Stylish Little Birdies.

Little birds flutter.
Little birds hop.
LITTLEbirds craft and sew; didn't you know?

They certainly do, and I got to experience and partake in the LITTLEbird DIY crafting extravaganza this past Sunday. The event, held at a rustic, trendy little jeans store called Earnest Sewn in Meatpacking, was quite the hit; especially for trendy little gals around the town.

Around 15 or so fashionistas ranging from age 14 thru late twenties played with sequins, bows, needle, fringe, and thread for hours; making their own haute custom t-shirts and hair accessories. The gals of LITTLEbird, Zooey and Ruthie, hosted the event in order to teach their colossally cool crafting ways to other aspiring, crafty fashion lovers. LITTLEbird provided the crafting materials and the participants were set free to create to their hearts content. And, boy, did these little ladies craft it up! The girls worked intensely on their glam frocks, almost like a mini Project Runway, but more giggly. As the chickees passed around glue guns and i snapped away, we all munched on some delicious mini sandwiches {mMmmm, smoked salmon!} with tea and scones. A sweet little crafting tea party, it was! I even attempted my very own headband and shirt {which I will have to finish on my own time, er}, althrough sewing is probably the least of my talents. :P

By the end of the afternoon, each of the girls had made some impressive tops; one was even Lady Gaga inspired. We insisted each girl do a mini runway show for us, modeling their piece {i'd say you could market any of them!}. Quite the talented group had turned out that day!

LITTLEbird will continue to soar and sew all around the city, so keep your eyes pealed. ;)
Now, to get crackin' on finishing my makeshift couture tee ...

xoLa


The ladies of LITTLEbird sell these darling wittle "Make Its," full of various materials to get aspiring crafters started on their creative ventures.



A twirl and a flutter! Work it, little bird.


Honestly, the talent is bursting out them seams!


LITTLEbird extraordinaires, Ruthie 'n' Zooey. So fab.


the "Lady Gaga" tee is to the right {see above}.





a loverly finished product.


Busy, busy LITTLE beees. SO talented, and so young! They must teach me their ways ...



Zooey with her cute Chanel patch = craftastic. :)

The Sweet Ones: LES Vintage + Holiday Cheer.

I've been aching to find some truly great, charming {even somewhat affordable} vintage stores ever since I moved out to NYC ... thanks to some thrifty, stylish pals I've discovered a few {one of my favs being Brooklyn's About Glamour}.

Just the other evening, however, I fell in love with a practically brand-spankin'-new vintage store in the Lower East Side. This gem of a vs {vintage store} that stole my heart is called The Sweet Ones, and is owned by my fabulous new pal, Alyssa.

Ever since I befriended Alyssa, I've been dying to check out her store. I finally stopped on by the other night, during Alyssa's store holiday party. Camera in tow, I went GA-GA {literally - not Lady} over the treasure trove of gorgeous, glam 'n' retro-modern items tucked within The Sweet Ones confines. From Betsy to Chanel, fur coats to Burberry trenches - this place has an outstanding range of fashion finds.

Not only were the clothing, decor and accessories delectable, but there were adorable, sickeningly sweet mini cupcakes {which you KNOW i live for}, a working retro hot chocolate machine ::sigh:: and champagne galore. ^.^

I could mange on this type of spread everyday ... :P

Stuffed with an inordinate amount of mini cupcakes {the Peanut Butter& Jelly being my fav of the evening}, I mingled and made my list of "items to save up for" ... namely, a girly, chic Burberry trench {as noted above} and a romantic-thoroughly modern cropped jacket {don't you steal themm first!! ::shakes fist::} ...

I foresee greatness for The Sweet Ones ... not to mention, I shall be starting a blog for the store soon {so stay tuned}.

Happy hollydays and, if you're ever vintaging in the LES, don't forget to stop by for some Sweet Ones shopping! :)

xoLa & The Sweet Ones


did i mention i adore the decor of the store?? this quote makes me chuckle. :) i should paint+chalk up my bedroom walls ...


Chanel 'n' cupcakes - I'll take it!


::siiigh::


the black and white frilly dress is SO Eliza Doolittle at the races ... hehe.




little black jacket, i covet theeee ...


vintage + cupcakes = some level of divinity. ;)


frills. enough said.






fellow fashion vs mongers ... :)



"item to save up for" no. 1 >> Burberry dream trench!!


"item to save up for" nuero deux >> romantical cropped jacket ::SIGH::


<3 retro Chanel jeans and that quote - the end word being "GONE."


The Sweet Ones queen, Alyssa {can i please have that couch??}.

Stunning Sistas.

It was Jenna {eldest sis} and Taylor's {youngest sis} very first trip to Fountain Square on the day we got together for our shoot. So, as i am in that area quite often, it was my distinct pleasure to show them around a bit!

None of us had met in person before, but the look and vibe of that quaint, gritty place really worked well with the girls! {yay!}
The sisters not only had sweet personalities, but had faaaabuloussss style {3 outfit changes, woo!}, sooo suffice it to say, they were a photog's dream {now, don't let that get to your heads, ladies - ha :) }.
Each time they came out {of their mama's Jeep - aka: the changing room} i'd have a whole new string of compliments on their choice of attire and accessories. Although, my personal favorite stylish item was Taylor's vintage spoon necklace - who couldn't love such a quirky, dainty thing?!

I am SO glad Jenna discovered me and that I had the opportunity to meet and snap these cute chicks!

And THANKS to the girls for putting up with all my ideas and the hot, hot heat of the day!
Enjoy our little shoot in zee Square. :)

xoxo






These two black and whites are some of my top favies from the day. :)




their mom and grandmother - who tagged along - semi-jokingly asked for some photos where "they look like they love each other." heh. :p


silly - checking each other's teeth - between shots.



For more of these hott little mamas, check out my Facebook album soon-to-come on my Lauren Ashley Photography + Design page with more from this shoot!