Preening

Dreaming The Grand Dame

2011-09-29T15:37:00.009-07:00

Years ago I was fortunate enough to step into Chanel in Paris. I didn't find the store itself anything too fab. But what I did find that blew my mind was a bridge-type walkway with screens on either side that project runway models "walking with you" to the ultimate fitting room. In this grand parlor of a room, husbands sat in Louis XV chairs, sipped on tea and looked bored while their wives tried on the classic Chanel suit. Think Jacqueline Kennedy.

Here in the Southwest you can feel the new season coming on and we at Preen couldn't be feeling it more. Every time fall starts to roll around Emilie and I have the same conversation about how our winter wardrobe will be different from last year's. In all reality it turns out to be the same (i.e. I can't get away from tight denim and riding boots and Emilie in the past has seemed to be stuck in tights with high heels.)

For now our wardrobe seems trivial when we start thinking of your wardrobe. And that's why Preen is changing faster than this Indian summer; as most of you know, we are moving. You may think we are downsizing by getting rid of the retail bit, but in all reality, we are expanding in so many different directions we are having a difficult time keeping our heads on straight. But, it will be worth it, trust us.

We are dreaming up the most absolute gorgeous sewing studio. A salon, if you will. We dream of taking fashion into a new direction, collaborating with our colleagues, creating and selling some gorgeous tailor-made gems in our place as well as in others. I've often thought in the past decade of that magical room in Chanel, never really believing I could recreate something similar of my own. But mine and Emilie's cups our overflowing with inspiration and that is the start of how dreams are made. Just ask Coco. I relish in letting us rework the garments that once belonged to your dear Grandmother that you wouldn't dare wear, but can't bare to get rid of while drinking hot coffee and talking about the sentiment of golden age...

I wanna be...

2011-09-07T18:05:00.004-07:00

So much change is underway here at PREEN. We are very excited for new endeavours and ready to start some new projects. At the same time, I do fantasize about running away with the gypsies every once and a while.

For inspiration...

http://www.iainmckell.com/newgypsies/

THIS IS WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT

2011-02-23T08:53:00.002-07:00

http://www.nowness.com/

Crystal Swagger

2010-12-02T15:31:00.002-07:00

You are invited to a holiday/ winter fete at PREEN!

Join us for a intoxicating evening of music....
Amy Rude
&
Silver Thread Trio

...and a fashion performance featuring lovely, local ladies modeling some of our finery, Sapphire Cordial designs, and a couture design by Preen's own Erin Bradley.

You may also shop and refresh yourself at our punch bowl!

It will cost you nothing to get through the doors.

Dress to impress.

NOW ACCEPTING...

2010-11-11T14:38:00.001-07:00

SHOP TILL YOU DROP!

FAVORITE SHOES OF THE MOMENT

2010-10-28T08:15:00.009-07:00

We have got some pretty sweet shoes

inside the shop at the moment.

Take a look...

Solid Gold Ladies Cowboy Boot

Size: 8 $60

Fun Fact: The brand of these boots are Blossom Collection,

as in THE Blossom from the 90's?
Let's hope so.

Men's suede Ugg-style boot.

Size: 10 $35

Fun Fact: These boots are woolly soft inside, made in Spain

and once belonged to my dear Uncle Rich Bacciocco.

Black Lace Dingo Granny Boots

Size: 8 $40

Perfect for Halloween or Dia De Los Muertos!

Ladies Moccasins

Size 9/10 $28

Fun Fact: These shoes will make you embrace

your inner spirit animal.

Suto Brown leather with rubber sole for the men.
Size: 12 $18

Pristine 1950's Heels
Size: 8 $32
Fun Fact: Seductive ankle strap!

Guess Velveteen HIGH Heels
Size: 9 $30
Hello, Fall!

My Favorite Men's Shoe
Size 10 1/2 $18
Fun Fact: Leather, Aldo, Hugh Hefner style.

Life Stride
Size: 7 1/2 $28
Perfection.

Genuine Taos Moccasins

Size 9/10 $25

Fun Fact: A steal.

PREEN LOVES FALL

2010-10-21T19:25:00.004-07:00

In typical Southwest fashion,

the weather here in Tucson went from summer to fall

in less than 24 hours.

Everyone is town is instantly happy!

And, what do the ladies at Preen love as much

as the crisp cool air that fall brings?

The beauty of accessories:

boots and coats.

Erin's personal favorites this fall:

This Jean Paul Gaultier white wonderland of a coat.

And, her perfectly weathered black riding boots,

adorned with a slit-of-a-hole

on the left side of the left boot.

A touch she loves so much...

I have to admit, this coat is on loan from a dear friend

because she adores Jean Paul Gaultier

and enjoys looking like a high fashion Q-Tip.

Happy fall, fellow Tucsonans...

we now enter the season of thankfulness.

WEDDING DRESS - PART 2

2010-10-20T09:00:00.002-07:00

I miss this this dress.

It is probably in a closet in Venice Beach right now.

But, it's ok- that's what happens with dresses you get married in.

The wedding has passed and the dress was a success.

I could have kept working on this dress for years: tweaking, adding buttons and little stitches here and there for more of an even perfect fit.

This is my favorite part of the dress, the swan's breast.

I sewed 1 centimeter seams with the intention of "splitting" them with my seam ripper to expose the loose threads, a look I love.

I decided not to because when I was sewing all of these seams

the fabric started to curve in a way that was pretty sweet.

The precious thing about this wedding dress that I think I mentioned before is many pieces of fabric that were used were from the bride's mother's own wedding dress. The swan's breast and the bodice. The fabric we used for the skirt, halter strap and piping we found at SAS for $3.

What I love most about making a dress for someone who is especially close to my heart, is the way the fabric decides what it wants to do. We never once sketched out a plan. I knew a few details of what the bride wanted, (now I get super hippie dippy) but the love really guided me through the whole process. So many times I would be sewing a seam I wasn't quite confident about and sure enough, my bobbin thread would be out. I would take that as a sign and not do the seam. Like I explained in my Wedding Dress - Part 1 post, It was not right and didn't feel like the bride what-so-ever. So, of course it took me almost over a month to try and do the bodice until I ripped it to shreds because time is nothing to be intimidated about as long as you have the inspiration, for this dress was made in 4 days tops.

And, she truly looked gorgeous.

NEW REWORKED PIECE JUST IN!

2010-10-19T09:36:00.008-07:00

This piece of furniture went from spray painted

kelly green with brass fixtures to this!

But, that's what we do at Preen.

Table: $85

Springolator Heels (size 8): $50

My New Favorite Pair of Birds: $25

HALLOWEEN'S PREEN

2010-10-15T08:15:00.012-07:00

Tis' the season when 4th Avenue shines for the kiddos looking

for Halloween costumes.

I, personally am not too much of a fan.
Some sort of childhood trauma, I guess?

But, we've got a huge bureau full of fabric,
and hat boxes on top of hat boxes of trim, sequins and fringe.

And, we like to imagine, design, and sew.

If you are still having a hard time looking for that

perfect costume, come in and see us.

There is always fresh hot coffee and

we can whip it out in no time for

cheap...

Happy Halloween!

FOR THE CIGARETTE SMOKING IOWANS

2010-10-14T08:53:00.008-07:00

Who's from Iowa and smokes?!?

There are 2 of them so you can share
with your fellow friend or lover who may be from Iowa as well.

At Preen.

Amazing Glitter Table: $165
Noritake Teacup Set: $25
Wallace & Bro's Sterling Plated Cream & Sugar Set: $50
Bouquet of Fake Flowers: $18
Iowa Ashtrays: $12 for the set

WEDDING DRESS - PART 1

2010-09-29T08:44:00.009-07:00

My poor little Bernina has been working overtime

the past few weeks (remind me to oil it).

Here at Preen, I have been in the throws of creating

a wedding dress pretty much from scratch.

It has been quite a challenge figuring out what the dress wants to do.

It is true, fabrics have a mind of their own

and just because you have something in mind,

it doesn't necessarily mean your fabric will cooperate.

For instance, the Bride wanted tiers of fabric, very whimsical.

But yet we picked out this raw silk blend that hangs

entirely different than a chiffon.

So it was not going to happen.

This dress is for a very close sister-friend who will be getting married out in the desert on a farm, so we wanted the dress to have a bit of a prairie feel to it. This dress is designed to wear cowboy boots,

but I think she has changed her mind (nooo, a bride, changing her mind?).

In the photo below, you can see a gifted piece from the 1800's that I have held close in my treasures for over 10 years. But, that is the beauty about making wedding dresses: I am in love with sentimentality. There are pieces here and there scattered throughout the dress that are taken from her

Mother's wedding dress.

Over the years, I have created this certain style in my sewing. I like to call it: Raw Tailoring (just made that up). I prefer the artistic and architectural structure of the fabric when raw edges are exposed and threads hang loose.

This is just a slight sneak peak into the dress.

You might want to stay tuned to see the magnificent swan's breast

across the bust that I created for the bodice.

No, it's not what you're thinking, all Bjork style.

Wish me luck today on my first fitting (3 days before the wedding).
The bride wasn't too thrilled when I told her last week I took apart the dress completely because I wasn't feeling the voodoo.
I hung up on her and she sent me red flowers the next day.

MOSTLY PONCHOS

2010-09-15T20:40:00.007-07:00

Last week's Sunday Times came with a bonus: The Men's Fall Fashion 2010 magazine.

And, let me tell you, it is quite refreshing to see a magazine dedicated to only men peppered with advertisements featuring only men.

For it is soooo rare.

But, there was nothing that great in the magazine that blew my mind.

Listen up guys, if you want to be in style this winter it is all about fur hooded jackets and boots for the snow. And, we all know how desperate you need a pair of those in Tucson.

I miss 2005, though....

especially when I think back to when Missoni came out with a line of Ponchos for men.

Who cares if it is 2005 or 2010.

Because, when I went to the Santa Muerte Music and Arts Festival at the

Rialto Theatre, Mostly Bears bassist, Geoff Hidalgo Totally rocked it.

Could have been 1972, could have been whenever...

(sorry for the blur photo)

But you see it right?
Kinda all ghostly and white.
I am not sure what the fabric consisted of, but,
it could have been crocheted for all I care.

Forget the snow boots and fur hooded jackets, fellow male Tucsonans.
In this desert you are better off with a easy poncho.
I mean, it is so Southwest and
who needs to worry about buttons, snaps, and drawstring hoods
when you can slip it right over the head and be done.
Easy on- easy off.

CARNIVORE COUTURE

2010-09-13T11:34:00.013-07:00

Since we live in the hot desert and I enjoy eating bacon,
I usually prefer to wear something along these lines.

But, at last night's VMA's, Lady Gaga took it to a whole new level.
This morning when I first laid eyes on this rare get-up, I felt a huge mix of emotions.
1. I felt jealous that I didn't have my own slab gown hanging in my wardrobe closet.
2. I felt a bit queasy since this was before breakfast.
3. I felt like a failure for not coming up with this idea first.
It is so clever though- the string tied boots, the slab-hat on the head, adorned with
sparkly rhinestones...

(BIG SIGH)

I love a woman who loves eating rare meat.
And, since this isn't the first time she's sported some type of carnivore couture,
I may just be in love.

But, she's not the first, nor will she be the last (I give Gaga another 5 years).
I do feel inspired. Perhaps, textile design should be next on the list.
Meat has all different colorings considering how long it is cooking.
So, when I think about meat clothing, it is not just red.
We got shades of pinks, creams, and why not, black?
I think the opera length fingerless gloves give this look a nice touch.
Can we say, prosciutto.....

Bacon Ked's.
C'mon vegetarians! You are missing out.

If you would like to read a bit about Nicola Formichetti ,
the cleaver genius behind Gaga's meat dress, you can find it in the Los Angeles Times.
They say that "he is fond of red meat". You don't say....

IT"S ALL ABOUT STEVIE NICKS FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST

2010-07-27T09:30:00.009-07:00

For the whole month of August,

Preen will be designing a gown

for a very special gala in Hollywood,

supporting a very special cause: colon cancer research.

Stevie Nicks is our client's icon.

The color scheme for this gown is crimson red and royal blue.
I foresee a red satin gown for the base
with royal blue embellishments.
And not too much lace even though I have been coveting
a small stash of the most decadent blue lace
one has ever seen.

We promise to keep you posted with photos

in the upcoming future.

Might even throw in an ostrich feather

for good luck.

For Sale

2010-07-24T12:39:00.004-07:00

Not the best photos here,

but we have this lovely pine vanity at Preen.

The only thing missing is the mirror.

And, that is why it can be yours for $85.

It is quite lovely. Sturdy and stout and in perfect condition.

HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY, PREEN!

2010-07-22T08:48:00.010-07:00

You have come a long way, we love you.

PREEN birthday!

2010-07-12T17:27:00.003-07:00

Tomorrow is our 3rd Birthday and we are throwing a party. Clink on the link below the picture for more details.

PARTY!!!!

forgot about this...

2010-06-24T14:58:00.000-07:00

and the verdict is in...

2010-06-24T14:47:00.001-07:00

Fashion show on 4th avenue, professional, precise, and wonderfully amazing

Summer Fashion Event

2010-06-16T17:41:00.004-07:00

WINGS OF DESIRE

2010-06-10T09:17:00.006-07:00

I made these birds years ago. I did them in a hot

minute and stuffed them with any section of the New York Times

I could find lying around. When they were installed for this certain project I was doing, they hung from fishing line and they looked like birds in flight.

Soon you can have them too. They can hang, or in Preen's case,

be stapled to the wall. They also make sweet little pillows.

They will in come in all different shapes, sizes, and prints.

We will keep you posted when they land.

PREEN IS A REAL LIFE GEM IN THE DESERT

2010-06-07T20:00:00.007-07:00

Because we just scored loads of vintage pins

from the 1980's.

You know, the kind you used to tack onto your stone washed jean jacket collar

or the belt of the bottom of your leather jacket.

For the animal lovers.

Car lovers.

Cigarette smokers.

The Smart alec; this one a personal favorite.

All of your favorite bands, like Culture Club, Duran Duran, Michael Jackson, Def Leopard, Led Zeppelin...

And, who can forget our beloved states from all

across America and Canada too.

Perfect gifts for the sentimentals especially.

$5 each or if you can't help yourself,

5 for $20.

Preening on 4th Avenue

2010-05-27T12:15:00.007-07:00

Two weeks ago I had my first PREEN photo shoot with a talented photographer named Erin Durband.
Due to my lack of preparation, I found myself close to the scheduled shoot time with no model to style. I begrudgingly decided to use myself and set about the task of finding something flattering to be photographed in.

This was no easy task, as I am not a model and what might look good, on my 5'4" curvy frame, in person does not always translate to film (or digital image as the case may be).

And then...
This lovely young lady, who happened to be enjoying a leisurely afternoon on the avenue, caught wind of my predicament and offered her services as a model. I could not have asked for a better person to represent the PREEN woman.

All items are available at PREEN unless otherwise noted.

Enjoy...

parasol $12
re-worked vintage top $20
vintage belt $9
vintage Guess shorts $14
vintage metallic heels $20
Pulp Tart earrings $58

vintage floral mini dress $18
sunglasses $9
vintage straw clutch $12
Pulp Tart earrings $45
vintage metallic heels $20

hat with green ribbon $14
Pulp Tart earrings $58
vintage Hawaiian dress $25
vintage bangle sold
vintage bejeweled flats $15

vintage embroidered dress (with pockets!) $24
Pulp Tart earrings $45
vintage tooled leather purse sold
vintage necklace (worn as bracelet) $12
vintage bejeweled flats $15

*Thanks to our model.... Kate Kish.*

Handcrafted & Only At PREEN

2010-05-03T11:07:00.004-07:00

Maple inlay coffee table designed by Jim Cox.

I like the lightning-bolt style legs

Gorgeous and yours for $800

What's my inspiration?

2010-04-28T17:25:00.009-07:00

Yowza.

I can't believe that the last time I posted on this blog it was the 9th os September in the year 2009. It has been a busy 8 months.

We are finally settled in our new location. I finally have reliable interweb capabilities in my own little office... which Erin is allowed to occasionally use. Everything is coming together.

With summer coming on (which means slowing of walk-in traffic) I will be listing more often on etsy.com. So make sure to keep up with our etsy shop if you want in on the special special clothing. It's so easy. Just look to the right of this post.
See?

I will also be posting more often, keeping those of you who are not around, abreast of the fashion shenanagins (sp.?) that will surely ensue as the heat index soars.

Stay tuned in. Don't drop out.

ride a white swan

2009-09-09T14:59:00.021-07:00

Well...we can put yet another notch in the belt that is PREEN's fashion show history. Last weekend, as part of the entertainment during the Ho Co Fest, we participated alongside Buffalo Exchange in a recycled fashion show. The theme was Glam Rock...we glam rocked it...

Those are my stars.

Among them are Diana Deaver and Amber Mortensen of Painfullyhip.com.
To the right of them are Jake Brazelton, Tauni Malmgren, Abraham Cooper, Evee Hunten, Christine Matsiko, and David Muse.

They were all unbelievably helpful and generally awesome.
For example....

To top it all off, Erin designed a one of a kind dress that was constructed of plastic garbage bags. It was the finale piece and Miss Lisa Mae wore it with flair.

It was a blast!
Stay tuned for future fashion extravaganzas...

article from weeks ago...

2009-09-02T15:56:00.004-07:00

I thought that you probably did...
and I meant to post this way back when it came out...
but...
you saw this, right?

I know, I know... old news.
It's just that I'm so dang proud!

In case you didn't see this and you would like to actually read this article, here is a link to the online version...

here.

TUCSON'S OWN GOLDEN STYLE

2009-08-29T14:17:00.010-07:00

GOLDEN BOOTS

by Erin Bradley

I love this band.

I am a super big fan and it is not just their awesome music.

IT IS THEIR STYLE.

I mean, REALLY?

Purple Navajo sweatshirt with a red plaid flannel underneath (And, even underneath that fabulous combo, could that possibly be a navy blue and white stripped tee shirt?) with matching brown pants and fedora?

Orange pants and safety tape?

Who would have thought?

This is so southwest.

And that blue tape screams flash flood fashion during monsoon season.

Even though they may be from the east this is no back east style,

THIS IS PURE TUCSON, ARIZONA.

I have been asking them to let me become their rock and roll stylist

for years now.

So as your stylist...

I do see more turquoise and hot pink in your wardrobe. More Aztec prints and custom made tuxedos from terry cloth bath towels of the late 1960's.

I also see more cowskulls with feathers in your future.

It is not because I think they need guidance but because

I GET IT.

SERIOUSLY?

New 7" Wooden Wand Split

Coyote Deathbed Surprize

Winter of our Discotheque

ALL ON VINYL AND ALL AVAILABLE AT PREEN

if I was a boy.

2009-08-07T13:49:00.018-07:00

If I Was A Boy.

by Emilie Marchand

If I was a boy, or a lanky girl, I would dress in a completely different

style than the way that I dress now. You see, boys (and lanky girls) have many advantages. They can layer, look tough, and go shirtless. I know what you are thinking. You think that I can also do all of these things. Well, true, I can layer but the layers must be paper thin so as not to exaggerate my already curvy curves. Sometimes I look tough, but in more of a cleavage, heels

and cigarette dangling kind of way. The shirtless part? Come on.

To illustrate my point, I give you the following images...

p.s. Alison Mosshart shops at Preen.

So I guess what I have compiled here is a group of tough looking, layered, pirate, warrior-type boys and girls. Some are shirtless.

I love them all and wish to be just like them. What's a girl to do when she is 5'4" and feminine? The best that I can come up with, on a daily basis, is my go to button up 60's house dress and some fringe anklets that I whipped up. At least that is what I am wearing today as seen here...

tough/ warrior chunky metal necklace?

fringey feet?

boyish haircut?
I don't know. I do my best with what I've got.

woman in black

2009-07-28T13:35:00.004-07:00

I've recently been asked, several times, why I wear black all the time.
Here is one reason...

See?

I will continue to update this blog with reasons for this favorite color.

PREEN'S END OF THE WEEK CONFESSIONS

2009-07-25T14:37:00.009-07:00

Dear Diary,
This week started off with much excitement when on Monday morning we were greeted with a film crew of about 8 wanting to film a scene of their movie in our window. We really have no idea what this movie is called or what it will be about but they said they would give us huge shout outs when it comes out. Which is nice because we need all the (free) shout outs that we can get. It has been terribly slow. Downtown Tucson really is feeling like a ghost town these days and I think the heat is really getting to everyone. The vagabonds seem a little more unusual then usual. I had one follow me on my bike on the way to work this morning ( for 3 blocks and wanting to chat) until I lost it and yelled, "WHAT THE FUCK?!!" Patience is hard when it is over 100 degrees.... But, enough of about that. We are all tired of talking about the heat, the construction, the Tucson laze. Emilie and I have been using our alone time getting paperwork in order and working on some of our own designs. Emilie has been working on this tee shirt. It is beautifully cut and reconstructed in the ever most clever way by using part of her tee clippings and then braiding them. They will eventually become shoulder straps. As for me, I reworked 3 ladies button down blouses from the 1960's. You know the ones, ill fitting and boring and with the collar. So, I had a plain mint green, a blue gingham and a red gingham. I cut and clipped and created my own style, all sewn in red thread. Spending dark days here with the storms coming and all. We tend to get into our heads and listen to a lot of Bon Iver, Elvis Perkins and now at the moment Nina Simone's Little Girl Blue is playing. Yes, as you can see, it is one of those days. I Still keep thinking about Preen's 2 year anniversary party. It was beautiful in so many ways but what really struck me was that a week before we had the opportunity to do the Q & A in the Tucson Weekly promoting our big birthday bash. That was right around the time when Preen closed for a very much needed vacation which was a week not long enough. We didn't step into the shop for 4 days as we cut ourselves off from the outside world. We missed the call from the Weekly and the ball was dropped. So, the next step was doing some old fashioned flier promotion. Again, there is only two of us and it just didn't get done. But, Emilie did the whole email and face book dealiozzz and we had the most amazing crowd ever. So many of our customers, friends and supporters came down. It made me realize that even though those things are important, it doesn't really matter. Because, we are doing just fine even if we can't advertise like we would like to or have a website like most hip little boutiques have. So this week has come to a close and I think today, already Saturday, we feel a bit different than on Monday and we both have been feeling the heat of owning our own business. We live like we used to at 18 so we can contribute style to this dusty town that we so love. It is more than just "style" though; for it is our art, our passion, and our hearts. We do it because we believe in putting use to our god given gifts and we do it because we believe in more that just getting a job with the electric company so we can have the comfort of the 401K (that actually was encouraged by a family member). So, it is the end of the day and tomorrow is the sabbath and we will rest. A monsoon storm is coming fast and we have opened the door to let the smell of rain rejuvenate us. Emilie is hemming a dress and I am leaving early to go to the market to make dinner for friends that we will eat on the front porch while the rain falls. Saturday's gone with the wind.... Until next week.
Love, Erin

cute customer of the day

2009-07-20T18:26:00.003-07:00

Meet... ooops.
I've misplaced this young lady's name.
If you are reading... please clear up the mystery?
Thanks!

scenes from a party

2009-07-18T13:59:00.008-07:00

Well.... it happened.
We had a fabulous 2 year Anniversary party!

Joined by Amber and Diana of Painfully Hip and dozens of fashionable Preen fans, we rocked the night away with great music and high spirits! Erin and I were filled with pride that we made it this far and that Tucson has so many amazing people who support us. How lucky we are.

Spending time with Diana, Amber and Rory (of Awesome All Day) was definitely a highlight. I just love meeting new, dope people.
Yes. I wrote dope. Don't think I said it though.
(I think that the 108 degree temperature is starting to get to me head)

Another highlight was that a very talented Tucson photographer by the name of Ryan Mihalyi came with all of his fancy equipment and took some killer shots of the party people and our little shop. The following photos are an example of the magic that he made. You can go to his website ( http://www.mihalyiphoto.com) to see more examples of his work.

Amber, Diana, and me (oh... and Dimitri foolin' behind me)

My stunning partner in crime...
Ms. Erin Bradley

I particularly like this one of the sweet potato who is Abraham Cooper.

I send out many thanks to everyone who has helped us along the road.
We would be nowhere without you all.
Peace.
(yup... it's the heat)

belated patriotism and such...

2009-07-15T13:44:00.014-07:00

Erin's birthday was July 3rd. We had a party. We posed in front of the American Flag just in time for Independence Day (or rather, very early Independence Morning?). I think that we represent independence quite well... don't you?

There's me... goth poster-gal...

Amy.... guitar slingin' beauty...

and Carrie... all around hip kitty...

Here's some more fabulousity that was on display that night...

Naim and his grey tux pants...

Miranda doing her best Audrey Hepburn meets Farrah Fawcett...

Bobby rockin' a slung-on scarf....

Erin in a wind tunnel...

and the gorgeous soon to be mommy... Mellow...

I recognize that these photos are a bit blurry... but you get the idea and I hate using the flash.

Just another summer night in Tucson.

yippee!

2009-07-12T17:17:00.003-07:00

In case you haven't heard... there's gonna be a party!

Join us to celebrate the 2 year anniversary of Preen opening it's doors to the public!
Yup.... we opened on July 13th, 2007. Let's rejoice that we are still here!

In conjunction with this anniversary... our friends from Painfully Hip will be in town as part of their thrifting road trip! Come down and give them a warm Tucson welcome!

We will be honored with the sounds of the following musicians...
Steff Koeppen
Michelle Blades
Asher Deaver
Naim Amor
Amy Rude....
and more?
(maybe I'll even sing a song or two?)

There will be refreshments.... a champagne toast... door prizes to the first 22 guests... and a raffle!

We will get things rolling at 8:30pm and it's free to get in!

You don't want to miss this one!

PREEN
272 E. Congress St.
Tucson, AZ
520-628-2991
www.preentucson.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/preentucson

Tucson family fashion

2009-06-30T17:10:00.006-07:00

Diana and her daughter Maxine... showing off some cool summer fashion...

Shy at first...

...and then a smile.

blog it out.

2009-06-27T17:52:00.005-07:00

The fabulous Amanda Sierra helped us at the shop last week while we prepared for a party. While she was here she took some pics and posted about the shop on her blog....

Lullabies To Terrorize.

Check it out.

Thanks Amanda!

cute customer of the day....

2009-06-18T14:21:00.005-07:00

Meet Rani...

Isn't she cute?

pretty people, summer nights...

2009-06-16T15:31:00.013-07:00

... random photos of my Tucson inspiration...

mustachioed Daniela...

the Tap Room patio...

my partner in crime... "wifey"... Erin...

how it often starts...

my new black hair...

Dimitri...

Noah hiding behind James (chip junior Himey) Grip...

Babs, Kristen and Leia having cocktails in a vintage airstream at the Shady Dell in Bisbee, AZ...

casual chic... as Tucson brings it...

pointy toes and plaid pants...

...more to come as I terrorize the people of Tucson with my point-n-shoot.

black hole sun

2009-05-20T18:08:00.004-07:00

Ok. Ok.

I know that it is already summer in the desert and we have already hit the 100 degree mark.
However... the monsoon is starting early.... it's overcast today and only in the mid 80's.

So...
I think that I can safely admit that I have been really turned on by my new vintage flannel shirt lately.
Weird, true.
No one ever accused me of being perfectly sane.

I know that the grunge look has been poking it's greasy head out of the vaults recently... but I prefer to believe that I have maybe been influenced by the Kills (who shopped at Preen) show at Club Congress not too long ago. Even before that there was a rainy day that propelled me into a Sunday of Concrete Blonde, red wine, a bleached denim skirt and the aforementioned shirt.

Let's go back even further to the recovery of this photo of me and friend in high school (circa 1992?) on my last trip to my childhood home...

Grungerific, huh?

In case you don't know, I am the one on the left. Please note my bleached out jeans. Thank you.

The new/old flannel I have been sporting with 2 black slips, etc.
Maybe a better picture later... this is all I have for now...

I know this isn't the greatest picture, but you get the idea.

I purchased this one at Preen. We have more. Who cares that it is soon to be 200 degrees in Tucson?

i would totally still wear this...

2009-05-18T19:25:00.002-07:00

... if I had it in my current size.

lady friend with no arms

2009-05-18T13:11:00.010-07:00

Oh what a talented friend and business partner I have.

Wait... she's not the one without arms.
That's our girl in the window. I can't remember what we named her...

Anywho.

Erin's old window...

Erin's new bowietastic window...

Ok. I know that after seeing this display, you wish to purchase all of it!
So, here are some deets....

The fabulous dress is a vintage 70's chiffon, wrap dress. It was only worn once and is selling for $175.
It's freakin' awesome.

The feather fascinator was made by a local designer named Hannah Woelke. It sells in the shop for a mere $22... and we have others.

owl pendant $14
shoes $24
vintage brooch (at waist) $42
Whiting & Davis purse $60
Bowie record $4

There you have it.

more black eyeliner, please

2009-05-16T15:06:00.012-07:00

ingredients of the day...

iced coffee
darkest blue nailpolish
Ozzy t-shirt
swamp cooler
lots of black eyeliner (but still not enough)

and these...

project of the day...

installing zippers in Wranglers to accommodate the spurs of a tall man.

The man and his little friend...check him...
www.alexstreeter.com

tyler

2009-04-18T11:54:00.006-07:00

Hi.
I really like your top.

You might like this dress...

It's for sale in our shop.

shop often

2009-04-10T17:10:00.004-07:00

Due to a lack of sleep, I will not be using my words too much here.

Check it out...

We now have an Etsy shop.
www.preentucson.etsy.com

You know you want to.

smell good, look good.

2009-03-31T16:01:00.004-07:00

I have been keeping a small spray bottle of water mixed with a bit of lavender oil on hand. I find that misting some of my vintage dresses with this, helps to keep them fresh and can de-wrinkle certain fabrics... because I loath dry cleaners.

You can really use any essential oil that you like. I originally bought this oil to spray on my pillowcases for good sleepy time. Now, I find that I use it on my curtains and upholstery because lavender has that great, fresh laundry smell. I suppose that lemon verbena or a minty, sage-y kind of oil would do the trick quite nicely.

sooner than I thought.

2009-03-06T18:26:00.002-07:00

Ok. This was fun.

purple tape measure + spirit gum = a new kind of accessory

I'm really into the idea of gluing things to my skin for special events. Of course, I have an obsession with false eyelashes in all of their exaggerated glory... but now this. To tell the truth, I haven't done it since this photo was taken. I'm still trying to come up with ideas about what else to adorn myself with...

2009-03-06T17:32:00.000-07:00

coming soon...