Secondhand Fashion Week - Day 3 - "Raindrops keep falling on my head..."

Today I woke up in a "retro mod" mood, with That Thing You Do and Mary Tyler Moore on the Dick van Dyke Show popping up frequently in mind. So I pulled out some pieces that reflected that.

To start with, this pink coat was recently given to me secondhand and I absolutely love it. The cut is very 60s and the bright color is out of my comfort zone... which I like. Of course, my siblings hate the coat and say I stand out ridiculously wherever I go in it. But is that such a bad thing? ;)

I threw a bit more color into my outfit with a pink camisole, underneath a white button-up. A black scarf I made some time ago belts it in and makes the simple shirt a bit more interesting. Of course, my cuffed capris always give me a 50s/60s feel, so they made an appearance. I finished it off with flats which, although not secondhand, were only $10 at Target; and a purple umbrella that I bought specifically for my trip to London last fall (where it only rained one day).

What I'm Wearing:

• Coat by Tribal (secondhand)
• Shirt unknown - tagless (secondhand)
• Capris by Ann Taylor LOFT (secondhand)
• Camisole by SO wear it declare it from Kohls
• Flats by Mossimo Supply Co. from Target
• Scarf/Sash made by me
• Mini Umbrella from Target

Today was the first time I've ever shot photographs in a complete downpour, and I was relieved that the lighting and set-up were alright, considering the extremity of weather. (I actually strapped a huge umbrella to my tripod to keep the camera dry. :) I wasn't quite as lucky - my more stylish umbrella was a bit on the tiny side...

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Now it's your turn! Post your secondhand look on your blog and add the link below. (Please make sure the link goes directly to your URL for today's post and not just to your blog homepage.) Remember, made-over, re-fashioned and reconstructed pieces and DIY tutorials can also be posted!

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Day Three - Vintage Inspired Sisters Comfy Casual Beth Anns Day 3 - The Adventurous Dreamer SFW - Of lace and eyelet Atlanta : Ruffles and Heels Stay at home daughter day 3 $10 Outfit Sarah - Miss Dot Of Orange and Open Toe Shoes! Bess - . . Madame Butterfly Was A Hippie. .

Ashley - Pink & Spice DAY THREE - In the woods fashion is a poem not a rhyme Pretty flowery monster Rustic homemaker - Homemade skirt Ella - - Channelling Stacy and Michelle Ez and Bets at Fairies and French Fries Outfit Three : A Purplelicious Day Waterfall Christi`s Realm - Ribbons and Flowers Jessica - Day Three - Almost 70s This linky list is now closed.

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You can also add you photos to the Secondhand Fashion Week Flickr Album! Have fun! :)

P.S. Be sure to click here if you're still don't know what this event is all about.

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Giveaway 2 - Inspired Boutique Fashion Cards!!!

For the next giveaway of Secondhand Fashion Week, I am so excited to be able to offer a set of gorgeous handmade fashiony cards (your choice!) from Inspired Boutique! This is a wonderful new Etsy shop featuring such pretty items... and I was so excited to be contacted by the owner about hosting this giveaway! I think you'll be super excited, too! :)

Here's the different ways that you can enter:

• Leave a comment on this post and let me know which Inspired Boutique card set is your favorite! Please include some way to contact you (email/blog/other). (1 entry)
• Follow me through Blogger (using the "Follow" button in the right-hand sidebar) or on Twitter at AmandaBFly. Be sure to comment and let me know you're following. (1 entry)
• Post the giveaway and/or the Secondhand Fashion Week event on Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, or another social networking site (just as long as it's not private and I can see it), including a link back to AmandaBeth and leave a comment with the link. (2 entries)
• Post about this giveaway and/or the Secondhand Fashion Week event on your blog, including a link back to AmandaBeth. Be sure to link the post URL in your comment so that I can visit it! (3 entries)

The winner will get to choose the card set of their choice as a prize! Good luck to whoever wins this - I don't know how I'd make up my mind between all the sweet card sets! ;)

The giveaway will close next Wednesday evening (the 7th) at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be chosen through Random.org and announced the following day.

Have fun! :)

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Secondhand Fashion Week - Day 2 - Sunshine and Clouds

Whew! I'm so glad that I shot these photos over the weekend when the weather was still nice. We're been drenched severely for the third time in three weeks over the past 2 days and things are definitely feeling dreary. But these pictures remind me of the future sunlight that is expected to come through later on in the week. Let's hope the clouds will break long enough for me to get some more outfit shots!

All of the items in this look are relatively new to me, pretty much acquired over just the last year. Awesomely enough, each one has become a great staple in my wardrobe. The creamy knit sweater fits nice and snug through the arms and adds a cosy finish to an outfit worn on a breezy day. It was passed on to me secondhand.

This tunic top has also become a real favorite of mine. I love the green/blue color and the little white clouds/flowers/random shapes that are dotted all over. It's ruched over the bodice and has a fun mandarin collar (shown folded back here) and cap sleeves. This item was another cast-off.

These skinny jeans (boy do people give me lots of used clothing! ;) are one of my favorite pieces, although I don't wear them extremely often. I am of the opinion that skinny jeans only look really good with high heels. They help continue the line of the leg and give a nice appearance. With most flat shoes, you just end up looking short, wide and stumpy. Sorry, but that's my strong opinion after observing this trend closely on girls of all shapes and sizes over the past year.

That said, heels were a must for this outfit, and the comfy black ones I wore in Bekah and Michael's wedding worked perfectly. For a finishing touch, these earrings were passed on to me by my awesome Aunt Cari (of Postcard Poem). I just love how they almost mirror the little "clouds" printed on the tunic. Makes me happy. :)

What I'm Wearing:

• Cream knit sweater by Mossimo
• Tunic Top by Mossimo
• Skinny Jeans by OLD NAVY
• High Heels by MADDEN GIRL from Famous Footwear

Now it's your turn! Post your secondhand look on your blog and add the link below. (Please make sure the link goes directly to your URL for today's post and not just to your blog homepage.) Remember, made-over, re-fashioned and reconstructed pieces and DIY tutorials can also be posted!

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Down to Business Day Two - The Polished Teacher Sisters - Day Two Day Two : Beauty and the Chickens Day 2 Casual april cornell inspired outfit Atlanta : Summertime Crooked Stream Photography Stay at home daughter day 2 Why Momma Loves The Maxi Dress Ballerina Girl - Ashley Youll be in my heart Ella - - Casually Chic

Sarah - brown and Blue Power Lunch Modesty is Pretty : Spring preppy? Bess - . . Peachy Keen. . Day two fashion is a poem not a rhyme SFW - Of aprons and belts My excuse. . . Ill have to do two tomorrow. Ez and Bets and Fairies and French Fries Outfit Two : Dress on a Dime Christi`s Realm - Sweet Serenade Jessica - Day Two - Spring This linky list is now closed.

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You can also add you photos to the Secondhand Fashion Week Flickr Album! Have fun! :)

P.S. Be sure to click here if you're still don't know what this event is all about.

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Some New Fashion-y Fun!!!

Because I am always looking for new ways to connect with and get to know my audience (you guys are so important and special to me - thank you for reading! :) I recently set up an account at

which is a really cool new (well, I never heard anything about it until about a month ago) site on which you can ask people questions. And, since I have received emails in the past asking for fashion advice, I thought that this would be a fun and easy way to connect even more along those lines.

Of course, I am not a fashion expert. I am mostly self-taught, and I don't have the magical answer to every question. But I love to share what I do know in hopes that it will give you some ideas or inspiration. :)

And this page is not all about me. I also want it to be a place where you can share your own fashiony thoughts, ideas and tips. Post a link to your favorite clothing store, let everyone know about an upcoming event or spill you thoughts on the latest trend. I hope this can be a great new way to build discussion and ideas between all the great fashionistas who are a part of this site (that means you! :).

So, to get started:

I'll be asking my own questions through this site once in a while as well. I want to get your opinions and hear what you think about all the latest goings on in fashion world!

I'm looking forward to seeing you over at formspring.me/amandaflynn ! :)

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Secondhand Fashion Week - Day 1: Fish in the Sea

A couple of great "feel good in it always" pieces are the perfect way to start off any day. Regardless of how you're feeling, what you look like first thing in the morning, or how your hair is behaving on that particular day, they can give you an instant "pick-me-up."

This jacket always does it for me. No matter what I pair it with, it always seems to work out just right. And, of course, it was secondhand. Not only that, but it previously belonged to a young girl. That's right - one of my favorite ways to find secondhand items is to "steal" pieces that were passed on to my little sisters by other girls. If it fits ok through the bodice, it can be pretty amazing as a "tiny" or cropped jacket. ;)

My "fishy" skirt hasn't seen as much wear as the jacket, and at first I was a bit skeptical of this secondhand piece. But I love it so much in this combination that I know I will be pairing it up again in the near future. I am rather obsessed with unique and "quirky" pieces; and this skirt, with its gazillion tiny fish congregating about the hemline, is captures my imagination. Just perfect for someone who still thinks it would be awesome to be a mermaid (that would be me ;).

My necklace and bracelet are also secondhand. The former was a cast-off from my favorite violinist on the planet (and a huge musical inspiration) Hanneke Cassel. (That's also how we got my littlest sister's name.) The bracelet came in a random bag of clothing years ago. My bronze heeled shoes are not secondhand, as almost all of the footwear in my wardrobe seems to have been purchased brand new, but they are also favorites.

What I'm Wearing:

• Tan Jacket by Mossimo
• "Fish in the Sea" Skirt - AWAW by Junko Shimada
• Black Tank Top by SO wear it declare it from Kohls
• Metallic Heels by Franco Sarto from DSW

Now it's your turn! Post your secondhand look on your blog and add the link below. (Please make sure the link goes directly to your URL for today's post and not just to your blog homepage.) Remember, made-over, re-fashioned and reconstructed pieces and DIY tutorials can also be posted!

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Day One - Undercover Day One - French Couch Me And My Blue Jean Skirt Ashley - School Girl Charm Atlanta : Tiers and Stripes Hero - Day Uno Black and Teal. Lillian - Day one Ella - - On Capitol Hill Crooked Stream Bess - . . Eclectic Dreamer. . Rebeccas day 1 and 2 Stay - at - homedaughts Day 1

First Day! Sarah - Spring Flowers The moment I wake up Modesty is Pretty Bets and Ez at Fairies and French Fries Day One : Lend - Me - Please? Jessica - Day One - Out For the Day Christis Realm - A Dollar or Less Sunday Fashion SFW - Of sailors and ballerinas Casual Vintage!! This linky list is now closed.

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You can also add you photos to the Secondhand Fashion Week Flickr Album! Have fun! :)
P.S. Be sure to click here if you're still don't know what this event is all about.

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Giveaway 1 - Marie Madeline Studios Gift Certificate!!!

This giveaway is now closed.

Well, the lovely ladies over at Marie-Madeline Studios were sweet enough to let me host a very special  giveaway at AmandaBeth - a $30 gift certificate to their amazing online store!

If this sounds delightful already, just wait until you've browsed all of their lovely products. There's fashionably modest apparel, sewing patterns and kits, fabrics, trims and more! And everything is bright, flowery and super feminine. Just perfect for spring. :)

There's a few different ways to enter the giveaway for the $30 Marie Madeline Studios Gift Certificate. Be sure to leave a separate comment for each way you enter!

1. Leave a comment on this post with your name and some way to contact you. (1 entry)
2. Post the giveaway and/or the Secondhand Fashion Week event on Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, or another social networking site (just as long as it's not private and I can see it), including a link back to AmandaBeth. (2 entries)
3. Post about this giveaway and/or the Secondhand Fashion Week event on your blog, including a link back to AmandaBeth. Be sure to link the post URL in your comment so that I can visit it! (3 entries)

P.S. Two more ways to enter! Follow me through Blogger (using the "Follow" button in the right-hand sidebar) or on Twitter at AmandaBFly. Be sure to comment and let me know you're following. (1 entry)

The giveaway will close next Monday evening (the 5th) at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be chosen through Random.org and announced the following day.

Lastly, be sure to follow the fantastic Marie-Madeline blog - lots of pretty things going on over there! :)

Good luck in the giveaway!

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Secondhand Fashion Week has officially begun!

Here's a "face to face" introduction by me. Apparently, I need to practice talking without saying "umm..." every five seconds. ;)

If you haven't read the full explanation of exactly what this event is and how you can participate, click here to do so. :)

Also, the winner of Rolled Canvas Giveaway, chosen using Random.org, is... Rebecca Ann of SinginginHisName! Congratulations, Rebecca! I hope you enjoy your prize! :)

Be sure to let me know which evening this week you think would be best for the live group chat. Based on response, I'll try and pick one that will work for most people.

Don't forget to post the links to your secondhand fashion pictures, tutorials and other posts in the MckLinky list for the appropriate day! I hope you're ready to dive fashionable feet first into this event, because I sure am! :)

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Major Typo

Well, Amanda Beth Flynn is mortally embarrassed to just realize that the dates on the Secondhand Fashion Week banners say March 28-April 3, which means the event should have started today. And for months she has been thinking and planning that it would start tomorrow.

Big "oops." :P

I was playing around with the dates when I made the banners for the event and I guess they never got changed to my final decision. So, my sincere apologies to anyone who showed up today with the intention of participating and was confused. Secondhand Fashion Week starts tomorrow, I promise. :)

And it's going to be loads of fun. Just you wait!

Thanks for understanding the currently over-tired and unorganized brain of this deplorable fashionista...

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Debbie Style

A petite 5'2" with honey-blonde hair and a sweet, genuine smile, Debbie Reynolds is one who has truly left her mark on the "golden age" of hollywood. Not only was she part of some of the great classic musicals of the past century but she has a loveliness and warmth of personality that shone on the screen, and is impossible to forget.

When I first saw Singing In The Rain (12+ years ago) I totally loved her. Everything about Debbie in that film was perfect; her hair, her costumes, her comedic touches, her singing... and especially her dancing. The "Good Morning" number still remains one of my favorite movie dances ever, and to dance like Debbie in that scene has always been a dream of mine. :)

Click the above image to watch the "Good Morning" song and dance
 from "Singing In The Rain."

Staying on the subject of dancing for a little while, Debbie (who was only 19 when she made Singing in the Rain) was not an experienced dancer and received constant criticism and complaints from Gene Kelly on set (I never liked him, anyway :P). Fred Astaire, while visiting the production, found Debbie crying under the piano one day and, being the true gentleman that he was, show some compassion and kindness... and helped her with her dancing. Of course, Gene was still not impressed and went into the studio to record the audio of Debbie's dancing himself. And Miss Reynolds? Well, she is quoted as saying, "'Singin' in the Rain' and childbirth were the two hardest things I ever had to do in my life..." Ouch. :P

As well as her acting, singing and dancing, Debbie was definitely one of the adorable fashionistas of the 1950s. I just love the image of her at the top of this post; perched in a tree and perfectly dressed for a warm spring day. It's neat to get a look at the the ruffled petticoats under her sweet halter dress... and check out the shoes! Girls, if you have to go for a gladiator-inspired style, this is the way to do it. A nice flat sandal laced up with cording or ribbon is just lovely. :)

What's your favorite Debbie Reynolds film? I must admit that Singing In The Rain is the only one I've seen her in, but I'd definitely like to watch some more. Are there any other classic actresses you'd like to see featured on the blog in the coming months?

Remember, Secondhand Fashion Week starts on Monday! I am really looking forward to this event - it's going to be loads of fun. I'll see you then... :)


Image: Simplyclassics.net

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Raindrops on Roses

"Well, the weather outside is frightful..."

Oops. 'Tis not the season for that song. Spring is officially here.

But weather outside my window today is rather "frightful" - all grey and gloomy and decidedly damp.  Inside, I'm sewing away on a gown for a ball on Friday and dreaming wistfully of other sewing and fashiony projects... and almost all of them have to do with flowers. When this time of year comes around, my head gets a wee bit fluffy with all the blossoms and petals.

You may then imagine my delight when my flowery imaginations were made a reality in Anthropologie's new Just Rosy collection. It's absolutely, amazingly perfect. I just have to share my favorites with you. :)

The ultimate shirt for a warm spring or summer day is a comfortable knit top with wispy sleeves (or none at all), a great fit, a fab color, and some interesting details. All of these tops fit that criteria perfectly. If only the price tags fit my criteria as well... I think I'm going to have to try my hand at recreating my own versions. :)

The Sun Grown Tank is a soft gold jersey knit and features fabric and lace roses down the front. I love the use of the seams and gathering, creating a unique look and fit. The grey Molded and Melded Tee has tiny cap sleeves and a neckline edged in blossoms, which spill down to one side, adding a nice asymmetrical look. It's amazing how a creation like this could be reproduced with and old, oversized tee shirt. :)

I love the comfortable and relaxed look of this Tree Poppy Tank with it's simple lines in linen (perfect for a warm day). The yoked neckline is a favorite style of mine and this one is set off by rosettes created with polka-dot fabric. A wonderful piece of whimsy.

The Rose Mallow Tank is versatile enough to be worn with jeans, or dressed up for a wedding. The fabric features a tiny metallic stripe for unexpected shimmer and and elastic casing across the front cinches it in for a great fit.

This Rumpled Floret Blouse has just what you want in the way of sleeves on a warm day; loose, unassuming and lovely. The ruffles and roses across the bodice are just a masterpiece of creativity, in different fabrics, and make a unique and striking design.

This Telecote Tank may just be my favorite in the whole collection. It is so extremely simple, and yet unforgettably stunning. The roses are created from satin and georgette in dramatic colors. This is "such stuff as dreams are made on," to quote Shakespeare on this appropriate occasion.

The Growing Conditions Tee is in one of my favorite colors - a warm and bright red/orange. It's interesting to see how an already unique and beautiful tee is made twice as neat by a flower-y accent. Also, zoom in to see the tiny knots that trim the neck and arms - great details!

The Buds and Bunches Tee not only features the rosette accents of the other pieces, but has a few unique touches of its own. The tee is gathered over the bust and commands attention with a smocked strip of fabric. And, of course, the straps are braided, which I think is absolutely brilliant. More tops should feature special touches like these.

Remember, this "rosy" trend goes further than an accent on a blouse. Floral accessories are a great addition to any outfit and especially nice on headwear. This Twined Ribbon Cloche was just a plain straw hat to start with, but the accents make it chic. And a simple black headband becomes the show-stopping Rose-Is-A-Rose piece with the addition of a few satin flowers.

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How can you add florals to your own wardrobe? Are there any other lovely spring trends that inspire you?

Oh yes, and does anyone get frustrated with my frequent references to the weather? I'm sorry if I repeat my enthusiasm (or lack thereof) for the changing of seasons. I'm a dreamer, and all the new loveliness and nostalgia that comes with each month of the year gives me a pleasant thrill. Many thrills, in fact.

I can't really apologize for that. ;)

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Custom Rolled Canvas Giveaway!!! :)

In celebration of Secondhand Fashion Week - which starts a week from today! - I am hosting a very exciting giveaway! Enter for a chance to win a beautiful 16"x20" canvas print - featuring your custom image/photo! This is a perfect way to save and display a special memory... or a great fashiony moment you want to show off!

I'm going to be receiving my own canvas for hosting the giveaway and I'm having a hard time deciding what photo I want to get printed. I've got some great pictures from this past year; from shoots, my trip to London and more. Ooh... which to use?

This prize is limited to US residents only... and the winner will also receive FREE shipping on their prize. Pretty awesome if you ask me (especially when you're broke - lol).

To enter this giveaway, leave a comment on this post with your name and some way to contact you (email/blog/et cetera). Also, how would you use this prize if you won? Any great fashiony ideas?

The giveaway will close on Sunday, the 28th at 11:59 PM. I will select a winner using Random.org the following day. I hope you'll enter!! :)

Remember, UPrinting is great place to Print Online all sorts of useful items, not just Canvas Prints. I recently received my custom business cards from the last giveaway and am totally loving them! I need to take a picture and show you all sometime!

I hope everyone has a great rest of the week. I'll be counting down the days to our Secondhand Fashion adventure... ;)

P.S. I apologize for the "slow script" error that has been plaguing the blog for a while is this showing up on your browser?). I'll try and see if I can sort it out this week. Thanks for your patience!

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A Few Spring Favorites...

The sun has finally shown its face in Massachusetts and I, for one, am looking forward to spring (it's official tomorrow). Wednesday was the first "barefoot day" in our house, and throwing off my sweater and letting my feet run over that still slightly mushy "spring ground" was totally and completely exhilarating. This is my favorite season and was meant to be enjoyed to the fullest.

So, in celebration, I thought I'd share some pretty items that caught my eye and are perfect picks for all that in-between weather that is spring in New England (and probably wherever you are, too :). Most of these are high-end items that I chose for their appearance rather than price tag, but you can definitely find trendy affordable versions at two of my fave stores - Target and Kohls. I've also included some Amazon picks for you browse - there's so many nice pieces out there! :)

1 - A great dress. There's always a lot of weddings in the spring. And graduations. And various other parties. So you'll want to make sure you've got an easy, fabulous dress to throw on and look great in for any occasion. Browse these (all under $50!) from Amazon.com for some ideas...

2 - A classic coat or coverup. Because you never know when the weather will turn chilly... or a spring shower decides to make an appearance. Obviously, trench coats have already been given some spring coverage on the blog... read more.

3 - A pretty peasant top. The flowing bohemian style seems like it is truly here to stay. Choose something with embroidery or ruffles for a feminine touch. So perfect for a gorgeous, sunny afternoon! Oh yes, and don't forget a nice tulle skirt (which I had a mild obsession with last year ;)... like this one.



4 - A fabulous bag, or show stopping shoes. Or both, if you like. :) I adore these bright yellow high heels (nicely be-ruffled) and the bold, teal purse is so trendy! These colors are perfect for spring. Lastly, don't underestimate the power of some nicely embellished flats!

5 - Amazing Accessories. Scarves are a popular and lovely trend for almost any season, and come in a rainbow of colors. The perfect way to add some interest and pizzaz to your look. And don't forget the impact that a few well chosen pieces of jewelry can have on your outfit!

What is your must have item for this spring? Do you have any similar pieces to what is shown here already in your closet? I know that I myself have some gaps to fill out in my wardrobe... :)
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Just a personal update... 
The less than happy news in our house is the flooding of our basements. This happened six years ago when our hot water heater burst and it was a disaster. This time around, the sump pump decided to quit the day after all the rain stopped. As a result, the basement that I was remodeling, and had just set up with all my sewing stuff, got drowned in about three inches of water.

Fortunately, the organizing I'd been doing for the past few months made it so that nothing important was on the floor or destroyed. And our other basement, which we use for living space, only got wet in one corner. All around, it could have been much worse. But it is immensely frustrating to have months of cleaning and organizing work thrown out the window and the already too-crowded other areas of our house stuffed with things from the basement. And all of this happened on St. Patrick's Day. We nearly drowned in the good old Irish luck. :P

This will also make it a bit harder to prep for Secondhand Fashion Week, as my sewing and photography space is no more. I'll have to get extra creative and see what I can come up with over the next weeks.

If you would pray for patience as we get things put back together, it would be appreciated. I guess I wanted a new floor down there anyway... :P

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DIY Fashionista: Conversation Choker

It has been my intention for a long, long time to do occasional fashion-y posts with some practical "hands-on" ideas, tutorials or inspirations to help us stretch and add variety to our wardrobes, while keeping up with pretty trends. Now that my sewing room has finally been "remodeled" I'm looking forward to doing just that over the next few months. I've got some bags of clothes that I plan to make over and "re-fashion" and hopefully you'll see some great projects over Secondhand Fashion Week.

Yesterday, being struck with some inspiration and an hour to kill, I made up a "conversation choker" for St. Patrick's Day and took photos so that I could show you how to make your own. It's a fun and very simple project (requires very little sewing - mostly just a glue gun) and the main rosette technique can be used many different ways (on belts, hair pieces, or as a brooch).

Are you ready to get started? I'll try my best to keep the instructions as simple as possible.

1 - I started by using my machine to embroider IRISH on a small piece of linen (perfect for the holiday! ;). You can do this with paint, markers or any other sort of writing tool that is specially designed for fabric. Put whatever you want on the fabric, as long as it will fit on the button you will be covering. You could also leave this piece blank, or use a decorative or printed fabric.

2 - Using your button as a guide (mine was 1" wide) cut the fabric into a circle, making it about twice the size of the button.

3 - Center the button face downward on the back or wrong side of your fabric and apply hot glue to the back of the button. Fold in the edges of the fabric. When you are finished, your button should look like the image above/right.

4 - Cut a 14" by 2 1/2" wide strip of contrasting fabric (I used a nice old prom dress :). Fold the strip in half lengthwise (so it's only half as wide) with the wrong sides of the fabric together (you'll need to press it with the iron so it will stay this way). Sew a basting/gathering stitch 1/8" from the long "raw" (aka unfinished) edge of the fabric.

5 - Pull on the top thread at each end of the basting to gather your fabric strip. As I had guessed on what would be the right length for the strip, I just gathered it up until it had naturally formed a nice circular rosette. Then I folded under the raw edges, glued them in place and trimmed off any extra fabric. (See above right photo for the wrong side of the rosette.)

6 - Finish it off by gluing the fabric-covered button in the center of the rosette. Make sure you do this on the right/neat side of the rosette - this is what people will see - and any gathering stitches are concealed.

7 - Cut a second 2 1/2" wide by however-long-you-want strip of fabric (this will be the "choker" piece and go around your neck). Fold it in half lengthwise (press it with the iron) with the right sides together (so you can only see the back/wrong side of the fabric). Sew a seam (1/4" from the raw edge) across one end and down the length - leaving one end open. In the above/right picture, you can see that I have clipped the corners on a diagonal. This makes them nice and neat for the next step.

8 - Turn the strip right-side out so that you have a nice finished tube of fabric with only one little raw edge left open. (Turning it can be a bit tricky when the tube is narrow - don't be frustrated if it takes a little while.) At this point, I did a decorative machine stitch (that looks like shamrocks) all down the center of the strip, but you can definitely leave it plain as well. Press the strip with the iron so it's neat and flat.

9 - Fold the last unfinished end of the strip under and glue it down securely on the back of your rosette (above/left). Then take two small squares of velcro and glue them to each end of the strip (above/right), as a way to "clasp" the choker.

Ta da! There you have it! A fabulous choker that is sure to strike up a conversation. (I mean... how can you not talk about it, especially if it says IRISH in bold, green letters? ;) Remember, you can use the rosette technique on lots of other projects. And if the choker makes you feel too much like a prize-winning animal at a county fair, you can always double it up and wear it as a wrist-band. ;)

Please leave a comment and give me some feedback on this tutorial. I really would like to know if I was too wordy or not clear enough in my instructions. I definitely want to do more of these DIY (Do It Yourself for those who are wondering) fashion-y posts, but I want to get your opinions. If you have any ideas or suggestions, let me know!

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Does anyone have their outfit picked out for St. Patrick's Day? I'll try and get some shots of mine if tomorrow, if I have time. I'm also planning on taking some photos of the Edwardian dress I made for my play and will also have those up for you over the next week or two (I left it in the back of my dad's car and keep forgetting to take it out - lol :P ).

Don't forget that Secondhand Fashion Week is less than two weeks away! Be sure to spread the word... I'm hoping we'll have a great turnout. :)

May God bless your day...

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