Fragrance is such a personal thing. Everyone’s nose has a different preference. That’s why it can be so hard to find a universally flattering scent that will appeal to the masses. However, it’s possible that I have found just that—Leila Lou, which comes in a perfume, candle and body lotion, and for local Santa Cruz readers, it’s sold at Stripe in Downtown Santa Cruz. Wearing this fragrance makes me feel like the prettiest girl in the room. It’s delicate, feminine, smart, an “addictively fresh scent” as the company explains it. It has “notes of pear, fresh cut grass and tangerine,” and is “made with essential oils.” Ultimately, though, it’s really something unique.
So far in Obsessive Beauty’s Burning Man fashion countdown, I’ve talked about the amazing loot available at Camouflage and the fashionable (to Burners, at least) pocket belts designed by Katherine Becvar. This week, I get a little thriftier. Considering the impressive bevy of thrift stores ‘round these parts, my list is severely partial, but it represents my absolute favorite places to go digging for Playa-worthy clothes. And with only about a week left until Black Rock City rises in the Nevada desert, these are all good bets for finding last minute costumes.
As some readers might know from reading the "You Reap What You Sew" story in the GT Fashion Issue, I've been taking sewing classes this year at Judy's Sewing Center in Capitola. Judy Hollaway, owner of the store, teaches the class that I attend every week on Tuesdays from 6-9 p.m. The class is called “Learn to Sew,” and that is exactly what I have been doing. Hollaway has been sewing for pretty much her entire life, and I’d say she’s among the best seamstresses in the Bay Area. That said, taking a class with her is revolutionary if you want to genuinely learn how to sew—not just make a nice project for the day. Sure, you’ll make amazing pillowcases, lounge pants, vests, tote bags, buttoned up shirts and so on in her classes, but the key is that she’s teaching students of all skill levels the very important elements of sewing. She doesn’t cut any corners. You’ll learn the essentials: Laying out a pattern, cutting a pattern, how much yardage to buy, where to cut your fabric, how to do a button hole, how to apply snaps, zippers, elastic, darts, baby hems, zig zag stitch, how to use a serger and an endless list of important things to know when sewing. I can’t recommend her classes enough for people who are interested in sewing, or who can sew, but don’t know foundational techniques.
Costume pocket belts and more in this week’s Burning Man fashion blog
