Further evidence that nerds are awesome

We had such an amazing time at the Las Vegas Mini Maker Faire!  I knew that it would be a cool event, but really underestimated how many fabulous makers would be in attendance. To top it off, we had a fabulous turnout!  I met so many wonderful people from all over the world, as well as interesting folks located within my own little city.  My newest  demographic consisted of adorable little girls who reveled in the specialty hair clips and jewelry I put together just for the event…how awesome it was to see them rockin’ their new skull and bat embellished accessories all day long!

Although I’m not a tech girl, I have always been fascinated by the creativity and innovation of the technology industry.  I often find myself swooning over great thinkers such as Jeffrey Tucker, who eloquently writes on the subject quite regularly.  There’s something truly amazing about those individuals who are able to push imagination to its limits while mastering concepts that would make the average human’s head spin.  Although many people tend to take modern conveniences for granted, I find that it’s important to reflect upon how these advances have improved our quality of life and society overall.

The Syn Shop is cooking up nothing short of excellence.  Within the walls of their hackerspace they build everything from steampunk 3D light goggles to 3pi line racing robots.  Not afraid to take on any challenge, the Syn Shop is quickly setting the standard for the type of community many of us have been dreaming of for years.  Unpretentious, facing a brave new world, these resourceful warriors have set the bar high.  Their shop caters to inventors, artists, and tinkerers interested in having a place to get their hands on tools to bring their ideas to fruition.  A membership to the Syn Shop gains access to laser cutters, 3D printers, and tons of incredible classes.

Cirque Mechanics performed at regular intervals throughout the day, infusing the event with their delightful brand of vaudeville chic.  I had seen their act described on the Las Vegas Mini Maker Faire home page and had no idea what to expect.  They have managed to perfect sideshow swank with an industrial knack for storytelling.  Founded by German Wheel artist Chris Lashua, Cirque mechanics is an absolutely fantastic concept.  Combining talented dancers and acrobats with sleek costuming, Cirque Mechanics delivers a rare and beautiful show atop a traveling stage.

For those of you who have heard me talk about the Maker Faire in recent weeks, you are well aware that I have really been looking forward to meeting some robots.  Imagine my surprise when ICAN the showbot made his way over to our booth, cracking jokes and turning on his exquisite charm.  I have been familiar with Show Creators for quite a while, however I had not had the opportunity to see them in such an organic environment.  ICAN was interactive and adorable, setting the tone for an energetic show.  Show Creators is also home to several other styles of showbots, one of which can be seen featured in the new Blue Man Group show at the Monte Carlo hotel.

One of my regrets is that I didn’t spend enough time with Romo the Smartphone Robot.  Lucky for me, the outfit responsible for this cute little guy is located right here in Vegas!  Romo 2.0 is powered by your smartphone or tablet, making him efficient as well as affordable.  He moves around the room, smiling at the silly humans he sees, no doubt planning fun and interesting ways to get into trouble.  Funded by Kickstarter, the folks who brought Romo to life plan to add all sorts of amazing apps and features…word on the street is that we can also expect to one day meet his female counterpart, Julia.

In closing, I want to give a special thank you to everyone who came by the Poison Candy booth.  It’s always a pleasure to meet new friends and see familiar faces.  Maybe next year I’ll get to dress up a robot 🙂

Introducing “Noir”…the deadly weapon in your wardrobe…

I couldn’t be more excited to update our website with the “Noir” dress!  I often have old movies on in the background while I work, and this dress was a result of a two day bender dedicated to mid-century Hollywood film noir.  I grew up on detective stories as my father actually was a detective, not to mention the fact that my grandmother had a mad crush on Humphrey Bogart.  That being said, I suppose it was only a matter of time before this slight obsession of mine manifested itself in the Poison Candy collection.

The “Noir” dress is made from lightweight stretch satin and it fits like a seductive little glove.  The bust portion features fuchsia satin covered with a lovely dot tulle overlay.  I added a coordinating flower pin, and there is also a gorgeous long tail satin bow atop the back skirt slit.

The “Noir” fascinator is equally stunning.  Complete with feathers, Russian netting, and matching flower, the only thing missing from this outfit is a smoking gun and kick ass soundtrack.  If you’re looking for something truly smashing to rock on New Year’s Eve, you have found your destiny.

Face On By Tamara – Photographer extraordinaire!

I’ve known Tamara, the lovely lady behind Face On By Tamara, for several years.  She is an incredible photographer, and as I recall, our friendship began when we collaborated on some images for the Poison Candy® line. I’ve worked with many photographers, but Tamara captivated me with her ambitious nature and take no prisoners attitude when it came to getting the perfect shot.  Many times I have asked for a simple catalog style shot and gotten not only the ideal image, but a host of unexpected photos in various locations.  She is brilliant at converting any space into a studio, once turning her garage into the perfect bordello for a Moulin Rouge inspired collection.  When Tamara organizes a photo shoot it becomes more of an adventure for model and photographer alike, the gorgeous imagery being a pleasant side effect of playtime.

Tamara impresses me not only with the quality of her work, but also with her kindness and incredible multi-tasking skills.  I am so grateful that she was able to find the time in her busy schedule to answer a few questions for me as I have wanted to interview her for this blog for quite a while!
When did you develop a love for photography?   

I have always loved photography ever since I can remember. I remember asking my parents for a camera at six years old. I have lots of talented artists in my family, I use to pose for my uncle who is a artist. He would take photos of my cousin and me in victorian dresses and paint portraits referencing the photos. I loved seeing the outcome.  I also use to model when I was younger and always loved collaborating with photographers to make art.

How old were you when you got your first camera?  What/who were your first subjects? 

I received my first professional camera when I was 26 years old. My husband bought me my first professional camera after my first son was born. My son Noah was my first subject . 🙂 As a teenager I would do photo shoots with friends all the time using film cameras.

What valuable lessons have you learned over the years?

I have learned so many valuable lessons over the years in this business, and I learn more everyday. Most importantly, never give up, it doesn’t matter what equipment you use or how much money you have…its what you do with your abilities that matters. Your dreams can come true if you work hard enough!

You have so many diverse styles of photography in your portfolio.  What types of photos are your favorite to shoot and why?

I have always liked many styles of photography and never wanted to limit myself to just one style. My favorite photo style to capture are my makeover photo shoots. I started with make over photo shoots and thats my passion. Its very rewarding to make over normal women into rockstars!

 You are a super busy lady!  What is an average day like for you? 

Ha! My average day starts with my boys jumping all over me in bed, being a taxi driver, making sure the family is doing what the should be, emailing, consulting with clients, booking clients, retouching photos, being a mama, cleaning the house, more retouching,  taxi driver, getting prepared for upcoming shoots, playing with my kids, and more retouching photos! 😉

What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?

My advice for aspiring photographers is to ask lots and lots of questions, even if you feel like they are dumb. I keep my camera and sketch pad with me everywhere I go! I scribble drawings of ideas for photo shoots, make up looks and business ideas! If photography is your passion….and you really, really want it, you go get it! You don’t dream it…. you do it! I literally woke up one morning told my husband, ” I’m gonna do make up & photography!” ,that very day I started advertising and I never looked back. You must be ready to give up your life for some time….you will loose friends, but will also gain many! You will have haters, people will tell you your not good enough, or think your stupid because you don’t know every technical answer to a camera question, believe me….I get judged a ton, let God be the judge and let him be your defense! Let your work speak for itself 🙂  Don’t listen to negative people, stay positive! You CAN do anything you put your heart too! You have to be ready to give everything you have in you in order for your photography business to succeed. You will fail over and over, and learn from each mistake.

I love to inspire other people to do what they dream, live your passion….its not impossible! “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I’m possible.”  I am self taught. I practiced, read, watched, questioned, slept-dreamed- loved photography and makeup with all of my being! Never give up!  I have had my share of ups and downs, you have to get back up and keep on going….It’s a ton of blood , sweat and tears…but it is all worth it when you can take a step back and say-  “Wow, I did it!….I’m living my dream, I’m supporting my family, and my job is my passion!  I can be a stay at home mommy ,that is a true blessing. When you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.

What do you think sets your work apart from other photographers?

My work sets me apart from other photographers because I am self taught, I see things outside of the box. I have developed my own creative vision and style of photography and make up. I always try to be different.

You are also very skilled at makeup and hair artistry.  Did you know your way around a makeup kit when you first started out?   

Thank you, I love make up! I knew my way around a make up kit at age six! 🙂 My mother and grandmother had fancy make up tables and I would gaze at them when they were putting their “face on” . I wanted to be just like them. I started doing makeup before photography. Once I decided to combine my two passions of make up and photography I knew I had found my dream career!

 

Be sure to check out Tamara’s blog on her official website!  Stop by her Facebook page to check out her amazing portfolio and say hello 🙂

Welcome to Storyville!

Introducing “Storyville”, the first one of a kind piece to ever appear on our official website!  Inspired by the years I spent living in New Orleans, this curve hugging black and white ensemble is a guaranteed show stopper.

When one is strolling down the weathered streets of the Big Easy, it’s hard not to imagine the decadent lifestyle of the notorious district formerly known as “Storyville”.  One of the first things that struck me upon visiting New Orleans for the first time was the beautiful architecture and history that seemed to live inside of every structure, lamp post, and weeping willow.  My first New Orleans apartment was located at the far end of the French Quarter and I used to spend hours on my balcony watching the people milling about below.  I would often imagine that I was somehow transported back in time, existing among the jazz enthusiasts, rowdy bar hoppers, and all others who were up to no good in the French Quarter.

I was somewhat obsessed with Victorian clothing while I was growing up and had this idea that everyone from that era was stuffy, refined, and unnaturally elegant.  It has become delightfully apparent to me that this was not always the case and Storyville successfully shatters the pervasive myth.  An area designed to contain illegal and debaucherous activity, this hot bed of bump and grind thrived for almost half a century before finally being shut down in 1917.

I believe that although the times may change, people really don’t.  Regardless of the rules, there are always those who live to break them.  We are the misfits, the instigators, the tricksters with contagious laughter who dance in the rain and have bourbon for breakfast.  A non-conformist by nature, I can’t imagine what else to do with my time except design sinister and seductive dresses for ridiculously beautiful women.  So let’s turn off the television, slip into something devious, and have a cocktail or two in the city that care forgot.

Key lime style for summer sexiness!

Foxfire dress-Key To My Heart

I was so happy to finally get our new colorway in the “Foxfire” dress in stock this week!  I adore the skeleton key print we used for our “Debutante” dress that I thought it would be cool to make something fun with the same print, but in a lime green colorway. This new colorway also has hints of purple, in addition to the green, which is fun to play with when accessorizing.  My dear friend Tamara of Face On By Tamara took some great photos showing the versatility of this dress.  Tamara shot a lovely traditional pinup pose and then followed up with a fun steampunk inspired image-so cute!

We didn’t make that many of these new dresses, so I offered preordering to our newsletter subscribers and we sold out of the x-small and size small sizes almost immediately!  After one day on the site our size mediums were gone too!  We still have a few of the large and x-large sizes available.  If you were hoping for a size medium and didn’t get one in time, we still have some of the sassy leopard and red colorway available in that size.

I’ve decided to offer more preorder opportunities for future styles as our fall collection will be extremely limited.  Please take a moment to sign up for our newsletter to get first pick of exclusives!

Foxfire dress-Key To My Heart