Sephora Palette

Completely overkill and yet, I want it so bad!

Endless Color Blockbuster Palette

So pretty.

Shoes Crush

For several years now, I have been in love with these:

Due to my insane lack of funding (allowance buys next to nothing!), I didn't get them.  But every time I look online for shoes, they come to mind.  I've kept an eye on Marc by Marc Jacobs ever since and they've done numerous versions, but nothing nearly as adorable or as nicely made as these.  There are plastic, patent, multi-colored versions, but none can compare.  This set is like stuffing your feet into a glam mouse.  Grey (silver) and 3d.

That's my story about the shoes that got away.

Stay tuned for the Chanel white/snakeskin Cambon flats chapter...

Conquering the Knit

Despite many years of sewing experience, I have always shy-ed away from working with knit.  But as I get ready to face my first classes in the upcoming fashion design certificate program, I've been trying to experiment with it.  My first project a DVF-style wrapdress turned out surprisingly well.

So when I found a sweatshirt fabric that I liked, I was no longer afraid.  I had a few ideas of what I wanted, but on an impulse, steered away from the tunic I'd envisioned and went with the "tried and true" wrap style.  Or at least I THOUGHT it was tried and true.  Afterall, it works with dresses, blouses, sweaters...

And I can't quite figure out why, but I regret that choice.  It fits great, is a form flattering style on me, and allows room for an extra bow - my favorite.  Yet there is something wrong about it.
It comes across to me as rather hip-hop.  And the only reason I can imagine for that is its form fitting nature.  In itself, the shirt is not too tight, but the way I see it being worn - skinny jeans and layered tank tops - adds up to a just too much.  So I'll have to try it when the weather cools down a little and see if I still feel the same.
And if I do, it just gives me a chance to make it something I really DO like.  Because I'm not much of a sweatshirt girl currently, but given the right, flattering style, I think I could be convinced.

So my second knit project did not go how I wanted it to, but that is not a result of my skill, but rather my design idea.  It'll teach me to slow down a little.  Which is a lesson I could definitely use.

Halloween

I LOVE Halloween.  So much.  But generally my holiday consists of sitting at home, bullying my bff into a costume for pictures, and watching "scary" Disney movies.  It's kind of sad.  (I love your company, Meghan, but...)
This year is different.  This year, I get to be part of a party with some of my closest friends.  Most of them are as excited as I am.  We began planning weeks ago.  And have set menus, decorations, and chores already.

Obviously, this means my costume HAS to be fantastic.  Not a problem.  I love the chance to do something dramatic.  Sewing is my favorite hobby.  And I tend to obsess over things to the tiniest detail.  This year I entertained several ideas: Edie Sedgewick - fun makeup, Olsen twin - to easy, oversized sweater, coffee cup, Max from Where the Wild Things Are - get to roar, and Alice in Wonderland.

Despite spending months working on blue bridesmaid dresses this spring and summer, I cannot get enough of that pretty blue dress.  I sketched out numerous ideas from Disney style little girl to reusable blue dress with trimmings, but I kept coming back to the dress in Tim Burton's Alice. 

I love the way Colleen Atwood worked the black bits in.  It makes the dress darker and modern despite it's Victorian style.  She keeps the whimsy with her animal embroidery at the bottom.  And the layers of sheer fabric just take my breath away.

My costume may be lacking in originality this Halloween, but I am loving the chance to recreate it as closely as possible.  I love this dress and see this really as my only chance to wear it.  In another few years, people most likely won't recognize it as part of the Alice character.

Despite my head-start of 6 weeks, I imagine I'll be working right up until the day.  After putting in at least 10 hours, I have gotten maybe a quarter of the way through the skirt.

Umm, rotation much?

This is the finished side.  The other half of the skirts is still hanging in pinned on gather.  Following this, I still have to hem both layers and embroider.  Then onto the bodice.  That'll be easier, but more detailed.  It's done with princess seams, layered sleeves, and piping.  I anticipate MANY small pieces that won't look done until it finally is.

Despite anticipating all this work, I am so excited.  I love the idea of this dress and cannot wait to get to wear it even if it is just for a night.

Pretty Reckless

Though a fan of Gossip Girl, I cannot say I've ever had an interest in Taylor Momsen outside of the show, but after endless promotion, I finally decided to listen to her group's new song, "Make me wanna die".

I was completely surprised! 

Not only was her sound far different than I expected - she sounded like a real, adult singer - but it was also something I liked to listen to.  She describes her music as far heavier than I generally prefer.  Billy Joel being my musician of choice. 

I'll have to check out some of their other songs.

Seattle Humane Society

One of the ways my parents give back is to foster dogs for the Humane Society.  We have them as guests in our home for anywhere from a few days to several months at a time.  It's one of the greatest things to see their lives change in the short time that we have them.  And while I don't live there anymore, I make it a point to stop by several times a week.  (It's a great way for Josie to socialize and play while I get a free dinner.)  So I get attached to them and while it's hard to give them up, it's nice to know that we made their waiting period that much easier.
Our most recent foster was Jack, a white little Lhasa.  He was a sweetie and got along with the "pack" really well.  Of all the dogs, he was easily to most laid back.  And all that fur made him an excellent cuddle companion.
He was one of the dogs to be shown at a Humane Society event yesterday.  Dad and I went to visit him and when we saw that he had yet to be adopted threatened to drive our car over to the shelter to get him ourselves.  However, by the end of the day, his little tag on the website said "adopted" and we could breathe with relief.  Because while we don't have room for every dog out there, it's nice to know that we changed one dog's life.
I wish Jack all the best with his new family.

http://photos.seattlehumane.org/photos/1023780388_NjhHu-M-1.jpg

Difficult Relationships

For my graduation several months ago, I received a beautiful sewing machine (Thanks M and D!), but there are times where I just get so frustrated with it.  At least once a month, we develop a tension problem.  User error, of course.  In the past, it has been fixed by re-threading.  Spool, bobbin...  This time, the problem is the bobbin.  It won't thread evenly and I am going crazy trying to fix it.  I thread it correctly for winding and it ends up uneven.  I slow down - it gets worse.  It has been driving me crazy.  Last night, after 2 seams I realized there was a problem when I went to try on the half of a sweatshirt that I had completed and I burst out of the seams.

I handled it quite maturely, though.  Rather than going with my instincts of tearing everything apart and staring it down (possibly including a few tears), I folded the fabric and turned off my machine and went to bed.  It can be solved another day.  Because when I start stressing is when I end up adjusting things that I don't need to.  And that just makes me more angry.

So the grand plan is to go back tomorrow and re-thread from scratch.  And it'll be kind of nice to have a day off.  Since the end of last week, I've been sewing non-stop.  First there was a dress to make for my first day of school, then a sweatshirt, and I've also begun my Halloween costume.  I guess the advantage of planning ahead is that I CAN take breaks rather than start yelling at the machine. 

On another note, just the idea of my halloween costume makes me happy.  I love the holiday and I never seem to have an excuse to go all out.  But this year, I get to throw a party with a few like-minded friends of mine and I could not be more excited.  More about my costume to come.

And if worse comes to worse, I can always buy pre-threaded bobbins.  

Hello Pumpkin

I've been craving pumpkin like no other.  This morning, one of my coworkers tracked down a muffin for me.  Despite its cream cheese enhancement and day-old texture, it's really hit the spot.  So I'll most likely be good pumpkin-wise until dinner where I can indulge in my homemade pumpkin soup.  At this rate, I'll be tired of pumpkin by the time it's actually generally available. 

As far as other cravings go, my mind has gravitated towards "above the knee boots".  I love the idea of a flat black pair over skinny jeans.  Not only does it save the annoyance of baggy knees that I get from shorter boots, but can you imagine the wind and rain protection as the weather gets worse?! 
I'm keeping my eyes out for a pair between $100-200. 

One concern I have about them is their modernity.  Are these boots too fashion forward for the office?  Though my workplace has no dress codes, and daily outfits vary from mom-jeans and t-shirts to dresses and heels depending on the person, no one really seems to follow trends.  Everything worn is quite safe.  And as practical as I think these taller boots are, they are also edgy.  Edgy and sexy.  Though they reveal nothing, they ARE encasing the leg in leather and drawing more attention. 

Regardless, I need to find another pair of winter boots, because the pair I have now simply cannot handle daily use.  (I've loved them close to death.) 

Fortunately a little shopping never hurt anyone.

A little information about me

My favorite movie is Rosemary's Baby.
My favorite color is red.
I am obsessed with Alice in Wonderland.
But Star Trek is a close second.
I have two little pets, Josie and Grace.  Josie is a "schnorkie" and Grace is a guinea pig.  They are both outgoing, adorable, little creatures.  Josie is the bossiest dog around and Grace can chatter the day away.  I wish I could spend all of my time with them, but sometimes the whole work thing gets in the way.
My favorite time of day is early morning.  I'll admit though, on workdays, they can be hard to face, knowing the 8 hours of boredom that lie ahead.
I have learned that stomping my foot does not, in fact, help me get my way. 
Though a huge fan of the current change in seasons(summer to fall), it has sent me into a downward jeans spiral.  I seem to have forgotten what I wear in the fall/winter. 

That's it for now.