Momathon Blog

Shoe Sketchbook: Stuart Weitzman Sandal

I knew I had to sketch this sandal by Stuart Weitzman when I saw it featured in the O, The Oprah Magazine back in April. Now I can't find the same shoe on his website so I have no idea if you can still buy this shoe. Oh well... Weitzman has two sandals that are similar—the Solo and the Puffs.

Sketching shoes is kind of an obsession. I love shoe architecture. I think this specific shoe is amazing because of the black + white color and the chunky lower heel. If you know more about this shoe, leave your information in the comments.

 

Image: Stuart Weitzman shoe illustration above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

Four Summer Cookbooks

What are your favorite new cookbooks? My search for books with great recipes begins with cookbooks that also include great photos. I also love a recipe that tells a story about a place. Many moons ago I was as a pastry chef at a French restaurant. When I compiled this short list of faves I had to include two books with recipes that also celebrate joie de vivre. Because we follow a gluten-free cooking plan for some family members at home, Paltrow's book has been my go-to book. I admit when putting together this collection, it was almost impossible to only select four cookbooks. I know a part two and three collection will be in the works. Enjoy! xo

Links: Home Made Summer; It's All Good; La Tartine Gourmande; The Little Paris Kitchen

{Recipes from the books after the jump}

Shoe Sketchbook: Sergio Rossi Flashy Sandal

Hello Summer! Last week of school for my kids. Time to get my feet beach-ready because I'm kinda obsessed with sandals. And I'm smitten by the details and colors of the fabulous Sergio Rossi sandal. I think the name "Flashy" says it all. 

 

Image: Sergio Rossi shoe illustration above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

Six Ways to Wear Black & White

 

Black and white is a trend I love. And best of all, this trend works with work wear and more casual fashions. Plus I love the fact you can mix and match black and white fashions with a pop of color in patterned jeans, shoes, a purse or other accessories. Here are six styles to check out.

1) Full Midi Skirt and Sweater at ASOS; 2) Joji Bistretch Jacket at Theory; 3) Toothpick jean in geometric print at J.Crew; 4) Printed Side-Tie Dress at Banana Republic; 5) Polina Sweater at ToryBurch.com; 6) Livia Wedges at Ann Taylor

 

Images: Black and white trend graphic above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

Happy Thoughts from Winnie-the-Pooh

This Winnie-the-Pooh quote was selected for my son as he goes off on another big adventure.

Whether you are going on an adventure today or staying close to home, hope all of you are having a lovely day. And if you have a bedtime story to read tonight—read something wise and wonderful by A.A. Milne with my favorite little bear, Winnie-the-Pooh. xo

 

Image: Wisdom by Winnie-the-Pooh. Art by me, Chris Olson. The role of Pooh played by the handmade and much-loved Honey Bear. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

Shoe Sketchbook: Alexandre Birman's Strappy Open Toe Bootie

I am going to start a new series of sketches of favorite shoes. Some are sketches of shoes I own, but many many are shoes I just love—the colors, the design, the "shoe architecture." Take this strappy open toe bootie. The elegant lines are divine, don't you agree?

 

 

 

Images: Shoe illustration above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

 

Monday Love

My illustration above was inspired by some lovely daisies my daughter gave me yesterday. I thought their bright colors were the perfect slice of sunshine to encourage you to make the most of your Monday! 

And I thought I'd share a bit of link love to get your creative juices flowing. Here are just a few lovely links to inspire you:

• If you are a blogger and want to make videos, Jenner Brown put together a helpful list of resources on the Alt Design Summit Blog.
• Do you ever feel like your are in a slump because you don't see any progress in meeting your goals? Maybe you are overlooking all your past accomplishments.  Monica Lee at Smart Creative Women has a wonderful video with a message that will definitely boost your confidence. 
• And just for fun, check out the lovely jewelry GIVEAWAY on Frock Files. I think the earrings are adorable. Be sure to enter soon, the giveaway ends Tuesday, May 14th.

 

Images: Daisy graphic featured above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

Even More Sketches from the Runway: Fashion Star

Season 2 of Fashion Star ends tonight with a new fashion star to be named! Will you be tuning in? Only one of the final three designers —Cassandra Hobbins (John Varvatos' team), Daniel Silverstein (Nicole Richie's team) or Hunter Bell (Jessica Simpson's team) — will be named the season 2 winner. You can watch a preview video of the season finale here.

 

Sketch from last week's episode

I've had so much fun sketching the runway so I've got one more sketch from the previous episode—Trending Now and Then. This sketch features Cassandra and the models wearing the column dress and shirt dress.  

FASHION STAR RECAPS

If you want to see more sketches from my recaps, check out

• Week 1: Season 2 Premiere 
• Week 2: Sexy Designs.
• Week 3: Something for Everyone
• Week 4: It's Getting Hot in Here
• Week 5: It Takes Two
• Week 6: Buyer's Choice
• Week 8: His & Hers
• Week 9: Trending Now & Then (2) and Trending Now & Then (1)

  

 

Images: Illustrations featured above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

More Sketches from Fashion Star: Trending Now & Then

In less than 48 hours, the finale of Fashion Star will air—that's Friday on NBC 8/7c. The designers are just one step away from winning the prize! I am feeling both happy and sad. Because I love watching the process behind creating the designs, this show about fashion desgners is one of my faves. Definitely must-see TV!

OY, vey. Now I am starting to get all get verklempt over the finale !!! Need to step back and focus on this recap for the second to last episode... Trending Now & Then.

Earlier this week I shared my sketch of Hunter Bell's lace dress with a keyhole neckline and peplum flare with pocket. Today I just have to talk about her amazing Fit and Flare dress. The mentors and the judges just love this dress. Express bids $50,000, Macy's bids $60,000 - and then Terron at Saks crushes them with a bid of $200,000. He admires the styling that recalls Christian Dior's New Look, launched in 1947, and he's thrilled with Hunter's "home run."

If you're looking for more fashion news on Hunter, check out her Hunter Dixon Clothing Line website, her blog, and her updates on Twitter, view her photos at @hunterdixon Instagram, and see her faves on Pinterest. Before I forget, Hunter has a 30% off Mother's Day Sale. Check it out here.

Have to add that I really loved the designs by Daniel, Cassandra and the duo JesseRay and Garrett. Want to get a sneak peak at the behind the scenes action on Fashion Star? Check out this short video featuring show host Louise chatting with the designers during their last chance for making it to the finals.

So what will happen next in the big Fashion Star finale on Friday? It may sound silly, but I'm crossing my fingers for all of them! I can't wait!

In case you missed my sketch for the lace dress available at Express, see the blue lace dress below.

 

Images: Illustrations featured above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

 

FASHION STAR RECAPS

If you want to see more sketches from my recaps, check out

• Week 1: Season 2 Premiere 
• Week 2: Sexy Designs.
• Week 3: Something for Everyone
• Week 4: It's Getting Hot in Here
• Week 5: It Takes Two
• Week 6: Buyer's Choice
• Week 8: His & Hers

 

Hunter's Lace Dress available at Express.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Life Gets Complicated {Reasons to Ride}

How is your week shaping up? Hope today is a day you can hop on your bike and go for a ride. Whether you crave climbing the steeps or gliding down the hills, life is always a bit sweeter on two wheels. 

 

Images: Photo above by Eric Olson with design and photo editing by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

Sketches from Fashion Star: Trending Now & Then

Do you have a favorite fashion decade? I love both the '50s and the '60s and those decades were also popular with the four designers in the Trending Now and Then episode on Fashion Star on NBC. Can't wait to see what happens next on the finale this week!

For the Trending Now and Then challenge, each of the four designers picked a decade to inspire the creation of two garments. My focus this week for the recap will feature Hunter and I'll try to include more sketches from the other designers later in the week.

Hunter goes with the '50s and works with colored lace. She created two looks—a fit and flare lace dress and a lace dress with a keyhole neckline and peplum flare with pocket. Both the mentors and the judges just love her fit and flare dress. Express bids $50,000, Macy's bids $60,000 - and then Terron at Saks crushes them with a bid of $200,000. He admires the styling that recalls Christian Dior's New Look, launched in 1947, and he's thrilled with Hunter's "home run."

My sketch above features the second dress, her Lace Dress. Saks ($75,000) and Express ($100,000) both want the dress with a stunning bidding war by Express and Saks. With $200,000 each, Hunter has to choose and she goes with Erika at Express—the one who saved her last week. "

Cassandra went with the '60s and an update on a column dress and a shift mini.

JesseRay and Garrett have chosen the '50s and create a sheath dress and a paired short and crop top, inspired by Garrett's grandmother.

Daniel goes with the '60s and focuses on two trends: all-white and bold geometric prints. Plus he gets inspiration from Paco Rabanne's technique and creates a pattern with detail. 

Each week I'm sad to see another designer go, and this week was no different when JesseRay and Garrett were eliminated.  We were first introduced to the designer duo 9 weeks ago as sweater designers. They have proven to us they are much more than that. Wishing only great things for their future projects.

So what will happen next? This Friday is the finale.

 

Hunter's Mesh Ponte Dress from Week 2

FASHION STAR RECAPS

If you want to see more sketches from my recaps, check out

• Week 1: Season 2 Premiere 
• Week 2: Sexy Designs.
• Week 3: Something for Everyone
• Week 4: It's Getting Hot in Here
• Week 5: It Takes Two
• Week 6: Buyer's Choice
• Week 8: His & Hers

 

Images: Illustrations featured above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

iPad Books Spotlight: iF Poems

Looking for a bedtime book? Reading poetry is so nourishing. Wouldn't it be grand if very famous actors read the poems to you and your kids?

 

Check out the iF Poems app. It has a magical selection of poetry ranging from Shakespeare to Carol Ann Duffy, by way of Keats and Walt Whitman. The poems are brought to life by the talented actors Helena Bonham Carter, Bill Nighy, Tom Hiddleston and Harry Enfield.

Maybe best of all, the app includes a feature that lets you record your own voice reading poems too!

 

 

A Few California Essentials {Pinterest}

Is it summer yet? The sun is shining in my windows and sitting at my desk doesn't make much sense today. I'm feeling the call of the beach...

 

1) Grab your surfboard and drive to the coast... I could live in the Sherpani website. 2) She's wearing a designer suit and carrying a surfboard. Enough said. CHANEL surf accessories. 3) I want both the pillow and the van—Big Sur Needlepoint Pillow by Jonathan Adler. 4) In case you forgot how to find California, check out the "I heart California" print by Evivart on Etsy.

You can find this summery mood board on my Pinterest board Dreaming of summer.

Sketches from Fashion Star: His & Hers

Can fashion designs bridge the gender gap? That's the mission for the week 8 "His & Hers" episode of Fashion Star on NBC.

The design challenge was to create his and her fashion—one piece for a man and one for a woman in two colors to bridge the gender gap. The designers remaining include Hunter along with Garrett and JesseRay on Jessica's team. Team John has Silvia and Cassandra. Team Nicole has one member left Daniel—and this gave him an edge because his mentor could dedicate all her efforts on helping him. 

In the end the designers sent Silvia home. She was a fan favorite and I was disappointed to see her go... 

Today my recap sketch focuses on anotherone of my favorites, the rising star Daniel Silverstein. His women’s denim romper and men’s denim jacket can be purchased at Express.  He has sold the most on Fashion Star to date, his sales to total over $800,000. He has sold the most on “Fashion Star” to date, totaling over $800,000. You can follow Daniel on Twitter — @ZeroWasteDaniel. Daniel is the creator and designer of100% NY that features contemporary designer sportswear for the eco-conscious woman. 

So what will happen next week? Next week’s challenge has the designers creating a style from the latest trends and adding their own twist. With only two episodes left, I'm sure it will be an exciting episode.

FASHION STAR RECAPS

If you want to see more sketches from my recaps, check out

• Week 1: Season 2 Premiere 
• Week 2: Sexy Designs.
• Week 3: Something for Everyone
• Week 4: It's Getting Hot in Here
• Week 5: It Takes Two
• Week 6: Buyer's Choice

 

Images: Illustrations featured above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!