A Fashionable Motherhood! Part I- My Breastfeeding Friendly Wardrobe, with Ease and In-Style9/3/2019  Myself, and my two eldest children, in Las Vegas, Nevada- September 2016 Hello Readers! Welcome back to my Blog! If you have read any of my recent Blog Posts, such as "A Fashionable Pregnancy: My Maternity Style-Part I" (and Part II), or if you follow me on any social media outlet, you will know that in the past two years, I have born two new children, both lovely little daughters. The last two years have been a challenge in the sense that all of my time literally goes into caring for my young babies, as well as my two older children. I have cut back on my personal career pursuits, such as creating fashion, participating in fashion shows, and writing for my blog (but I am so grateful to be able to spend that time with my wee ones!). However, as the children grow (way to quickly!) I am slowly getting back into the swing of things! (I even read a few books!) Growing a family not only brings changes to the current family dynamic, but it also brings changes to a mother's body! And with body changes, comes... New clothes?
Although there is not too much change I hope to achieve in regards to my body, the weight I have gained, and the task of breastfeeding, have left me looking in on my wardrobe, wondering, ‘What am I going to wear today?’  My Husband, Javier, Myself, and my second to youngest daughter, Skylynne- Summer 2018 What to Wear? Most of the clothing that I wore pre-pregnancy does not fit me properly. My waist line has expanded, my chest has grown larger due to breast-feeding, and my clothing size has increased from a size 8 to a about a size 14 depending on the brand or style. Because I am still nursing, even dresses, or blouses, that still fit me, don't allow access for baby-feeding. I had no idea, prior to giving birth to SkyLynne, that I would be perpetually confined to blouses or dresses with front buttons, front zippers, or elastic necklines that can easily be pulled down... But that's Motherhood: we sacrifice our own preferences for what we hope is best for our children... but, does personal style have to suffer? In my experience, I have found that dresses that require little effort, and allow access for breastfeeding, help me to still feel like myself, while accommodating my mothering needs. Honestly, on most days, my daughters look much more fashionable than I do! But when I leave the house, I try to look somewhat decent!
As a person trained in Fashion and Sewing, my mind is full of clothing that I would love to create for myself (I even have the fabric!). Now that I am done making babies, I will be creating several new garments made to fit my new clothing size, and offer the function that I now need. Until then, I have made some mostly online purchases, of several affordable dresses, and separates, that serve my needs terrifically, and were very reasonably priced. Now, let me show you a few of my new outfits, and, as a breastfeeding mother, how I felt about wearing them! JCrew V-Neck Tee, with a Denim A-Line Skirt  Here I am wearing a V-Neck T-Shirt made by J.Crew, and a skirt by Cellabie, paired with Peruvian Earings, Kate Spade Sunglasses, and All-Star Converse.
I love the lace-up detail at the front waistline. To complete this look, my accessories include my trusty sunglasses by Kate Spade, Green All Star Converse, and super cute Peruvian Novelty Earrings. Multi-Color Butterfly Dress
This dress, which features a lovely loose stretch-fabric, in both the bodice and the skirt, as well as a multi-color butterfly print, feels great on, and provides a body flattering look. Interestingly, this dress has no labels, so I am not sure which clothing company made it, or the exact material it is made of. I was gifted this dress by my Mother-in-Law, prior to finding out that I was pregnant with Little Minnie. I found the stretch in the neckline and bodice does allow me to pull it down to feed my baby. Although pulling down the neckline isn't as easy as I would like, it is possible.  My Vintage Clip-On Earrings. Following is a photo of myself wearing this dress, paired with a coral sweater, holding my baby Minnie. This dress has a lovely spring look, and the multi-color butterfly textile allow for a wide range of matching accessories.  Little Minnie, at 5 Weeks Old, with myself. Floral "Chiffon" Wrap Dress, by Surplice I love an online Flash Sale! When I see a "Now $9.99 and Above" in bold print across my Smartphone Screen, you know I am scrolling through those dresses, looking for the styles that open in the front (if any!). I was pleasantly surprised when the web-site Zulily offered several Flash Sales over the summer, allowing me to purchase a hand-full of "Made in China" Dresses for little money. One such dress was described as a "Floral Chiffon Wrap Dress" made by a company called Surplice. I ordered the two colors on sale, both the Green and the Yellow, which were advertised as regularly $40.00, but now only $9.99. Both of these dresses are made in the same floral fabric, with different background fabric colors.  Here I am wearing the Green Floral "Chiffon' Wrap Dress by Surplice, holding my baby daughter, Minnie.
I really like the ease of wearing both of these dresses, but the fabric is definitely not Chiffon, based on the feel it is more likely 100% polyester (these dresses have no fabric labels!). I have found that wrap dresses are perfect for breastfeeding, because they are easy to open in the front, without the hassle of buttons or zippers. I have since seen these dresses offered online in both a light blue, as well as a black fabric, both with the same floral print. If they go on sale, I will definitely add them to my virtual "Shopping Cart" ! My Jewelry Storage Tip For easy access and organization of earnings, I use thin multi-compartment storage boxes, that I bought at The Dollar Tree. These storage boxes hold 12 or more pairs of earrings each, which are easy to view at a quick glance. Three of these boxes fit perfectly in just one of my Jewelry Armoire Drawers. I find myself no longer wearing bracelets, broches, or necklaces, which tend to dig into my little babies sensitive flesh as I hold them close! One day I will wear those pieces again!  Some of the earrings within My Earring Collection White & Blue Stripe Collared Button-Front A-Line Dress, by Sacrefas  Here I am wearing the White & Blue Stripe Collared Button Front A-Line Dress, by Sacrefas. This White & Blue Stripe Collared Button-Front A-Line Dress makes me feel sporty, like I am ready for a game of Tennis! The lightweight fabric is perfect for summer. The fit is flattering! I found these buttons are larger, and easier to fasten and unfasten for breastfeeding, then the other button up dresses in my collection.
Navy & White Gingham Shirt Dress, by Sacrefas Next up is a lovely Navy & White Gingham Shirt Dress (with pockets!) that I purchased on Zulily, by Sucrefas. This dress is a size 3X, and is a little big, but paired with a belt, I found it looked great! In the first photo of me in this dress, I am wearing the dress as is, with only a slip underneath. In the photo to the right, I am wearing a Petticoat underneath to maximize the fullness of the skirt. I like both looks! The Petticoat was purchased online through Wish for a mere $4.  Here I am wearing the Navy & White Gingham Shirt Dress by Sucrefas. Pictured here without and with a petticoat underneath. Which look do you like better? Light Pink Floral & Foliage Dress  Here I am, wearing the Light Pink Dress, gifted to me by my Mother-In-Law.
V- Neck Button Front Tea Length Vintage Fit & Flare Dress, by Sucrefas  This is me, wearing the Orange V-Neck Button Front Tea Length Fit & Flare Dress by Sucrefas, along side my daughter, SkyLynne. The next three dresses are described as the "V-Neck Button Front Tea Length Fit & Flare Dress" made by Sucrefas, and was purchased online through Zulily's Flash Sale. I found that the size XL fit me perfect. These dresses are simple, yet offer a flattering fit. The button-up front allows for a somewhat easy breastfeeding experience. However, the buttons are many, and the button holes are a tight fit for the buttons, making it a little challenging to unfasten when holding the little one, so I have to either sit her down, or ask my Husband to carry her while I unbutton the bodice. I will most likely buy a few more colors if they go on sale again! So far I have purchased the "Pink Stripe Floral", "Blue Floral", and "Orange". The delivery of these dresses did take some time, as they are made and shipped directly from China.
Shoes!
online, before Payless Shoes Source went out of business, and Brown & Navy Saddle Shoes, that are perfect for many different outfits, that I purchased at Ross several years ago. I also have these leopard print and black Ballet Flats from Tahari Girl (not surprisingly, leopard print matches everything!). In addition to these lovelies, I own dozens of more pairs of flats! Scoop Neck Tee by Wet Seal, with an A-Line Embroidered Skirt, by Sunny Leigh  Here I am, wearing a Black Basic Scoop Neck Tee, by Wet Seal, and a thrift store find: a Black Floral Embroidered A-line Skirt by Sunny Leigh, that I bought for only a few dollars!
Wet Seal, may seem like a Teeny Bopper's Store, but I have found some great finds, at thier retail locations, over the years! One such find are Basic Scoop Neck Women's Tees, that are relatively inexpensive, and offer enough stretch to breastfeed in. For this look, I am wearing a Black Scoop Neck Tee, from Wet Seal, paired with a Black Floral Embroidered A-Line Skirt that I found at The Goodwill for only a few dollars. Many of the skirts within my massive skirt collection have been acquired from thrift stores. I love finding charming, and unique clothing, for a fraction of the price, at second-hand stores! However, I find myself not shopping in stores as often as I would like, do to juggling the two little ones! Thankfully, I found this one! Check out the Floral Embroidery Design on my Sunny Leigh a-Line Skirt, in more detail:  The embroidery design on my Sunny Leigh Skirt A-Line Skirt. That completes my review of My Breastfeeding Friendly Wordrobe! I hope that you have found the information I have included, both insightful and informative... especially if you are a new (or experienced) mother hoping to breastfeed with ease and in style! It is possible! Thank you so much for taking the time to read my article! I look forward to you reading my next article in this series, where I make, and finish, designing and constructing, a few more new outfits! Please leave me a comment below on your favorite outfits that I featured! I would love to hear your feedback, personal experiences, and opinions! Until We Meet Again!  No Filter, No Make-Up (Just a Blurred Background)= Most days of Motherhood Have a magnificent day!! Related Links:
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Iyska is a fantastic student, she learns quickly, and has a natural artistic talent and creative mind. Teaching her was a joy! In the past, Iyska has drawn her own Fashion Illustrations, which are adorable! This past year, she participated in her annual school play, and took the time to design her own costume, for her character, "The Historian". After Iyska completed her illustration, I created this look for her, using fabric I already had on hand. Here is her Fashion Illustration and the final costume, that I created for her.
Teaching Sewing I began Iyska's Sewing Lessons by teaching her the basic functions of my sewing machine, how to thread the machine, and how to use the machine to stitch. Iyska was a natural! Soon she was perfecting straight stitching, and using her creativity to create patterns and shapes using thread and machine stitching! As Iyska continued to get familiar with the machine functions, she was soon ready to create her first sewing project! For her first task, I recommended creating a simple tote bag or purse. Iyska looked through my fabric bins, and chose a lovely tealish colored stretch taffeta, which she then used her new-found stitching skills, to create a sea-themed motif made with machine stitching. Iyska spent a lot of time on this project, and it really shows! I then taught her how to turn her decorated fabric into a bag, by stitching the side seams, and then adding a strap, hand stitched lining, a zipper, and her own label! Fairly advanced stuff for a beginner! Check out her finished Cross-Body Purse: (perfect for Field Trips, or day trips to her Grandparent's House!)  My oldest daughter, Iyska, posing with her first completed sewing project: a lovely Cross-Body Purse, with a machine stitched sea creature motif, hand sewn lining, zipper, strap, and label!
What was the hardest thing about sewing that you have done so far? And, what was the easiest? The sleeves on the dress was hardest, because I had to be careful not to mess up, especially near the shoulder. On the bag that I made, the decorative sewing, the squid and the fish that I put on there, was easiest, because I could make anything that I wanted, and couldn't really mess up. What did you find different in constructing your two recent projects: the Purse and the Dress? The dress was so much bigger, with way more fabric. We did more stuff with the sewing machine, because on the bag, I hand sewed, but the dress I used the sewing machine more. I had to sew on each circle to the skirt. Especially the skirt, when we did that weird thing where we pulled the string... Oh, when we gathered the waist? Ya, when we gathered it, it was different then the bag was, a lot more steps. What other things, related to Sewing or to Fashion, would you like to learn next? Making pants. You have to make pants more to the shape of your leg. It can't be too tight, so I think it would need to fit perfect. Now that you can sew, are you inspired to create more sewing projects? Yes, because now that I know how to do that, those were the more basic steps to making other stuff. Like, learning to sew a hem. It isn't only used for dresses, you can hem pants and skirts, and all kinds of stuff. A lot of the things that we did, like the zipper too, you can put it on a lot of stuff, not just only the projects we did. What will be your next Sewing Project? I think either I will make a jacket or another bag... but if I do another bag I would want to add pockets. Is there anything you would like to tell other people who are learning how to sew? Perhaps people who have never sewed before? Well, if you are learning, it is best if you learn from someone else, and not teach yourself. There is a whole bunch of techniques that you might not have even thought of, like... If you just don't know how to sew at all, and you put the fabric together the wrong way, you might not know, and your project will turn out weird. You might not know you did a mistake until you are already done!
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If you have experienced pregnancy, you know first hand that it can be a challenge to wear clothes that make you feel confident, when your belly is growing with a baby inside! As that baby and belly grow, outfits that fit during the beginning of pregnancy, may no longer fit towards the end of it! During my second pregnancy, it seemed that I had a noticeable "Baby Bump" quicker than I did with my first. Which I have read is common. Towards the beginning of my pregnancy, I was still able to wear skirts that I already owned, together with basic knit tees that offered stretch to accommodate my baby bump. Here I am, in the 5th Month of my 2nd pregnancy, wearing a Maternity Tee by Motherhood Maternity, and a skirt that I’ve owned for many years. I found that I could still wear some of my pre-pregnancy skirts if I wore the waistband under my belly, and then rolled the fabric up, so the skirt wouldn’t appear longer in the front!
In 2017, when I was pregnant with my second to youngest daughter, SkyLynne, I didn't invest in too much Maternity Wear (you can check out my Pregnancy Looks during that pregnancy by clicking here: A Fashionable Pregnancy: My Maternity Style, Part I), so I decided to buy a few more dresses this time around. With my typing little fingers, to the Internet I went! I got a great deal on this white A- Line Maternity Dress from Motherhood Maternity, paying only $15 (regularly $45), through their Online Clearance Sale! I love sales! In the following photos, I am wearing my London Fog Coat (which is not maternity wear), and my Salvatore Ferragamo Italian Flats! I am 26 Weeks Pregnant here, which is somewhere in the 7th month of pregnancy.
I also purchased the Mimi Rib Knit Maternity Dress from the Motherhood Maternity's Online Sale (pictured below). It has a strange mustardy-brown color stripe, but I loved how comfortable this dress was! This form fitting look worked well with Maternity Shape Wear, called "Maternity Shaper", from Motherhood Maternity, that I also loved! It is like Spanx for pregnant women. Not only does it smooth your shape, but it also gives that heavy belly much needed support!  Here I am with my family, during my eldest daughter, Iyska's Band Concert, I am 7 Months Pregnant! As the months of my pregnancy progressed, my little baby, and my belly, were growing rapidly! I continued to wear pre-pregnancy coats and sweaters, but left them opened and unbuttoned! Here are a few more Maternity Dresses that I own: a White and Navy Polka Dot Maternity Dress by Kimi and Kai Maternity, which I found at Nordstrom Rack, and a flowy Maternity floral dress, by Motherhood Maternity, from Macy's. Both of these dresses are very comfortable.
Soon, I reached the end of my pregnancy, and my energy had dwindled down substantially. I also have a toddler child at home, which took the remaining energy I did have, from me. My Belly was huge, and no pre-pregnancy skirts I owned still fit me. The following photo is of myself wearing the same white Maternity Tee by Motherhood Maternity that I wore during my 5 Month Pregnancy Photo above. Notice how it is being pushed to its stretchy knit and ruche limits! I am also wearing a 3x, elastic waist, pin-striped skirt, that was given to me. I was able to wear this large, comfortable skirt over my massive belly, paired with my (now tiny) corduroy black jacket!  Here I am 37 Weeks Pregnant. I had my baby a few days after this photo was taken. She was born two-weeks early! On February 23rd, 2019, my Husband, Javier, and I's daughter, Little Minnie, was born. Like all newborn babies, she was a beautiful miracle! I had a challenging time during recovery for the first few weeks after her birth, but soon I was back to my self again! Check out this photo of me and my two daughters about 2 days after returning from the hospital to my home. My hair looks tore-up, and I look like a hot-mess. This is to show, that sometimes, it's ok to be a hot mess! Especially soon after having a baby!  Looking like a hot mess, 2 days after getting home from the hospital! During my pregnancy, my hair grew long, but would get so dry and tangle into huge knots! Whoever said they had healthy, luxurious hair when they were pregnant, is blessed, because this does not apply to everyone, and certainly did not to me! When my darling newborn was about a month old, I cut off my long locks, and in return was granted a much needed, manageable hair-do! Here I am, looking like Rapunzel, prior to cutting my hair to a shorter length:  My baby and I, she is about a month old or so, prior to getting my long hair cut off. It wasn't long, before Baby Minnie was old enough to make her Debut out in Public! After almost a month and a half cooped up indoors, it was nice to dress-up and attend a meeting at our local Kingdom Hall. The dress I am wearing in this picture is not Maternity Wear, but has a stretchy neckline, allowing me to Breastfeed with some ease. It is made of a stretchy material that is comfortable, and perfect for after-pregnancy wear! Now, although I no longer have a baby inside my belly, I still have another wardrobe dilemma! Breastfeeding! And Breastfeeding in Style! I will address this topic in an upcoming Blog Post!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read about A Fashionable Pregnancy: My Maternity Style: Part II! I hope you will read my next article in this series (which I am still working on), titled: A Fashionable Motherhood! Leave any comments below! I would love to hear your feedback, and personal experiences! Have a great day, Dear Readers! Related Links: My Whirlwind Engagement: From The Cliff House to Las Vegas, in 4 Months and 3 Dresses!
Welcome to My Sewing Journal! Today I am reflecting on embroidery pieces that I created as embellishments on clothing that I designed. The selected embroidery pieces that I would like to share with you today were created in the years 2015-2018. "Embroidery is the craft of decorating fabric or other materials using a needle to apply thread or yarn. Embroidery may also incorporate other materials such as pearls, beads, quills, and sequins.” - https://artsandculture.google.com  Figure 1: Hand-Stitched Embroidery with Hand-Stitched Beadwork, by Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel, 2018. Figure 1: Adding hand sewn details such as embroidery or beadwork to my fashion designs is not only fun to create, but it adds an interesting artistic element to my designs that I really enjoy. I created this hand-stitched rose (Figure 1) with red embroidery thread and green hand-stitched beads for the leaves. This particular design was featured on a green capelet that I created for my 2018 Fall Collection. Check out the photos from that collection here: A Look Back: Fall 2018.
Figure 3A and Figure 3B:
This gold toned hand-stitched flower was something I came up with for the hand-beaded design on my 2015 Wedding Ball Skirt. The skirt featured a wide variety of hand-stitched embroidery and beadwork detail. The overall design included a gold floral motif on gold satin, as well as silver beading for the accompanying leaf motif. The beaded gold layer was over-layed with a grey swiss knotted netting. Although time consuming to create, these one-of-a-kind details add elegance and regalness to any formal gown. See more photos of this final Bridal look here: "My Whirlwind Wedding Engagement: From The Cliff House to Las Vegas in Four Months and Three Dresses!" Figure 4A and Figure 4B:
One of the design details that I was inspired to create for my 2016 collection, was this hand-beaded fabric covered button. I had never created a fabric covered button before, and greatly enjoyed learning something new with this technique. This button was one of three, featured on my 2016 Summer Collection: Pink Flamingo Halter Pencil Dress. Check out photos of this dress, along with the rest of my 2016 collections in my article, "RAW San Francisco Presents: Reveal!"  Designer Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel: hand-stitching in progress, 2015. I am continually inspired by hand-stitched embellishments on clothing and in fashion! I greatly enjoy reading books about sewing and fashion from my own personal library, and look forward to applying the techniques I learn in many more of the garments I create! Thank you for taking the time to read about my hand-stitched embroidery and beadwork! Leave me your thoughts in the comments below! RELATED LINKS:
The Dance Group is open to interested Boys and Girls, but at this time, only Girls have joined. Like the club, Dance Group members do not need to be Puerto Rican to join. I am delighted to have been commissioned by P.R.O.U.D. Modesto to construct the dresses for the girls in the new Dance Group! In September, I was sent photos of traditional Puerto Rican Dance Dresses, as well as the orders for the members of the Dance Group. I wanted to stay as close to the original concept as possible, due to this being a cultural costume. All dresses would be the same, but in various sizes. Once the orders were in, I drafted the pattern for the dress, in girl's dress sizes 5 through 12, I purchased fabric, trim, and notions, and I then began to create the costumes... Check out the sketch I drew, illustrating the dance costume concept, that the P.R.O.U.D Club Members decided on:  Conceptual Illustration of Puerto Rican Dance Costume, by Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel. Work in Progress... Here are some exclusive, behind the scenes, photos, taken in my workroom, as I created these lovely costumes!
 Cutting out the fabric for my size 12 dresses...
 The garment rack begins to fill up with dresses! Project almost completed!
 The Puerto Rican Dance Costumes are ready for the Final Fitting! Dresses Completed! When all of the dresses were finalized, I met with the dance group for a final fitting. With my rolling rack in hand, we met where the group was rehearsing. Once the girls tried on the costumes, I was pleased to see that only one minor alterations was needed. The dresses were performance ready!
 The PR.O.U.D. Girl's Dance Group, in costume, at their dance rehearsal. The First Performance!  On October 6th, 2018, the P.R.O.U.D Modesto Girl's Dance Group performed for the first time at The International Heritage Festival, held at Modesto Junior College in Modesto, California. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend this festival, since I had a prior commitment scheduled for an OFW Art & Style Magazine Photo Shoot that same day in Oakland. However, my loving husband, Javier, took our three children to this event, where they were able to view a fantastic presentation of traditional Puerto Rican Dance, presented by the P.R.O.U.D. Girl's Dance Group! One of my nieces, Vivianna, is a member of the Dance Group! Javier was able to take some beautiful photos of their performance. Here are some of the marvelous photos that my husband, and my sister, Desiree, took of the P.R.O.U.D. Modesto Girl's Dance Group's first performance:  P.R.O.U.D. Modesto Girl's Dance Group at the International Heritage Festival! Photo by Desiree Rodriguez Peredez.  P.R.O.U.D. Modesto Girl's Dance Group at the International Heritage Festival! Photo by Desiree Rodriguez Peredez.
 P.R.O.U.D. Modesto Girl's Dance Group at the International Heritage Festival! Photo by Jav Ran Photography.  P.R.O.U.D. Modesto Girl's Dance Group at the International Heritage Festival! Photo by Jav Ran Photography. When viewing the photos myself, it was wonderful to see these young ladies enjoy themselves, while learning traditional dance of the Puerto Rican Culture! It was exciting to see the dresses I had created flowing with rhythmic beauty as the girls twirled and waved the folds of fabric while dancing! Thank you for joining me, as I created the Dance Costumes for the P.R.O.U.D. Modesto Girl's Dance Group! I hope you enjoyed the photos and commentary! Leave me a comment! I would love to hear your feedback on my Blog! I hope you have a wonderful day! Related Links:
I don't have many pieces of artwork that I created from childhood and adolescence. Since the age of 18 I found myself moving frequently, and inevitably loosing some of my portfolio folders and sketchbooks in the many moves, or lost to environmental damage. Although drawing since a child, Art Classes in High School, Junior College, and College, really helped fine tune my skill, providing me with the knowledge of various artistic techniques. I recently found a few portfolio folders that contained some of my Still Life Drawings from High School Art Class, and from a beginning drawing class that I took in Junior College... I found the contrast between my work from the two classes very interesting. Here, to the left, is a Still Life Drawing that I rendered in Charcoal, while in High School. The Second drawing, to the right, is similar in subject matter, a Still Life Drawing of a bottle gourd, also in Charcoal, but was completed about three years later, while I was in Junior College. Quite an improvement in dimension and shading I would say!
While taking that beginning art course in Junior College, students would draw for 4 hour sessions, practicing the techniques we were taught that week. My professor would play Blondie's Greatest Hits, set up mannequins, suitcases, gourds, old gas cans, and other interesting objects, in the middle of the room, while all the students spent hours just drawing the items that we saw. We practiced shading the contrast of light and shadows. Here are a few drawings that I still have from that class that I drew of the mannequins my professor had. These are still a few of my favorite drawings. Maybe one day I will frame them and hang them in a dressing room. In the mean time, Enjoy!  Still Life Drawing of a Mannequin, Charcoal, by Roxanne Rodriguez, 2001.  Cross Contour Drawing of a Mannequin, Ink, by Roxanne Rodriguez, 2001.  Cross Contour Drawing of a Mannequin, Ink, by Roxanne Rodriguez, 2001. If you enjoyed viewing a few of my Still Life Drawings of Yesteryear, please leave me a comment below! Thank you for reading my Blog! Have an Artfully Artistic Day!! Related Links:
As a Freelance Fashion Designer, I often take on requests from clients to create custom garments. My client may be a bridesmaid in a wedding that is looking for a custom fitted gown to match the wedding party specification. My client may be a clothing size that is not commonly found in the style outfit she may need for an upcoming event. My client may have an article of clothing that she would like re-created into something else completely. All of these are fairly common in my line of work, but once in a while, a client will contact me asking for something completely out of my realm of experience... "Can you make me a Parrot Costume?" While studying Fashion Design in college, a professor once told those of us who were hoping to pursue design and creative sewing as a future means of income, to not turn down requests, even if it is something we have never done before. Even if it is something that sounds mundane, or uninteresting. The reason? First, saying no to projects will lead to less people asking. Over time, no one will ask for your participation in projects, because they know you will say no. Secondly, the more you say yes, the more experience you gain, and more opportunities are presented. So, when a referred client called me up asking if I could create a Parrot Costume for her, my response was a firm, "Yes!". Even though I had never before made a costume at that point in my career, let alone a Parrot Costume! From Concept to Creation...  Conceptual Sketch of my custom Parrot Costume. Illustration by Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel. As a trained Dress-Maker and Fashion Designer, my immediate idea was to create a Parrot Dress, with a caped hood mimicking the Parrot's head and wings. I wanted to approach this project as High Fashion as possible, to stay true to my design aesthetic. I drew out the above conceptual illustration to show my client at our first meeting. I also went to my fabric supplier to obtain fabric swatches and pricing for the materials that I would use to make my sketch a reality.  This photo includes four fabrics that I used to create the Parrot Costume for my client. The Green, Blue, and Yellow textiles were used as feathers, and the Red Velvet was used for the bodice of the dress. I used a Red Cotton fabric as the base of the skirt for more structure, it was lined and completely covered in hand-cut feathers. I met with my client, with my illustration, fabric swatches, and price estimate in hand. When I presented my idea to her, she was thrilled! She loved the concept that I had come up with. Her only change was the hood in the sketch. My client wanted a Headpiece or Fascinator instead. She was also planning on full professional Special Effect Parrot Make-Up, from local Make-Up Artist, Paula Serrano. I took her measurements, and deposit, then I was off to the sewing work room to get this dress completed! Progress in the Designer Workroom!
 Tail Feathers added, as well as the zipper, button and button loop. (Costume in Progress by Roxanne Rodriguez) A Photo Shoot with my Client... After one fitting, and much work, the Parrot Dress, and Headpiece I created was finished! I also created a clutch for my client by creating a velvet pouch that I placed in a hand-held bird cage! The skirt was underlined with layers of Tule to create more volume in the silhouette. My client had a very specific idea for the completion of her look, and wanted realistic Parrot Special Effect Make-Up to transform herself into as close to an actual Parrot as humanly possible! She hired professional MUA, Paula Serrano to create the Special Effect Make-Up. This was my client's vision. With the help of myself and Mrs. Serrano, her vision was achieved!  MUA Paula Serrano completes Parrot Special Effect Make-Up. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez. After my client was dressed and ready to go, I took her to the local park to take a few photos of the costume! Check out the completed look!
 My client poses in the Parrot Costume I created for her. Costume: Roxanne Rodriguez, MUA: Paula Serrano. As you can see, my client really enjoyed herself. The project was a success! As a designer, having a happy client is by far the biggest reward! If you have a costume idea that you would like to have custom made, contact me! I would love to create more interesting costumes! As always, feel free to contact me for all you Custom Clothing needs!  Our Client with MUA Paula Serrano. Costume: Roxanne Rodriguez.  Designer, Roxanne Rodriguez with client wearing completed Parrot Costume. Costume by Roxanne Rodriguez, Make Up by Paula Serrano. Thank you for reading my Blog! Let me know what you think of my take on a Parrot Costume, by leaving me a comment below! Related Links:
As of now, Oakland Fashion Week Art & Style Magazine will be issued semi-annually, to correspond with the two major seasons of fashion: Spring/Summer, and Fall/Winter. Each issue will feature various topics, including, but not limited to, local Fashion Designers runway looks, Styling Tips, Beauty Tips, Oakland Hot Spots, and coverage on upcoming and previous Oakland Fashion Week Events and Runway Shows, as well as exclusive fashion photos! The First Released Issue!
Meanwhile, I scouted the city of Oakland for photographable locations. My husband and I, took numerous photos of street art, and interesting building compositions, which I used throughout the magazine as a background to a few of the magazine pages. I also had the opportunity to write several articles for the magazine, such as an article about Oakland Fashion Week's stylist, which includes biographical information, and their extensive experience in the styling field. I interviewed two models who not only participated on the Oakland Fashion Week runway, but are featured in magazine fashion photos as well. As each element of the magazine was checked off the to-do-list, the overall layout of the magazine began to come together, achieving the vision we had originally anticipated.
The second photo-shoot for the magazine, was held at the fabulous Audrey B's Boutique, located at 1415 Webster Street in Oakland. Our team for that day included, Photographers, Marco Acevedo Garcia, and Everett Bass, Make-Up Artist, Michelle Carthon, Designers, Audrey B, Valerie Cotton (Adorna Couture), and Sergio Omar (The Shades Company). Pharoah Brand was the Fashion Stylist, Unique Cooper, the Production Assistant, and I was working as the Photography Director. The beautiful models were Juliua Fraser, Capri Quattrocoi, and Kelsie Granneman. Here are a few behind the scene photos of that photo-shoot:  Inside Audrey B Boutique, 1415 Webster Street, Oakland. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
It All Comes Together  Page 17 of Oakland Fashion Week Art & Style Magazine. Model, Kelsie Granneman wearing a dress by The Shades Company. Location: Audrey B. Boutique. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia. Shortly after the photoshoot held at Audrey B. Boutique, I received the edited photos from our photographers, Marco Acevedo Garcia, and Everett Bass. The pictures were sensational! Truly one of the most challenging aspects of my job was narrowing down the hundreds of high quality editorial photos taken during the two photo-shoots, and selecting only seven photos from the first photo-shoot, and six photos from the second. However, once the magazine was completed, I feel confident that I chose the photos that best represented our goal for the photo-shoot, and our vision for the magazine. Printing and Distribution Oakland Fashion Week Art & Style Magazine has arrived! On May 23rd, our magazine was released, both as a printed copy and a digital version. I was ecstatic to receive my personal printed copy! It was very exciting to hold a printed copy of the magazine that I had such a huge part in helping to create!  Here I am enjoying the printed copy of Oakland Fashion Week Art & Style Magazine, Issue #2! If you haven't already, make sure to purchase your copy of Oakland Fashion Week Art & Style Magazine Issue #2 today! You can purchase a digital copy by clicking here. Or visit www.oaklandfashionweek.org to order a printed copy! Our Next Issue... The Fall/Winter 2018 issue, Issue #3, of Oakland Fashion Week Art & Style Magazine is already beginning to take shape! It has been exhilarating to work on such an exciting project! Some topics we will cover include, exclusive photos from all five days of Oakland Fashion Week 2018's Runway Events, an exclusive spread featuring OFW2018's Crewfire Challenge Winner, the lovely model, Elissia Mathews, and much, much more! Thank you for supporting Oakland Fashion Week, Oakland Fashion Week Art & Style Magazine, and for reading my blog! See you soon! Related Links:
 Cal State Sacramento Signage on campus. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel Yesterday, Thursday, June 28th, 2018, I had the privilege of being a guest speaker to a class room full of high school students, who were taking the summer course: Summer Fashion Academy at California State University Sacramento! I was invited by College Professor, Mrs. Esther Amato, to guest speak at the Cal State University Sacramento: Summer Fashion Academy, and to share with the students my fashion designs, my design process, and my inspiration! The Summer Academy is a week long course for High School Students that focuses on various specific careers. Sacramento State offers Summer Academy courses for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Future Teachers, Cyber Security, Democracy in Action, Coding, Engineering, Robotics, Fire & Emergency Services, Forensics, Health, Law Enforcement, Biotechnology, Multimedia Journalism, Theater & Performing Arts, and... Fashion! These courses offer hands-on, real-world projects, an introduction to the college experience, and career opportunities in the field studied. The Summer Fashion Academy teaches students how a concept becomes a product, as well as fashion illustration, marketing, and merchandising!  Here I am (fifth from the left), with the Summer Fashion Academy 2018 Students! Their projects are displayed behind us, as well as a rolling rack with my designs that I brought! The Summer Fashion Academy took place during the week of June 25th, through June 29th. Each day students attend an all day class, broken up into two segments. From 8:30am until 1pm, they are taught by the amazing Dr. Ernie Olsen. While I was going to Fashion Design College at The International Academy of Design and Technology, Dr. Ernie Olsen was a substitute teacher for a Fashion Illustration course that I was taking. He is such a talented illustrator! I learned so much from him in just one day! The afternoon segment of the Summer Fashion Academy, takes place between 1:30pm and 5pm, and is taught by the fabulous Mrs. Esther Amato. Mrs. Amato was also a college professor of mine during my college days at IADT. She herself is a former fashion designer who specialized in Designer Denim. Her clothing featured intricate design details and were sold in high-end retail stores like Nordstrom. Mrs. Amato knows the 'ins and outs' of the fashion industry from concept to design, as well as apparel production, and marketing! She too is a wonderfully talented fashion illustrator and instructor! These students will surely learn so much!  Here I am (Right), with the fabulous college professor, Mrs. Esther Amato (Left). During the week of learning, Mrs. Amato brought in several guest speakers, including Carolyn Hearn, a Jewelry Designer, Garry Simpson, a Fashion Designer and Artist, as well as a local stylist. I was excited to be included among the presenters to speak to the students! Yesterday, I brought to the classroom several looks from my current and past collections, as well as a skirt that I had made in college. I wanted to emphasize the artistic embellishments that I enjoy adding to my fashion creations, such as hand-embroidery, hand-beadwork, and hand-painted motifs. I explained how I am inspired to create my collections, how I choose fabrics and findings, and how I create patterns for the outfits. I brought a pattern that I had drafted, as well as the skirt I had made from that pattern. I explained how I drafted the pattern, then I passed around my garments and the pattern, so that the students could see up close the design process and the final product. The students were very interested in how to participate in fashion shows, so I gave them some tips for networking, and shared with them some runway photos of my designs. I also passed around the new magazine I helped to create, Oakland Fashion Week Art & Style Magazine. I wanted to show them that there are many avenues within the fashion industry that they could pursue. I told them how by creating this fashion blog, it opened up the opportunity for me to become Creative Director of Oakland Fashion Week Art & Style Magazine!
I was very impressed by the completed projects that the students had made during their week of participating in the Summer Fashion Academy! I can tell that these students have a talent for design! I sincerely hope that they are continually inspired to pursue education and a future career in Fashion! Here are a few photos of my presentation!  Here I am, speaking to the students about pattern making. Photo: Esther Amato
 A student looking through a Look Book of my past designs. Photo: Esther Amato While visiting the university campus, I learned that Cal State University Sacramento offers degree programs in both Fashion Design & Merchandising as well as Apparel Marketing & Design! I did not know that previously! Learn more about the Summer Fashion Academy by watching this video clip from Good Day Sacramento! Thank you for taking the time to read about my experience as a Guest Speaker to the Summer Fashion Academy at Cal State University Sacramento! Keep reading my blog to stay updated on the future events I participate in!  Here I am, on campus at Cal State University Sacramento . My Outfit of the day included a skirt made in Nigeria! Related Links:
 Welcome to Oakland Fashion Week 2018, Day 6! Red Carpet Runway Show! Saturday, May 19th, 2018- Full Out Studio- Oakland, California The Final Night of Oakland Fashion Week is always an exciting runway show. Each year of OFW, the Final Night has been reserved for Couture Designs, that showcase high fashion collections from local designers. It was particularly enjoyable to see many of the designers return from last year to showcase their newest collections again this year. Sara Anders, host of OFW2018's Day One, Opening Night, entertained the runway show's packed venue again during OFW2018's Final Night. Sara Anders has such positive energy, and is a natural show-woman. Along with fresh beats playing from DJ Chillz, Sara charmed, engaged, and delighted the fashion-loving audience.  Host of OFW2018's Final Night, Sara Anders. OFW2018. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia "Fashion takes you to a different place. Fashion makes you feel good!" -Sara Anders, OFW2018 I particularly appreciated Sara Ander's quote above. Sara emphasized that despite whatever political conflicts, or negativity that takes place in the world around us, Fashion can be an escape from the harsh realities of life by transporting us to "a different place". Fashion can unite us, Fashion can make us feel our best, Fashion makes us feel good! As you will see from the photos of the designer collections below, those gathering at Full Out Studio to view these pieces truly were transported to "a different place". Some of these collections brought us to exotic lands, while other collections brought us to a fantasy future. With my All Access Pass in hand, I was able to go Backstage, and visit with the designers and models prior to the show. Included in this blog post are some exclusive backstage photos that I took, as well as professional photos taken by Marco Acevedo Garcia! Enjoy!  Oakland Fashion Week's Top Models, backstage prior to the Runway Show! OFW2018. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel  It is a packed event at Full Out Studio in Oakland! OFW2018. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel Marise Oliveira From the alluring country of Brazil, Designer Marise Oliveira's collection featured many designs that are feminine, and graceful. Marise Oliveira uses floral prints, as well as lace detail in many of her pieces, reflecting the exotic culture of Brazil. This year, Marise Oliveira featured a male look, worn by male model, Terry Hawthorne, as well as a full figured size dress. All of her looks were stunningly beautiful!  Backstage: Designer Marise Oliveira ties a head wrap on a model. OFW2018. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel
 Marise Oliveira. OFW2018. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia Armando Cruz Armando Cruz amazed me last year with his exquisite ball gowns, and dresses. I was looking forward to the viewing of Armando Cruz's latest collection! As expected, Armando Cruz delivered lovely gowns with sweeping hem lines. The fabrics were luxurious and regal. Check out a few of my favorite pieces from his collection:
 Armando Cruz. OFW2018. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia Oxford Way Randy Rowden, is the owner and Master Tailor of The Oxford Way. The Oxford Way store-front location can be visited at 6219 Shattuck Avenue in Oakland, and specializes in high-end Men's Fashion and Apparel. The Oxford Way also offers Alteration and Tailoring Services. Randy Rowden has a mission to bring back style, and class to men's wear, bringing back "The Gentleman" way of dress. I absolutely love all of the suits he presented in his collection. The Oxford Way showed that they offer a suit for every man, for every occasion. Here I am, backstage, with Randy Rowden, and his assistant, the lovely Ingrid!  Backstage: Ingrid Pinkett and Randy Rowden of Oxford Way, with myself! OFW2018. Check out these Oxford Way dapper runway looks:
 Oxford Way. OFW2018. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia Valerie Cotton- Adorna Couture Valerie Cotton, Designer for the clothing brand Adorna Couture, has created a sublime woman's collection that features many one-of-a-kind looks. I admire Valerie Cotton's creativity with her use of fabrics, and silhouettes. Check out a few of my favorite looks:  Backstage: Models dressed in Adorna Couture are runway ready! OFW2018. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel
James Head A master showman, James Head did not simply present a runway collection. Ending the night, James Head's "Elegant Invasion" Collection brought out not only innovative designs, but the unexpected in runway show theatrics. Prior to the first look walking the stage, Sara Anders, our fashion show host, brought out strobing LED Lights with James Head's business card attached. These hand-held lights were passed out to members of the audience. The venue lights were dimmed, and fog began to billow out of the runway stage. Epic music fit for space travel, began to play as model after model walked the runway wearing dresses, pants, shorts, skirts, and blouses, created with unconventional materials. Male models wore futuristic looks, and moved down the runway with robotic rigidity. Some of the pieces in this collection featured plastic embellishments, tubing, straps, and helmets!  James Head. OFW2018. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia
 Designer, James Head poses with his models after the fashion show. OFW2018. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel Here are a few more pictures taken after the runway show, and in the VIP Lounge! Limited VIP tickets were sold for the Final Night of Oakland Fashion Week, which included access to the VIP Lounge Cocktail Hour prior to the Runway Show.  Myself with former NFL Pittsburgh Steelers player, and Fashion Model, Terry Hawthorne! OFW2018. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia
 Co-Creator of OFW, Wayne Clark, and myself! OFW2018. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia I had a fantastic week attending all of the Oakland Fashion Week 2018's events! If you have had a chance to read all of the articles in this blog series, you have seen for yourself what an exciting week of fashion activity it was for all those involved in the making, and for those in attendance. You can read all of my past OFW Blog Posts, by clicking the desired links listed below. Thank you for reading my blog! I look forward to seeing you at Oakland Fashion Week 2019! Related Links:
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AuthorHello Readers! Welcome to my Blog! I am Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel, a Fashion Designer from Northern California. I love all things Fashion, particularly historical fashion! Join me, as I take you around Northern California, covering fashion events and related topics! 
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