Long cool woman in a black dress…

BohoGown

Last weekend I made myself a kimono dress.  Next up is a dress guaranteed to remind me of 70’s summers spent attending concerts like Pink Floyd, the Rolling Stones, and the Dead.  I had at least 3 different versions of this dress as a teen and loved each one.

The Alice & Olivia Spring 2017 runway look pictured above reminds me of those maxi dresses of my youth.  To recreate the look I plan on using lightweight solid rayon challis for the skirt, a contrasting embroidered cotton print for the bodice and straps, and some complimentary jacquard and satin ribbons for the trim.  All I need to complete the look is a pair of hoop earrings, some espadrille wedgies and a concert ticket (or two)!

*Long Cool Woman (in a black dress) – The Hollies

Summer’s here and the time is right…

kimonos
It doesn’t matter what you wear

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 fabric from gauzes to 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).

*Dancing in the Street  – Martha and the Vandellas

Mainline Florida, oh say…

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…

miamiscene
[Punk] Rock and Roll High School
Spaghetti Strap Tanks  |  Miami Punk High School T-shirt  |  Calvin Klein Sequin Tunic  |  Lancome Le Metallique Lip Lacquer  |  Silver Hoop Earrings  |  Beaded Mesh Coil Bracelets  |  Pleather Leggings  |  Floral Palm Tree Leaf Bandana  |   Cat Eye Sunglasses  |  Prada Candy Rollerball  |  Dr. Scholl’s Warner Wedge  Sandals  |  ASOS Chelsea Ankle Booties

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…

ikoiko
I-ko I-ko un-day
Ericdress Shiny Fluid Sequined Clutch  |  Snowstorm in the Jungle by Iko Iko  |  SparkleBeastDesign Rhinestone Bib Necklace  |  Melissa McCarthy Seven7 Maxi dress  |  Origins Ginger Essence Rollerball  |  Urban Decay Super Shine Vice Lipstick  |  Felicity & Coco Crepe Shift Dress  |  Trina Turk Rectangle Stud Earrings  |  Kare Spade Menorca Ankle Strap Sandals

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!

 

 

Jean genie…

 

denim
...Lives on your back

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’s makes 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!

 

 

 

 

My coat of many colors…

blousons.jpg
2 Bombers 4 Ways

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.

Next up…denim jackets done 3 ways.

 

My gal is red hot…

wearred
Feeling Red

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!

Queen of Hearts T-shirt  |   Shy Siren Red Crystal Teardrop Earrings   |   Mila Suede Pumps  |    Two Piece Lace-up Ballet Flats   |     Olivia Miller Alura Chain  Wrapped  Heart Cross-body Bag   |   Guerlain  Rouge D’Eenfer Nail Polish   |   Silk Squirrel Orchid Scarf   |   City Chic Fit & Flare Red Lace Dress   |   Joyce Trimming Velvet Flower Pin   |   Yves Saint Laurent Tuxedo Red Lipstick

 

Sing me Happy Birthday…

57outfit
Happy black and white…

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 Vikings with occasional pauses for phone greetings from my loved ones. All in all a perfect way to celebrate another year of life!

A little gift from me to me – Macbook Sleeve and Cover  |  Silver and Onyx Crystal Drop Earrings  |   Chanel No. 5 L’eau Perfume  |  NYDJ Alpine Leopard Print 3/4 Sleeve Top  |  ‘Classic’ Birthday Card  |  Mock Croc Structured Tote  |  Sephora Lipstain  |  9 West Nevie D’Orsay Oxford |  Two by Vince Camuto Seamed Legging

 

 

You wear it well…

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…

anniversaryoutfit
21 and counting
Hayley Hasselhoff Duster Coat  |  Dress the Population ‘Charlie’  Jumpsuit  |  Carolee Teardrop Crystal  Earrings  |  Ecosusi Floral Evening Clutch   |  9 West Millenio Ankle Wrap Pumps
holidayrock
I love rock and roll
Sejour Faux Fur Jacket  |  Giani Bernini Silver Hoop Earrings  |  Keith T  |  Skull Ring (my own)  |  Nocono Studded Cross Concho Scalloped Leather Belt  |  Hue Paneled Leatherette Leggings  |  9 West Paganeli Point Toe Booties  |  Clinique Matte Crimson Lipstick

 

 

 

Ain’t nobody’s business but my own…

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.

bizoutfit1.jpg
Biz Boutique Day 1 – Pumpkin Spice
BP Knit Bell Sleeve Pullover  |  ASOS Curve Maxi Skirt with Front Layer Panel  | Mock Croc Structured Tote  |  Opaque Tights  |  Vagabond Mandy Western Chelsea Boots  |  Patricia Nash Vintage Scarf  |  Kate Spade ‘Burst Into Bloom’ earrings |  lip gloss  |  leather journal  |   my new business card
bizoutfit2
Biz Boutique Day 2 – Checks and Balances
Melissa McCarthy Seven7 Flannel Shirt   |  Calvin Klein Ultra Suede Leggings  |  Silver Hoops  |  ASOS Metallic Tote |  Sephora Ultra Shine Lip Gloss  |  Opaque Tights   |  Chance Perfume  |  Marc Fisher Nellien Pointy-Toe Block-Heel Booties

I’ll let you know how the weekend goes so stay tuned…

 

Velvet if you please…

Last week I featured my first Fall 2016 Trends – ‘Recreating the Runway’ looks, which focused on leopard.  Next up…velvet.

recreatingvelvet1
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.

recreatingvelvet2
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 dress at 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!