Fashion…turn to the left

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…

recreatingleopard1
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!

 

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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 at Jo 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’ve got a feeling…

Graudation
Celebrating life’s moments

I’ve got a busy few months of travel coming up (written about here) and an opportunity to celebrate some of life’s BIG moments with those I love most.  I won’t have much time to shop once May arrives and so I used yesterday’s haircut appointment to stop by the mall, hit some sales, and assemble an outfit that can take me from graduation to wedding festivities and everything in between.

Vince Camuto Print Pleat Split Neck Blouse  |  T Tahari ‘Ryan’ Suit Pencil Skirt   |  ‘Flora by Gucci – Glamorous Magnolia’ Parfum  |   Nine West ‘Collection Clutch’   |   Nine West ‘Tarragon’ Pointy Toe Pumps   |   YSL ‘Rogue Pur Couture’ Lipstick   |  Minted ‘Ice Cream Palour’ Pastels Graduation Announcement   |   Tiffany Present  (who knows what’s inside?)

Dear Mr. Fantasy…

fantasy1springinbloom

Every spring I get inspired by the first vibrant colors of the season.  If I could design and fabricate my own textiles, and had the time to draft a pattern to make a sexy feminine frock from said fabric, accompanied by an unlimited pocketbook to supplement the dress with eye-catching and unique accessories…well, then ‘Fashion Fantasy  #1 – Spring in Bloom’ would become my reality.

The Grey Goddess Fabric and Dress  |  Charlotte Olympia ‘First Class’ Clutch  |  Sam Edelman ‘Dayna’ Suede Lace-up Pumps  |   Ippolita ‘Wonderland’ Teardrop Doublet Earrings