Fashion Looks 1

After loving the look from the blog Fashion Under $100 , I was surfing during lunch at the office (shhh, don't tell - ok?!) and happened upon Coldwater Creek's outfits section and fell in love with a look that I would call 'Relaxed Chic'.

I know I have most of this already in the closet, but not at the Coldwater Creek prices. And of course adding my little twist here and there.

I went shopping last weekend at the outlet and found these cute Nine West gray suede slouchy boots, oh so comfy!!

These denim leggins from ANA at JCPenney's are so comfortable and not overly tight at all!! I was always saying I would never wear leggings again, but once I read the reviews and then tried them on I was sold! Yes they are a sinful purchase for fall - I got 3 pairs one of each color black, denim and gray. I know your saying "WHAT you did not sew a pair?" but on sale they were cheaper than I could make them.

Thrifted a long gray cardigan just last month, that looks very much like this one. Although I am not as tiny as this lovely lady, but it does look quite nice on me if I do say so myself.

Now here's the sewing part - I NEED some long sleeve tops and I am thinking that maybe Burda's Tee pattern 8244 (out of print) might work (it's in my pattern stash).

Or Hot Patterns Plain and Simple Tee

in a deep charcoal or aubergine knit.

Last fall I bought a long silver and gold necklace at Avenue, and some nice silver hoops will top this look off.

 

Fun Fashion Blog

I am sure you have seen the blog Fashion Under $100, I am a stalker of Dana's!! I can spen hours looking at the archives, drooling over styles of the stars. And with her tips I can afford to look as good too!!

Right now I am obsessed with Dec 2008 Kim Kardashian's look

Although the look is from 2008, it is still so classy for today! Great weekend look or with a tweak here and there I can pull this off on a casual Friday at work.

I do think I will make a few changes here and there, like darker jeans maybe med/dark wash.

I ordered the new pattern by Hot Patterns - The Dressy Jean. Oh, and I can't wait to get it!!!

I already have this Target Heather Gray Tank.

And on it's way from JCPenney's is The Worthington V-Neck Cardigan in black. Love the boyfriend cardy look with pockets. Or the Hot Patterns Riviera Cardi would be cute! hmmmmm, gonna have to think about getting that pattern.

Sitting in my closet are a pair of Nine West Oxfords, I bought these last year at the outlet store during Chrismas.

And the scarf is lovely, but I want to make a serger scarf using decorative threads in white, black and grays. They are so fun and easy to do! I made a sample in browns and gold, but forgot to take pictures before my son's girlfriend saw it and there was no way of keeping it from her - her favorite color is brown.

More on this I promise...

When one blog leads you to another and then another....

While catching up on blogs that I follow I was reading Inside Out Style by Imogen were she had posted 'Weekend Reading: Trends, Stress and Personal Style'  with links to blogs that I also read but somehow had missed the blog post on Sal's blog Aready Pretty. I had missed reading the post 'Wardrobe Cycling', which by the way was awesome! After reading the post I got curious about the Out Fit List that Sal keeps. She explained how she keeps a simple list of outfits that help her stay on top of her wardrobe making her time in the mornings much more managable.

Well, this got me to thinking, should I try to make a list of the items in my closet. A scary and daunting task I am sure, but as I investigated deeper I found more and more on the subject of wardrobe inventory. So upon the idea of creating a list I wondered if there were any spreadsheets or helpful files in cyberspace. I happened upon this Wardrobe Inventory PDF from Virtuous Weddings (not to sure what a wardrobe plan has to do with planning a wedding, but then again it's a good inventory list to use for one's closet). There is a PDF on Fengshui for your closet with a list you fill in, the Buget Fashionisa has a wardrobe check list, and 4-H wardrobe planning PDF. And then I found phone apps - like this iPhone app called the Pocket Closet and the Android app for smart phones called MyCloset. I never would have thought that something like that was out there, but it is, how cool!!

The Tee-Shirt Dress has Evolved

Remember in the 80's when you could take a plain tee and then add gathered cotton print to the bottom to create a dress...

They were cute, but have gone by the wayside like Mom jeans. Maybe you might make one for a little one in your life, but these dresses are so not in fashion for adults of modern day. The style was way too 'happy-hands-at-home' for most.

Until Leanne came along and made up some quite modern and fashionable T-shirt Dresses. It's almost like the crafty-cutesy Tdress was a brightly colored caterpillar, and for many years the caterpillar is changing into a chrysalis away from fashion and the well dressed, and now the beautiful butterfly spreads it's wings to join all the lovely dresses we can wear.

Visit Leanne at ElleApparel

Sexy, chic and feminine is what I think of when I see this beautiful Coral Dress. She has beautiful, age appropriate, in-fashion tutorials for T-dresses that do not look like 'happy-hands-at-home'! 

I am definitely putting this one on the

MUST DO LIST!! 

Cleavage Control!!

If your like me and are a bit top heavy sometimes the tops you like and that would be flatterning just don't feel comfortable - well, put it this way they leave way to much for viewing if you know what I mean. I usually pull out a trusty cami or tank to wear underneath, but lately here in Florida the temps are soaring and with humidity making the heat index at record temps it's just to hot to be layering clothing.

Moda Bake Recipe by Kim Walus

Kim Walus of bitty bits & pieces got together with Moda and stirred up one awesome recipe the Faux Cami. What a lovey creative and helpful fashion addition to anyone's wardrobe. I can see these used in so many ways, and so many different fabrics. Couldn't you just see this done in a lovely soft lace also.

An Oasis of Inspiration

I found a new web shop for some dress ideas at Oasis, new to me but prolly not so new to you - hey I am slow ya know ;0)   Oasis is a UK based company that offers a feminine fashionable fun line of clothing. Some of the items remind me a little of Anthropologie, and we just love the vintage vibe there right!?! Well I do!!!

All three of these dresses remind me of....

Favorite Things Praire Girl dress pattern.

Little changes here and there, some lace, eyelet and a pin tuck or two. It is amazing how looking at ready to wear for insiration and paying close attention to the design lines can translate into a pattern you might already have or never would have thought about sewing for yourself. And if your lucky enough maybe a few $$ less than the RTW price.

Now all those dresses are ones that I love the look of and would wear. I have this pattern in my stash and would like to make a few in different styles and colors, but this has to go on the design board for now as I have so much waiting to be cut and sewn already.

Something else to drool over...

Oasis Zest Border dress!!

This dress just screams 'sexy on a hot steamy summer evening sipping cosmos by the pool' and not to mention comfortable!! Also this dress would be great for my up coming trip to New Orleans, don't you agree?

I am obsessed! Yep, obsessed with this dress!! I am thinking that if I take New Look 6778 which I have already made here. Using a solid color for the yoke and a border print for the body of the dress. The inspiration dress is a halter dress and New Look is not, but I think the curved yoke that N6778 has will have a similar look and feel to the original's U-shaped neckline and with straps I don't have to worry about bra peek-a-boo. Now my only real problem is that my trip is a week from today, and ordering fabric might be risky so on my way home tonight I will stop by JoAnn's and see if I can find some fabric. Otherwise I will order and cross my fingers it gets here fast!

New Look 6778

Pattern Description: Easy *2 Hour A-line sundress, view A and B have front yoke and gathers, view C and D have a gathered front and optional accents. Two lengths with side ties and 4 strap options

Pattern Sizing: 6 thru 16. I cut view A in size 16 and added to the waist and hips, as this pattern does not come in a plus size.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Somewhat, I added a drawstring to keep it from looking like 'what you got hiding under there?'

Were the instructions easy to follow? Well, I didn't read them. Sorry but it is a pretty basic pattern, other than the gathers in the front.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

 Nothing to dislike. What I like is it was fast and easy. I cut it out on Thursday and sewed it up after work on a Friday to wear to a Luau party on Saturday. The drawstring added more time to my sewing than the envelope stated but in the end the results were worth the extra effort.

Fabric Used: I really wanted a festive and colorful fabric but this being a last minute project I did not have the time to order fabric. A woven rayon faux batik in browns from the local JoAnn's, it's not the festive and colorful fabric I wanted to use but I am sure will get lots of wear out of. It has nice drape and is very cool for hot summers.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I omitted the side ties. When cutting out the pattern I cut a size 16 for the front yoke and yoke facing. For the front I added a one inch to the center front at the fold (this added more gathers to the center front so I would not need a FBA) and graded out one inch on the sides starting just under the bust to the waist and hips. For the center back I cut on the fold instead of having a center seam, I also added 1 to the back sides starting just under the bust out to the waist and hips. I gathered and stitched the front to the front yoke then sewed the sides together. Found out where the straps should be and basted them in place. Then sewed the facing of self fabric to the front yoke right sides together. I made a back facing in self fabric and stitched that right sides together. (both facings are finished on the bottom edge with my serger before sewing to the dress) I did not turn the facings right side out yet, I made bias tape from self fabric and stitched this starting ontop of the front facing and under the arm until I reached the back facing, then did the same to the other underarm - this way when the facing is turned right sideout is will hide the beginning of the bias that is finishing off the under arm ~ is that clear as mud??

Maybe a picture would help:

Turned it right sideout and pressed, top stitched the facings down about 1/4 inch from edge starting at the right underarm and continuing all the way around and back to the starting point. Hand stitched the bottom of the front facing. I added a casing for the drawstring on the inside of the dress and used button holes for the draw string.

 

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I will be sewing this again. I have a trip to New Orleans coming up and would like to make another one to take with me.

Conclusion: Cute easy dress, but might look a bit like tent without the drawsting. Quick easy and cool for the hot Florida summers. With a summer cardigan it will fit right into my office attire.

I am my own worst critic!!! My husband snapped photos as we were heading out the door to the luau. Out of 10 photos this is the only one I would post due to the unlady like faces and robot like poses.

I'm getting back to...

After an emotional ride I am ready to get back to normal!

I finished the blue dot skirt and with or without weightloss it's done and fits me now. I will post pics as soon as there is a pretty day, it's been raining and yucky outside. I bought some beige linen/rayon blend for a pair of cropped pants. It's in the wash now and will be washed and dried again to shrink it before I start cutting. I am thinking of New Look 6354. I like the wide elastic waist, and the fact that they do not look like elastic waist pants I luv! I have made them before but need to grade the pattern up one size.

And maybe Hot Patterns Cowl-neck top. I think they would look good together.

I am also getting back on the wardrobe therapy, even though I am so far behind I am going to get it done because my closet needs it!!

Wardrobe Therapy Week 1 The Tasks

Being so late to start  Wardrobe Therapy I am going to have to fly through the weeks to catch up but still want to get the full effect of the process- it's already on week 4 of the 8 weeks.

So to finish off week 1:

1. Remove one (and only one!) unsuccessful item from your wardrobe.

Bought this jacket years ago with the intention of wearing it with jeans turtle-neck and boots in the winter and a tank in the slightly cooler months. I liked the wool patchwork but it has no shape!! Nada zip none - it's an 80's boxy oversized jacket and to boot the sleeves are way too short - I know can you believe it?!?! Why have I held onto this for all these years, this is another question for my psyche....

2.Do the opening questionnaire.

Did It.

3. Find yourself some sources of inspiration on personal style.

I use to subcribe to Lucky and In Style but started not liking all the ads and it seemed to me that there was really only a fraction of fashion advice and most of it for 20 somethings that are starving to death! I felt it was time to admit - yes, I gained a few pounds and gained a few years - not easy for one to admit to on both accounts!! So at 40 pounds heavier and 40'something years of age I canceled my subscriptions. It just seems there is not enough out there for the over 40 group!! I do like recieving catalogs from Boden, Lane Bryant and other online sites. But mostly I use the internet and bloggers for fashion ideas and tips.

4. Do something that makes you feel good about your body.

Ped/Mani done by me and using some bright colors are in order!

Ripley is checking out my toes painted with OPI in On Collins Ave. Oh and I even color the grays (hair), so there week one done.

I am off to cook up a storm in the kitchen - crawfish etouffee.............

Wardrobe Therapy's Questionnaire

Better late than never - right? Getting started on the Wardrobe Therapy hosted by DrWende . It's already on week 4 but I will try and catch up but may still fall behind - with life in general it seems with me. I really need a proverbial kick in the wardrobe tushie! Ok, here are my answers to the questionnaire...

1. Thinking primarily (but not necessarily exclusively) about looks, who's your favorite performer of your own gender and species? Why?
I can’t pick just one, as I don’t think I would want to be all ‘that’ type of look. But a combination of a few, that’s more like the style I would like to meld into my own quirky attitude.

Audrey Hepburn for her feminine elegance, classic style with simplicity.

Stevie Nicks’ dramatic gypsy like frocks and she oozes with sexy.

Giadia De Laurentiis has a relaxed fresh classic yet modern-ness about her.
(Good movies, good music, and good food!!)

2. If you could live in any historic era with a really good clothing budget (as well as soap, toothpaste, and delicing as needed), when would you choose?
Well, I love the look of the Victorian era dresses and bustle skirts, but just the thought of wearing a tight corset makes me cringe. I also love the early 1900’s, and the ‘Gibson Girl’ hairstyle. I guess it’s the feminine qualities for those two historic eras I like the most. But in all reality I would choose now - as we have the freedom to wear what ever we like, unlike the past where women could not have worn pants if they pleased.

3. What's your favorite painting or other form of visual art? Why?

Red Poppy by Georgia O’keefe – When we lived in Italy every summer wild red poppies could be seen everywhere. I loved living in Italy and red poppies always remind me of that time.
Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh – how could a torchered soul paint such a hypnotizing painting. Even though he was so emotionally crippled the painting speaks to so many and in so many different ways.

4. What is your first memory in which clothes are important?
In school and how most of the other kids had name brands and I didn’t. Thinking back now it’s so silly – you can’t base your self worth on brands and fads. Oh, and my brothers were twins, mom always dressed them in matching but different colored shirts as in striped polos one would wear the white/blue and the other would wear white/green - you know how parents always dress twins.

5. What is your favorite garment ever? Why?

The dress I got married in. We didn’t have a traditional wedding, we got married at the courthouse with a friend as a witness. A cream white spaghetti strap sheath dress and cropped jacket with a lace collar that I purchased on sale just a few days before. I was so scared, this was a life changing moment and I almost did not go through with it, but now looking back I am so glad I wore that dress and made the choice to marry my husband!

Oh second fav is the red, black and white cowgirl outfit I got for Christmas in my much much younger years. It was fringetastic! It had a hat, shirt, skirt, boots and guns with gun holster. I made a mighty fine cowgirl!!!

6. What is your favorite garment in your wardrobe right now?
Does it have to be clothes? I have a great pair of orange cork wedges I am gushing over right now. Ok, I’ll fess up – clothing wise there really is not anything I would call my favorite, maybe that’s why my wardrobe is lacking some style.

7. What is the worst clothing purchase you can remember making?
Again with the shoes - Back in the 80’s a pair of clear plastic heels with gold trim – what a fad purchase! Also in the 80’s an ankle length gray twill sailor skirt it had ginormous white buttons, it was totally not me and was so unflattering. I tried to make it wearable by shortening the hem to at the knee, but it was a failure.

8. What's your most embarrassing clothing-related memory other than a bad purchase?
In high school while hanging out at the mall with on friends trying to look cool in my new white jeans I received my monthly gift (if you know what I mean). Luckily I had a good friend with me and she loaned me her jacket and we called my mom to come pick us up. I tied the arms of the jacket around my waist and was petrified someone would notice while waiting to get home as soon as possible. Utter humiliation I tell ya!!!

9. What body part (no more than three!) are you proud of and expect compliments on?
Oh, well I have to pick?? Come on really I have to?? Can I say finger nails? I can grow them fast and keep them groomed. Not a good one huh?! My legs. When I was younger and thinner I would wear mini skirts and shorts. I am not so proud now as back then and not as thin anymore, I am always on the look out for jeans in the right length. I have always been told I have pretty eyes, but I just don't know about that. Yep, it's sad - I really am just putting down answers that do not answer the actual question. I have to say I don't have a body part I am proud of and this also is part of my self esteem issues.

10. What body part (again, no more than three!) seems to require management, if not coaxing, cajoling, and sometimes outright begging if it's to please you?

I could say back fat, large hips, big thighs, ample derriere and large feet - but who doesn't cut themselves down in those areas?  The most offending area is my belly. I have always had a belly even when I was stick thin. But lately I have to make sure things do not cling in that area.

11. If you could dress however you wanted all the time, what might you include?
Classic styles and solid colors adding a quirky element. I love lots of pearls with jeans and a v-neck tee. Sometimes adding bright colored shoes or artistic print top with relaxed but structured skirts. And most importantly comfortable!!

12. If you could shop at any store (or from any designer), which would you choose?
Ann Kline, Rebecca Taylor, Antonio Melani, Vera Wang. But really I don't know if I would change where I already shop, more so than making the right decisions for my body and personality. Then again if I felt more confident I might venture into some of the little indy shops in the area.

13. Where do you ordinarily shop now?
JcPenneys, Dillards sales, Avenue, Walmart (yuck) and Ross. Sometimes you can catch me at the thrift stores.

14. What clothing, accessory, or prettifying need (if any) do you enjoy shopping for?
Shoes, love love love shopping for shoes! Nail polish too! I am a girly girl and love shopping for jewelry, looking at makeup and shopping at Ulta.

15. Which one do you most loathe shopping for?
Bras!!! I need some but just can’t seem to find a brand that is comfortable and supportive. Also bathing suits, but this year I found a lovely swimdress that makes me feel pretty.

16. Do you consider yourself low-, medium-, or high-maintenance?
At one time I was high maintenance, but after being a mom and full time work I now am more of low/medium-maintenance. When my husband and I were dating it would take me forever to get ready, but now I can be ready in less than 30 minutes. I have kind-of let myself go, and think that this is also affecting how I feel about myself.

17. What are the two most frequent occasions that you dress for and how would you describe them?
Working weekdays in a small office, where the dress code is business casual and Fridays are jeans day. At work I am behind a desk most of the time and constantly staring at the computer screen.  Relaxing at home on weekends and trips to the beach, which I usually wear shorts/jeans and comfy tops. I live in Florida so the heat is something I deal with constantly.

18. What was your favorite Hallowe'en costume ever?
One year I dressed up as a deer hunter. (oh, I wish I could find a picture to show!) I piled on turtle necks and camo pants with an orange vest, hiking boots, hid my hair in a hunting cap, used black eye makeup to make a 5 o’clock shadow, carrying a toy wooden shotgun and a large toy stuffed deer. No one knew who I was! It was so funny!

19. What do you see as the current problem(s) with your wardrobe and/or look?
I always grab items that make me feel sloppy and invisible. I have some issues with my self-esteem I need to work on. For some reason I am afraid to show who I am and put myself out there in my choices of what I wear.

20. At the end of WT, what lovely compliments do you want onlookers to give you?

Not necessarily do I need compliments, but it would be nice to know that others around me think I am ‘put together’, style/fashion appropriate, and pleasant to look at so to speak. But it wouldn’t kill me if someone did compliment me on my quirkiness. Oh and the hair, I forever long to have ‘envy hair! but darn I don't think changing my wardrobe is gonna' help the crazy-mind-of-its-own hair?

Boy that was hard - my head hurts now.....

My Biggest Problem with My Wardrobe/Style Redo...

Is me. Yep me!

I think I know what to do fashion wise and I try and stock my closet with the 'right' things, but I always fall back on the items that do nothing for my body, say the wrong things about me and in no way help with my self esteem.

Ok, I went two weeks ago and purchased a couple cute dresses, a printed tee and short sleeved cardigan just to spice up my wardrobe. They fit are comfortable and look great - but I have not worn any of them not a one! I got up this morning and grabbed the same pair of way to short and baggy jeans that I wear at least twice a week, the faded company polo (which is for the casual office days not mandatory) and my sadly falling apart white keds. This outfit is pitiful, it does not convey the message of who I am, it makes me feel sloppy, almost invisible. So why do I keep pulling these out and wearing them?

This is a question that I need to dig deeper into my psyche to find. What are the reasons why I would want to dissapear or why I don't want people to know who I really am...

Verity Hope Dresses by Malphi!

Oh my goodness ~ I happened across Malphi's flicker account and discovered eye candy ~ the most beautiful linen wrap dresses.

If you haven't seen her work, you must!!!