Hitting the Target

So many fun fashion-y (I think that's my fave new word ;) things come my way that it's hard to keep track of them all. I received a Target "FABULESS" catalog in the mail some time ago and I just love some of the looks. Although it can be sort of a "cheapo" place to shop and I'm usually unimpressed with the quality of their more trendy pieces, occasionally I have found brilliant stuff there. And Target does have some really great items for guys.

Anyway...here are the pages that grabbed my attention. Some of them were just sweet (and I love this model - she looks like Reese Witherspoon. Adorable. :).

This first look is polished and trendy (notice the purple tights!). I don't really do great in plaids but I like how the jacket she is wearing is not overpowering, but adds a lot of subtle interest. And black skirts are just perfect for winter (although I like them a tiny bit longer - you know me and kneecaps! Bleh. ;).

I have an obsession with brown (suits my skin tone SO much better than black and is super yummy...) and I just adore all the colors and patterns in this spread. A turtleneck (even with short sleeves, as seen here) are extremely flattering and the long, chunky necklace dresses it up perfectly. Wide, trendy belts are really a must have (that I really don't have :P) and this one suits the cute skirt nicely. Although the skirt is a bit too "mini" for my taste, I absolutely love the fabric, and the tights just make it work. We can't see her feet, but I'm guessing that ankle boots would finish the ensemble off perfectly.

So, if you run into Target, see if you spy any of these cute looks. On my last trip, Josh and I found something even better. :)

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And it's happened at last...

I am hoping to post when I get a spare moment (these past few weeks have been insane!), but I just had to share some non-fashion-y news...

My "not so little anymore" sis Rebekah is engaged to Michael Thomas. :)

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PRADA - Welcome to the World of Ugly...

It's been a while since I posted an "ugly" fashion rant. I did it back in April when this blog was still super new (see Bursting the Bubble!!!) and lately I've had the urge to be a fashion critic again. ;)

OK, so I know we live in an advanced technological age which is super exciting, but this has got to be carrying it a bit too far. Let me introduce the absolute latest in PRADA's Fall/Winter line...

Shoes with WINGS.

Now, this may not be a totally bad idea in itself. The thought of "flying shoes" is pretty neat and if I were a totally fab Superheroine I don't know what would be cooler than wearing "winged" shoes with my supersuit. And if they worked, well...even better.

Unfortunately, PRADA has taken a clever idea and executed it with disastrous results. What we end up with is weird colors, plastic-y fabrics and just too much of a good idea turned bad. Our lovely stilettos just don't need wings on the front back, sides and et cetera. The sleek look of heeled shoes, which is what catches my eye in the first place, is completely lost with all that "plastic" flapping about. And those "nude" colored elastic bands (I'm assuming they keep the shoe from taking flight?) - blah. Forget it. :P

Fortunately, this trend has not yet filtered down into ready-to-wear stuff, so if you want a pair of these uglies, you will have to cough up a delicious $1,000. Don't worry about the fragile economy, I'm sure you will be able to wear these for decades...

LOL. OK, so I promise that I will design a totally fab pair of winged shoes sometime... I'm just waiting until they invent jet packs... ;)

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On a more positive shoe subject, I saw this commercial the other day and just loved it. If your city hails shoes, please let me know... :)

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"Chilly Weather..."

"since my love[ly sandals] and I ain't together..."

Last Sunday I had to give in and admit defeat. It was 40 degrees and wouldn't get much warmer. No open toe sandals for church. Grr... we'll see about next week. ;)

Actually, I found it quite fun to embrace the chill and dig through my closet in search of Fall lovelies. Everything is in that seasonal transition period right now (a.k.a. MESS) but I managed to dig out some great new (and old) items and pull them together.

Crinkle Blouse - apt. 9

Wool Skirt - LADY THOMSON

Leather Jacket - MS. MAXiMA

Cloche - NINE & CO. by ninewest

Gloves - NOVAKID by Aris

Boots - MERONA

Went to Connecticut for the day and froze our feet off in an apple orchard. Made for great pictures, though! ;)

All you fashion-y bloggers - care to share you "Chilly" wardrobe?

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Maid Marian's Wardrobe - Season One - Part V

Costumes are listed in order of appearance, although some images may be from later episodes of the show. May contain slight spoilers. Click HERE for Parts I, II, III & IV.
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Pink Tunic with Striped "Jacket" and Yellow Sweater
Marian can not come to an agreement with Robin, Guy, or her father...




This pretty and colorful ensemble is made up of a coral tunic and brown, floor length "gaucho" type pants. The tunic looks to be made of a heavy woven fabric and laces down the back with matching cording. The sleeves come down to the knuckles but are slit up to the wrist on the underside, allowing mobility. The end of the sleeves and the natural neckline are edged with white rick-rack. The tunic ends at mid-thigh and is accessorized with a brown leather belt, featuring a decorative belt buckle. The belt ties and the excess hangs on the right side.





Over the pink tunic, Marian first wears a small "jacket" which consists of two sleeves, held together by "straps" that cross just under the neckline. The "straps" are actually a heavily beaded trim that is attached to the "jacket" around the neckline, underarms, and the ends of the jacket sleeves. The jacket is made from a lighter weight fabric with stripes in different shades of pink. Later, Marian wears a bright yellow sweater over the tunic, ending at the natural waist. The sleeves are wrist-length and the sweater ties in front.
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Orange Hood With Vest and Split Skirt
Marian is trapped by Sir Guy and has no choice but to accept his terms...




This is my favorite ensemble in the entire first series. The bright orange shirt is made from a very lightweight fabric that appears to have a subtle stretch/drape to it. The neckline is slightly more dropped than on most of Marian's outfits and ends in a soft "v". The sleeves come down over her knuckles and the hood ends in a point. When not worn, the hood hangs down past her waist. The front of the vest is made from a light tan fabric with small dark "sunburst" designs. The back of the vest is made from a tan suede fabric and the edges of the vest are faced with strips of the same material. The bottom of the vest ends in two points and it closes with four leather clasps.





The skirt is made from the a similar suede fabric and is ankle length. It appears to be a straight skirt that has been split up the front, back and sides, all the way to the waistline. The splits are fabric  faced and have eyelets down all the edges. The skirt is sometimes partly laced down the front and sides and at other times is completely left open. Underneath the skirt, Marian wears her "Night Watchmen" riding pants and boots. She also wears pale yellow suede gloves.
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Red Beaded Gown
Robin decides to drop in on Sir Guy's party...




This simple and beautiful gown is constructed from a dark red fabric that appears to be wool. The wide neckline sits close to the shoulder and is edged with a heavy embroidered trim. A belt with matching trim is worn, although it is hard to see how it fastens and how far it hangs down in front. The sleeves are fitted until the elbow, where they flare dramatically, hanging well past the knee. They are lined with a pale brown fabric. The dress is floor length and laces up the back with matching red cording.


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Sorry it took me so long to get another wardrobe post out. The grand finale of the series is coming up! :)


Screencaps from Robin Hood 2006

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New from Simplicity - and I've been tagged! :)

"New from the Threads Magazine Collection - It’s the Feminine side of Fall – pair a full swingy skirt with a beautiful blouse for a sophisticated spin on separates."

For all you seamstresses out there who are feeling creative (the fall weather is doing it to me, too! :), here's a great way to update your look for the season. I love this new Simplicity Pattern 2758! Just so fun and feminine (the blouses are gorgeous, too)! I usually don't go for decorative pockets but these are just adorable - just love the first two views.

And if you need further inspiration, take a look at this great "Sewing Buddy" video from Simplicity. I really enjoyed watching it and love how she covers many of the tips I give in my own classes (although I always mirror the notches out, away from the pattern, so as not to ruin that seam allowance - I might need it later!). Check it out!

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OK, so I think this may be the first time I have ever been tagged. Thank you Valerie from The Crafting Freak! *throws a party*

The Rules:
Link to your tagger and list the rules.
List 7 random facts about yourself.
Tag 7 people (and make sure you check back and see what they say!).
If you're tagged, play along and pass it on!

Random Facts:
1 - I have an average 18 pairs of shoes at all times (although some are for costume/dance purposes). I believe that you can never have too many shoes or clothes, as long as you wear them all. If you haven't worn it in a year, pass it on to someone who will (this always makes it easier to get rid of old favorites).

2 - I had an obsession with The Wizard of Oz and Judy Garland years before I even saw the movie.

3 - I used to want to be an opera singer.

4 - My biggest pet peeve is people reading/looking over my shoulder at what I am doing. Go away!!

5 - I just finished writing my first full-length novel - it took me three and a half years...

6 - I do believe in fairies! I do! I do!

7 - I like to break fashion rules. I wear white all year round, not just between Memorial and Labor day. I wear brown and black, black and blue, and brown and blue together. I wear patterns on both top and bottom. The only hard and fast rule for fashion I can think of is, "It doesn't have to match, it just has to 'go'!" As you get more fashion and style exposure you will begin to feel instinctively whether or not something "goes". And yes, I do make mistakes sometimes... ;)

Tagging:
Annamae
Emma and Johanna
Grace
Marie
Melody
Shannon
Tai

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Lastly, I've got a lot of stuff coming up over the next month and would appreciate your prayers. It's getting so I am really having to pick which things are priority and weed the others out. I love this blog too much to give it up, but if I'm not quite so consistent with posts, just forgive me! ;) Be sure to sign up for email updates using the form in the left-hand sidebar - that way you will be able to read each new post straight from your inbox!

I love you all - God bless!

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Grace Kelly & ANN TAYLOR

Although Audrey Hepburn has to be my favorite style icon of all time, Grace Kelly is a close second. When I look at her clothes I see things that I could wear - beautiful, feminine ensembles that are both flattering and ultra chic.

While visiting Ann Taylor online I was surprised and delighted to find these lovely shots featuring a Grace Kelly lookalike (isn't she beautiful?) wearing clothing that are oh! so feminine and classic.

• The Modern WIDE PANT - Widen your sense of style with this eternally modern cut.
  

I just love these pants! These are so super flattering and definitely a classy and modest choice. Although cuffs aren't always the greatest idea if you are petite, because horizontal lines cut the body in half and make it look shorter.

• The Statement JACKET - Take cover from Fall's cooler temperatures - sleek and sophisticated.
  

I can not emphasize how much a jacket completes and enhances your wardrobe. Along with nice sweaters, they are one of the things that I end up having a lot of. And for the record, I have never purchased a sweater in my life - they just know where I live. :)

• The Pencil SKIRT - Polished and refined, the pencil skirt sharpens your look for Fall.
  

I think a pencil skirt completes the look of a well-dressed woman. It should not be super short and tight, but fit well through the hips and fall to a flattering length. Choose an interesting style detail to dress it up and you're good to go!

• The Ruffle BLOUSE - Pair this piece with just about anything to add some flair and tone.
  

Another essential, and a great place to add some color. A classic tailored suit can be made fun and surprising if you add a splash of color with a lovely, feminine blouse.

I highly suggest you take a peek at all the lovely looks that Ann Taylor provides. Although I've never purchased directly from one of their outlets, I am always running into great secondhand pieces - and they are some of my faves. :)

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My Fashion-y Sis

Today is my sister Lydia's sixteenth birthday. She's my best friend and one of the most classy and stylish people I know. And we share a messy room (and closet). Lucky me. ;)

While strolling the streets of Boston, Lydia had it down perfectly in a black tank, denim jacket and brown skirt and shoes. Jewelry from Melissa's Wedding and our cousin Josh topped it off. ;)

We found this hat at Urban Outfitters. I didn't like most of their stuff, but this cloché scored big. If I had $40 lying around right now... um yeah.

Years ago, when she was still in the awkward, "devil may care" tomboy stage, I used to worry if she'd ever make an effort to look nice. I'd love to say that it was due to my careful guidance, but the truth is that she found her own personal style all by herself. And it's so neat to see the differences between us. I love my sis. :)

And, in honor of the momentous occasion, we start Robin Hood Season Two tonight! Yeah! :D

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Sweet N' Sour Choker Drawing

This big day is finally here! :)

 

The honor of drawing the lucky winner went to the lovely Miss Hanneke, who looked just sweet despite being exhausted from family vacation. She showcased a wind-swept "do" and a pink turtleck. ;)

Apparently, she wants everyone to win... lol.

And the winner is... Heather! 

Congrats to you and thanks so much to everyone else who participated! I'll be having another super awesome drawing coming up within the next month - stay posted! :)

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"Penelope" on Polyvore

Continuing my obsession with the awesome new Polyvore (you can view all my fashion sets by clicking the link in the lefthand sidebar) I decided to make a "Penelope" inspired set. I watched this movie for the second time a few weeks ago and was enchanted all over again (if you have not seen it, rent it!).

The story of the film is so sweet and always challenges the way I think. Although externals are very important, we must make sure that we base our judgement of a person on the real them, who is deep inside (and often takes time to really see). Over the course of the movie, the people around her (and Penelope herself) must to learn to accept and love who she already is, not the future person that she may someday be. The romance is pure and sacrificial; not based on physical attraction, but on who Penelope really is.

Anyway, with that said, here are some pieces that reminded me of the clothing from the film, which features a lovely assortment of bold and bright shades (including gorgeous tights!), all cut in a beautifully feminine style. Enjoy! :)

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