The Uffizi Handbag from Helena de Natalio

Helena de Natalio makes beautiful, soft, leather bags, but there’s much more to her story! Helen, the founder, learned how to sew while in the Peace Corps, and takes pride in her socially-conscious company that’s growing- even in today’s economy!

Read my interview with Helen

Crystal: From what I’ve read, it seems like the Helena de Natalio story begins when you joined the Peace Corps?

Helen: You’re right. I was in the Peace Corps from 2003-2005 in Paraguay. My assignment was to work with the farmers’ cooperative in south Paraguay.  And as a side project I also worked with women’s groups to put together a small vegetable sale, kind of like a Farmer’s Market, with local goods. And while I was doing that, I was able to interact with some local artisans who created their own handmade goods, which taught me a lot about South American artisans and inspired me to work with them.

Crystal: And you learned to sew while you were there, too?

Helen: Yes- I rented an apartment from a woman who was a seamstress. She had a little quick-e-mart, and also did alterations for people in town. She let me borrow her sewing machine and taught me how to sew.

Growing up, my mother was a teacher and wasn’t much of a homemaker; so she didn’t really sew or anything like that. So I was 24 in Paraguay when I learned how to sew!

Then, following my experience in the Peace Corps, my husband and I (I actually met my husband in the Peace Corps- he’s from Seattle.) decided to move down to Buenos Aires.  And there I took leather-working classes, and started making my own designs and working with factories and artisans in Argentina.

Crystal: You also met your hubby while you were there? How did that happen?

Helen: Yeah! It was funny because we actually had friends in common in New York, but we met in the middle of South America!

Crystal: Did you have an interest in fashion before you moved to South America?

Helen: I definitely hate to admit it, but I wasn’t all that passionate about fashion growing up. Now, I realize that I always liked creative outlets, but I studied and played a lot of sports instead.

So, I think I was exposed more to the fashion world while living in Buenos Aires.  People there were very fashionable. I feel like people are more adventurous in their fashion there than in the States.

The combination of living abroad, and moving to a beautiful city that was so fashionable, and living in an apartment of a very artistic expatriate who used to work in fashion in New York (he was very influential) -all of this made fashion an amazing creative outlet that I’d never had before.

Crystal: How did you choose the name Helena de Natalio?

Helen: The name comes from the name of the town where I did my Peace Corps work. The name of the town was Natalio, and my name is Helen, and so my nickname there was Helena de Natalio (Helen from Natalio in Spanish), which I thought was pretty, so I decided to apply it to my business.

Left: the women’s group Helen worked with in the Peace Corps. Right: Helen buying leather in Argentina.

Crystal: Tell me about your company’s social responsibility.

Helen: Something that is really important to me is socially responsible production.  I guarantee fair wages are paid, and people have a healthy work environment- no child labor. I visit all of my production facilities and do cross-references and guarantee that they’re not sweat shops.

Crystal: Did your time in the Peace Corps influence this aspect of your company?

Helen: I think that when you live abroad in a third world country, it obviously gives you a great perspective on the world. I think you don’t really understand manufacturing until you live in that world, because what I’ve learned in the Peace Corps is that obviously we live very well here.

So I felt like one thing I could do, working in manufacturing, was to take the time to do the research. So yeah, I was definitely influenced by working with people living in different countries with different economic situations than I was accustomed to.

Crystal: What was the most important thing you learned in Paraguay?

Helen: I think I’d say exposure to living in the third world. The good thing about the Peace Corps is that you’re there for two years, so you become part of the community and make friendships. It’s not a little work trip- you really feel integrated in the community.

I feel like it really changed me and gave me a different perspective on life. Because I was fresh out of college, I’d worked for a few years, and then I went down and I had this opportunity. So, just exposure to other parts of the world- because it helps you look at the world in a different light.

Crystal: Where do you get inspiration for your purse designs?

Helen: Well, now that I’m back in the States, I was actually kind of worried because I had so many great muses and inspirations in Buenos Aires.  And now, I didn’t  know where I’d find my inspiration. But I feel like I’m more of a typical designer now. My experience was a little bit backwards- I studied business and economics in college. But now I do ‘tear sheets’ and take pictures of clothing. I like details – like contrasting piping on clothing or cute buttons or different textures – and I’ll integrate that into handbags. I’ve become more traditional because I’ll now study print trends, and those kinds of things.

And I still love to travel when I can. I’m hoping to go to India really soon because we’re moving some production over there. And I think that that culture and the bright textiles will really inspire me.

Crystal: Is your hubby part of Helena de Natalio, too?

Helen: Definitely- whether he likes it or not, he’s a big part of it. He works in international development, which is similar to what we did in the Peace Corps. I’m mentioning that because it’s something I’m very passionate about, because it’s what we did in the Peace Corps, and he’s turned that into a career. So he’s a sounding board for my ideas. I want to continue socially responsible production, and once we are profitable and have some money to give back, I’d like to work and donate my time to non-profits who do international development work. So we’re always discussing that. It’s interesting how our work relates to each other- like what’s going on in Argentina or India- he has to be aware of that because of his work.

But actually my father is now an active part of my business, and helps me with all kinds of things!

Crystal: What’s next for Helena de Natalio?

Helen: We’re working on a new website. That’s in the near future and should be ready by the end of this month. And we’re looking to move more production abroad because fortunately we’ve been growing a lot in this economy, and it’s been kind of hard to keep up with production. So we’re looking into India and Hong Kong to look at leathers and production facilities and hardware, and I love the idea of working with Indian fabrics-saris and petit prints.

So for summer I’m thinking of doing fabric bags with leather handles out of India. But you just kind of never know. We’re trying to keep moving forward and just trying to keep it at a sustainable growth.

Crystal: That’s really great- in three years,  that you’re expanding.

Helen: It’s interesting because I know it’s a bad economy. But I think it’s a combination of the fact that I’ve surrounded myself with some great people, and I think we’re a really good price point for accessible luxury, so it’s not an $800 bag. But I feel very fortunate for sure that we’ve grown so much!

If you’re a faithful ModLife blog follower, you might remember Emily’s Etsy Post about Ryan Berkley Illustrations last fall. Emily discovered this artist’s charming animal collection, and now we’re carrying some of his most-loved pieces!

Ryan Berkley Illustrations is a husband and wife team based in Oregon. Ryan creates the illustrations, while Lucy maintains their blog and writes wonderful descriptions for the animal prints at their etsy shop.

Read on to meet Ryan & Lucy, and learn how they feel about real animals in suits…

Crystal: How did you two meet?

Ryan & Lucy: We met while working together at the University of Oregon Bookstore back in the previous century. We wish we had a more exciting “meeting” story. We worked in the art department, though. Does that add an element of foreshadowing?

Crystal: Haha, yeah! Also, I read in a previous interview that you two were working full-time, then coming home at night and working on everything etsy. (whoa!) Have you been able to work at the business full-time yet?

Ryan & Lucy: Alas no, not yet. Perhaps it will be easier if we can get some of that universal health care action…

Crystal: Man, how do you guys do it?

Ryan & Lucy: Basically we just work all the time. Even doing that, it’s amazing how many projects we just can’t get to in a timely manner…even the ones we are really excited about. But we don’t like to complain about staying busy!

Crystal: Ryan’s illustrations (especially the animals) have a vintage feel. Are you guys into other vintage- like furniture, clothing, etc?

Ryan & Lucy: We do like things with vintage feelings. We tend to mix up our furniture and clothes with vintage and modern pieces. We wish we had more time to hunt down vintage treasures in both departments! We’re probably have a lot more vintage in our lives if we had the time to track down the good stuff.

Crystal: What inspired Ryan’s animal series (and his other art, too)?

Ryan & Lucy: A few years ago Ryan did an old-timey portrait for Lucy’s dad as a birthday present. He got to liking the portrait style and for some reason he just switched it over to animals.

The first one he did was a tiny little koala in a black suit (which was extremely primitive by today’s Berkley Illustration standards). As far as general influence on his art, though, comic books and children’s books have probably had the most influence on his style. He is entirely self-taught.

Ryan and Lucy

Crystal: If both you could be any animals that Ryan has drawn, who would you be?

Ryan: The turtle because he’ll outlive everybody, he is laid back, and he eats vegetables all day.

Lucy: I’d go with the goose. Not just because of the name-rhyming action, but geese seem pretty smart, they can fly, and I really like his story. Ryan needs to draw more lady animals, though!

Crystal: Do you have any pets?

Ryan & Lucy: We don’t, but Lucy has been cruising the Humane Society web page lately…

Crystal: Have you ever considered making actual suits and ties for animals?

Ryan & Lucy: Ha ha. Another good question! Ryan is neutral on the subject but Lucy isn’t a big fan of living animals in clothes. Although, we did see some goats at the state fair in some cute nightgowns recently. Maybe a necktie on a horse would be okay.

Crystal: What’s next for ya?

Ryan & Lucy: We have a few ideas in the works. We’d like to create a greeting card line- something a little different from the animal portrait prints. There is murmuring of a book, or books. We also want to expand upon Ryan’s superhero creation, Kenny, and possible do a web comic with him. We have lots of ideas!

I was so excited to get the chance to interview Winona Dimeo-Ediger! She’s the author of the brand new book “Closet Confidential” (which we just got in!) and the the creator of the sweet fashion blog, Daddy Likey! Her quirky, lighthearted take on fashion makes her book both a fun and informative read. Born and raised in a tiny Oregon town, Winona couldn’t wait to grow up and find other people who swooned over clothes and loved wearing heels. While in college, she decided to start her blog as an outlet for her passion for fashion. Flash forward and she has a new book out.  So read the interview and hear what Winona has to say about writing a book, shopping for jeans, and looking cute during a recession.

(Image Above: Courtesy of Sasquatch Books)

Your new book, Closet Confidential, just came out. Tell us a little about the premise of the book.
I was so excited to write a style book that would be accessible to women of all sizes, ages, and budgets. Closet Confidential is full of fashion advice, inspiration, graphs, quizzes, illustrations, mathematical equations, and stories of personal humiliation, not to mention 50 enumerated style lessons you can easily memorize if you have an eidetic memory. It’s a fun, funny little book.

When you started your blog, did you have a book in mind? What incited you to start writing about fashion?
I wanted to write about fashion because getting dressed is something that everyone can relate to (except people in nudist colonies, I guess), and it’s something that is so often written about in an elitist, judgmental, humorless way. I believe fashion should always be light, fun, and entertaining, but also acknowledged as an important part of everyday life and a powerful way to change your mood. When I started my blog, I never thought a book would come out of it. Obviously I’m super excited that it did!

Have you always considered yourself a writer, or is fashion your first love?
I’ve always been a writer for sure, but I’ve also always loved fashion–they are both forms of self-expression and self-expression is my second favorite thing in the world (the first being “Deadliest Catch”). I never thought I’d be a fashion writer until I started reading fashion blogs a few years ago and noticed that most of them were based around photos and the writing seemed to be an afterthought. I wanted to create a smart, funny, fashion blog where the writing was the focus, and I’ve met so many amazing people and had so many great opportunities as a result.

What do you think is the most important fashion tip in your book?
Take a half step out of your comfort zone in order to create an outfit that’s memorable and beautiful, but whether you’re wearing denim or diamonds (or both!), make sure you feel like you. Also, don’t dress like a zoologist (no offense).

Any advice for the budget-restricted fashionista? (This recession is not good for the wardrobe!)
Haunt thrift stores, discount stores, sale racks, affordable online shops, auction sites, and always be on the lookout for a sweet deal–just the other day I found a fabulous vintage plaid button-up shirt in a “Free Stuff” bin behind an antique shop. It may have been a dumpster, but who cares? I got a new shirt for free.

In your book you do a rundown of all sorts of jeans styles – what style do you think is the most flattering? Do you think there’s ever an occasion to wear mom jeans (one of the styles you mention in your book)?
I mention in the book that “dark wash bootcut jeans are most flattering” has become the gospel in fashion magazines and makeover shows, but it’s not necessarily true. Sure, bootcuts usually look OK, but they’re also a little boring. My advice is to throw a flask in your purse, then try on a TON of different styles–even those cropped white skinny jeans–because you never know which pair is going to change your life. And I think everyone should wear ‘mom jeans’…to’ mom jeans’ theme parties.

If you were stranded on deserted island with only an over-night bag, what wardrobe essentials would you bring with you?
An over-sized cardigan, some thermal underwear, a trapper cap, and big, chunky boots. Coincidentally, this is the exact outfit I often wear to the grocery store in search of cookies on cold winter nights.

If any actress could play you in a movie of your life, who would you want it to be?
Billie Piper, please.

What’s next? Do you think there will be any more books in your future?
I sure hope so!

Want to hear more about what Winona has to say about all thing fashion? Check out the book!

Have you been craving more indie and vintage inspiration? Well, look no further than N.E.E.T. Magazine (and their new blog)! N.E.E.T. is an online publication from the U.K.  filled with trendsetting art and fashion from around the globe.

Stephanie J. created the mag; and she plans, designs, organizes and edits all of its content! A few weeks ago, she took a little time out of her crazy busy schedule for a ModCloth interview.

Meet Stephanie

Crystal: Stephanie, how do you put together this entire magazine by yourself?!

Stephanie: It’s a full-time job! Every issue takes around two months to put together, and I edit N.E.E.T. alongside my freelance web design work (designbystephaniej.com). It involves about a million emails and some very late nights!

Crystal: What inspired you to create N.E.E.T.?

Stephanie: N.E.E.T. came about in 2005 as an online publication dedicated to showcasing independent talent – design, art, and general fantastic originality. N.E.E.T. is the first of its kind: online, free, and packed with everyone from a crafter creating from their kitchen table to a fashion design graduate straight out of college to a team of friends doing it for the love of it.

I hope and feel that I have in some way brought independent creativity to those who may not have had a prior interest in it.  I think that as long as there are people who create without needing (or wanting) the backing of a multi-million pound corporation (and there have been people doing just that since the beginning of time) there will always be an interest in things like N.E.E.T.!

I am the founder, editor and tea-girl of the magazine – everything is organized and laid out by me, and I think that gives the magazine a more cohesive feel.

Stephanie J., the founder of N.E.E.T. Magazine

Crystal: What does N.E.E.T. stand for?

Stephanie: N.E.E.T. is actually a UK government classification meaning “Not currently engaged in Employment, Education, or Training” – which I wasn’t when I started the magazine! It has a slightly derogatory meaning, referring to young people who aren’t employed or doing anything really worthwhile – I took the term and gave it to the magazine to show that there are many people who are self-employed, or doing many different things – not just working in one career or in an office.

Crystal: Where do you find everything included in each issue?

Stephanie: I find the talent featured in the magazine through online communities – Flickr, Myspace, Livejournal, Deviantart, emails direct to me, and the myriad of blogs about independent fashion and design.

Crystal: What is your favorite part of creating the magazine?

Stephanie: Discovering great new talent – it thrills me that after four years, there are still fresh faces creating independently.

Crystal: What encouragement can you give to girls who want to start their own mag or break into that industry?

Stephanie: There’s been tons of online magazines starting since N.E.E.T. began back in 2005. The best advice is: Be original. No one really wants to read the same old stuff rehashed over and over, nor do ordinary people (who are usually the most extraordinary!) really have the budget to wear Prada and Gucci. Make it accessible. That’s why N.E.E.T. works – it’s inspirational, not just aspirational.

Crystal: What’s next for N.E.E.T.?

Stephanie: I’d really like to try a collectors’ edition in print. And there’s a blog in the works (note to readers: it’s here!), and possibly even a shop…!

If you’re like me, you were in love with Jeffrey Campbell at first sight. His mixture of street style and vintage inspiration, along with a hint of quirkiness, is just the right formula for the perfect shoe. And now, you can meet the man of mystery behind all of those perfect shoes. Find out where he loves to travel, his vintage inspirations, and what the first pair of JC shoes looked like!

Read my interview with the one and only Jeffrey Campbell!

Lindsay and the Jeffrey Campbell banner

Crystal: Here at ModCloth, Jeffrey Campbell designs never cease to amaze us! How do you continue to create such wonderful shoes each season?

Jeffrey: Thank you (we are big ModCloth fans). We have a giant collection each season. We draw inspiration from many resources, from runway to girl on the street. We shop a lot of vintage. Actually, the buyers from ModCloth did some vintage shopping with one of our team members (read yesterday’s post about it here!) in Berlin this summer—our looks are truly a collaborative effort.

Crystal: Did you always know that you wanted to make beautiful shoes?

Jeffrey: I have worked in footwear for many years—however it was my wife who inspired me to go out on my own and develop a brand after my namesake. She encouraged me in the beginning and still is a big part of our business today—my entire family is.

Crystal: What did the first pair of JC shoes look like?

Jeffrey: Some of our first styles are still my favorites. Some of the early designs where I felt no pressure are still the most beautiful- splatter painted over the knee boots, holographic flats, cartoon inspired pin-up heels and always lots of western.

Crystal: Many of your shoes have been vintage-inspired.  Tell us about some of your vintage inspirations.

Jeffrey: Anyone who loves fashion loves vintage; everything spins around. I love shopping with my daughters, searching for the perfect shoe. We buy a lot of extras before we find THE ONE!! We are doing a lot of 70s this year—of course 80s influences still seem to be really in demand.

Jeffrey was too shy, so Ty took a pic with Susan, Sari, and Lindsay yesterday at a trade show in Las Vegas!

Crystal: Is there an essential shoe- like a “little black dress” of shoes- that every girl should own?

Jeffrey: We feel this changes every season, and perhaps more than once in a season. For example: It’s August 2009. (well, it was when Jeffrey answered these questions…) We suggest by September you own an over the knee boot and a pair of cowboy boots!! (p.s. find some great ones here)

Crystal: With offices in LA, NY and Spain, and trade shows across the world, I can imagine that you travel quite often. Do you have a favorite spot on the globe to visit?

Jeffrey: I feel so lucky with my travels, I get to go a lot of places. I sometimes am able to take my kids and wife. I always love Hong Kong, Brooklyn, London, and of course Spain. We work in the south of Spain, it’s like a heaven there. I am also lucky to have a beautiful French wife. I enjoy Paris, and luckily all of my kids are fluent in French. I also love shopping and eating in Tokyo. For someone who loves shoes of all kinds, this is a place where you can get lost.

Crystal: What have you learned (about women & their shoes, or just about life in general) during your travels?

Jeffrey: I have learned a lot. I suppose I have learned that an upgrade to first class is almost always worth it, to never close a door 100% on any working relationship, and to always remain true to what you are.

Crystal: And lastly, were the Michelle’s (aka the Unicorn Princess Heels)  named after someone special? If so, we’d like to meet that girl!

Jeffrey: The Michelle’s, one of our most popular designs of 2009, were named after a past employee. Like the shoe, she is glamorous, crazy, fun and put together.

Crystal: What do you have in store for next Spring… and the future?

Jeffrey: We keep this in the secret archive.

Dainty June is a group of friends who have combined forces to create a new line, and we’re one of the few stores carrying their first season! It’s colorful, cheerful and perfect for summer.

Read about the girls’ inspirations from childhood and how Dainty June came to be:

ModCloth: We love the new line and its rainbow theme for summer. What was your inspiration for it?
Erica & Jen Daking: We were inspired by our own clothes growing up in the 80s.  Our mom had a children’s clothing store called “Fancy Frocks & Silly Socks” for a bit, and she carried some amazing things.  To this day, we love a lot of the same colorful imagery that I think we were supposed to outgrow.

Jen Johnson: I was also inspired by classic retro silhouettes and colors of my childhood, but being more 70s for me… haha.  I  loved playing with all the colors of the rainbow for this first collection. Launching Dainty June with a rainbow theme is perfect match for what we all need, bright and cheery times ahead!  We couldn’t escape the constant ringing of the Rolling stones song “She’s Like a Rainbow” in our heads through the creative process.

MC: I also read that the name ‘Dainty June’ and all this season’s names are taken from the musical Gypsy. Can you tell us how & why you chose this musical?
Erica & Jen: Gypsy is one of our favorite musicals ever.  We grew up in a very musical household, and used to sing the songs from Gypsy all the time.  Actually, we still do. I guess it’s another thing from our childhood we never outgrew.  We named each design from our first line after characters from the film, the actors who played them, or lyrics from the songs.  If you haven’t seen Gypsy we highly recommend it!

MC: How did you ladies first meet?
Erica: I met Jen Johnson in 1999 when we played music together.  I was 18 at the time, had moved from NY to CA for the band, and she hired both me and my sister to work for her at e.c. star.  The three of us have spent a lot of time together over the past 10 years.

Jen Johnson: I met Jen Daking on a trip to New York with Erica.  Jen and I had our first adventure together looking for Tyrone, her lost kitty.

MC: How long have you all been planning/dreaming about Dainty June?
Erica: We’d all been dreaming about something like this for a long time. We have all learned a lot over the years and wanted to put all that knowledge and creativity towards something fresh and new.  We combined our ideas and efforts to make what is now Dainty June.

[from left: the Wesleyan Blouse in French Class, Wesleyan Blouse in History Class, and Over the Rainbow Jumper]

MC: Do all three of you design and work on the business side as well?
Erica: Yes, the three of us do a lot of everything. It’s all a group effort.  We each bring our strengths and works out quite well between us.

MC: Tell us about a day in your life.
Erica: I make the coffee, we tend to the doggies, and then we get to answering e-mail inquiries and ship the All-Mighty orders.  I shamefully read Twilight blogs and design sponge until my mug is empty.  We’re still in the beginning stages, so we’re still getting our routine down.  At some point our stomachs grumble, and I make us lunch and then it’s back to work!  Work usually entails one of us running around Downtown Los Angeles, ordering notions, checking on our production, making new patterns, someone back here packing and invoicing back at the office, and someone doing anything else that comes up!  We don’t really have set hours, so if a dress is finished at 7pm, that’s when we go get it. We all have our own side projects; I play music, and my sister Jen Daking is a make-up artist which means we work extra long some days just to make time to get it all done. Jen Johnson also plays music and works as a wardrobe stylist, too.

MC: Do you have any advice for girls who are interested in entering the fashion industry?
Erica: Work or intern for a small clothing line. It’s the best way to learn how it’s done from every angle.

Jen Johnson: Then go work for a huge company, so you see both sides of the spectrum. Try getting a job with someone who you look up to, someone who inspires you.

MC: What is Mighty’s job title? (note to readers: Mighty is Jen & Erica’s Boston Terrier who inspired their other line.)
Erica: Every now and then he likes to check on us.  He walks into the office, looks around the room, farts, and then leaves.  What would that job title be? Supervisor, I guess. Stinky, our other Boston, tries to scare away the mailman or UPS guy.  Both dogs are very helpful.

MC: Tell us about your personal style.
Erica: We’re pretty like-minded when it comes to fashion likes and dislikes.  We all wear classic designs, nothing too trendy.  Today we’re all wearing jeans and t-shirts but we all love cute dresses, vintage inspired jackets, good prints, lots of little details and feminine pretty things.  If we wore the same size, we could share a closet.

MC: What’s next for Dainty June?
Erica:  We’re designing a new line that we’re really excited about.  We just got started with the business so everything is exciting right now.  We want to get our name out there and invite as many people into our world as possible.

MC: Anything else?
We’d like to thank stores like ModCloth and all of our customers for supporting us.  We love what we do, and you make it possible.  You are the best!

We have also joined the rest of the world on Twitter now, so you can follow us there http://twitter.com/daintyjune
You can also find us on Facebook, Flickr, and of course our site www.daintyjune.com

BUST Magazine is one of our faves here at ModCloth. We love flipping through each issue’s tips on crafting, fashion, cooking and all-around empowering awesomeness.

Recently Laurie, BUST’s Publisher & Creative Director, Susan, their Sales and Marketing Associate, and  Lisa, BUST’s Associate Editor answered a few questions for me.

Click to read my interview with the ladies behind BUST.

[clockwise from left, Laurie, Susan & Lisa]

ModCloth: How did BUST begin?
Laurie: Debbie (BUST’s Editor-In-Chief) and I met at Nickelodeon in the early 90s and one day she asked me if I’d be interested in doing an illustration for a ‘zine for women she wanted to make. Back then, the only cool women’s magazine was Sassy, and we felt a little silly reading a teen mag. (We were in our late 20s.) I said ‘yes’ and the next thing I knew, I was the Art Director!

We put it out a few times a year, really as a fun project/labor of love, but we started to really gather a following. In the beginning we had no idea this would one day be our “real” jobs, but we could not be more thrilled. It’s been 16 years, and it’s still really exciting to work on each issue.

MC: How did you choose a name?
Laurie: We wanted a name that was funny, sexy and strong. ‘Bust’ can have a lot of meanings. There’s the boob reference obviously, but it can also convey the idea of busting stereotypes about women. Plus we liked that it sounded like the name of a men’s magazine.

MC: Do you each have favorite columns and/or favorite interviews you’ve done?
Laurie: I got to interview Iggy Pop at his home once. That was a thrill. And I always love working with Amy Sedaris, she is just so much fun.

Susan: I haven’t done any interviews, but I love reading them! I am in the sales-y side. Even when I first started reading BUST I always loved the “Boy Du Jour” because it stood out so much from other mags I was reading at the time that would just profile stereotypical “hot” boys in bands or on TV. BUST would instead profile comedians, writers, musicians and actors that had something to say and were not only sexy, but also talented.

Lisa: Miranda July was one of the first people I got to interview as a BUST staffer and I nearly died of happiness. She’s such an inspiring artist, writer, filmmaker, and overall creative human being. Getting a face-to-face peek into her genius was awesome. Especially since she was so sweet!

[Pics of craftiness and cooking at BUST HQ. Taken from Bust.com]

MC: Can you give our ModCloth girls one DIY secret or a kitchen recipe that every girl should try?
Susan: I am not the best at either of those, although I honestly believe everyone should have some dried sage in their house. If you light that and let some of the smoke waft into corners of a room, you not only remove almost all smells but I believe that it get rids of negative energy…and ghosts!

Lisa: There’s a recipe in the new issue of BUST for the most amazing blackberry lavender Popsicles created by a gal who makes and sells all-natural snow cones in her vintage Airstream trailer. It’s a must!

MC: Who has been your style icons or all-around inspiration?
Susan: I love old movie stars. I am a huge fan of Anna Karina and Faye Dunaway. Also, when I lived in Paris for a year, I got inspired by most French women, even those withered away from cigarettes.

Lisa: There are so many, where do I start? I will always love the look of Annie Hall. Crazy designers like Vivienne Westwood and Anna Sui are always inspiring. And I’m truly a hippie at heart, so I love the look of gals from the late ‘60s: platforms, minis, flowing sleeves, big glasses…I’m a fan!

MC: Name one wardrobe staple you couldn’t live without.
Susan: Tights. Black Tights.

Lisa: Probably my high-waisted, wide-legged jeans from Uniqlo. I can dress ‘em down, I can dress ‘em up, and they are always comfy. But when it really comes down to it, I’m a t-shirt, jeans, hoodie and Converse kinda girl.

MC: Do any of you have anything else to get off your chest right now?
Susan: I can tell you what I want ON my chest right now- a sassy and sturdy bra from Dirty Dolls Lingerie. They are the best and give a girl a great lift!

What do cool California fashion and dogs have in common? Quite a lot, in fact! Jennifer D’Angelo, the creator of the fun & quirky line called Nooworks, knows this firsthand. After all, she named the company after her dog, Noo Noo.

Read my interview with Jennifer.

ModCloth: Can you tell us a little about Noo Noo?
Jennifer: Oh, the Noo Noo. Well she’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever encountered. Let’s see- it was eleven years ago on Easter Sunday that I first met Noo Noo. My roommates and I were getting ready to have an Easter rager here in San Francisco. We’d hung our Easter bunny piñata in the yard, made snacks and had just finished the enormous vat of sangria when Chris decided to run to the store and get some ice.

I heard the door creak open but not shut, then just loads of ooh’s and ahh’s and then suddenly a little white dog ran down the hall toward me! Cutest little fuzzy bunny/Easter puppy Westie I’d ever laid eyes on. We went outside and there was no owner to be found! We called Animal Control, the ASPCA, and put up signs around the neighborhood.

That day we had our Easter rager, and Noo Noo was a hit! I wasn’t ready to be responsible for a puppy, but nobody ever claimed her and she was too cute to pass up. Six months later, we were in the driveway washing my car when this older woman from up the street started walking towards Noo Noo saying “Money, Money, Money! Come here Money!” I thought, Well this woman is totally insane. But it turned out she was Noobert’s original owner! Before our life together, Noo Noo was named “Money” and she lived in the garage four doors down with a Rottweiler. The women said Noo Noo kept running away, they saw our signs but figured they would just let us keep her. Strange, I thought, but I was way too attached at this point to let her go.

Ever since then, we’ve been inseparable. My 14lb. friend talks me into going to the park or the beach every day, she sleeps in my arms at night and she even carried my wedding rings down the aisle for us last month. When I asked my then-fiance’ if it would be weird to have Noo Noo at the wedding, he said he wouldn’t marry me without her.

[Newlyweds! Jennifer and her hubby, Phil. (Noo Noo carried their rings down the aisle.)]

Nooworks is named after Noo Noo because the first t-shirt printed was an illustration done by a friend who was also obsessed with her. Noo Noo was our main inspiration to cutify everything. And, after winning cutest dog contest in the local paper, she is definitely a celebrity.

Now you know about the Noo Noo.

MC: I read that Nooworks is very eco-friendly- using organic cotton tees and making everything here in the USA. How & why did you decide to do this?
Jennifer: The choice to be eco-friendly was easy; and living in San Francisco, where the city’s so set up to be green, it just becomes part of your life. I also went to California College of Art and Crafts for industrial design where I really learned the importance of process. If you design for a larger company, you are really only involved with a few aspects of the piece- maybe you draw it or sew the sample and send that to someone else who handles the manufacturing, but you’re usually not involved in details like sourcing buttons.

When I create a garment, I’m involved in everything from concept to fabric sourcing to double checking patterns with the factory to finding the right people to make my ruffles pretty to putting it on the delivery truck. When you’re so involved, you want it to be local- you want to work with nice people and you want to support them by bringing them business.

Last month, I picked up 200 yards of sheered fabric for dresses from a local vendor. The guys loaded it into my car and when I asked for an invoice, they said don’t worry & have a great wedding. Who is that nice!?!?! When you’re faxing in specs to a factory on the other side of the planet to someone that you have no face to attach to, that doesn’t happen.

MC: Did you always know you wanted to own your own clothing company?
Jennifer: No. Honestly I had fashion plates as a kid and that’s about as far as it went for couture. But I have always loved design and figuring out how things work. Taking a concept and figuring out how to turn it into a product is super exciting for me.

When I went to design school, it ended up being a lot of creating a beautifully shaped injection molded piece of plastic that did something to fill a void in some imaginary person’s life. I found it a bit depressing and decided I wanted to design things that made me happy. Simple things, like purses lined with zombie fabric with shoulder straps to take on my bicycle and dresses that had straps in just the right places to cover my bra, are simple pleasures. And the beauty of it is that there are many people like me looking for the same simple pleasures.

[ModCloth's favorite 'simple pleasures' from Nooworks this season: (from left) the Victoria Falls Trench, New Growth Necklace, Ballpark Pendant, and Soft Serve Tee. ]

MC: I also read about the artists who designed different tees and dresses for the fall line. Do you work with different artists each season, or how does that process work?
Jennifer: I work with whoever is fun and wants to be a part of Nooworks. Diego Mannino and I went to art school together and when he offered to do drawing I was psyched!!! Last season my friend Jay Howell offered so I had them both for the summer line, it’s so great!

Basically I’ll be scheming on a theme for a few months then when it’s concrete, I’ll call them up and say “I’m obsessed with JAWS! Sharks, vans and sixties summer surf movies can you make something like that?” then they draw their amazing interpretations and I incorporate them into the rest of the line. It makes it so fun and exciting to see how another artist will interpret things. They are the best!!!

MC: What is your personal style inspiration?
Jennifer: FUN! Anything that makes you laugh out loud or smile is the most inspiring.

MC: What was the inspiration for the Spring/Summer ’09 line?
Jennifer: JAWS! Sharks, vans and sixties summer surf movies.

MC: What’s next for Nooworks?
Jennifer: Well I’m having a launch party soon for the summer line. These cool guys are animating my catalog and my husband wrote the soundtrack, so we’ll be screening that and having a fashion show. The it’s time for Fall……I’m thinking outer space, but cuter.

[Winston's most recent modeling work]

Happy Birthday, Winston!
Our favorite Pug turns five on Sunday, and we’re celebrating by helping you get to know him a little better.

Eric and Susan adopted Winston from a farm near Latrobe, PA.
“We drove out to see him and it was love at first sight! We brought him home that night and he’s been a part of our family ever since,” Susan told me. “We got Winston in 2004, so ModCloth had already been around for a little while, but pretty quickly it became clear that he needed to be the mascot. He’s just so handsome, how could we resist? Honestly, I just really liked taking pictures of him, and I wanted to share the cuteness.”

I sat down with Winston, and here’s what he had to say.

Read my interview with Winston.

[He was a candid interviewee]

ModCloth: How does it feel to be 5? (If you don’t mind talking about your age)
Winston: I feel wiser. I’ve learned so much about how the world works over the past five years… how to sit for a treat, how to scratch at the door to make it open, how to find that perfect spot in the grass to do my business. As you can imagine, all of this learning has made me very, very tired, so I always make sure to take a nap every hour or so. That’s how I stay so handsome.

MC: Do you have any canine fashion advice for the blog readers?
Winston: Sometimes it’s hard for me to find clothes that fit because of my unique proportions, but I can say this: neck rolls & curly tails are in – in a big way!

MC: What is your favorite snack & why?
Winston: That’s easy! Whatever the person I’m staring at is eating. I want that, and I want it now.

MC: How does a celebrity like yourself stay grounded?
Winston: I try my best to remember where I came from and enjoy the little things in life. As long as I have a full stomach and a lap to sleep on, I’ll be happy.

MC: Describe your typical day for us.
Winston: I’m usually rudely awakened by my brother, Blue the Dachshund, at some horrible hour, maybe around 8a.m.? You wouldn’t believe it, but I can sometimes be a bit of a grump in the mornings! I try to stay asleep in bed as long as possible, but sometimes I just can’t block out the racket.

Once I’m up, I eat my first bowl of dog food and do my best to beg for a bit of real human breakfast, though I rarely get it. Then, I go for a walk around the neighborhood to inspect every tree, pole, and unusually long blade of grass.

After that, it’s right off to the office! I like to sit on Eric’s lap during the car ride to bark at people on the sidewalk. Once I arrive, I run around to say hello to everyone and see if they have any food for me. I spend the rest of my day in and out of meetings, generally following Eric and Susan around to make sure they’re safe. I’m a guard dog, did you know that?

As I mentioned earlier, I also take plenty of little naps throughout the day. In fact, if I’m at the office for 8 hours, I probably spend 6 of them asleep. Sometimes I wake up to model for a photoshoot. Those days are always fun because I get extra treats.

Once my work is done, I spend of a bit of time visiting with my other dog friends at ModCloth: Penelope, Buckles, Iggy, Rad, Keith Richards & Reese. We all have a good time together, but just between you and me, I prefer the company of humans. The end of the day is pretty typical. Another walk, more barking, more tree inspection, then back to sleep!

MC: Do you have any big plans for the coming year?
Winston: I’d like to expand my modeling career – my fans are always demanding more! I’m also planning a few trips to the off-leash section of the dog park that I’m really excited about.

Today, I’m talking to Kristin, the creator of Spitfire Girl, an eco-friendly line of stationery, tees and other cool gifts. We carry Spitfire Girl’s cute & casual cherry wood postcards and bookmarks, but she also designs everything from holiday cards to wedding invitations!

Click below to read my interview with Kristin

ModCloth:How did Spitfire Girl begin?
Kristin:Years ago, when I was the “perfect” housewife, I did a ton of entertaining and hand made all my event invitations. For my daughter Suki’s third birthday party, I created a reptile theme “Box Card” invite. When you opened the tiny box, it revealed a reptile toy and tiny invitation. This Box Card unexpectedly affected the children in a big way. They carried these boxes around for weeks; some were even sleeping with them. The parents were blown away at the concept. I knew I had something at that point.

Not that much later in a time of desperation when I was feeling scared out of my wits, I started Spitfire Girl. I was a mother of two small children and had to divorce my husband. I decided I couldn’t work for anyone else but myself- I’m too headstrong. That drive, with a little bit of obsession, is what has made Spitfire Girl succeed.

MC: Do you design many of the pieces?
Kristin:Yes, for sure.  Where would I be if I couldn’t get my creative on?  A funny story:  I drew the top selling design, The Robot, in divorce court. Out of such a terrible event came a great-selling image. My other designs include the Bedtime Story,  Girl At The Window, and many more.

MC: It seems like many Spitfire Girl products give a nod to the West. Is this because you’re originally from Texas?
Kristin: I’m a BIG Texas girl and a BIG Daddy’s girl. I live in Los Angeles now, but I go back to my home state every four to five months, so my heart is definitely in Texas. My father tells me that I’m an “original” Texan, because my great great great grandfather was one of the original 300 settlers in Texas, and his brother supplied the blue silk to sew the first Texas flag. So that being said, my blood runs deep with the state of Texas!

[Clockwise from top: Retro RV Postcard, Mr. Robot Doll, Owl Lovers Wood Print, and The Owl Librarian Bookmark]

MC: Why did you decide to print your postcards on cherry wood?
Kristin: I love, love, love wood- totally obsessed with it. It just gives the artwork such a unique look. The grain of cherry wood is also so rich and ages beautifully with time.

MC: We love how your pieces look so whimsical and vintage-inspired. How does this happen?
Kristin: I am definitely attracted to vintage artwork and design. So naturally, whoever I pick to join the Spitfire Team is on the same boat artistically. There are five artists, including myself, designing for Spitty. Two artists (my husband Jason Schroder and Adrian Sanchez) are tattoo artists. Two of us (Liz Young and I) are museum-shown artists. Last but not least, my daughter Sidney Sekula, age 12, designed one of the top selling postcards, Food Groups.

My husband Jay, who I met 2 ½ years ago, is a big part of Spitfire Girl. It was a mere two weeks after we met that we were designing stuff together. It’s just so much fun to have an idea and follow it through with someone you love, and see it sold in stores across America.

I also always have both eyes open, ready to be inspired.

MC: Where do you find inspiration for your pieces and life in general?
Kristin: I find it when I take time off and get out of town- that’s when product ideas comes to me. When my husband and I are traveling, we hit a bunch of thrifts stores and antique shops. Whether we are in Texas or Europe, we can sniff them out.

MC: Since we like fashion here at ModCloth, I have to ask: Does your creativity spill over into your wardrobe, too?
Kristin: Oh gawd, yes!  At the moment I’m really into the vintage 70s dresses. What’s even worse for some reason I’m intrigued with the whole “Dallas” T.V.  look. I think now that I’m getting older my whole look is changing. I also enjoy reconstructing vintage pieces on the fly before I head out to a party. I’m a bit of a crazy bird.

MC: Does each Spitfire Girl season have a theme?
Kristin: Yes. Spring’s theme is “Out With the Old, in With the New.” I will be discontinuing product that I no longer feel passionate about and replacing them with a super-rad doll line! We said ‘forget about recession- let’s hunker down and make new fun product.’ Some of the new dolls include The Gnome Doll and The Yeti Doll.