June 2019

DIY One Shoulder Top Using Vogue 9318 and Pattern Review

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains- where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2

Hey Everyone!

I hope you guys are having a great week! I finally got a moment to finish writing my review for this pattern. My procrastination was due to me not having the right shoes to accesorize with this look. I originally settled on a pair of Sam Adelman platform sandles because it was the best that I had and I still wasn’t happy. Then I realized that I could just say screw the shoes all together and just crop the photos to more of a 3/4 view. So this week, your not getting head to toe. Besides, its about the top anyway lol!

Pattern Review

This week’s make is Vogue 9318 view A. I really enjoyed this make and I originally intended on making both A and B as a set but didn’t have enough fabric. So A was as far as I was able to get. Then in the process of making view A, I was inspired to turn it into a mini babydoll dress and I decided to make myself one in linen which i’ll be posting sometime in July most likely.

This pattern is a part of Vogue’s Sew Easy Collection. Which I really like because they have some great design options. There is only 2 pattern pieces for this top with a 3rd piece that is the elastic guide. The sizing runs small-xxlarge. The sizing is very generous. I cut the large which was according to the finished measurements on the pattern envelope my size. But even that was a bit big. I had to still take in another 2 inches of ease through the assymetric neckline. Which I did by cutting the elastic inside of the casing down by 2 inches and that gave me a better fit.

I was able to cut and sew this together in less than 2 hours. The directions were straight forward and easy to follow. Its definitely beginner friendly.

Fabric

I used a light weight stretch cotton in this very pale gray floral print. I bought this fabric last year on a fabric shopping trip to Chicago. But this is such a versatile pattern you could use: Linen, cotton, rayon, even a knit fabric would be nice if you sized down the pattern first.

Style Details

So my orginal plan of making a set was hampered by not having enough fabric. So I styled it as separates and had the hardest time finding something in my closet to coordinate. I settled on this denim skirt that I purchased from the Goodwill last summer. I already told you that the shoes were a bust and as always I like my accessories simple. My favorite oversized hoop earrings. And thats it. A simple summer outfit.

Well that’s all for now. Until next time…..!

5 Tips To Finding Clothes that Fit

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14

Hi Everyone!

I hope all is well with you. The inspiration for today’s post came about as I was thrift shopping recently. I like shopping at Goodwill simply because their store organization allows you to peruse their store by size, garment type and color. This makes thrifting so much easier. As I was going through their jeans section I found myself reflecting on how I used to feel when I went jeans shopping.

I usually left the store feeling frustrated, depressed, determined to go on a diet but right after I licked my emotional wounds with an ice cream something at the local Culvers. (lol!) Can anyone relate…?

I wish I could say that learning how to sew was the super power that saved me from the frustration of clothes shopping. Even when I started really focusing on honing my craft I had these feelings for a few reasons. 1) I still liked to buy certain things from the store like my jeans. and 2) I really hadn’t dealt with my self-esteem issues (which is a subject for another post).

It wasn’t until I went to design school and learned more about the fashion industry and sizing that I really started to find some peace with the ready to wear fitting room dillemna. I wanted to share with you all a little insight and share some suggestions on how to have a happier time in the fitting room.

Why Its Hard to Find Clothes that Fit

1. There is no such thing as one size fits all.

The truth is that we are all unique. Not a one of us is exactly the same. This is especially true with our body shapes. Getting a great fit is something that the ready to wear industry is constantly seeking to find solutions to. How do we create garments that will fit “our” average consumer?

1. Some clothing brands are still relying on outdated measurement data from the 1940s and 1950s.

If we look at pictures of our American ancestors we can see quite a difference in our body make-ups. Many Americans are bigger now. So while some manufacturers and designers thankfully are changing their size charts to meet consumer demands for more realistic sizing; there are still some out there relying on old information.

2. You are not in your favorite brands demographic market.

Many brands create size charts based on their target market. A size 14 in a pair of Jeans from NY and Company is different than a size 14 at the GAP. Gap jeans tend to be more slim fit while certain brands such as NY and Company cut their jeans for curvier women. This is all based on who is buying their brand. Thankfully this to is changing. As many brands are finally becoming more size inclusive by changing their fit and/or introducing different collections geared toward certain body types such as curvy or plus size.

So instead of hating on yourself the next time you go to the store, I want to share with you a few recommendations:

5 Tips to finding clothes that fit

First of all, work on loving yourself. Your identity is not tied up in your jeans. And you shouldn’t give clothing brands that much power over how you feel about yourself. While finding clothes that fit is important. You shouldn’t tie up how you feel about yourself based on a brand creating a dress that fits you or not. God created each and everyone of us in His image and each and everyone of us has purpose and value. Spend more time working on your insides and if weight is an issue for you then spend sometime evaluating if a weightloss plan is something that can help you improve your self-esteem.
Take your personal measurements. Understanding your bodytype and knowing what your individual measurements are is very eye opening. This takes the pressure off of being stuck on an artificial number assigned to someone else’s measurements. This is also essential when purchasing garments online. Many brands will list their size/measurement charts on their website to help you make more informed purchasing decisions.
Spend sometime window shopping. Don’t go shopping for a new pair of jeans or that perfect date night dress the day of. Spend sometime trying on clothes from various stores that feature styles that you like or want to try. This is important for a couple of reasons. 1) You are going shopping as more of a consumer research project and less of an expectation that you have to find something. Its more like your interviewing the store to see if its a good fit for your bodytype. 2) You begin to see how the stores clothes fit on you. I did this a few years back with jeans shopping. I was tired of not finding jeans that fit me properly. So I made a list of stores in my area that sold jeans and everytime I was out and about and had some free time I would go and try on jeans. I eventually found that my curvy pear shape had a handful of options to choose from: I found that Walmart’s Time and Tru Hight Waist Skinny Jeans, Target’s Universal Thread Curvy fit, Lane Bryant’s mid-rise skinny Jeans, and Ny and Company’s mid-rise skinny and bootcut jeans fit me best. But my number 1 go to are the Target Universal Thread Jeans. It took a little work at the beginning, but I now have 4 go to options when I am in the market for new jeans. Most of which are very affordable.
Sizing is nothing more than a number. So don’t take it personal. Sometimes you have to buy jeans a size bigger in order for them to fit you properly. I’ll use the example of jeans again. I normally take a size 14 in a pair of jeans that have about 2% of stretch in the denim. But when I go to stores like Walmart I sometimes have to size up to a 16. I often have to do this when i’m thrift shopping my jeans as well. Companies change their sizing all of the time. A size 14 from a pair of Levi’s from 2000 won’t fit the same as they do today. Also, ready to wear garments are mass produced. There are 100s of 1000s of the same garment being produced for distribution during one season. Expect size and fit variations.
Take it to the Tailor. Don’t be afraid to buy something that may fit you well in one area of your body but needs some tailoring to get a nicer fit in another part of your body. For example. I may need to size up in a pair of pants because they fit well in the hips but need to take it in at the waist to get a better fit. Its a small extra investment but chances are you will get more wear out of that garment if it fits you well.

OOTD: Thrift The Look: Boyfriend Jeans and boxy blazers

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Hey Everyone!

I hope all is well. My apologies for the late post. My week has been a bit hectic. I dropped my kids off to their dad for the summer over the weekend and then ended up with a mild summer cold. So i’ve been nursing it while trying to get work done. But i’ve also fallen behind a bit on my blog posts.

Inspiration

This week’s thrift the look inspiration was a street style blazer look that I came across on Pinterest. I love a great blazer with jeans. It’s easy to wear and is a go to favorite of mine when I need to look put together in a pinch. Below are my inspiration photos.

Store Review

I love the laid back swag of these outfits. In order to create my version of this look I took to the Goodwill of Oak Creek. It was my first time to this particular location. I liked that it wasn’t a big store and that it was clean. They had a decent selection of items for me to pull from. I bought quite a few things actually. I went on a Monday late morning and it wasn’t too crowded. The store staff were polite as well.

Styling

My complete look from Head to Toe came from the Goodwill. Outside of the grey blazer, everything I purchased was from my Goodwill of Oak Creek visit. Below are the details.

Blazer: 9 West purchased last spring at another Goodwill

She t-shirt: Ny and Company purchased at Goodwill of Oak Creek

Dark Wash Boyfriend Jeans: Ny and Company purchased at Goodwill of Oak Creek

Orchid Purple Suede Pumps: Guess purchased at Goodwill of Oak Creek (just a little tip. when you purchase gently used shoes second hand. I spray the insides with Lysol disinfecting spray. Before I wear them).

Well that’s all for Now. Until next time…..

DIY Tunic Top using Simplicity 8094

But as for me, I trust [confidently] in You and Your greatness, O Lord; I said, “You are my God.” Psalm 31:14

Hey Everyone!

I’ve been appreciating all of the love with the Thrift The Look series that launched on Monday. Today’s post is a continuation of the Summer Sew Easy Series. We are on Look #3 already and I can’t tell you how much I love this tunic.

I used Simplicity 8094. I bought this pattern last spring and I think it is out of print now. I’ve found it on Ebay and Etsy though. I love it for many reasons. There are so many style variations that you can try with this pattern. The first time I made it in a tribal print medium weight knit fabric and I made view E.

This time around I made the sleeveless option view D using a red light weight cotton from my stash. I love the dramatic side slits that start at the waistline. It gives a modestly sexy side profile ( can you use modest and sexy in the same sentence..?). But if you don’t like showing that much silohuette you can always wear a tank top underneath, wear high waist pants, or just sew the slit a little lower. Overall its a great casual everday look or you could dress it up by wearing faux leather leggings or a pencil skirt underneath. Even wearing a pair of stilettos with your skinny jeans would amplify the look.

The pattern was easy to cut and sew. I plan on making a few more of these. I could see it in a nice printed rayon or linen would be beautiful as well. If you use cotton I recommend one that has a nice drape to it. Nothing too stiff.

I styled it very casual with a pair of dark wash skinny jeans from NY and Company purchased like 2 years ago. And my favorite cognac and snake print wedges that I purchased on clearance from DSW last summer.

Photo credits: my beautiful daughter Asabea.

Well that’s all for now. Until next time…..

Thrift The Look: Mix Animal Prints

“Yes, You are my rock and my fortress;
For Your name’s sake You will lead me and guide me.” Psalm 31:3 (amp)

Hey everyone!

How are you? I pray your weekend was filled with rest. Mine was a bit busy and included my children spending time with friends before they leave for the summer with dad, donuts and hot chocolate for breakfast, yard work and my daughter getting re-baptized and my son getting baptized for the first time. It was such a wonderful and spirit filled experience. I feel amazing and I am so thankful that even with all of the family and friend frenzy we still made time for God. I’m so thankful!

Today’s post is the first of a new series that I am looking to introduce to the blog as an #OOTD called thrift The Look. I’m experimenting with different content creating ideas that do not always require me to sew or create a tutorial.

Since I’m already an avid thrifter the idea came to me to create on trend looks from second hand garments. This also fits in line with my desire to create a more sustainable wardrobe and sewing life. These posts will be in addition to my regular weekly DIY posts. Woohoo!

This week’s Thrift The Look is inspired by the 2019 animal print spring/summer trend. Animal print was a thing in the fall/winter and has decided to hangout for the warm weather months. Below is my inspiration image…

I kind of like the leopard on leopard look as shown in the middle image. But I also love the mixed print rocker girl vibe from the image on the right.

When I went to the Goodwill I had 3 different style ideas that I was hoping to find pieces that I could use to re-create the looks I was going for. The selection was a bit limited but I was super happy when I found a floral/cheetah print button front maxi dress circa 1990. It has flattering princess seams and sassy slits that extend from the princess seams starting just above the knee. It has a pretty bead detail at the back that looks a bit like an art deco tulip. There is also a clever little casing with a drawstring at the back waist for further waist shaping. For the dress, scarf and t-shirt I paid a total of $11.52.

I was completely feeling it as a colorful duster over a t-shirt and skinny jeans. I found a black t-shirt with white writing that says “Love Wins” ( hello! I couldn’t resist it). To complete the mixed animal print look I decided it needed some more leopard action and headed over to the scarf section and found this cute leopard skinny scarf with black fringe. (which are trending come fall 2019 btw). This screamed rocker chic. It reminded me of Stevie Nicks or Steven Tyler of Aerosmith. Lenny Kravitz also likes his sexy scarves and tight jeans.

My look is probably more on the leopard street chic side than it is rocker girl. But it’s my interpretation of the trend right…? To finish things off. I put on my silver big hoop earrings and rummaged through my jewelry basket for as many stackable silvertoned braceletes that I could find. My shoes are Christian Siriano for payless shoes that I purchased last spring. I’m happy with my look! I think its an approachable interpretation of the trend and a fun yet chic anytime of the day look!