Bubble Hem Coat by Yellowcake

This adorable and unique piece shows a ton of imagination and beautiful attention to detail. I love the vintage buttons, those are always a favorite for me. The three-quarter sleeves gives the bubble hem the perfect balance.

Not only is this style something close to my heart but Valerie is currently working out of Cleveland, Ohio (my birthplace).  I see other parallels in our lives if only that she, like me, is an illustrator and art lover, and that passion seemed to surface first in our lives for whatever reason but have ultimately led to expression through a wearable medium.

You can see clearly from a sample of Ms. Mayen’s art work (prints for sale on Etsy.com) that she is inspired by pop-culture but her fashions are not limited by it.

Cupid Valentine Indie Red and Black Striped Sexy Bubble Dress with Yellow Posh lining

Her dresses are what I would call “fairy-tale American” in the way the cut and fabric choices give the Cupid Valentine dress an Almost in Wonderland aesthetic. This super fun dress, that I would wear to just about any formal event, has that sexy but comfortably charming appeal. Again with this piece her very high level of craftsmanship shows in this detail of the sewn in accent of a vintage hair comb at the seem.

Her exceptional attention to detail goes into each custom made item she sells and for that warrants the higher end of the average budget for her coats and dresses. That said, I could see her beautiful “The Animal Collective” prints easily translating into some more accessible screened items (if she has so desired) to add to her fashion collection.

Though her current offering is limited, I will certainly keep a trained eye in her direction, as I know it’s only a matter of time before we see more of her brilliance through artistic fashion expression. Keep up the outstanding work Ms. Mayen, I look forward to seeing your next amazing creation!

Another 7 inches of snow has been dumped on my fair city and since I can barely stand to go outdoors I’ve been spending way too much time traveling the world from my trusty computer. Though it’s far more impersonal than I like I have managed to find some pretty amazing stuff. It would be a determent to society not to mention the stylings of Chanel Kennebrew of Junkprints! Ok, so I can’t take total credit for finding her, she did happen to mark my etsy shop on her favorite list, but I think I’m in love…

Party on the Inside Jacket by Junkprints

Junkprints hails from Brooklyn, NY and has something for everyone. All the graphics are custom designed collage style art by Chanel and are printed on sweatshop-free tees and hoodies. I happen to be obsessed with her “Party on the Inside” denim jacket, it’s just well, fabulous! Maybe it’s the custom graphics, or the printed inside or the cu,t but it’s made the top of my favorites list hands down. Junkprints offers skate decks, custom handbags and all sorts of delicious gear to make you a show stopper. Her designs  mix colorful hip-hop style with a funky vintage twist and I think I did detect something with hint of… dare I say 80′s-chic?!

Monitor Mania Jacket by Junkprints

Matilda Duffel Bag by Junkprints

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Most of her designs are done in limited batches of about 50 pieces, so no worries that you might run into someone on the street sporting your favorite new tee.

You can stay connected with all the latest Junkprints action on dookyblog.com a fun quirky read that’s sure to give you something productive to do on Monday mornings when being at work just isn’t on your top ten list.

You can check out all her killer gear online or on everyones favorite place to buy and sell handmade items…etsy!