Kate Brien // Tie-Dying

With a distinct and creative eye, stylist Kate Brien brings a new perspective to the fashion world. Her 'View From The Topp,' as she calls it, is a fresh take on style, curation, and aesthetics. Kate Brien, curator and creator of View From the Topp, lives in Venice with her charming boyfriend David and their sweet pup Zoey. This chick is Martha Stewart meets Kinfolk magazine in the best way possible. From the shoes on her feet to the art on her walls, Kate's natural, earthy, yet modern aesthetic is #glowy perfection.

Having graduated from Parsons with a degree in Fashion Design and working tons of fashion & design jobs in the industry, Kate took it upon herself to make a tumblr of her outfits from her top perspective-- a.k.a. her 'view from the topp.' Her distinct and precise attention to detail is what makes her images special, with everything in its rightful place.

Kate is constantly pushing the edge of simplicity, making the same overhead view of her outfits appear inventive and unique each time she posts. Sometimes she even creates the backdrops to her instagram photos herself by using her own handmade tie-dye blankets. We had to learn a thing or two from this glow girl on how to tie-dye, and we can honestly say it's one of the easiest and most fun ways to get creative.

TIE-DYING TIPS //

You'll need:

Pre-washed natural fiber clothing or fabric
Dye (in an assortment of colors)
Gallon Buckets (one for each color + one for water)
Rubber Bands
Chopsticks
String/twine
Rubber Gloves
Tongs
Scissors

Steps: There are many different techniques used in prepping fabrics to dye. One of my favorites is a Japanese Shibori dyeing technique:

1. Fold fabric lengthwise accordion-style, then fold crosswise in the same way. 2. Place chopsticks on either side of the fabric (top and bottom) and use rubber bands to hold in place. Do this as many times that will fit on the fabric (the tighter you make the chopsticks the more white your design will have) 3. Mix either liquid or powder dye with hot water in a gallon bucket and stir until completely mixed in 4. Drop the fabric in the bucket and leave in for about five minutes (add more or less time depending on how deep you'd like the colors) 5. Take the fabric out of the dye, rinse in the water bucket and then let sit for about 10 minutes 6. Remove rubber bands and chopsticks from the fabric and open, hang out to dry 7. Finish by running the fabric through the wash, and you're done!

HOW THEY GLOW QUESTIONNAIRE

NAME: Kate Brien

NICKNAME: Pup

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? Born in New York, raised in LA

WHERE DO YOU LIVE? Venice, CA

WHEN YOU'RE EATING HEALTHY, WHAT IS A TYPICAL…

I love eating healthy but definitely live by the motto of everything in moderation. Ideally a healthy day would look something like this —

BREAKFAST: Smoothie made with fresh fruit, hemp milk & plant protein

LUNCH: A big salad with lots of veggies

DINNER: A macro plate or a piece of fish with greens and brown rice

SNACK: Pressed Juicery Greens 5

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SPOTS/RESTAURANTS TO EAT HEALTHY? Axe, Inaka and Shima for brown rice sushi.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE INDULGENCE? Potato Skins with cheddar and bacon :)

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLACES/RESTAURANTS TO INDULGE? Giorgio Baldi, Ghengis Cohen and Jitlada

WHERE DO YOU GROCERY SHOP? I get most of my produce from Summerland Farm to Front Door and all the rest from Santa Monica Farmer’s Market, Santa Monica Co-op, Whole Foods & Trader Joes

WHAT IS YOUR FITNESS REGIMEN? Ideally I do yoga 2-3 times a week (I love Kyle Miller’s class), SoulCycle at least once a week & barre (The Daily Method) or pilates once a week. I have trouble doing the same thing everyday so like to mix it up. I also frequent Shape House for a good sweat!

WHAT IS YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE? I love Eminence, Tata Harper and Glossier products and swear by the organic facials at Alchemie Spa. If I have a special event coming up I’ll go see one of my oldest friends, Tarin Graham, for an oxygen facial.

WHARE ARE YOUR FAVORITE NATURAL MAKEUP/BEAUTY PRODUCTS? Eminence Probiotic Mask, Coola Rose Tinted SPF, Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser, Goe Oil & Coconut Oil

WHAT PROFESSIONAL BEAUTY/FITNESS/HEALTH GURU DO YOU SWEAR BY? Kyle Miller Yoga & Light Watkins Meditation

MOST LIFE-CHANGING BOOK? The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion

FAVORITE CLOTHING SHOPS/BOUTIQUES? Mohawk General Store, RTH, Scout, Creatures of Comfort, Jenni Kayne, The General Store, Heath Ceramics, Individual Medley…I could go on