Dirty Lace

Nails for #NYFashionWeek : CHECK (Taken with instagram)

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:53:27 -0500

Nails for #NYFashionWeek : CHECK (Taken with instagram)

I woke up this morning and remembered that this weekend I will...

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 10:43:31 -0500

I woke up this morning and remembered that this weekend I will be FRONT ROW AT NY FASHION WEEK [ I know you can’t see my happy dance right now, but I’m doing it].

Last week I was freaking out trying to find something to wear and now that it came in the mail, I’m freaking out trying to find the right jewelry and accessories to pair it with. Not to mention hair and makeup.

So I’ve been turning to what stylists, celebrities and fashion editors wear to fashion week for inspiration. I’m thinking Jessica Alba’s tomato red nails, Nina Garcia’s wild belt and Rachel Zoe’s jumpsuit with maybe the Olsen Twins’ all black ensemble.

I’ll be posting a photo of what I’m wearing to New York Fashion Week this weekend and you guys have to help me choose which look to go with !

-DLace

DIY : FUR SHOULDER PANELS Part II Couple weeks ago I showed...

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:05:00 -0500

DIY : FUR SHOULDER PANELS Part II

Couple weeks ago I showed you guys how to give a plain blazer a rocker makeover, and shared the first set of photos from the photoshoot we had showcasing DirtyLace’s latest DIY.

This set of photos are my favorite though. For starters we drove around for about an hour looking for the right location for the shoot, then we actually had to break into a car junk yard for these photos, not to mention that it was a very, very cold Boston night.

But we were able to pull it off and got some great shots !

CREDITS :

Photography & Editing : DLace

White Blazer with Fur Shoulder Panels : DirtyLace Designs

Jeans, Shoes and Jewlery : Model’s own

Styling : Deborah Rodrigues & DLace

Model : Deborah Rodrigues

Love,

DLace

This is me, over 20 years ago with my pet owl. Today is my...

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:00:00 -0500

This is me, over 20 years ago with my pet owl.

Today is my birthday and I am now 26 years old. It’s bittersweet because although I am excited that I am old enough to have the means of doing things for myself and for people I care about, I also can’t help but remember how 10-15 years ago I imagined myself at 26 owning a sick loft, working for some amazing design firm, making more than enough money to help my entire immediate family with anything they wanted, having funded a furniture company in my grandfather’s name and probably popped at least one child by now. But then again, 10-15 years I also thought 26 years old was sooo…old. So what did I know, right?

Still, remembering those goals I had envisioned for myself when I was a child brings me a little bit of sadness. It’s almost like I let my younger self down. Like promising a child you’ll take them to go see Disney World, but you never quite get around to it. And before you know it, that child is now 26 and too old for the kiddie rides.

But although I am too big for kiddie rides now, I’ve still been on on a hell of a ride.

So let’s raise a glass to the little girl in Brasil playing with wild owls and in the dirt with the boys, the little girl convinced she was one of the Power Rangers and that dreamt of becoming a super woman who can help everyone at home.

Here’s to my younger self.

Happy birthday. I promise not to disappoint you.

-DLace

ART : GEOFFREY JOHNSON One of my two favorite...

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:37:27 -0500

ART : GEOFFREY JOHNSON

One of my two favorite Geoffreys..the other being Jeffrey Campbell of course.

Aren’t his paintings mesmerizing?

-DLace

DIRTYLACE STYLING TIPS: DATE NIGHT Valentine’s Day is a...

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:07:00 -0500

DIRTYLACE STYLING TIPS: DATE NIGHT

Valentine’s Day is a week away and hopefully you and your hottie have been keeping busy planning out ways to create your own romantic night. But If it’s a new love and you’re not having a DIY Valentine’s day, you may be fussing over what to wear to your date with your new valentine.

What you wear to a first, or even third date, can say a lot about you. And anybody who says they don’t care is lying. Think about it… If it’s a first date and you’re wearing overly revealing club clothes to a fancy dinner date, it definitely doesn’t translate into “I am sensible, intelligent and want you to take me seriously.” Sorry but it’s true. It does not make you superficial whatsoever to give it some thought. The truth is that human beings are visual creatures, first and foremost. It’s not to say that you can’t wear sexy clothes or it’ll suddenly translate into you being “easy,” but you just have to be mindful of it and if it’s the right amount of sexiness for the right occasion.

Some things are just appropriate for certain situations. You don’t bring skiing boots to a caribbean vacation just how you don’t wear last week’s clubbing clothes to a business presentation.

Now that we got the obvious out of the way, sometimes we still wonder what to wear. The DirtyLace girl isn’t overly sweet neither is she overly sexy. Date night outfits take the same formula.

The key is to just balance your look out.

THE SWEET LOOK :

To balance the femininity of a flowy chiffon dress, get it in an unexpected color (such as jelly bean green) and pair it with ultra high heels. Since the green steals the show, get a a clutch in a neutral color and of a similar fabric. The Cleopatra Box Ring, named after Egypt’s most famously alluring Queen, might make him wonder if you’re really all that sweet.

-Lace Cross Back Dress by ASOS $71.62, Jeffrey Campbell Heels $124.95, Pleated Clutch from Macy’s $19, Cleopatra Box Ring from Topshop $28

THE SASSY LOOK :

A bodyconsicous dress that hugs all of your curves is always sexy. A form fitting turtle neck dress is still sexy, but the turtle neck shows off your sex appeal but in a more tamed way. Show your wild side with leopard print ankle boots and a leather clutch. Let him know you’re not afraid to speak your mind with a statement necklace.

-Orange Turtle Neck Dress by Miss Selfridge $38, Wooden-wedge Leopard print boots by MESSECA $129, Tan leather Scalloped Clutch by Topshop $60, Collar necklace by Topshop $35

Finish the looks off with a twist pin side Chignon from HairRomance.

Now go get him ;)

-DLace

TASTES JUST LIKE CANDY : Art by Archan Nair Archan Nair...

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:09:48 -0500

TASTES JUST LIKE CANDY : Art by Archan Nair

Archan Nair (b.1982, New Delhi) is a visual artist, illustrator and Art Director, specializing in mixed media, illustration, and digital art. A favorite among Vogue, Kanye Wizzy and Chris Brizzy.

-DLace

PHOTOSHOOT : DIRTYLACE’S FUR SHOULDER PANELS DIY...

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:34:00 -0500

PHOTOSHOOT : DIRTYLACE’S FUR SHOULDER PANELS DIY

There were SO many great photos from this shoot that I decided to split them up. Enjoy this first set, as the 2nd set is even hotter! I’ll be launching those photos next week.

[ For the step by step on this DIY visit my previous post ]

LETS ROLL THE CREDITS…

Photography & Editing : DLace

White Blazer with Fur Shoulder Panels : DirtyLace Designs

Jeans, Shoes and Jewlery : Model’s own

Styling : Deborah Rodrigues & DLace

Model : Deborah Rodrigues

And a major shout out to Yvonnet TNT for the enormous support and assistance!

Enjoy and make sure you follow @DLace on Instagram and Facebook for sneak peaks on up coming designs and bloopers from the shoot !

LOVE YOU MUCHO,

DLace

DIY : FUR SHOULDER PANELS Some time ago I posted a sneak...

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:52:38 -0500

DIY : FUR SHOULDER PANELS

Some time ago I posted a sneak peak on Instagram noting that this DIY was quickly becoming one of my favorites !(I post all previews, sneak peaks and photoshoot bloopers on Instagram so be sure to follow @DLace)

I am admittedly going through a serious Blazer phase. There’s just so much you can do with them and they go with any outfit; from casual to a night out to a meeting with the big boss. Blazers and gloves are becoming my go to staples. But I’ll get to the gloves later (of which I cannot WAIT to show you guys AHHH)…

This DIY was a tiny bit more time consuming than our usually quicker ones. But don’t worry, the easy factor is still there.

What You’ll Need :
• A white or cream colored Blazer, in a classic fit or fitted.
• About half a yard of Faux Fur
• Sewing needle and matching thread
• Scissors

The Steps :
1. Determine the size and shape you want your fur shoulder panels to be
2. Once that’s decided, you can either do a mock up with a cheaper fabric first, create a paper pattern, or even use an old pair of shoulder pads as a guide. You want to make sure you plan it out first before cutting your desired fabric. If you have an “oops I messed that up” moment, at least it was paper or an old scrap of fabric.
3. To follow alongside the curved seams within the blazer’s collar, I had to have two darts in each fur panel. Depending on the side and placement of yours, you may have to have them as well.
4. Once you’ve finished sewing the panels to your blazer, trim any access fur hairs (haaa)

Done and done ! How badass do you feel right now?

-DLace

DIRTY GENTLEMAN : Andres Velencoso for Esquire SpainThe...

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:41:05 -0500

DIRTY GENTLEMAN : Andres Velencoso for Esquire Spain

The photos were done by Hunter and Gatti which is a Fashion Advertising and Branding agency that I am currently brewing an intense obsession with (still in its early stages but no worries, it will get there).

There is really not much else to note here (since the images already speak volume) aside that this has inspired some crazy ideas for DirtyLace ;)

- DLace

THE CHARMER & THE VIRGINWhat’s more appropriate for...

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:00:05 -0500

THE CHARMER & THE VIRGIN

What’s more appropriate for DirtyLace than editorials such as Oyster Magazine #96 and Flair’s February edition, where a snake is the perfect accessory to a white lace dress and punk rock orange hair becomes the perfect counterbalance to luxe fabrics and jewels.

-DLace

DIRTY BALLERINA : BALLET MEETS THE STREETS Bboy and...

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:00:05 -0500

DIRTY BALLERINA : BALLET MEETS THE STREETS

Bboy and Photographer, Little Shao, has an amazing eye for capturing beautiful motion in grungy urban spaces.

“I‘ve been an art’s lover for many years now, and I try to make people love it by sharing my vision of life through pictures. My vision as a dancer and as a photographer helps me to understand how to combine photography and movement.”

Agreed.

-DLace

DIRTYLACE DESIGNS FEATURED THROUGHOUT MUSIC VIDEO :Saturday...

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:07:51 -0500

DIRTYLACE DESIGNS FEATURED THROUGHOUT MUSIC VIDEO :

Saturday I showed you guys a sneak peak of the music video premiere for Mad Bwoy’s new single My Heart Keep Falling directed by Sev One, and starring yours truly, DLace.

So here is the official music video !

Did you peep how DirtyLace Designs is all over the video?? Throughout it you can see my Winter Coat DIY, my “Holiday Swag” clutch, DL’s Satin Scarves worn as a headband, and the Beaded Leather Glove that I will be launching this week for you guys to check out in detail !

Sev One did an amazing job with the video, didn’t he? He is the same director for a lot of Clinton Sparks’ music videos, including the one I shared with you guys a few days ago that I was also featured in.

Hope you guys enjoy my amateur acting haha I tried my best !

Love, DLace

DIY : VALENTINE’S DAY PART 2 As promised, here is a...

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 10:00:05 -0500

DIY : VALENTINE’S DAY PART 2

As promised, here is a great DIY idea for my warmer climate lovelies (I secretly hate you because I am SO jealous—i mean what? hi).

• FOR THOSE CELEBRATING IN WARMER CLIMATES : Take advantage of it

I wish I was somewhere warm this year because I would SO do this ! If you’re fortunate enough to be located somewhere near the water I demand you try this (do it for the rest of us).

DECOR : Once you’ve found a lake, recruit some people to help you carry the table and chairs for your romantic dinner for two by the water (bribe them, blackmail them, do whatever it takes cause this is too good to pass up).

FOOD : Since you are by water (God I can’t get over how much I wish I could do this), I’d suggest having seafood. Grilled salmon with baked potato and some veggies are also quick and easy. The key is to not cook heavy food (no one likes making out with a full belly..Right?)

BEVERAGE : Get them Valentine-wasted with class (remember Dirty but Lace!) with some food complimentary white wine during a beautiful sunset.

DESERT : It doesn’t get any more fool proof and any yummier than this. Strawberries dipped in yogurt and then frozen. If you slice them down the middle the strawberry resembles a heart. [all together now..awwwww]

EXTRA TOUCHES : Decorate all around your romantic meal for two with candle lit lanterns.

CREATIVE BONUS : Did you know that Tulips are edible? They are and they make beautiful center pieces. So why not pair them with equally beautiful edible items? Some vegetables are actually quite colorful, think back on the last time you went food shopping and came across those huge intricate cabbages and wine colored lettuce.. Now go back and get them, and pick up some extra strawberries and green pepper too.Think outside the norm and instead of a bouquet of roses, create a centerpiece filled with those edibles. Even if you’re not a flower arranging expert, I guarantee the creativeness will be appreciated!

And there you have it ! Don’t stress Valentine’s Day and remember that it’s a day to appreciate the person you’ve chosen to share that night with, whether it’s a new love or a long term one.

Now go get Dirty ;)
Boom-cheeky-BOW-WOWWWW

MUSIC VIDEO PREVIEW : Here is a sneak preview of last...

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 09:50:57 -0500

[Flash 10 is required to watch video.]

MUSIC VIDEO PREVIEW : Here is a sneak preview of last night’s music video premiere of Mad Bwoy’s new single My Heart Keep Falling directed by Sev One, and starring yours truly, DLace ,)

LOOK MA I’M ON TV : DirtyLace gets featured on...

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:26:00 -0500

LOOK MA I’M ON TV : DirtyLace gets featured on Clinton Sparks & MadBwoy music videos Some of you may have already seen this music video, but if you haven’t well that’s me! *insert cheesy smile* I am acting as Clinton Spark’s semi intoxicated ambiguous girl for his Ambiguous Girl music video featuring Big Sean and Mike Posner. Which for obvious reasons was too good to pass up and I was ecstatic to do it. If you’ve been living under a rock, Clinton Sparks is a Boston based DJ and music producer. He has a weekly radio show, SmashTime Radio, which can be heard on radio stations around the world on terrestrial radio from Australia, Brazil, Virgin Islands, Belgium, Canada, France to the US. AND he was just nominated for a Grammy for Album Of The Year ! (congratulations!!!!!). The introduction scene that I was a part of, was shot at the Liberty Tree Hotel in Boston and although it’s just a few seconds long, it took us a good 3 hours to complete. But shooting the video with Clinton and the director Sev One, was crazy crazy fun and Clinton is such a great guy, really respectful, energetic and down to earth. I recently had the pleasure of working with Sev again where this time I was the featured girl on Mad Bwoy’s new single My Heart Keep Falling, which is a super catchy song with an R&B vibe. I am going to the music video premiere for it in just a few hours and honestly cannot WAIT to show you guys this one! My purse, leather glove, scarf and DIY winter coat are all making guest appearances in it. *insert double cheesy smile* I hope everyone has an amazing weekend, be safe and come back tomorrow to peep the new music video DirtyLace is featured in ! Love, DLace

DIY : VALENTINE’S DAY PART 1 So my birthday is on...

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:00:06 -0500

DIY : VALENTINE’S DAY PART 1

So my birthday is on actual Valentine’s Day.

Before you go “omg no way aww” let me kindly interrupt you and say that it’s really not that great. At least for me personally, because it’s my actual birthday and I much rather do something completely non-Valentines related for my birthday I.e. take me shark cage diving or race me swimming to the shores of some beautiful Caribbean island and I’d say “damn that was an awesome birthday!”

But at the end of the day, my birthday still falls on valentine’s day, so I’ve gotten quite a few interesting Valentine’s day gifts from boyfriends and valentines (it IS kinda hard to forget plus it was kind of like killing two birds with one stone for them). Some have been sweet but bit cliche like chocolate dipped strawberries, to some extremely romantic ones like hundreds of paper hearts hanging from the ceiling, to even some creative ones (I once got a cabbage bouquet instead of roses, which I quite frankly loved because it was just so..different). But mostly all had some Valentine relation to them.

With that said, I feel pretty confident in dubbing myself as one of the best people to come to if you’re in need of some ideas for valentine’s day gift giving. Also because I have always given my valentine, or significant other, something for the lover’s holiday, even if it is my birthday. I believe Valentines’s day is a couple’s appreciation day, not Women’s day [although such a holiday should definitely exist!].

So ladies this year instead of just waiting around for a gift, why not take some time to get creative in showing your significant other your love? Believe it or not, just because some men may not know what to do when handed flowers, doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate it.

But you know I am all about Do It Yourself and if you’re up for it, I got some romantic yet creative ideas for you to try !

OH and fellas if you’re reading this, take notes because this will be the gift that gives back ;)

• FOR THOSE CELEBRATING IN COLDER CLIMATES : Think warm thoughts

Sure you can rent out a cabin somewhere, but tenting out at their place is much more unexpected. DesignSponge featured this great DIY with step by step instructions. But if it seems a bit overwhelming to create, think back to your childhood when you got creative with your bed sheets!

DECOR : Get them out of the house somehow for few hours, and create your own little romantic nook filled with flowers, candles, fur blankets, and comfortable pillows. Up the romance level with a lit fireplace.

FOOD : If you’re not an expert cook, no worries. Pasta is always fast, easy and equally romantic (hello Lady And The Tramp?)

BEVERAGE : Who doesn’t drink on Valentine’s day! But let’s remember that we are Dirty but still classy (so put the whiskey down). Try hot cocoa spiked with Smirnoff’s Marshmallow Flavored Vodka (trust me, it is DELICIOUS).

DESERT : Are you ready for this? S’MORES CUPCAKES. I almost passed out when I came across this recipe. If you can’t really bake, that’s okay, cause neither can I. You can always purchase some Pre-made chocolate cupcakes and make your own s’mores topping with your hottie by the fireplace.

EXTRA TOUCHES : Since you’re already home, why not keep the warmth going with a hot bubble bath covered in rose petals.

CREATIVE BONUS : Homegirl Martha Stewart has the cutest DIY ; fortune cookies made of red and pink felt fabric, stuffed with hershey kisses and your own personal love (or naughty) messages. Genius. No wonder she gets paid the big bucks.

There you have it, Valentine’s Day DIY Part 1.

If you’re thinking “But I live in a warmer climate dammit” don’t worry, I got you covered too! Stay tuned for Part 2.

Love, DLace

KARL BY KARL LAGERFELD now available at NET-A-PORTER If...

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:17:06 -0500

KARL BY KARL LAGERFELD now available at NET-A-PORTER

If you’re not up for waiting in the endless lines at pretty much every major city on the globe, make your way to Net-A-Porter and snatch up your very own Karl.

Prices for his line range from $25 to over $1000, which includes his signature leather gloves, tshirts, vests, coats and footwear.

Here are my personal favorite pieces [from top left to right] :

• Pink Sless Denim Biker Vest $ 540
• Pleated Faux Leather Skirt $160
• Jeren French Terry & PVC Sweater $ 160
• Leather Clutch $ 270
• Leather Wedges $ 445
• Tuxedo Jacket $270
• Ossie Two-tone Leather Biker Vest $675

-DLace

FINDING BEAUTY IN NATURE : Trees Cocooned in Spider...

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:00:05 -0500

FINDING BEAUTY IN NATURE : Trees Cocooned in Spider webs

National Geographic titles this natural occurance “Enrobbed In Silk” which prompts my brain to flash images primarily related to fashion, not necessarily webbed trees housing millions of spiders that were forced to relocate due to the massive 2010 floods in Pakistan.

And quite honestly, I can’t even begin to describe how deadly afraid of spiders I am. Let’s just say that if I were ever somehow forced to stand underneath one of these trees, my body would ceizure then proceed to suffer 7-10 consecutive heart attacks until I eventually just dropped dead.

However, even with that said, there is something quite mystical about these cotton candy trees that even someone as myself can appreciate and find beauty in. It is a beautiful reminder that when faced with unexpected tragedy, we must push through, re-adapt and continute to find beauty in life all around us.

-DLace

(Photograph courtesy Russell Watkins, U.K. Department for International Development)

STYLING TIP : LAYERING LIKE AN ALEXANDER Take styling notes...

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:19:38 -0500

STYLING TIP : LAYERING LIKE AN ALEXANDER

Take styling notes from fashion’s famous Alexanders (Alexander McQueen and Alexander Wang of course), and layer a skirt with pants. It seems the skort has evolved ~~into…uh what should we call it? I was thinking Skant? But that sounds highly inappropriate…Pirt? I don’t know, I’ll get back to you on that.~~

For the Pre-Fall 2012 collection, McQueen pairs skirts with slightly flared pants and cigarette pants. Wang also layered a leather skirt over a dress. The key is to pair a skirt with pants in a matching fabric and color so that it seems intentional and seamless. Pairing skirts with dresses however, Wang shows you are more free to layering a skirt with any color or fabric dress. If you are unsure at first, opt to layer a skirt in a neutral color (like grey or black) over a slightly longer dress so that the seam of the dress peeks from underneath the skirt.

-DLace