An Artsy Christmas!

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas with their loved ones! 

Here are some top 3 favorites for the holiday season! 

1.   Double-Breasted Pea Coat

Must I say more? I need this coat!

(Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/176273772884669322/)

2. Degrees of Dazzling Tutorial

Love this make up look by xsparkage! The colors and texture are perfect for the holiday season. 

3. OPI Mariah Carey Holiday Collection

I haven't gotten my hands on these beauties, but they are absolutely gorgeous! 

(Source: http://www.thepolishaholic.com/2013/10/OPI-Holiday-2013-Mariah-Carey-Holiday-Collection-Swatches-Review.html)

<3 Jenny

Our Guide for Holiday Shopping

Holiday shopping madness is on the way this coming week. It can be overwhelming since there is A LOOOT of people on the hunt for those discounts. Gina and I have thought of several ways to plan ahead and save up on your Christmas shopping. 

Black Friday is the first big sale coming up on the last week of November. Walmart, Kmart, Sears, The Gap, and other retail stores seem to have a head start on Thursday. It has been confirmed by several reporters that Walmart will be open all day Thursday to Friday. For those you looking to buy at Walmart be prepared! Planning is the best way to go especially if you are going out early. Of course be safe! We don't want this happening:  http://youtu.be/K3RDTxVCKC4 Another tip: Check out all the retailers for promotional ads online.  Looking for merchandise online is the perfect opportunity for this time of the year!

I've done this last year with friends and I highly recommend it!  Small Business Saturday is just as high energy as Black Friday but with less crowds.  With a joyful atmosphere rather than a competitive one, SBS is a day to celebrate the small businesses around your area they way you would do on Black Friday-- shopping!  Midtown Sacramento has a huge selection of not only fashion boutiques but a bunch of lovely restaurants and eating places around the same areas so you can both eat and shop local on the same day!  

Most small businesses that participate in SBS have sale promotions much like the stores that participate in Black Friday.  Those looking for a great deal on apparel should take a trip to Article Consignment Boutique and get reasonably priced fashions at discount.  For unique and trendy fashions, Legacy Boutique has garments and jewelry full of flare that will make great gifts for the holidays.  These are just two of the countless boutiques that will be open on SBS-- for more info on the small fashion businesses in Midtown, please visit http://www.exploremidtown.org!



Cyber Monday is  for those who love shopping online. It is another alternative to avoid all the crowds. As mentioned in the Black Friday segment, looking at ads online before hand saves you time on the item you want to purchase. Just be wary of the site having "issues." Sign into your account and load up your shopping cart before hand to avoid the site issues. 

Amazon is always a good site to hit up for CM!  In terms of fashion, the ever popular Black Milk Clothing will be participating and offering 30% off select items.  One of the best things about CM is that you can shop in your pajamas in the comfort and privacy of your own home rather than the opposite atmosphere of Black Friday and still shop at the same stores for deals!

 We at Artsy Apparel believe in style on a budget and the power of fashion as a business that contributes to economic growth.  However, we also believe that the holidays are a time for loved ones.  So when you all are enjoying the next few days of shopping and the rush of retail remember that although gifts are nice, sharing your presence and love to the people around you are really what the holidays are about.  And we at Artsy Apparel hope to have given you some helpful tips to holiday shopping-- because when you can cut down the time and effort for buying gifts, you save time and energy to give to those who matter most.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving! Happy Shopping :)
~ Gina and Jenny

Tim Burton Halloween Fashion

image source: [x]

With our love for Halloween, costumes and fashion, Artsy Apparel wanted to do a special post for this upcoming holiday!

Costumes on the Runway

Fall is officially here! Which means one step closer to Halloween ;)

Launch Fashion Show and NYFW  already ended and I thought it would be interesting to know what High-Fashion costumes would look like on the runway. Some would disagree to this idea that costumes should serve the purpose of one's personal enjoyment (oh you know LARPING ;P)  BUT! My curiosity has got the best of me.

(Source: Elle.com, Designer: Betsey Johnson, Costume: Ballerina)

This first costume inspired look is by the wonderful and spontaneous Betsey Johnson. Just by looking at the bright vibrant colors I knew that it belonged to Betsey (plus the necklace states her name on it). I can tell that this outfit is Ballerina-like due to the fabric being used (tulle) and the shape of garment (round shaped skirt). I also love the purple tint to the look (can you guess why? :) )

(Source: Elle.com, Designer: Unknown, Costume: Tinker Bell)

The second costume inspired look is Tinker Bell. What gave it away? Besides the greenish gold hue, the huge bun  depicts the character very well. I do admire the corset look (especially when it's sweetheart shape!) I can't forget about the pleated detail (it reminds me of leaves!)  This garment could also represent Poison Ivy. Overall, I feel that this look should have been a one piece or at least have more coverage.

Can't wait to see more extravagant ideas that will be on the runway!

Stay Classy My Friends

~ Jenny

Artsy Apparel Giveaway

As promised here is the prize for the giveaway that we will be hosting this month! There will be 2 winners (one guy and one girl). The girl chosen will receive a pack of items that includes 1 bow clip, 1 set of small bow clips, 3 necklaces, 3 earrings, 2 bracelets (cuff and slap-on), 2 rings, and 1 keychain. (whew!)

 The guy who wins will also receive a pack that includes a pouch, two wrist jewelry pieces (of different styles) and a face mask-- perfect for Visual Kei lovers!

To enter:

 1) Must be a fan of us on our Facebook 
 2) Like & Comment the giveaway post

Good Luck to Everyone!

Love, Artsy Apparel

All items were purchased from Sweet Poison Cupcake and Lokisa.

Dolly Dynamite Review: Kawaii Hime Bag (Green)

NOTE: This is an honest opinion about the product when purchased

(Dolly Dynamite: Kawaii Hime Bag in Green)

Dolly Dynamite had quite the sale over the 4th of July weekend!  I was astonished with the lovely dresses to adorable bags that were oh so irresistible! This little gem caught my eye and stole my heart. I loved how bright and adorable this kawaii hime bag is with the bow (Yes the bow does boost up the level of cuteness >.< ). For those who have a certain preference this bag does come with a strap.  

Artsy Apparel and Dolldelight

Jenny and I have modeled for Dolldelight at two conventions this year so far: SacAnime Winter 2013 and Fanime 2013!

SacAnime 2013 was the first time we ever met Cyril Lumboy-- sweet, smart, professional and cute as a button! The fashion show took place the Friday of the convention where many indie J-Fashion designers competed-- the winning collection earning a free booth in Artist Alley at SacAnime Summer 2013! Although Dolldelight didn't compete, Lumboy was a special fashion guest for the show. Jenny and I rocked the kimono-inspired ensembles: the Koi Kimono (Jenny) and Wind Symphony (myself)!

A few months later Gina and I became official models for Dolldelight and got the opportunity to attend another fashion show at Fanime. This time Cyril introduces her new dress: Her Rockin' Highness. Gina was lucky enough to wear the latest outfit while I wore the elegant Kuro Ero. Both our dresses sure did turn heads and compliments as well! Sadly the collection that was shown are retiring, but no fear! Cyril will make a new collection as we speak and something to look forward to ;) We both would like to thank the whole Dolldelight team again for their hard work and dedication. We will be seeing you again in the future <3 


~ Gina and Jenny

Artsy Apparel x Richard Hallmarq

Jenny and I are extremely thankful and fortunate to be able to attend a very special fashion show this past weekend-- Sacramento's and Project Runway season 11's Richard Hallmarq!  Located at The Park Ultra Lounge, Jenny, myself and our lovely guests to the event enjoyed the intimate setting, photo booth and the musical guest and guest model Jill Jones (her music reminded me a lot like Prince-- and who doesn't like Prince's music? Honestly.)!  Hallmarq was a very fashion forward designs made with comfortable yet well draped jersey-- and as if his designs weren't inspiring enough, he opened his show with a touching speech about following dreams, having faith, pursuing what you love, passion and being humble.  It's good to see that, unlike some, there are still people who can still stay level-headed after exposure to fame.

 

Hallmarq's collection consists of women's dresses with a twist of casual (yes you guessed it!) jersey knit fabric for comfort. All dresses are black and white which is perfect because with a touch of bright colored accessories the consumer will be able to stand out from the rest of the crowd. The outfits will posses a trendy yet luxurious feeling for going out. The draping of his garments symbolizes the soft feminine touch, but edgy.  One garment that stood out was a dress that had a hood. This is rare among any outfit I have seen. It is a great alternative since the weather in Sacramento can be windy if you decide to go around town for an event such as this. To leave off with this post I decided to link a video to Hallmarq's last words for the night about his passion, dedication, and gratitude. 

~ Gina and Jenny

A Special Thank You!

Artsy Apparel is extremely blessed for our friends and families who have supported us through our Facebook pages—after a few days of us politely spamming your news feeds we finally not just made our ‘100 fans’ goal, but exceeded it (don’t worry—the spam is over!)! We are also connected on Twitter (@ArtsyApparel) and Tumblr (artsyapparel.tumblr.com) for those who wish to follow us on different social media sites! Because we are extremely thankful to those who have supported us, Jenny and I have been brainstorming something special for you all!

As a special thank you for the love and support of our pages we are going to give away 3 prizes for you lovely people! (Gina and I are still planning on the awesome prizes for you we just have too many ideas on it). Once we have made the final decision we will have a post on Facebook letting you know about the details. We are very excited that we have a large number of people who have encouraged us since the beginning of our blog. We enjoy talking about our passions to the community who can relate. In return, we are also open to any suggestions on our blog if you want to discuss a specific topic. 


Again thank you for this is only the beginning towards our journey!


Love Artsy Apparel, 
Gina and Jenny

A.A. Meets Richard Hallmarq

March truly brought its gifts—a lot of good came to fruition for both members of Artsy Apparel this month!  Aside from the recognition we both got as individuals this month, Jenny and I were pleasantly surprised to have a very special guest speaker in our fashion retailing class—Richard Hallmarq, the designer that was currently representing Sacramento in this season of Project Runway!

Sacramento Fashion Week 2013

Amazing how time flies by when school takes up majority of your social life >.>;;;

Without further or due here is the first post of the month or what I like to call "March Mayhem." I thought it would be fun to talk about Sacramento Fashion Week which started on Feb. 28th and ending today. The event starts with having a launch party to multiple workshops that include modeling, hair, and makeup. The last three days of the week has a boutique show and shop before the two big shows. On Friday designers are able to show off  their Spring/Summer collection until Saturday which features the Fall/Winter collection. I did not have the opportunity to attend this year, but I kept on eye on the latest trends appearing for spring/summer and fall/winter.

Miss Carlyforina Love

I can't tell if I'm late or not with blogging-- I could do a post a month because of my busy schedule of school, work, resuming building, etc. and whatnot and it may have to come to that.

Ahem-- anyways, I guess I should be on topic, hmm?

Carlyfornia makes my heart make this face: :D <3!

She is the queen of lolita who was blessed to be born creative.  I've met her while attending conventions sometime around 2010 and bought a black and white gothic lolita dress from her and have been running into her ever since.  We eventually forged a friendship after seeing each other so often-- at first it was just small talk with a transaction of money and merchandise.  And that small talk later evolved into discussions, jokes, rants and... well... anything!  Carlyfornia is not just known by her amazing designs and incredible talent but by her radiant personality and kindness.

Lokisa (Visual You Fashion Incorporated) Retrospect

I’ve been meaning to talk about this brand for quite some time. I first encountered Lokisa back in 2008 at Fanime. They were putting on a fashion show at stage zero and of course me being a sucker for fashion couldn’t resist and dragged my friends along with me. I do admit that the first time I saw Lokisa’s designs I immediately fell in love. Not only did they do a great job showing off their attire on stage, but also had a distinct look to make them unique.

(Models of Lokisa, Fanime 2008)

Wig Wars: EpicCosplay & Gothic Lolita Wigs

I briefly talked about my wigs in my solo fashion blog, but I have so much to say after using them both at SacAnime Winter 2013.

Artsy Apparel: An Introduction

Welcome to the blog!  The idea of Artsy Apparel  hatched at the end of 2012 where two girls who adored fashion and the art of cosplaying equally and wanted collaborate on a blog that expressed both interests while keeping a focus on the local scene (for them, it's Sacramento, California).  They met in school after discovering that they both were fashion majors who got into design and apparel construction through cosplay and they quickly connected and became friends.  Not only do they have backgrounds in cosplaying and sewing, they also have experience in fashion blogging and public relations and were models for Cyril Lumboy of dolldelight.

But that's enough of an introduction of the pair-- now they'll take over introducing themselves individually!