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.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Holidaze! BUY LOCAL! ARE YOU LISTENING?
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)
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Alice in Wonderland Time of Year Sept 2009
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.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Summer Time Soups and Eating for the Soul
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.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
New Beginnings! 2009:) Yoga
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.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Love Letters, available at Paragraph 1234 9th Ave between Irving & Lincoln
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!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Happy New Year Happy New President!!!!!
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!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Links I HEART in the BAY AREA!
LRS
YR
JDC
RH
H
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!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Un-touched photos by LA,SF, NYC photographer!
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.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Swedish Fashion....................
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............
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Art and design in the time of a NEW WORLD ORDER
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!
Monday, November 10, 2008
All images on this site photographed by Velvet Valentine unless otherwise stated
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
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Nov 1 Strawberries and & Bacon Festival
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.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Art Direction for Rykarda Parasol and Xavier Gomez
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.
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Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Please Visit Backspace!!! New Fall Items In:))
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.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Events Fall 2008 Support Local Arts!
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!
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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:)
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
NEW WEBSITE COMING THIS FALL 2008!!!
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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.....
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