Kiya

Yesterday I had to put my cat Kiya to sleep. The picture above was taken on what I consider to be her last day on Earth, which she spent wandering around the backyard and laying in the sun. After that she went downhill so fast that it already seemed like she was gone. I have been in such an upset and zombie-like state that I have only been able to do things that don't require my brain, like clean and sew. I was debating on whether or not I should even do a post about this, but ultimately I decided to as it might give me some closure.

I had Kiya for about 18 years. I got her when I was around 12 or 13 years old. I moved from San Jose to Portland with her when I was 19. She was with me through different jobs, apartments, and boyfriends. Through my tumultuous teens and crazy twenties. She was pretty much the one constant in my Portland life and I could always count on her to be there for me with her sweet disposition and insanely loud purr.

For the last couple of years I became more aware that she was getting old and might not be here for much longer. Then a couple of months ago the vet found a tumor on her liver so I had to prepare myself for her passing. As much as you try to prepare yourself though, it never seems to be enough. How much can you really anyways? The thing I was most afraid of was knowing when it was time for her to go. Would I keep her here too long selfishly? Would I give up too soon? Then Saturday night came and that's when I knew, she was ready to go.

So now our family of six is down to a family of five. It's the little things that get me the most, like putting out three bowls of food instead of four, getting out of the shower and not seeing her sitting there waiting for me to get out so she can jump in the tub and lick the water off of the floor (you know how all animals have their weird little quirks), and sewing without her sleeping in the chair next to me.

We buried her in the backyard in her favorite spot, the catnip garden, so when I look out there I think of her and how much I miss her. She will always have a place in my heart, and even though I might have a million cats after her, no cat will ever be able to replace her.

Kiya in the catnip garden.

Kiya with the rest of the family.

Basil and Kiya.

Rest in Peace.

For the Love of Lee

It seriously pains me that I probably (most likely) will not be seeing the Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty exhibit at the MET in New York. I am seriously considering flying out of Portland on a red eye to NYC, spending the entire day at the exhibit, then flying back home that night (I did the same thing from San Jose to Las Vegas to see The Cure when I was 18.) If I don't make it out there, I will definitely buy the book. In the meantime, I can still dream...

Images via nymag

One more thing, I just started writing for Portland Fashion Weekly, the Portland Fashion Week blog. Read my first post here!

Luv AJ

I just discovered the awesomeness that is Luv AJ, an L.A. based line of jewelry with a rock and roll/weaponry edge. I am also really digging the styling of their Spring/Summer Lookbook:

If I had the money I would pretty much buy the entire collection. I also love the body chains, which I have personally been rocking since last year with old chain belts I have lying around. I also really like the talon bracelet, crystal necklace, and chain mail pieces. Luv AJ, I love you!!!!!

Urban Riders Fashion Show

For the past few weeks I have been very busy organizing the Urban Riders Fashion Show that is part of the Pedal Nation Bicycle Show happening this weekend at the Oregon Convention Center. It has been a lot of work, but it's been super fun! I have had a great time styling all of the outfits, and not only do I have the outfits to deal with, I also have to match each one with bags, jewelry, helmets, and bicycles! There is a good amount of the techy stuff (spandex and rain wear) but it is mostly cool stuff that you can ride your bicycle in and then get right off and walk into work, a cafe, a bar, etc. Here are a few looks from some of my favorite designers that will be showing:

Clair Vintage Inspired

Carolyn Hart

Suzabelle

Other designers that will be showing include Clever Cycles, Sheila Moon, Endura, Showers Pass, and Cycleogical Gear. Rickshaw Bags, Nutcase Helmets, and Velo Gioielli Jewelry will be completing the looks and bicycles will be provided by Brompton, Kalkhoff, Millholland Cycles, Bike Friday, Seattle Electric Bikes, TI Cycle Fabrications, Metrofiets, Linus, and Breezer. Portland band Mnemonic Sounds will be providing the music for the show and this all will take place on a "grassy" track that will have a bar and lounge area in the middle!

So, if you love fashion and you love bicycles you should definitely come to this fashion show! There is a show on Saturday and on Sunday and they both start at 2:30. Hope to see you there!!!!

I Want to Ride My Bicycle I Want to Ride My Bike

Who said cycle wear can't be chic?

 by Wee Khim from Style Singapore, January 2011 via Fashion Gone Rogue

But let's face it, this girl would look hot wearing a garbage bag. Anyways, this post is very relevant to me right now as I have been very busy producing The Urban Riders Fashion Show that is part of the Pedal Nation Bicycle Show that will be happening this weekend. Stay tuned for more details!!!!