at the party

greetings to all,

THE INTRODUCTION: A Fashion Exhibit was a success.
people came, Teresa Jenee sang,
clothes were sold, there was advice from the old(er).
so i'm not a poet, but i am pleased with the turnout.
still waiting on pictures from my camp, but check out the made monarchs tribute:
http://www.mademonarchs.com/2009/05/fashion-exhibit-pics.html

peace&blogsharing
A. Sky

where have all the postings gone?

that title was intended to be sung to the tune of "where have all the cowboys gone?" by paula cole (i think).  oh, i'm the only one who's ever heard that song?   back to the matter at hand.  we at A. Sky designs are hard at work planning the coolest event to touch down in st. louis thursday 21 may 2009.  if you're reading this, you're already invited to join us for:

an era-inspired fashion exhibit and mock photo shoot

shopping the collections of more than 15 rising designers and local boutiques

socializing in cocktail party fashion with other art and fashion enthusiasts

music by DJ Deadasdisco

a special performance by teresajenee (google: teresajenee.ep)

check back for info on participating designers.

peace&introductions

A. Sky

triple f rated: art deco

five friday finds
(i know it's saturday.)


south african "Ndbele" cloth duffle bag
$45
shikabags.com


"sandy dot" swimsuit
$248
freepeople.com
this item may no longer be available online, call 800.309.1500


rotary dial makeup compact
$275
modbag.com


purple bathing shoes
$39
F-Troupe
buydefinition.com


"Hattie" turtle pin
item may no longer be available
ebay.com

you don't have to be good in math to get this

as some of you may recall,
last month i spent two weeks roaming the streets of miami
and rediscovered a fashion concept:
art deco.
what is that, you ask?
art deco was a decorative movement of the early 20th century, that was influenced by the discovery of Egyptian tombs.
(or so says my internet research.)
anyone who has traveled to south beach has strolled past art deco architectural detailing on the infamous boutique hotels.
think hard now.
you were probably heading to wet willie's for another fine frozen treat.
but i digress.
art deco is based on geometrical shapes,
stark lines,
bold colors,
& zig zags.
the manifestation is elegant, glamorous, eclectic, modern,
& functional.
this week we present two art deco looks.
you'll like it.
'cause who doesn't like shapes?

peace&fashionthatisbold
A. Sky


casual fit

Lucite confetti earrings
$18
kittygirlvintage.com


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deep v body suit
Dsquared
$477
eluxury.com

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striped pleated skirt
$51
lullieclothing.com

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carved cork "Nigel" sandal
Michael Kors
$254
dandelionfeet.com

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"The Metric" in antique/purple
$150
nixonnow.com

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golden yellow satin clutch
Cole Haan
$64
smartbargains.com

formal fit


fleur de lis studs
$13
girlprops.com

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deep v back dress
$450
rebeccaminkoff.com
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navy silk platform
Burberry
$695
shop.nordstrom.com

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"The Groove" in gold/navy
$80
nixonnow.com

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"Crush" studded bag
$295
rebeccaminkoff.com

contributing editors:
Aisha

in lieu of an episode

greetings faithful readers!

there will not be a new episode tonight, as we are still conducting research.
a special note:
as of next week, we are adding a new feature known affectionately as
triple F rated.
five friday finds
triple F rated will feature cool items that just wouldn't fit in thursday's episode,
but should be ogled at anyway.
we know, we know,
you can't wait, right?
neither can we.
see you next thursday.

peace&salutations
A. Sky

real women wear bows. yeah they do.

"they're putting bows on grown people's shoes. i'm a grownup!"
- a co worker feeling the bow blues

yes they are.
and i too have been feeling mild disgust by perfectly good ballet flats
and patent pumps ruined by the "final touch".
a freaking bow.
but as i listened to my co worker, it dawned on me:
all bows are not evil.
some bows are beautiful.
and interesting.
tips for picking the right pair:
leave the ones that add bows like an afterthought
and look for shoes that use bows in unique ways.
bows that are defined shapes.
bows that tie the shoe together.
bows that are optional.
we've selected five pair at a variety of price points for your perusing pleasure.

peace&feelinglikeanadultagain
A. Sky

p.s. check out this week's challenge below the images



"Diana" by Devotte
$152
buydefinition.com



studded bow flat by F-Troupe
$132
buydefinition.com



"Suri" by Miss Me
$32
lulus.com


now you see it...

now you don't!

"Pur" by Devotte
$152
buydefinition.com


"Colette" Tashkent by Cheyenne
$250
refinery29shops.com

weekly challenge:
for those 18 and over ;) i want to see your best bows. send pics to aisha@a-skydesigns.com and we'll post them in our blog gallery.

contributing editor:
aisha

i can't afford a billboard

"do you wanna go in on a billboard that explains transitional season fashions to people?"
-text from a fellow clothes wearer

if only...
one big ole sign just wouldn't be enough to thwart the influx of puffy down jackets,
shearling lined leather,
and sweatsuits
despite sweet spring breezes.
haven't we worn our thermals long enough?
i know i have,
and now i'm ready for different types of layers.
light weight wools & silks.
unlined leather & breathable cotton.
before you pack away all your "fall/winter" items, consider their seasonal crossover appeal.
& ability to remove layers should it become warmer than expected.
in cooler climes, pay tribute to the onset of longer days with brighter colors and fresh patterns.

peace&change
A. Sky

p.s. check out this week's challenge below the images.

men

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women


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weekly challenge: put your hands up and step away from that coat! we want to see your spring look. take a picture and send your best shot to aisha@a-skydesigns.com. it will appear in our blog gallery at

Images:
men
penill scarf
Ted Baker
tedbaker.com

metz knit jersey
Ted Baker
tedbaker.com

peacock mineral wash stretch bull denim slack
American Apparel
americanapparel.com

petrol & yellow striped sock
Paul Smith
paulsmith.co.uk/us

miller brogue
Paul Smith
paulsmith.co.uk/us

women
classic navy double breasted blazer
Brooks Brothers
brooksbrothers.com

taupe wool crepe jumper
Johnson
couturecandy.com

gold and vintage bakelite ring
Mark Davis
solangeimports.com

blue elephants & horses hosiery
London Hosiery
lookfromlondon.com

emily patchwork snakeskin platform
The Frye Company
thefryecompany.com

glitter clutch
Forever 21
forever21.com

contributing editor:
aisha

he might wear the pants, but she wears the "draws"

exo, saint louis, missouri, north america
client
Patches Clothing
hair & makeup
Sharday
photography
B Reason
wardrobe styling (female models)
aisha of A. Sky designs

click on any photo to view entire shoot

for more on Patches Clothing,
visit http://patchesclothing.blogspot.com/

somewhere out there, someone hates your LBD

let me set the record straight:
i enjoy a little black dress as much as the next person.
so much so that i have enough LBDs to wear a different one each day of the week.
black dresses are cool for what they are.
sophisticated.
slimming.
simple.
easy.
but in a group of 3 or more they are:
unimaginative.
dull.
lifeless.
beyond annoying for those of us who have to look at groups of girls out on the town
ALL WEARING LBDs!
ladies, ladies, ladies.
when your girlfriend tells you that she's wearing her LBD for dinner
or cocktails
or a trip to the burlesque show
it should not send out a smoke signal to you that spells out in the sky:
"put yours on too."
i have a simple solution if you're worried about accidentally committing this monocruelmatic act.
just don't do it.
to make this week's challenge gentle on those of you who MUST wear black,
we're taking the same pair of black cotton slacks and doing them up in two different ways.
i hope this helps.

peace&thepowerofdifferent
A. Sky

p.s. see this week's challenge below the images.

look #1

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look #2

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weekly challenge:
for closet's sake, please put back that LBD. give us a little bit of color and shake your groove thing all night long. oh, and take the picture before you get all sweaty and wilty looking. send your best shot to aisha@a-skydesigns.com and we'll post you in our blog gallery.

images:

crop top
Cici
shopnastygal.com

hudson bag
West/Feren
shopbop.com

geo bone belt
shopnastygal.com

cotton slacks
Joe's Knit Chelsea
anthropologie.com

like a virgin boot
Jeffrey Campbell
shopnastygal.com

gray waistcoat
Saville
anthropologie.com

ombre fringe top
Foley + Corinna
revolveclothing.com

tali snake clutch in gray
amiciaccessories.com

taupe crocodile crystal belt
Leatherock
angelasrunway.com

cotton slacks
Joe's Knit Chelsea
anthropologie.com

davis palisades mary jane pumps
Davis by Ruthie Davis
angelasrunway.com

public service announcement

A. Sky wonders will not be seen tonight.

instead, welcome a word from our sponsors...

tired of blending in with the crowd?  try the one and only you!  when no one else's style will do.  besides, it's better than crack.  

tune in next thursday, 8/7 Central as we ponder the attack of the LBD.

peace&patienceaswefinishvacationing

A. Sky

hold the plane, she's coming!

you thought he was traveling alone?
nope.
those strappy sandals will hold you up at security, fyi.

peace&apairofstylishtravelers
A. Sky

p.s. for 'his' bag, see last week's episode.
p.p.s. due to an unintentional omission, the weekly challenge was not posted last week, but you can locate it beneath this week's images.

hers



































weekly challenge:
pack your bag and come along! be sure to bring enough pieces to mix & match. send your best shot to aisha@a-skydesigns.com. entries received will be posted in the 'blog gallery' at www.a-skydesigns.com

images:
leather trimmed woven luggage
Vintage
ebay.com

canvas weekender
Kimchi Blue
urbanoutfitters.com

tie dye clutch
Kimchi Blue
urbanoutfitters.com

golden bow clip
Vintage
ebay.com

Scales aviator flat top sunglasses
urbanoutfitters.com

maroon floral dress
lullieclothing.com

floral swing dress
Diane Von Furstenberg
saksfifthavenue.com

turquoise crocheted poncho style top
designer unknown

hugging the world racerback
Marni
marni.com

Garland Glory jeans
18th Amendment
my-wardrobe.com

mineral wash pullup runners
americanapparel.com

silver & gold Moonwalker sneakers
la femme gn$
greedygenius.com

magenta suede fringe pumps
Christian Louboutin
neimanmarcus.com

black lace heel
Sweet Life by Dolce Vita
urbanoutfitters.com

knotted suede sandal
Kimchi Blue
urbanoutfitters.com

'Mars Riot' black cherry one piece
Insight
revolveclothing.com

yellow retro skirted one piece
victoriassecret.com

'Miami' beach tote
chanel.com

contributing editors:
aisha
kyla
marjani