So there's this trend out there in the fashion world that has to do with stones, crystals, gems, etc. used in jewelry and accessories. I encounter at least one piece daily, not to mention my Kittinhawk quartz ring I wear like religiously. Just a few days ago, we received these little guys below. Now although small in size, I shouldn't refer to them as "little" at all. They're quite large when you consider their use. At first I wasn't sure what I was going to do with these rocks. They were too large to make any sort jewelry out of, nor do I have the tools necessary to do so at the shop. So I decided to do a bit more research and see what I could come up with. Holy mother of cosmic gods, I'm OBSESSED! I had no idea the powers, the energies, the healing capabilities behind these unique earth structures. I talked to my peeps and put together some properties behind the crystals and stones that are available at the As Is shop. I have to mention that these have been cleansed with a sage rub but still need charging; I'll leave that one up to you...
 

Desert Rose:
A gypsum. Lt. brown. Gently grounding; clarifies thinking and mental vision, perception. Quiets worry, brings out practicality. (Related to Selenite.) Quiets the mind. Used to access past/future lives, assists in bring material persuits related to business. Provides flexibility to one's nature, strengthens decisions, align the spinal column and removes energy blockage. Stabilizes epileptic disorders.

Amethyst:
The stone of transformation, spirituality and dream recall. Used for contentment and meditation. Provides common sense and flexibility in decisions. Strengthens and enhances psychic abilities, imagery and mind quieting. Wear when sleeping or when awake to reduce anger, depression, grief, impatience, and nightmares. Most effective on the Brow and Crown Chakra. Amethyst contains the grounding color of red with the energy of blue, which is expanding, spacious and flow of peace. Amethyst is the color that you see in the sky as twilight transitions into night. Amethyst takes you on this transition from the magic time of dusk to a conscious shift into a different place. Crossing this threshold is the lesson of humility, which Amethyst can teach us. A wonderful companion for grief, this stone can show us how to let go, trust and surrender so that you may see beyond the cycle that consumes your attention; give it all up, so that you can receive more; and appreciate that you may become a part of the greater whole. Amethyst is the stone of transformation promoting inner peace. Amethyst is considered a Master Healing stone.

Quartz: "Rock Crystal"
Quartz is the Master Healer and the "stone of power"! Probably the most versatile multipurpose healing stone. Easy to cleanse, store information/energy in, program or amplify energy and is used as a healing instrument. The natural tendency for quartz is for harmony. Quartz can both draw and send energy therefore it is effective for sending/receiving guidance. Quartz is used for transformation in healing and in all levels of change (mentally/emotionally, physically and spiritually). Quartz stimulates the natural crystal in body tissues and fluids to resonate at the highest healing frequency. Quartz works with All Chakra and master gland for balancing, cleansing and healing. It is the perfect stone for complete Aura balancing.

Rose Quartz:
Rose Quartz represents love, beauty, peacefulness, forgiving, lovingness, self-love and emotional balance! Rose Quartz works with the Heart Chakra. It is a soft, gentle, soothing stone that warms the heart center. Its value as a nurturing friend cannot be overstated. Neither can it's soothing influence. Helps diffuse negative stimuli and uncomfortable memories. Helps us discover the ability to love ourselves and makes us more open to other people. It is of particular value in helping us to forgive ourselves, hastening self-acceptance. Helps us realize that all change is important, even difficult change. Stimulates love and tender appreciation of all things. 

Tiger's Eye:
This stone is most recognized for bringing money, psychic protection, courage, luck confidence, willpower, clear thinking and speaking to show us the personal power in life that we have. Very versatile for the Yellow/Solar Plexus and Crown Chakra. Tiger's Eye works on our mental plane by amplifying thinking and manifesting what you think about. Helps separate thoughts from feelings, more centered, less emotional. Tiger's Eye allows us to recognize both our talents and our faults. It can reveal your true needs without our self-serving or rigid mental attitudes getting in the way. Use Tiger's Eye with malachite or pearl to benefit from their synergy for mental/emotional balance and true understanding. This stone helps change anxiety, fear and obsessiveness into practicality and logic. Has the grounding energy of the earth, but is embellished with a glowing warmth. A stone for people who need more confidence to accomplish their goals. Draws helpful people and material things to the wearer. Centers energy and mental focus. This stone helps us to find our closest version of perfectionism without obsessive behavior.

Howlite:
The stone of emotional expression, howlite can be used to facilitate awareness, encourage calm communication by combining reason with patience and observation. Howlite gently absorbs and uplifts stress, tension, anxiety and emotional intensity due to emotional imbalance. Howlite works by helping one to build decency of character. It shows us how to be less selfish, confrontational and less critical. This is a good stone to help eliminate rage and anger. Howlite increases action, dissolves hesitation as it encourages ambition towards one's goals. Although this stone in white in pure form, Howlite is most effective on the HeartChakra center, bringing greater gentleness, patience and tact. Howlite has been used in the past for astral traveling and accessing past lives. It has a strong spiritual connection to the past, as it can lead you to a stronger spiritual future. This can be done by placing the stone at the Third EyeChakra. It therefore makes for a wonderful meditation stone. Howlite is an extremely calming stone. It is useful for anxiety that keeps you up at night due to an overactive mind. Its soothing energies still the mind and is very helpful for mindful meditation.

ASIS _Blue Machine Global 3 from Ryusuke Okajima on Vimeo.

Hot damn, we're already writing "August" on our papers! Does this mean Summer is over for 2011?? For most of us here in Sunny Southern California, Summer is a state of mind; it can go year round even. Which is why the new As Is collection is perfect for stepping into the second edition to twenty eleven. Capes galore, dresses and bat-wings, leg warmers, jockey pants, and much more. This Desert Gypsy meets Southwest Prairie collection includes: light weight, printed Navajo, stretch jerseys; french terry and custom pottery design, 100% cotton flannels; embroidered and blanket stitched, light weight knits; and eagle printed tops accented with buffalo nickel buttons.

As Is Autumn2011 is currently available in-store and will be available to shop on-line August 11th. Also, check our stockist list to contact your local retailer here: http://www.asisla.com/stockists.php

Summer is in full bloom. Pool parties, BBQ's, music festivals, sporting events, and beach babes are engulfing our existence and driving us out doors under the sun. What better way to style this heat and block them rays than with the perfect floppy hat or desert sombrero. SLOW has stocked a variety of head gear in-store just waiting to ride those heat waves. So come let the hat out the bag and accessorize your Summer right!

qua-tsi: connections with people and friendship

We are SO pleased with our newest addition to the AS IS family, qua-tsi. Their collection includes authentic handmade guitar picks, bracelets, and necklaces from the Navajo, Hopi, and Acoma tribes. Each piece is a story of life, crafted with the hands of a Native American and brought here to share its spirit with you. The jewelry is solid, weighted by strength and adorned in turquoise stones, silver buffalo/Indian heads and hand-painted ceramic. The silver guitar picks are engraved with native illustrations and are SO BAD ASS, I'm dying over here! All in all, anything handmade by Native Americans should be valued for the ability to transcend its own design and communicate through spirit... not to mention the copious amounts of precious stones and metals. So we welcome qua-tsi with open arms and heart.

It's official; the clothing line, AS IS, opened its first store on 7474 1/2 Melrose Ave. This Los Angeles based, vintage Americana inspired lifestyle boutique features not only items from their own collections but also antique furniture/home decor, Native jewelry, reconstructed military accessories, work-wear, and even a custom Triumph from their neighbors at PowerPlant.

The opening event was a great success with enthused fans, celebrity guests, and an OPEN BAR sponsored by ASAHI Japanese Beer. Of course, the launch brought public attention to a new LA gem, but this budding company's main intention was to invite their customers into a place they like to call home. Expect some changes within As Is, given the ever-evolving concept of the store. Andre Asch from Apparel News wrote, "As Is might be the site of a rolling series of surprises." Check out the rest of his article here: ApparelNews.Net 

View more pics from the opening event by Felix Salzman/LookBookLA HERE! 

View all the photo booth pics by Yvette Hammond on our Facebook.

You are Invited to an Evening of Fashion and Music.

We have, once again, redefined our boundaries here at SLOW and are expanding our space to YOU. Come join us on Friday June 10th for the launch of our new store, AS IS, and an opening party for our Co-Op space, featuring SLOW Production, LaFine, TOXXY, Remix, UNITED COUTURE,  and POWERPLANT CHOPPERS.

store: AS IS  

Nestled in the back of SLOW, our unique brick loft will feature industrial antique furnishings and home goods, Americana super vintage clothing and accessories for men and women, and collections from the clothing line, AS IS: www.asisla.com

store: SLOW Co-Op

SLOW Production: http://www.slow7474.com/
LaFine: www.lafineclothing.com
TOXXY: www.toxxy-designs.com
UNITED COUTURE: http://united-couture.com/
REMIX
POWERPLANT MOTORCYCLES: www.powerplantchoppers.com
www.powerplantclothing.com

Sounds Provided by:

Atomic Mike (DJ of Playboy Golf)
DJ Barbie (Bardot) 

OPEN BAR! sponsored by:
ASAHI Japanese Beer
Japan Prestige Sake Association

HOT DOG CART

PRESS/MEDIA/PHOTOGRAPHERS TBA
 

WHEN: Friday June 10th, 7pm - 11pm
WHERE: 7474 Melrose Ave Los Angeles CA 90046

**SPECIAL THANKS to Tomiyoshi Ikeda (Delrio Inc.) and Masahiro Nishide (Delrio Inc.): http://shop.norm-kanazawa.com/

Being in the heart of the entertainment capitol of the World, SLOW is constantly developing relationships with celebrity stylists, photographers, film makers and the like. Not only are we know as the vintage costume go-to for the Hollywood creatives, but SLOW's team of designers also have their hands in an array of custom design projects for some the industry's leading talent. The latest was Lady Gaga's controversial music video, Judas. Leading designer, Ayumi Shibata, and her design team were recently credited on Nicola Formichetti's Blog and are VERY excited to continue working on similar projects in the future. For more costuming and stylist information, please visit our profile or contact us at slow7474@gmail.com.

SHOP THIS LOOK!