Even though summer doesn’t officially begin until June 21st the season always starts on Memorial Day weekend for me. I can finally pull out my lightweight clothing, go to the beach, and work in the garden (and on my tan) until the skeeters drive me inside. I tend toward no-fuss easy pieces, with dresses being my ‘go to’ item to wear – or make.
With rain in the forecast this weekend I plan on recreating one of my favorite looks from the Spring 2017 runways – the kimono wrap dress. It’s such a classic style that flatters most wearers regardless of size or shape. Plus, kimonos are incredibly easy garments to make. You can find patterns at Burda and Vogue, and almost any solid or print fabricfrom gauzesto embroidered cottons to silks will work. After that, all you need are some sexy shoes and a minimalist piece of jewelry to be ready for dancing in the streets (or anywhere else your summer takes you).
Vacation time is almost here! I am counting down the hours until we board a plane to Miami for a week of sun, food, sightseeing and LOTS of music. Schedules and obligations have forced us to postpone our Cuba trip but we already have so many Florida activities on our agenda I doubt we’ll miss Havana much at all.
Since 5 of the 7 nights will see us in a bar or a casino I’ll be packing a variety of black looks. Not gonna lie, there’s also a bit of ‘high school reunion’ mentality going since I want to live up to my 80’s ‘Black Leather Woman’ moniker. I’ve got the [fake] leather covered and will cut off the neck and arms of my Miami Punk High School Reunion T-shirt to wear with…
I also want to sport some color, if for no other reason than to set off the tan I’m planning on getting! I’ll be packing these outfits for our night at the casino (more music) and our evening in Coral Gables…
I’ll be sharing my vacation itinerary next so stop back soon. And if you have any places in Miami we should eat at, shop at, or play tourist at I’d love to know so we can check them out during our visit!
For me, a denim jacket is one of THE fashion classics, never going out of style. I own two jackets that have been part of my wardrobe for 30+ years. These jackets have transitioned from their initial indigo brilliance to a beautifully faded cornflower blue that evokes memories of past adventures each time I wear one.
Levi’smakes the penultimate denim jacket, averaging around $100, but you can find jackets everywhere from Walmart to Bergdorf Goodman at every color, style, and price point imaginable.
The embellished denim jacket is another ‘Statement Jacket ‘ for spring (see the statement blouson here) which makes for a really easy DIY project (limited only by your imagination and/or craft skills).
A Google search for embroidered patches (including shapes, florals, and slogans) results in endless resources to choose from. You could also use studs, rhinestones,fringe, fancy braid, safety pins, fabric, or anything else you can think to turn your generic jacket into an embellished statement of your own!
This spring fashion is all about the Statement Jacket! The variety of styles and treatments available to buy or make is endless and only limited by the wearer’s imagination (or pocketbook). Today I’m showcasing two versions of the bomber jacket that would be easy to make if you are so inclined.
I really like Joie’s Mace Floral Silk Bomber Jacket. If you are going to make a similar look there are endless fabric choices to choose from. Silk, cotton, velvet – almost any fabric would work well. I’m leaning toward some sort of silk brocade with cord trim and a satin lining to make my own version of the look.
The Elie Tahari Glenna Sheer Floral Lace Bomber Jacket is another favorite of mine. It’s a look designed for casual sex appeal and could be dressed up or down. I’d love to make something similar in the sequin and beaded tulle (which would weigh a ton but look awesome!) but will settle for using a burnout fabric instead. Once I’ve finished I’ll wear it with a black tank, faded boyfriend jeans and black sandal – the perfect outfit for a night of clubbing in Miami next month.
It’s been fifteen years since the first National Wear Red Day, which sought to educate women about the number 1 lady killer – heart disease. A decade and a half later heart disease still kills too many women, often because they fail to recognize the warning signs specific to females. Help your heart stay healthy by exercising, following the food pyramid eating guidelines, quitting smoking, and having your cholesterol levels checked. You can also sport some red this Friday to let the world know just how much you value your heart – and the hearts of those you love!
I always like to wear something stylish on my birthday. I received some lovely clothes for Christmas and have been saving some of the items to wear on my big day. Since I have to work I don’t have anything special planned but I am counting on a nice homemade meal followed by a few episodes of The Crown and Vikingswith occasional pauses for phone greetings from my loved ones. All in all a perfect way to celebrate another year of life!
Like most of you, December is always crazy busy for me. In addition to preparing for the holidays and an end-of-the-year road trip to visit loved ones, I also have a wedding anniversary (21 and counting – see more here) and 3 birthdays to observe (all within 6 days of Christmas).
We’re planning on an anniversary meal at a trendy restaurant in town and also have a rock-n-roll work/date night planned for next weekend. I am looking forward to seeing if Rolf & Daughters lives up to its rave reviews, and beyond excited to see my husband play with his new band, The Smoky White Devils!
I rarely get the chance to ‘dress up’ for everyday life but love to go all out for special occasions. Here’s what I am planning on wearing to celebrate our 21st, and to rock on…
I am beyond excited to be attending Christy Wright’s Business Boutique event this weekend. I’ll be joined by 2,999 other dreamers, starters, and builders as we learn to take our business games to the next level. I am really interested in the marketing and social media talks, as well as the breakout session focused on how to make your product stand out on Etsy. Since this will be my first opportunity to showcase ‘The Grey Goddess’ since its inception a year ago I want to make a good impression by wearing the following outfits.
Part 1: a DIY take on Elie Saab Fall 2016 – the Skirt
Models who walked Elie Saab’s Fall 2016 show looked like groupies on their way to an exclusive after-party, decked out in their finest laces, leathers and velvets. The outfit pictured above could work for any age or size and would be very easy to make. Start with any basic full skit pattern, extending the length and adding pockets if necessary. Use a burnout velvet for the skirt and a sheer black fabric for the lining. Make a full-sleeved turtleneck blouse in a rich organza or a lightweight knit or skip this step and use a turtleneck you already have. Finish recreating the look with lace-up pumps, a wide western belt, chandelier earrings, and a few tassel or lariat necklaces.
Part 2: a DIY take on A.L.C Fall 2016 – the Coat/Dress Ensemble
I did not technically see this A.L.C. look stroll down the runway. Instead, I stumbled upon this coat and dressat the Neiman Marcus site while searching for shoes. A google search later and I had discovered designer Andrea Lieberman’s richly colored, elegantly simple creations. To recreate this look I’d make the Burda trenchcoat in a silk velvet with a satin lining, leaving off the front pockets and transferring the right flap to the left. I’ve opted for a simple sheath dress pattern made from a stretch velvet in the same color as the coat fabric. Since it’s important that the coat and dress are the exact same color you might need to choose one fabric to make both. Complete the look with a great pair of gold heels (the higher the better), some simple gold jewelry, and a deep red lipstick…and an after-party or two!
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.
The Grey Goddess 