Wednesday, May 29, 2013

A Pretty Party Dress

 Yay! My new dress is finished. I was going to wait until I had somewhere fancy to where it, but I just couldn't wait!

I think it turned out really well!






I got a book from the library a few weeks ago called, "The Party Dress Book" by Mary Adams. She is a clothing designer who specializes in dresses. It really inspired me. There happened to be a template pattern in the back already cut out in my size so I went for it.

If you like rigid instruction, you would probably not love it, but if you have general sewing knowledge, or like to do things your own way, then the pattern will probably work for you. The ruffle was added as an after thought because it was way too short for me (I knew it would be though because I was only working with a small amount of fabric; a fitted sheet).

The bodice does not have boning, but I lined the bodice with a light blue fabric. That's why it looks slightly two toned. The skirt is unlined. Thanks to my very adept mother, I have a lapped zipper instead of the intended centered back zipper. And then there are halter straps, and thats it! I personally loved the pattern (minus a few fit issues) because I have always been one to stray from directions. Like, really. In middle school, I tried to improvise while I played the flute. I knew how to read music, I just thought my way sounded better. Little did I know I was playing Jazz Flute a la Ron Burgundy.

Anyway, I am really excited to have a new dress. Sewing is extremely gratifying.


You can't really see the zipper, but my mom did a really great job with it!






Yay for sewing!

Have a great day :)



Outfit
Dress ~ Made by me (using The Party Dress Book)
Keds wedges ~ Kohls a few years ago




Sunday, May 26, 2013

Sneak Peek of My "Party Dress"

Well, it's super late, so I am going to do a super short post. I mentioned last post that I was working on a party dress. I finished it!!!!...okay, well almost finished it. All I need to do is make a small bust adjustment, and sew the straps on.

 My kitty Sneezer. She likes to sew too :3


 And here is the peek at the dress. I used a vintage 50s/60s fitted sheet that I found at a thrift store.

 Cute right?


Friday, May 24, 2013

A Day in May

Well hello there!

Today was one of those those spring days that reminds you that it is still, in fact, spring and not summer. It was about 52 degrees today so I took the opportunity to wear stockings, tweed and wool.

 I had to run some errands involving school today, and after I was done I  stopped at a thrift store and got a few things for the shop. I was in the mood to go garage sale-ing, but there were not very many today. Instead, I browsed the realtor websites looking at homes in my area that I can dream about fixing up. One of my very favorite things to do is look at fixer-upper houses online. I think it probably has to do with the fact that there are endless possibilities.


 This sweater is one of my favorites, it's warm wool without being too itchy/scratchy. I believe I have featured all of these articles of clothing on here before, but never altogether. Having separates is really nice, and it's one area of my vintage/retro wardrobe I would like to increase. Anyone have an extra few thousand dollars laying around so that I can dress well? If so, let me know please :)


 Kitty kisses!




In other news!

I am working on a party dress! I think I may finish it tonight, and post about it soon

I am going to Las Vegas for a month! My sister, Nikki, lives there and I will be gone for about 6 weeks. I am bringing my camera with me, and hope to blog while there, but if I am slow, that's why. :)

Have a great day!


Outfit
Red Pendleton Sweater & 40's Skirt ~ Thrifted
Stockings ~ Gift from my sister, Jaime
Shoes ~ Modcloth







Thursday, May 9, 2013

Progress

Hi all!

I don't have a ton of stuff to say, so this will be a short post. For those of you who read regularly I am on day 24 of my really clean eating. I have lost nearly 15 pounds, 3 inches off my chest, 1 inch around my waist, 2 inches off my hips, an inch around each arm, and almost 2 inches off each of my legs.



I have never really felt comfortable in play suits or rompers, but I found myself wearing one today and not feeling weird.

Now, the progress has not all been because of this elimination diet. I also go to the gym. I have actually found that I love working out. I workout anywhere from 2-7 days a week. I usually go to the gym, but sometimes I will just go for a run or a long walk. I love seeing my body transforming into a stronger version of myself! I think this will be the first time since I was a little kid, that I will be excited for swim suit season!

I don't know why it has taken me this long to get healthier, but now that I am, it's really exciting!





Thursday, May 2, 2013

Black and Red

Hello again!

I know I have not posted in over two weeks, but things have been crazy. Not to make anyone sad or anything, but one of my dogs passed away, Paulie. We got him when he was about 6 or 8 months and had him for five years. He slept with me every night in my bed and was the laziest dog I have ever met. He loved to curl up in spots of sunshine and snooze away all afternoon.  I spent the whole day in tears and I will miss him terribly.

So I've been distracted lately and that's why I have been neglecting the blog.



 This outfit is actually from yesterday. I had to go to the school I am transferring to and meet with my adviser. I was up bright and early and got lots of things done in the morning.


It was nearly 80 degrees yesterday, so of course I wore a black wool sweater. Thanks to the short sleeves, though it really was not too bad. I am really excited that classes are almost over! I have one final on Saturday and then I am done and have the whole summer ahead of me.

black and red outfit

Now I will update you a little on my healthy eating. Today is day 17 of no sugar, grains, legumes, and dairy. I still feel pretty good and lost a little weight. I am definitely cooking way more than I used to, which I surprisingly enjoy. 


And the violets are finally here! Yay!

Hope you have a good day!



Outfit

Sweater ~ United Colors of Benetton 
Patio Skirt ~ Thrifted (I recently discovered that the maker of the skirt made patio sets, so somewhere out there in the wide world is a top for this! I would love to find it someday)
Shoes ~ Kohls