Halloweenie

Why is it that a gal can't wear orange and black without the inevitable (and asinine) Halloween jokes flowing freely from every dufus in a twenty metre radius?   I guess that's why the withering stare was invented.

Anyhoodle, this outfit centred around two of my favourite things:  getting UFOs off my back and getting cashmere onto it.  First, let's chat about the UFOs.  The pants are (yet another pair of) Loes Hinse Hepburns made from a black linen/rayon blend woven purchased from Fabric Mart.  The top is a shortened version of the Textile Studio Madison Avenue dress, created from a knit purchased when Textile Studio was still a purveyor of beautiful fabrics (Man, I miss that resource.  Marsha, why have you forsaken me?).

Over top, I threw on an orange cardigan that was one of the many purchases made during the Great Cashmere Haul of 2009.  Lastly, I pinned on an enamel bee from the Joan Rivers jewelery collection sold on the Shopping Channel (the Canadian home shopping network) and donned my black double strap Marilla Mary Janes by Clarks.  All together, a comfy, professional outfit.

Cozy, Cozy, Cozy

Some mornings it's all about ease of wearing. There are days when I just need to be comfortable. However, it's easy to run the risk of comfortable turning into sloppy. I made a promise to myself several years back that even when I don't feel like dressing up, I still have to make some effort.

That is what this outfit is all about. Three easy pieces that feel comfy, but look pulled together. The ivory long sleeve top is a Land's End purchase (they make the best T-shirts - they really can't be beat for quality and price when you don't have the time to make it from scratch). The wheat coloured sweater layered over the top is also RTW, bought at a local clothing store. I love the shawl collar, the 3/4 sleeves and the empire waist - such a flattering shape. The pants are Loes Hinse Oxfords, made from some navy cotton broadcloth. These pants were meant to be a muslin to test out the fit of this pattern, but they turned out so well that they found their way into my closet.

The finishing touches are a pair of dark red leather flats and a jade pendant strung on a dark red cord.

Comfy, cozy and cute for a Friday that finished off a very long week.

More Cashmere Love

Another outfit based around one of my cashmere purchases of late - the dark chocolate brown cardigan. It is worn over a Loes Hinse Bianca top, made from an onionskin knit with an all over beige and dark brown floral pattern on a terracotta background from Textile Studio (which sadly no longer sells fabric). The pants are my TNT favs - the Loes Hinse Hepburns. The fabric is a brown and orange herringbone RPL from Timmel Fabrics, another of my favourite stores that is now closed down.

The finishing touches are a pair of funky striped knee socks and a pair of caramel coloured leather Clarks double strap mary janes.

This was a comfortable, yet pulled together casual look for work.

Me & My Oxfords

I know I said I wouldn't be posting because I'm in Florida, but I scheduled this posting before I left. I couldn't resist showing off another new pair of shoes in action.

First the outfit breakdown. I wore a Land's End long sleeved T-shirt in white underneath a chocolate brown ruffle front knit tank I made in the summer. The skirt is a wearable muslin I made for my Chanelish suit from the last Timmel SWAP. My accessories are a thin brown leather belt to cinch in the waist, some cool crochet Hue tights and of course, my cute suede/leather Oxfords.

I put this outfit together last week and I like how it came out. Considering I've never worn Oxfords, much less high heeled Oxfords, I think I did a respectable job of styling them.

Whatcha think?

I Couldn't Resist

Recently, I told you all how I have become powerless in the face of cashmere. And I confided that I was thinking of buying up a few more pieces. Well, I tried to be good. I tried to push the thoughts of cashmere out of my mind. But, I am weak. So, very, very weak.

So, check it out, I am soon to be the proud owner of a loden green sweater tee, an autumn orange heather cardi, an aztec gold cardi and a spice brown cardi. These will all be welcome additions to my winter sweater wardrobe. Even if they don't get any wear, I can still pile them on the bed and just roll in them. Ahh...cashhhmeeere....



ETA: All these sweaters are from Land's End.

Cashmere & Carry

The other day, I professed my love for a cashmere cardigan from Land's End. Well, it has arrived and it is sublime. I cannot say enough good things about this little beauty. To say that is gloriously soft is an understatement. When I wore it to work last Thursday, I couldn't stop touching it - it is just so scrumptious! It is also very well made - no hanging threads or ill-finished seams. The front button placket is faced in perfectly colour matched grosgrain ribbon, which appears to be hand sewn in place along one edge. The buttons are wonderful too - small, round, pearl-like and colour matched like the ribbon. It's these little touches that make this sweater well worth the price.

The park green cardigan sits at my high hip and has three quarter sleeves. I do wish it was a bit more shaped through the torso, but I think that going down a size would remedy this (I am wearing a regular small, but next time, I would order the regular extra small or petite small).

In the photo, I am wearing the cardigan with a pair of straw coloured linen Loes Hinse Hepburn pants (which I now lovingly refer to as my "wide-ass pants" after a poster on SG euphemistically told me that they make me look fat - gotta love the lack of manners these days) and a long sleeve round neck T-shirt in park green that was purchased along with the cardigan. I finished off the outfit with a cool faux-pearl necklace and a pair of my favourite double strap Clarks mary janes, in caramel leather. A simple, classic, easy-to-wear outfit, perfect for teaching.

Now, based on this shopping success, I'm eye-balling three other cashmere cardigans and a cashmere tee at Land's End (they're on sale 30% off right now) - I think I may have created a cashmere buying monster!

These are a Few of My Favourite Things

As I browse the fashion magazines and websites the past few weeks, there are a few things that have jumped out at me. Here are some of garments and accessories that spark my lust for the fall/winter season.

Riding Boots
I love a good tall boot. They go with everything - pants, skirts, dresses - everything. This season the tall boot is everywhere, in every incarnation; flat, wedge, over the knee, stiletto, fringed, slouchy, etc. My pick of the bunch is the riding boot. I love the quaint English, upper crust ambiance of this leather charmer. My only issue is with fit. I have been blessed with athletic calves, which make finding a comfortable boot difficult. Even if I'm lucky enough to force up the zipper, my legs often feel like they are being strangled. So, I'm on the hunt (ironically enough) for a pair of fab riding boots. I just ordered a pair of Naturalizer Hunter boots in brown leather. I'm hoping the elastic and the buckle at the back will allow me to wear them.

ETA: I received the boots today and unfortunately they do not zip up over my calves. For reference, my calves measure 15" at the widest point. So, back to the store they go and back on the hunt I go.


Booties
When fashion bloggers first started wearing booties with skirts and tights, I was definitely not sold on the look. As time has passed however, I have become quite smitten with the look and now I actually want to emulate it. So, while I was shopping at Naturalizer I picked up a couple of cute booties: Corso and Dublin, both in brown leather. I adore the leather/suede combo, along with the sweet stitching accents on the Corso. The multi-colours and textures, combined with the menswear inspired laces on the Dublin are also drool worthy. I picture wearing both of these with some cozy textured tights (see below). These shoes, as well as the boots above come in wide widths, which makes me ridiculously happy.

ETA: I received the booties today and they are fairly comfortable. I think the lace up booties will require a bit of breaking in, but the other pair seems fine right out of the box.


Tights
If I could wear skirts (or dresses) everyday, I would. But, come winter, it gets a tad too nippy to be sporting uncovered legs in my neck of the woods. The reintroduction of tights into the fashion world the last few years has helped to remedy this chilly situation. So, I headed over to We Love Colors and bought up some microfibre tights in a variety of colours (rust, gold, maroon, teal and olive green - I already own some in brown, black and grey), as well as a pair of Croche Fishnets in brown. I just hope they fit well - us short folks often have leg length issues, resulting in elephant knees and crotch droop. I'll report back on my findings. I am also on the look out for some textured wool tights that don't bag out at the knees.


Cardigans
I must own upwards of 40 cardigans - some with the matching shell, some without. Being a lover of 50s style, it stands to reason that I am smitten with the ubiquitous twin set and the sweater girl look. So easy to wear and perfect for those days that deciding on an outfit seems difficult. Toss on a twin set over a great pair of pants, accessorize with a strand or three of pearls (or a vintage brooch) and you're good to go. Right now, I am lusting after several cashmere lovelies, in particular this one from Land's End. I am drawn to the simple lines, the 3/4 raglan sleeves and of course, the luscious park green colour - it would fit seamlessly into my existing wardrobe.

ETA: I succumbed to the siren call of cashmere. I now have the cardi winging it's way to Canada as I write. I'll report on the quality when I receive it.


So, dear reader, what are you lusting after for this fall/winter season?

Better Grey Than Never - Part 1

It all started with a cardigan...

When grey became a popular colour the past couple of seasons, I realized that I didn't have a single grey garment in my entire closet. So, jonesing for a quick fix, I went shopping with a friend. I know, I know, RTW is considered blasphemy in many circles, but I wanted grey and I wanted it now! At Mexx, I found a really cool piece that had a bunch of elements that appealed to me. Grey - check; argyle - check; cardigan - check; deep V-neck - check. So, I scooped it up and brought it home. There was only one problem - I had absolutely nothing to wear with it. So, in an attempt to remedy the situation, I purchased two beautiful wool gabardines from Fabric Mart - one in a light dove and another in a darker steel shade. Both these fabrics were made up into Loes Hinse Hepburn Pants. (Big surprise, eh? I think this is the fourth garment post in a row to feature this pattern. What can I say? Carolyn brain washed me into embracing TNTs!) See the results below:

As you may be able to see in the photo to the left, I had to do some repair work on the dark grey pants. I had almost completed the pants, when I noticed a tear in the fabric. I don't know how I missed it during the cutting out, construction and pressing, but there it was. Thankfully, it was located very close to the inseam, so it wasn't in a totally conspicuous spot. I debated about trashing the pants, but I figured I would try salvaging them. I pressed some fusible interfacing to the inside of the pant over the tear and then zig-zagged over it. In the picture, the flash brings out the shininess of the thread and makes it look more obvious than it is in real life. The first time I wore the pants to work I asked my friend to look them over with a critical eye and tell me if she saw any problems. It wasn't until I actually pointed out the repair that she noticed it. So, disaster averted!

In the picture to the right, you can see the dark grey pants paired up with the inpiration cardigan. I really like the way these two garments look together.

Up Next: Adding to the "Better Grey than Never" wardrobe.

A Milly to One Shot

Auntie J wrote to me asking for a pattern match to "recreate" this wickedly cute dress:

This adorable dress, which gives a nod to the mod 60s (one of my favourite fashion eras) is by Milly of New York. The simple shift dress has armhole and neckline bands that end in a racerback, embellished with a bow. The best patterns I can come up with are the following:

Neue Mode 23353
Good points:

• armhole bands
• neck bands - although they are the wrong shape, they could be redrafted into a circular shape

Bad Points:

• the dress is not a simple A-line, but rather has a princess bodice which continues into the skirt
• the back of the dress is not right - no racer back shape
  

Vogue 8229
Good points:

• neck bands
  

Bad Points:

• the dress is not a simple sheath dress - it is gathered at the neckline
  
• the back of the dress is not racerback

Simplicity 3799
Good points:

• neck bands of the proper shape in front
  

Bad Points:

• the dress is not a simple sheath dress - it is gathered at the neckline
  
• the back of the dress is not racerback
  

Butterick 4974
Good points:

• sheath dress
• nicely shaped front
• racer back

Bad Points:

• no neck or armhole bands
  

I looked high and low at actual vintage patterns, to no avail. Personally, I would start with B4974 (the last pattern above) and go from there. The neckline and armhole bands could be drafted fairly easily for this dress. If anyone else has any other pattern suggestions, please leave a comment with the info.

Pattern, Pattern, Who's got the Pattern?

Recently I have posted some inspiration pieces found on Nordstrom.com (you'd almost think I had stock in the company). A few people have voiced their desire to find patterns suitable to knock off these garments. Here are a few suggestions:

Eme & MéLisa commented that the BCBGirls "Chloe" Seersucker Jacket could be reproduced using Hot Patterns No Sweat Easy Sew Sugar Babe Jacket.


Pearl & Linda professed interest in the Fabrizio Gianni Sleeveless Tee. The closest patterns I can find to duplicate this look are Jalie 2682 or possibly Simplicity 4074 (view E minus the sleeves).


As I find other matches, I will post them.

Pants, Crops, Capris & Shorts

Let me just start by saying that you will never see me in leggings. Nor will I ever assault you with visions of me packed into a pair of skinny jeans. Sometimes, I vow that I will not follow a trend (gauchos come to mind) and then eventually my better judgement wears down and I give in. Not this time - I promise.

First a few tips that I believe all women should heed:

1. Only on threat of bodily harm should you ever wear pants low enough to show rear cleavage (either sitting or standing).
2. Unless your legs could be used to pick my teeth, you should never wear pants made of shiny fabric.
3. On all that is holy, please avoid any pants that are so tight that I can read the label on your panties.
4. Please, before you leave the house for the day, look at your rear view in the mirror. VPLs are not classy - for anyone - ever.
5. If you feel the need to wear shorts, please keep them a respectable length. Unless your name actually is Daisy Duke, don't wear her shorts.
6. If you own Mom jeans, burn them now. If you own acid washed jeans, burn them now.
7. If you are over the age of 5, do not wear overalls in public.
8. Under no circumstances, should you ever wear these.
   

MaxMara 'Pia' Straight Leg Cuffed Pants - $395

no description

wool/silk/nylon

Elie Tahari 'Olympia' Pants - $228

Light, wide-leg pants are styled with a removable fabric tie at the waist.

ramie

Jones New York Sport Roll Cuff Pants - $54

Tie belt cinches the waist of easy twill pants with button details at the belt loops and legs, which can be rolled up and secured.

cotton











MARC JACOBS Short Wide Leg Striped Linen Pants - $725

no description

linen

Kenneth Cole Reaction Cuffed Pants - $79

Menswear-inspired trousers, styled with a flat front and boot-cut legs.

polyester/rayon/spandex

Beth Bowley Dobby Stripe Shorts - $154

Textured stripe subtly patterns knee-length shorts with a tab waist and creased legs.

cotton

Make + Model Roll Cuff Shorts - $44

Button-detailed belt loops add style to essential shorts in pure, soft cotton.

cotton

Free People 'Benjis' Big Pocket Shorts - $68

Comfy, casual shorts have a low-slung waistband with encased drawstring detail. Inverted pleats shape oversized patch pockets, and button tabs secure cuffed hems.

linen/cotton

All the above are from Nordstrom.com.

Skirts - Part 2

Much of what I find on Anthropologie.com is a bit too whacked-out hippie for my taste, but I do love some of their skirts this season:

stepping stone skirt - $218

A path of earth-toned buttons leads the way to a flared tulip hem. A crinkled linen landscape surrounds them in pale pink. By Casch Copenhagen.

rayon/linen

Now, the hunt for crazy sized buttons begins!!

day's end skirt - $148

A pink flowered sunset blends into evening darkness. With a mixed-print drawstring waist.

cotton

wet season skirt - $88

Lime voile is full and flush with teensy lemon buds and a black floral border. By Odille.

cotton

spring song skirt - $118

Bold poppies burst into bloom across Mermaid's airy skirt.

cotton/silk

ballroom skirt - $228

Tulle peeks from beneath the tulip hem of this metallic floral skirt. It's formal enough for the ball, friendly enough for just lunch. By Manoush.

linen/cotton

Skirts

When I was in fifth grade, my parents got a call from my teacher. It seems I was distracting the class by spinning in circles up to the pencil sharpener during the middle of class. To this day, I can't quite comprehend why my defense that "I just wanted my skirt to twirl out around me" was not a valid one. I have always loved a good skirt - obviously, the twirlier, the better. Here are some of my favourites from Nordstrom.com:

Elie Tahari 'Gavrielle' Skirt - $348

Inverted pleats and a bubble hem shape a light cotton-and-silk skirt with an antique-inspired print.

cotton/silk











Susina® Print Voile Skirt - $38

Full, supercute skirt is ruched in back for added comfort.

cotton

AK Anne Klein Eyelet Border Skirt - $99

Inverted pleats lend fullness to a skirt with a pretty scalloped hem.

cotton

Semantiks Embroidered Skirt - $78

Embroidery highlights a pretty floral skirt, gathered for fullness.

cotton

Nine West Voile Embroidered Skirt - $99

Paneled A-line skirt segues to cutout details, accented with a sheer mesh hem.

cotton

Esprit Belted Skirt - $69.50

Allover contrast stitching adds vertical detail to a cotton skirt, topped with a pretty embroidered belt.

cotton











Roberto Cavalli Bijou Print Matte Jersey Skirt - $1495

no description

viscose rayon/elastic












Points to ponder for the pear shaped woman (as I am the pear poster child):

1. An A-line skirt will usually look better than a straight skirt.
2. Flare at the hem helps to balance the hips.
3. Keep the waist and upper hip region smooth to minimize bulkiness.

Tops

As of late, there has been a very disturbing "billowing maternity top for the non-pregnant" trend going on. Why, oh why I ask, would a woman want to create the illusion that she has a bun in the oven, if she doesn't? What woman aspires to looking chunkier than she actually is? I just do not get it. So, in an attempt to convince myself that there are other options available to those of us with a shred of sanity (and vanity) left, I present a few rockin' alternatives (once again from Nordstrom.com):

Fabrizio Gianni Sleeveless Tee - $78

High-collared V-neckline and cutaway shoulders style a fitted stretch knit top.

rayon/lycra








Nanette Lepore "Supreme Shimmy" Cardigan - $195

Short-sleeve knit sweater shimmers with allover floral beading and big heart-shaped sequins.

cotton/rayon








BCBG Max Azria Rope Trim Top - $148

Diamond-shaped stitching details a cotton voile top with rope shoulder straps and a drawstring waist.

cotton







flounce tbd GatheredSilk Knit Top - $58

Feminine style is cut from supersoft silk, with a ruched V-neckline and ruffled, smocked cap sleeves. Curved Empire seam flatters the bodice, and the A-line body ends with a marrow-stitched hem.

silk







Tracy Reese Bow Neck Cap Sleeve Lace Top - $225

no description

polyester - silk lining








Tracy Reese Taffeta Pocket Tunic - $250

no description

cotton/silk - silk lining









Tory Burch "Stefani" Embroidered Tunic - $350

no description

cotton









Burberry London Check Print Voile Blouse - $295

no description

cotton

P.S. Love the skirt, too!







Piazza Sempione Belted Botanical Print Top - $645

no description

cotton/silk/lycra









Juicy Couture Eyelet Chiffon Blouse -$228

Adorable eyelet blouse features a squared front placket with fabric-covered button-and-loop closure. Short, slightly puffed sleeves have scalloped cuffs with button-and-loop closure, and tonal chiffon trims the bottom hem.

cotton







Elie Tahari "Alyssa" Bloue - $248

Crinkled chiffon neckline accents a short-sleeve silk top, shaped with a narrow, removable belt.

silk/elastane








Diane von Furstenburg "Revolution" Top - $185

Shoulder epaulets and rolled, elbow-length sleeves accent a tailored wrap top, secured with a waist tie.

cotton/polyester








A few things I notice:

1. As long as the top is fitted nicely in through the waist, the flowier tops can be worn without onlookers debating on whether you're preggo or not.
2. A good button down shirt is always in style.
3. Eyelet is sweet, subtle sexy, while lace is in-your-face, hot sexy.