Dia De Los Muertos: the photography of Raoul Ortega

                                                         "Oh voyagers, oh seamen, 

                                                          You who come to port, 

                                                          and you whose bodies will suffer 

                                                          the trial and tribulations of the sea

                                                          or whatever event. 

                                                          This is your real destination...

                                                          not farewell. But fare forward."

                                                                   T.S. Eliot, The Dry Salvages

This is a beautiful time of the year. 

During the last week of October and the beginning of November, traditional Mexicana culture celebrates the lives of loved ones who have passed on, by honoring a holiday christened the Day of the Dead, or Dia De Los Muertos. This is no sombre affair: Dia de los Muertos is a joyful, colorful celebration of life, a seasonal reminder on how precious this life is.

Capturing the spirit and the beauty of this cultural holiday are the images of photographer Raoul Ortega's most recent photograph series, Dia De Los Muertos. Raoul Ortega is a Sacramento photographer of note, probably best known as the unofficial-official photographer for designers Van Der Neer.  His artistic eye keenly captures their modern yet romantic aesthetic. 

These  Dia De Los Muertos  photos could easily fit inside the pages of a fashion magazine, but the images contain more than just pretty girls in colorful clothes. Caught on film is the concept that life while fleeting, is beautiful and worth celebrating. 

All images by Raoul Ortega Photography. Used by permission.

outfit post: Call of the Wild

Hello friends! 

Today's outfit is a bit unusual for me in that I am NOT mixing prints. For once I'm dressing it straight- with one pattern only and for today it is the always stylish and perfect for Fall, the ANIMAL PRINT. The inspiration was my recent SCORE! from Freestyle Clothing Exchange. I've been wishing for animal print booties, but they have been beyond my meager budget. Ok, I'm supposed to be on a shopping ban, but when I saw the $30 price tag- the ban was temporarily lifted. They were EXACTLY what I wanted. 

For a quick + easy ensemble, I pulled out my chunky knit animal print cardi and a vintage scarf and threw on the uniform of a black t-shirt and shorts. And feeling quite the style-gal-pal with my abundance of kitty-kitty. Now I'm gearing up to pair the shooties with some plaid, some stripes and some serious lace. Anything. Everything. Because these shoes/booties are PURR-FECT.  

Oh, and since shopping ban was momentarily ignored, I also stopped by Crimson + Clover and had some fun with the latest jewelry offerings by Porkchop Rules.  I purchased 2 rings, and an amazing white leather cuff with a brass anchor buckle on it. You can barely see it in the pictures, so next time I wear it, I need to show a close up of it- it is super sweet!

Feeling the like the cat's meow in my mix of animal prints.

CITIZEN sponsor: Fringe

As you may or may not have noticed, as of this month, the Citizen Rosebud finally and officially opened this blog to sponsors. One of the very first to respond to this invite was Audrey Wells, the proprietress of the Fringe. 

Audrey and I share some history- about 2 years back, the Citizen sold vintage at the Fringe on consignment (read the '09 post about it HERE.) And, at the beginning of THIS month, I launched a "micro-boutique" inside the Fringe, where you can find my curated collection of vintage- wonderful pieces at pocket-friendly prices. I've also featured Audrey over at Street Style SACRAMENTO (click HERE to see it,) and consider her to be a Sacramento Style ICON. She is a rare bird- beautiful and stylish without an ounce of catty (unless she's wearing a leopard print.) Audrey is super warm and friendly, and is all about supporting her peers; in an industry that views all others as competition, Audrey is the quickest to show her support and pass on a good recommendation to her clients. In short: she has been a supporter to the Citizen long before she became a sponsor. And I definitely count my blessings when I call her a friend.

So it is with tremendous pride and pleasure that I officially introduce you to the Fringe as the premier sponsor for The Citizen Rosebud. Fringe is a wonderful Sacramento space that sells items for the home, garden and for your closet. The Fringe is a charming, fresh and funky spot off of Broadway in Sacramento that is stuffed to the gills with an assortment of rare finds- from collectible objects d'art to unique furniture + housewares, to vintage clothing. I am looking forward to sharing with you the amazing collection of curios that Fringe has to offer.

You can shop the Fringe 5 days of the week: 

Wednesday-Saturday: 11-6pm

Sunday: Noon-4pm

CLOSED MONDAY, TUESDAY. 

Fringe is also open by appointment: 

(916)706-0216

outfit post: The Wicked Witch of the Wild West

When I was a kid, my fashion sense meant that I wore all my favorite clothes together. I was often mismatched, but loved everything I wore. There's a joy in the simplicity of choice when you just wear what you love. Today's outfit reminded me of my sartorial style of my childhood. It's a bit mismatched but I wore what I loved. For some reason, I wanted to wear my cotton black/white striped knee highs- and once I put them on, I thought of the wicked witch from the Wizard of Oz. So the obvious choice for my southwestern sweater paired with my Ikat printed jersey knit dress, were my vintage Dingo cowboy booties. Not sure why, aside from the fact that I love them.

This is YOUR Life

Guest Post: Clothes, Cameras and Coffee

The Best Guest: Guest post today is by the fabulous ROZ JANA of Clothes, Cameras and Coffee

I am thrilled to have one of my all-time favorite style bloggers as my guest today. The uber-lovely Roz, of Clothes, Camera and Coffee is taking time out of her busy school schedule and is sharing why she loves to shop vintage. If you haven't had the chance to check out her blog, please do so right now! Roz is a talented writer, stylist and photographer who also happens to pass easily for a fashion model. So without further ado, the fabulous Roz: 

Vintage Values

Why do I buy vintage? It’s hard to articulate what sparked the habit – but it must be hereditary. In the same way that a tall father might pass down a height gene to his equally lanky son, several female generations of my family have colluded to make vintage clothing a real passion of mine. Of course, I’m sure that my great aunt Vi, with her matching hats, gloves and shoes had no idea that she would one day inspire a girl she wouldn’t even live to meet, some way further down the family tree. But she did nonetheless. I am instantly swayed by forties suits, fifties evening gowns, sixties mini-dresses and a whole riot of other items.

This particular love for vintage, especially the decades stretching from the twenties to sixties, has been quite an expensive habit. However, I believe that it is much more worthwhile to spend money on one exquisitely crafted jacket rather than a dozen or so things from a high street shop. Plus, my family, as well as inspiring me in my vintage choices, have been kind enough to leave behind some choice items of clothing that have winged their way to me. There is the red satin evening coat that was my paternal great-grandma’s and my maternal great-grandma’s costume jewellery.

However, when I am not experiencing the joys of inherited clothes, there are several places that I frequent for my vintage fix. They range in scale – both in price and availability.

The first is my local charity shop.

Light in a Messenger + UPrinting Give-Away

"Light in a messenger's eye brings joy to the heart, 

+ good news puts health in the bones."

- Proverbs 10:28

I'm hosting a sponsored GIVE-AWAY by UPrinting over at SHOP THE CITIZEN today. It's for 500 customized letterheads. The contest is open to U.S. residents who are 18 years or older. I'll  announce the lucky winner next Monday, October 24th, so head on over and ENTER to win! 

*Click HERE TO ENTER THE GIVE-AWAY*

CITIZEN STYLE: Local Shine

I'm in the mood to shine. 

Lately, my eyes go straight to the sparkly stuff: mixed metallics, gleaming golds, shimmery satins, + rhinestone jewelry.

Let me put it this way:
Baby wants to sing...the bling!

Recently I styled a shoot featuring clothing + accessories from my favorite Midtown second-hand boutiques, and I put together this outfit as a, uh, shining example of looking stellar while shopping thrift, vintage AND local.

All the items, save the jeans, came from secondhand sources + are vintage. The blouse, is an original creation of Sacramento designer, Kris Laskey, the lovable, local indie fashion legend that is known as BUTT UGLY. BUTT UGLY is a line of retro-style clothing, sewn for women of all-sizes, using vintage fabrics, buttons and notions. The clothes are one-of-a-kind and always feel special.  This superb satin blouse could easily pass for one made in an earlier era. 

Signs of the Times

Here are some signs of the times. There is a revolution a foot, and I think its up to each of us to decide where we want it to take us.  Happy Weekend, peeps.                                                                         -Bella Q

These photos were taken from Facebook. My apologies for not linking the sources

SPONSOR the Citizen

The Citizen Rosebud is now accepting sponsors. We are looking for like-minded individuals and companies who share our values and are the right fit for our blog. If you'd like to sponsor the Citizen feel free to contact me for rates, traffic stats and terms.  Fellow bloggers ask about your special rates! 

Please write: sponsor inquiry in the subject heading and send your email to: Sponsor(at)thecitizenrosebud(dot)com

outfit post: Flora + Fauna

Strength is Happiness. 

-Daisaku Ikeda

Flora and Fauna: An animal print sweater prowls the urban jungle with a floral blouse.

Hello Friends. Our Fall has been a strange one, but a very nice late summer. I'm trying my best to use any excuse to throw on a sweater, especially this animal print chunky knit cardigan- a score from Goodwill. It's a Ralph Lauren label, a thick hand-knit sweater and very comfy.

A Momentary Lapse of Whimsy

Whispering Whimsy: designing duo Johnson + Kniss are the fashion engine of Van Der Neer

Sacramento has been experiencing a sort of fashion renaissance as of late, and one of the many highlights I've had this year was the opportunity to meet and interview some incredible talent that hails from my hometown. Two such bright lights I've recently met are the design team behind local  fashion label, Van Der Neer.  A couple in real life, this pair of cuties are the indisputable indie fashion darlings of Midtown. Modest and sweet,  they produce memorable collections of edgy arty fashion. 

My interview of Van Der Neer has been published over at CBS Local and you can read it by clicking HERE.

Of late, I've been experiencing a bit of feast AND famine. I'm needing to focus on my livelihood, namely paid freelance work, and selling my line of Citizen ROSEBUD/ curated vintage. As usual, I seem to take on too many projects (I mean well!) and end up bailing on a handful of them. For those who've had to deal with this: my apologies. 

outfit post: Hair of the Dog, Tooth of the Hound

Teach an Old Dog, New Tricks: mixing it up with Houndstooth.

 Ah, Houndstooth. With Autumn comes cravings for the wool-y classics, like tartan plaid shirts, Glen Plaid skirts, and wonderful houndstooth. So upon first glimmer of overcast skies, I pulled together a medley of houndstooth checked prints. 

Hat, Jacket and umbrella are all featuring vintage houndstooth check. (The Citizen Rosebud)

This houndstooth trilby is a topper that I cherish year 'round, while my super soft wool Ports International cropped jacket (snagged for a song a few years back, at a thrift store in Woodland) is well suited for Fall weather. I wore it over my favorite cotton dress, a gift from my gal-pal Lindsay for my last birthday. Since it was overcast and promising some rain, I took that as a cue to drag out my vintage hounds tooth print parasol which of course I sport around as an umbrella. I am drunk on houndstooth check. You'd think I'd have a Houndstooth hangover. So what would be the hair of the dog?

First Stop: Second Sunday at the Fringe

Hey LOCALVORES! 

This second Sunday, make your first stop the FRINGE lot on 21st and X Street. 

Not only am I putting out a clearance rack of vintage goodies out to sell (HOW'S ABOUT A SCORE FOR $5 BUCKS OR UNDER?) but there are amazing vendors selling in the Fringe lot with me. The crew from THIS N THAT THRIFT & GIFT are setting up shop with a booth full of fabulous thrifty finds, also you can shop the likes of KARMA COLLARS, ANTIQUE AND CO., and the tasty styling of COURTNEY CUPCAKES.

Bring your bikes and get a free bicycle check at the ARCHER BICYCLE BOOTH.

Be sure to stop by and say hello.
Introduce yourself: I wanna meet ya!                                    -Bella Q

Plaidurday

Mad for Plaid

"Plaid is the NEW Black"

WHAT DAY IS IT? 

Today is PLAIDURDAY. And I am celebrating by wearing some plaid. Today is the inaugural holiday known as Plaidurday. If you want to know more about or celebrate with me, go to plaidurday.com and join in!

Plaidurday Saint: Bella is mad about plaid.

Now Wearing:

• plaid/polka dot headbands, a gift from Franca (Oranges + Apples)
• sunnies, Target
• Pendleton wool blazer
• Microfiber dress, c/o Karina Dresses
• Snake ring, This N That Thrift
• Beaded cuff, Scout Living
• vintage plaid travel case
• plaid over-the-knees socks, Socks 4 Life
• Coach wedges

outfit post: Plaid + Leopard, Western Style

The best way out
of a difficulty is through it.
- Will Rogers

She's so Country: Plaid and Leopard frolic in the Old West

Plaid + Leopard + Bolo = Citizen Badass

Well don't say I didn't warn you. I told you that this season, PLAID was going to replace my polka dots. And you know I like to mix the polka dot with leopard. After delighting in the plaid/animal mixes of Sacramento and Desiree, I decided to do a little mixin' myself, western style. 

Plaid, meet Leopard. I think you two will like each other.

The Friendly Karina Dress

Feeling Friendly in my comfortable easy-to-wear Karina Dress

This is me in my Karina Dress. Recently I was approached by Karina Dresses and asked to write a product review. Upon visiting their website, karinadresses.com, I was struck by how they shared the same passion as I do, for dresses designed to flatter and fit the female form. Karina Dresses are made for women of all shapes and sizes, and fit well into real wardrobes for real life. 

The Brand: Karina Dresses is a woman-owned apparel company located in Brooklyn, New York, where the dresses are made. Founded in 2007 by Karina Cousineau, who is the owner, the designer and the visionary behind this modestly ambitious brand. Karina's goal? To create "a fashion line that makes every “body” feel and look great, no matter what shape or size."

The Dress: The dresses are American made. In fact, they are designed, cut, assembled and sewn right in the Karina Dresses workshop/offices located in Brooklyn, New York. They are made by seamstresses being paid a living wage. The fabric used to make Karina Dresses is a heavy gauge micro-fiber that is breathable and fluid in movement. 

Karina Dresses are easy to wear & eco-friendly. Also, pretty easy on the eyes.

The micro-fiber fabric makes the dress wrinkle-proof, easy to wash & wear, and perfect to pack for travel. Karina Dresses are designed for an active lifestyle, and the micro-fiber material allows for flexibility and movement The fabric is sourced in small batches, so the prints are limited editions. You are one in a million, and your Karina Dress is too.

The Review: I was sent this dress: the Carolyn short sleeve. It has a pretty grey/white print that reminds me of a hybrid of plaid and honeycomb. PERFECT for me. Now I'm not normally a "microfiber" girl, as sometimes the material is too thin and shows my every lump. And often times it feels synthetic and uncomfortably clammy. I was pleased to note immediately how BREATHABLE the material was, how beautifully it hung on me, and how the thickness of the fabric HUGGED my curves and flattered them.

outfit post: California Casual

The scene:
Exploring the back-alleys and empty lots of Midtown and Curtis Park on foot. The look is California casual. The stripes are pure Rosebud.