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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Just dropping in...

I'm sorry that there will be no post today. I am thoroughly burned out and exhausted from the past few weeks... and need to use all the brain cells I've got left during dress (aka "stress" ;) rehearsal tonight, and then the shows, tomorrow and sunday. I'll hopefully be back next week, rested up and a bit more inspired. I recommend that you check out some of the fab people listed in the Modest Fashion Bloggers Network if you want a fashion-y fix. :)

Thanks for your understanding and support! I'll talk to you soon!

Hugs,

Amanda

P.S. What are your St. Patrick's Day plans (fashion-y and otherwise)? I can't wait. :)

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Best of Oscar Fashion 2010 - Red Carpet Report

(My fave "bling" of the evening - Kate Winslet in Tiffany & Co.)

Although I do not watch or endorse the Academy Awards (I hate having to say that every time, but it's an important disclaimer ;) I always look forward to browsing the photos of the actresses at their best dressed (although this could be a matter of opinion ;). Although the majority of the styles are far from modest, there are occasionally some stunning, more conservative dresses to admire and there's always  some gorgeous fabric and details to provide fashion design inspiration.

While there were definitely some interesting dresses (like this Dries Van Noten design, left, on Maggie Gyllenhaal), this Academy Awards seemed to host more than its fair share of fashion "misses." While browsing the photos I was very disappointed to see lots of ladies "playing it safe" in boring dresses and others going way over the top in gowns that look like they were beaten up by a tornado. It was a rather sad affair.

The most prevalent dress style seemed to be a simple, strapless design, that fit through the hips and then flared out to the hemline (the "mermaid" style). Lots of these gowns looked cheaply made and were creased across the front of the skirt from when the ladies were sitting down in their limos! Not so lovely.

Many stars who looked absolutely fabulous last year ended just looking mediocre in 2010. Queen Latifah wore the previously mentioned "blah" style in a pale pink that washed her out. Last year, she had a lovely "charcoal" shade creation with layers of ethereal tulle and a gorgeously structured bodice. She almost made my best dressed list. Similarly, Penelope Cruz (right, in Donna Karan), who was so adorable and chic last year, had on a red dress that, although a nice color, added incredible bulk to her figure by an excess of draping and pleating all down the torso. It was a disappointment.

I probably sound like I am on a negative rant (lol!), but just let me continue for a little bit and tell you that too much of a good thing is, quite plainly, a bad thing. And this was what happened to ruffles one the red carpet. They can definitely be a great style detail, even sometimes in excess, but on Sunday night they were all wrong. Many women were completely buried under rows and rows of ruffles (see Vera Farminga in Marquesa, left) and on other dresses they were downright distracting. Oh yes, and skirts with splits nearly all the way up the leg were in abundance. Not so good. :P

As for the good... BLUE was a popular color choice on the red carpet (seen right on Monique, who is wearing Tadashi Shoji). It is also a huge trend for Spring 2010. I also spotted a lot of women in white or cream-colored gowns, which have been rather scarce in the past, and I absolutely love that. In fact, almost all of my favorite dresses from the event were in a pale, neutral shade.

This brings us to my annual selection of the four Best Dressed ladies of the event. While the dress design does play into my choices quite a bit, the overall look (including makeup, hair and jewelry) is a huge factor. Each time, I try and select four actresses who really got it right. It's not only picking a pretty dress but one that suits you well... and making sure all the other details are just as perfect.

So *drumroll* here they are. ;)

The Best Dressed (IMHO)

 

Cameron Diaz in Oscar de la Renta

This outfit was a big surprise from an actress who, especially last year at the Golden Globes, often looks like she just got out of bed and threw on whatever was on hand. Usually Cameron looks too casual and often "unkempt" for my taste, but this look is just brilliant.

Her hair is simple and natural, but nicely groomed and her accessories are stunning but understated. And the gown! Just gorgeous. I think it looks like a million golden butterflies are cascading down it. It has just the right amount of sparkle and a lovely, full sweeping hemline. Bravo!

 

Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab

The only fault I find with this gown is that the bodice could be more, um... substantial :P, but besides that, there's really nothing to complain about. The bodice draping is very well done and the incredibly huge, light and ethereal skirt is so perfect. And the fabric! It looks like an impressionist painting by Monét. So very beautiful.

Rachel wore her hair simple and elegant, swept back from her pretty face (she's got a great smile! :), and used a pair of huge earrings in the shape of a leaf as her only jewelry. Here's proof that you don't always need a necklace to cap off a great outfit!

 

Helen Mirren in Badgley Mischka

You really can't get any lovelier than Helen Mirren, who truly looks like "The Queen" at nearly every red carpet event she attends. Of course, having Christopher Plummer as your escort guarantees a fine evening, but her lovely look can stand on its own without that brilliant "accessory." ;)

Her dress is a soft grey, in a simple A-line style with a misty overlay, sparkled all over with sequins. It is ruched slightly over the bodice and the sheer sleeves are a fabulous and flattering addition. Her soft and elegant hairstyle and and classic diamond jewelry add the perfect touch.

 

Kate Winslet in Atelier Yves Saint Laurent

This amazing glamour girl seems to make the list every time. Kate is nearly always dressed in something classic, elegant, and wonderfully suitable. Her beautiful hair is worn down, waved simply to the side, and evokes the golden age of Hollywood. Her jewelry is absolutely unique and one of the best pieces I've ever spotted at an awards event, in my opinion. Her earrings are simple and the necklace features and unusual chain and pendant design. Add the chunky bejeweled cuff and the whole set is smashing.

The two piece ensemble is also a rather "different" choice, but very flattering. The structured, metallic top uses the seams as great design features and the skirt has an unusual front pleating that actually works and is flattering on Kate (usually this look is hard to pull off). The satin skirt is long and has a slit up the front that, rather than looking sleazy, shows off her shoes and makes the gown easier to walk in. I give it five stars! :)

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Who do you think was the best and worst dressed of the evening? Do you agree with my picks? I do apologize for not getting up a "live report" like those I've done in the past. My mum got back from a week-long cruise on Sunday evening. (Thanks to everyone who prayed for us last week! It was appreciated and we got along pretty well in her absence. :) So last week was rather crazy. And now I've got rehearsals all this week (and then performances on the weekend) for The Secret Garden musical. Your prayers would be appreciated, there's still lots to learn and do!

I hope everyone has a great week! I'll try my best to get up a post on the usual Friday schedule... see you then! :)

Images: Zimbio / Yahoo! Movies / Just Jared

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More Spring Looks From Burberry...

While I already took some time earlier this week to share Burberry's newest ad campaign, I thought it would be interesting to browse some of their other spring looks and show that we can get lots of inspiration from their designs... in more areas than just trench coats. ;)

While visiting the Saks Fifth Avenue site and viewing both the Burberry London and Burberry Brit collections, I was delighted to find quite a few modest and adorable designs. While keeping with their famous themes, these outfits put trendy spins on lots of classic looks, providing very wearable, flattering pieces.

There's no need to be afraid of plaid anymore. If the very word still gives you the shudders, chances are that you have not forgotten the terrors that plagued fashion in the 90s. Those were bold, bright, and pretty scary. ;) But we've got some better options today. While the two tops shown above are definitely on the bold side, there is a subtlety that keeps things under control. If you don't feel that something like the multi-color burberry plaid look on the left is right for you, go for a more monochromatic design. The one on the right is super classy.

Long, soft and lightweight sweaters make the perfect transitional piece for spring, keeping you fairly warm in temperamental weather, but without the bulk of most winter wear. Once again, plaid can be a great choice if you want a sleek, muted look. You can also go for a cheerful spring color to freshen up your whole look.

It's amazing how you can make essentially the same style suitable for either winter or spring, as shown here. The black pants and dark shoes make everything look wintery... but the white pants and strappy sandals just seem to be singing about spring. Think about how different pieces can effect your look and mood.

Speaking of spring colors, I'm pretty sure yellow is going to be super popular again this year. I simply love this color, so that has me happy. Go for a muted shade if you have a cool skin tone (pastels are good for summers) or a warmer, brighter, earthier shade if you have a warm skin tone. The pastel shown here works beautifully on this knit dress. I love the dropped waistline and tiny ruffle about the neck and waist.

Pink/fuschia shades are also great. The pairing of this simple tee and a pleated skirt with the same  color in it make for a sweet, cheerful outfit. Add a white sweater if it's chilly, and this would make a cute Easter ensemble (with maybe a few more inches on the skirt for good luck ;).

A sweet and simple dress is the perfect option for spring, and can be paired with a sweater for warmth and some interest, as shown above. This first dress has a fabulous, ruched hemline. Ruching as a style detail has been prevalent in lots of ladies' clothing over the past few years and I hope it sticks around. Very cute.

The second dress is also very simple and features a belted waist, which provides definition and interest. There's also a cute "peter pan" collar and some buttons on this look, which is actually a very pale plaid fabric. Very lightweight and very pretty.

Lastly, if you are still loving those trench coat looks ;) you can always go with a trench dress. Both of these are ultra classy and would be appropriate for nearly any occasion. This first one is just brilliant, with a collar that can be folded back (as shown here) or buttoned up entirely (which looks twice as cute, in my opinion). The double-breasted style has some tiny ruffles around the armholes and a belt for the waistline.

The second dress is printed in a muted plaid, with three-quarter sleeves and a single row of buttons down the bodice. There's also a waistline tie and  two long pleats to add slight fullness to the skirt. Quite a nice, simple look.

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Which of these outfits are your favorite? Do you have any similar pieces hiding away in your own closet? See if you can do something fun with them this weekend! :)

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Burberry Spring 2010 - Emma Watson Style

Well... I got excited about Burberry all over again when I saw the newest ad campaign, starring the lovely Emma Watson. Her sweet face was one of the first huge fashion ads to welcome me to London last fall, and I'm glad she's back for another season. Here's a few of my favorite shots from the campaign.

(P.S. I really am going to have to go stalk Emma at Brown University one of these days. Anyone want to join me? It's too good an opportunity to pass up. lol - Just kidding! ;)

 

Once again, Burberry is set to make a splash for spring, that wonderful in-between season  where short sleeves and full skirts, leather boots and cable-knit tights, sweaters and jackets all live in harmony. It's completely unpredictable, and that's what makes it so interesting.

Burberry is fabulous because of their dedication to the classics. While each and every item in their new collection is trendy and up to date for the 21st century, it all remains as classic as their iconic trench coat and Burberry plaid. Looks like these just don't go out of style, and that is good news, especially when numerous countries are in a recession, and we can't afford new things every season.

 

You will see that Emma is sporting various trench styles in these photos, showing how much versatility they really have. They can be worn with dress pants, jeans, a skirt... or as a dress itself. I think that using outerwear as a complete top, rather than just another layer, is fabulous.

Of course, you just have to dress it up with a really amazing statement bag, and maybe some accessories... like chunky bangles bracelets or a wide, studded belt.

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Would any of these looks work for you? Have you got a neglected or forgotten but really fabulous classic coat or jacket in your closet?
Can you hear it calling your name as loudly as the springtime that is just around the corner?

I suggest you take it out and let it make a statement. A great item like that just needs a background - a few simple basics and some accessories - so that it can stand out.

Here's some affordable, fashion-y finds that might give you ideas...


Use your imagination. :)


Images: Just Jared

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