THREADFIBER

Boston, MA (08.11.11)

2011-11-16T20:58:00.002-06:00

Kate P.

thrifted tank & shoes

UO jeans

Goodwill backpack

Ladan N.

MBMJ blouse

MBMJ flats

Vinyl Touch shorts

MAC lipstick in "Hipster"

Ladan & MBMJ sheer blouse close up

Pierce L.

MBMJ blazer

BDG tank

Marc Jacobs belt

Marc Jacobs shorts

Marc Jacobs sunglasses

1970s vintage men's shoes

Pierce's vintage leather flats

Greetings from St. Louis!

2011-03-19T23:18:00.003-05:00

Hello friends! I would like to apologize for a couple of things:
a. Not blogging as frequently as I promised
b. Not blogging what I wanted to blog to you guys over the past week
c. Not having photos in this post (there will be some in the next one, I pinky promise!)

I've been in St. Louis, MO for the past few days for the SGC International Printmaking Conference. The conference was hosted at The Chase Park Plaza this year, and it has become a little fashion mecca of printers. The city is fantastic and filled with such a great energy that I wish I could find more often in Birmingham (I know it exists). I decided to network and get some blog material out of it, and hope you all will enjoy what I have. Once again, sorry sorry sorry for my blogging hiatus.

I had the opportunity to meet fantastically talented folks from all over the world, bond with a really wonderful group of people (hey, Memphis kids!), and meet one of my greatest artistic inspirations, Swoon (I even got her to pose for you guys).

I'll have photos up as soon as I return to Birmingham. In the mean time, take care and look forward to some posts!

xoxo,
AV

THREADFIBER Interview: TOMS Shoes Founder Blake Mycoskie

2010-11-04T23:15:00.008-05:00

On my annual summer vacation up to Massachusetts in 2006, I bought my first pairs of TOMS shoes in black corduroy, tan suede, and blue/red plaid from a boutique in downtown Northampton. While browsing for the perfect pair of travel shoes, I was immediately attracted to the simplicity in design, comfort, and packaging (then in a tie-up baggie) of TOMS. It wasn't until I read the shoes' concept description that I was absolutely convinced that I had to get a pair (or three!): With every pair of TOMS Shoes purchased, TOMS will give a new pair of shoes to a child in need. Socially conscious, durable, and stylish in one pair of shoes? TOMS won my heart. I never really thought about how quick and large the company would grow, but am certainly glad to see that they're popping up on the soles of passersby virtually everywhere!

Tonight, I had the delightful opportunity of meeting and speaking with Blake Mycoskie, founder and "chief shoe giver" of TOMS Shoes, when he was a featured speaker at my college's annual lecture series. Clad in a red plaid button-up, brown tweed jacket, jeans, and (of course) a pair of TOMS, he was gracious enough to squeeze in a quick interview for THREADFIBER readers.

THREADFIBER: Why did you come up with the name TOMS?
BLAKE: That's a good question. So, the concept originally was every pair of shoes we sell today would allow us to give a pair of shoes tomorrow. We called them "Tomorrow Shoes" for a while but that was too long for the little tag on the back, so I shortened them to "TOMS".

THREADFIBER: I know that you traveled to Argentina and that was where you got inspiration for the design... could you tell me a little more about that?
BLAKE: Yes, originally, yeah. I was on vacation in Argentina and the original design of the shoe came from an Argentine farmer shoe called alpargata and we just changed the sole and insole and that's how we created the original design. And that's why the logo on the back has kind of a version of the Argentine flag.

THREADFIBER: Wonderful, I didn't know that! So as far as the textiles and cloth that go over the shoes, what inspires that? Do you come up with them, or do you have designers?
BLAKE: Sure! Originally for the first two years I pretty much did it all, then in the last year in a half to two years, I hired a design team to help me because I've been traveling so much that it's hard to stay up to speed with what the timelines that we have to design every season. We have a really great design team. We take a lot of inspiration from what's going on in our personal lives and what's going on publicly, and our travels - that comes in a big play, too. Where we're traveling, and textiles and the sense of designs and colors that we encounter on our travels has a big play in the inspiration behind the design.

THREADFIBER: Is there a design this season that's your personal favorite?
BLAKE: Right now, probably just the Highlands Brown Men's Botas (Blake pulls up his pant leg to show me his shoes). This is a new shoe we did. It's a quarter boot with a waxed canvas. I think they're great because I live in California, so even in the winter sometimes, I'm wearing shorts. They work great with shorts and socks, or they work nice with pants as well.

THREADFIBER: Oh, they're laced! I love them! So far as taking care of the shoes, can you throw them in the wash?
BLAKE: Yes, you can throw them in the wash - just don't dry them. Let them dry naturally.

THREADFIBER: Well you have answered all of my questions and I'll let you go, but thank you so much for your time!
BLAKE: Yeah, of course! Thank you!

Check out www.TOMS.com to get a pair of your own! Text "SHOES" to 75309 to receive a promo code for use at TOMS.com.

Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T21:34:00.003-05:00

I had such an eventful Halloween. After a wonderful Saturday of partying with many friends, I went to see Jónsi at The Tabernacle in Atlanta with more friends last night. Here I am as Frida Kahlo, possibly my favorite costume so far.

29 October 2010

2010-11-01T21:07:00.004-05:00

Andrew, student and blogger

Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival 2010

2010-09-28T23:58:00.017-05:00

In preparation for Sidewalk's opening night two weekends ago, filmmakers; actors; media; etc. were invited to attend the Opening Night Reception atop the Kress Building in downtown Birmingham. My lovely new friend (and fellow fashion blogger), Andrew Hester, invited me to attend the event with him for some trendspotting - as if I could even think about refusing the offer!

Anyway, here are some images from the weekend's events. Please pardon some of my missing names. I'll edit this post as soon as I can get them. Enjoy!

xoxo,
adv

Musician, Seth Persons(R) and friend

Andrew Hester

Andrew's DIY boots (pretty amazing)

Filmmaker, Joshua Shoemaker and Apryl Rowe

Andrew and I enjoying the Saturday Night Party at Old Car Heaven

2010-08-18T18:10:00.002-05:00

Patrick and I got to be included in the 'Best Dressed' feature at Art on the Rocks this month. Please excuse me for looking rough.

2010-08-12T23:14:00.003-05:00

Hello Blog Followers!
If you actually read my blog, I apologize for my lack of summer posts.
I've been very occupied this summer and really haven't had the time to post looks for you guys. Actually, I just do a poor job of capturing photos of myself (and feel silly trying) and haven't been able to find a good step-in photographer.

Anyway, I've done lots of traveling - almost week after week - and I can share this...
I spent a marvelous weekend in Miami and went to Fashion Week in July.
I got to catch wonderful shows; get an up-close look at how the shows were run; and most importantly, enjoy myself.

Hopefully I'll get looks up on here soon enough, though. Keep an eye out and enjoy your summer!

xoxo,
av

Silkscreened Shirts!

2010-04-17T21:10:00.008-05:00

Here the shirts that I promised you if you've talked to me recently! These shirts are silkscreens on 100% cotton v-neck tees. I only offer them in white right now, and they'll be offered for only a limited amount of time (until next Thursday). I'm asking for $15, unless you want to buy more than one - then we can work something out! I designed these shirts myself in my printmaking class and I'm quite happy with how they turned out. Just comment in the box if you'd like to purchase one (or more) or shoot me a message (threadfiber@aol.com). Thanks for your support!

xoxo,
ADV

model: my wonderful Patrick Fitzgerald

pollen collection

2010-04-08T12:54:00.003-05:00

Deborah's vintage yellow tulle hat
American Apparel black t-shirt leotard
Marc by Marc Jacobs hot pink tote
American Apparel navy disco pant
brown sandals

The weather has been lovely in Birmingham. This yellow hat reminded me of the pollen that has fallen everywhere! Patrick and I went to What's on 2nd after my ballet class, and we found this hat among other things. He got an old Patti Smith record.

Los Angeles

2010-03-15T21:38:00.005-05:00

Hi Readers!
I'm in sunny Los Angeles right now with my family. This week was glorious, and I did all of my spring shopping. Actually, I did all my shopping for the year. I've dedicated two days exclusively to shopping at H&M, American Apparel and Marc by Marc Jacobs. We went to West Hollywood today and to Venice Beach. Thank you to my dear family, who had to wait for me for ridiculous amounts of time while I shopped. My grand shopping total for the trip was too much. I'm not going to say how much, because that would be rude. But holy cow...

Here are my finds, L to R:

H&M: Sonia Rykiel for H&M bag, print tee, beaded chain necklace, and oversized coral stripe tee (in black too, not shown)

American Apparel: Navy Disco Pant, Black Nylon Tricot Hooded Swimsuit, Navy Cotton High-Waist Hot Short, Hyper Vermillion Thermocromatic Tee, 2 pairs of Opaque Over-the-Knee Socks, Black Viscose Sexuali-tank, Flourescent Yellow Nylon Tricot High-Waist Zipper Legging, and Taupe Drawstring Tank Dress and Magenta Bandeau (not shown). There is also a dress in the very back that I can't remember the name of! It feels like a pair scrubs!

MBMJ: Two tote bags, an umbrella, monocle necklace, elastic wallet, underwear, Victoria Beckham shirt, and bones bracelet

Rest Well in L.A.

2010-03-04T19:15:00.002-06:00

American Apparel Dolman T $32
Vintage Levi's cutoffs
stockings
Doc Martens $114

This post is dedicated to my lovely late grandmother. I love you, A Ma.

snow day

2010-02-13T13:42:00.005-06:00

silence + noise black tube dress
Levi's striped cardigan
American Apparel white tights
striped scarf
Free People long coat
16 eye Doc Martens

Thank goodness for snow! It was such a lovely day yesterday!

YES

2010-01-26T23:46:00.001-06:00

I am so happy. Mom just bought me a new camera for my birthday, which is next week. Now I can finally update this blog at my leisure. Thank you, thank you Mom!

HAITI

2010-01-14T20:31:00.001-06:00

Please, please click to learn how you can help earthquake victims in Haiti.

Happy 2010!

2010-01-01T17:09:00.003-06:00

Happy New Years, folks! Aren't you excited about what this new year will bring?
I most certainly am.
For those of you who take the time to read this thing, thank you so much.
I will update this more often this year - it's a resolution that will not fail!

xoxo,
adv

what's on 2nd

2009-12-22T19:01:00.003-06:00

photo: Tyler Joynt

HEY! This is my new favorite hat...
vintage mink fur hat
j. crew cardigan
american apparel striped cross-back bra
american apparel sheer rib racerback tank
deux lux purse
silence + noise high rise skinny twig jeans

...and an urban standard cupcake in the paper bag :)

mink

2009-12-21T23:14:00.006-06:00

I'd love for it to snow in Birmingham, really. I'm always expecting for the weather to go haywire and for snow to blanket the grounds, but it is highly unlikely for either of these events to occur.
I acquired a lovely, brown mink fur hat for my collection today. I'd love to show it off to you, but alas, I have no camera. Hopefully I can get one of those for the holidays. Anyway, I got it from What's on 2nd, a great Birmingham store literally stuffed top to bottom with miscellaneous gizmos and gadgets. I wore the hat all day, feeling like a little Russian girl in her ushanka, trudging her way through heavy mounds of snow; it was only 59°F today - still considerably warm.

xoxo,
adv

2009-12-20T00:09:00.000-06:00

My boyfriend's mom called me last night to tell me that Rodarte's Target line had come out early in the Salty Ham. It's supposed to be released today, Dec. 20th. What a great woman. I've only been waiting forrevvveerrr for this collaboration to come out!

I got Patrick (the boyfriend) to rush me over to the closest one and snatched up three new dresses: 2 gorgeous lace slip dresses (one black, one pink), and a leopard print one. I can't wait to show them to you all, really. Now I'm just waiting for the rest of the collection to come out.

Blah blah blah. I'm so sorry I have not been blogging as much as I should. Is anyone even reading this thing?

I have a photo session with my old buddy from high school on Monday, so be expecting lots o' treats.

Anyway, if you are reading, thanks. I appreciate it a lot.
xoxo, adv

maps

2009-11-25T21:18:00.003-06:00

Photos: Alex Wilson
click here to view larger

Lux ivory lace top
vintage Victoria's Secret lace slip
American Apparel navy interlock mini
UO grey lace tights
Corsina sienna woven boots
vintage shell hearts/ocean charm necklace

Chloé Fall '09

2009-11-13T22:57:00.002-06:00

stunning textiles

2009-09-30T14:59:00.003-05:00

The fall is finally here! I've been enjoying the lovely weather these past few days... mid 70s with sunshine and breeze.
My cardigans and stockings are out from storage and I have a new addition to my hat collection: a Kimchi & Blue cloche (pictures soon).
Be expecting a lot more posts this fall; I'll include updates from the dainties, photos of my favorite fall pieces, makeup reviews and more!

Lola

2009-09-17T21:42:00.004-05:00

I've been wearing Lola all summer. I'll definitely be wearing it this fall.
Warm and seductive with just the right floral notes.

clam, crab, cockle, cowrie

2009-09-17T19:28:00.002-05:00

photos: Alex Wilson

BDG sheer black top
American Apparel black interlock skirt
basic kakhi belt
vintage shell hearts/ocean charm necklace
Middle Eastern ring

My favorite parts of this outfit are the jewelry pieces; I got this lovely little necklace from a secondhand store and the ring from the French Quarter Market in New Orleans. I'm always wearing this necklace nowadays... I truly adore it!

"Missing Pieces"

2009-08-13T13:27:00.003-05:00

I am thoroughly excited about my next project: designing costumes for film. My ideal career seems to be coming together a lot sooner than I had anticipated, and I feel so blessed for my experiences, supporters, and opportunities. This month, I am teaming up with Kenton Bartlett and his crew as the costume designer for his independent film, "Missing Pieces." This project is my little baby, and I cannot express how giddy I am about the whole thing. What a fun little journey this is going to be! I am starting to go through the script and brainstorming ideas; working on a tiny budget, there shall be a lot of borrowing, renting, and thrift shopping to come! Check out the website for the film! I'm looking forward to sharing my creations with you!

xoxo,
adv

Denim

2009-07-27T19:51:00.003-05:00

So let's talk about denim!
Isn't it great to have that one pair of jeans that you wear over and over and over again? That one pair that's waiting for you, fresh and warm out of the dryer whenever you're ready to get out of the house? You know, the one that fits you just snug?
Well, I certainly had that pair. A pair of skinny Levi's so worn out that it eventually tore at the knees... then the pockets... then the crotch. Oh, the crotch! Yes, so bye bye Levi's. R.I.P. (pun not intended).
You see, I don't exactly have those long, supermodel-skinny spider legs. They're actually quite the opposite. I'm 5'1" with short legs and ridiculously muscular calves, i.e. no skinny jeans for me! I don't mind hemming jeans, but sometimes they still end up not looking "right." I've tried Hudson, Diesel, Cheap Monday... you name it. They will not fit me. Actually, I have on a pair of By Corpus acid wash skinnies right now. They're okay, but still not "the pair."
Anyway, congratulations to those of you who have that perfect pair of jeans. I am on the quest for another "it" pair. I'll let you know when I find it.

xoxo,
adv

heartbeats

2009-07-11T18:19:00.004-05:00

Photo: r.b.

Marc Jacobs tag necklace
Vintage Boston Ships tee
American Apparel tulip skirt
Merona tights
Vintage Calvin Klein boots

This was taken a while ago. I just forgot to put it up. Spent the day in Tuscaloosa with Robin. We ate lunch then went thrift/antique store shopping. I didn't find anything... not today. Great day, nonetheless.

yellow bird

2009-06-29T14:13:00.003-05:00

Photos: Payton Roberts

vintage yellow blouse

vintage necklace

Levi's cutoff shorts

Steve Madden buckle heels

Updates

2009-06-19T03:54:00.003-05:00

It has been a long while. Here's what's going on:
I've recently been hired as a seamstress for a local vintage consignment store. Fixin' fixin' away.
Also, I'm excited to announce that I'm beginning a little lingerie line. Currently, I'm working on collection of sustainable dainties. These should be expected in Autumn and will hopefully be sold locally around Birmingham and via internet. Keep checking for photo updates!

xoxo,
adv

2009-05-07T00:02:00.003-05:00

Photos: r.b.

Edited: Peyton Roberts

American Apparel:

black short-sleeve leotard

sea blue interlock mini-skirt

navy thigh-highs

Calvin Klein boots

Heart of Dixie

2009-04-22T00:52:00.005-05:00

Photos: Joshua Shoemaker

Parkshire plaid button-up

Eloise silk bow camisole

Liz Wear high-waist denim shorts

Merona grey knee-high socks

Etienne Aigner loafers

sea and forest

2009-04-10T14:03:00.005-05:00

Photo: r.b.

Got this dress from the theatre department in high school.

It was always my favorite.

who will save us?

2009-04-08T23:06:00.004-05:00

forest green head wrap

Lorenzie romper

UO grey lace tights

Calvin Klein ankle boots

fix up

2009-04-05T16:07:00.006-05:00

Photos: r.b.

old. need some new.

American Apparel:

black sleeveless leotard

blue interlock mini skirt

navy thigh high socks

jaw harp melodies

2009-03-20T00:46:00.004-05:00

Running a little bit late for the day. The sun is melting me.

UO feather headband

Free People tank

Levi's striped cardigan

Merona tights

snakeskin heels

salute your shorts

2009-03-18T19:36:00.004-05:00

Here she is, folks! After several years of contemplation, I've finally decided to create my fashion blog, "adverbs, she wrote." Here, you should find frequent updates of my favorite outfits, day-to-day looks complete with descriptions, style inspirations, &c. I have always had an obsession with fashion, and following my 2004 fashion "debut" in The Birmingham News, I can assure you that nothing has changed (except, maybe, my favorite stores). I would like to thank all of my friends and family who have encouraged me throughout the years to "dress freely." But most of all, I would like to thank my mother, whose uncanny sense of style has never failed to inspire me.

xoxo,

a.vuong