Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Just in case you already have Refashioned Bags, are rich, and need EVEN MORE DIY purse action....

(repost from our inspiration blog: justfordesignblog.com)


Check out this DIY bag by Fendi- The bag is called "Mezzo Punto" (Italian for half stitch) and it comes complete with embroidery thread, needles and patterns. Now, personally, even if I were a heavy hitter, I wouldn't pay $1000 bucks for a bag-- but this concept has got my mind swirling with ideas! How 'bout you? What's the most you'd ever pay for a bag? And would you still pay that much to personalize the bag yourself? What do you think about all of these luxury brands tapping into the DIY market? Controversial or Cool?
images via http://shegreen.tv

Monday, December 7, 2009

Ever wonder what we get inspired by when we're making our crazy clothes?



Here are some OLD pics of Faith and I with some BIG hair (yes, that is our hair!!)! Funny what inspires us in different moments in our lives!)

Well, check out our guest post over at CrafterNews to find out what we're listening to, looking at and vibing with right now (we still love big hair, but that's not what we're talking about here>) -
What get's you all inspired? Have any music you love to listen to while sewing-- or maybe a favorite visual artist that you've taken color swatches from, or been inspired by in some other way?
We'd love to hear about your crafty inspirations too!

Sunday, December 6, 2009

The G-Love Clutch - by Christine Cherrone


We LOVE hearing from past interns and woke up to smiles this morning brought to us by Christine Cherrone, who interned for us back when Compai was still a boutique in Italy. She send us this lovely greeting and pic-- an honestly made us feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Thanks Christine!
She writes:
"Hope all is well! So I got my copy of Refashioned Bags a few weeks ago...and I absolutely love it! Great work...you've really out done yourselves with this one...I love all the ideas, the pictures and the designer features...as well as all the extra anecdotes and quick tips sprinkled throughout.

So far I've tackled the Glove Clutch (pic attached) and I love the results. I made it from an old faux-leather bag that had seen better days and a cheap costumey glove that I no longer had use for. I was even able to reuse the pocket lining of the original purse for the lining of the clutch. I have gotten so many compliments on this bag and can't wait to start the next project.

Thank you for the inspiration!

xoxo
Christine

Christine--
We love the way your G-Love Clutch turned out--It's looks so cozy nestled there in the snow.
You rocked it. Thanks so much for sending--Baci e abracci,
F&J


If any of you all have projects that you have made from Refashioned Bags, or any of our other books, send us images to compairehab@gmail.com and we'll do our best to post them on our blog.


Monday, November 23, 2009

Tec de Monterrey-- Gracias!!










Head to our Flickr Page for more pics

We got back yesterday from Hermosillo, Mexico, where we were invited by The Entrepreneurial Studies Class to speak at their University, Tec de Monterrey, alongside some of the most inspiring people that we have ever met.

We had a fashion show showcasing 12 outfits showcased on 12 models who doubled as Tec students! We also did an hour long lecture and Q&A , and hosted the largest T-Shirt workshop ever (about 300 people)-- and were lucky enough to be presenting alongside some of the most inspiring people that we have ever met: Camilla Wirseen of PeePoople and Tom Szaky of Terracycle- Both of these companies are solving major world eco and social issues through highly innovative, savvy, and creative means, and Glenn Kaplus, a Professor at Babson College who led an eye-opening lecture on entrepreneurship.

Some of the other extremely inspiring people at the conference were the students themselves, who independently organized and raised money for the whole event and were so smart, open and gracious hosts.

We'd really like to thank everyone envolved for an AMAZING, eye opening week. We were so flattered to be featured in state-wide newspapers and to sell out of the whole case of books we brought--
Gracias Tec De Monterrey...and to Paulina for finding us!
If you al have pics to send us, pleas upload them to our flickr group!
Love,
J&F

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Prepping for a big fashion show in Mexico this week!








Here, my sister Faith is modeling pieces from our limited-edition clothing collection Compai as we prep for our fashion show in Monterrey, Mexico at the Eco-Social this Friday.
We will be hosting workshops, giving a one hour long lecture and showing off our eco-friendly rags ...all to happen on Friday!
Wish us luck!
also...
We were thrilled this A.M. to see book write-ups of my latest book "Refashioned Bags" from 2 of my most eco-stylish buddies/colleagues Molly at Ideal bite and Paige at Bash Eco events.
Also, one of my Besties, Shannon on her rockin blog Hustle-up, hustled a beautiful review for us!
Thanks ladies and I'm so flattered-can't wait to see some of your crafty-green creations!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

And the winners are....

Three Lucky blog followers have been Randomly chosen to win their very own copy of Refashioned Bags!
And the winners are:
-Amy Carriere AKA miss Amy
-Super Pirate Pengies
&
-Niki.mac

Winners! Please email us with your snail mail address to compairehab@gmail.com and we will send out your winning copies of the book! CONGRATS!



Huge thanks yous to everyone who participated in the contest!

If you love the book,
!Please help us out by writing happy 5 star reviews of the new book on Amazon!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Winners of Refashioned Bags- TOMORROW!


Hey Compai-istas! Tomorrow we will be picking 3 lucky winners randomly from our pool of followers to win a copy of "Refashioned Bags!-- So sign up NOW to follow our blog if you haven't already...

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Refashioned Bags! COUNTDOWN!


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justina blakeney



Comes out in 10 days! Faith is wearing "Le Zip Sac"- learn how to make this upcycled bag and 25 others in our latest (and greatest?!?) book so far. Get your copy here. Oh, and feel free to take these pics photographed by the supremely sweet and talented Philip Touitou
and spread 'em all over the friggen web ;-) and thanks to our besty: Sarit Melmed for the cover design that I love SO much.

Also, don't forget to sign up to follow this blog for a chance to win a free copy of Refashioned Bags! Winners will be picked at random very soon-- so don't wait!
xxx
J&F

Monday, October 5, 2009

Greetings from Europe!


Hey Compai-istas!
I was in London last week, and I saw a TON of noteworthy stuff- but this I really had to share with you! There is a Hermes Pop Up shop at Liberty (one of the best department stores in London, in my humble opinion)-- now I know what you're thinking-- "What's that got to do with me?" I know-- who in the world can afford Hermes? But it wasn't the scarves that were all that interesting (albeit beautiful) it was what they were doing with them! Someone at Hermes must have gotten their hands on "99 Ways to Cut, Sew, Tie and Rock your Scarf" Because they were filming live demos of ways to wear your scarf, and let me tell you, I was getting a pretty heavy dose of deja vu!
I snatched up their catalog and check out some of the compai-issimo designs!
For more from my London trip-- visit the Just for design blog


xxx
justina

Friday, September 11, 2009

Check out the Just For Design blog


Hey Friends!
I just started a new blog called "Just for Design" check it out! Follow me! Comment!
yay! Happy Friday.
xxx
justina

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Come Join Compai at Soi Meme! The Eco Bridal Show in LA!




Compai dress and "Table top" made of Soy Jersey and a vintage table doily.

Niether Faith nor I are married...so it was a thrill and a shock to be invited to come to speak at Soi-Mem - the eco bridal show being held this weekend in downtown LA.

But-- just because I'm not married doesn't mean I've never fantasized about my future wedding before and how fabulously upcycled every detail we be-- from the dress to the table napkins. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not one of those women who spends all of my free time flipping through bridal magazines or trying on dresses a la' Muriel's wedding or anything--especially since I'm not engaged-- but a girl can dream-- can't she?

However--if any of you are getting married any time reasonably soon, or if any of you are the freakish Muriel's wedding type who live to try on wedding dresses every afternoon even though there is no significant other in sight...well, you should really come and check out my lecture/demo of all the ways to upcycle your wedding, and all of the eco-chic wedding booths that we be presenting their goods. It will be fun, informative, and you don't even need to be a bride-to-be to wanna know how to make your own cute, chic stuff, right?
so join us! Click HERE for more info

What would you like to make for your wedding? Have you ever done any freakish bride-to-be stuff even though there is no ring on your finger? (come on! you can tell me!) Have you seen any great DIY wedding rings or cool upcycled veils? how about hand-me-downs? as the saying goes....Something old something new, something borrowed, and something blue! Of course, if I had my way, the saying would go "something old, something you, something borrowed and something green!

see you Saturday!
xoxo
-Justina

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

YOUR COPY OF REFASHIONED BAGS....




3 lucky Compai-istas will win FREE (you heard me... a FREE copy of our brand spankin' new-- not-even-on-shelves yet-- book " Refashioned Bags! Upcycle anything into high-Style Handbags!"'

And I don't mean to be tootin' my own horn or anything-- but I'm REALLY proud of this book. The bags are cute. I mean really friggen cute. N'est pas? Here's just a tiny taste...

For a chance to win, all you have to do is follow our blog to your right.
3 WINNERS will be selected randomly on NOVEMBER 3rd-the day the book hits the stores! Thanks for reading our books, our blog and for showing so much CRAFTY love!

(all followers, old and new are eligible - but we can only ship books to the US and Canada..Thanks for understanding!)

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Clothes, classrooms and...bags! bags! Refashioned bags!








Hey Compai-istas!
Well-- it's finally happened! "Refashioned Bags! Upcycle anything into a high-style Handbag" is available for presale on Amazon-- the cover has been chosen.. and as we speak the books are being printed getting ready for the November launch.
I, for one, cannot wait to hold a copy in my hands. This book was A LOT of work-- so I can't wait to see the fruits of our year-long labor come to fruition!

But don't worry, it's not like I'm sitting around twiddling my thumbs all day waiting... Faith and I have been very busy teaching a classroom full of fledgling designers how to upcycle their duds...and even we're learning a few things along the way. Check out these pics and let us know what you think!
Then, go pre-order Refshioned Bags already-- I wanna see those amazon sales ranks appear!! Have a click
Thanks everyone! we hope that you're having a rad summer! We are!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

What's up, compai?


You've may be wondering what the heck we do with our time here at Compai, you already know our new book is coming out in the Fall-- but what's going on all summer long?
Well, Faith and I begin teaching at THE CHILDRENS ART INSTITUTE on Monday, and for the last couple of months I have been consulting a women who will be opening up a ridiculously beautiful shop called 'Tavin'--in Echo Park. It will be a mix of vintage and new designer-- right up my ally!

I want you to go check out the Tavin blog because there is a chance to win a stunning pair of golden slippers just for signing up to follow the blog-- plus I'd love to get your feedback of how you like the Tavin blog, the look and feel etc-- from all of my trusted Compai-istas.

It's nice to be living the Shop life again, for those of you that have been following Compai for a while, you know that Faith and I had a boutique for recycled and vintage clothing in Florence, Italy for a number of years, and I didn't realize until now how much I miss it--
Grazie and let's talk soon-- we have some exciting things going on right around the corner!
Oh and I almost forgot-- TAVIN will carry selected pieces from the Compai limited edition collection! YAY!!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

99 ways...BRASIL!!!



A little bird (whose name is Google Alert) told m that the Portuguese version of 99 Ways...T-Shirt and 99 Ways...Denim just hit stores in Brasil... Obrigado and we cant wait to see the Compai creations all of our Brasilian friends will make! Please share them with us!

I came across this blog that said:
Os livros produzidos pelo grupo Compai, surgido em Florença, Itália, em 2002, quando Faith Blakeney e Justina Blakeney abriram uma butique especializada em reabilitar roupas usadas e abusadas. Então se juntaram a Ellen Schultz e formaram um grupo de jovens que, além de promover desfiles e vender roupas, propõem discussões de idéias para inovar em design e incentivar uma consciência maior em relação..

Not quite sure what it says... but thanks for posting COMPAI!

Monday, May 4, 2009

The L.A. River Waste Symphony

The Fruits of our River Clean-up:

L.A. River Waste Symphony from Jason Rosencrantz on Vimeo.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

What did you do on Earth Day?


PHOTO OF L.A. RIVER by GREENLAGIRL

I always struggle with the whole "Earth Day" concept...On one hand, I love that one day a year people become more conscious about what we are doing to our planet, on the other hand, every day really, really should be earth day.

I spent the day down at the almost beautiful Los Angeles river. The river looks green and lush from afar (albeit not sooo full of water) and like most rivers, there are ducks and geese and all kinds of wildlife-- but then once you actually get down to the river, reality sets in. Plastic bags are caught on virtually every tree branch, plastic bottles, tires, and even really weird and random litter like pots and pans, soccer balls, curling irons and other bits of electro-waste were all over the riverbank, inside the river, and even floating alongside the little duckies.

The scariest thing about the experience was that upstream, there were some families actually fishing in the river for food.
I spent the day collecting trash there and stay tuned to find I what I did with my trashy stash....HINT: Compai never ran into trash that didn't inspire us to make something!
Happy Earth Day everyone!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Compai on Zem's list!


If you aren't familiar with Zem Joaquin's blog ecofabulous-- you should get on it! They are the go-to source for all things fabulous in the eco world! We were super excited to see that our Denim book was on Zem's list! Thanks Zem-- and I hope you all are getting ready for EARTH DAY!
xxx
Faith and Justina

Saturday, April 4, 2009

The Capri-Sun Dress spot on The Morning Show

If you missed the T.V. spot now's your chance to see it! Not sure how long it'll be up for ... so check it out HERE now! (They even pronounced my name right! woohoo!
xxxx~Justina

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Compai Dress on The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet!


Hey Compai-istas!

We just found out that our fabulously green CAPRI SUN dress design will be featured tomorrow morning on The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet,
which is nationally syndicated on FOX!

The segment is scheduled to air around 9:50am - 9:55am ET; check it out!
And, if any of you have Tivo and can help us record the segment, we'd be really grateful.
hugs, kisses, and happy crafting-
F & J