Color and our Homes

As I have told you before, I have an infatuation with homes, and love peeking into different living rooms, gardens, etc. It is completely fascinating to see how people organize the world around them, what colors and shapes they are drawn to, their priorities, as well their quirks and twists. Bring me some pictures of your home, a cup of tea, and your problems, and I’ll give you my most geniune advice. Looking through the spaces section in the wonderful blog: Design Sponge, I was compelled by the use of color in some of the homes they featured, this is what caught my eye:

The mustard yellow rug adds a good amount of brightness…

The various tones of red in the couch match the painting and rug beautifully…

No color here, I just love the plant that is hanging from that frame  : )

I don’t like big bold pink things usually, but this coach not only fits in, it adds softness and lightness to this room full of sharp lines and edges…

The aquamarine tones in this room add to the magical feel…

Happy Thursday everyone!

New Service: Garment Revival

Inspired by the concept of re-use, I have decided to offer a new service, that of revamping old garments with any of the signature Zelaya appliques, reverse applique, and embroidery designs. Check my online store for more details. Below are some of the featured appliques that can give any of your old garments a new life!

…and happy Lunar New Year Everyone!  Wishing you all good health and that  your dreams become true!

Less is More: Uniform Project

Less has always been more. A few carefully chosen words say more than blabber, one good friend is more valueable than a million aquantances, and a good fitting garment is worth more than ten that fit just ok.

Along the same theme, I stumbled upon an interesting concept, the Uniform Project, developed by Sheena Matheiken. She wanted to help fundraise for the Akanksha Foundation, a non profit that works to bring education to children in slums. Sheena decided to create a challenge where she would wear the same dress for an entire year, making it look different and unique every single day using different vintage, handmade, reused, or donated accessories. This fundrasier caught fire over the media, and is now facilitating many other projects with great causes around the globe. It is always inspiring to see people with beautiful missions make their dreams come true in a creative, sustainable….and stylish way. Voila!

Preview: Zelaya Bridal Line 2012

This is one of the outfits included in the Zelaya Bridal line for 2012. This time all bridal garments will be made out of 100% organic cotton knit, using embroidery and applique techniques. This line will launch in about a month, so stay tuned!

New Year of Opportunities

It is time to let go of all that doesn’t serve us anymore, and make room for the new. We have a whole new year ahead of us, and with it comes new opportunities, intentions, and ways of seeing the world. I am feeling very excited and curious to see how this year unfolds…but for now, all I know is that in the next few months I would love see myself inserted in these photographs…

Winter Line is Finally Out!

After several weeks of designing, sewing, and burdening my patient housemate as the living room became my makeshift photo studio, the winter line is finally up on Etsy. We are offering scarves for the first time, and have added a few more long sleeve and wrap styles. Check them out by clicking on the images below:

Happy New Year Everyone!

Sounds that Inspire

You know how there is music that fills you up with positivity and make every cell of your body tingle? Well, Colombian singer Toto la Momposina does that for me every time. Needless to say…she is beautiful.

Body in Movement

As I grow older, I realize that most of my passions concern the human body. Be it dressing and molding fabric onto the body, movement in the form of dance or yoga, health, and nutrition. The way our bodies are constructed and how it all works together is fascinating, its malleability and resilience incredible, and its beauty breathtaking. I usually like to stalk the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater website to get my fill of eye candy. Here are a few images I enjoyed in my last visit:

There’s nothing like male dancers  ; )

EcoViva shirts

I am happy to announce that we are now offering two shirt styles with the intention to support the work of EcoViva, an amazing organization based in Oakland. They partner with low-income communities in El Salvador, and the rest of Central America, to promote environmental sustainability, economic self-sufficiency, and social justice.

Both shirt styles are made with 100% organic cotton fabric and thread, and feature a hand-stitched mangrove tree leaf applique. (Read more about the importance of protecting mangrove ecosystems here.) We will donate $25 to EcoViva every time a shirt sold.

*If you have problems purchasing through my website, you can make the transaction by contacting me directly through email at: zelayadesign@gmail.com. Personal checks are also accepted.*

Click on the image below to purchase the Scoop Neck style:

Click on the image below to purchase the Unisex style:

With the recent floods in El Salvador, the largest in a generation, tens of thousands of families have been displaced. EcoViva, along with partner organizations in El Salvador, have been working hard to ensure that potable water, medical supplies and food can get to the most needed areas.

Climate change, coupled with the building and mismanagement of the dams along the largest river of El Salvador, have been the key causes of this disaster. You can read more here.

You can also support local communities recovering from the floods by directly donating to EcoViva.

Thank you!

Spaces

As I work to finish my line for fall, I keep searching for bits of inspiration here and there. I’m addicted to peeking into people’s houses to see how they have designed their home-life, how they like to move through it, what colors and shapes they surround themselves with, and how they chose to categorize/organize things…or not. Every house is unique because we all have unique experiences, passions, and aversions. Its like being able to see into people’s mind/brain work. I specially like to stalk the spaces section on Design Sponge. Here are a few images that have caught my eye recently:

I agree…

I appreciate the clean and fresh feel of the stark white, lime green, and wood…

I have hung jewelry, scarves, and belts on branches…but never a lamp like this, hmmm, beware housemates!

: )

Bold and beautiful!!!