Velvet Valentine Creative Guru

Why you will not find me at American Apparel!

2010-04-27T17:43:00.000-07:00

OK as if I really have to spell it out apparently I have to! This place is a rip off selling supposed handmade items which are in fact factory made. Clothing can't be constructed completely without a human hand thus far. Since clothing doesn't fall from the sky we rely on talented people who either are employed by a large chain, small company, hand made by local designers, thrift ed, or recycled. We all have to wear clothes but we don't all have to support American Apparel.

Top 10 Reasons I don't care for American Apparel!
#1 Lack of creative imagination
#2 Should just be called 80's knock off store
#3 European porn style under age ads
#4 Store design is like a tacky beach store from Venice Beach
#5 Dov Charney
#6 Tasteless antics to get people to buy mindless trendy items which are disposable
#7 The hideous lighting and waste of electricity 24 hour lights on
#8 Another chain ruining the local business economy by being easy
#9 Leaving nothing to the imagination
#10 (ICE) uncovered discrepancies in the documentation of about 25 percent of the company's workers. Because they ship their "Made in America" workers from across the border in a bus! Stop lying and just say Hecho in Mexico!

Okay I feel better now! My rant is about big business lying to the public and using tricks to sell products that actually suck. Just be honest and say "Selling cheaply made garments by under paid immigrant labor to be sold to hip trendy people who are interested in misogynistic antics." Women who shop here just know your not just buying a t-shirt your buying into the problem. I support intelligent use of your hard earned money to buy into images which high light woman as strong, independent and free of from the sex trade stereotypes.

Be informed not conformed! Being average is a choice.
I will not be posting a photo for this chain as I do not support their visual garbage.

Holidaze! BUY LOCAL! ARE YOU LISTENING?

2009-12-08T23:31:00.000-08:00

Buy Local Gifts this holiday season! There are plenty of amazing artists and creatives to support and order custom gifts from this holiday season. This will be my 6th year buying locally or from an artist. Sometimes your recipient may have to wait a bit longer as orders get back logged but in the end the gift is truly priceless. Supporting local is a vote for supporting yourself! When you buy from an independent, locally owned business significantly more of your money goes back into the local economy. The money is cycled back into services,farms and continues to strengthen the economic base of the community.

Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of San Francisco! Happy Holidays and see you Saturday at Peter's for an amazing art extravaganza! Rare art and artifacts for sale keep San Francisco unique and keep it all in the family!

(All images copyright 2006-2010 by Velvet Valentine (TM)

Alice in Wonderland Time of Year Sept 2009

2009-09-26T11:39:00.000-07:00

Going into fall I challenge you to turn your world upside down. Bring a sense of bold fantasy into your life with the colors of fall fashion. Bring your world alive with color in every detail of your wardrobe. Pack your whites away as summer slips into slumber and unveil your adventurous color palette. Look inside for inspiration and look outside for clues from nature. Be the explorer of your own fashion statements. As an archeologist dusts away the crumbled rock from their buried treasure. Excavate your your soul and find your true colors and wear them!

Alice and Wonderland is the eternal child spirit alive in all of us. Let this dormant season allow the deeper sides of the self to creep through. Find yourself on the other side of the rabbit hole. You just might find joy in what character you really are and not the mask you put on everyday.

Summer Time Soups and Eating for the Soul

2009-05-11T14:51:00.000-07:00

What greater pleasure than to whip up and eat homemade summer time soup. I have had the good fortune of growing up in California with the freshest ingredients. Some of my fondest memories as a child were spent in the kitchen. My belief is cooking and eating are not chores, they are one of life's gifts that nourish the soul as well as the body. A great way to get your vitamins and have hearty meal is with this organic puree of carrot ginger soup. I bought the ingredients at Rainbow Grocery and simply cooked the carrots in 4 cups of water. When the mixture boils and softens you just place the mixture in a blender and puree. You can use any fresh ingredients and add herbs as you desire. This is my way to have lunch handy or a sweet dinner on the patio under the stars of summer. It's bright and colorful and pleasing to the eyes.

Eating sensibly is really the best diet, and the best way we can teach our children to appreciate good food. The pleasure we can take from eating leisurely together or alone. Savoring a good meal simply makes us feel good. Food should not be feared. It should be a source of pleasure and well-being.

New Beginnings! 2009:) Yoga

2009-04-15T10:36:00.000-07:00

Yoga is taking center stage in my life these days. People who know me well know my passion for teaching! This is to say all my fashions, creations, and art will be moving into a meditative direction. I will still be making and creating for clients and stores. The focus of the items will be inspired by nature, movement, meditation, and with the best quality ingredients.

New In 2009 by Velvet Valentine

ECE Yoga (eceyoga.com coming soon) Wellness classes designed for schools, non-profits, camps, & kids of all ages!
Family Yoga Classes: Bonding classes designed to bring connection, harmony and joy to the whole family!
MIndful Care Giving Classes: Learn the yoga of spending time with children while going with the flow.
ECE Yoga Certification : Learn to teach early childhood education yoga in an age appropriate style.
ECE for Adults: These classes involve connecting with your inner child. Yoga postures, dance, and creativity are a part of every class.

*** All my classes inspire one and all to get into a flow consciousness. Teaching love and kindness towards self and others.***

Services Still provided: (Consultation Required)
Mindful Styling:
Feng Shui your life head to toe and inside out. The appropriate hair cut, clothing style, and image for your success. Also includes diet and movement assessment.
Contemplative Photography:
Individuals, companies, businesses, experience the joy of thoughtful photography to advance your goals.

I look forward to serving the world with my new inspiration and perspective.

Love Letters, available at Paragraph 1234 9th Ave between Irving & Lincoln

2009-02-09T11:17:00.000-08:00

Please visit Paragraph located at 1234 9th Ave at Lincoln near Golden Gate Park! Hurry and get your limited edition Valentine cards by yours truly. All hand made and ready to send to your loved ones. Get them while they last! See you soon other great ideas a head. Enjoy your life every day! Love Velvet

Recycled Paper Only used n the making of these products:)) Think green from your heart!

Everything is coming up roses:)

2009-01-25T19:41:00.000-08:00

Really fun shoot! More Photos to come!

Happy New Year Happy New President!!!!!

2009-01-20T09:40:00.000-08:00

I have been sitting in silence and meditating pouring out the old thoughts from last year. It's been an eventful year full of life and change. The old saying is still appropriate "If you have nothing nice to say......" you know the rest. As we say nanana na na na na GOOD-BYE.............. to the BUSH REGIME......I sit in peace and harmony! As an educator I have HOPE for the future generations who can believe in change. Tiny hands that create can now hopefully use all the colors in the box. Only 60 years ago the world was a much different place.

His speech this morning monumental and poetic. The beautiful poem by poet Elizabeth Alexander mentioning sewing and mending "that which needs to be mended." As I look ahead to the year there are many things that need to be mended in my life.

When I glance the gorgeous Jackie O look Mrs O wore a golden ensemble to the inauguration. Designed by Isabel Toledo a veteran of the fashion industry. Symbolic choice of color, texture and cut were carefully chosen for this special day. Many special women also apart of this day. Aretha Franklin, Hilary Clinton, and so many unmentioned strong amazing women can also look to a more promising future. To the future, let there be color, let there be light, let there be the brightest days to come!

From Cole Valley HOOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Links I HEART in the BAY AREA!

2008-11-26T09:46:00.000-08:00

LRS
YR
JDC
RH
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These fine females will be presenting their creativity Dec 7, 2008 see posting below. Or follow the hive link for more info.

Remember your local artists this holiday season. I can't emphasize how important supporting and buying local is for one and all! Thanks and see you soon! Happy Thanksgiving

“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” Dolly Parton

Image of a Red Root video I styled. Reminds us all to be ourselves and play what you got and see blue skies where ever you may go!

Holiday Bizarre Sunday Dec. 7th 2008 corner of Pacific n Hyde 12-7pm

2008-11-25T09:32:00.000-08:00

Holiday Bizarre
Hosted by Velvet Valentine
Sunday Dec. 7, 2008
12-7pm
Free to the public
1 Day Only!!!

1392 pacifc @ hyde, russian hill
(btwn hyde and leavenworth)

Location:
www.hivesf.com
event link: http://www.hivesf.com/art.html
location map: http://www.hivesf.com/maps.html
Vendors:
Velvet Valentine, The art of Accessories & Style
JD Crayne Photography Collect her work today!
Nika Tang Casual Fashion "Little Red Sparrow"
Kysha for Yahzi Rose Kids Clothes Affordable and Fun
Julie Lesperance, Jewelry
Rachael Hornaday Art/Prints

BUY LOCAL SUPPORT YOUR CITY
Local art, accessories men & women, fancy wears, kids clothes, and much more!!!

* Holiday spiced drinks & holiday pastries
* Gift Rapping
* 80's DJ Dancing while you shop

For information or to get involved please call 415 503 8031 or email me! Thank you for your constant support and encouragement!

Above photo copyright Velvet Valentine

Un-touched photos by LA,SF, NYC photographer!

2008-11-14T13:45:00.000-08:00

It was my pleasure to work with Fernando Cepeda on this cold rainy day shoot. We are on location at Antlre Studios, thank you Hannah! These shots are courtesy of Fernando and they have not been post produced.....which I personally love! Here you can see my hair and wardrobe in action. Sell baby sell...... It was a great day and a fabulous shoot. Judith is our lovely model who can also be seen acting around town.

Her length gives a great silhouette for any garment. Thank you to the crew Monique, Fernando, Hannah, Judith and myself! Lovely work......keep it up.........

To schedule a shoot or get price quotes please email me thanks see you behind the lenses.

Swedish Fashion....................

2008-11-13T20:31:00.000-08:00

My styling featured in Swedish Journal :) They understand me in Sweden. What can I say my great granny was born there! Notice the relaxed sneaker pimp style of a locker room. More on the world, fashion and politics later............

Art and design in the time of a NEW WORLD ORDER

2008-11-11T22:33:00.000-08:00

What a great success this week has been for America! Everyone was holding their breathe as they watched the projected image from CNN on NOV 4 2008. A day I will never forget as long as I live. To be a part of history is an amazing feeling. I can't even imagine what is going through Barack Obama's mind! To be inside his head for just one day:) I am so proud of America and how far we have come over these last 40 years. It make my heart fill with joy to know that history books will tell Barack's unique story. The story of the true American dream. This blog will take a political twist as this time is about change. As fashion, design, trends change so do politics. Some would argue that as politics change so does fashion. Hence the constant revolution of camo clothing and retro army gear. Mao hats, hammer and sickle images, even the propaganda style posters of Shepard Fairey have made politics young and hip.

I over heard a man speaking about "Why is Michelle Obama wearing red?" I believe we will see a lot of red, black and high contrast modern colors to follow this year. As we take a more socialist style government also a focus on American design. A resurgence in authentic American craft style will be seeing a renaissance.

Another great example of how style permeates every boundary. How America is innovative and has yet to have it's greatest days. How reinvention is always at the heart of invention. How no one is immune to fashion. Not even Barack or Michelle as they boast being so down to earth.

I leave this post with more to come on local news, style and politics............ No on 8 the new civil rights movement with pictures to follow. Join the cause and be apart of history again. Check back soon for photos from the march to reverse the prop 8 vote!

All images on this site photographed by Velvet Valentine unless otherwise stated

2008-11-10T12:02:00.001-08:00

Just a note to anyone wondering where all these images come from? Styling and photos designed by yours truly! Velvet Valentine for all your style needs:) All images copyright under California law. No authorization for use is given unless by mutual contract. Thanks for your OBEY of the law.

Feel free to contact me for use of any images or style services I may provide for your big ideas! My style marketing skills can be used for small business brand packages, websites, cards, signs, advertising, web video, CD packages, literature, book covers, TV, movies, events, and any style needs!

For inquires please email velvetvalentine@gmail.com

Nov 1 Strawberries and & Bacon Festival

2008-10-26T09:22:00.000-07:00

I will be hosting the First Fashion Booth in SF! There will be costumes for you and your friends to try on and get posy. On site consultation for make up and fun image ideas. Theatrical fantastic photo fun for one and all. Come and get your fashion on.

Art Direction for Rykarda Parasol and Xavier Gomez

2008-10-16T17:24:00.000-07:00

www.rykardaparasol.com
www.xaviergomez.com
Producer Beth
Talent DJ Miz Margo (Burlesque) & Mario Muse (Find him at DNA for fashion fun)

Shot on location at the Hive. Art Direction Velvet Valentine
(I love fish:)I searched high and low for special fish and foods. The table cloth is hand dyed to match the color scheme.

Inspired by Flemish paintings of food...... The lighting is the same effect as in the cult classic "The Cook the Thief His Wife & Her Lover (1989)."

Thumbs up for the cast, crew, and production. Can't wait to see the video.

Latest Project Rykarda Parasol Video

2008-10-16T16:22:00.000-07:00

src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WbMAvgxbwM0/SPfNk9UjOrI/AAAAAAAAALI/HLJhsw6Qkqk/s320/DSC00034.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257897124798085810" />

Please Visit Backspace!!! New Fall Items In:))

2008-09-30T11:48:00.000-07:00

New Velvet Valentine items available at Backspace
++++++++351 Divisadero St, San Francisco - (415) 355-1051++++++++++++++++

Backspace is a great local treasure located in the fun shopping area. Stop by for local treasures I dare you to find anywhere else!

Currently I have a line of accessories on sale in time for the holidays.

Events Fall 2008 Support Local Arts!

2008-09-18T16:34:00.000-07:00

There are lots of fun events coming up this fall that I would like to recommend! First off please stop by the Mark Sanchez Gallery space where you may stop by and view local art! Included in the exhibition is my molecular sculptor made of 100% recycled quality clothe. Stop by and connect with people and art! Or visit.... on going until
Nov get out and vote!
Details:
www.marksanchez.org
988 Valencia Street @ 21st

Also check out the auction! Collect Local ART! Sat, Sep 27, 7:00pm – 9:30pm

DescriptionOver 50 artists have banded together to auction off their beautiful and provocative pieces - come purchase pieces to help support Mark Sanchez!! I will auction of fine pieces from my personal collection! Rare opportunity get out and support!
**************************************************************************************

Next on the list of fun SF events!
Decompression!

Sunday October 12, 2008 from 12:00pm - 11:59pm
Indiana Street, between Mariposa and 21st.

San Francisco, California
On Indiana Street between Mariposa and 22nd, SF
$10 donation in Black Rock Couture/Costume; $20 in streetwear
All ages outdoors; kids under 12 absolutely free!
Outdoor sound ends at Mariposa Stage at 11pm; 10pm other outside areas
Age 21+ inside Cocomo (club closes 1:30am)

Fashion Show! Look for the Fashion Stage I will be rocking my Fall items as well as some fun spring heat! It will be a performance to remember......promise!

Stay Tuned for the next event recommendations! see you soon! check back soon for more details and fun photos. Keep on creating:)

NEW WEBSITE COMING THIS FALL 2008!!!

2008-09-09T12:11:00.000-07:00

Carlos Díaz de León Zuloaga and I have been busy redesigning the new look for the www.velvetvalentine.com home of style! The new site will feature my latest photo shoots and creative clothing creations. But as far as how this website advances, "It's all just dressing up and playing!" With one click you will see Rock Looks, New Orleans Style, Modernism, and My Fantasy Life!

I will not longer offer ready to wear looks everything is custom made to order. There will be options to rent items for your own wearing pleasure. Dress up for a fraction of owning original art. I am available for style and creative consultations. Feel free to email me with all your questions.

In the meantime while I work out the last minute touches this is a sneak peak.....

NYC Street Art Series Continued....

2008-08-24T20:54:00.000-07:00

OBAMA for President 2008 "He's got the muscle to get the job done."

Street Art NYC Summer 2008 continued

2008-08-24T20:51:00.000-07:00

The real gallery is on the street!

Street Art NYC Summer 2008

2008-08-24T17:31:00.000-07:00

Some inspiration from the streets of Manhattan...... Chuck's always classic!

East Coast Style Edition!

2008-08-23T21:06:00.000-07:00

East coast fashion wil be the focus for the month of Sept. Since NY fashion week is just about a week away. Feature will include Hamptons style, city fashion, and travel fashion. Stay tuned for indie style fashion pics!!!

This photo NYC Manhattan 8/2008! Who doesn't love the Hamptons??

Go Obama! Political Art Inspiration:))

2008-08-11T00:14:00.000-07:00

Dressing Vincent for his Brown Bunny Book Premier in NYC

2008-08-02T12:56:00.000-07:00

I pulled this photo from my NYC collection. Yumiko one of my NYC model room mates shown here getting smooched by Vincent Gallo. I dressed Vincent in an Agnes B. jacket for this premier. Simple and slick he was kissing lots of girls that night. He was a neighborhood character I use to serve him brunch at Oznot's Dish in Williamsburg Brooklyn Baby! He was a regular on week days walking the streets solo. My long lost friend Renee Dolores painted a painting of him once. I suggested she send it to him. Instead she found out he was staying at the Phoenix hotel and left it outside his door. Vincent was packing some items into his suitcase and just could not fit the large painting. It now hangs proudly in the Phoenix Hotel in SF. You will see it covered in dead birds and Vincent staring through you with his usual glare. :))

http://fashioni.st/2008_06_01_archive.html

2008-07-25T10:09:00.000-07:00

Please check out fashioni.st

http://fashioni.st/2008_06_01_archive.html cut n paste and scroll down to see me at the Maker Faire June 2008

This is a great site with lots of examples of hip people walking around in their daily duds. I have always been a big fan of people watching. At fashioni you can scroll through street inspiration. Enjoy your scroll.

The above photo is from my new molecule project. In the workshop fashion intern Amaka Ofoegbu and I are working away on molecular inspired tactile pieces. These pieces are part of a larger project I am proposing to the De Young Museum, Discovery Museum, SF MOMA, Academy of Science and other local art institutions. Also proposing it to Yerba Buena Center for the arts! The molecular pieces have evolved from single shapes to wear into three dimensional objects to sit inside. I will be documenting this progress.

www.pulte.com

2008-07-22T08:52:00.000-07:00

Some of my more commercial styling work for great clients Avenue A Razor Fish and Putle Homes. When you visit www.putle.com there you will see my styling on the gorgeous models on the first pages. My work is spread through the site. Wardrobe Stylist to the rescue for any and all your styling needs. The most fun shots were the wedding images seen by clicking on the tag "embark". Check it out it's fun and campy.

Recent photo shoot with muse/dekker studios....

2008-07-22T08:32:00.000-07:00

Davis is a wonderful photography subject. My styles siloutte his tender frame as he reclines against a wooden backdrop. Here Davis is wearing customized clothes by yours truely! Flour shirt with Gothic chains,black bow tie,skinny alligator jeans, and gauntlette gloves. All clothing available for rental!

This image snapped by the lovely Laura Kudritzki at
Muse Photography Studio here in SF!

Shot on location at Osha Thai Noodle (SF). Richard Hanson designed the interiors of these restaurants. His creative eye allows a wall to become a work of art.

VELVET VALENTINE ON THE RUNWAY AT www.eternalspringproductions.com

2008-06-07T13:14:00.000-07:00

Sat May 31st 2008

2008-05-22T23:38:00.000-07:00

Save the Date! One Day Summer Event! VIP Invite Only
Saturday May 31st 191 Frederick corner of Ashbury SF, Ca
Hallway Gallery #2
Time 10am-9pm Sat May 31st
Local art, food, fun and music!

Carlos Dias De Leon Zulo (Stuffed Art! And Knit Wear Design)
"Maria Magdalena"
www.myspace.com/mariamagdalenatequiere
Dr. No AKA Vinh Ngo (Donations for Burma) www.burmesemonks.org
Erik Seidenglanz www.playplayplay.org (Art installation)
Evelyne Aikman www.evelyneaikman.com (Oil Paintings)
Jean Yaste also from www.playplayplay.org/ music director
JD Crayne www.jdcraynephotography.com (Photography)
Velvet Valentine www.velvetvalentine.com (Fashion/Accessories)
RSVP 415 742 0606
to volunteer velvetvalentine@gmail.com thanks see you there!

Maker Faire Photo links

2008-05-09T11:26:00.000-07:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rawdraw/2465175187/ another link to photos from the show!

Thanks Heather! For the Great photos! Maker Faire Fashion Show highlights!

2008-05-09T09:40:00.000-07:00

http://truestitches.blogspot.com/

Atten: All bloggers! and Readers Please do not click on anything that says Gardagami it is a virus!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-05-06T22:20:00.001-07:00

All comments created by this person, all post, anything! You have been warned and stop spamming me thanks! Hack yourself silly.

Makers helping Makers!

2008-05-06T18:46:00.001-07:00

I really enjoyed helping boys, girls, women, men and many makers create innovative clothing at the swap Orama! These are some of the high lights from the makers I worked with.

skirts made from shirts, pants made into bags, and so much more!

http://blog.amethistle.com/ Thanks Sara for your sweet photos!

2008-05-06T17:04:00.001-07:00

Resurrection Line Debut at Maker Faire 2008 by Velvet Valentine

2008-05-06T11:09:00.000-07:00

I would like to send special thanks to all the models! Plus the dedicated volunteers helping to create these fabulous looks!
Amaka and Evie! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making these visions a reality. Also thank you to Adam and Kolia for the much needed assistance in getting to the event! I owe you all big time!!!

Featured below Jiana and Jean Pilas model hot Resurrected creations fresh out of the creative studio.
Jiana: is wearing an Arabic Rice Dress, Blossom Hat (collaboration with Evelyne Aikman, Soft Sculptor Necklace in Black.

Jean:(jeanpilas.com) is wearing All Beautiful Things Jacket inspired by Mongolian Style, Soft Sculptor Crown as a head band, & Lou Reed/Skull arm warmers. WoW

Velvet Valentine Fashions strut the runway! Maker Faire 2008 over 80,000 people attend on performance day!

2008-05-06T09:31:00.000-07:00

Dresses seen at Maker Faire 2008 San Mateo Fair Grounds

Model #1 is wearing: Roses Wild Dress, Ivory Fan Neck Piece, Burgundy Sweaterette, Soft Sculptor Crown (check website for availability)
model: www.evelyneaikman.com

Model #2 is wearing: 1940's halter dress with sculpted hat (available by special order)
Model: Elizabeth Parker

ttp://makerfaire.com/ May 3rd Fashion Show for Velvet Valentine!

2008-04-27T14:22:00.000-07:00

Come see new Fall 2008 fashions by Velvet Valentine. Rocking the runway at the Maker Faire! A show not to miss!

Saturday May 3rd 5pm show time!!! Where San Mateo Fair Grounds you can take Cal Train or drive. For directions visit website below.

Look for the Swap O Rama tent and they will know where the fashion show is!!!! Get there early and have some fun. The fair stays open till Midnight Saturday night!
To learn more visit their website www.makerfaire.com

What is it???? (Quote)
(Maker Faire is a two-day, family-friendly event that celebrates the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) mindset. It’s for creative, resourceful people of all ages and backgrounds who like to tinker and love to make things.)
Maker Faire was created to go with their magazine.

**(quoted text)
The first magazine devoted entirely to DIY technology projects, MAKE Magazine unites, inspires and informs a growing community of resourceful people who undertake amazing projects in their backyards, basements, and garages.

See you there!

2008-04-25T09:18:00.000-07:00

Sad Ballet......

2008-04-25T09:14:00.000-07:00

Go Munic! Fighting for her right to model. GO GIRL. If you are interested in modeling for Velvet Valentine Designs please send your photo and all stats. All shots if not listed shot by Me:)

2008-04-24T21:05:00.000-07:00

War hurts! Tell a friend.......

All images copyright 2008 Velvet Valentine (TM)
Model: Good luck up for Americas Top Model! Munic Munoz! shown wearing Velvet Valentine fashions on her post.

vote: www.topmodel.cwbayarea.com

No More WAR! It makes girls cry!

2008-04-24T21:02:00.000-07:00

Spring Scarves! Buy them on line today or in SF store.

2008-04-10T18:09:00.000-07:00

As my design principal I try my hardest to create the most ethical product with the best design. The "Sunset Strip" scarf worn here by a gorgeous BeBe model Bethany is available for 40$! All hand made in San Francisco in the in house factory. I have chosen the best satin/silk fabric and prints for these colorful additions to your wardrobe.

Spring 2008 Soaring Higher

2008-03-27T14:56:00.000-07:00

Here in San Francisco the Haight Ashbury is experiencing the best Spring time weather. I have seen lots of flowers and flowing items on girls floating by my windows. Men seem to be embracing a new romantic manliness this spring. Black still the main color for the metro man. I would love to see a little more style in SF. The lack of a cohesive area where people can find great unique items. When I was partners in a store in the East Village in NY one could find anything there. The Lower East Side rocked for the bohemian fashionista! We really don't have anything just like NY! SF, we really can't try to be NY and should never try. Here I find lots of things. People love deals here. I mean like Target, Ross, IKEA and the Gap for example. Shops that seem to house original stylish items are too pricey for most.

The Haight seems to be our only spot for really unique items. However the rents are so high here it really keeps the one off shops away. Lower Haight has its share of funky frolic joints. Lack of parking, homeless, and general funk keep lots of people away. When I say people I mean people with tons of disposable income.

With so many designers here I don't understand why people are so conservative? Is it that they can't find the designers? Is that stores tend to be skeptical of taking new designers? Why can't people have more style? Why can't people find designers? Why can't people find style?

My goal is to elevate SF style to a higher level. To match designer with the unstyled beings of the city. As an great architect works with a great dwelling so should a designer be with a client. To pull the style out of the being only then revealing what is really going on inside!

New Orleans in the Summer Time! 2008 Spring Baby!

2008-03-14T22:30:00.000-07:00

New Orleans Macabre! This is what I call this series. Beautiful and voodoo death and taxes that is what we all have to do! Right? Well might as well look beautiful! Bella is wearing a gorgeous hand sewn, and pressed satin head scarf. At an affordable price 35$ who can't afford to rock this look? If you want the whole look the earring are doubly affordable at 20$ a pair. Chic feathers, satin, and flowing layers adorn this look for spring. Michael says ties rule the runways! Skull ties to bring out the rock n roll voodoo styling reminiscent of the Rolling Stones! "Please to meet you hope you guess my name!" With this tie draw intrigue and mystery that says more without words than you can. A great gift at only 25$~!

These unique items now available exclusively at these Bay Area Boutiques

Paragraph
1234 9th Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94122
(between Irving and Lincoln)

Brown Bear
289 Divisadero St
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 626-5779
Get directions

Juniper Tree
3303 Lakeshore Ave
Oakland, CA 94610
(510) 444-4650

Queen of the Meadow
351 Divisadero Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 355-1051

Support local fashion, keep it local, keep it real, and always keep it simple!

New photo series! Hot New Fashions off the Press!

2008-03-14T22:13:00.000-07:00

" I can't stand the thought of being like anyone else!" " Uniformity is for the suburbs!" Another day in my studio...the light is striking past the mist into the windows. Just as the light is unique every time it enters your window as is art. My newest spring collection focuses on the unique. Each item is limited edition or one of a kind. Just like the spring feeling unique, interesting, and rare! The purse pictured bellow is from 1950's, hand painted, hand stamped as "HOT", and so rare there is only one. At a ripe price of 350$ it may end up in a museum. The model Monic is a buddy beauty breaking into another series of America's Top Model. Really who doesn't want that title? She is selling this piece with hand painted topper hat and glamourous eyes. Stay tuned for more of my Spring Fling 2008 Rare Series! Available www.velvetvalentine.com as always.

2008-03-14T22:11:00.000-07:00

New Stores in SF sell Velvet Valentine items!

2008-02-18T12:54:00.000-08:00

Queen of the Meadow
351 Divisadero St
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 355-1051

Brown Bear (Art & Fashion)
289 Divisadero St
San Francisco, CA 94132
(415) 626-5779

Features items vintage redesigned ties, scarves, earrings, and more! More stores to come in March 2008! I am hard at work in the studio putting together the photo shoots, and making new items.

Winter is almost over and I say good bye to the great event in Cole Valley! A quick review of the event. Over 100 patrons came by to view works by up and coming designer and artists. It was a neighborhood gathering of great people, fashion, art, and food! I am looking forward to putting another neighborhood event together in spring. If you are located in SF please sign up on my mailing list to I can send you a link to future shows! Thanks to all the great people who put in their custom orders!

The spring line will introduce new ways to recycle in fashion! From gadget covers, accessories, and much more.

I just finished working on a commercial for Avenue A Razor Fish in the role of lead wardrobe. The client was Pulte Homes and Microsoft. It was a three day shoot in the 30 degree storm that hit Sacramento. Nice crew of people and good casting. I put the commercial looks of the talent together head to toe. Nice work and fun too. Photos posted soon.

Green Craft of the Week!

2007-10-03T22:49:00.000-07:00

Take out your scissors and your thread. Cut your old jeans and make a mini purse. A great gift for the holidays. This is one way you can keep warm inside and make people smile. Don't forget to think of a cool closure. I will post photos as soon as I take them. The idea came to me as I was about to take a pair of jeans to Buffalo Exchange. They gave me 12.99 for a pair of vintage label Joe's Jeans with embroidery. The retail price was 130.00. Not such a great price so this time I decided to make something unique. From one pair of jeans I can make about 10 purses. That is worth more in smiles than 12.99 can buy. Not to mention the inspiration price. Get busy and find something to re create! You heard it here first.

Fashion Show 2 be Announced Oct. 7th 2007

2007-09-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

The Decompression Fashion Show is coming. Get your recycled fashions,fabrics, and untrendy items out of the closet. The location is yet to be announced so hang close for details.

I will be previewing bohemian fashions for men and women who dare to be wild. Recently fashion has taken hold of me again, let it lead me higher. Fall is my favorite season. It such a deliciously snuggly time of year. Scarves, hats, gloves, hoodies, and leg warmers, tea time anyone?

Perhaps you will die like this?

2007-06-05T13:00:00.000-07:00

A Designer

As a self proclaimed designer I may die this way. Walking through the sf moma I may trip on an imaginary line and smash right into a Frida and Diego photograph. Someone will comment on what I am wearing and how I am not moving. Meanwhile I will hear the footsteps on the hardwood floor. I will wonder am I a designer? Did I create all I am suppose to?

Possibly Kiki Smith will be giving a lecture that day and she will pull herself from a mold. She will be inspired to cast my form right there on the floor. I won't move I will freeze my breathe. I will be cast this way in memory of my death design. These are not morbid thoughts in order to live you must learn how to die.

Make time to get to know yourself!

2007-04-09T19:39:00.000-07:00

Devote time to self while the world gets crazy buzzzzy around you. Best advice for business!

Archives!

2007-04-09T19:27:00.000-07:00

Last year I launched my one of kind t-shirt line in SF stores. It has been an adventure as I move into production. $$$$$$$$ is the key. So, I keep my head in sprituality and free space in my bank account for 7 digit #'s. There once was a rabbit who raced a turtle we all know the story. I may be the biggest surprise to myself at my turtle pace. Currently been creative 32 years now. The big pay back. I would do what I do even if no one was watching. Is anybody watching? I wonder?

Blah blah blah fashion

2007-04-05T14:33:00.000-07:00

If you feeling lazy today and want to see what someone else has been doing with her life for the last MMMMMMM let's say 5years..... www.velvetvalentine.com. I am currently working with my amazing web designer pal in NY CITTAY! We are collaborating and putting up a splashy set of pages. In this photo you can see the limited edition trucker hat rocking out at the local diner. Watch out trucker babes!!! Hipsters galore are rocking this look from coast to coast. Why not! Trashy and classy designer made and owned. I dedicate this hat to my mom who recently recovered from breast cancer. She has officially brought sexy back. Watch out mama!

25$'s add some dollars for shipping and she is yours. While supplies last.

Stay tuned for the new line, new website, and new attitude.

Keep on rocking in the free world.

Today is a Trend

2007-03-29T17:49:00.000-07:00

Trends for 2007 spring will tend toward the robotic organic movement. There will be models falling on runways. Buttons will roll off 1.700$ dollars jackets and no one will blink. Botox babes will sip designer coffee drinks in pill form. Huge sunglasses will grace the faces of the luscious babes that drive my Mercedes. The Great Gatsby well we will always want to relive it. Wear silver and act like it doesn't stand out. Invest in independant designer clothes you won't regret it. I am talking about the ladies who make wholes look like art! Turn your stereo off itunes on, and remeber today is a trend. Brought to you by someone who knows........ till next time when I will pull out the crystal ball.