CRISIS // Nikka X Dfrntpigeon

       

       

    

   

Seldom do you come across fashion labels that stem from a worthy cause. This month, I'm very proud to be collaborating with dfrntpigeon, an apparel line from New Avenues for Youth that helps young adults who are at-risk of homelessness by providing them with a place to work while also teaching them the essential business skills and experience to make a career of their own.

Expressing who they are through fashion, dfrntpigeon is run by a handful of young adults from Portland, Oregon, ranging from the ages of 16-25. They just recently released their new spring collection during Design Week Portland, which consists of unique, grunge style tees that express who the creator's are by their individual designs.

The name dfrntpigeon (pronounced 'different pigeon') came to be from the "negative perception people in urban areas commonly have of the pigeon as a street pest," says Angela Hathaway, the woman who introduced me to this inspiring brand. I thought that was a creative way of coming up with a name through the symbolism of a pigeon, while, continuously flying about the city streets, have incredible worth and hidden potential as well. 

I styled my dfrntpigeon CRISIS Tee with black jeans, a leather jacket, and of course, statement boots. 

  

  

Dfrntpigeon is more than just a clothing brand. It's a fashion label that raises the voices of the unheard, challenges the perception of marginalized youth, and opens up the doors for many talented and creative people who deserve to be recognized for their bravery and unbreakable souls.

For more information, check out their website at dfrntpigeon.com. View their apparel here. Not only are they stylish, but they're affordable. Plus, you're contributing to a great cause.  Xx-Nikka

SHOP THE LOOK: 

CRISIS Tee

Leather Jacket

Topshop Boots

Topshop Jeans

                                                           

Scrap.

Hey y'all. So last week, I went out with one of my good friends, Maggie, to grab some lunch. She was carrying the cutest little sky blue bag over her dress. It was so tiny and simplistic, I had to ask her where she purchased it. 

"Target," she laughed out. 

Okay, not bad. 

"But the strap is thrifted. I didn't like the one the bag originally came with, so I went to Scrap and bought a whole bunch of these bag straps for like- 50 cents each."

Hold on- I- what? 50... Cents? 50 CENTS??? CAN YOU EVEN BUY A PENCIL FOR 50 FRIKIN CENTS HERE IN PORTLAND??? 

Apparently you can. I couldn't believe it. 50 mf cents. 

I was so frikin excited when she told me about this that I forced her to take me to the store she bought it from before we did anything else. 

The place really is called 'Scrap.' It's a thrift store where people go and donate just about anything you need--aside from clothing. They also provide educational opportunities in the community, offer volunteering positions at their store, and showcase art from local environmental artists in their gallery!

Lots of craft stuff, notebooks, pencils and pens (50 cents for a HANDFUL of pens. How big are your hands?).

They had old vinyls, camera bags, jars, envelopes, paper rolls, zippers, fabrics, cardboard cutouts (hey Harry), Halloween decorations, and ugh. Everything. 

So wait, why are the prices so low for a thrifty craft store? According to Scrap, a majority of the items you'll find have been donated by either individuals, schools, or business companies. Because of these donations, scrap can keep their prices extremely low. They make sure to price their materials at least 60-75% off the actual retail price. 

With donations continuously coming in, Scrap has gathered over 140 tons of "old" material that can still be reused for multiple things, stopping them from being dumped into the wate stream. Convenient for us, great for the environment! 

Baguette bags??????? So weird but I'm so in love?????

So if you're ever looking for something in particular to fix your handbag, go to Scrap. 

Want to design a piece of clothing? Go to Scrap.

Need boxes to send your friends and family gifts? Go to Scrap. 

Need back to school crap? Go. To. Scrap. Seriously, I bought three full notebooks, a handful of pens and pencils, six large manila envelops, a planner, a medium sized box with the Eiffel Tower on it, and a binder. The cost all together? 4 whopping dollars, ladies and gentlemen.

I'll be making quite a few more trips to this nifty store in the future. For more information on Scrap, visit their website at scrappdx.org. 

Late Summer Trips

Hi cuties! I just wanted to post my first photo diary entry on my new and improved blog! I actually updated it back in june but I had no reason to post/had no inspiration at the time, but now I've finally gotten a break from work and I'm about to be reunited with my best friend for a roadtrip to California starting tomorrow! 

My family also made my week by coming over to Portland for several days. I was so excited to be given the opportunity to show them around the beautiful city. Now they were the tourists, not me! 

We first stopped at Grassa. For those of you who have asked me what are some great places to eat in Portland on my tumblr, I'll always suggest this Italian restaurant because it is just so frikin amazing and they never fail to satisfy my little tummy. 

After dinner, we went to Powells, my absolute favorite bookstore. I showed them around the different colored rooms and introduced them to the 'Rare Book Room.' This room has so many insanely old books, ranging the early 90s to the 1500s! Crazy stuff! 

The prices on these books, though! 

We went to the waterfront and I was able to play a few tunes on the public piano (you can watch the video on my Instagram @nikkaphillips), then we headed down to get some ice cream at Pine Street Market.

August 6th, we had brunch at Cheryl's. Oh my good god- their food is divine. I really recommend this restaurant for you and your friends or families if you're ever looking for a great place to have breakfast at.  

We went up to the Crown Point Vista House, which was built to provide travelers a place to rest and refresh themselves while they made their way to the Columbia River Highway. Pretty historic. 

On the way back, we stopped at a lavender field! 

There were soooooo many bees!

Then we went over to a farmer's market.

Then we cooled off at the Ira Keller fountain park. Anyone remember my last photoshoot here when there was no water? 

August 7th, my family and I made our way back to Bend, Oregon, but we stopped at the Timberland Lodge because I couldn't help but let my love for Stephen King show. Some of you might recognize the lodge because they used the outside of this hotel in the famous cult movie The Shining! Too creepy.

And here I am wandering in the woods near the lodge. 🌾

That's it for now, babes! I'll be posting more during my trip to California. Stay tuned, and as always, I hope you're all having a wonderful week. Xx-Nikka

Polyvore X FashionNxt: Day 1 recap

Devonation's fall collection was one of the most unique shows of the night with a fresh, clean cut look that swirled minimalism and elegant fall together. It was truly something that struck the crowd with awe and mystery. 

A common trend that I saw within this collection (and for the whole show tonight), were sheer dresses and tops, along with lace decor to give it a playful edge. 

I was lucky enough to get an inside scoop from the designer himself, Devon Yan to discuss his personal goals that he achieved with this show. 

-What inspired him to make these types of designs for his fall collection?

It turns out he named the collection 'Supernatural.' He was walking down the street coming back home one day and he took in his surroundings: the leaves were changing colors, the cold wind was blowing, and the sun was going down. He got inspired by the weather and the cold air that was itching it's way into the warm atmosphere, so that's why he decided to have a minimalism theme for this year's show.

-How did he decide what material to use when creating his outfits?

Devon tries to draw sketches and gain some concept of what his theme is all about. It's a fall collection so he decided to use darker colors along with thicker pieces for outerwear like wool. He also loves sequins and chiffon, which was definitely incorporated within his clothes. 

-What's his favorite part about being a fashion designer? 

He thinks of himself more of an artist rather than a designer. Art has a type of exquisite feel that he tries to express in his clothing. He draws a lot of amazing ideas from his imagination and feelings throughout the day and brings it to life down the road. 

Follow denovation on Instagram and like it on Facebook! 

Instagram: @Devonation_art 

Facebook: Facebook.com/Devon.yan.berrong