Monday, December 5, 2011

an introduction to vintage tattoo art








Jessie Knight, UK's first woman tattoo artist

It was in and around the year 1936 when Jessie Knight set up her own tattoo shop in Aldershot, Hampshire, England, & then eventually moving into the back of an amusement arcade in the army garrison town - tattooing there throughout the Second World War.

Jessie Knight


In 1955 Jessie took second place in the ‘Champion Tattoo Artist Of All England’ competition held in London, with a large back design of a Scotsman tossing a caber, complete with tents and spectators in the background of the tattoo.

my favourite Vintage tattoo images

















on my wishlist.....

these are stunning! 
Vintage leather gloves decorated with classic tattoo art...


love!!!!!!



a commitment to Vintage style


gorgeous corset tattoo

shonalily.x

Friday, November 18, 2011

a beautiful soul.....Thich Nhat Hahn


Mindfulness is the energy of being aware and awake to the present moment. 
It is the continuous practice of touching life deeply in every moment of daily life. 
To be mindful is to be truly alive, present and at one with those around you and with what you are doing. 



“The past is gone, the future is not yet here, and if we do not go

 back to ourselves in the present moment, we cannot be in touch

 with life.”
 
Thich Nhat Hahn


Thich Nhat Hahn


One of the best known and most respected Zen masters in the world today, poet, and peace and human rights activist, Thich Nhat Hanh (called Thây by his students) has led an extraordinary life. Born in central Vietnam in 1926 he joined the monkshood at the age of sixteen. The Vietnam War confronted the monasteries with the question of whether to adhere to the contemplative life and remain meditating in the monasteries, or to help the villagers suffering under bombings and other devastation of the war. Nhat Hanh was one of those who chose to do both, helping to found the "engaged Buddhism" movement. His life has since been dedicated to the work of inner transformation for the benefit of individuals and society.
In Saigon in the early 60s, Thich Nhat Hanh founded the School of Youth Social Service, a grass-roots relief organization that rebuilt bombed villages, set up schools and medical centers, resettled homeless families, and organized agricultural cooperatives. Rallying some 10,000 student volunteers, the SYSS based its work on the Buddhist principles of non-violence and compassionate action. Despite government denunciation of his activity, Nhat Hanh also founded a Buddhist University, a publishing house, and an influential peace activist magazine in Vietnam.

After visiting the U.S. and Europe in 1966 on a peace mission, he was banned from returning to Vietnam in 1966. On subsequent travels to the U.S., he made the case for peace to federal and Pentagon officials including Robert McNamara. He may have changed the course of U.S. history when he persuaded Martin Luther King, Jr. to oppose the Vietnam War publicly, and so helped to galvanize the peace movement. The following year, King nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize. Subsequently, Nhat Hanh led the Buddhist delegation to the Paris Peace Talks.

In 1982 he founded Plum Village, a Buddhist community in exile in France, where he continues his work to alleviate suffering of refugees, boat people, political prisoners, and hungry families in Vietnam and throughout the Third World. He has also received recognition for his work with Vietnam veterans, meditation retreats, and his prolific writings on meditation, mindfulness, and peace. He has published some 85 titles of accessible poems, prose, and prayers, with more than 40 in English, including the best selling Call Me by My True Names, Peace Is Every Step, Being Peace, Touching Peace, Living Buddha Living Christ, Teachings on Love, The Path of Emancipation, and Anger. In September 2001, just a few days after the suicide terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, he addressed the issues of non-violence and forgiveness in a memorable speech at Riverside Church in New York City. In September of 2003 he addressed members of the US Congress, leading them through a two-day retreat.


shonalily.x

Friday, May 6, 2011

smoking lilys feminine touch..

smoking lily

smoking lily


smoking lily


smoking lily


smoking lily


smoking lily


smoking lily

Carrieday Photography
Models Justyna Borowski & Ita Morrissey
Hairstylist Deirdre Walsh
Makeup Artist Nina Stuczynska
Styling Shona Neilson
Clothing from Smoking Lily Studio
shonalily.x

Thursday, May 5, 2011

creative collaboration photoshoot


smoking lily style

carrieday photography
 Carrie Day -Photographer
I have always loved vintage fashion and like to support local businesses so jumped at the chance to work with Shona and the girls. This shoot was an amazing experience, where 6 creative minds came together to collaborate on a project. We each approached it with our own separate experiences and ideas and soon realised we had a common vision! I loved feeding off the energy of each of the girls and this shoot was the most relaxing and enjoyable shoot I've ever worked on! 
I look forward to working with each of the girls again!
Graduating from a BA (hons) in Photography in the Arts from Swansea Metropolitan University, Wales, Carrie Day has been working as a freelance photographer in Kilkenny and the South East. Photographing everything from fashion and live gigs and events to portraits and weddings, she dabbles in as many different areas as possible! Carrie has worked with many different businesses and magazines including MacDonagh Junction and Living in Kilkenny magazine and has photographed numerous recognisable national and international artists such as Rodrigo y Gabriela, Bell X1, James Vincent McMorrow and Villagers to name a few. She has been involved in many exhibitions including the Free Range exhibition in the Old Truman Brewery in London's Brick Lane. She is available for commissions and can be contacted at carriedayphoto@gmail.com 



our gorgeous model Justyna
Justyna Felicia Borowski
has been living in Kilkenny for four years. During her time here she has worked as a translator and export sales executive but she has always enjoyed the creative projects and has worked as producer of film and music videos. In her own words-"I'm a devoted vintage clothing enthusiast. The city I hail from in Germany, Karlsruhe, has a multitude of vintage shops so I found Smoking Lily a great addition to Kilkenny's shopping scene. I thoroughly enjoyed the photo shoot collaboration, we had a fabulous day and it was an interesting experience for all of us." Justyna is currently attending the KETTOW course while she has also recently started her own food and lifestyle blog as well as working on a project to promote Kilkenny as a destination for Jewellery and Engagement Ring shopping.


our beautiful model Ita
Ita Morrissey
I am a student who adores all forms of creative expression, particularly ensemble/collaboration. My tendency towards vintage/second hand clothing began as my mother dragged me through countless charity stores, used to hate it, but know I love it and with my Eco-conscious, hence the involvement in the project. I also believe in local, so supporting Smoking Lily was definitely a huge pull.
Photography, styling, modeling is all about a vision, perspective and creating an interesting picture, so is theatre and as I wish to pursue directing that was another experience that would add to my knowledge.
But most of all it was to work and have FUN while being creative with like-minded individuals.



the talented & lovely Dee
Deirdre Esmonde Walsh- Hairstylist 
(Haircourt Salon, Kilkenny)
my passion for all things vintage began when I lived in Montreal and worked on shoots there! Also love collaborating with like minded folk and creating a look that inspires people. So essentially love the creative aspect of working in shoots and especially when it promotes local business!
At the moment I'm in partnership in the salon and managing it! Have been working with models and photographers on portfolios and such!!


super talented makeup artist Nina at work!
Nina Stuczynska- Makeup Artist
has been attending the Kilkenny College of Beauty Therapy. Following make up artist work on small film projects this photo shoot collaboration will be another great addition to her portfolio. Nina is very passionate about beauty, well being and holistic health and is currently operating a little beauty oasis, Nina Rejuvenate Studio, where she offers a variety of well being treatments and massages.



shona lily @ style at set Vintage fair 2011
Shona Lily- Stylist
my love for sourcing clothing & accessories, mixing & matching, creating different looks, playing with patterns & textures..are what lead me to opening smoking lily. My studio is a special space for me & I feel very fortunate that I can share my passion & fashion findings with those who enjoy similar styles.
So when Carrie approached me to see if I was interested in doing a photo shoot with her, I was over the moon excited, this was an opportunity to get creative & play as well as showcasing smoking lily style. Once we started talking about it we knew we had similar ideas & wanted to make it something special.  We needed models, a hairstylist & make-up artist & wanted to work with women from Kilkenny who were starting out , building their own portfolios. As momentum built, there was great support & excitement from all involved. After lots of planning & organising through emails, the day of the shoot brought us all together.  The weather was balmy & bright, the location was inspiring & the energy amongst us was high.  At the end of it all, we each have a collection of gorgeous photographs that we can use in our portfolios to showcase our various abilities. As well as it being a great learning experience, full of creative collaboration, we now have good connections with one another in business, as well as new friendships.


smoking lily studio Market Slip, Kilkenny
About Smoking Lily Studio
( All clothes & accessories used in the photoshoot are from Smoking Lily Studio )

Loving our new location, re-opened in January, we have been Kilkennys best kept secret, spreading by word of mouth, until now...we are officially back on the map!
Located just off of Kieran Street, 
on the Top Floor of 1 Market Slip (just beside the sewing shop)  in Kilkenny.

Our hideaway location only adds to the appeal of what we are all about at Smoking Lily. Follow the quirky old stairwell to the top floor, rooms full of character & charm, create a calm shopping oasis up & away from the busy streets of Kilkenny.  We offer a different shopping experience at Smoking Lily, combining a range of wearable Vintage, hand selected consignment pieces, with the beautiful Irish Design Label Bonzie & an eclectic mix of feminine vintage inspired clothing & accessories.

We are excited about our new location & looking forward to sharing this beautiful space & all of our hidden gems with those who adore a little something different!

At the moment we are getting ready for Spring/Summer 2011, with lots of lovely new stock arriving.
We have had an exciting couple of weeks at Smoking Lily Studio, having just completed this lovely photo shoot, as well as attending the fabulous Absolute Style at Set Vintage Fair here in Kilkenny!

It has been brilliant working with fellow women in business in Kilkenny, using our own ideas & creativity to inspire & support one another.  I look forward to more creative collaborations....
shonalily.x
the girls!!!!! x





Monday, April 4, 2011

amsterdam snaps

tilting buildings


typical corner


barge post box


street plants


amsterdam grafitti blending
blossoming


grafitti

simple touches
tiliting buildings


tulips


canal cafes

chocolate heels


 canals


tulips


stunning spot


beautiful window


shonalily.x

 






'bicycles' ....my favourites from Amsterdam

'daisy duke'


'turquoise tryke'





'bottle bike'




'flirting'




'blue boy'




'bridal'




'femme'



'gentley weathered'

shonalily.x