I am happy to say I’ve just finished one, and begun another trip around the sun. My celebration included all of my favorite things, including listening to live music at ahidden gem of a club and wearing an outfit that had me feeling like a 70’s rocker chick. I enjoyed some of my favorite foods, like homemade french onion soup and football-chuterie (which is really just charcuterie eaten during the NFL playoffs), spoke with the peeps I love most in this world, and even carved out time to swim, read, watch a movie, and dream about what I might accomplish in the year ahead… Continue reading “Singing Our Birthday Song…”→
I spent the month of October working behind the scenes at a Haunted House to gather material for a piece I am working on. It didn’t leave me much time to post (except on Instagram) but I did have a lot of time to start thinking about the holidays. I’ve got to come up with gift ideas, then shop, wrap, and ship everything to loved ones spread out across the country. It’s a lot. Most years, the amount I pay for last minute shipping typically runs more than the cost of the gifts, since I am all pushing against a deadline, even when it’s December 25th!
A few years ago, I was inspired to make my own advent calendars, which have turned out to be a really cool way to celebrate the season, allowing the recipient to open gifts for 24 days, instead of the 24 minutes it takes when you do it on the 25th. I am also fascinated by how much advent calendars have evolved over the past 5 years, going from the cardboard boxes illustrated with a fat Santa and filled with cheap chocolate to hundreds of choices in all price ranges available today. Maybe you know someone who’d like one of these boxes ? I promise you, once you start giving advent calendars to your loved ones you’ll never go back to traditional Christmas gift shopping again.
With temperatures hovering in the single digits I’m looking forward to building a fire, making a tasty appetizer tray, and settling in to watch ‘The Golden Globes’. TGG is my favorite award show of all (and there will be plenty from now until February 26th when the Oscars air) because it combines beautiful people, high fashion and copious amounts of booze.
I am a sucker for red carpet fashion and end up spending way too much time on the internet the next day, examining everyone’s outfits. I am looking forward to seeing what Natalie Portman, Ruth Negga, Hailee Steinfeld, Emma Stone, Nicole Kidman, Evan Rachel Wood, Issa Rae, Thandi Newton, and Lena Headey decide to wear since each has a unique style. Coincidently, each these ladies have appeared in my favorite 2016 small and big screen flicks, so I am rooting for them to be able to complete their looks with a Golden Globe!
Did you see any of the nominated movies and TV shows? What was your favorite movie from 2016? How about TV show? Will you watch the Globes? Who do you think will win? I always fill out a ballot and see how closely my choices mirror the actual winners – if you like to do the same you can download a ballot and we can compare notes (and fashion favorites) come Monday.
I have loved fashion ever since I can remember. Maybe it’s because I come from a long line of tailors and seamstresses (I learned to sew and embroider before I was 5) or maybe it’s because my mom and my aunts were so stylish that it rubbed off on me. Whatever the reason, when the seasons change I find myself scouring the world of fashion (including WWD,Vogue, and The Cut) to find out what’s hot.
This fall the hottest trends that appeal most to me are leopard, velvet, florals, dressed up bohemian, and the colors navy, pumpkin spice, and grey (naturally). Today I am posting the first in a series of ‘Recreating the Runway’ boards that combine my favorite fall looks with my love of sewing…
Part 1: a DIY take on Alice & Olivia Fall 2016 – the Coat
Leopard is, as always, a top trend. Alice & Olivia were responsible for one of my favorite Fall 2016 shows, sending 70’s rock-n-roller fashion down the runway. This particular outfit really caught my eye since it would be simple to recreate (and look good on rocker chicks of any size or age). I would lengthen the pattern to just below the knee and use large shoulder pads to give the coat some body, using a rich red silk for the lining. A black or gold lining would look fabulous too. After finishing add a silk rose lapel pin (like this beauty from Etsy) and rock on!
Part 2: a DIY take on Alice & Olivia Fall 2016 – the Dress
An easy-to-make classic wrap dress completes the look. The A&O dress has the left front wrapping over the right so you might need to manipulate whatever pattern you choose to get the same effect. I love the silky prints I found atJo Ann Fabrics, which compliment the coat beautifully. I love a strong shoulder so I would use pads to give the dress some shape whether the pattern calls for it or not. All you need to complete the look is a wide leather belt, wedge knee-high boots, and a great concert or rock club to wear it to! Rock on.
I am not a big one for making New Year’s resolutions. Instead, I’m all about seeking inspiration through books, movies, fashion, travel, and art. I started off 2016 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art to view the Audubon to Warhol: The Art of American Still Lifeexhibition. I’m still confused by the ‘modern’ selections but the pieces from the 1700 and 1800’s were breathtaking. I was so excited by the art that I have taken my paints and papers out of storage and am attempting a few still lives of my own. How about you? Do you make resolutions? I’d love to hear what you have in store for 2016…
Earrings | Chunky Coat | Maxi Dress | Chiffon Scarf | Boots
The Grey Goddess 