Life happens Be Positive

Spring 2013: Lela Rose

Lela Rose is my style. Great fabrics and simple design lines with little details here and there to keep things interesting.

See Full Collection here.

She used a lot of lightweight tweed in spring colorways with trim or piping to accentuate the design lines of the garment.

I always think of tweeds as fall fabrics but there are very light versions that can be worn year round, that idea sparked my interest and I immediately made a mental note to make a version of this dress.

 

As you know, I am in love with this dress, Oh, I love it.
Tucks on the outside? Yes, I see this from time to time and I think it works better on a simple sheath made out of a great piece of fabric.

This fabric is gorgeous but what really drew me in was the one sided shoulder. A shoulder pad was used to lift and add structure to the shoulder. It frames the models shoulders and evens out her figure.

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I love how the pleats had volume and texture to this other wise simple halter neckline sheath.

The cut on this shoulder, I was wondering if there is some type of interfacing to keep stiffen the strap to keep it from falling off of the shoulder.

I like her take on the floral print pants. There is blank space which is great for bottom curvy girls like me, it draws the eyes to the slimmest part of the legs instead of the hipline.

I love this dress, Can someone teach me how to apply this lace? Wow, love it.

Its a basic sheath with lace applique, so stunning!
This is a great idea, double up a sheer fabric on the sleeves to give that two tone effect.

This is another one of my favorite, the border print is beautiful and I love the shoulder effect also.'

This would make a nice bridesmaid dress, I wonder if both sleeves can be worn with an off the shoulder effect.

 

Thoughts while planning

I ran away at lunch today for the Vogue/Mccall's Sale at Joanns.

Lately I've been thinking of embellishments more and more.

Why don't I use them in my garments?

Fear, thats why.

I'm really not up to speed on embellishments, I need to education myself, I need to experiment.

So, of course I was hanging out in the trim aisle today.

A whole new world....

I don't think I've ever stood in that aisle for any reason other than to walk through it to get to another aisle.

I was totally confused, everything I picked up I kept asking myself, how in the world am I going to apply this mess and to what?

I'm thinking a glue gun is out the question, or is it?

Anyway, I grabbed the only thing I know I can work with for sure. I've used leatherette trim before and it was easy to work with.

I changed the color choice so that is still progress IMO.

What did I get at the sale?

Not much.

I'm still undecided on what patterns I actually want from the new vogues.

I did get this coat of course, more on this later, the fabric should be here next week and I'm super excited.

I figure that it would take some time to make so by the time I'm finished with that, I should be more "concrete" on what new patterns I want to make from all the collections that were recently released.

This sheath from Mccalls is for my Lela Rose inspired Dress, no fabric for it as yet, I need to find a lightweight tweed in a color I like and that is turning out to be a feat in itself.

　

　

Spring 2013: Calvin Klein

"All-white looks featured slivers of black that ended up lending the silhouettes a flattering visual line...like shaving a few inches off on both sides. On exits where the shape might be tough—like peplum—this is a welcome visual trick. - Best Spring 2013 Runway Fashion - Harper's BAZAAR

Looking at this collection on video and seeing the close up details gave me two different perspectives.

Boy, was I deceived!

From Far, everything looks polished, well cut, smooth and precise.

The close up shots reveals unfinished hems, migrating bust cups and frayed out edges.

Wow, never feel inadequate about your finishing techniques again.

This is the full collection, see if you can match the details with the look.

First of all, to play the CK game you need a patent leather skinny black belt and SHAME ON YOU if you don't have one, its a basic!

Next, don't worry about finishing those hems, its irrelevant.

Find yourself a pair of sharp scissors and sharpen up your dexterity skills, you will need it.

Butterick 5853, will come in handy, sans bow, but don't forget the optical illusion for slimming the waist, a little black strip on the sides of the dress, subtle right?

You probably won't have noticed it but that is what I'm here for.

The constant theme is this little pleat at the sides of some of the jackets and dresses.

In this elusive, little pleat, there is a contrast color, white in black and black in white, sneaky!

But it doesn't stop there, under the collar lapel is the same situation. Now this, I like. A little optical hocus pocus to make you look leaner.

How did they get the leather in those darts, I would love to know.

No, they didn't! Is this a serge finish on the top of this dress?

Is this bust cup suppose to stick out like that? Gosh I hope not.

This is not wrinkles, its "sculptural". You see, when you have a high fashion IQ, you understand that wrinkles are not always defects, they can be aspects of good design.

So did I like the collection or not?

Of course, it looked really good on the runway. I'm not adding frayed out jackets to my closet anytime soon though, let's be real.

My favorite looks was first, this dress, the overlay fabric is made out of leather wire.

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thats very creative. And this pant suit. Its too short though.

　

　

　

Reading List: The Truth about Style

If you’ve been reading my blog for a long time, you know about that period in time, when I went through my biggest life crisis.

When life as I knew it came to an end, fashion and style took a back seat. Believe that!

I remember the day, I came back to being myself.

It was a day just like this in February, four years ago.

I was about to get dressed to go to work.

Gosh, I dreaded going to work.

My uniform was a sweater and pants, every day since late October the year before and I hated it, but I just didn’t want to put the effort into getting ready in the morning.

On that day though, I was looking for a pair of pants that had fell at the back of my closet floor, I pushed my hands all the way in the back and pulled out this dress.

I instantly remembered how much I loved the print. 

In my mind, I was back to a happier place, of fabric trips to NYC and long hours of sewing.

I put it on the bed and then it happened.

I grabbed a pair of leggings and my camel knee length boots and started to get dressed.

It was the first time in 5 months since I wore a dress.

I went into the bathroom, put on some makeup, it actually had dust on everything because I hadn’t touched it in months either.

When I was finished, I looked at myself in the mirror and I was like.

O-M-G

I can hear that voice in my head saying, “Girl, where have
you been?”

I was staring at someone I used to be, a little rough though. I had huge bags under my eyes from crying myself to sleep for months and just from the stress of everything.

But, I can still see, ME.

That was the first day back to where I am now.

I got myself together and that stuff was hard work

So I can relate to this book, I can relate to letting
yourself go, not caring about what you wear or how you look but grieving for
your old self on the inside.

Looking like the best version of YOU matters.

Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Spring 2013: Bouchra Jarrar

Leave it to the french to master understated chic.
For Paris Couturier Bouchar Jarrar, its all about the cut and the drape.
Its simple, sophisticated and timeless.

See Full Collection Here
A few days ago, I was looking at some vogue patterns and I saw V1262.
I thought, what does this remain me off...
Ah, that fabulous Bouchra Jarrar emerald green coat, I saw in the spring 2013 collection.
By now, you must have heard that emerald green is Pantone color of the year and here is a great example of how eye catching it can be.
She also did a sleeveless version and one in tweed.
I will be getting that pattern during the next sale.



This dress remains me of M6609. I wore mines last week and its great to see a couturier's twist on it. Classic LBD, makes me want to make it again.

That belt, I did a quick google search just to soothe my curiosity. SOLD OUT.
Michael Kors did a similar version a couple years ago and it flew off the shelves, if you find a nice one that is affordable, get it.

The contrast bias binding on the surplice neckline of this dress remains me of this one I made years ago, B5206. I wore that dress to death, literally, I had to toss it in the trash because it was washed out and the binding looked weathered. I need to revisit this for sure.


It amazes me how color-blocking have taken over, I'm sorry if you are sick of it because its not going anywhere anytime soon.
Different shades of the same color - colorblock. I love the wrap front, the silk bow and the pleats, a lot going on but well executed.

Something about the shoulders remains me off B5883 and I don't know why.


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The finale, I can see a number of fashion bloggers all over this. I don't like a lot of volume but I pinned this look for fall. I can do a leather biker jacket with a tweed peplum top (on my sewing list for fall) and one of my black pencil skirts and black pumps.

 

Reading List: Circus Of Fashion

Have you read this article yet?

Stir the pot Suzy, stir the POT!

Twiluv 34: Mirror Icon Capsule New Look 6130

 

This peplum top was my must have pick for the New Look summer 2012 collection. I bought it, I cut it out and I forgot about it.

When I was putting this capsule together, I didn't think of this top as a "winter garment" I just wanted to commit myself to making it.

Looking back, I should have made it with a heavier fabric for the winter months but hindsight is always 2020 right?

What can I tell you about this pattern that is news worthy.

Well, I made View C and used the arms of view A to start.

The arms are too snug and I truly regret that I didn't take the measurements before I cut the fabric but this is a problem I don't have so it didn't even occur to me. I want to take them off and finish the armholes with bias binding because but I don't want to ruin it, silk is very unforgiving

I will be taking sleeve measurements form now on because this is NOT happening to me again.

I use to do all my measurements and I got complacent, time to get back into the right mentality.

I like when facings do what they are supposed to do.

I hate when they don't lay flat, these are drafted properly.

It was surprisingly a quick sew project so I will make it again, without the sleeves in the summer.

This top is a borderline wadder as of right now.

On the other hand, the skirt was an absolute success.

The one thing that caught my eye during spring fashion week was the curved edging DVF used in these looks (see vision board).

Now tell me, where have you seen colorblock curved edging?

For the office, I just wanted the curved bias binding details but I wanted the look to be conservative. No flashy shiny fabrics.

I went looking for simplicity 2512, not at the store, in my stash. I had bought it a few years ago but I couldn't find it.

I also gave it away a couple years ago because I thought I wouldn't have used it, lol.

My goodness!

You never know when inspiration will strike, so I purchased it again for View D and it stays in the stash this time, lesson learnt.

My dilemma was the length and lining as you already now based on the review that was posted last week.

What I didn't say on that video is that I recommend that you use a medium to heavy fabric or just line whatever you have.

Why?

Because I feel like it needs some weight, I think the "wrap" hangs nicely with the extra weight and it looks more professional also.

I think if it were to blow up to expose the lining, it will look neater and definitely ready to wear.

I think this skirt would be great in leather, you won't see yourself coming and going in that for sure.

I wanted to try something new, a little change from the regular pencil skirt but still keep the silhouette.

Do what works but find ways to switch it up a bit.

I read my new year style resolution constantly to keep my head in the right place and its working so far.

For the look, I paired it up with my greyish green military style cardigan for warmth more than fashion and my grey and camel boots.

Mind you, I work in a VERY conservative environment but every once in a while I like to stir the pot.

Its fashion month, what can I say, I am inspired to be creative with my wardrobe.

This is all for this week but we are not done yet. This journey will continue.....

Fall 2013: Burberry Prorsum

A prostitute as the inspiration and a choir for the entertainment.

Fashion shows are so controversial, I love it!

Would you wear a trench with sleeves made out of sheer latex or a pencil skirt?

Lets get into the details.

All Photos from Style.com see full collection here.

I loved the look of the mirror embellishments on the pocket welts and the matching belt. I recently got a mirror belt because I like the high polished look.

I guess this would be the ultimate rain coat.

I love these super huge grommets for closures.

I wonder if the giraffe print is also leather. This is beautiful.

I like the mixed animal print. Great idea if you can find similar prints that can work.

This is suede, how fascinating, the ladies are going to love this, who can resist this cute heart print?

Love this pocket detail, its a flap at the waistline that looks like an additional pocket over the welt pocket. Cute!

Wow, I love the bottom of this coat, when I saw it, I immediately thought, this will be knocked off to an itch of its life.

This is just luxe, look at that fur, it looks like the coat of a leopard, just stunning. Leather fringe on grommets on fur. Wow. That is Alot going on.

I like that mix of textures and shapes here

No need for a necklace, I love this neckline

Burberry always, always have the details on outerwear that other "fast fashion" companies tend to rip off. Its always a great place for inspiration for what will be on trend in the upcoming month for outerwear.

Remember the ever so popular leather sleeves that started on coats and migrated into every type of garment from dresses to T shirts. It was burberry, spring 2011, back in fall 2010 to blame for that one.

Animal prints or latex sleeves on solid color coat are next maybe, grommets and leather fringe the next big hit?

Lets see what happens next.

 

Styling for the Floral Trend

Are you scared of making that floral jacket or pants?

I hear you, its chic today, old fashion tomorrow.

Regardless, this styling video has great tips for styling "prints" with solids.

Enjoy.

 

DIY Household Sewing Machine App Review

A couple weeks ago I was contacted by Gordon Carr.

He asked if I can check out this app and give him some feedback on what I thought about it.

So, I agreed and I went over to the itunes store and purchased it.

This is a run down of how the app works.

Once you enter the app, you can choose between two sewing machine models.

CB Model and Top Loading Model

Basically, that describes how you insert your bobbin as the photos suggest, for those of you that don't know what those terms mean.

Lets go into the CB machine.

Next screen looks like this

The three points (A, B and C) are the sites on your machine that the instructor is going to show you how to clean.

Let's take point A for an example.

So you touch point A (bobbin assembly) and it opens up another screen that looks like this:

On the top right, there are three choices.

The document, is the instructions on how to clean the bobbin assembly.

The animation look like this:

Its an animation, think digital cartoon, of how to remove the parts so you know where to clean and so forth.

The Video is the best feature.

The instructor takes you through how to clean the bobbin assembly. Take the parts off and walk you through it. He also explains some other need to know information along the way about a 3 minute tutorial.

Remember there are three points, so you will have the same menu options for all three areas that you need to learn how to clean on your sewing machine.

My initial reaction was, THAT'S IT, that's all you get. I already know how to do everything he showed in this video, that was a waste of 99 cents.

Then while I was washing my dishes sometime later in the day, a thought came into my head. I am jaded.

Yep!

My mom taught me how to clean my sewing machine.

I stood over her shoulder and watched her meticulously take apart my sewing machine and cleaned and oil it for years.

I had someone to give me expert lessons on cleaning my machines (she is singer certified).

So, yeah, there is nothing here for me to learn.

However, that's me and probably a few of you out there that have been cleaning your machine for years.

If you are confident in your skills, don't get this app, you will be very disappointed and want your money back.

On the other hand, if you are new to the game and haven't had someone to show you how to do it correctly.

Or you think you kinda know from a book your read but you are not quite sure.

99 cents is a great deal.

Let me tell you, hobby stores charge more than 10 times that for a 15 min class and half of that time is spend on stuff you don't want to know.

The instructor is articulate, he has a nice voice, he knows what he's talking about and the best part is that its straight to the point.

I hate tutorials, where you are sitting there wondering when are we getting to the reason why I am here.

No Ma'am, not this app.

So I recommend this for those of you that fit these requirements.

He also asked me to give him some feedback so I will share that with you as well.

I think the app is great. It does what it was made to do and if you need to learn this information its worth the cost of it. I would like to see sergers added to the app, they are an enigma, I try my best and still need to get it professionally done.

That would be all.

If you get it, let me know what you think and leave a review on itunes so that the creators can know your thoughts as well.