Kristena Witherspoon Designs

Designer Profile~~Nit Ra Sit

2009-07-18T18:03:00.000-07:00

I recently visited designer Nit Ra Sit's Brooklyn studio.

She currently has 2 lines:
Nit Ra Sit (an accessories line that she started in 2008)
Gems by design (a couture label that she started in 2004)

I found out about her line via MissBehave mag. Her Butterfly Bag was included in a trend profile. So cute! I love bags and butterflies..so I had to meet her! My friend Sasha and I met up with her and actually helped her finish up a few dresses for an upcoming fashion show. She is super nice and thanked us with vegan Thai food..yummy!

Nit's super talented! She uses a combination of ethnic prints and is influenced by different cultures. Besides bags and clothing, she also designs adorable reversible Obi-style belts and pillows.

Check her site @ www.nitrasit.com

It's been a long time...

2009-07-11T07:01:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since my last post. I'm really going to make an effort to post more often. I just got back from NYC and it was awesome! I saw some college friends that I hadn't seen since graduation. I found awesome African print fabric...soo excited! I'm so glad that I found this place b/c it is a third of the prices in Chicago. hooty hoooo!! Checked out a few museums and indie films also...my new obsession....indie films.

I also visited designer Nit Ra Sit in her Brooklyn studio. I love her stuff!
Next post will be about her :)

I'm still trying to decide if I should submit for Renegade Chicago. I think I will, because it would be great exposure and a great way to meet cool ppl. I love being around creative people and this is the perfect opportunity for it.

Until next time....

BEP..The End

2009-06-13T19:17:00.000-07:00

I just got their new album yesterday.
I love how it is produced so that all the songs flow together.
Great party tracks and will keep you pumped during your morning run.
Check it :)

WristCuffs

2009-06-13T19:05:00.000-07:00

I always have a ton of scrap fabric..now I have something to do with it!

More Bow Clutches!

2009-06-13T19:02:00.000-07:00

A few other colors completed.
So funky!

Introducing the Bow Clutch

2009-05-23T19:45:00.000-07:00

I'm sooo in love with this!

New style for KWD!

Introducing the Bow Clutch. Perfect for a night out. Fun and girly yet super practical. Big bow on front of clutch.

I've done 3 so far: stonewash denim, blk/white mudcloth, and the Ankara print.

More colors to come!

KWD will be @ the WE Market this Saturday..coolness :)

2009-05-15T20:41:00.000-07:00

New Bamboo Flag Earrings!

2009-05-11T19:05:00.001-07:00

Featuring Guyana, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Rasta, and Nigeria.
Handpainted and VERY limited quantities.

What's up?!

2009-04-22T09:18:00.000-07:00

SUPER SPRING sale is what’s up.
KWD is making room for superfresh spring styles (stay tuned for the Bow Clutch) holla!

www.kristenawitherspoon.etsy.com

Urban Heiress Interview

2009-04-22T09:15:00.002-07:00

Yay!
Shouts out to Urban Heiress for interviewing KWD.
Check it at:
http://urbanheiress.blogspot.com/2009/04/hobby-hustlin-kristena-witherspoon.html

The Fafi Clutch

2009-04-12T07:25:00.001-07:00

I've had a small obsession with fold over bags for a bit now...it's about time that I've created one for KWD! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this fabric. The colors are beautiful and the sunflower print is interesting. I enjoy using faux leather, and I found an ostrich print type..so cute!

I'll definitely be doing this in more colors!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Fold over clutch with wristlet strap. Beautiful gold, black, green and cream sunflower African print cotton fabric. Black ostrich print faux leather detail. Green satin lining. Gold magnetic snap closure. Interfaced to give structure.

7.5" deep zip pocket beneath fold.

DIMENSIONS
12" wide
8" deep folded
13" deep unfolded
10" wrist strap
2.5" wide faux leather detail

HANDMADE & ONE-OF-A-KIND :)

The Sugah Hobo

2009-04-07T17:47:00.000-07:00

Holla back!! Holla at the Sugah Hobo!!

I've started using mudcloth fabric....and it looks great as a big bag :)
It has a great heavyweight feel and is very sturdy.

This is an awesome bag! Superhuge. Slouchy hobo style.
The top curves slightly to fit right beneath your arm. The exterior is a heavyweight purple/plack mudcloth with a 2" wide black webbing detail at front. Strap is black/white mudcloth. Pink interior. 2 interior pockets. Gold magnetic snap closure.

DIMENSIONS
13" deep
20" at widest point
14" opening at top
16" strap (2" WIDE)
5" x 5" interior pockets (2)

Street Style..part uno

2009-03-14T21:40:00.000-07:00

I like street fashion…seeing how people mix their own ideas is very inspiring to me as a designer. I enjoy seeing how various people express themselves. I initially planned on starting an entirely new blog for this..but decided to simply add it to the KWD blog.

Charita B. is a friend of mine with supercool style. I’ve told her plenty of times that she should become a personal stylist or something. She once told me that she’s probably so into clothes because she had to wear a uniform for school. We’ve collaborated on many projects: from customizing dresses to creating new ones. What’s even more awesome is she scores awesome finds from resale shops (hope that wasn’t a secret..) and mixes it with newer stuff.

Who is Taraji P. Henson?

2009-03-14T21:03:00.000-07:00

.....a great actress that's been slept on way too long. Wake up! haha

Taraji is an Academy Award-nominated American actress. Born in 1970 in Washington, D.C., she has been acting since 1997 and is best known for her roles in Hustle and Flow, Baby Boy , and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. She graduated from Howard University with a degree in Theater Arts.

Taraji has said in an interview that her philosophy in life is: "Love as often as you can. Dance like nobody's watching. Travel. Eat. Try new foods because, like my character [Queenie in The Curious Case ..]says, you never know what's coming for you and when it's time to let go, you got to let go."

Below is a list of a few of her awards and nominations:

Academy Awards
o 2009: Best Supporting Actress - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Nominated)

BET Awards
o 2006: Best Actress (Winner)

Black Movie Awards
o 2005: Best Supporting Actress - Hustle & Flow (Winner)

Gotham Awards
o 2007: Best Ensemble - Talk to Me (Winner)

NAACP Image Awards
o 2009: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Winner)
o 2008: Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture - Talk to Me (Nominated)
o 2006: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture - Hustle & Flow (Nominated)

• MTV Movie Awards
o 2006: Best Breakthrough Performance - Hustle & Flow (Nominated)

Screen Actors Guild Awards

o 2008: Outstanding Cast in a Television Drama - Boston Legal (Nominated)
o 2007: Outstanding Cast in a Television Drama - Boston Legal (Nominated)
o 2006: Outstanding Cast in a Motion Picture - Hustle & Flow (Nominated)

"Sing It Back" by Moloko

2009-03-06T14:24:00.000-08:00

I absolutely ADORE this song. Trip hop and ya don't stop!
This live performance is so so great!
Gotta love the clothing too :)

More, more Moloko! Here are some more cool songs.

Oh.... Kokorokoko!

2009-02-23T19:53:00.000-08:00

So...my designs are carried in a shop! Yay! Kokorokoko is a new Chicago shop located at 1112 N. Ashland Ave (@ Division). Superclose to the Division Blue Line stop. Owner Sasha Hodges is a cool chica with an awesome concept: young designers mixed with 80s/90s/00s resale fashion.

Opening this week :)

Check out la blog @ http://www.koko-rokoko.blogspot.com/

Whatchu doin' this Friday?

2009-02-17T19:37:00.000-08:00

Yeah..I'm at it again..this is round 2!

Looking for something to do this Friday in Chicago?

Come check out Rumble Arts @ 3413 W. North Avenue…it runs from 9-1.

WHEN: FRIDAY, FEB 20th

There will be great music, art, and food.

This is an awesome non-profit community art center located in the heart of Humbolt Park.40% of Kristena Witherspoon sales will be donated to the Rumble Arts Center!

Check out http://www.rumblearts.com/ for more info

Envelope-Style Clutch (so adorable!)

2009-02-15T16:37:00.000-08:00

New Style for KWD!

Simple envelope-style clutch. Perfect for a night out.

Exterior is mudcloth and lambskin. Interior is satin.

Bag is interfaced to give structure.

11" WIDE

7" DEEP

flap comes down 5.5" at longest point

HANDMADE AND ONE-OF-A-KIND

KWD @ Handmade Market this Saturday! Booyah!

2009-02-08T13:39:00.000-08:00

What it do? haha

KWD will be at Handmade Market this Saturday from noon to 4:30. Come check the supercool red and pink items that I just finished...there will also be cool new mudcloth hobo styles.

Handmade Market is a unique event to connect the makers of beautiful things to people who appreciate the unique and handmade. The Empty Bottle starts serving at noon, so feel free to shop with mimosas in hand. (We do encourage relaxed shopping.) You can also grab brunch at the tasty Bite Café next door.

Leg Warmers?? Can I get a what what!

2009-01-27T09:08:00.000-08:00

Who loves leg warmers?? I know I do!! They keep your legs warm and cozy..I prefer wearing them with leggings and sneakers. Supercool. They also work well with dresses/skirts in the winter.. I knit..so of course I like the idea of creating them myself. I’ve begun many projects and only seem to create ‘ankle’ warmers. These babies can take a while to complete, especially if you use size 4 needles like moi! Maybe that’s not the best choice, but tight stitches are best if you want to keep warm. So yeah…I end up buying them for $5 from H & M…but ONE DAY I’m going to graduate from ankle warmers to leg warmers!

Check out these knitting directions if you’re interested in making your own. Enjoy!

http://xtreme-knitting.com/photos-legwarmers.htm

The Impeccable Style of Michelle O.

2009-01-21T06:52:00.000-08:00

I know everyone’s blogging about this..but I HAD to do my piece as well! LolI love what Michelle O. wore yesterday!

The jewel-collared, pale yellow gold lace coat, sweater, and sheath dress ensemble was designed by Isabel Toledo. She is a Cuban-born New York based designer known for her use of luxurious fabrics and clean lines.

Her evening gown was a one shouldered ivory silk chiffon dress with an all over applique of scattering silk flowers and crystals. It was designed by Taipei-born New York based Jason Wu. The gown was graceful and confirmed Michelle O.’s determination to embrace her own independent style by wearing the great designs of an emerging new generation of American fashion designers.

Carnivale @ Rumble Arts!

2009-01-20T11:16:00.001-08:00

Looking for something to do this Friday in Chicago?
Come check out Rumble Arts @ 3413 W. North Avenue…it runs from 9-1.

WHEN: FRIDAY JANUARY 23rd
There will be music, art, and food.

This is an awesome non-profit community art center located in the heart of Humbolt Park.

40% of Kristena Witherspoon sales will be donated to the Rumble Arts Center! Yay!

Check out http://www.rumblearts.com/ for more info

The Shiznit Bag

2009-01-14T03:43:00.000-08:00

I just finished this bag and I LOVE it..it epitomizes what my label is all about..cool..funky..makes its own statement :)

Black/White Shiznit Bag

This bag is great! So huge..big enough to carry all of your shiznit. Haha. This bag was inspired by the many street fashionistas that I see in Chicago…mixing many things to create their own style. The exterior is a black/white checkered lightweight canvas with black faux leather and yellow webbing randomly stitched across it. The interior is pink satin.
The bottom base is black canvas and structured.

DIMENSIONS
15” long strap…6” drop..fits right beneath your arm
15” wide at top
17” wide at bottom
4” wide bottom base

Milly the Dancehall Queen

2009-01-10T11:27:00.001-08:00

Milly's dance style is very different from other dancehall queens that you may have seen. She incorporates her own style into the moves..and also adds a lot of hip hop flavor to them. She is from the Bronx and is self-taught. Milly began dancing a bit over 5 years ago in college with various campus dance groups. She's opened for various dancehall artists, such as Sizzla and Elephant Man.

If you club in NYC, then you may have already seen her perform.
I'm sure that we'll be seeing her in videos and such very soon. Very talented!

Management Contact:
Melantha Hodge
1OFAKIND Entertainment
718-314-6003
melantha@1ofakindent.com
www.myspace.com/got_milz

The Besque One

2009-01-10T11:14:00.000-08:00

I stumbled upon this guy's MySpace page...and I really like his music! He's based in Toronto (via Los Angeles) and has been featured on songs with Janelle Monae as well as Feist. Besides good beats, his songs have great lyrics as well.

www.myspace.com/besque

http://www.besque.com/