Keira & Vogue - 1950s Chic

While sifting through photos of a recent fashion shoot of "some random actress" in "some random magazine" ;) I was pleasantly suprised to find some very feminine and fairly modest designs. In a wash of immodest, sensual and often downright ugly photos, I thought I'd share some that are more conservative... and quite pretty.

The coat in this photo is absolutely lovely - a classic piece that won't ever really go out of fashion. And those killer heels - I've found myself sorely attracted to this style, quite against my will. Her sleek updo, black gloves and handbag finish off the cute ensemble. 

No comment on the dog.

I wouldn't recommend that everyone try and pull off a coat this bold, but here it just works. Purple is supposedly the big color this coming season and very popular in accessories. 

I, for one, prefer green heels, ala Penelope, but these are very fun! Can't go wrong with 

the classic gray sheath dress and jumping up and down on the street of a big city is always 

very fashionable.

This black jacket and pencil skirt are beautifully tailored, classic pieces. Add another pair of killer heels, drape a bit of black net over the head and voilá! Complete 1950s chic! :)

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Maid Marian's Wardrobe is still to come! Only had time for a short post cause I have to get the house ready to see my newlywed friend, Keslie! So excited! :)

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Disclaimer: I do not endorse or recommend Keira Knightley or Vogue Magazine.

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September Giveaway - Sweet N' Sour Choker

This giveaway is now closed -  the winner will be announced 10/7/08!

Time for another giveaway! I hope to do a this every month, so make sure you check back often! :)

 

To kick off the end of summer, I am offering this adorable choker made with a lime green bead mix and glass pearls. It is 14 3/4" long, 1/4" wide and closes with a sweet "flowers and leaves" toggle clasp.

RULES:

This will work like a drawing. All you have to do is leave a comment telling me which item you like best in my store (this will help me improve my business), and make sure you leave your name and some means to contact you (through blogger, an email address, et cetera). At the end of the month I will put all the names in a hat and randomly draw a winner!

This is a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in my products and would like a chance to try my jewelry. Good luck and have fun! :)

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Thanks so much to everyone who participated in my August giveaway! It was lots of fun and I recieved some great blog posts! I have to linked to most of them here.

Beggardly Bouquet

Seasons of the Heart

Romantic History

It's Still Greek To Me

Daughter of the King

The Melody of My Song

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There are two new items in the boutique! The first is another gorgeous tote bag featuring the art of J.W. Waterhouse. It's become my mom and sisters' favorite bag thus far - mine too! I am also offering my first jewelry set - an elegant choker with matching earrings! Take a look! :)

 

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Maid Marian's Wardrobe - Season One - Part II

=Costumes are listed in order of appearance, although some images may be from later episodes of the show. Click HERE for Part I.
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Long Camel Cloak with Brooch
Frustrated as she is by Robin's behavior, Marian executes a desperate plan for his escape.

The cloak (or cape) is long and full, gathering at the wide neckline and sweeping down along the ground. The fabric looks like a camel-colored suede and the cape is lined with quilted (in a small diamond pattern) brocade in ivory. The hood is very full and is trimmed with a thin strip of white fur. The oversized wooden brooch is brillantly handpainted in red, white and blue. Early on in the film she wears another brooch that appears to be square and fringed, but there are no good images available.
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Orange Appliqued Gown
Undaunted by the disapproval of those around her, Marian continues to spy out the castle... and keep Sir Guy at bay.

This brilliant orange gown features a unique combination of embroidery and appliqué at the neckline, sleeves and hem. From the front, the neck embroidery comes down right above the 

chest in an intricate design including leaves, flowers and cording (which hangs in a few loops). The 

appliquéd base is a muted brown and the colors are layered in red, white, green and many other shades - it ends just under the arm. The embroidery becomes narrower over the shoulder and continues around the back, where it is hidden by Marian's hair. Each wrist-length sleeve features more appliqué, as does the hem. The dress is mid-calf length and slits up the front to the hip, revealing a floor-length underskirt in dark red. This gown appears to be made from a lightweight stretch fabric, considering the way it molds tightly and drapes - it also features a detachable belt made from the same fabric and closed with another intricate brooch/buckle. The dress laces up the back. 

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Beads and Buttons Overdress

Getting nowhere in the Sheriff's counsel, Marian is determined to find out who is responsible for the mysterious shootings.

This overdress is worn over the gray wool gown worn earlier in the series (on further examining of the dress, I don't think it is 100% wool - the corase weave and tightly molded fit make me suspect that it may be a heavy knit of some sort). The overdress appears to be a sort of jumper made from a sheer fabric and ending at the knee. The color is a deep purple/gray and it features buttons, beads and embroidery at the neckline and hem in similar shades. It is hard to see exactly what the design that comes down over the chest is, but it reminds me of something from a coat of arms. The buttons line the shoulder straps and neckline.

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I'll try and post Part III next week - one of my favorite ensembles will be featured!

Screencaps from Robin Hood 2006

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The Little Jacket

The big new trend for Fall: Jackets.

Long sleeves, short caps, hip-length, cropped, belted, buttoned, single and double breasted; the options are truly endless and no matter what your shape or personal style, you can find one that is right for you. A jacket's virtues are many, the least of all being that it can quickly go from casual to as formal as you want.

Check out Nordstrom's Point of View on The Essential Jacket and then let me show you some of my favorite shapes and trends.

Both of these jackets feature a more traditional sillhouette with a turned back collar and buttons starting at the underbust. On the left is the "Exquisite Jacket" from XCVI in a lovely plum color (very trendy for Fall and Winter!) - ultra flattering for an hourglass figure. On the right is the "Frisse Jacket" by Anne Klein New York in a popular gray tweed and featuring three-quarter sleeves with a stylish cuff.

Here are two stunning pieces from Banana Republic. On the left is a "Short-sleeve textured suit jacket" in gray. A very cute and flattering style - I love the short puffed sleeves - unpredictable! The collar is also versatile and can be worn up or down. On the right is a "Petite 3/4-sleeve double-breasted knit jacket" in a lush winter shade. Double-breasted style have swept back into fashion and this style best showcases the "square and cropped" shape that is so popular right now.

On the left is a "Bell Sleeve Jacket" by Sonoma life+style. These sleeves are extremely trendy right now (I actually made up a jacket with them in the Spring and was suprised with how much I liked it!). On the right is a "Cropped Sateen Jacket" by Isaac Mizrahi in a lovely shade of navy. Another example of  "square and cropped (what is your opinion of this trend - is a good or a bad idea?).

Lastly, if you want to make your own, take a look at Simplicity Patterns' Jacket and Coat Collection. Enjoy! :)

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"Our Love Affair...

...was meant to be! It's me for you, dear, and you for me..."

Ok, so maybe I am mildly obsessed with my favorite Judy Garland, and her songs are one of the first things that come to mind in any given situation. But I am really excited about this new object of my affection - a couch. :)


The Story: Lately I've had a craving to get myself a couch. It seems that they have been popping up everywhere. Emily probably first brought them to my attention when she found "The Couch of Dreams" . Needless to say, I was jealous. :)

I've been lingering unusually long as I pass by the furniture department at any store. I've had this "couch-less void" that simply HAD to be filled. After listening to one of my students tell me about the great deal she got on a new WHITE sofa, I was in agony (Ok, well maybe not, but the climax was building :).

So...I was driving home from work at 9:30 when, a mere 4 houses down from our home, I caught the glimpse of a couch with a FREE sign on it. I pulled into our drive, ran up the stairs and BEGGED my mom to come and look with me. She graciously agreed, we went down, saw that it was in excellent shape and stuffed it into our van. So now I am in possession of my very own couch. :)

Never mind that I have no place to put it and that it is covered with hideously ugly fabric. It will go into storage until the "someday" that I have room. I SO wish I could do it over right now. I am so attached to it that it hurts me greatly to hear the fabric criticized. I see the POTENTIAL. Wouldn't it be absolutely adorable with clean white paint and cushions done anew in my favorite shade of coral? Or blue. Or green. (Dad suggested painting the wood a sage color - mmmm... :)

Anyway...I just had to share! It has re-inspired me to do over the living room - can't wait to show you all before and after pictures! :)

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AmandaBeth Boutique now has its own Facebook page! Please take a look, become a fan and spread the word!

Also, if you are still interested in the free earrings giveaway, there's just a little over a week left! :)

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SALE - $5 OFF ALL JEWELRY!!!

I have a handful of listings that expire in a month, so I decided to make all the jewelry $5 off and see it can find good homes before that happens. I'd be delighted if you'd check out the shop and give me your thoughts. Thanks for dropping in! :)

CLICK HERE TO SEE MY JEWELRY - NOW $5 OFF!!!

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Maid Marian's Wardrobe - Season One - Part I

BBC's brilliant new drama, Robin Hood, is a favorite show of mine. We discovered it in our library nearly six months after its original release and were instantly hooked. The modern twist, comedic lines, fun action and some truly touching moments made for a great viewing. My sister Lydia and I are hoping to watch Season 2 soon and have been following the progress of the new Season 3 with much excitement (although there is a sting mixed in, but I can't give away any spoilers... ;). Both released season's are available for purchase on iTunes for about $25 - extremely reasonable, as the boxed DVDs go for nearly $70.

Although I love this show, it is not for everyone. The modern spin has put in some political correctness and feminism that I could do without. Some situations become innapropriate and the violence (while 99% gore-less) can be intense. It is well rated at TV-14.

All that said, Maid Marian (perfectly portrayed by Lucy Griffiths) has one sweet wardobe! The modern flair in the show's clothing is very fun and I read online that some of her pieces were purchased in contemporary boutiques. One thing's for sure, they got me in the re-creating mood - many of her ensembles could easily be worked into your everyday look!

Please join me in taking a look at fair Marian's wardrobe. (I may mention some plot points, but I will try and keep this "big spoiler" free! :)

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Costumes are listed in order of appearance, although some images may be from later episodes of the show.

Red Gown with Fur-edged Pelisse:

We first see Marian after Robin's return from the Holy Land, as she welcomes him with less than open arms. The full length gown (which is more red than orange) has a natural neckline and long sleeves; both are trimmed with a burgundy ribbon and rickrack. Her gray/brown pelisse is edged with black fur and laces up the front. She first wears a brown leather belt and later a black/burgundy medallion one to accent the waistline. This dress is never visible from the back, but probably laces up the back or side.

Gray Gown With Beaded Overdress:

This gown features two lovely pieces. The under-dress (which we will see again later) looks like it is made from gray wool and it has a natural, oval-shaped neckline. The sleeves are tight fitting and come down to a "V" over the hands. A decorative lacing runs down the entire arm, loops around the middle finger and ties at the wrist.

The over-dress is made from a similar colored wool and features red beading at the neckline, armholes and hem. Two slits run up the front of the gown, ending at the bust point, as well as the back. These are faced with a multi-colored bias tape. It looks as though the slits are stitched shut until they reach the waistline, where they are left to hang open.

White Gown with Sequins:

This gown is made from a very unique material - looks like a heavy sort of felted wool. I haven't ever found anything like it before, so it's a bit of a mystery. Any thoughts? The gown is floorlength and has a natural neckline which is edged with a blue and purple sequined trim. The outer sleeves are fitted but flare out at the wrists and hang nearly to the floor - they are also trimmed. 

 The extra long cream under-sleeves gather up over the wrists, where they lace and are trimmed with ribbon. The gown laces up the sides and is first worn with a medallion belt and later with a multicolored sash. Make sure you check out the high-res image near the top of the post.

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I will try to feature a few more outfits next week. Let me know what your thoughts are - some of the best of Marian's ensembles will be coming up soon - real eye candy! ;)

Screencaptures from: Robin Hood 2006

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