The Skitch: Anna Sui s/s 2012

Hey! To finish up the Anna Sui fashion skitch, here's the illustration. I went a little more, well... sketchy than I usually do with this one. I wanted to create something maybe a bit more playful so not staying within the lines and splatters of random color were in order (at least I think) to match up with the quirkiness of the cat eyeglasses, the vivid print and color and the whole vibe of the collection in general. And of course, I also wanted to focus on the turbans, being as the Skitch-I-Y for Anna were turbans. 

I was going to post this illustration yesterday, but just as I was about to save my work after two hours sketching and working on an EPK for a short film I'm collaborating on, Photoshop decided to crash on me and I still haven't upgraded to  CS5 (no auto-save backup!) so indeed my work was lost. Not a problem. Start from scratch? Well, I do have a million and one things to do but I can squeeze in another sketch! *Chuckles* No, really. I did create this blog to keep me drawing and post my illustrations so after a long hair pulling and tear jerking scene on my part, I decided that it's OK. After all, if I didn't save it every once in a while it's because I still haven't learned my lesson to back everything up after a session of work. *tsk, tsk, tsk!* Lesson learned, mental note noted!

Anyways, this look was modeled by the ever charming Karlie Kloss. It's amazing how much she's grown after all these years. And to think that amazon of a woman is only 18! Did you guys see how stunning she looked at this years MetGala in Jason Wu? GORGEOUS. 

Karlie pic via Style.com
reserved rights D. Velázquez 2012

Skitch-I-Y: Turban Head Wraps (Anna Sui s/s 2012 inspired)

Anna Sui

Marc Jacobs

Turbans made quite an appearance during a few runway shows for spring/summer 2012. The girls at Anna Sui flaunted them like it was the seventies à la Antonio López. Marc Jacobs' models donned them too in a more sportswear vibe. I think this is a really chic accessory perfect for the summer time. It can glam up any look to give an exotic feel to your outfit.  These are really easy to make.  I'll show you how to make a really well made turban head wrap that will last your for seasons to come. After all, it is a classic and we all know how I feel about classic pieces.

You'll Need:

• About 1/4 of a yard of stretch fabric. I recommend lycra or any stretchy cotton fabric. You could use any old t-shirt and recycle it. 
• Thread
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Pins
• Needle or a sewing machine
• Fabric chalk (not shown)
• Embellishments (optional)

Step 1: Fold your quarter of a yard in half and cut out two 8" x 24" rectangles. 

Step 2: Fold your rectangles in half. If your fabric has a print, make sure the print is on the inside of the folded piece. With your fabric chalk, mark off 5/8" for your seam.

Step 3: Sew along the line. You should also sew along one of the shorter sides to shut off the opening. 

Step 4: Invert your sewn pieces so the seam allowance is in the interior of each fabric tube. 

Step 5: Grab both tubes and interlace them by the center as if two V's were crossed. 

Step 6: Take one of the open endings and push the edges inwards. Then take both endings from the opposite side of the head wrap and stuff them inside neatly. Make sure everything's flat.

Step 7: Take the remaining ending (the one that is sewed shut) and align it behind the stuffed ending. Sew along the center of the bunch to secure all four endings in place. 

Step 8: Cut off any excess thread and you're done! You can add any embellishments if you wish. I always keep a lot of beads, feathers and pins and miscellaneous pieces on hand for projects like this. 

You can wear this with practically any outfit. I invited a friend along so I could show you guys how you could style your outfits accordingly with your turban head wraps. You could wear these for the daytime, for any casual look, for special occasions and even to work!

Go casual!

For this look we went for something really casual and relaxed. Docs are one of our fave must do's for all times. Pair them with a skirt for an edgy look. They're always fun and perfect for the summer heat. We kept the turban simple to keep the look easy. I added my favorite vintage belt from the 80's that I love to use as an oversized chain necklace from Ouna's Closet and my Ulan ring from Erika Peña.

Sultry, yet simple

Here we went for a more dressy look. Maybe for a nice night out in town. A beautiful white, sleek dress is the perfect backdrop for a bronze colored turban. A statement bracelet completes this look. You can play up this look with a nice pump or maybe be grecian inspired with some pretty sandals. 

Resort chic

For this we wanted to play on the whimsy of the turban. What better look to play up than resort? It's summer time and that's what it's all about. I wore my favorite dress. It's an animal print maxi that is just about the flowiest thing I own. I also got it for only $20 at Marshalls. I accessorized with Erika Peña Abebi earrings, Moni necklace and José María ring (courtesy of Ivonne). I also added my new linking cuff bracelet from Electroshock. Just to show you guys how the turban looks with embellishments, I added this old gold leaf pin I had lying around. I probably wouldn't add it being as I'm already using so many accessories, but it's just so you guys can get an idea. It looks very chic!

Girl on the go!

For this look, it was essential to maintain everything easy and transitional.  Pair your accessories accordingly and you can go from work to casual date night in no time. Some nice jeans and a cute peplum blouse are a quick way to look chic. Don your turban head wrap and a streamline envelope clutch and you're set! 

Try out your own turban head wrap for the summer. It's a great way to make use of your old t-shirts  and adds a really cool touch to any outfit!  

Here's the Skitch: Anna Sui s/s 2012

For those who have known me for years, it's no surprise that every once in a while I like to toss aside my usual fashion taste for a bit and like to unlatch my belts and trade them for loose fitting pieces, dip dye my monotone wardrobe into somewhat summery prints and trade my favorite black pants for flowy skirts. It's a very rare sight, but not impossible to imagine. After all, I live in a tropical island where the temperatures get kind of ridiculous sometimes and although I am one for sticking to my personal style no matter the inclement conditions, I can't help but switch that up every once in a while. Enter one of my all time favorite boho-chic designers: Anna Sui.

For s/s RTW 2012, she gifted us with an inspiring flashback via Puerto Rican fashion illustrator Antonio López (proud to say he's from Utuado, Puerto Rico, same place my grandmother is from!) to the early 70's. What I adore about her designs is that no matter how much her prints and styling blast you to the past, her cutting and construction is relevant to any moment in time and any woman can wear them flatteringly. Crépe de chine and chiffon flowed freely. They're effortless pieces yet modern while maintaining a vintage quirk some designers try to achieve but fail to do so as swimmingly as Sui does. Her pieces can be easily styled and it's a look that can carry on for years and years. I mean, you can get an Anna Sui piece from five years ago ans it'll still be as relevant as the next season.

As you all may have read before on my Pucci Skitch post, I'm not huge on prints but there's something about Anna's prints that always warm my heart. Whether it be little hearts or bold paisleys, her prints are some of my few faves. Also, her accessorizing is sweet. Turbans for summer? YES! What more summery, chic and fabulous than that? Sandals with socks? Well, maybe I'll skip on that but it's definitely a style that a lot of girls can carry if done correctly. It's all brightly spirited. I know that whenever the summer bug hits me, I'll always reach out to Sui for inspiration!

Photos via

Style.com, Models.com,
http://wewastetime.wordpress.com/2011/11/28/antonio-lopez/