NYLON - June 2008 - (Page 74) THE ROPE SONG myspace.com / screamingmimisnyc : bookmark: sew u: home stretch The most adventurous I ever got with a needle and thread was the time I sewed antique buttons onto a wool beret in an attempt to knock off a pricey Barney’s topper. So when presented with Wendy Mullin and Eviana Hartman’s new handbook Sew U: Home Stretch, I knew it was time to redeem my past sewing efforts and learn how to do the deed properly. Mullin, a veritable DIY guru (of Built By Wendy fame) and Hartman, fashion journalist (and the former Fashion Features Editor at NYLON) offer up Home Stretch as a promise that even the most novice among us can craft elaborate T-shirts, tunics, and dresses. This sequel to the introductory Sew U focuses on stretch woven fabrics and knits, providing a comprehensive rundown on the tools, techniques, textile properties, and most importantly, patterns to get you started. The bonus, aside from the accolades and perfectly fitted custom garments, is that you’ll now think twice about coughing up cash for overpriced basics that you can so easily whip up yourself. NATALIE TOREN space invader: journelle,nyc When you walk into lingerie boutique Journelle, you can’t help but feel warm and fuzzy. With painted walls and upholstered fabric panels in a rich plum color, frosted glass doors leading into a living-roomlike fitting area, and perfectly dimmed lighting, the decor enhances the shopping experience. “I wanted the shop to feel residential and comfortable, like your own personal living space,’’ explains Claire Chambers, founder of the boutique, which is tucked away just north of Union Square. Journelle is about putting you at ease while you try to find the ideal intimate item, and the staff offers helpful advice on how to go about purchasing the right piece. “Finding the perfect bra for someone is difficult because you have to consider both the size and shape, and it’s even harder when every brand’s sizing is different,’’ says Melissa Silvetti, store manager, “but our staff went through bra training and had reps from various companies come in to talk about the shape and fit.” Upscale brands like Huit, Araks, Simone Perele, Elle MacPherson, Cosabella, and new lines like The Lake and Stars out of Brooklyn dress up the boutique. “I opened Journelle because I found myself shopping at department stores for undergarments and I didn’t like the feeling,’’ says Chambers. “I wanted something that felt modern and intimate and there was nothing like that around.” RAJNI LUCIENNE JACQUES 3 East 17th St, NYC, 212.255.7800. screaming mimi’s: photographed by cameron krone. stylist: angelica pieser-nelson. hair: anthony campbell using cutler. makeup: lisa aharon for stila cosmetics. model: alice at one. top by acne, shorts by screaming mimi’s for opening ceremony, stylist’s own sunglasses and bangles, scarf by nina ricci. journelle: courtesy of journelle. sew u: courtesy of little brown and company. “I like to think of it as Opening Ceremony vintage,” says Laura Wills, owner of New York vintage emporium Screaming Mimi’s, of her new limited-edition collection with downtown boutique and clothing label Opening Ceremony. After searching for beachand surf-inspired clothing in L.A., Wills came across two archival pieces by Opening Ceremony which were originally sold 10 years ago, and she pleaded with owners Carol Lim and Humberto Leon to re-issue them. “I was at a pop-up store and saw these amazing shorts with rope trims,” she says. The striped, seersucker shorts will be available exclusively at Screaming Mimi’s this summer (or at least the beginning of summer, before they sell out) to celebrate the store’s 30th Anniversary. “Vintage used to be at least 30 years old, b now we’re thinking 10 years is enough time for but something to come back,” she say ANDREA CUSICK says. For more information, see scream screamingmimis.com. nformation, http://screamingmimis.com http://myspace.com/screamingmimisnyc
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