"Inspiration"

My mind has been wondering the last couple of days.

I have a shoot coming up in the next couple of weeks that I am really excited about. I've been researching fashion of the 40's 50's and 60's and absorbing all of which each era has to offer. With the pressure on, but not allowing it to get the best of me, I am still unclear on what "look" I want to create for my model. I've been in four thrift stores and still nothing is coming alive. I was told to take a brake so that I don't burn out. I stepped away "from all thing vintage" on Friday and I nearly went crazy. This isn't just a phase I am going through, with my love for vintage. I take it seriously and to the heart. When I am out at flea markets and I see all the vendors I can feel their passion as well. The culture is amazing and everything has a story.

Today Titanic came on TWICE and I sat through it and watched it in a way I have never before. I began to draw small ideas and inspiration frame by frame, transforming there timeless looks for today's times. 

I might be on to something....

"Time Flies While Wearing Vintage."

   JE

'The Ressurection of Joyce Elaine"

A couple weeks ago I sat down with Sharae Magazine and was interviewed by their down to earth fashion editor Darrell Peacock.. I was really on edge and  I had the jitters to talk openly about Joyce Elaine's Closet. People always ask me how and why I got started and I usually just say, 'It just kind of happened!" Before then only a few of my dear friends new the history of the whys and hows of JEC.
JEC is my heart and I push daily to expand. My drive and force goes deeper than " I just love vintage!"
It was a road that I was forced to travel to gain, strength, insight, power, knowledge and most importantly MYSELF!
I was told that my story will inspire, when all I am doing is living out my passion.  My heart skips when I think about other people knowing the truth. I've recently realized that if I can inspire others to seek their lost dreams, then "my truth" needs to be heard.

Click here for the--------> November issue of Sharae Magazine: " The Resurrection of Joyce Elaine"

'Time Flies While Wearing Vintage."
  JE

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Fear....

Bill Cosby said " Decide that you want it, more than your afraid of it."
That quote is implanted in my mind daily. When I first heard it I was taken and almost in tears.
Its a daily struggle when we are faced with our fears. Some big and small, but our fears paralyze us from reaching our full potential or passing up a "gift" that has been bestowed on our heart.
It took me a while to accept that I can create a "classic style" that people will adore. I ran from it and just figured it would go away and I wouldn't have to face the dedication, hard work, doubts, tears, and my most favorite " what the hell am I doing!"
Its easier to fear, than to face the small crawl space you must dig through in order to reach success. One thing I've noticed about myself is that I can't run away from my talent that speaks to me daily! I have accepted my marriage with vintage fashion and have totally submerged myself in the culture. My vision is heart felt and I truly love what I do!
The past few weeks I have been sitting on a major decision that is going to flourish my career....Today I checked and checked and rechecked...Said a prayer like always..Paused..And hit the SEND button!

"Decide that you want it, more than your afraid of it." Bill Cosby

"Time Flies While Wearing Vintage."
  JE

Model: Ebony
A piece of my "fearless" work

Yellow Dress

I decided to take myself out to Katra down on Bowery!
Normally I can throw something together and I'm out the door. For some reason this time was different. It took me a while to get inspired but  the vision came alive once I pulled out the "Yellow Dress." So while Amy Winehouse played in the background, after a few twirls and whirls the master piece was completed.

Fashionably late but still always on time for the party...He embraced me!!!!!
"Now only if my heart could stop smiling.."

"Time Flies While Wearing Vintage."
  JE

1) Yellow Dress- Thrift store
2) Velvet Blazer- Lost Treasure's
3)Purse- Good Will

A Bronx Tale

I had an eventful Saturday !
I headed to the Bronx, to a thrift store. After three transfers and bus wide I was starting to tire out and get frustrated. I began to doubt if it was even worth the ride to the Bronx. Since I'm a trooper and nothing comes between me my vintage I finally made it!
I walked in and it was like heaven. My eyes opened wide and my heart began racing; I didn't know which isle to peruse first, so I just dove right in! Two hours later I came up for air and my basket was over flowing with "Vintage Glam."  I think a couple women were mad at the fact that I had everything they wanted. They followed me around hoping I would put some items back!!! YEAH RIGHT!! You snooze, you lose PAL!
It was a great outing and I definitely will be heading back soon!

"Time Flies While Wearing Vintage."
 JE

1) Tights-UO
2)Jean Button Up-UO
3)Belt Thrift Store
4) Boots-Thrift Store

I am really excited!

I met with Darrell yesterday so we could chat about an upcoming project that we are working on. But before we met in Starbucks we definitely stopped over in the thrift store and did some shopping. Thrifting with him is so fun; we try on everything and the commentary is hilarious. We ended up getting some amazing "finds" after going nuts in all the isles. They say the first step is admitting you have a problem. My problem is all the amazing pieces I want to take home, but Darrell reminded me that I am on a strict BUDGET!
After the healthy laughter was over, it was time for business. We spent about 3 hours going over ideas and laying out the foundation. I can't spill the beans yet, but the project is definitely going to be DOPE!
Stay tuned.......

"Time Flies While Wearing Vintage."
  JE

1) Outfit- SALVATION ARMY!!!!!!
2) Gold skinny belt- Thrift store in NJ

Love!

I just LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!
This pump by Louis Vuitton is amazing and I am trying to figure out how I am going to score a pair!
First time I seen this shoe was 2 months ago in the Elle Magazine and I fell head over heels!
Such a classy but playful pump to pair with endless outfits!

"Time Flies While Wearing Vintage."
 JE

Sunday flea wrap up!

Over the weekend I participated in the BedStuy Flea. Its not very big yet but it does show its potential in the near future. I was so excited that I actually went and participated with the local Brooklyn vendors. It was a lot more than I expected because I got a chance to be interviewed by the local Brooklyn channel BCAT! Now I know most people may not even know about BCAT or don't even flip over to the channel, but it actually gives entrepreneurs a chance to advertise there businesses on their station. It took me a couple tries after a few bloopers, but I am sure the finish product will be great. I mean what more could I ask for.....Its free advertisement for Joyce Elaine and I'm totally stoked about it!
 My lovely assistant Jessica, who I'm slowly introducing vintage to piece by piece came out to help me. The day was full of big smiles and healthy giggles. It didn't hurt that the weather decided to act right as well. The people came out as it got warmer, and I was definitely thankful for the people coming over and shopping on my racks!
I have such a support base its wonderful. My good friend Terrance who lives in California came out to the flea and surprised me. He's always popping in and out of NY and it really warmed my heart when he showed up, along with my ace Calvin! They are one of my biggest supporters of Joyce Elaine and best friends. We have amazing adventures in the city and every moment is filled with boisterous laughter! Thanks for the positive energy guys and thanks to the BedStuy Flea!

'Time Flies While Wearing Vintage"
 JE

Joyce Elaine

Jessica, Calvin, Terrance

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Terrance

Calvin

1) Pink vintage bridesmaid dress- Thrift store
2) Belt- Thrift Store
3) Christian Dior Vintage glasses- Hooti Couture ( You will see them a lot on me.)
4) Boots- Urban Outfitters

Sharing Creations: Darrell Peacock

Last month I got a chance to work with a really good friend of mines and talented stylist Darrell Peacock. He is a young man in the game, but his drive fuels me, those around him and his eye for style is impeccable. We consult on a lot of personal and business ventures and Darrell definitely keeps me on my toes as a woman and a business woman. We support each other in all avenues big or small and sometimes I don't know where I would be without his direction. He is one of the main forces of why Joyce Elaine exist. Darrell saw the vision in me, way before I knew that I could bring my vision to the masses.

Its funny because were like BBM best buds! He may get an idea at 2am and shoot it to me and I wake up the next morning to an creative essay of style and vis versa! It just works between us because we both understand the foundation of whats important to us. Our families, education, strong work ethic, love, and cultivating sustainable friendships as be battle to get to the top in what we both love to do. Creating and story telling in the world of fashion. Its more than just putting clothes on a model, its feeling the power and essence behind the vision you've just created. 

Darrell is the fashion editor of  Sharae Magazine and last month he styled an amazing model Teja Bernee of Reminisce Models. I had the opportunity to be on location and some of my Joyce Elaine vintage jewelry was used in the shoot as well. Sharae Magazine is an awesome online site for artist, photographers, models, and entrepreneurs to network and expound on there possibilities!

"Time Flies While Wearing Vintage"

 JE

Teja Bernee of Reminisce Models
Click here for Sharae Mag

Stylist: Darrell Peacock

BedStuy Flea

Lately I've been perusing the isles of many thrift stores, Good Wills, Salvation Army's, fleas and garage sales stocking up on many awesome pieces for my clients. I have so many bags of clothing, shoes, jewelry, purses etc. around the house its bananas. I am really running out of closet space to store the items and its telling me two main things. I must work harder to get more clientele and also to get my self out at more flea markets. I have to much awesome stock to just be housing it and not showcasing it on a lovely beautiful soul out there.

This Sunday ( weather permitting) I will be at the BedStuy Flea located in Brooklyn! Come shop the Joyce Elaine racks and catch certain items for only $5!!!!! 

See you then!

 " Time Flies While Wearing Vintage." 
   JE

Monday was really a slow day since it was Columbus Day. I still had to go to work, which is so unfair when most of the world had the day off. Not such a big deal, its not as if when I'm at work, I'm ACTUALLY DOING WORK! My 9 to 5 job gives me more of an opportunity to work on Joyce Elaine. I'm always Googling, connecting  or networking with someone on how I am going to get Joyce Elaine to the masses.  I have these sticky pads at work with notes, that has nothing pertaining to the reason why I am at work! Thank God for the type of job I have and for my crazy boss who isn't on my back. Though he did mention to me that we wouldn't be ordering any dress mannequins or vintage polka dot shopping bags. All in all he thinks I'm a great worker and one of his most "Stylish Employees Ever!'

" Time Flies While Wearing Vintage."
JE

1. Deep Sea Romper- Thrift store
2. Belt- Thrift store
3. Necklace- Passed down from my Grandmother Joyce 
4. Watch- Passed down from my MOM ( Elaine)
5. Bracelets- Salvation Army
6. Boots- Urban Outfitters

Sunday I woke up with a lot on my mind. I have so many ideas I am having trouble putting them down on paper.  I have so many things on my "to do" list I am overwhelmed, but Darrell tells me "One thing at a time!" Its so hard when you see your dream right in front of you. It becomes very frustrating when my burning talent is bursting to come out, but I know I have to lay the foundation. UUUGGHH!!!
So after these thoughts finished running through my mind, I jumped out of bed and went to go check out the BedStuy Flea. Since it was a nice day with a breeze, I decided to wear something simple...So I thought!

1. Red Trousers- Thrift Store
2. Black see through top w/ sequence shoulder- Thrift store
3. AWESOME Blazer- Thrift Store
4. Shoes- Urban Outfitters (Chelsea Crew)

PHILLY!!!!!!

This whole week I had been gearing up to head to Philadelphia for their annual PHILLY SWAP!

Sunday morning came, I grabbed 4 tot bags and hopped on the China bus to Philly. It was very exciting being that it was my first time and I hear such good things in regards to the vintage world. Once arriving at the Urban Outfitters warehouse it was a free for all...Well at least once you paid your $20 entry fee...I mean but whose complaining. Clothes were spread out everywhere and I had no clue where to start. My mind was spinning, my heart was heavy, but I went in big eyed and hungry for some great finds!!!!

In the mist of me coming up for air, for a quick 10 minute break. I heard a familiar voice to the left of me. It was one of my favorite vintage fashionistas and bloggers, Sammy Davis Vintage in the flesh. She is an amazing spirit and one of the forces that has inspired me to start a business. Once I worked up enough courage to approach her,  I blurted out " I think your amazing!" Her face turned cherry red and she replies "Wait you know who I am?" I replied back, " Duh everyone knows who Sammy Davis is!" We both burst out in giggles!

We chatted for a while and I realized what a great person she is. I visit her website often, as she is always offering daily advice and tutorials about vintage which is AWESOME!!!!  Ladies please check her out.

Sammy Davis your amazing and thanks for the fox fur vest you got for me out of the VIP section!

Can't wait to do coffee....

Sammy Davis
click here to visit Sammy