Today was...

My twenty second birthday. :)

What a year this has been. 

So many adventures have flown by in an instant, and so many more lie ahead. I am forever thankful that God has them all planned out for me. He's an amazing author and I feel so priviledged to play a part in the story (well, it's a musical, really ;) that He has created. 

I know it's going to be super exciting! :)

I spent part of the day cooking - chicken with a curry sauce for the meal, and lemon tart for dessert - and also took some time to shoot photos of the "birthday dress" I made for myself over the past week. 

My sister, the B.I.L. (brother-in-law) and nephew joined us for supper, and I also got a surprise visit from Josh, my best friend who now lives in P.E.I. (Yep, all of you L.M. Montgomery fans, it's a legitimate place and just as lovely as she describes it. :) 

I finished off the day by dancing like a maniac with my sis Lydia (not so unusual) despite having eaten too much dessert, and then discussing writing and the frustrations of novels with Anna. Certainly had some nice moments. :)

This dress design has been in my head for a good couple of years now. I've had the fabric in my stash (I actually made a skirt out of some of it 3 or so years ago) and the bright splotches of blue were just calling my name. I wanted to create a 1950s inspired gown that would be super fun to dress up in and make me feel like royalty.

Oh yes, and I needed something to match the amazing 4" blue satin heels I got last year in London (laceys from BULLFROGS). I call them my "Buckingham Palace" shoes, and they needed the proper ensemble. :)

The dress was made using McCALL'S 5042, and the only major adjustment I made to it was to add the deep V in the back. I wanted something to counter the high-cut front of the neckline (which I actually ended up cutting down or else it would have been a turtle-neck! ;)

I wish I had tweaked the bodice and made it wee bit more fitted, and also lengthened it for my long waist, but over all I am happy with how it came out. The overskirt is 8 yards of tulle (I love how cheap it is! :) in two layers, split open down the front, and detachable (in case I'm not in a "poofy" mood). The belt is just blue ribbon and a fancy "diamond" button.

This ensemble was giving me a real Princess Diaries vibe, with a little bit of Alice in Wonderland thrown in (thus the playing cards and teacup). I really love it. :)

I hope you all have a lovely rest of the week! I am giving myself a vacation from "internet stress" (lol)  for the next week and a half, and will not be answering any but the most urgent emails. ;) I may pop in with a blog post I've already written up, but it will be nice to have an official break and to be "off duty" for a little while. So if you don't hear from me, don't panic! I'll be "back" before you know it. ;)

*Hugs* and God bless.

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A sweet smelling giveaway - K & A Soaps

I love pretty things. I love things that look pretty, feel pretty and smell pretty. Well, this scrumptious giveaway is a bit of all three!

Allow me to introduce K & A Soaps, recently launched by two sisters who are sweet friends of mine. Their handmade goat milk soaps are incredibly beautiful, created with mix of high-quality ingredients such as coconut and safflower oil, and the result is just dreamy. These soaps look and smell good enough to eat (I was sorely tempted ;).

I was thrilled when Karen and Abigail (who are the K & A ladies :) sent me some soaps to choose from. Goodness, was it difficult! My mom and I sniffed and admired the bars over and over (they all smell so yummy!) before we settled on Orange Creamsicle (such a light, orange-y scent), Fresh Cucumber (because it smells so fresh! :) and Apples and Cinnamon. (I've been washing my hands with the latter today in celebration of the beginning of fall. It's wonderfully soft on the skin... and leaves a light fragrance behind. If I need an apple pie fix, I know what to do. ;)

Anyway, lest you think I am gushing and exaggerating these beauty of these soaps, you've got a chance to win some for yourself here at AmandaBeth! Not only that, but Karen and Abigail have put together two soap collections that we can have two winners!

Collection #1 includes Honey L'Occitane, Apples and Cinnamon, and Fresh Cucumber bars.
Collection #2 has the Lavender, Orange Creamsicle, and Cookies 'N Cream soaps.

To Enter: Please visit K & A Soaps, browse their products and then leave a comment on this post sharing which scent is you like best.

For additional entries (after completing the above entry):

• Follow the blog, AmandaBFly on Twitter, Amanda Flynn on Tumblr, or become a fan of AmandaBeth on Facebook - 1 entry for each
• Post about the giveaway (on your blog, Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, et cetera. You must include the link in your comment!) - 2 entries for each
• OR follow the K & A Soaps blog - 2 entries

Make sure you post a separate comment for each way you enter or additional entries will not be counted. The giveaway deadline is extended, and will close at midnight (EST) on October 9th, 2010.

I just love when pretty things are a part of the daily beauty regime. In the shower or the soap-dish, K & A soaps are just "delicious" for your skin! :)

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And the winner of the Flexi-8 giveaway is...

Elizabeth!!!

124 was the number that Random.org chose today. Congratulations Elizabeth! You didn't leave any contact info and don't appear to have a blog (although you've got a blogger profile), so you'll have to email me within 48 hours to claim your prize!
( amandabethboutique{at}gmail.com :)

Thanks to everyone who entered! Stay tuned for another giveaway coming up really soon. ;)

xoxo
Amanda

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1950s Sweaters for Fall

My apologies if I am being redundant in repeating my excitement and love of the trends and styles that are "in" this year... and obviously directly inspired by the 1950s. Lovely retro styles seem to come back with a vengeance every autumn. Two years ago it was all about 1930s fashions, which were greatly influenced by the economy. We returned to more conservative, classic styles due to the focus on frugality and the desire to make things last.

I'm not sure we're out of that period of economic recession yet, but apparently fashion is taking a step forward and drawing inspiration from one of the most prosperous and iconic American decades in the past century.

The 1950s were relatively peaceful after the sorrow and destruction that had been World War II. The troops were back, weddings and babies abounded and the "perfect American family" was living in harmony in the suburbs. The fashions of the day reflected this. Many women were able to leave the workplace at the end of the war and returned to more domesticated lifestyles. Thus, styles reflected a breezy, feminine look, and the stereotyped image of a "housewife" was born (come on, let's admit that those ruffle-y aprons are the first thing that come to mind at that word ;). The rest, as they say, is history.

One clothing item that become extremely popular in the 50s, especially among teenage girls and young women, were sweaters. They went with almost everything, from sunny playsuits to sweet sixteen prom gowns. Sweaters were a staple in a women's wardrobe, and remain so today.

I don't know about you, but I love sweaters, in all sorts of colors and styles. They are so versatile - and comfy. And I think that these photos from a recent VOGUE editorial are just lovely. Obviously, the setting is the 1950s, and the casual glamour of these vintage sweater designs (whether worn as the top itself or as an additional layer) is just breathtaking.

One note, though: sweaters are soft and drape-y and it's important to get the correct fit so that you look classy and not provocative. Think about what goes underneath, whether it's another blouse or just foundation garments, and make sure everything is smooth, and not too tight. For example, some of the looks in this photo spread were just a wee bit more, um, "shapely" than necessary (although it may be due in part to the way the model is styled). It's always important to remember to look like a lady. :)

Anyway, I hope that you'll have a nice sweater-y fall, and consider working the 1950s style into your look. (Be sure to be tasteful - don't overdo it!) And I promise that I'm done talking about the 50s (for now ;).

There's one more day to enter the Flexi-8 giveaway so be sure to do so! We've also got another (sweet smelling) giveaway coming up later this week! (I'm having so much fun with all of these giveaways - I hope you're enjoying them as much as I am! :)

God bless you all. Thanks for reading!


Images: Lara Stone photographed by Mert and Marcus for VOGUE - via My Modern Met

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Louis Vuitton ready-to-wear Fall 2010

One of the things that is both fascinates and annoys me about fashion is how designers' latest collections are unveiled at fashion week... a whole six months or more before the season in which they are to be worn comes along. For example, I've been seeing a bunch of gorgeous Spring 2011 designs lately... but have hesitated to post them just yet. I feel that for my blog readers it is better to be "in the moment" when choosing material for my posts, and showing examples of what can be worn here and now, instead of predicting trends for next year. (Although I will admit I do that in my head. ;) What is your opinion on this? What do you like to see?

So, all that introduction to say that this Louis Vuitton line is not quite the newest thing out in the fashion blogosphere, but I've been hanging onto it for a while and just looking for the right moment (and time) to post it.

This collection truly blew me away. Not only is it clearly 1950s inspired (even more on this fab trend next week! :) but the items are paired and presented in a way that is quirky and unique. I feel like there's a lot of looks in this collection that could easily be assembled from pieces that may be floating around in your closet, or pieced together with some thrift store searches.

  

Beautiful, flowing, end-of-summer dresses or separates can be easily taken into the fall season by pairing them with bolder or warmer accessories, and covering up with a jacket or sweater if needed.

This first dress is in a style I love, with the yoke of the gown cut in a contrasting color. It's almost like wearing a strapless dress, without having to bare all that skin.

The contrast of grey and yellow on the second dress is just brilliant and I like the pairing of a fitted bodice (although it would be nice if the neckline was a little higher) and the super-full skirt. Also, check out those skinny belts! They add such a ladylike finish to the waistline.

The last outfit features two different patterned fabrics, and works extremely well because of the contrast in texture and the harmony in color between the prints. The silky-sheer top is the perfect balance for the bold, plaid skirt.

  

How about this first one for another pairing of sweetness and strength (a beautiful combo on any woman :)? The shimmery and sheer blouse, finished off with a large bow, is matched with a heavily pleated skirt that almost looks like it's made out of vinyl. (Is it?) 

The pale coral dress shows that a simple design and monochromatic look can be truly just as stunning as a bold one, when the color and fit suits the wearer perfectly.

You might not think of accenting a bright floral print with black, but here it works to great effect (bringing the whole "sweet and strong" thing back to mind). The skinny belt and simple, unassuming accesories finish off the look.

  

I think these short-sleeved sweater tops are so cute! They make me think of the teenagers of the retro era, from the 30s all the way through the 60s (although definitely most closely associated with the bobby soxers of the 50s). And they pair so nicely with a wide variety of skirts. 

Don't forget to finish off this looks with a pair of gloves (so chic)! Oh yes, and I love the glasses. I am almost tempted to go back to wearing them. ;)

  

A great coat is an important piece for the colder seasons, as it is what everyone is going to be seeing you in whenever you are outside (or coming in, or going out). Sometimes we need to cut corners and just "make do" with what we've got (believe me, I am not suggesting that you go get a new coat every year) but this is one piece than can be an important investment in your wardrobe. It's necessary to select a style that is classic and will look great on you for many years. If you want a trendier style or color, don't spend a lot of money. Chances are, you'll be tired of it next year.

Fortunately, jackets are much less expensive than coats and can be purchased and discarded after a few seasons with more ease of mind. A great way to freshen up your wardrobe is by finding that perfect trendy jacket.

  

This long "sweater dress" over-a-dress look is very interesting. It reminds me somehow of some sort of "house dress" that would be worn over a gown in the 1800s. I think I'd prefer it as a stand-alone piece... with a belt, maybe?

Strong shoulders were an important factor in lots of the fall designs (to see them all, click the link in the image credits), and further give a vintage feel to this collection. (The 1940s were all about the shoulders!) This is certainly not a favorite trend of mine (brings bad 80s and 90s styles to mind). Hopefully it won't hit the "normal" people too hard. ;)

Do you like these "ladylike" trends? Are you a fan of Louis Vuitton? Which ones are you faves?

Thanks for reading! I hope you all have a lovely weekend... :)

Images: Kim Weston Arnold for Style.com

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Favorites from Fashion's Night Out

It came out of the recession, with many designers scaling back on their collections, scaling back on their shows, scaling back on NY Fashion Week, and the public scaling back on their purchases. Fashion's Night Out was created to be a fantastically fun "party" night - all the boutiques stay open late and celebrities, designers, models, bloggers, the press, and everyone else go visiting the shops. It appears to be a wild success. (And looks like a blast! Even though I probably couldn't afford anything, I'd love to go next year. ;)

On September 10th, a grand collection of the world's top designers and supermodels came together for a star-studded show to continue this fun celebration of fashion, outside at the Lincoln Center. The day after this event, when browsing the looks that were modeled during the show, I was delighted to find a whole bunch that were beautifully feminine and conservative by runway standards, including an entire collection that was clearly 50s inspired.

First of all, I was enchanted by the gorgeous, long and flowing skirts that were worn in the opening act (the graphic t-shirts were amazing, too - I want one of the tanks! :). They bring old-fashioned class and romance to the look and the result is beautiful.

The white skirts are stunningly accented with black bows, and there's a wide variety of cuts and styles, from long and straight to wide and full. I also love the yummy sea-foam blues and greens.

These next designs definitely have a 50s look, probably heavily influenced by a currently popular tv show (which I've heard enough about to know that I wouldn't watch it :P). The only thing wrong with this portion of the show is the disgusting hair. I don't know who thought that having 6" wide by 12" tall hair was a good idea, but they were wrong. Fuller, softer styles may have worked well in the eras of Marie Antionette and the Gibson Girl, but they do not work here. Sorry if these hairstyle gross you out, but I really wanted to showcase these 50s looks. lol ;)

I love the brightly colored day dress shown first (bright blue and black are so fun together!) the simplicity of the shiny and sheer dinner dresses, and the cute skirt and sweater sets. Styles like these looks best with chic bags, simple ballet flats or chunky pumps and, of course, a string of pearls. Which look is your favorite?

The grand finale of the show featured some breathtakingly beautiful and surprisingly modest gowns. I just had to share my favorites! I love how so some of these supermodels truly look both beautiful and healthy. (Like the lovely Gisele Bundchen, who also happens to be married to the greatest quarterback of all time... Sorry, I was born into NE Patriots fandom. ;)

Anyway, I love the black tulle, ruffles and pale pink roses on the dress worn by Gisele (and the classy shoes!), the stunning shape and colors of the second, and the purely unique style of the third. (I'm not crazy about that knit top, but who wouldn't love a skirt with so much tulle? ;)

The silver gown is simple and sophisticated and makes me think of something perfectly suited for a modern-day princess. It's in a class all by itself. The white dress is almost organic in its simplicity, providing a soft, goddess look that is enhanced by the draped sash and silver collar at the neckline.

This last dress was one of my top picks of Golden Globe Awards earlier this year, where it was stunningly worn by Cameron Diaz. Proof that it's a truly amazing gown is evidenced here, where Naomi Campbell pulls it off just as well. Great gowns are versatile! :)

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So, which gowns did you like the best? And does anyone want to plan a trip with me to NY Fashion Week next year? :D

Images: Vogue

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