sticks n stones

KIDS THESE DAYS

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COLLAB POST FEATURING:

JEWELRY/STYLING/PHOTOGRAPHY: ALLISON B. COOLING
MODEL: NIKOLETTA
CLOTHING: GENERATION BLISS BOUTIQUE

Sticks n stones and South Side Chi silos, Nik really hooked us up with this killer shoot location. I always love me some good graffiti; the more colorful, the better. There's probably hidden obscenities lurking in the drippy backdrops, but that's what makes these types of shoots all the more, ahem, unique!

 A busted-out wall made for easy entrance into the abandoned silo, but the adventure could quickly have gotten out of hand. (Nik, in Greek accent) "C'mon Al, let's climb to the top I do it all the time, just grab this rope and climb up to those stairs."

I look up. Said rope is outside the building, above water, and the steel wallside stairs creak and shuffle in the September breeze. The building is probably 20 stories high, lowballing. "Um NO. Absolutely NOT."

"Ok, let's go to the basement then."

We walk around the main building to a small Hobbit-sized hole. Cue Greek accent -- "Yes, let's climb down here, there is a cool hallway at the back with metal bars-"

I poke my head in the hole. I cannot see the floor. Something dark and large is in the corner. Oh hell naw.
"Nik, let's take it easy for today. Outside only."

That girl would do great on Survivor.

LOOK 1
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In usual QLC style, more is BETTER! Graffiti! Sequins! Statement jewelry! But, you've gotta always mix that high and low, here in the form of copper sparkles on top and ripped jeans, sporty sneaks on bottom. Homage to Kanye here, he'd probably stare at himself in the reflection of those sequins,,,, no doubt.

My Dreamweaver necklace was made with 100% Cousin Corporation supplies (grab at most craft stores!), while the simple chain choker was created from small sterling connectors. Those wrap bracelets are great everyday pieces - wear with just about anything. The neutral tones play off all colors, case and point.

Copper sequin crop, distressed jeans from Generation Bliss.  Sneakers Yeezy Boost 350.

COME FLY AWAY

LOOK 2
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I have been legit LOOKING for a great view of the skyline, and this location provided it perfectly. The wind was working for us (it is the Windy City, of course) and making this monarch-chic Generation Bliss pleated skirt float and sway.

This outfit is fiercely feminine (you're used to at least a little grunge with me, correct?) but surely offset by that chainmaille vest for some added edge. Made from a bunch of oval jewelry connectors and jump rings, its almost-scaly surface acts as a delicate armor. 

Body chain / bracelets by me, Black bodysuit and Butterfly skirt from Generation Bliss.  Shoes, Aldo.

THE APOCALYPSE

LOOK 3
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Niks like, "I want to take a picture by the Shut Up, it's funny". And so there we go, trekking through what looked like multiple 7-Eleven dumpsters that had been attacked by the Zombie Apocalypse, to make it to this quirkily saucy wall. Mind you, she's in heels, and I'm struggling to hold nine fully-filled clothing hangers, a menagerie of already tangled jewelry, two backpacks, a new laptop and Nik's dad's extremely expensive Canon. But, you do what you must.

It's kinda 90's here with that silky cami top and chunky choker. Layer said choker with a longer tassel necklace for some dimension. Black on black is even better, we're all about that chic darkness, even in satin shine. We found the pièce de résistance outside in that awesome skull graffiti, so much yas.

Three looks were enough for us that day, it was getting time for some Starbucks. I'd for sure go back to this location, though. There were great areas we didn't have the energy to shoot at. All other Chicago photogs or creatives, be sure to check it out!

Necklace and choker by me, top and skirt from Generation Bliss.  Shoes, Aldo. Purse, Gucci.

COPYRIGHT

Because I take all photos for my blog, the images within this post are all copyright Allison Beth Cooling for Quiet Lion Creations.
If you'd like permission to use a photo, email me at allison@quietlioncreations.com

champagne supernova

All photography: Delane Ashley Photography

Outfit credits: Shirt/Jeans (generationbliss.com), all jewelry by me.

Rosy champagne tones in the form of metallic finishes, my muppet-chic boa (similar here and here) and the occasional street cat coincidentally tie the mood for this look together. The burnt browns of Mars, neutral grey of Mercury and rusty reds of Jupiter are reflected in this very inconspicuous shoot location; who knew an abandoned porch would provide the perfect backdrop and aesthetic? High contrast comes in the form of these warm tones mixing with the grassy greens of summer foliage and the ever-necessary eclipse black of my wardrobe.

Honestly, I think it's all about this undercut of the ENTIRE GALAXY here - my Riri-inspired shave was deftly crafted by my mom, a supernova sunburst radiating out and down the neck. These undercuts do not last long (mine about 2 weeks) but can easily be re-designed with a quick touch-up. A must-try, I must say.

More intergalactic interest flows throughout the details, such as the shimmer star tooth tattoo (my photographer's idea, and why not?), delicately dripping charm necklaces and crystallized wrap bracelets, casting sparkles like interstellar diamond dust. Since I did pile on an astronomical amount of accessories here, a simple offset involving a charcoal scoop neck tee and classic black skinnies creates balance. And that Chan Luu skinny scarf? Hippie it up as a headband, bohemian belt or lariat necklace. Mine was on sale from UO, but you can find similar styles here or here.

What better way to ignite a lonely alleyway than with twinning twinkling sparklers, each one creating a tiny solar system all its own?...

Finishing up as the atmosphere is losing light for the night, a few strums are all that's necessary. Actually, that's because I have very limited intelligence on how to play this guitar. It's on the to-do list!

 ☽ * ○ ☆╮ a dreamer dreams she never dies ╰☆ ○ * ☾ br />

COPYRIGHT

Because I take all photos for my blog, the images within this post are all copyright Delane Ashley Photography for Quiet Lion Creations.
If you'd like permission to use a photo, email me at allison@quietlioncreations.com

Two Snakes Chokers

One snake, two snakes, these reptilian chokerssssss ooze dark glam. Chokers are blowing up in social media these days, but they've come a long way from the 90's-style tattoo look. The modern take is all about mixing textures and finishes, then layering for a bohemian statement.

I easily made these by taking faux flat snake leather and focal sliders (mine from Cousin Corporation ), mixing and matching for different combos. Finish with simple ribbon ends, clasps and extender chain.

COPYRIGHT

Because I take all photos for my blog, the images within this post are all copyright Allison Beth Cooling for Quiet Lion Creations.
If you'd like permission to use a photo, email me at allison@quietlioncreations.com

earn your stars

All photography: Delane Ashley Photography

Any true Chicagoan will instantly recognize those stars - along with deep dish, the Friendly Confines, Buckingham Fountain and the Madhouse on Madison, these iconic Windy City elements are definitely unmissable.

A row of storage units is an unlikely place to shoot, but I love the unexpected creamy yellow tone and stucco. Perfectly minimal. Twenty-three for my age (also Jordan's number), shout out to all other 90s kids!

My gypsy soul Bianca at MhmThatGirl.com custom made this badass tunic for me, using a h*o*l*o*g*r*a*p*h*i*c transfer for that instant rave-chic look.  Bianca rocks at creating tees, accessories and more for all free spirits -- check out her new instashop here!

In usual QL style, I paired this top with black, black and more black, but casually threw in handmade jewels, as always required. Iridescent hues of ice pink, space-age purple and sky blue perfectly complimented the metallic holo, and sneaks kept the look sporty. Those rubber bracelets, that were popular for goth kids back in 8th grade? I still wear them.

In true Khloe Kardash-style, the half-bun and silver hoops plus black choker equal a touch of sassy glam. I'm not sassy and usually not glam, but I can sometimes fake it to make it. Maybe not? Ok, don't answer that. Top it off with oversized sunnies like a true celeb.

Go Cubs and Go Blackhawks!

COPYRIGHT

The images within this post are all copyright Delane Ashley Photography for Quiet Lion Creations. Please don't steal these photos. It's bad karma. :)