"Christopher and Banks" and 2 New Tote Bags at a Special Introductory Price :)

I just discovered that one of my favorite retail stores, Christopher and Banks now have all of their lovely items online at their new site!!!

I discovered C&B back in 2006 while browsing our local mall and instantly fell in love with their modest and feminine designs, which are incredibly gorgeous and flattering. They have become a hit with many of my friends as well, and are my favorite source for long and flowy skirts. I don't tend to wear their tops successfully, as they aren't really my style, but my sister Rebekah pulls them off wonderfully. Their sizes also run a bit large and even the "4"s can be too big for me. :0

Although they can be more pricey than I generally like, they always have a WONDERFUL rack of things that are going out of season and are on clearance. I was also suprised to see how incredibly they have marked down the prices online, making their pieces quite affordable. If you can find a store and determine which size your wear in their brand, I think that shopping online can give you some great deals! :)

Make sure you check out their awesome new Destination Print Tees!

And now I am really thrilled to show the two newest additions to my romantic tote and handbag line - now offered for a special introductory price of $60!

These handbags have been sturdily made with much love and attention to detail. Each one features a stunning piece of art printed on high quality fabric, which adds romance and nostalgia to the totes. They are jumbo sized for great storage possibilties and each one is constructed from high quality materials.

Please take a peek in the store! :)

Edwardian Actress Constance Collier - Vintage Photo Tote Bag

The Lady Clare - John William Waterhouse Painting - Pre-Raphaelite Tote Bag

Also, my Elizabeth Siddal - Pre-Raphaelite Artist and Muse - Romantic Cameo Handbag was displayed on LizzieSiddal.com. You can see the post here. I must say that I was very honored to have my item featured, especially on such an interesting site! If you are looking for more details on Lizzie - take a peek!

Have a great evening! :)

Read More

Penelope - Now Available on DVD

Just want to point out to you the release of this wonderful and highly anticipated (for me, anyway :) film. I saw it back in March with my cousin Josh - it was the first time I ever went to see something that I knew absolutely nothing about and it turned out to be the best movie I've seen this year. Yes, I think it was even better than Prince Caspian, which was fantastic and totally enthralling. But Penelope is just one special movie which touched my heart and still gives me something to think about months after I first saw it.

This modern day fairy tale centers around a young woman named Penelope (Christina Ricci), who is bearing the burden of an unusual family curse. Hidden away by her protective parents (Catherine O'Hara and Richard E. Grant), the curse can only be broken if one of her own kind will love her for who she really is. But finding a husband is hard work, despite her sizable dowry, as all possible suitors take one look and jump out of the window. Until Max (James McAvoy) comes along, a gambling addict who is posing as an aristocrat for his own motives. A series of events seem to destroy their friendship, but for Penelope... the adventure of discovery is only just beginning.

This movie has some great messages on beauty, love and acceptance and I am going to re-watch it before I attempt to tackle them here. It also features a some absolutely sweet and chic clothing (one pair of shoes in particular! :) - all in all, a lovely bit of a film that I highly recommend.

Penelope is rated PG for thematic elements, some innuendo and language.

Buy the Penelope at Amazon.com

Also... I have a new necklace in the store! This is really a "different" sort of item for me - not my personal style - but tell me what you think! :)

Read More

My First Sale and a BRAND NEW ITEM!

Yes, that's right! Yesterday I made my first sale in my Etsy.com store - AmandaBeth Boutique!!! (thanks, Krista! :) It was quite an unexpected suprise, as I was pretty much giving the jewelry business up for lost and hoping to turn to other products. But not only was it an encouragement to me, it got me out of the business slump I had been in for a while and helped me to start work on a bunch of fantastic new items, one of which is now available in my online store!!!

May I introduce to you...

Elizabeth Siddal - Pre-Raphaelite Artist and Muse - Romantic Cameo Handbag



Please click the link above for more details on the handbag and the ill-fated woman portrayed on it. (Oh how I love a tragedy! ;)

This will be the first in (Lord willing) a long running series of handbags featuring gorgeous Pre-Raphelite paintings, turn of the century photographs, and fashion plates. Please give your input and ideas (after all, if nobody likes them; what's the point? ;) - custom bags using your own images may become an option!

Keep cool and have a blessed week (Gee! I wish I could post everyday like this! Hoping to make it a bit more frequent! :)

Read More

Fairytale Fashions Part II - What a Day!

Having discovered that is nigh IMPOSSIBLE to post just a FEW shots from the wedding, I have decided to point you all over to Michael Thomas' blog: Grand Adventure 2. I just couldn't choose - so skip over there and take a look at the great slew of the photos (I don't envy Michael his job at cutting them down - there were SO MANY).

But I WILL give you one shot from our camera, just to celebrate the 3 anniversaries that took place:

1. Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence
2. Future anniversary of Jordan and Melissa's Wedding Day
3. 18 years of Flynn and Thomas friendship (yes, our anniversary IS the 4th of July :) - may there be many more...

Hope to post again really soon with great (for me, anyway ;) news!

Read More

Fairytale Fashions Part I - Maidens

~ Anna ~

~ Lydia ~

~ Lauren ~

~ Rebekah ~

~ Me, Myself and I ~

~ Maid of Honor: Melanie ~

~ The Bride: Melissa ~

Read More

Audrey Style

"Not to live for the day - that would be materialistic - but to treasure the day. I realize that most of us live on the skin on the surface without appreciating just how wonderful it is simply to be alive at all."
-Audrey Hepburn

My sincerest apologies for my invisibility for nearly a month! I am up to my neck in the last phase of wedding sewing (not for me - for my friend! :) and have very few moments to spare. I'm so sad that I've had to neglect my shop as well as this blog (didn't even get around to a writeup of -what *I* consider the career highlights of- the recently deceased Yves Saint Laurent ). But I am looking forward to finishing wedding preparation, enjoying the special day thoroughly and then getting back into the swing of things! Got a lot of exciting new plans for my store and some great updates coming, including some summer bridal and swimwear reviews (two subjects I am currently very interested in :)!

So, please be patient with me and I look forward to seeing you all again after the 4th! Happy Independence Day and enjoy your summer!!! :)

Read More

New Look Summer Collection

Simplicity has always been my favorite pattern company. Not sure why, but I think it has something to do with their nicely presented and photographed models. The professional in me just kicks in and I get sucked into the delight of Simplicity Pattern "look-books". McCALL'S on the other hand, often has me groaning. ;)

Although Simplicity's THREADS collection is probably my favorite, I just had to point out some great items from their New Look Summer Collection. And the ensemble highlighted in the latest promotional email I received is just a fantastic example of clean, simple, classic lines; displaying that femininity and elegance are still in fashion. This is just one of the many enduring looks that have lasted for the past 40 years - and it's going to be around for a long time.



While I would probably make the minor adjustment of lowering the hem a few inches - I am convinced that knee caps are the ugliest part of the body ;) - this is a beautiful and modest pattern that would go together quickly and simply and make an incredible ensemble that will work, as displayed in the article, for any time of your day.

A few more yummy New Look finds:

This adorable summer top is will add a touch of freshness to your wardrobe, especially when made up in a trendy new print (think bright and bold in color and patterns). It is marked as "Easy 2 Hour" which, although I highly doubt it will take that little time (they ALWAYS go longer! :), will make it great for any ability level, especially for those who want to get into sewing with knits, as this is sized for stretch knits only.

Next we have a fantastic pattern that not only comes with a great pair of pants, but many ultra classy top options. I love a nice button-up! The different sleeve options and length or the top make this so versatile and appealing - I am definitely going to have to pick this pattern up! Is it just me, or does it strike you as an ensemble a wonderful action heroine would wear, either in the 1950s or the current decade? True style is absolutely timeless. :)

Last of all we've got a great pattern for sweet and simple knit top and full pleated skirt. This is just lovely - another timeless style that is oh! so feminine!

Grr... that reminds me that I have to get a nice belt - they do add such a nice touch, and I need one to go with a "poofy" summer blouse I made a few months back. I also have been meaning to take pictures of some great feminine and classic outfits I've worn. I'll get dressed and purpose to take a picture with the camera just so you can all see how dressing with style is "in action" over here, but I keep forgetting! If this is of interest to you, someone remind me, please? ;)

Also, I've got a new necklace up in the store that I am madly in love with and really had a hard time listing. I think I'm going to have to make myself one - it has enchanted me completely! :)

Have a blessed week!

Read More