Billie Holiday Mix

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LtxvKY3IJY&list=PLEE91630C9FDC517C

Listen to while cleaning, cooking, sewing, etc.

Goals for Fall

Here are my goals for Fall: (at least the fashion oriented ones)
-make the iconic Chanel jacket (with the chain at the base of the hem) in a light blue, grey, or pink tweed
 I have included a link to Chanel's history via very artistically beautiful videos put out by the Chanel company;  https://www.youtube.com/user/CHANEL

-finish off the high waisted 1980's pattern pants (I've been meaning to, just other things get in the way)

-Do a hand stitch Eiffel Tower for a pillow ( the fabric I have for this is thin so I might have to visit the thrift store for better fabric)
 Speaking of Thrift Store fabric, that's what I used to make my previous Summer Caftan dress in the previous post.

-Create a fall portfolio for fashion (this is where for each season I will go through past and current Vogue and other fashion magazines to create a binder or board of inspirations for that season)
I will also do this when I am attempting a new sewing project (My wool tailored jacket, Toile pleated dress, 50's light blue circle skirt etc.)

Beach Wear-can be done easily I promise

So today was a beach day, and all I could (sadly) think about was, 'well what do I wear?' Beach dressing is hard, don't get me wrong. I wish it were simpler, but I am here to tell you how to make it all the more simple and enjoyable. 

To begin with (lets tackle the main issue); The Swimsuit. If swimsuit shopping is easy for you than either you're a model, or lying to yourself. Swimsuit shopping is not only hard, but it is one of those episodes shopping makes you feel bad about you and your body, which is not ok or a fun time. The sad truth is that we live in a society that glorifies anorexiaesq figures and that fashion=sex, and by extension (as a person, man or women) you must look eternally sexy. This is not at all the case, the bottom line is to find what makes you comfortable enough to feel good in your own skin. There are more options than just the bikini, go vintage wear a one piece, or high waisted swimming bottoms. I personally love a good one piece of vintage styled swimwear, it sets off my body type very well and it's my own style.

Do your research, get some money and go find a swimsuit! Do not be discouraged, it can be a hard thing to do and do not settle. There is a swimsuit for everyone somewhere

I have attached some links to places I(and other girlfriends) have had success with:

www.modcloth.com/shop/swimwear

http://www.target.com/c/swimsuits-women-s-clothing/-/N-5xtbw


Besides the swimsuit, there are add ons (that I highly suggest) 

such as sunglasses ( I have a cat eyed pair), with sunglasses you 

can go cheaper rather than expensive as they aren't exactly a major

investment. There is also hats, besides being fun, are also great to

keep off the sun. Go search for the variety of hats out there, 

whether you go for a straw hat, vintage hat, it is your accessory and

sun keeper offer.  


Don't forget the sunscreen, so so many magazines and women tell me all 

the time the importance of this. And to boot, Dita Von Teese uses it 

daily for her flawless white skin.


I apologize this was rushed, but I don't have much time to write today

Vancouver Fashion Week 2014

 I, along with the many volunteers at March's Vancouver Fashion Week (better known as VFW) worked tirelessly to help Vancouver's Fashion show. And all that work was pretty well worth it.  Beyond the exciting adventure of busing into Chinatown for 8:30 am every morning for a week, the idea of 'volunteering' is throwing yourself into the fray;  you take the reins. For the first few days I felt very 'behind the scenes'. I was quiet, stayed out of everyone's way and just tried to do what was right and what I was told (this led to A LOT of trash pick up, but I'm a classic neat freak so I'm already programmed to clean an area) My favourite moment was cleaning up someones left over scotch, with the tail of their shrimp mushed into it. Y-U-M. By my third day, standing outside the Chinese Cultural Centre around 8:40 am, waiting for someone to unlock the door ( I often got there before everyone else, but I had to leave at 3pm, so it worked out) rubbing my vintage black gloves together, I realized that I had a desire to do something more, and if throwing myself into the fabric flying, hairspray clouded world of fashion week was what it took, I would do just that.

After I finished leading in one of the designers to the fitting room, I looked around and saw the hundreds of model's shoes. Black matte stilettos, Nude Stilettos, and black high heeled zip up boots. All everywhere, thrown carelessly onto the table, papers strewn everywhere with model's names scribbled next to the shoe description. I realized that this could be what I was looking for; organization and responsibility. After checking with Kim (the lovely fashion director, all the interns and I would discuss how effortlessly cool she was) that I could take over the shoes, I went ahead with my new task.

Four hours later I had all the zip-up boots on one table marked by size with tape on their soles, ranging from size 5-10. And the same with the rest of the stilettos on the other two long tables. Models were thoroughly happy with the improvement, it was easier for them to find their size, let alone their shoe's mate. For the last few days, I got to have my notebook, signing in and out shoes to models while helping designers do fittings.

I also learned the most valuable lesson of being a female on the go: WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES. You know, unless you like your feet being in constant pain and bandaged up like a burn victim

The next few days were successful and I finally felt that I had found my fit in this experience, I got to know greatly talented and friendly people. From interns to models, all were inspiring and made it the most fulfilling experience to date. I am wanting to pursue a career in the fashion industry, whether that's working at a Max Mara, or being an intern for a fashion magazine, or being a costume designer for the Opera, it (fashion) is part of my life. It is in everything I do, it's in the streets, it's on and in people I know and love, and it's in our history.  

Fashion week was more than rudely carrying a female mannequin down a flight of stairs (where else are you suppose to put your hands?) and putting on 7-inch stilettos while being taught to 'model strut', it was that moment that I learned why I ( and many others) are obsessed with Fashion. It isn't just a form of art, or an expression, or something that only the size zeroes can wear, it is in everything. It is everything. 

Midnight in Paris Soundtrack link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgW5L4uUKqE&list=PL4384C518BE33455C&index=6

Midnight in Paris soundtrack, if you haven't seen the film I highly suggest you do. If you're a fan of Paris (I mean who isn't), and the 1920's, this might be for you

Summer Fashion (it isn't as hard as it looks)

   
    I know, with the heat and the bugs, summer can be daunting (well it is to me at least). Fashion is hard, don't get me wrong. But just because of the rise in temperature and applying cream to bug bites (they really made a feast of me this season), your style should not be compromised.

As a teenager, you are expected if anything encouraged to sport daisy dukes, tube tops, and flip flops. When you're older, you should probably move away from the teen look and go for the more elegant, mature, and effortless look. And here's my effortless, elegant guide of how-to:

Underpinnings:
ugh nothing is worse then having lace or silk stick to your sweaty self, one way to cut down on the heat is wear everything in cotton. Cotton bras, panties, thongs what have you. The bonus with cotton is heat isn't retained as easily, it absorbs sweat and washes easy. Any lingerie store carrie it, and it is usually less costly. 
p.s. stockings or hoes of any type are not required, not only will this age you but it will jut make you overheated (desperately reaching for something yourself with)

Shirts:
in my opinion with anything in fashion, classics are always best to stick to (but again, this is just my preference) classics such as the t-shirt (no one wore it better than Clark Gable), keep in your closet at  least one white, navy, and black. Experiment with colours but keep in mind the cut and fit of a t shirt. Are you showing to much cleavage?, Is the fabric stretched across your bust? Can you move your shoulders? Or do you raise your arms and your belly button is in sight? Perhaps take a friend shopping with you to help be the judge. 

Besides the classic T-shirt, the tank top or light material blouse is popular and can be paired with anything (shorts, skirts, etc.) For tank tops and blouses though, keep in mind fit and how much skin you are showing. Being conservative is so much more attractive and is ageless, but if that isn't you (covering up) then let your freak flag fly and sport your skin. I high five you for your daring attitude. 

Bottoms:
no nothing wool just throw that in the winter box or where ever you store your seasonal clothing. Depending on where you are in the world, you might be able to get away with pants, but if it gets to warm here are my suggestions:
-capris
-black leggings
-shorts
-skirts

all of these can range in style, colour, and length. I personally like a black capri, leggings and shorts (it's naturally slimming and I feel more parisian than usual) and with skirts something A-line is always my favourite, allows air flow and is beautifully feminine. But again, what ever floats your boat is the way to go. 

Dresses:
so so many options with summer!: there are to many types to tell; a-line, strapless, maxi, etc. Right now I am a big fan of anything in a light weight material that falls at my ankles and allows me to move. But heres some fabric suggestions for occasion and keeping the sumer season in mind:

wedding (yes it is the season for it): don't wear white, or black. No blanc, No noir.  Unless you are a bridesmaid and the bride-to-be has instructed otherwise. Keep in mind that this is the couples day, not your shining moment. Avoid fabrics such as satin or silk, these will stain with sweat and stick to your body. Dress styles such as strapless, a-line, empire, anything that allows air flow and that you can dance in. Honestly this list (except the no noir and blanc) is applicable to occasions ranging from baptism to cocktails. Maybe later I will right up a guide to dressing for certain occasions, later though

Caftan Dress Online Free Pattern

http://www.allfreesewing.com/Dress-Patterns/Effortless-Caftan-Dress
above is the link to the tutorial

Just made this today (in less than 4 Sex and The City episodes!) don't judge, I got the DVD's out and it's the perfect thing to watch while sewing, putting on makeup or getting ready. 

This easy to sew dress is a summer must,  so chic, so simple, so comfortable. I highly suggest it
I apologize for the bad quality photos, can't find my camera today had to rely on the mac

                                     

Sewing Vintage

For my final year of school, I have completed two projects. All of course were vintage inspired:

The first one (which took 6 months) was inspired after Dior's 1950's; 'New look' Jacket
                                                      This took a lot of ironing, pressing with loud clappers, and so so so much stitching. Never have I learned so much and at the same time hated a project so much. Not to say that you won't enjoy this (if you end up doing this project) just that I personally get very angry at sewing projects when they are difficult and time consuming (so yes, all of them) 

side note-my teacher kept finding it amusing how I wanted to get the waist as fitted as possible, she even used the saying, 'va-va-voom' at one point...

First time I have ever made a jacket, it's hard. Very hard. However this is from the women who has only had 2 years of practice. And this jacket took a lot of work, I wanted to get a certain look and for it to fit me perfectly. Nothing is more irriating then buying a jacket and having it be ill fitting. 

Another reason I am so excited for fall and winter is this jacket, by the time I had finished making this wool fitted creation, it was late spring. Oh well, I will just have to wait...
    
http://butterick.mccall.com/b5962-products-47655.php?page_id=4453

My second Project!:

This one was inspired orignally by Dita Von Tesse in her toile dress ( I have for years harboured a passion for wearing a dress out of toile)

But by the end of the project, I felt more Betty Draper-esq, like I was two steps away from yelling at my kids to go watch TV and light up another cigarette (shudder), anyway my first time doing pleats (god help me) after much yelling at my fabric, and many hours of work I have my perfect pleated dress. That most likely will get worn to tea or to some swaray.

This was the original pattern:

1873 Misses' & Miss Petite Dresses Cynthia Rowley

 


I will post the final pictures in a few days, exams at the moment little time
 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFmNgiEgPoQ
Frank Sinatra-Witchcraft

Billie Holiday Mix

www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3VWKEtkgBY
a link to a 50 minute plus Billie Holiday mix
perfect for cooking, dinner parties, going through your closet etc. 

Quality and Thrift Storing

 A note on what to look for when shopping:

     Through my many scavangings of thrift stores, garage sales, and garbage bins (yes really) I have had to learn the good from the bad. And quick. The options we are given (and that are affordable) are from stores that provide us with a variety of clothing, but all cheaply made and made out of cheap materials. After a year of a crash sewing course and having grown up around well made saddles and boots, I have an appreciation for leather, well tailored pieces and good materials. When I shop I look  a little deranged; I feel the material many times over ( I  even sniff it, cloth can hold odor ) read the labels for washing instruction, fibre content etc. Though this may seems over the top it really comes down to your bang- for- your-buck. 

things to look for:
-brand name (yes this sounds silly because some people will sell their soul just to have the Louis Vuitton symbol on their faces, but the brand (if authentic) and if from a good company, will be well made or from good materials
-ALWAYS and I mean always check the care instructions (washing, ironing etc.) this will tell you a lot about your clothes. It as well should tell you the fibre content:
go for things such as wool, satin, silk,  and cotton. Try to stay away from poly blends, tehy will not look as nice nor will they live as long
-look at the seams and the stitching, if it is sloppy and not straight you can see that it is made poorly and from cheap materials usually.

For example in my closet my favorite pieces tend to be my less expensive (they are the ones I have had to dig for, but are always made out of good material and well made)
-My navy wool blazer (it's virgin wool, the stitches are tight and strait, seams lined up and the lining is a good quality satin) it cost me 5$, original value would have been around 80$ maybe
-My tall Leather riding boots (Italian leather, the stitches are hand sewn and the leather is soft made in Canada) cost me 3$
- My 1990's Dooney & Bourke Purse (authentic, all-weather leather, hand stitched, etc.) cost me 40$
-My Liberty London purple scarf (Made in England, 100% silk, the hem hand rolled and stitched) 1$ out of a thrift store bin

The point I am trying to make is that you just have to dig,  the quality items are there. Pieces that are well made and made out of good quality with the proper care can last a lifetime. But an end to shirts that get holes from going through the wash and purses that only live through one year, go to your local thrift store and see for yourself. 

P.S. wear gloves, ever so vintage yet allows you not to get too creeped out by what you might or might not be touching....

The Basics

        The basics-
 something that should be in every woman's closet. They are the building blocks to 'outfit success', which for many is a daily struggle. And it does not have to be drudgery,  it should be a fun, creative, and enjoyable experiance. Basics (as I said above) are how we are going to make the transgression into 'fashion ease'; the ability to put something on and know that it is amazing and that you yourself are amazing. Furthermore have the confidence to be proud.

The most important basic above all however is Confidence.

And no one put it better than Karl Lagerfeld,
“The elegance is as physical, as moral quality that has nothing common with the clothing. You can see a countrywoman more elegant than one so called elegant woman.”



When it comes to your closet however, there are basics that are needed:
   (some of these will not work in certain seasons, but most you will be able to do all year)
Tops:
-Black cashmere long sleeve (turtleneck, scoop neck which ever) it's classic and to boot sliming
- Black t-shirt &White t-shirt (perfect for layering or for summer) plus so many things to wear with it
- Striped sailor shirt (loose fitting or tight, it is a classic basic, it gives pattern and visual interest) as well you will instantly feel like Coco Chanel or just a touch of Paris
Bottoms:
-a good pair of denim (jeans) they can be dressed up or dressed down, but the goal is to find the right one for you and your butt. Get a girlfriend's second opinion for that one if unsure
-black cigarette pants (they are the Joan Jett of the pants world, but honestly that is why we love them even more. They are slimming and have so many options to be paired with)
-black dress pants (so many options; wide cuff, no cuff, slim leg etc.) but no matter what they will be a staple to your life proffesional or otherwise
Dress:
-LBD (little black dress):this one is key, because you should have one for each season. Personally I have a black wool long sleeved dress that skims over my curves, but it is strictly a fall/winter dress.
summer: in fabrics such as chiffon, cotton, satin just anything light weight. The best part of this dress is you can dress it up for a date or dress it down for a summer party
spring: anything that's breezy or something you can at least put on a jacket or go sans jacket. Spring is exciting, it's when you can start to show off legs and start on that tan.
fall/winter: (see above) Wool, cashmere blends preferably, again the secret to the LBD is the dress up or dress down factor, it's like having Jon Hamm as a boyfriend; perfection.
Shoes:
-ballet flats (any color will do, this is up to you being the classic I am I usually go for a light pink) but the great thing about ballet flats is that beyond being oh-too-cute, they go with so many things: jeans, dress, skirts, etc.
-a pair of boots( riding, skater, angry 90's child- what have you) so many styles to choose from yet which ever is more your style they can be worn with jeans, skirts in the fall and winter. And maybe those really cold Spring days.
-The classic black pump (I'm not saying you have to wear scary tall heels, go kitten if that is you, but they are important) just avoid anything too pointy, too square that will become outdated fast.
Outerwear:
-Classic black and or Navy blazer ( tailored preferably, but this is a great piece as you can wear it to a job interview, out shopping, or to a party) it pulls together an outfit perfectly but it also creates structure to an outfit. It's sort of the fat pants of the fashion world: comfortable, dependable, and ever so wonderful.

-Trench coat (I mean Audrey Hepburn and Humprhey Bogart worn them, how many more reasons do you need? But in all seriousness it can be the any add on to a formal or casual outfit, it's classic and pulls together your outfit and is as well a great layer piece.
-Leather coat (I have a girlfriend of mine who wears her dad's university leather jacket and rocks it in either beaten up jeans or a floral dresss, key example of versitality) whatever your preffered color or style, it will work with formal or casual. It also adds a touch of badass