaten anything but a banana and some almonds all day. None the less, it was great to see my bags coming down the runway on some really gorgeous models.

There were professional photographers there who I will be getting photos from. But I did get a couple of shots off myself. However...

It is very clear that I am not a photographer. See? This is my one and only decent shot. I kept just missing when the models were actually facing me, and I was quite a distance away too.

This model is wearing a Lori Tote and clothing from Donna Lou in the Donna Lou runway show. I'm pretty certain that this photo doesn't do either of us any justice, but none the less, I'm kind of impressed with myself seeing my bags up there.

I also got to see some pretty cool shows. My  absolute favorite was Amour San Anguish, which means "Love without Anguish".  Designers Julie and Tawny have a style that is near and dear to me. They use recycled fabrics and findings (angels sing) to create the most incredible pieces for both women and children. Love without Anguish is in reference to their belief in making clothing without the use of sweatshops.

The detail on their pieces is undeniably original and intricate. And the layering of fabrics just blew me away. I found myself imagining the process of creating these incredible pieces. Did it all come together in an organic way? Did the designers have a grand plan before the piece was created? 

Their runway show was bird themed (which you know I love). There were feathers in the model's hair (which was styled somewhat nesty), bird cages as imagined handbags, and an ending vignette of all the models posing together in what I interpreted as birds on a wire. I was in complete awe.

This piece was featured in their trunk show, and I just couldn't keep my eyes off it. I'm telling you... these are two designers to look out for. Incredible!!!

Dreamin' about Winter?

  It's going to be around 100 degrees today, and I'm thinking about a winter coat I have been coveting (I must be hallucinating from the heat).

I met Elizabeth Holiday designer/owner of De Novo at an event over two years ago & have been dreaming of her fabulous coats and jackets ever since. I just stopped by her website, and lookie look what I found!!!

The one here is a faux Persian lamb. I actually have a real lamb shearling that was my Great Aunt Anne's made by my grandfather who was a furier... If he was here he'd tell you how he made coats for the Chicago mob and Sonia Henning. He had a million stories ...

Aunt Anne's coat is an incredible A-line shape with flared 3/4 length sleeves and a mink collar. I have not been daring enough to wear it in the San Francisco bay area. But I think I can get away with this faux version without having paint thrown on me by the PETA folks. I feel like walking around with a sign on me that says, "I did not kill an animal... it is faux". Or, "Give me a break. It was my Great Aunt's coat... It was long dead before the whole PETA movement. And besides, it was made by my Grandpa. Back off!" Yikes-a-doodle!

I'm also crazy about this one... It has a hood! How cute is that?

There's so much to choose from, but I think I must have this bolero jacket also made of the faux Persian lamb. It is screaming for one of my rhinestone brooches don't you think? It wants me to have it. If I had this jacket I would wear it right now in the 100 degree heat and all. Yup... now I've conviced myself... I have to have. Somebody needs to konk me over the head.

OK, all together now a big "Cha-Yum!" today for these coats. (When did I start saying Cha-Yum? Oh yeah, yesterday... I think I'll keep that one. I like it.) Have a good weekend all. Stay cool.

~b

Edit: Here's Aunt Anne's coat...

Tweet

Still scrappin'...

More "Scraplique"

I'm 'a havin' fun in the studio tonight. The husband is at a poker game, so there's no one to answer to and somehow or another I have quiet kids. It's a good thing too, because I actually have a lot of work... fun work, but work none-the-less. This is part of a handbag I was messing with tonight. I hope you can see the layering in the photo. It actually has a lot of depth in person. I started with a floral print & began cutting flowers out of another print and layering one on top of the other. There is also a lot of bunged up thread bits... I'm thinking of throwing in a word or two (maybe from a selvage?) somewhere secretly to see if anyone notices. There are also two vintage brooches hanging out in this little garden. I hope to have a lot of pieces similar to this one for a show I am doing in September. Stockpiling now for Fall and Winter. Loads of fun, but my husband has started to call my studio "The Cave". And he asks when the "bear" (ha ha, never heard that one before) is coming out.

Colorful Information

I like to think that I mostly ignore trends and that I just "do my own thing". But I got to thinking...specifically about color. Who decides what's "in"? And how does the average Joe find out what's coming up? Recently, I've found a great source of information on what's coming up is at pantone. I'm still not sure just "who decides", but I do know that they have a color trend report every season. And all sorts of color toys and helpful articles. I liked the one about the psychology of color.

This is what they say is coming up in case you are interested. I'm glad to see that brown is still in because I sure bought a lot of it. Also, that blue...thank goodness. Personally, I'm not so sure about the purple.

Thank you, Cindy!

Just finished up a little photo shoot with my beautiful model friend, Cindy... These are some of my favorites. Yup, the woman even has pretty feet!

 

Bags, stuff, and a cool new find to add to the "Who do you love?" List

A deep breath...A whole slew of handbags went marching out the door late this afternoon. I had meant to have them out by 9am, but, stupid me, I stayed up until 2am last night. This means that the girl who never oversleeps (at least not in my life with children unless I am super sick) overslept. I didn't wake up until my 9 year old jumped on the bed at 10am scaring me half to death. 10am! I don't think I've slept that late in 11 years, since my Anna was born.

This episode had me off kilter for the rest of the day, flying around in my nightgown getting things done. But that group is gone (I bid them a fond farewell, tears and all.) and on to the next group which is due next week. Can't complain. It's all good. BTW, if you just have to have one of these handbags, you'll need to check in with Elizabeth at Daphne's Cottage. She holds claim to them. I don't know if you'll be able to pry them from her, but you can try.

That said, I'm sick of talking about me and want to mention an artist I "bumped into" on the web. Shannon from Miss Fickle Media wrote a comment on this blog. So of course I linked over to her Etsy shop and I must tell you I was blown away. I love what she does and put in an order right away. And honestly, I'm sort of a browser on Etsy. So this is saying something. I ordered one of these with a "B" of course. And another that I can't remember because I had a really hard time choosing. The one below I really like too though!

In other super fun news... you may remember the post I wrote about "needing" espadrilles. I did end up buying an unimpressive pair later that week. However, to my great surprise the owner of espadrillesetc.com whom I mentioned in the post came across what I wrote. She is actually from San Francisco... such a small world. AND, she offered to send me a pair of espadrilles as a gift. Really, I can't get over the kindness I have found with the network of women on the internet. It made me think of this post from Anna Maria Horner about kindness which brought me to really unexpected tears.  I haven't told you how much I love Anna Maria's work. I know most of you know of her, but if not, I hope you will get to know her work. Also, you HAVE to look at the photos of her home on Flickr. OH MY GOODNESS. You'll just die when you see the colors. IN-CRED-IBLE! Anyways, I am trying to get to a great big THANK YOU to Laura from espadrillesetc.com. Gracias.

That's enough gushing for now, I suppose. Except it is late and my internal clock is way off so I could probably go on for hours.  Nothing a dose of benedryl can't cure, I suppose.

Handbags, Handbags everywhere!

Holy Moly! I just picked up a slew of handbags & am now quite overwhelmed. I'll be posting some of them on my website in the coming week. The rest, sadly, are sold. I hate saying goodbye. Here are just a few.

 

Back To Work

I think I might be happiest when I am working...

Chirp.

So Sweet.

This beautiful vase arrived today. It is a gift from Junk2Jewels. Doesn't it look great in my studio?

Thank you Tracy! You certainly didn't need to send anything, but I do love it!

Applique Day

Saturday Sewing

Since my studio was so neat and clean, I had to mess it up. I was actually painting a wall in the kitchen when it occured do me that a teacup applique would be very cute. Of course this thought would not have left my head if I didn't get in here and act upon it... I'm so compulsive. Then after I was finished creating a little cut-out, I thought, "now, where am I going to put this?" I quickly scanned the room to find something that would make a good canvas, and when I couldn't find one, I made a dash up to my closet where I found this skirt that was just screaming to be cut up. Isn't that fabric delicious? I just got it yesterday... which only added to the necessity to sew today. I wore this cutie out to dinner tonight already. BTW, when I did the whole "look what I made!" thing to my husband (which is a regular occurence around here), I got a "Oh honey, you're so cute." I of course took this as a demeaning comment and insisted on an explanation to which he responded, "Aren't skirts supposed to have a slit? I think you took out the slit." Aaargh! I guess I should just be glad he didn't ask me about that wall in the kitchen.

New Work

Just some things that came in today. The Isabelle messenger will be available on my website later today or tomorrow!

Thanks for stopping by!

 

   

Uh Oh! I dug out the jewelry making goodies!

I had to cut myself off from the bead and bauble addiction when I aquired the fabric addiction. No 12-steps for me. I just replaced one addiction for the other & make it a rule to only have one obsession at a time... Sound good?  But...(whining) I've been working on these ribbon brooches, and getting more and more carried away. I started hunting around for findings and others goodies when I remembered a stash I had buried deep in our guest room closet. Zoinks! The addiction has resurfaced. I thought I had that one licked.  (Don't worry Elizabeth, the best goodies made their way onto your brooches).

These lovlies are going to be great as earrings or something. Wow, I had the best filigree bead caps! What were they just sitting there collecting dust for? Can you see the chippy little pink flower looking ones on the second photo? Oooh! I love that one. I've already started layering these up to make charms. The two bottom photos are a compilation of several half finished projects from years ago. I do need to mention that the idea of using the watches came from Connie... she's brilliant isn't she? Also, the little clam shell the jewels are in was a birthday gift from her too. See the dolly shoe... classic Connie Govea Stuart. Love it!

Well, that was fun! Don't know what I'm doing with any of these jewels (except wear them) because it's not really part of the grand plans for Bari J. as a business, but oooh I love those shiny things!

 

What 3 Girls are up to...

I've been getting email for some time from a really cool business called, 3 Girls and a Truck. They offer wholesale pricing on some big name designers at their sales... The Marin Sale is a benefit for the Kentfield schools, 20%  goes to the school. So, they're philantropic as well as great business women! If you are in the San Francisco Bay area, I hope you'll attend one of their events!

Here's the info:

		What:	Designer names - 50-80% below retail! Shop for: Margaret O'Leary - Sigrid Olsen - William Rast - Notice - People's Liberation - Red Engine - Weston Wear - John Carlisle - Verivaine - And more!
		Kentfield:	Kentfield Schools Benefit, 20% of our sales go to the schools. Friday, May 11: 8:15am to 6:00pm Saturday, May 12: 10:00 am to 2:00pm Bacich Community Center 699 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Kentfield, CA 94904
		San Francisco:	Our Big Summer Sale! Tuesday, May 15th: 4pm to 7pm Wednesday, May 16th to Friday, May 18th: 11am to 7pm 1810 Union St. San Francisco, CA
		Contact:	Ann Lefkovits [email protected] 415-710-4660

Click here to invite your friends.

And remember, shop 3 Girls for the best buys at the start of each season...before you hit your favorite retail haunts!

Around the Studio Today...

Busy, busy...

New appliques I'm playing with... and more ribbon, ribbon, ribbon...