Fly

Fly at BPS

Here's a little short and sweet process video showing how Afro Blue was screen-printed at Baltimore Printing Studios.

Sun Bleached Denim Jacket Video

As a Gap Brand Enthusiast I receive delightful packages every now and then showcasing the latest hot item from the Gap. Then I get to decide if I want to review the piece on Fly. Well a few weeks ago a cute sun-bleached denim jacket landed on my doorstep and I couldn't wait to share. But I wanted to do so in a fun way. Using stop motion animation I decided to show how I would style and wear the jacket.

With the generous time of photographers Emily and Cassidy of Wren & Field (look for a studio visit post coming soon), Aubrie Costello who volunteered her make-up talents, music from amazing Philly producers Noize Trip, and shoes from the always fab Bus Stop Boutique — the video came together pretty seamlessly. Granted, it took us hours to shoot, but it was a very fun process. (For a bigger view click here.)

I give major props to the stop motion masters. Like Pes, Lotte Reiniger, and any creators of the claymation genre. As well as filmaker Brain Gravy Creative whose stop motion videos for Topstitch inspired ours. These people are amazing. I hope you enjoy our attempt at a stylish stop motion animation.

Mini-Webisode: Pin-Up Twists

The response for the first hair webisode was great so I decided to do another for the pinned-up twists hairstyle. But before I get into that, there were a few questions asked about the previous mini-webisode (twist-out 'fro). So I updated that post with answers. Check it out here.

After wearing this pinned-up twists in Webisode 8, 9 and 10 I've gotten quite a few questions about how to do it. It's really easy. All you need is a handful of bobby pins and your hair to be in two strand twists. I grab about 3-4 twists at a time, twist them together and pin them towards the back of my head. I add more bobby pins as I go to hold any loose ends/twists that may be out of place. Add a cute decorative pin or clip for fun. Check out the video to get an idea of how it works. Here's the YouTube link. The music is from a mixtape, it's a classic Brazilian Batucada (typical carnival music). It was perfect for the video but also perfect to celebrate Rio's win for the 2016 Olympics. YAYYYNESSS!

Mini-Webisode: Twist Out 'Fro

I get a lot of emails and comments about my hair and thought it would be fun to do a quick mini-webisode of the twist out 'fro that I rock pretty regularly. I remembered seeing a stop motion video Franchesca did on her blog a few months ago and thought it would be cool to approach this video in that way. Hope you enjoy! If you have trouble seeing the video here, check it out on my YouTube page. Music: Free by Giovanca.

**UPDATES** I got so many great responses and questions that I had to post additional information in regards to my version of the twist-out 'fro:

1. Hi Debbie, I make my twist-out last by just wearing a silk scarf at night, and in the morning I use a little coconut oil and my fingers to revive the coils and any flattened areas.

2. Products?!?! This is hard to answer because I still have yet to find a product I love. Aveda had this great leave-in conditioner called Elixir which was so good for my hair, my coils were really happy then. But since it's been discontinued I haven't been able to find a decent equivalent. So lately I've been using Aveda's Be Curly, and Phyto's Moisturizing Styling Balm. They're okay. I think I'll keep trying. Thanks again for watching and commenting!

WEBISODE 12: Punk Rock Fleamarket 3

Long overdue but never too late. Here is Webisode 12 featuring our annual Punk Rock Fleamarket visit.  I'm really giggly in this one, I don't know why, maybe I was just excited to be doing another webisode (I actually had to edit out some giggles). Hope you enjoy. Here's the Youtube link as well. See photos from our visit here.

Around 1:00 PM

WEBISODE 10: Brown Betty

I love doing the webisodes and I am truly happy with all of them, but this has to be one of favorites. It was really great talking with Norrinda and Linda Brown of Brown Betty Dessert Boutique and learning about how they used secret family recipes to create a thriving business. And thriving business indeed. They recently opened a new location—a cupcake-only store, Brown Betty Petite, on 20th and Manning just off of Rittenhouse Square. So a big congrats to them. Maybe they'll go national so all of you can indulge in their wonderful treats every week like I do.

I hope you enjoy this webisode as much as I loved working on it. Oh and here is the youtube link just in case you cannot view it below. Special thanks to Brown Betty Dessert Boutique owners Norrinda and Linda Brown, and big thanks to John Kenower who does amazing work putting these webisodes together.

Webisode 10: Brown Betty

This Week

WEBISODE 10: Brown Betty

Next week I will be posting Fly's 10th webisode which features the best bakery in Philadelphia, Brown Betty Dessert Boutique. The bakery is run by a mother-daughter team who shares family dessert recipies with fellow Philadelphians. These photos are just a little sneak peak of what's to come. Be sure to check back for Webisode 10 and check out 1-9 here.

Webisode 9: NIC*FISH

As promised webisode number 9 is here! I had the pleasure of meeting up with Philly designer, Nicole Fisher of NIC*FISH to check out her latest collection. She has a wonderful sense of style, her work is amazing and she is extremely cool. Check out the video below, or visit my YouTube page to see the webisode. See more of her pieces here.

Thanks Nicole for sharing your time and your beautiful work! Thanks again John for your amazing skills!

Another Webisode...

WEBISODE 8: Topstitch Boutique

Even if you're looking for it you might miss it. Topstitch Boutique is located on a busy street but you must go up a set of stairs to see the goodness that lies within. When Rakia and I went to shoot our webisode we found that the goodness also leaked out onto the sidewalk for a good old fashioned sidewalk-sale. It was too fun and I finally got a romper out of this shopping excursion (yeeeesss!!). You can see it below or click here to check it out or visit my youtube page.  

Thank you Tina for sharing your voice and a big thanks to John Kenower for trekking all the way down to Philly to help me out. Rakia aka "Rocky Jo" thanks, girl!

Webisode 7: Punk Rock Flea Market 2008

Rakia and I had so much fun at the Punk Rock Flea Market last year that we had to go again and shoot another webisode. This time it was mega hot, temperature-wise (you can see my face glowing with sweat!), but that didn't keep us from exploring the many tables of vintage clothing, artwork and jewelry. Sadly, something happened with the video and some of our footage was erased so our video this time around is short. But hopefully you'll get some fun out of it. If you have a hard time seeing it here check it out on youtube. Special thanks to Brian for shooting and editing for us.
 

Oh and people always ask "what's punk rock about the market?" I have no idea. That's just what it's called and that's all I know.

Webisode 6: Nicole Rae Styer

A little over a year ago I came across Nicole's pieces at a trunk show and was very intrigued. As I mentioned before her designs are sweet, feminine and flirty, you can tell she has fun working on her creations. I thought it would be cool to see her space and find out what inspires her creative process.

So I must say I was a little spoiled by the wonderful production team I had in New York, this time around I was the camerawoman, audio-mixer, producer, editor, and PA — HA!! Working on this has given me an even higher level of respect and appreciation for the folks who work behind the scenes. I hope you enjoy what I was able to put together. If you have any difficulties viewing the footage click here to see it on youtube. Check out Nicole's myspace page to see more of these photos. Music credits: Arrastao by Andre Penazzi