Manic Monday: Holiday Dressing

Over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend I made a fun pair of trouser shorts from a vintage set of men's wool dress pants. I'll admit I wore them 3 days in a row! I paired them with a striped gray and white blouse, some Betsey Johnson lace + bow stockings, wooly pink socks and my new Vince Camuto booties. The pink scarf, I borrowed from the Seablanket Shoppe and made a giant bow, paired with my favorite vintage Ray Bans.
My sister, Abby was able to visit from Portland and we had quite a fun weekend. I've got so many apple pie leftovers waiting to be eaten - definitely one of my holiday favorites. How was your holiday weekend? xxoo Chelsea

sweet sunday

This week, I'm excited and so very busy working on Renegade projects. I am looking forward to checking in every so often with updates on how things are looking and debuting new items...but until then you'll have to enjoy some amazing music... miss you all!

Can you believe December is just days away?!?

xxoo Chelsea

Feature Friday: Imagine Nations

It's official. I've fallen in love with Imagine Nations unique painted globes! Each one's unique design is painted, screened or glued onto it's own full sized vintage globe. Artist Wendy Gold is ahead of her game in the green movement and uses only recycled materials to create these beautiful one of a kind pieces. I would have loved to get my hands on the "Peace" globe but someone snatched it up first!
Now for a Mr. Rodgers-like special... ever wondered how globes are made? This video shows the process from start to finish... and it's fascinating!

Happy Friday to all, and good luck if you're out and about shopping on this crazy day! Remember to check out Etsy for great Black Friday bargains! Xxoo Chelsea

Trendy Thursday: Colorshow

As I've been building my collection for renegade, I've been finding a lot of inspiration in strange places and I wanted to build a few inspiration boards for each of the colors and inspirational photos I'm working with. All images courtesy of weheartit. Enjoy!
Xxoo Chelsea

Dreamboats

Sometimes we just need some eye candy... I've always loved these vintage editorials of these classic heartthrobs. Somehow, I think you'll like them too:James Dean, Elvis Presley, Marlon Brando, Steve McQueen.... satisfied?!? I thought so!
Xxoo Chelsea

Sponsor Seablanket

Want to promote your business or blog and help sponsor Seablanket? December is a big month for Seablanket! I'll be attending Renegade Handmade Craft Fair Holiday Sale in San Fransisco, revealing some exciting announcements as well as debuting a few pieces from my new Seablanket clothing line!! Lots to look forward to! SB has become a daily read for thousands of crafters, street style lovers, music noobs and creative people alike and it's growing fast! Seablanket is the perfect place to promote your blog, store, crafts, books, bands and design!

If you're interested in hits//specs, email me at chelseablanket(at)gmail.com for more information.

Ad sizes accepted:
ideal size 160x160pix
any square ad can be used to fit

Only a few spaces are left, so get yours now, here!! xxoo Chelsea

vintage manicure DIY + the perfect nail colour

Joan Crawford had the prettiest manicure and was one of the main trendsetters in the 40's-60's for longer, sharper nails. More recently, Rihanna posed for her latest album LOUD while sporting the vintage style herself, and I am dying to try it myself. Being that I can't grown my own nails that long without breaking, I am using press-on nails. I think I like the option of the faux nails for this look because the manicure can be perfected and (if cared for properly) reused. Perfect little investment for a big night out.

What you'll need:
Press On Nails*
Emery Board
Nude/Pink Toned Nail Colour
Top Coat
*optional

If you're using press on faux nails, begin by washing your hands and drying them. you'll want to buff the top of your nail beds with an emery board so the faux nail and nail adhesive have a more textured surface to attach to. Select faux nails that will fit your full nail bed. If you are an in-between size, select the larger nail size and file nail down to a custom fit. Using one to two drops of nail adhesive, attach press on nails to your buffed nail beds and hold in place till dry.

Once faux nails are attached, use your emery board to file an exaggerated almond shape onto each nail. If you are going for the Rihanna, be careful to leave nails long and wide, like a candy corn. If you're attempting to recreated Joan's nails, you will need to file nails much shorter and have a very sharp, with an exaggerated point on each tip. Once filed into shape, wash hands. Apply two coats of nail colour and top coat after that. With this, your nails will be complete!
While the catwalks may show these vintage manicures in blues and purple, I find it too bold and almost scary for the day to day. Instead of choosing bold colors for your manicure, focus on the sweet and feminine neutral shades of beige, pink, and opal and pearl metallics. Your manicure will be subtle and when noticed by others, be very alluring instead of intimidating. Below are my some of my favorite neutral shades of nail colour in varying price ranges. Can't go wrong by picking up a bottle or two on your next trip to the drug or department store.

The Best Beige:
Sally Hanson - Glazed Sand, $4
American Apparel - Mannequin, $6
Essie - Allure, $8 OPI - At First Sight, $9
Butter London - Tea With The Queen, $14
Chanel - Inattendu, $23

The Perfect Pinks:
Sally Hanson - Sweet Pea, $4
American Apparel - Coney Island , $6
Essie - Fed Up, $8
OPI - Second Honeymoon, $9
Butter London - Hoorah Henri, $14
Chanel - Jade Rose, $23

The Opals:
Sally Hanson - Ice, $4
American Apparel - California Trooper, $6
Essie - Cloud Nine, $8
OPI - Pearl of Wisdom, $9
Butter London - Frilly Knickers, $14
Chanel - Allegoria, $23

I am absolutely in love with the nude nail trend, but it sure doesn't have to be boring! Try a two-toned manicure with a pearl/metallic arch at the root of your nail and apply a pink or nude tone to finish it off. The vintage nail look can be so fun and really complete an outfit. Be bold, try it yourself! Xxoo Chelsea

To You, My Friends

Hello everyone! It's so wonderful to be back in the saddle this week. I hope you all enjoyed last week's takeover by my good friend Kevin of Chemistry Of Cool. It was sure fun to see a guys perspective on fashion, finger foods, inspirational media and an interview by Jeremy Fish, one of my favorite artists! While Kevin was running Seablanket, I was able to catch up on a lot of personal behind-the-scenes tasks. I'd love to share them with you some point this week, but first I want to thank you.Seablanket has become so much more than a blog for me. It's really become a road map, a guide, a way of life. Each day I am challenged to create something new and exciting and then I get the ability to share it with some incredible like-minded individuals. It keeps me on my toes and thinking forward - always trying to better myself, not just for the sake of my readers but for my own personal growth. I am trying to set the bar to be a better ME, not a better-than-everyone-else.

I am inspired by the large number of people who do not take this online community for granted, but call us friends, family even. Since opening my shoppe in June, I've faced a large amount of criticism from people in my day to day life. Each time I feel like I've accomplished something good or feel proud of my work is usually about the time when a whirlwind of negativity surrounds me. I am learning a lot about myself from these situations and each time they happen, I am effected less and less. Over my week off, I was faced with this sort of negativity on a few occasions, (and though of course my pride may have been bruised from the low blows) I realize that those individuals do not, nor will ever have what I do have... I have you. How lucky am I!?

The love and support that you all show Seablanket is something I will never take for granted. While often my life is too full to show it to you each individually, I am constantly in awe of the kindness and love that I am shown. Each word you say, I read. Each thought you share, I process. Each one of you, I admire and respect. Thank you for being my constant in a not-so-anchored time in my life and for truly being some of my greatest inspiration.

I really missed you this last week!! I hope that you bear with me the next month as I may be occasionally absent while preparing for and attending Renegade. This may be one of the more challenging times in my life and definitely one of the most exciting, and the only way I know I will succeed is because I have all of you. I can't tell you how good that makes me feel. Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart.
xxoo Chelsea ♥

Manic Monday : Dark Angel

Yesterday, I wore a slightly darker version of this outfit paired with a leather jacket and chunky rings. Apparently the look was slightly dramatic for my small town. I don't expect everyone to understand it but I LOVE this look so much. It's a little dark and a little sweet...which are you?What I Wore:

Champagne Sequin Bolero Jacket, F21
Black Layered Maxi Dresses, Buffalo Exchange/Vintage
Steve Madden Platform Heels
Vintage Rosary Beads
Layered Charms, courtesy of Dolly + Boy Jewelry
Headband, Handmade by Seablanket
Gold 3-Finger Ring, F21

How to attain this look:

Look for floor length dresses, the kind that dust the ground when you walk. Throw on a fitted blazer, bolero or leather jacket. Studs, sequins or lace will always kick it up a notch. Add some platform heels, chunky wedges or motorcycle boots.Accessorize to match. Pinks and cremes look incredible and feminine. Metallics will give you that urban edgy vibe. Florals will make the look more chic and gothic glam. Whatever your mood, this look is fabulous.I'm so glad to be back!! Xxoo Chelsea

SB Tee Giveaway Winners!

Ok here are the winners...Kevin picked 5 instead of 3... he's very generous! We both really liked the honesty in the comments that everyone left for what they're thankful for. We wish we could give you all shirts! Here are the winners:

ariane said...
So cute! I'd love to have one :) & I am thankful for my sight. i realized recently that it's something i take for granted. it's important to stop and realize how lucky we are to be able to see :) and to be able to take in all the beauty around us!
Ariane xo

Elle Sees said...
I'm thankful to have a job after being unemployed for almost a yr!

Nic said...

I am thankful for the boundless love and support of my mother. I have been horrible, emotional,emotionless , frantic and everything in between and she grounds me , supports me in every way. I would literally parish without her

Ivana Cheong said...
I'm definitely thankful for Chelsea! No, seriously. I have hundreds of feeds in my blog reader and the amount of posts can build up to an overwhelming amount in a day or two, so many times, I'd neglect them all EXCEPT seablanket. I gotta have my seablanket. I'm thankful for all the inspiration I've gotten and the amazing projects...and i'm grateful for awesome seablanket shirts!

I'm thankful that Chelsea takes the time out of her day to bring some brightness to my days.

Chelseabird said... I am so thankful for my wonderful crafty, artistic community in downtown Phoenix!

-Chelseabird

Thank you to all who entered! We'll be contacting you soon to discuss how to claim your prize! xxoo Chelsea + Kevin

Sweet Sunday

I'm back!!!

xxoo Chelsea

Thanks

I just wanted to thanks everyone for stopping bye this week and for all the awesome comments you you left. I also wanted to thank Chelsea for letting me take over her blog for the week. She inspires me daily, just like I'm sure she inspires all of you out there. She is one of the most talented and creative females I've ever met, with drive and ambition that can't be matched. The sky is the limit for her, Seablanket and any other endeavor she is going to start. I'm totally blessed to have her around and to be able have a tiny bit of creative influence on this blog.

Don't be a stranger, hit me up on twitter @chemistryofcool or my blog. I'm sure I'll even run into some of you at Renegade SF.

Before I go I want to leave you with one last video and also would like to shout a few fellow bloggers out there, special thanks to Kamp Grizzly, Everydaydude, DJK, SacTown Lizzle, VAAANNNYYYYY, and CaL

Thanks again to everyone. Stay Rad!

-C.O.C.

Feature Friday: Jeremy Fish

When I found out I was taking over Seablanket I knew I would be featuring Mr. Fish, as he is one of Chelsea's favorite artists. I've been a huge fan of Jeremy Fish's for about 6 years and a friend of his for almost 2 years now. Jeremy is one of the raddest dudes and one of the most extremely talented artist I've ever met. He is always looking for ways to push his art in different direction, not just staying stagnant on one thing.
Being the awesome guy he is, he answered a few questions for this feature:

COC: Tell us your name, where are you from, what you do?

JF: My name is Jeremy Dan Fish. I was born in Albany, New York in 1974. I moved to California in 1994 and have called San Francisco home ever since. I am an artist, illustrator, van owner, beard grower, and generally a nice dude.

COC: Tell us about your studio in North Beach and the history that goes along with the space you create in?
JF: My studio used to be a martial arts studio. My landlord grew up in the building, and he and his friends taught and practiced in what is now my studio. According to myth and legend the kitchen and bathroom were added for a visiting martial arts dude from Korea, who was apparently the dude that fights Kareem in the opening fight scene in game of death (Bruce Lee's last movie). I like to imagine Bruce came over here for a couple cold oat sodas and an ass whooping here at some point, but thats just a theory of mine.

COC: Which artists, designers, film makers, and musicians inspire you and push to your art and creativity to the next level?
JF: I really like Travis Millard and Mike Giant's illustrations. As far as painters, I like Mark Ryden, Thomas Cambell, Jeff Soto and Mars-One. Musicians? I think Aesop Rock, Ghostface continue to push their creative boundaries in their thirties... and film: I'm not super movie savvy, but I like the Cohen Brothers and Wes Anderson - they seem to keep making better movies.

COC: I went to Rock the Bells with you and know hiphop is a huge part of your life. What are your 5 end all be all hiphop records?
JF: In no particular order...
1) Beastie Boys - pauls boutique
2) De La Soul - three feet high and rising
3) Public Enemy - it takes a nation of millions to hold us back
4) Company Flow - funcrusher plus
5) Aesop Rock - labor days

COC: You get to travel all over the world. Which is your favorite city outside of San Francisco and why?
JF: In the USA probably Portland, OR. I like umbrellas and raincoats - it has good food, good art scene, tasty beers and pretty girls. Anywhere in the world? I don't think I've found it yet but if I had to pick I would say Amsterdam or Rome. Rome for the food and history, and Amsterdam so I could grow my beard long and live on a houseboat in a canal.
COC: I know you love food, we ate at 4 different carts just for lunch all over PDX on your last visit. What is the local spot in San Francisco, that people need to hit up when they visit?
JF: Mama's for breakfast. Naked Lunch Sandwiches for lunch. Tony's Pizza for dinner. B3 for burgers.

COC: If you weren't an artist what do you think you'd be doing right now?
JF: Hard to say. Perhaps a professional beard grower. Possibly a professional kazoo player. When I was little I wanted to be a stuntman, then later an animator for Disney, then as a teenager a pro skateboarder. This job is better than anything I ever dreamed of so its hard to imagine what else I would be doing.
COC: Tells what you have on the horizon for Jeremy Fish and or Superfishal?
JF: Keep on keepin' on, I guess. Next year I have two big shows I'm starting to work on now. In New York in June with the Joshua Liner Gallery, and in Los Angeles in the fall with the Mark Moore Gallery. It's going to be a big year for me, I'm stoked. Superfishal is and always has been a fun way for me to create and produce tee shirts and art-related goods. It's going well, and I find it a nice balance to always working on art shows and gallery stuff. Just made a ton of new tee designs, I really enjoy that.

COC: Any other closing thoughts?
JF: "Well, a wiser fellow than myself once said, sometimes you eat the bear and much obliged, sometimes the bear... well, he eats you." Today, I painted a mural all day, and when I finished I turned my back for a minute to load my ladder in my friends van, and all my stuff got stolen. Yesterday, I ate the bear in a big way. Today the bear ate me. Tomorrow, im having f*%&#@^* bear for breakfast lunch and dinner... Look out bears!

COC: Thanks Jeremy!

One of the personal highlights of my career was getting the opportunity to animate one of Jeremy's illustrations for his website. Jeremy has also painted in Kamp's office, along with working on a commercial with us. I'm super excited to see what the future holds for Jeremy and can't wait to work on some upcoming projects together.

Stay tuned to all of Mr. Fish's happening here at his blog and his website Silly Pink Bunnies

*Photos by EveryDayDude and thanks

to him for getting me my first original Fish sketch which read"Happy Birthday Yogi"