Textile designs © Jennifer Parry Dodge 2011


A more complete view of some of the prints I posted yesterday. I made a tank out of the fat quarter test samples I ordered- there are actually 3 different prints that I used on this tank- one on the front yoke, one on the front panel & back yoke (the same print in 2 different colorways) and the back panel. These prints are great to wear now...but I think it's nice to have some bright color in the autumn & winter don't you? Try to picture these prints on 3/4 sleeve dresses, paired with some tights, beautiful leather boots, and a chunky knit cardigan...I think they'll be visually refreshing when the sky is grey, the ground is frozen & the streets are covered in slushy, dirty snow!

&
Following up on this post ( finally! ): I purchased a couple of pairs of Levis. They are the Modern Leg Demi Curve Skinnys (worn above) . I went to the Levi's store in Beverly Hills- and I have to say the customer service there was excellent. They actually take your measurements to match you to the best style to fit your body. The denim is decent, but still stretches out a bit too much for my preference after a few wears. The fit isn't perfect- overall just slightly, slightly big...but I think I'm a tough fit. I'm basically between sizes, and it seems to be if a pair of pants fits in the hips, the waist is too big, and if they fit in the waist- my thighs feel like stuffed sausages. But- they are the best I've found for the price ($68 for a pair) so far. I'll be sure to let you know if I come across anything better :)

Peek

Another glimpse of some ERMIE Fall '11 Textiles...these were all developed from my recent purchases from Kneeland Co. Vintage Berber textiles. Scanned, edited, cropped, enlarged, tweaked, repeated, collaged. Some of the prints capture the nubby texture of the original woven textiles. Others are more like watercolors. You better like color if you are planning to wear ERMIE for Fall :)








I started goofing off...
There's a photo of Patti Smith I was trying to emulate here...hm. I don't think headbands are for me. I just think of Luke Wilson's character in The Royal Tenenbaums when I look at this photo.

Dress by Ilana Kohn in this photo.



That's better.

I've been enjoying playing with the color in my photographs lately.
Sometimes I think everything starts to look the same on my blog & in blog-land...so many 'tasteful' photos...it all becomes too homogeneous. So I thought I'd push the envelope a tad with a few of these shots. The color is a little psychedelic here...I was inspired by Billy Name's photographs of the Factory. Would you believe me if I told you I've never tried LSD? Many of my Tumblr followers will be disappointed...



Dirty mirror.

Textile designs © Jennifer Parry Dodge 2011

O.P.D. *

ERMIE Ave. 51 print silk scarf, Ilana Kohn Black Ikat Lizzie Dress, vintage necklace from Lady.



Ilana Kohn Black Ikat Lizzie Dress, Rachel Comey heels, vintage Native American turquoise & silver cuff.

L: Double Block Necklace- Mociun & Katy Krantz. M: Vest from Platform, belt from J.Crew. R: Odette Fox Claw Necklace, Dream Collective multi-colored record bead necklace.



Ilana Kohn Dress, ERMIE Magic Marker print silk scarf, ERMIE Shibori Print silk sash, Odette Fox Claw Necklace, Isabel Marant S/S '10 necklace, vintage Native American turquoise & silver cuff. Way Tweaked. Just because.



ERMIE Ikat Print silk shell, Mociun S/S '11 skirt, Odette Fox Claw necklace, Dream Collective Necklace, vintage Native American turquoise & silver cuff.

Playing dress up. I try to wear something I designed every day...it's a good way to see how my garments hold up over time, if they are actually comfortable, etc. But I do enjoy wearing the work of other designers- ( *Other People's Designs: O.P.D....not O.P.P....that's very different) among my favorite purchases from Other Designers this summer: Ilana Kohn's Black Ikat Lizzie Dress. When she posted her summer collection I snapped this little number immediately. The ikat woven cloth was so striking, and the dress looked like it would be comfortable & versatile (it is)--literally something you can just throw on & go. I received it in the mail today, and I am already in love.

I've also worn my Mociun Pleat skirt quite a bit this spring & summer. Also very comfortable- it too works with many items you wouldn't expect. The other day I wore it with the ERMIE Ikat print 'silk shell' --not a new style- but this dress that I chopped up.
I had stained the original dress with blood (don't ask) and threw it in the wash to clean it. Of course it shrank--so instead of tossing the whole thing I salvaged what I could. I actually like it...next summer, I'll definitely be making some tank dresses & sleeveless shells to beat the heat.


What have you been wearing this summer? Did you make anything that you've been wearing? Do you have a current favorite summer outfit? What do you wear to stay cool? Share, share :)

Also: Just in case you may have missed it- one of my favorite designers, Jennifer Sarkilahti of Odette, was featured on The Makers!

ERMIE at A.Cheng!

Above: ERMIE Huipil Top in the Uroko Gata Print

Below: Clothing by A.Cheng: Classic Trench Coat, Ivy Sundress, Olivia Tie Dress, & the Molly Shirt Dress.






All images courtesy of A.Cheng.

I'm thrilled to announce some items from ERMIE S/S '11 are being carried by Brooklyn retailer Alice Cheng's eponymous boutique A.Cheng.

Alice carries some great lines; including Clare Vivier, Dieppa Restrepo, Uzi, Shabd x Baggu, RGB nail polishes and Saipua soaps...I'm flattered to be part of her current roster!

In addition to being an entrepreneur, Alice Cheng is also a designer. A graduate of Parsons, her garments (pictured above -images 2-5) are classic, crisp, simple & clean. She designs the type of pieces that mix well with your own personal style, and once worn- you don't have to worry- you know you'll look good. Her dresses she designed for summer are versatile, fuss free & will keep you looking cool at the office, beach, or a summer picnic.

Brooklyn-ites: please go check it out, and for the rest of you... Please visit the A.Cheng Store Online!

Denver

I was in Denver. Dealing with some pretty heavy stuff, and that's all I'll say about that.

We somehow managed to have a wonderful party- celebrating the engagements and unions of John & Cecile, Satoko & Alex.

It rained a lot- thunderstorms! The Teru Teru Bozu helped a little :)

I read, walked around the neighborhood, and took in the loveliness of my in-law's garden.

I'm tired from this trip, but my time spent in Denver really made me realize how much I love and value my family.


**Other stuff:
The Store is closed to taking new orders for custom items due to upcoming travel for both myself & my seamstress, but there is still a smattering of ready-made items available.
We hope to reopen for custom orders at the end of this month! I may also offer some one-off items and perhaps some yardage remnants for sale at that time.
As always, please contact me if you have specific questions about anything in the store- I love hearing from you!

Above: Artwork by Hadley Holliday.









Wishing you a festive 4th!

A total indulgence, but I just had to have it- (I was stalking it ever since I first saw it on Jenny's blog) my new Mociun & Katy Krantz necklace from here, interspersed with photos from South Pasadena yesterday.