Never A Plain Jane

Happy Friday!

2012-03-02T08:48:00.002-05:00

You guys are going to think I am nuts, but the first time I had a chance to stay connected to NPJ while on the road I totally failed!

Today at Scoutie Girl I'm talking about that and a few awesome folk who know how to work it on the road.

Stop by and weigh in on taking your tools to go.

Airfare and Fanfare

2012-03-01T10:19:00.000-05:00

Today, I a little bit wish I were here.

The Albert, pub on Victoria Street, London. Photo by Michael Marsh.

It looks magical.

Word

2012-02-29T15:23:00.000-05:00

from Chasing Vivid Dreams via Pinterst

Recovery and Naval Gazing

2012-02-27T09:11:00.001-05:00

Whew! I am worn out after my brief whirl through Philadelphia for The Art of Earning Live. It was a crazy, mixed up, amazing, ridiculous time, and I'm still trying to sort it all out. In fact, I'm busy reflecting upon and sorting out all kinds of things related to the why and what of my business so what better time for a little personal reflection as well. Leave it to my favorite Amy girl to give me the perfect platform.

I've been tagged by my dear friend, Amy over at Botanical Brouhaha! Now, I never have been very good at Tag, but I think this is a game I can handle.

Here are the rules:

1) You must post the rules.

2) Answer eleven questions.

3) Tag eleven other bloggers.

4) Ask them 11 new questions.

Here's what Amy wanted to know:

1. Who would you say has had the most influence on your life?

My husband, Ben. That guy is so cool butter wouldn't melt in his mouth! He has many amazing qualities I hope to someday possess, so I look to him as a role model. Of course, that's all well and good, but even more importantly, Ben thinks I'm smart,sexy, funny, kind, and talented. He often pushes me to do something because I think I want to do it not because he thinks I should do it. In a weird way, Ben influences me to be the most me I can.

2. Why do you blog?

This is actually a question I struggle to answer. Do I blog for business, pleasure, simply because I talk too much? I think I blog, mostly, to connect.

3. Which do you prefer: beach or mountains?

Beach, beach, beach! In case I was unclear, I prefer the beach.

Photo of Pangloa Island, Bohol Philippines by Yhun Suarez, via Pinterest

4. Name a flower you dislike.

Oooo, feeling adventurous are we, Amy? Working with you taught me that every flower will shine somewhere. That said, I would be okay if no one ever sent me sunflowers.

5. Name your favorite movie.

Really? Really!? This week we introduced Emily to Harry Potter so I could say that's my favorite. Then again, I can never watch The Princess Bride enough times. But I also like Burlesque. And Moulin Rouge. Oh, how about Penelope? Is it too late to pass on this question?

6. If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?

I'd like to be able to live more on less and like it.

7. What is your favorite fashion trend from your lifetime (so far!)?

I am thrilled to see more ladylike (read: mid century) fashions cropping up. thank you Mad Men!

dress from Stop Staring! via Pinterest

8. Do you dance?

Every chance I get.

9. Who’s your favorite band?

Another tough one. I guess I'd pick The Weepies.

10. Name one thing you hope to accomplish in your life.

I'd like to be able to support my family with my business, of course!

11. What inspires you?

I love pretty things - rainbows, dew drops, fabrics, butterflies, flowers, seascapes, little girl smiles, glitter, and fairy tales - the things that whisper to something, something I can't actually hear with - those are the things that inspire me.

I'm So Into You via Pinterest

Ta da! There is your eleven questions worth of me! Now, here are the 11 bloggers I want to know more about:

1. Casey from Casey's Elegant Musings

2. Reagan (and Jake and Piper Jane) from Reagan's Blob and Hairdresser on Fire

3. Stefanie from Brooklyn Limestone

4. Alicia from Atypical Type A

5. Suzannah from Adventures in Dressmaking

6. Megan from Studio M.M.E.

7. Gwyn Michael from Gwyn Michael Studios

8. Rachel from Pencil Shavings

9. Kyla from Kyla Roma

10. Nicole from Sketch 42

11. Becka from Life as an Artistpreneur

And what I want to know:

1. Stay in or go out?

2. Your hot beverage of choice?

3. Prefer to wear it hot off the runway, thrifted, or homemade?

4. You favorite children's book?

5. Mid-century or turn-of-the-century decor/construction?

6. Your secret weapon for impressing dinner guests?

7. Catch up with friends over bunch, afternoon coffee, or happy hour?

8. High heels or ballet flats?

9. A woman should always carry...?

10. What do you want to be when you grow up?

11. Shop alone or take backup?

Tag! You are it!

In the City

2012-02-24T07:24:00.000-05:00

Today I am actually traveling again, but you guys have already seen a travel outfit. What you didn't see was my interpretation of a tourist. On Wednesday, before the cocktail dinner shindig, my travel buddy, Carrie, and I met up with the Tara Gentile for lunch at the Reading Terminal Market. Other than lunch and dinner, Carrie and I had no plans so we decided to wander the city a bit.

So what does one wear while strolling the farmer's market and artsy areas of Philly?

For the longest time I avoided wearing black with navy. I have no idea why; it is really quite sophisticated. obviously, I am writing this before I actually leave for my trip, so I'm still on the fence about the scarf. The sweater is a v-neck so I know I'll want something to fill in the negative space. I'm just not sure silver is the way to go...

Yes, those are shorts and, yes, those are tights. Again, please note that I am not wearing tights as pants. I'm wearing them under (short) pants. But can we please take a second to appreciate these sweet hounds tooth leg cover picked out by my savvy husband?

Awesome, right!?

Sweater: TJ Maxx
Shorts: Hand-me-downs
Tights:Target
Shoes: Gianni Bini circa 2009
Scarf: Hand-me-Down

I also packed some jeans just in case I was too cold to wear the shorts and tights. I'm stylish, not stupid.

But tell me, what would you put on to tour the big city?

Represent!

2012-02-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

It is Thursday, as in the day. I'm going to help register the Art of Earning LIVE attendees, then skip off to a day of business-centric learning. I'm so excited! Since I'll be representing Tara Gentile and Scoutie Girl as well as NPJ Designs, I checked in to see what I should wear.

"Smart casual is just fine. Dress to represent your business and your value."

Hmmm, my value...is there a dress code for "priceless?" Probably not. Oh well, I'll just have to concentrate on looking smart.

I am so digging the menswear-inspired ladies wear Ralph Lauren put on the runway for his Fall/Winter 2012 collection.

via Quite Continental

I think I might be more quirky than chic, but I'm inspired nonetheless!

My pants are pretty boss. I love the black on black stripe! I still can't believe my former boss was willing to part with these, but I am so glad she did! The fit is perfect and the cut makes me look like I have legs for miles. I wish I could afford to have all my pants be Theory.

How great is that tie? It is actually a zipper! I was hesitant to wear it at first, because I know how to tie a tie and I don't want anyone thinking otherwise. But, come on, it's a zipper!

Shirt: Express circa 2007

Tie: Garage sale

Glasses: Anne Klein via Lenscrafters

Perhaps this is a little too, um, hipster? for most work place events, but it's perfect for me! How do you define "casual smart?"

Cocktail Hour

2012-02-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

My second night in Philly will be spent "working" on some of the last minute details for the Art of Earning LIVE. From what I understand I'll be meeting some of the super heroes involved in this wondrous affair for dinner at Square 1682.

Matchbook Magazine via Belle of the Ball

I was told to wear wear "something you'd wear out with your girlfriends to a swanky bar but don't get all Academy Awards fancy."

Internet, I was born to dress as though I were meeting girlfriends at a swanky bar. It took me about four seconds to pinpoint my perfect outfit.

Dress: Old Navy, Thrifted
Sweater: TJ Maxx
Bracelets: Gift (thanks, Grandma!)

I cannot stress the importance of accessories here.Those bracelets are adding just the right amount of color. They're pretty awesome, but my new boots are going to kill!

I have been coveting these Betsey Johnson boots for over a year. They were a bit pricey so I'd told myself I couldn't have them until I reached a certain number of sales. Well the time came in January, but before I could buy them I found the perfect gift for Ben, an antique valet. It cost the same as the boots (give or take $10), but I couldn't pass it up. It would be just lovely waiting for him when he got back from deployment. The very same day Ben sent me an e-mail saying he'd got me a little gift to celebrate a promotion he'd received. Care to guess what it was? Crazy, right!?

So now I have the perfect boots for my perfect cocktail dinner outfit. It all goes very nicely with my perfect husband.

What would wear for a "working" dinner with small business geniuses?

Leavin' on a jet plane

2012-02-21T07:28:00.000-05:00

Today, today, today! Today is the day I leave for Philly and a week of "well mannered frivolity" at the Art of Earning Live! I'm so excited! Are you excited? I'm excited.

I know a lot of people like to, shall we say, dress down for travel, but I just can't do it. As a child, my mom always dressed me in my Sunday best for the airplane. When I was16 she bought me a swanky black suit just for traveling. I just feel better when I am done up. Nobody notices a tired 20-something in sweats, but when people see a smartly dressed lady, they wonder, perhaps jealously, where she's going. At least, that's what I tell myself.

button by Carbon Copy, via Pinterest

The only problem is, it's warm in Florida and very very cold in Philly. Tricky, tricky. But I think I'm up for the challenge.

Sweater: derek heart, hand-me-down
Skirt: Merona, Target circa 2008
Scarf: gift
Tights: who knows, but please note: I am wearing them as tights, not pants.
Shoes: Franco Sarto, DSW
Book: Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

That should do for the actual travel. Once I get to Philly I can throw on my warm coat, a hat, and some gloves.

How do you dress for travel?

Out and About

2012-02-19T08:10:00.000-05:00

How could I forget to tell you? I was over at Scoutie Girl again on Friday.

Just tooling around with my friend, Vicki. Won't you stop in and talk die cuts with us?

Scarf it

2012-02-14T15:45:00.002-05:00

I realize that head scarves are not exactly new to the world of hair adornment, but lately I am seeing them all over Pinterest. Case in point:

compilation from Girl Obsessed via Skye Bella on Pinterest

I'm going on week two of bad hair days and scarfing it is looking like a better and better idea. Girl Obsessed describes it as a,"combo of the pinup girl and the bohemian hippie chick look, messed up hair with a smooth patterned scarf on top," which just sounds deliciously boho chic. Also, how cute would I look training for my 5K with my locks all tied up?

The thing is, Pinterest doesn't always seem to match up with my reality. I'm not seeing a lot of scarves popping up in my neighborhood. Still, I'm tempted...

What say you, darlings: set the trend or see if it shows up eventually?

Every day I'm shuffling

2012-02-13T09:47:00.000-05:00

I titled my post and then had to stop and dance to the Party Rock Anthem 'cuz that's how I roll. Apparently.

So many things going on in my life right now I hardly know where to start! First, and most importantly, I got my husband back last week! Em and I did just fine while he was away, but I swear everything is so much better now that's he's home with us again. I love that guy.

Upon his return, Ben helped me jump start my training program for the 10 + mile obstacle course I am running in December. Yeah, you just read that on my blog.

Late last year my friend, Angela, asked if I'd run the Tough Mudder with her in 2012. I agreed thinking it was just a goofy little relay-type thing. Word to the wise: ALWAYS SAY MAYBE UNTIL YOU KNOW WHAT'S BE PROPOSED! For instance, I'm not sure I would have ever agreed to this:

Tough Mudder events are hardcore 10-12 mile obstacle courses designed by British Special Forces to test your all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie...To get through mud, fire, ice-water, and 10,000 volts of electricity you’ll need teammates to pick you up when your spirits dip. To get over 12 foot walls and through underground mud tunnels, you’ll need teammates to give you a boost and a push...(from http://toughmudder.com/about/, emphasis added).

Yeah.

I am a little scared - hold the little- but I'm actually really happy I decided to do this. I think everyone wants to get into better shape, but that's a pretty vague goal. On the other hand, I plan to get into shape for this:

Thank you Tough Mudder Facebook Page

Now, that's a pretty concrete goal.

This past week Ben has helped me concentrate on strength training with some Crossfit-inspired workouts. This week he returned to his usual work schedule taking his motivating influence with him. Bummer. Since I'm sort of on my own, I've decided to commit to the Couch to 5K plan.
In theory my neighbor, Christine, and the Angela that got me into all this mess will both train with me. I'm hoping I can recruit you guys too. I'm not asking much - just some encouraging words every now and then.

However, I'm pretty sure all this training is going to give me some rocking thighs so if you're looking to tone up for general garter-wearing purposes you might try to play along. Just a thought.

Now wish me luck!

Y: more than just a letter

2012-02-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

In 2007, when Emily was still a wee bundle of grins, Ben came to visit us in Texas.

Isn't that just the cutest Emily you ever did see?

We were chilling on my parents' back patio while Daddy grilled something tasty, when Emily decided she wanted to go inside. I asked her why. "Because," she answered. I explained that "because" is not so much a reason as it is a word that comes before a reason and repeated my previous question. "Because I want to go inside," was the reply she gave me along with a look that said I was clearly as dumb as I was annoying. "Yes, I know you want to go inside, what I don't know is why." At this point, Em's frustration was pretty apparent. She marched up to the screen door, the handle of which was mounted just out of her reach, and declared "BECAUSE YEAH!"

Because yeah. I like it. Why can't that reason work for everything? Because no, that's why. It doesn't work for getting out of family dinners on the back porch and it doesn't work for operating a small business. In case you're wondering, that latter statement has been occupying a lot of space in my brain lately.

Last April I told you Never a Plain Jane Designs was founded because

"garters are important. The materials, the design, the colors are all expressing something about the wearer. Sometimes she wants to express those things to someone else - like a spouse - and sometimes she just wants a private reminder that she is strong/sexy/whimsical..."

That's still true - in fact, I think it might be even more true now - but I had forgotten all about that. In the last few months I could not, for the life of me, tell you why I made garters. I certainly couldn't tell you why making, selling, wearing them was important. I think I lost touch with my "why," my mission statement, because I assumed it was enough to just put it out there one time. Spoiler alert: it's not.

Once I put nailed down the "why' of NPJ Designs I got busy on the "how." I got so busy, that I let it consume my work day. Then, the how - the blogging, tweeting, Facebooking, the accounting, and the making - became habit. I everything I had been doing was to start my business, grow my business, maintain my business. Now you tell me which part of that last statement addresses my desire to help women discover and express themselves.

Yeah, I don't really see that there either. It pretty much looks like I was doing a bunch of work because yeah.

And that's just lame.

This time around I'm going to step back from my work more often to evaluate why. I'm not sure what will come of all this evaluating, but I suspect asking myself "why" will keep me better connected to my passion, which, in turn, means I can let you in on more aspects of why i do what I do.

I make garters for offbeat brides, burlesque, Tuesdays...because the closer something is to your body, the more it should represent the things you stand for. And because every woman should have a reminder that her strength and beauty comes only from her.

What is your why?

What's the word, bird?

2012-02-03T09:27:00.001-05:00

The word of the day is Scoutie. As in, that's where you'll find today's post.

Original art by Valentina Ramos. Click on the image for more details.

Word.

Let's recap

2012-02-01T07:45:00.000-05:00

Okay kids, it's gonna get a little heavy up in here for a minute. I suppose it is always best to start at the beginning.

I began blogging, I don't know, nine years ago? I felt a sort of disconnect with most of the world. I was young (19-ish), employed full time,newlywed, had just bought a house, and pretty much leading a very different life from everyone else I knew. They were all college bound singles, renting crummy apartments with a handful other college bound singles, maybe working part time, and pretty much having the time of their lives every Thursday through Saturday night. Before the days of Facebook, blogging was my way of connecting with the alien culture of my peers. By connecting, I mean spying.

I logged in regularly to capture a thought or two of my own before skulking about my friends' pages envying whatever it was I thought they had. So it went for a few years. Then, I changed jobs, got myself one of those fabulous creatures they call a baby, Facebook happened, my marriage stopped happening, the house had to be sold, I became college-bound, and picked up two (or three, I forget) additional jobs.

And still, I was living a life separate from my peers. But I logged on to my blog and to Facebook so I could capture a thought or two of my own before poking about on my friends' pages and envying whatever it was I thought they had. Then, I fell in love with a ~~cute smart~~ incredible boy, I changed jobs, continued college, got married, quit my job, graduated, moved to another state, and got a new job.

Regularly, I logged on to my (new) blog and to Facebook so I could capture a thought or two of my own before flitting about my friends' pages to see what they were up to these days. I was happy. But not content. Then, I made a pair of bridal garters as a shower gift for a dear friend and somebody said "you should sell these!"

In the beginning there was very bad photography

Yes, yes I should! I had made this very personal gift with a lot of love - a quality most products out there lacked. The cogs started turning, plans were made, and I moved to yet another state where I launched Never a Plain Jane Designs.

And all along I blogged about my life and my family, and the adventures of being in business for oneself. Then...

Then, I asked for some advice on making my blog more popular so I could spread the gospel of handmade garters made with love.It was, ahem, strongly suggested take out the stuff related to my life and my family. So I did. I cried the whole time, but I did.

A year went by. A year in which I spent hours researching topics appropriate for my business blog. I almost never touched my personal blog. Blogging became a chore. Each post felt like only half the story. Or, even worse, it felt like someone else's story. I had been happy with just enough discontent to make me want to keep changing/growing/making/blogging, but now the discontent had taken over. I logged in regularly so I could capture a few thoughts (often not my own) before heading down the rabbit hole of blogs and wondering how anyone else could get pleasure out of blogging.

Then, I stopped.

For the past month I have been neither blogging nor reading blogs. I had told myself I would do research and build up my list of scheduled posts, but I didn't. I didn't want to do much of anything, actually, and I think I know why.

It is exhausting keeping my life compartmentalized. It is hard just being part of a person for a portion of the day. Never a Plain Jane Designs is based on things that are important to me, things that make me laugh, things that make me think, things that make, well, me!

So I am back to blogging about my business. And my family and my life. Because it feels genuine. I want people to like me, to feel connected to me, and then want to buy my designs because I made something just for them. And I made it with love.

Now you know the beginning and the middle. This is not the end, it is just the now, but it is a good place to stop.

For now.

Studio Snap

2012-01-04T14:02:00.000-05:00

I wonder which holiday I am preparing for these days...

Treasury Tuesday

2012-01-03T10:11:00.000-05:00

Dream a Little Dream...

Treasury by Jennifer at Clay Bouquet Shop

Oh, it is good to be home

2012-01-02T07:06:00.001-05:00

I love my parents and all the lovely friends I get to see when I visit my hometown, but 10 days as a guest is a little draining. I'm sure my folks would call that an understatement. My poor mom and dad...

But now it is 2012 and I'm back at my castle! Happy New Year!

I've got a few things lined up in the coming weeks to help me focus my vision for Never a Plain Jane Designs.

And you? Where is your focus going to be?

by Sarah Ahearn Bellemere

Holiday Tips

2011-12-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

There are two types of tips this time of year: the kind that help us survive and the kind we give to thank those who help us survive the rest of the year. It is definitely better to give than receive - even more so when you give graciously. For those of us prone to making a mess of every social situation, Sarah from This is Glamorous has prepared a lovely guide. (and didn't she include the most divine images?)

Whether you are traveling or will remain at home this Christmas, it is always thoughtful to think of those whose services you require on a regular basis, for a well-mannered traveler is always grateful for good service.

via This is Glamorous

Beyond a spoken thank you, tipping is essential in many cases, and for services above and beyond, a handwritten thank you note is always an elegant and appreciative touch.

via This is Glamorous

As for your regular go-to services at home, it is a wonderful gesture to acknowledge their continuous service during the holidays . . .

Continue

Go ask Alice

2011-12-19T10:26:00.000-05:00

Today you can find me at

kicking off a series of Alice in Wonderland-inspired themes for your wedding and the related shindigs.

Please stop by Wed Eclectic then, come back and tell me all about your wedding wonderland.

Mod bits (and pieces)

2011-12-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Over at Scoutie Girl I get to interact with a lot of awesome people, one of whom is Lia Fagan.

Lia does about a thousand things, but she's best known for her decor blog, Mod Nest, and Mod Pieces, a line of restyled lighting. I love love love checking out the latest magic she's worked upon vintage and discarded lamps.

Bridget Twins from Mod Pieces

Several months ago, Lia launched a new product line - lamp shade adornments! She asked her fellow Scoutie Girl contributors for some help naming her new line. I suggested "Mod Bits" because I thought it played nicely with "Mod Pieces;" you know - Bits and Pieces. Lia agreed!

Mod Bit

Mod Pieces

Bits and Pieces!

Then, Lia thanked me by offering me a Mod Bit of my very own. See? I get to work with awesome people! I really wanted something black and white for the Never a Plain Jane studio. Unfortunately, I'm still searching for just the right lamp and couldn't bring myself to put my new bit on my placeholder lamp. No worries, though. Lia's little adornments can pretty much go anywhere so...

Hexagon Motif Adornment designed by Etsian, Patricia Banner, exclusively for Mod Pieces

...I used mine to add a bit of mod to an antique picture frame. I jazzed up some clothespins so I can use this baby as a sort of memo board.

Sweet, right?

Think of the possibilities! You can add a little zest to your decor in a snap! Lamp shades, curtain tie-backs, plant pots...

Zipper Lamp Shade Adornment designed by Etsian, Stephanie Hill, exclusively for Mod Pieces.

You can have a set for every season - winter, spring, summer, and fall!

Sunny Circle Lamp Shade Adornment designed by Etsian, Carrie McChesney, exclusively for Mod Pieces

You could even buy several to clip on your Christmas tree and hand out as favors at your holiday party!

Now, back to Lia and her awesomeness.
1. She's helping turn around our "throw-away" culture by giving new life to old lamps.

2. She is spreading the love of handmade by inviting fellow small business artists to contribute to her collection.

3. She is offering NPJ readers a 50% discount in her Etsy shop with the code "MODBITSPROMO"!

See? Aweome!

So what do you think of Lia's Mod Bits? You have to let me know if you get one.

heart-to-heart

2011-12-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks to the Etsy favorites feature, I have hearts, you have hearts, we all have hearts! Here, we’ll hop from heart-to-heart each week, progressively adding to our heart trail as we follow the favorites from one seller to the next.

When Thanksgiving dinner here in America called us away from our heart trail we were puckering up for

...FIGandYARROW {Basil Cardamom Lip Balm} who hearts

...RhapsodyAttic {Hollywood RegencyLamp} who hearts

...Junkyard Glitter {Vintage Frame} who hearts

...StudioBotanica {Handmade Christmas Ornaments} who hearts

...Rare Bird {Chairs Fine Art Print} who hearts

...Amelia Bath and Body {Oatmeal Soap} who hearts

...take some time to relax by the fire; we'll pick up the trail again 'round Boxing Day.

Amazing Grace

2011-12-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

Please, somebody, anybody, find a way to dress like Grace Kelly for one of your holiday parties. Just look at this red ensemble from "Dial M for Murder."

That shrug! That lace trim on the sweetheart neckline! Those crimson lips!

I wish I could have found a better shot of the whole ensemble, but this'll have to do.

Oh, the way that dress swished about her legs when she walked. If ladylike had a sound that swish would be it!

Almost 50 years after the movie was made Grace's costumes are still totally relevant. To me anyway. What about you?

For every girl, a garter

2011-12-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

Variations on a theme: Pleats in Tulle

What's your variation?

Tooling Around

2011-12-09T08:45:00.001-05:00

Looking for me again? Today I am Tooling Around on

with Kay Demlow of

Come say hi!

Be still my heart!

2011-12-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

Do you know what this is?

These are dancers from Rouge Caberet performing at a wedding reception.

Why? Because the amazing bride you see sporting the mermaid gown hired them AS A SURPRISE FOR HER HUSBAND!

In other words, this is awesome on a stick dipped in chocolate and served with a whiskey chaser. WHY ISN'T EVERY COUPLE DOING THIS?!

In fact, you should do this!

Photos by BWright Photography
Wedding via 100 Layer Cake

Looking for me?

2011-12-07T15:18:00.001-05:00

I blogged on the home front today. Please come visit: Inexplicably Endearing.

Treasury Tuesday

2011-12-06T06:15:00.001-05:00

Remember in the way back time when all the taboo stuff in romantic movies was hidden by a slow pan to the roaring fire? That is exactly what a glowing hearth makes me think of.

Snap, Crackle, and Pop

a winter treasury by Never a Plain Jane Designs

What's your favorite thing to do when the embers are glowing?

Why do I not own this polish yet?

2011-12-05T10:34:00.001-05:00

Standing Room Only by O.P.I.

Evidently I do not own it because it is pretty rare. I found it on E-bay for the low low low price of $49.99. Yikes!

For every girl, a garter

2011-12-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

Last week, while the rest of us recovered from our Turkey-induced trances, an NPJ bride hopped a flight to Costa Rica.

via Mareas Villas

She, along with friends and family, checked into the beautiful Mareas Villas Luxury Resort.

And when she said "I do," I was thrilled to think an NPJ original was part of this fanciful, tropical wedding.

Thank you, Maria! And congratulations!

Tights are not pants

2011-12-01T21:28:00.000-05:00

About two years ago I started to see this issue happening in Hollywood, but I never thought it would actually come to my home. Well, not my home exactly, but my town. I was horrified this school year by the repeated appearance of moms wearing tights as pants when picking up or dropping off their kids. This week marks the final straw. In honor of the holidays and good will toward man I am issuing a public service announcement:

Tights are not pants!

Neither are leggings.

I know it might be confusing. After all, pants and tights do go on the same way. And I realize some tights and leggings are opaque, which adds to their outerwear-esque appearance. But even opaque tights have their issues. Take this photo of Lindsay Lohan:

even on (in)famous people, tights are not pants

See how the tights begin to pull upon reaching the thigh thus losing their opacity? It's like a big swash of highlighter right up your thigh. I'm sure that's an area we all want to highlight. Plus, Lindsay Lohan. Is that really the look you want to go for?

When you are able to tear your eyes from Lindsay's thighs, spend some time looking at Olivia Wilde's crotch (Yeah, I never thought, I'd write that either).

why, Olivia, why?

Admit it, it's hard to look away. She has creases and seams forming a runway to her nether regions, and still more seam running up her slightly flattened backside. Why, Olivia? Why? As for moms taking their kids to school, I DO NOT NEED TO KNOW THIS MUCH ABOUT YOU. Ours is a casual relationship.

This is not to say I don't like tights. I do! But, not as pants. More, as accessories. Like paired with winter shorts.

see, tights go under (short) pants.

Or, more traditionally, a skirt.

even brightly colored gams look better than opaque-stretched-sheer thigh highlights

So let's review. Which of the following celebrities are wearing pants?

Kristy Leigh Porter

Jennifer Aniston

Emma Watson

Becky Newton

Taylor Momsen

Katie Holmes

Answers: A. Jennifer Aniston, B. Emma Watson, C. Katie Holmes

Did, you get them all right? Good! You may call yourself a sartorialist.

If you only got two out of three, I forgive you. Kristy's black legs and Becky's saucy smile may have confused you.

What! You got only one? Maybe you recently bought these tights and now you are desperately grasping for additional ways to wear them. Next time, buy pants.

If you got none correct, oh honey, my blog may not be enough to help you because you have bigger problems than fashion. Your friends are obviously trying to sabotage you because people who love you do not let you go out in public without the bottom part of your body dressed.

Grrr to you, Blogger

2011-12-01T09:05:00.001-05:00

Today I had an amazing post prepared. It was truly awesome. You would have been blown away. Sadly, Blogger is giving me the cyber finger and I cannot correctly publish my fabulous post. Really, I feel sorry for you because it was a doozy. In the meantime, please enjoy this photo of incredibly fun knickers.

Darcey Feather Knickers from Myla London

Find Inspiration In: Flamboyant Flamingo Jewellry

2011-11-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

Kenneth Jay Lane designed and Cartier set this flamingo in characteristic pose for Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor in 1940. The plumage was set with calibré-cut emeralds, rubies and sapphires, the beak set with a cabochon citrine and sapphire, the eye set with a similarly cut sapphire, the head, neck, body and hinged legs pavé-set with circular-, brilliant- and single-cut diamonds, measuring approximately 95mm x 65mm x 22mm. Estimated at £1,000,000—1,500,000 GBP.

Sources: Steel Orchids, Fashion: a Crash Course

Seriously, how could this bird not inspire some sort of feeling? Oh boy do I have ideas. Watch out!

Treasury Tuesday

2011-11-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

Look! I was included in a Holiday Bride Gift Guide!

Please click on the image to visit this treasury at its Etsy home

Omigosh, do you see those Rose Garden Wedding Candles!

Keri O'Hara put together this striking red treasury of what she calls "exquisite items from the WedEclectic team." Well thanks, Keri, but if you want to talk exquisite, let's discuss some of your picture perfect, charmers!

Christmas Tree Photo Ornament

Keepsake Necklace with Custom Photo Pendant and Sterling Heart

Custom Christmas Photo Ornament - Just Married

What would be on your winter wedding wishlist?

Communication is Key

2011-11-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

Today, I was challenged to write about the thing(s) I do to give my garters that added something. What is it that makes them so great - even awesome.

The absolute, honest truth is my garters are amazing because of the me part.

ta da!

Seriously.

When it comes to the actual garters, I still struggle a lot when it comes to calling a piece finished. Sometimes more details make the garter. But sometimes more is just more and less would have been stunning. For example, I recently messaged one of my brides suggesting a glam sequined fabric as the center piece for her bow-shaped garter.

For some girls, those sequins would be a dynamite addition. This particular bride very sweetly declined and asked that we let the bow speak for itself just like the garter that originally caught her eye.

Pumpkin Spice Latte garter by Never a Plain Jane

My point is, I talked to my bride and, by doing so, I ma making this garter hers. I probably would have added the sequins if it were up to me, and that finishing touch would not have made this an awesome garter in the eyes of my bride.

Luckily, talking to people is my biggest talent. As a result, I've had a bride hug me on sight because she felt I cared about her wedding as much as she did (hi Michele!). I've had friends of brides come back again and again to order gift certificates as a shower gift because they know I will take care of their friends (I'm looking at you Tiffany). I also have friends who tell me when I've strayed too far from myself trying to please a mass market (thank you, Amy. And Mom).

Will I be adding sequins to a future garter? Definitely! Will I do it on a custom garter? Not without checking with my customer. Because the best detail I can add to each creation starts with a simple "hello."

Stuff and Things: Friday

2011-11-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

I'm not here right now and there is no beep after which you can leave a message. Instead, I'm using this week off to share some things I found Pinteresting.

My Emily has her own sense of style and, well, it isn't quite my sense of style. I wouldn't have it any other way, but if my kid dressed like Suri Cruise instead of Punky Brewster, I'd definitely be making this upcylced number.

Kalleen, who lives at Second Street, made this autumn eyelet number out of a ladies skirt. Because she's awesome.

For more photos of Kalleen's sweet girl is this sweet little dress go here.

When you were a kid were you a Punky Brewster or a Suri Cruise or something else entirely? As I said, there is no beep prompting you to leave a message, but I'd love to read your comments below.

Stuff and Things: Thursday

2011-11-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

I'm not here right now and there is no beep after which you can leave a message. Instead, I'm using this week off to share some things I found Pinteresting.

Yes, this is a departure from the usual Thanksgiving fare.

via Kiss the Groom

This photo contains a large portion of my "thankful" list. I'm thankful for the beauty still in this world. Beauty is therapy. I am thankful for fairy tales - the ones I imagine are contained in those old books, and the ones my daughter makes up for me. I'm thankful for imagination, whimsy, the color pink, dreaming, and the idea that any little girl can someday become a princess.

Photo by Elizabeth Messina; Styling by Jacqueline Weppner at Merci New York

What are you thankful for? As I said, there is no beep prompting you to leave a message, but I'd love to read your comments below.

Stuff and Things: Wednesday

2011-11-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

I'm not here right now and there is no beep after which you can leave a message. Instead, I'm using this week off to share some things I found Pinteresting.

One of the books on my "want" list is The Dress Doctor, 1959 by costume designer Edith Head. I have no idea if that's where this quote was originally found, but I do know I like this woman already.

Have you read it?

As I said, there is no beep prompting you to leave a message, but I'd love to read your comments below.

Stuff and Things: Tuesday

2011-11-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

I'm not here right now and there is no beep after which you can leave a message. Instead, I'm using this week off to share some things I found Pinteresting.

Inside-out Carrot Cake Muffins

The person who posted this recipe for King Arthur Flour talks about spring and bunnies, but, to me, carrot cake is a fall thing. Root vegetable + homey spicy smell = fall.

Cool days beg for a hot oven to make the house all toasty warm.

The recipe and more yummy photos are here. I have no idea when I'll get to try this recipe so if you get to it first please please please tell me how it goes, k?

As I said, there is no beep prompting you to leave a message, but I'd love to read your comments below.

Stuff and Things: Monday

2011-11-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

I'm not here right now and there is no beep after which you can leave a message. Instead, I'm using this week off to share some things I found Pinteresting.

The Colour-In Dress by by Berber Soepboer & Michiel Schuurman 2008

"'The Colour-In Dress' is a simple dress with a black and white print, which is especially designed to fill with coloured textile markers. Because the print is so flexible you can make many different designs by colouring it. Everybody can interpret the print the way they like it best."

I'm going to interpret it as "awesome." If you want one of your very own (for 300 Euro) you can get details here.

As I said, there is no beep prompting you to leave a message, but I'd love to read your comments below.

heart-to-heart

2011-11-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

Earlier this month, when I sent you to rake your leaves, I paused at

...OfTheFountain {Custom Leather Luggage Tags} who hearts

...feltess {Felted Snails Cake Topper} who hearts

...julie and co. {Decorative Ball} who hearts

...ABCS4U {Apple Green Beaker Spice Rack} who hearts

...PegandAwl {Chalkboard Tablets} who hearts

...FIGandYARROW {Basil Cardamom Lip Balm} who hearts

...sorry kids, turkey and naps in Texas before we pick up the trail again.

A is for Ascot

2011-11-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

Ascots, descendants of the cravat, are a pretty awesome finishing touch when it comes to dressing up or adding a pop of color to just about any outfit.

Ascots come in two basic styles, the ascot scarf, which is a square of silk loosely gathered around the neck. And the ascot tie, which has a pleated neckband and can be worn either under or over the collar, and tied in a multitude of ways (thanks, e-bay).

1880s Ascots were traditionally made of patterned silk, formal,folded and fastened with a stickpin or tie tack.

Ascots of the casual day cravat variety were popular fashion in the United Kingdom for teenaged and young adult males from the mid 1960s to the mid 1970s, coinciding with the mod and psychedelic movements (thanks, Wikipedia).

found via Pinterest, original source unknown

Although women have probably always adorned their necks, they did not wear neckties until the later 1800s. Feminine versions of men's neckties began to appear along with the more tailored clothing women wore while bicycling, skating, hiking, or boating. Even more women began wearing ties, and trousers, during World War I, as millions of women headed to offices and factories to fill the vacancies created by men at war (thank you, Patrick McMurray).

These days it seems like just about any neck wear outside the bowtie and necktie falls into the category of ascot. Most men stick to classic, wide silk numbers, but the ladies have reinvented the ascot several times over.

1960s era flocked blouse with ascot tie from Sally Jane Vintage

Peter Pan Collar Dress with Pop Art Ascot at dadadress

side note: Hello! Peter Pan collar! Can I call 'em or what?

I adore these bridesmaids sporting Lady Ties made by the bride and owner of Ginger Root Design! Photos are by Tiffany Bolk.

What are your thoughts on ascots? Or really, on neckwear in general?

Inspiration Found: Reversible Things

2011-11-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Doesn't it seem as though the comfiest, coziest things are best when they're two-sided? I talked about this a little in October, but now that autumn is sort of making her appearance in Florida I'm even more in love with objects featuring duality.

It means twice the number of hand-protecting coffee cuffs.

via Love 2 Create

It means snuggling twofold as often.

via COCOCOZY

That's two times the amount of chic outerwear accersorries.

via UnderReconstruction

And now, thanks to yours truly, you can coordinate your garters with double the amount of outfits, moods, socks, and stockings!

Reversible Garter Pair at Never a Plain Jane Designs

One side is 100% wool upcycled from a vintage Ralph Lauren skirt. Delicious fall shades of russet and forest green make up the cozy plaid pattern. On the flip side, a rich, gold dupioni silk.

I really love these. Really, really love them.

Treasury Tuesday: Long Live Sweater Girls

2011-11-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Yup, I really know how cling to a topic. Speaking of clinging, I put together a little treasury of (mostly) curve-hugging sweaters. If you click on the image you can see the treasury at its Etsy home and get more information on any of the comfy cozies that may strike your fancy.

Another Never a Plain Jane treasury

Sweater Girls

2011-11-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend, my sweet neighbors invited Em and I over for dinner. There has actually been something of a snap in the Florida air, and my neighbor had all her windows open and a homey, roaring fire. Finally! Autumn! Well, the Tampa brand of autumn.

still, it was enough to get me thinking about my sizable collection of sweaters and that mid-century Hollywood Icon:

The Sweater Girl

Carole Landis* via Film Noir Photos

A much much, more modern Milla Jovovich, shot by Carter Smith

Lana Wood in "A Place Called Today (1972)"

Christina Hendricks rocking late 1960's fashion on the contemporary series Mad Men

Anne Francis in "Girl of the Night (1960)"

Sophia Loren in "La donna del fiume (1954)"

Dying to be-sweater your own inner silver screen siren? I thought you might so I found some modern-day sources.

Pair your preppy with pattern

Soft knit + heavy metal

Argyle. Perfect.

Belted and bedazzled!

What sort of sweater style will you be sporting?

* I found this photo posted in several places but could not find the photographer or movie credits. It must have been taken between 1937 and 1948. Any additional info would be much appreciated

For every girl a garter

2011-11-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

Just over a month ago one of my brides said "I do" and the Love in Bloom garter was with her every step of the way.

Photo by Royal Gor Photography, Los Angeles

Congratulations, Lucine! Thank you for letting me be part of this very special occasion. I wish the very best to you and your husband!

Link Love: Double Sided Fabric Headband

2011-11-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

Gosh it feels good to get stuff done! You know what doesn't feel good? Me 24 hours after doing 180 walking lunges. Okay, but that's beside the point.

It feels good to get stuff done. And it feels good to try new things. (As long as those new things are not 180 walking lunges. Just saying). I keep a running list of new projects I'd like to try on Pinterest. Those of you who followed my Craft-Along are somewhat familiar with this list.

Well, not too long ago I sort of dropped the ball when it came to getting a birthday gift for one of my daughter's friends. Luckily, I have a room full of fabric and a handy list full of tutorials to help me do things with that fabric.

Enter Jessica Fediw! She made these adorable headbands as a teacher gift!

So many readers liked them that she made a pattern and a tutorial. You know, because she's AWESOME!

Here's mine. (Alison, I'll thank you to ignore the unclipped threads. I promise every dead thread was snipped and tidy before I gifted that puppy.)

It was so super easy I made one for Emily too. Sorry, no photo yet.

Now, I've written tutorials before and I know they can be something of a pain to write so thank you so much, Jessica, for the great tut and pretty photos.

Your turn! Have you finally tackled any items on your list of projects?

Trend Spotting: Peter Pan Collars

2011-11-08T08:53:00.002-05:00

Do you ever feel like there is a big disconnect between what is being worn in the land of Internet and what people wear in your reality? It is sort of a bummer. I definitely feel my world would be a better place if I ran into more ladies rocking the Peter Pan collar.

submitted to lookbook.nu by Bekah D.

Oh ModCloth, how I love thee...

Bonny Stargazer Dress

Dot in the Act Top

At first glance I thought this was Twiggy, but no! This is a current photo from a contemporary fashion blog.

See? Peter Pan collars are awesome! Don't you kind of want one (or a few) for yourself? Yeah, me too!

The other day Kathleen over at Grosgrain posted this link to a faux collar tutorial.

The elegantly musing Casey shows you had to make a detachable fur number.

Click on the image for Casey's tutorial

And Suzannah spruces up some tanks using collars she made from vintage hankies! How sweet will these look under your fall and winter sweaters?!

Click on the image for Suzannah's tutorial

Have I won you over yet?

Outta control

2011-11-07T09:19:00.001-05:00

We're going to talk about my studio space again today and I'm going to ask that you really indulge me because I just can't seem to think straight when it comes to this space.

I like to think I am an organized person. I adore looking at efficient, aesthetic spaces. I am enamored with all the trays and dividers at office supply stores. When I close my eyes and envision my work space I see neatly labeled boxes, discrete areas for each task, a cubby for every possible sewing tool.

In reality...well...

This is my computing area:

And here is my packing and shipping space:

I cut, layout, and iron here:

You guys, this is just embarrassing. I mean, seriously? I pull everything out for a project and it all stays out until the project is finished even if it takes days. But even when I clean everything up the room still feels so....

so...

I don't know, wrecked? I can no longer see a clear plan for getting this place into shape.

HELP!

heart-to-heart

2011-11-04T08:00:00.000-04:00

In October we paused our heart trail at

...TheBoominGranny {Shoe Leather Cream} who hearts

...strawberryluna {Nursery Art Print} who hearts

...flytrap {Pineapple Flowers Jersey Scarf} who hearts

...leaningcedarsvintage {Federal Glass Mixing Bowl} who hearts

...ashley suzanne {Rooster Art Print} who hearts

...OfTheFountain {Custom Leather Luggage Tags} who hearts

...I suggest you rake those leaves while you wait to find out!

A vintage rustic fall garter

2011-11-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

I cannot believe I never shared this garter with you guys! I'm really slipping.

When Nicole contacted me I instantly knew I wanted to work with her. She had an idea of what she wanted, but she knew what she didn't want: no lace, no bows, no froo-froo. Then, she sent me this photo for inspiration.

I love everything about this! Those gloves! That china! A RACCOON! After a little back and forth with Nicole, I came up with this.

This custom garter is made of sooty gray linen stitched into overlapping patches. I left the edges unfinished because, honestly, linen is like love - most beautiful when it is raw. The petersham ribbon brings a richness with its deep honey tones and makes for a tailored contrast against the grainy linen. Vintage buttons, and cream-colored baker's twine echo the vintage feel and weave of the bride's sweet wrist-length gloves.

This is, honestly, one of my favorite garters ever. How about you? Are you more vintage and less lace or do you go for something with a more traditional feel?

Treasury Tuesday: A Rare October Snowfall

2011-11-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

I've never lived in a place that gets snow in October, rare or otherwise. I hear the Northeast is having an unexpectedly chilly Halloween. Here's to bonfires, trick-or-treating, and arming my hands on my coffee mug.

Please click on the image to visit my treasury on Etsy

A night on the town

2011-10-31T08:00:00.000-04:00

I had something of a blegh week last week. Sales have been slow, participation from my Etsy team has significantly dwindled, I'm bored...As a result, I haven't exactly felt like throwing myself into work.

After a week of working really hard at being unproductive I punished myself with a girls' night out.

I've never claimed to make sense.

The stars totally aligned on Saturday such that my Tampa bestie had the night off work and my very giving neighbor friends invited Emily for a sleepover. I had a whole 24 hours to be a girl again! And boy did I ever!

My girlfriend and I donned our Halloween best, talked a lot, laughed too loud, were treated to drinks, and stayed out far too late.

Then I slept all morning, spent the afternoon and evening with my girl, and I am actually eager to get back to work. The moral of the story is: sometimes a total break from the norm will put the glitter back in your world.

For every girl, a garter

2011-10-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

"There’s something beautiful in showing off things that are meant to be on the inside or underneath.

"A sliver of silk or a frill of lace peeking out from under a skirt, a satin strap slipping off the shoulder, it all suggests the possibility of being undressed, of another layer, and of intimacy.

"Whether it be emotions, secrets, skin, fears, or a garter, the act of displaying what is meant to be intimate is seductive and decidedly feminine. It’s powerful, inviting, flirtatious, and delicate. In our dress, the effect ranges from daring to innocent to modest. {The last being a sign of the times in the fact that so many women skip the garters or slips.}

"In the home, taking something lovely that is usually kept in the closet or lingerie chest and placing it on the wall or by the window for all to see gives a room a playful, whimsical effect.

"And, in our relationships, the result can be devastatingly beautiful and empowering."

Words by Ms. Jenn at Bits of Beauty. For photo details please click on each image.

Look, something pretty!

2011-10-27T09:03:00.001-04:00

It has been quite a week. I'm not lacking for material to post just the time needed to make it coherent. So please allow me to distract you with this gorgeous little black dress from Johnny Bechard.

Trend Spotting: Dapper like a Draper (and other Mad Men)

2011-10-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

I'm not exactly sure how I missed the boat on this one, but I have never seen an episode of Mad Men.

via 5

Yeah, I don't know what's wrong with me either.

Even though I haven't seen Mad Men the series, I am seeing Mad Men everywhere! Mad Men style, that is.

For example, this modern office-appropriate outfit from Nordstrom.

Check out this fantastic red jersey dress from ASOS. Add a cardi or a velvet blazer and is this not perfect for a picnic at the pumpkin patch?

ASOS Midi Fit & Flare Dress with Basqued Waist

I couldn't pick just one "cocktail" look. The Velocity Dress from BHDLN features the full skirt and nipped waist commonly seen in the late 1960s.

But oh I also love Karen Millen's sleek interpretation of the "wiggle dress."

Folded Satin dress via Pinterest

There is just so much to love about the feminine fashion of Mad Men and the 1960s. Janie Bryant, Costume Designer for Mad Men and my future best friend, wrote the book. No seriously, she wrote a book.

photo and info via Hachette Book Group

I picked up a copy from the library and all but devoured it. It is full of advice for shopping vintage, mixing vintage with modern, flattering your figure, etc. Oh and the photos! Go now and get your own copy. You will not regret it.

Still feeling a little shy about flaunting your '60s fashion sense? With Halloween coming up why not try your hand at interpreting Mad Men fashion by dressing the whole family as the Drapers?

via Say YES! to Hoboken

Chicest Halloween Costume Ever!

Sometimes you just need to get away

2011-10-24T05:17:00.000-04:00

It's true, sometimes you just need to get out of your house or out of your own mind to recharge your creativity. However, it is mid-fall and the school year is in full swing so I'm not going anywhere. The closest thing I get to an escape is:

Oh it's so true. Not only am I a fan of Sarah Michelle Gellar, I love me some melodramatic TV. If it helps you to not lose respect for me we can all pretend I just watch for the couture sported by the cast.

I also have actual aspirational travel on my list too, so don't worry. I keep a running list on Pinterest. Would you like a peek? Well, if you're going to twist my arm...

Slovakia

photo by Viktor Bors

Indonesia

Misool Eco Resort in West Papua, Indonesia

Canada

Butchart Gardens, Vancouver Island. Photo by John Rogers

Where do you go (in reality or just in your mind's eye) when you need a creative recharge?

heart-to-heart

2011-10-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

When we last wandered along our heart trail we stopped at

...ouma {Ombre Ruffled Skirt} who hearts

...Kroowka {Black Tulip Parasol} who hearts

...TwilaJeanVintage {Lilli Ann Mid-Century Coat} who hearts

...souvenirsouvenir {Black and White Polka Dot Gloves} who hearts

...Retroties {1950s Chocolate Kid Gloves} who hearts

...TheBoominGranny {Shoe Leather Cream} who hearts

...well, that's for me to know and you to find out!

Around the Net: COLORCRAZED

2011-10-20T08:45:00.000-04:00

Lynda Coker, fiber artist, believes you can do anything you want with fabric. Well you won't hear any arguments from me! Especially since the woman who made this

thinks I am an artisan worthy of an interview!

So, my lovelies, you are all hereby officially invited to the COLORCRAZED blog where you can read my interview and snag yourself a discount code.

Thank you, Lynda!

*additional info for Lynda's Winsome Windows fiber mosaic is available here.

Find Inspiration In: Reversible Things

2011-10-19T08:39:00.000-04:00

Let's be honest here, darlings. There are few things in life that top a two-for-one deal. And this fall I am coming across all sorts of dual-sided and reversible goodies.

Just this past weekend I dipped into my project files to make a couple of these headbands from Jessica at Happy Together. (I'll put my photos on Facebook if you are interested, but click on the image below for Jessica's tutorial).

And now I'm dying over the adorableness that is this cape from Les Petites Indecises.

Personally, I'd totally wear that cape, but for those of you who like to dress like a grown-up, Idea2Lifestyle offers the Vol de Nuit reversible Jacquard skirt in their Etsy shop.

Reversible is even chic outside of fashion.

Okay, this jacket is not reversible, but it is chic and that lining truly makes it. Corinnea is a genius.

Are you also feelin' all this tasty duality? It definitely has my creative juices flowing!

Halloween is for the birds

2011-10-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

This year, Emily is going to be a peacock for her trick-or-treating escapades. I sort of wanted her to be an owl, but this was much more glamorous. The costume making is in full swing at my house, but I put together a treasury for anyone who needs an idea. A little birdie told me some of you were stumped.

Click on the image to view any of the items in my treasury.

"I don't give a hoot about Halloween," said the little owl.
"Nevermore," agreed the raven.
"Trick or treating has me tickled pink!" protested the flamingo.
And so the peacock took her by the wing and strutted off into the night.

What goes around comes around

2011-10-17T08:27:00.001-04:00

We all know fashion is cyclical. I myself am longing to infuse my closet with some '50s chic this fall.

Kay Windsor 1952

What fashionable features from the past do you want to see make a come back?

For every girl, a garter

2011-10-14T08:00:00.000-04:00

I'm a sucker for a femme fatale. My friend Jessica says it is because I admire strong women. Whether or not that is a correct diagnosis, one of my forever favorite vixens is Poison Ivy.

As I originally saw her - In cartoon form

I'm also have a thing for red heads. Go figure.

Alas, I don't really see any day soon in which it would be acceptable for me to don red waves and/or green leaves. So I leave it up to you, my internet darlings. Please someone dress up as Poison Ivy. I mean, I already have your garters ready and waiting for you.

Garter pair: Poison Ivy

usually I'd just stop the "For every girl" feature with a garter photo and go about my merry day. But I love this character so much couldn't resist doing a little costume recon.

I can appreciate a comic book character's traditional leotard and tights uniform, but I think I prefer the skirted renditions.

via HalloweenCostumes.com

Samantha SamSam as Poison Ivy by Celeste Giuliano

via Nilla on DeviantArt

Amazing interpretation from Megan-Marie.com

Let's take a page from yesterday's post and focus on getting into character all the way to the tips of your fingers.

Even though it's Halloween it's still just a crazy outfit until you put your face on.

I love holidays that let you dress up. And seriously, be Poison Ivy. She's undeniable. If you do use the coupon code FemmeFatale at my shop and shipping is free.

Nailed It, the redux

2011-10-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

In July I shared with you some of the awesome manicures I had come across on Pinterest. Then, on October 2 the ever-mysterious anonymous left a comment asking where the nail armor I had featured could be purchased. Alas, Anonymous, I do not know. But while I was looking I found a lot of really cool info on the happenings within the realm of nail art.

CalGel Gradation Manicure

First, I have to come clean. I never paint my nails. It looks so polished (ahem) and chic for about three hours and then one of them will chip and drive me absolutely crazy. I love a good wash of color, I just like it on my toes. It should come as no surprise that my head has pretty much been in the sand when it comes to all the novel nail accoutrements available.

Ming Vase Manicure

First, polish. Even I am not so out of it that I don't know about all the crazy crackle finishes and magnetized fun available in a bottle of polish these days.

part of the Shatter line from OPI

Shine from Yahoo! has a rundown on the many many brands that make a crackle polish and where you can find them here.

Sephora felt it very important I know about the new magnetized polish from nails, inc. It looks pretty cool (pricey, but cool) although I have my doubts about my ability to recreate this look.

Click on the image for more info

From paint on we move to press on. No! Not press-on nails! Well, not exactly. I'm talking about nail polis stickers! I first noticed these puppies on my acquaintance, Drea, when I asked if I could post this "boudoir" photo of her.

photo by Lauren Kennedy

I realize there are more eye-catching things in this photo, but those nails totally grabbed me! I can't speak for Drea's nails in particular but you can totally get this look and about a dozen others using the Salon Effects line by Sally Hansen.

The way I understand it, you press these nail polish strips to your nail and shape any of the overhanging excess with a file. It is entirely possible that I could do that without royally screwing up.

I know, I know, I also am reeling from all the greatness now available in my favorite nail product aisle. But there's more. Anonymous, all this is for you, babe. I didn't find the pearl and filigree "nail armor" we both admired, but I did find the Japanese practice of Stereoscopic nails.

from http://www.tumblr.com/tumblelog/notmybedtime via we heart it

Basically anywhere from one to a 10 set of acrylic nails can be custom ordered from a number of nail artisans. The nail is literally built to your specifications using paints, "mixtures", jewels, you name it! Instead of lifting copy from somewhere else (and stealing their photos) I'll refer to this post on PingMag. Really, you have to see the photos. And the video. People like Megumi Furukawa, Aya Fukuda, and Naomi Yasuda have taken what once was street style and made it an intricate art form.

I sort of love it.

Okay, but some of us don't have time to sit down and get a set of acrylics put on. Then what? Well, we do what the stars do.

Diamond Pave Nail Ring from Bijules

That's right, we get pave diamond set nail rings. Or, you know, something not $4500.

There you go, Anonymous and my other darlings. A whole lot I didn't know about fingernails. If I do try the Sally Hansen number I promise to tell you all about it. Will you do the same?

Shirring, conquered at last!

2011-10-12T08:00:00.002-04:00

I adore the look of shirring. It has all the appeal of ruffles without the overwhelm of frill.

Adorable tutorial from "girl. Inspired."

Seriously, every tutorial on shirring contains the words "so easy." I want to believe them. I do. I want to think I can make this in a snap.

The Boss Tee from CAbi

Or churn out one of these a day.

via Whimsy Couture

But no. All my attempts at shirring were failures. Until yesterday! Yesterday I had one thing on my to-do list:

Shirring

I pulled up every tutorial the net had on this tricky elasticizing technique and I read them. Okay, I skimmed them because I had already read most of them and a lot of them just referred to each other. But then I went back and read the comments just in case.

Then I wound my bobbin (by hand) with elastic thread, and sewed using every tension/length/width combination I had.

Failure

No shirring. Just a lot of crappy lines.

But then. Then! I saw that Disney had an update on her tutorial:

"Some of you have had trouble with shirring, because you have a drop-in bobbin. I don't have one of those machines to play around with, but Prudent Baby recommends using your bobbin winder to wind the elastic with those machines. She says it gives her the perfect shirr, so it's worth trying! :o)"

Gasp! Squeal! I have a drop in bobbin. So I wound the elastic with my machine this time and...

Oh my gosh that is totally shirred! I didn't even waste time with additional rows to add more scrunch. I traded that scrap fabric for some pumpkin silk goodness post haste! And now I have two rippled rumpled shirred pieces of fabric goodness!

And oh do I have plans for these shirr beauties. But you'll have to come back to see.

While you wait why don't you click on that comment button and tell me all your shirring woes and triumphs.

Treasury Tuesday: Housewarming

2011-10-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

So the plan was to make a wreath throughout the month of September and then have a big picture show of all our wreaths on October 4. Then my schedule got all whomper-jawed and I really didn't hear a lot from you guys on your wreaths so I haven't pushed the show-and-tell end of the deal. However, a dear friend did write to tell me she was enjoying the wreath process immensely and was so happy to have rediscovered the stress relief that is crafting. Awww! Thank you! I haven't seen her finished wreath yet, but I definitely commend her choice of fall colors!

Now that I (and presumably you) have something to make your front door a little more inviting, I thought I'd share some ideas for making your house comfy, cozy, and equally as inviting for the autumn months.

Housewarming, a treasury by Never a Plain Jane Designs

Do you do anything to up the autumn in your home?

Let the rain fall down and wake my dreams

2011-10-10T07:30:00.000-04:00

2005 RAIN installation by Stacee Kalmonovsky

All last week I was suffering from a head cold so I felt right at home throughout the rainy weekend. I spent all week feeling cloudy, so why not enjoy some actual clouds.

Street Art by Vidor

I have mixed feeling about the rain. Sometimes I am the girl who feels the rain. Dances in it, even. But there are also days when I just get wet. Like when I have to get my kid to gymnastics practice but she only moves at a snail's pace because she's "getting all wet!"

via First Time User

Right now, though, the rain makes me want to dance. The grass looks so fabulously, vividly green against the purple gray billows blowing past. Who wouldn't be inspired by that? If green and gray don't get your artistic juices flowing how about actual, you know, flowing? Like the two-foot wide stream making rainbows in the oily street as it rushes toward the drain on the corner. And there are droplets everywhere acting like tiny magnifying glasses that reveal the crazy alien terrains on top of everyday things. There has to be a way to capture that with silk and crystals.

When Autumn Leaves Fall by Ginsui-rin

Then again, I'll need to take photos soon and rainy days never have the right light for good pictures. As if I need any help taking bad photos.

Man with Umbrella by Joseph Hancock

Tell me, my dearest of dears, do you feel the rain or do you just get wet?

heart-to-heart

2011-10-07T09:16:00.000-04:00

Last month left our heart trail with

...Ida Estelle {Moroccan Wrap Bracelets} who hearts

...fairysomnia {Moose Watercolor} who hearts

...Kerrera Skye {Knit Fingerless Gloves} who hearts

...Paper Polaroid {Paper Heart Garland} who hearts

...Pillow Pallooza {Pixelated Felt Pillow} who hearts

...ouma {Ombre Ruffled Skirt} who hearts

...can you guess?

Lashing out

2011-10-06T08:15:00.000-04:00

The other day I got an e-mail from Sephora announcing their exclusive line of Paperself false eyelashes.

Deer and Butterfly Eyelashes

I adore whimsy, and I love playing with make-up, but I don't know...I am just not sure I could imagine donning any of these wen it isn't Halloween.

Of course, I do love all those shades between blue and green.

via The Berry

And oh, how Wonderland are these?

via Pinterest

I love the sparkle, but wouldn't these be heavy?

via Pinterest

I'm still on the fence. What say you, my darlings? Could you, would you rock extreme false lashes any and everywhere?

Craft-along: Putting it all together

2011-10-05T09:49:00.000-04:00

To see the craft-along from beginning to end please click here.

Oh I wish you could all come over and see my pretty front door! Since it is a long drive for most of you a photo will have to do.

Are you ready to wrap up your wreath? Well, go fire up your glue gun!

It was a lot harder than I thought it would be to find a cheap picture frame. Weird, right? Finally I came across this framed print at JoAnn's for $4.99. Still a bit steep, but I was getting sort of desperate.

The back was papered, but nothing a craft knife couldn't handle. I cut/peeled off the backing and popped the print out. Thus ends our frame prep.

At this point I realized I didn't have nearly enough flowers. Whoops. FYI, if you are making flowers with a three inch circumference you will need about 38 to cover a 16 by 20 inch frame.

I laid my frame flat and arranged my flowers around the outside edge so I could get a feel for the layout. Mostly, I wanted to make sure I wouldn't have to [put two of the same flower right next to each other.

Starting in the bottom right corner glue a leaf and a flower. I like to put the leaves in conjunction with their respective bloom. It just helps me make sure all the glued ends are completely covered and the leaf cups the flower just right. At the very end I did end up adding a leaf here and there to fill in some areas that looked a bit naked.

I found it best to apply the glue to the flower and then press it onto the frame. Do this all the way around your frame.

And voila!

Now you are the envy of the neighborhood. I cannot wait to see how your frames turned out. Be sure to send me photos at neveraplainjane@gmail.com.

Happy crafting!

Craft-along: Leaves

2011-10-04T08:27:00.003-04:00

Hello, darlings! Ready to get back to our craft-along? I am! My front door looks so sadly naked. If you are just joining us and want to see the previous tutorials you can do so here.

Today's "tutorial" is easy peasy. I wanted to make my wreath entirely out of scraps, but, alas, I felt this little touch needed to be felt. I shelled a whole $0.80 for two sheets of green felt because I honestly don't know any other fabric that will work.

And what are we making with this felt? Leaves!

Step 1:

Cut out a leaf shape roughly three inches by one and a half inch. Mine is pretty much a pointy-ended oval.

Step 2:

Cut a slit from one point roughly 1/3 to 1/2 of the way into the leaf.* Also, consider a quick manicure before posting close-up photos of your hand.

Step 3:

Place a dot of fabric glue or hot glue on one side of your split. Place the non-glued side on top of the glue - bottom side to top side.

Now you have a sweet little cup in your leaf so it has a bit of dimension. *Note, the longer you make your cut the more your leaf will cup.

Easy, right?

How is your wreath coming along? Are you just about ready to put it all together?

NPJ HQ

2011-10-03T09:01:00.002-04:00

It has been quite awhile since I talked to you about my studio space. If you remember, this time last year I was dreaming of a coral and sage work room. This probably comes as no surprise, but that isn't exactly the color scheme that's taking shape these days.

Let's go back to the beginning. I started with this.

I actually like the green and probably would have kept it had I stuck with the original plan. But then I painted Emily's bathroom a gorgeous shade of gray.

Pewter Vase by Behr

It really is as beautiful shade, but it looked ghastly in Em's bathroom and had to be painted over. So sad. But not really because one doorway to the right sat my still unpainted studio.

When I started, it was not pretty. The top photo really glosses over a lot of the issues that were driving me crazy.

Pock marked walls.

Years of grimy dust built up around every receptacle.

Eeeeeeewwwww!

But, finally the room is painted that lovely soft gray and the trim has a fresh coat of glossy white. The original paint was flat, which was great for hiding all the imperfections in the sheet rock but sapped the little natural light offered by the window. I am really surprised at the change made by using a semi-gloss.

I love love love my new gray and white palette! It doesn't compete with many many shades of fabric I work with all day. In fact, it offers a place for my eye to rest.

But my favorite part was actually an accident. I had wanted to make curtains from a beautiful fabric featuring cascades of black-trimmed white ruffles. Sadly, when the time came to purchase said fabric it was nowhere to be found. But then I had an amazing idea! I didn't need to make curtains. I just needed to hang a curtain rod. Why? Because of this amazing vintage table cloth that belonged to my late Grandma Belle.

Isn't it gorgeous? Check out the detail!

I love it! Now to work on getting some stuff on the walls... Any ideas?

For every girl, a garter

2011-09-30T09:18:00.001-04:00

Oh Natalie Wood...

via Starlet Showcase*

Please, someone do a photo shoot emulating this image. Pretty please.

*Try as I might, I could not find the origin of this photo. Feel free to share if you happen to know.

How can I learn about burlesque on my own?

2011-09-28T22:53:00.000-04:00

Oh my lovelies, our poor burlesque expert, Elsa Sjunneson, has had a brutal summer. When we first met our resident burlesque expert she had just completed her Master's degree in Women's History. But what would be the fun in stopping there? No, no, Elsa dedicated her summer to meeting deadlines for her thesis.

Because she rocks.

I've missed her terribly and am so happy to welcome her back to NPJ for more truth about the burlesque arts.

1) Get your read on! The Burlesque Handbook by Jo "Boobs" Weldon is great! She's written a book that teaches everything from the basics of movement, down to how to make pasties and book yourself shows.

book cover image via Harper Collins

2) Take in a movie! A Wink and a Smile by Deirdre Allen Timmons is a film about the Seattle Academy of Burlesque. It's streaming on Netflix, and, while it won't teach you how to perform, it'll teach you about the challenges involved in learning!

3) Go to a school! All across the country there are burlesque schools, there's the Seattle Academy, the New York Academy, The Richmond Institute of Burlesque, Studio L'Amour in Chicago, and many many more! Just poke around and your city will probably have something for you to take!

4) Watch YouTube. If you search for the 2011 Burlesque Hall of Fame, you will find videos of incredible acts and performances from all over the world, which you can learn from.

5) Find a show in your town! Go watch people perform, support the community financially, and enjoy the art form!

Gentry Lane, posing for a photo shoot, is behind one of Paris’s newest burlesque series.

6) Go to BURLYCON in Seattle! Burlycon is an event every year where the community comes together to teach each other about the art form we all love and perform in. This year I'm teaching four classes (FOUR!) and I'm really excited about it!

Something I've discovered is that a lot of people think that just because they've taken a burlesque class means they have to go ahead and perform professionally While I think performing can be a lot of fun, I think sometimes people should just take the class and learn about their bodies. I'm not saying you CAN'T go play with the pros, but that if you're not 100% confident in it, or if you had originally just wanted to take the class for yourself, or for your husband, or your boyfriend, you don't have to go further than that. Make burlesque as fun as you want it to be, and make it about YOU and you'll always have fun while you're dancing! '

Ummmm

2011-09-27T08:46:00.001-04:00

Paintings (yes, paintings!) by the super talented Christopher Stott.
Found via Down and Out Chic.

Okay, my darlings, here's the deal. Today is a big day at my house because we are sending Ben off on a four-month business trip. I've known this for a while, but I chose to set myself up with a very ambitious schedule to help keep my mind off the whole ominous four months-ness of the situation. And then I realized that my schedule is so ambitious I didn't actually leave time for me to properly send Ben off.

So.

I know we had a schedule. And I know some of you are very excited about wrapping up the craft-along and sharing your wreaths. But I'm begging your indulgence today. Thanks, you guys.

And because you are so awesome I'll put together an extra flower tutorial or two. Cool? Cool.

Thank you.

My new best friend

2011-09-26T08:58:00.002-04:00

You remember how I went just gaga over the ensemble of NPJ bride Autumn B. Well, that sweet lovely girl happily hooked me up with her dress designer, Wesleann Polkowski! My darlings, I have found a kindred spirit, fellow Joss Whedon fan, and muse all wrapped up in a quirky little package with a sass-pot bow!

Parts of the following interview were edited for length, clarity, and because Wesleann asked that I not let her "come off as bat-shit crazy. "

Hi, my name is Wesleann and I like to sew things.

Read more about Wes after the jump.

You live in Austin, which is less than two hours from my home town! That's awesome and all, but how are you guys doing after all the fires?

For starters, yes, we are fine here in Austin. The fires were close - we could see the smoke for days and smell it at certain times. It played hell with allergies, and tugged on heartstrings. The photos of the rescued animals with burns about did me in (I'm a total crazy cat person.) But tragedy always inspires a great sense of community - there have been benefits and drives and donations abounding here, so it's reassuring to see how much people will support each other.

Well that's a relief, but what led you to Austin in the first place?

What led me to UT Austin was mostly family related. We had just moved from Hawaii, and my parents had settled near Austin with my younger sister, and much younger brother. I chose UT as a college to be near my siblings. My sister and I were, and remain, very close friends, and I did not want to miss out on seeing my brother grow up and being involved in his life, despite this meaning I would have to stay in Texas, which seemed like hell compared to the paradise I had just come from. Little did I know that I would fall so in love with Austin I would stay there voluntarily FOREVER!!!

And sewing? Where did that begin?

What led me to sewing was my mom. She sewed my entire life: every season we got new clothes and dresses and swimsuits and costumes. She was very crafty, and we were always doing projects at home. So I learned a lot from my mom.

However, when I initially joined the theatre department at UT, it was to study acting. I became disenchanted with a system that allows you to get a degree in acting even if you've never acted in anything before. (Seriously?!) So I was doing that typical college wandering thing, feeling lost and being crushed by the pressure of "I must decide right now what to do with the rest of my life" panic. I couldn't leave the theatre department before I declared a new major, so I was forced to take at least one theatre credit during this wandering semester. That class was an intro to set design, lighting design, and costume design.

Now, this will totally sound like bragging, but based on the work I did in the costume segment of that class, after the instructor found out I could sew, I was totally courted by the costume world. They wanted me, bad. And it sounded completely up my alley, so I decided to do Costuming (wow, I can still see my dad rolling his eyes at that one).

College was great, and I did learn tons of stuff there - draping, and creating my own patterns, and lots of technical skills. College was also very hard, and extremely taxing. I worked two jobs, and slept under a table in the sewing lab more times than I'm proud to admit. I worked my ass off, and was rewarded by being one of the few undergraduate students to ever be given my very own show to design and build in my senior year. (Wesleann earned her degree in Costume Design and Construction)

After college I worked for some local theatre companies for a few years, and did some very independent films. Most of this was a continuation of the college lifestyle of working my ass off for little or no money! I worked at a photo studio and an adult store to have a steady supply of money to pay rent and eat sometimes! But you can only dodge student loan payments for so long, so I had to stop spending all of my time working on a 3 month project for $250 (local theatre is poor, y'all) and get a real job!

Why Ion Art?

A friend of mine was working at Ion Art and I had done some moonlighting for her when they had sewing projects pop up. When a full time position in admin became available, I had a bit of an advantage, being familiar with the company already, and having skills they knew would come in handy on certain projects. So I got the job, and am now running two departments. I still manage to utilize my degree by sewing a wide range of custom-fabricated products such as curtains, upholstery, lamp shades, etc. I love the company and the people and the work we do!

It's so rare to find the "real job" that allows you to be an artist, let alone encourages it's employees to be artists!

What famous costume do you wish you'd designed?

I have a deep passion for historical costumes and replicas, and keep telling myself that one of these days, I'll make myself a historically accurate replica of something extravagant and elaborate. However, whenever I try to start those projects, they ultimately transform into something else. Like the Elizabethan dress that became a creepy Circus-themed masquerade ball outfit, or the Victorian dress that turned into a Steampunk concoction!

I am the first to point out historical inaccuracies in movies, but for the life of me can't seem to complete an accurate costume myself without being "inspired" to turn it into something else.

Oh, this vintage lace dress? Let's distress it and cover it in blood! Hooray!

In a perfect world, I'd have a sweatshop full of minions, who would build outfits for me, so I would be free to design anything I wanted. Of course, in this perfect world, I also have no budgetary constraints, a pet dragon, and Firefly would still be on TV.

What have you designed that should be famous any day now?

One of my favorite projects has been a line of sci-fi themed swimsuits, just for me and a few friends. As any curvy gal knows, swimsuits are the worst so why not be Batman, or Wonder Woman, or a Dalek, and have some fun with it?

Spandex is an amazeballs miracle fabric that does so much more than just show off your unflattering bits.

I got into a pattern of making swimsuits every year for a group of friends, and to this day spandex remains one of my favorite materials to work with. I hope someday to make a spandex wedding dress for someone! I've made a random assortment of items for years, mostly for friends, in exchange for a bottle of wine and some company. I've done lingerie, burlesque, period costumes...

The wedding dresses started when my best friend asked me to make her a purple vinyl wedding dress that was part fetish and part Gone with the Wind. I've done a handful of wedding dresses in the past 2 years, but also turned down quite a few offers.

I have this personal rule: I won't do custom orders for people I don't get a good vibe from.

Luckily, I don't do this for a living, so I don't have to put up with a lot to pay the bills. The sewing I do now is for fun, to feed my hobby and creative side, not to drive me insane. There is just not enough money in the world to get me to work with a super critical, uber negative Bridezilla.

Who influences you and why?

It's counter intuitive to my hobbies and profession, but I don't really follow designers and fashion trends. I don't watch Project Runway. So I couldn't tell you the names of anyone in particular whose work I like. People take fashion soooo seriously, and YAWN, come on people, calm down! Way to take the fun out of life, stress out about everything! Sewing is fun to me. If I wanted to do something high stress I'd jump out of planes or defuse bombs for a living. When doing research for a project, I just go to Google images, and start typing in keywords.

You know who is really inspiring? Normal people.

Regular people, like you and me, are home right now sewing amazing outfits for a party next week, and it'll look better than half of the crap you see in a magazine! And the best part is, they figured out how to do it themselves. Maybe it's hot glued and stapled together, but it looks fantastic, probably better than what I came up with. Normal people blow me away sometimes by what they can accomplish at their dining room table. The second I get a big head about something I've made, someone else is just waiting around the corner to blow me away!

What is your unicorn? You know, that one project that you haven't mastered yet, but once you do the world will know your name? (It doesn't have to be sewing. If you have been secretly training for a roll as Prima Ballerina I completely get it.)

I'm not sure if I have a unicorn. Can it be "championship kitten snuggler?" "Best at making up ridiculous drinks to put tequila in because we've run out of almost everything?" Hopefully, it'll be one of the books I've been trying to write in my spare time. One is a sci-fi/fantasy novel, and one is a sort of DIY drinking and crafts photo album collaborative work thingamajig. I'm currently learning tile and mosaic work, and trying to figure out crochet yet again, because apparently I feel the urge to master yet another craft in order to leave even more half-finished projects laying around the house.

Anything else people should know?

People always ask how much I charge for sewing. I hate that question, mostly because I don't know. If I'm doing some simple alterations or small projects for a friend, I usually charge in wine - I'm a Malbec or Shiraz fan myself - although, I often get surprised with payments. Some of my favorites have been a custom leather bracelet and a huge homemade chocolate strawberry fudge cake! Awesome!

No Wesleann, YOU are amazing. (I'd say "amazeballs" but I don't think I'm street enough to pull it off.) My lovelies, can you see why this woman totally inspires me?! I have more from Wes on the dress she made for Autumn, but really, her process and that dress deserve a post of their very own so stop by again soon because that post is on its way this week!

Do you know a designer, crafter, or generally fabulous person that would fit right in on NPJ? Send me an e-mail and let's get our interview on!

heart-to-heart

2011-09-23T09:32:00.000-04:00

Earlier this month we left off with

...StoriesDivinations {Vintage Maps Card} who hearts

...FrenchTwistPostcards {Antique Postcard Scan} who hearts

...thankyoulucky {Antique Top Hat} who hearts

...hattieshouse {Vintage Pool Balls} who hearts

...Royal Design Stencils {Moroccan Wall Stencil} who hearts

...Ida Estelle {Moroccan wrap Bracelets} who hearts

...you'll have to wait until October to find out!

Cocktail Hour Kicks

2011-09-22T09:01:00.002-04:00

Over at East Side Bride and Offbeat Bride they're talkin' boots. Fabulous boots. Being from Texas I'm no stranger to the idea of pairing cowboy boots with dresses of every kind.

via a country nest

Personally, I never felt quite comfortable in cowboy boots, but I never met a high-heeled calf-hugging boot I didn't like. But for a cocktail party? Or even *gasp* a wedding?

Heck yeah!

How about a little leather with your lace?

via vi.sualize.us

Gianni Barbato on Etsy

Maybe you're looking for something to go with your wedding day white err ivory.

Marlowe Wedding Dress from leananimal

Ruffle Knee High Boots from La Posh Style

May I recommend these little black boots for your little black dress?

Pvette Ruffled Crepe Dress by Diane von Furstenberg

Dior via Pinterest

Side view

Kick up your cocktail style with some stylin' kicks.

via Chictopia

Miz Mooz from Modcloth via Pinterest

Tell me, my lovelies, would you wear boots with your formal wear?

Craft-along: Flower tutorial 4

2011-09-21T08:13:00.000-04:00

For other blossom tutorials and the more info about this craft-along please click here.

I'm sure this will come as a huge shocker, but sometimes I start making something and it ends up being something else entirely. That's what happened with today's flower. I set out making a flat-ish bloom and ended up with a fabulously frilly carnationesque number. And I love it!

I like it so much, in fact, that I'm changing my whole flower wreath blossom scheme. Do you want a ruffly carnation for your wreath? Well let's go, then!

Supplies:
Fabric
Circle to trace*
Scissors
Fray-stopping Liquid or lighter*
Needle and thread
Hot glue or fabric glue*
*Button

*As usual, the starred items are optional.

Step 1:
Cut out eight to ten circles as follows:
Four 3" circles
Four 2.5" circles
One to two 2" circles

I have a very technical way of cutting out circles. It is called trace circles onto fabric and cut with scissors. I actually bought a nifty little rotary cutter a few weeks ago, but, alas, I have not been able to find the correct size blade. Maybe you are lucky enough to have blades for your cool cutting tools or even a Go! Cutter, but if not, good old fashioned trace and cut still works just fine.

Trace circle onto square, fold twice.

Cut off the top three corners using your traced circle as a cutting guide.

Unfold your practically perfect circle.

*If you are using a satin or acetate now it the time to heat-seal your raw edges with your lighter. For other fabrics, apply your no-fray liquid and let dry. In the first photo it is pretty clear that I didn't treat my raw edges. I know I usually like that slightly shabby look, but I think I prefer pristine edges for this particular flower. Go figure.

Step 2:
Fold each of your four 3" circles twice. Basically, you are going backward a step.

Now place them on one of your 2" circles in a circle pattern. You can place and sew them onto the circle one at a time, but I pinned them so you could see what I mean without having to stare at my thumb again.

Front (top)

Backside (bottom)

On a side note, I made sure all my petals are facing the same direction. That is, the fold is on the left so the circles open to the right. I'm not sure what kind of difference it makes, but I like the effect. Feel free to play around with your petal orientation.

Sew only the four corners in place.

Step 3:
Repeat Step 2 with your 2.5" circles, pinning them so they overlap two of the previous petals.

For this layer my petals have the fold on the right and open to the left. Again, I only note this because I like how my flower turned out, but you can definitely change things up. If you do, let me know what you did differently and how it turned out!

Sew the inner corners just as before.

Step 4:
Here's where things took a different turn. When I removed my pins the petals popped open and looked like this:

Oh how fun! But, don't worry, I took a photo of the flower I originally intended to create. Look what happens when I add a button:

Cute, right? The larger your centerpiece the flatter your petals will lay. I may use this for a few of my flowers - I haven't decided. If this is the track you take, simply glue your button into the center, hiding your earlier stitches.

I opted for the fluffier blossom. To finish it off and hide my stitches I took the remaining 2" circle and glued it in the center of my flower, center to center. Then, I added a dot of glue to the top center and pinched the circle up around it. Perfection!

Well, perfection except for the frayed edges.

Which flowers are you opting to use on your wreath? Any photo for me yet?

Craft-along flower 3: Marigold (not actually gold)

2011-09-20T10:54:00.000-04:00

For other blossom tutorials and the more info about this craft-along please click here.

I think today's flower looks like a marigold.

via

Except that it's navy.

And if I can make a navy marigold, you can make an any-color-you-want marigold. Ready?

Supplies:
Fabric
Needle
Thread
Scissors
Hot glue or Fabric glue
Lighter or Fray-stopping liquid*
Button*

*As usual, the starred items are optional.

Before we start, I want to talk about the fabric for this flower. I chose a cotton velvet for a number of reasons. It's a heavier fabric so it feels very "fall" to me. It also has some stiffness so my flower isn't floppy or droopy. Other good fabrics include taffeta, felt, tweed, netting, and burlap.

Step 1:
Start with a strip of fabric 25 inches by 4 inches. Cut that into several 4" by 1.5" strips.

Step 2:
Cut 12 of your strips into a shape similar to those wooden ice cream spoons. Four of your petal strips should be close to the original 4" x 1.5" size. Cut your remaining eight shapes so that each is smaller than the last, making your final piece roughly 2.25" x .5".

You also need to cut two circles* one with a 1.5" diameter and one with a .75" diameter.

If you are using a satin this is where you want to heat-seal your edges to prevent fraying. For other woven fabrics, apply a fray-stopping liquid and allow it to dry before you continue. Velvet frays (and is actually really messy) but I like the fuzzy-edged look so I opted to leave my edges raw.

* The smaller circle will eventually be your flower center so feel free to use a button, broach, or round earring instead of fabric.

Step 3:
Start with your large circle and one of the four 4" x 1.5" petal shapes. Center the petal on top of the circle and sew it in place with one or two stitches. Your stitches should be close to the circle's edge.


The arrow points to where your stitches should be.

I don't recommend gluing your petals in place on this particular flower. As you add petals you'll note that the center gets really thick. Glue would just add to the bulk.

Step 4:
Add the remaining three "large" petals so that each fabric strip overlaps the one before it by a few centimeters. It'll form a sort of pinwheel effect.

Sew each petal in place with one or two stitches along the edge of the circle. Continuing adding petals in decreasing-size order, ending with the smallest petal shape on top. As you add petals spiral your securing stitches toward the center of the bottom circle.

Step 5:
Now all you have to do is fire up your glue gun and add your center circle (or embellishment of your choice).

Here's what my flower would look like with a jaunty wooden button center.

And that's it! Another flower style for your wreath!

How is your project coming along? Any special requests for tomorrow's tutorial?

This is the week!

2011-09-19T08:26:00.001-04:00

Take a look at these photos.

via Nette

Notice anything?

via Martha Stewart

Like a common theme?

via Michelle Pyxus

Because this is the week!

via u*handbag

...the week I finally tackle garters with pockets!

Wish me luck!

P.S. What would you put in your garter pocket?

For every girl, a garter

2011-09-16T07:30:00.000-04:00

Today I'm rubbing elbows with a princess!

via*

That's right, Ben took Emily and me to the Magic Kingdom for a family adventure before he leaves town. Since I hope to be seeing Disney's version of that cinder girl, I thought today would be the perfect day to show my latest garter!

It was actually inspired by my recent discovery of Alice Blue Gown, but don't you think it would suit Cinderella perfectly?

It has everything a princess could hope for -icy blue dupioni silk, vintage lace, gold...

I just can't decide if I should offer it as a keepsake garter with a coordinating toss garter, or if I should make a pair of garters for everyday princess wear. What do you think?

* "Inspired by her childhood memories of Disneyland and a practical knowledge of period costuming, artist Claire Hummel created a series of illustrations featuring historically accurate versions of Disney’s princess costumes. " ~ My Modern Met See more about this series here and here.

Boudoir Photos

2011-09-15T09:32:00.000-04:00

I adore the idea of a boudoir shoot. The photos make for such an intimate gift - something just for you and your partner.

Now, don't be scared, I'm not talking about posing for the types of photos published in Playboy; although that is totally an option. But I'm thinking of something more subtle. Tasteful and teasing.

For example...

This is Drea, photographed by Lauren Kennedy. I love this photo. Drea's jewelry, her nails, the tat...perfection! Lauren did an amazing job capturing Drea's three-dimensional personality with a two-dimensional medium.

Honestly, this is not really a provocative photo. There's a great deal of modesty - enough that both Drea and Lauren felt this photo could go on Facebook without any issue.

And that's exactly my point.

You can take a totally sexy photo (look at those sweet curves up there!) while still leaving a lot up to the imagination. (You know, in case your kid starts rummaging around in your dresser drawers.) Inspired by Drea and Lauren, I found more tantalizing bare back shots.

via Hello, Beautiful

Lily Aldridge for Victoria's Secret 2011 Bridal Collection via Living that Whiskey Life

Would you consider doing a boudoir shoot?

Craft-Along: Rolled Rose Tutorial

2011-09-14T10:58:00.000-04:00

Miss the first flower tutorial? Check it out here.

This might shock some of you, but not everyone enjoys doing projects that require a needle and thread. And sometimes a girl just wants to play with molten glue. Totally understandable.

As promised, today's tutorial involves two things - fabric and a hot glue gun. Arm yourselves, darlings, and let's get started!

There really isn't a bad choice when it comes to the fabric for this style of rose. Personally, I like something with a little heft to it - cotton jersey, wool, felt, etc. I chose some scraps from a fabric shower curtain I had previously mutilated.

I wish I could tell you for sure what it is made of, but I didn't save the tag during the afore-mentioned mutilation. It is definitely a woven (as opposed to a knit) so there will be some fraying, which I like. For a cleaner look you will want to use a non-fraying fabric or treat all of your cut edges with a fray-stopping liquid*.

Step 1:

Cut your fabric into strips. I let the length of my scrap determine the length so my strip is 30" long by 3" wide. The length (30") determines how big your final flower will be in terms of length x width. The width (3") determines the depth of your final flower.

30" x 3" with a heavy weight fabric will give a roughly 2.5" x 2.5" x .33" final flower.

After you determine the length and width of your strip, you need to taper one end. *If you are treating your edges with a no-fray product now is the time to do it.

Step 2:

Tie a knot in the tapered end of your fabric strip.

Step 3:

Hot glue the edges together as close to your knot as possible.

Step 4:

Holding the knot in one hand and the fabric tail in the other, twist twist the fabric once so that was up (facing you) is now facing away from you. Shoot it with some hot glue and roll the knot onto the glue. Press gently.

Try to use enough glue to hold your fabric in place but not so much that is squishes out the sides when you press.

Step 5:

Repeat step four (twist, glue, roll) until your fabric tail is roughly two inches long.

Step 6:

Remember how I told you in step 4 to only use enough glue to hold your fabric in place? That's because you might discover that the "back" of your flower looks better than the side you'd thought would be the front. So, turn your flower over and decide which side you like better.

I like the "front" better so I will add a big glop of hot glue to the back of my flower just to one side of the center.

Now twist the tail a final time and press it into the glue.

Feel free to shoot a little glue into any crevices you feel could use a little extra hold. Just be careful that you don't use so much glue it oozes out the front side of your flower.

Step 7:

I bet you thought you were done. And you are, for the most part. Before I called it "good" I trimmed a few extra strings and fringe. I like that raw, shabby chic look, but there is a point when it looks more shabby than chic. So a little snip here and a slight snip there and...

Two down, two more to go! How are you guys doing on your wreaths?

Looking for the rest of the craft along? All the posts are here.