Just last week, I discovered the darling new shop - Inspired Boutique -
Items include some absolutely adorable handmade dress cards! I love them all!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Inspired Boutique Giveaway!
There is a lovely giveaway going on at Amanda Beth!
Just last week, I discovered the darling new shop - Inspired Boutique -
Items include some absolutely adorable handmade dress cards! I love them all!
Just last week, I discovered the darling new shop - Inspired Boutique -
Items include some absolutely adorable handmade dress cards! I love them all!
Day 3: Ruffles and Heels
My outfit for today features many feminine details - but the suit-like jacket keeps it from being too frilly. Ideally the skirt should be about knee-length for this outfit.
'GAP' floral fitted corduroy jacket - hand-me-down from my Granny (I have a very fashiony gran!)
'Harolds' chocolate brown boat-neck tee - Thrift Store
'Pink linen ruffled skirt - Made by me with fabric bought clearance online
-'Vera Wang' brown cable knit tights - Kohls
'Candies' brown heels (that I think look so 30s-40s) - Kohls
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Beaumont Ranch Reenactment
I would like to share a few photos of our most recent reenacment event - Beaumont Ranch...
It was so much fun - the warm weather was amazing. After this harsh winter, even getting a sunburn again was amazing. Sorry I don't have many pictures of the ball! It's rather hard to take pictures while dancing....
Enjoy!
It was so much fun - the warm weather was amazing. After this harsh winter, even getting a sunburn again was amazing. Sorry I don't have many pictures of the ball! It's rather hard to take pictures while dancing....
Enjoy!
"Why you don't say?!"
A 'blizzard' struck on the way home....
Day 2: Summertime
It's going to be 97 degrees here today! I love it.So - my outfit for today is a nice lightweight, cool, summery ensemble...
Unknown brand white sheer cotton empire-waist blouse. - Thrift store
'IZ' border printed cotton skirt - accented with beads and sequins. - Thrift store or hand-me-down
'Etienne Aigner' white heel sandals
Monday, March 29, 2010
Day 1: Tiers and Stripes
Today is the first day of Second Hand Fashion Week!
My ensemble for Day 1:
'Xhilaration' fitted jean jacket - Thrift Store
'American Eagle' maroon-red waffle tee - Thrift Store
'Atmosphere' Tiered yellow striped ruffled cotton skirt - Thrift Store
'Dr. Scholl's' brown leather sandals
I think this would be a perfect outfit for antique shopping on a spring day. It's sunny - but still chill. It's fun to be wearing sandals again, but a jacket also feels good. :^)
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Of flowers...
Just now I was sitting on our couch, stitching little linen ruffles into cute posies to adorn my new dress. When I began thinking - the flowers I am making don't even compare with God's flowers. As cute as they are, they are just pitiful little copies of what God created. It reminds me of how the righteousness of our poor little human selves doesn't even compare with God's goodness. That's why we need Him so much.
I LOVE staring at flowers. They are so cool. I hardly ever take pictures - but I love doing close-ups of flowers. Each tiny exquisite detail, petal, line absolutely intrigues me. Have you ever noticed that the delicate petals actually glitter in the sunlight? Go outside sometime and stare at a flower - really look at it like you have never looked at it before. Flowers never cease to amaze me. You will be amazed too. God is good.
I LOVE staring at flowers. They are so cool. I hardly ever take pictures - but I love doing close-ups of flowers. Each tiny exquisite detail, petal, line absolutely intrigues me. Have you ever noticed that the delicate petals actually glitter in the sunlight? Go outside sometime and stare at a flower - really look at it like you have never looked at it before. Flowers never cease to amaze me. You will be amazed too. God is good.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Two New Dresses...
I have been very inspired this week by the new trends I'm seeing for spring. Lots of fabric flowers and feminine details! Love it. So - on a whim I pulled out some ice blue taffeta and matching sheer (that was meant for an 'Alice' dress....) and frantically began to turn my sketch into reality. I am SO pleased with the results. Skirt is full-gathered and two layers - one taffeta and one sheer - the bodice is fitted with darts. The best part is the handmade fabric flowers clustered around the scoop neckline and cascading down over the straps.
I am very excited about a wedding collection I have coming out this spring along the same lines!
Also - I have a pale yellow linen dress going for myself, in the same basic style as the ice blue dress.
The next day - I pulled some various lavendar fabrics out of the stash, and this dress-creation turned out being 50's inspired! I like the effect of the periwinke tulle over the gingham taffeta!
I am very excited about a wedding collection I have coming out this spring along the same lines!
Also - I have a pale yellow linen dress going for myself, in the same basic style as the ice blue dress.
The next day - I pulled some various lavendar fabrics out of the stash, and this dress-creation turned out being 50's inspired! I like the effect of the periwinke tulle over the gingham taffeta!
Both dresses are currently for sale in my Etsy shop. Look for more coming soon!
Monday, March 22, 2010
My Thoughts on Biblical Modesty
I hope these few thoughts will be a blessing to you. Feel free to share or copy in any way that you wish.
What is modesty?
Modest = chaste, decent, virtuous
Modesty can simply mean dressing appropriately and decently, but true modesty is deeper than that – it is a matter of character and attitude.
Is your clothing modest? What about your behavior? What instructions are given in the Bible?
1 Timothy 2:9 says ‘…that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shame-facedness and sobriety…’
In other words – it’s important to dress modestly, but let your behavior be modest as well, with gentleness and prudence ruling your speech and actions.
So, why all this fuss about clothing? Why should you dress differently from anyone else?
Did you know that what you choose to wear affects other people?
Romans 14:13 ‘…judge this rather, that no man [or woman] put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.’
As they get older – guys struggle a lot with their eyes, is your clothing designed to draw eyes to you lustfully? Are you a stumbling block to your brothers in Christ? God wants us to be a help to the young men around us – not a hindrance.
In Matthew 5:28, Jesus said that for a man to even look at a woman in the wrong way is a sin. Does your clothing invite people to look at you in the wrong way? If you cause someone else to sin – won’t it also be your sin? That’s one of the main reasons that young women must be very careful with their clothing choices.
Our family used to go to a large church. There were lots of young people. After a time, we began to feel very uncomfortable with the immodest clothing that the girls and young women were wearing to church. Partly because of this, we decided to stop attending that church.
Now, were those girls intentionally wearing inappropriate clothing so that people would be annoyed? No. They just didn’t think. They simply wore whatever modern fashion decreed as ‘cute’ and thoughtlessly wore it. Don’t be a slave to ‘fashion’ and what everyone else is wearing. You never know how your actions will affect someone else.
Women’s clothing styles have only in very recent history changed dramatically. In the ‘old days’ the ideal traits of womanhood were gentleness, grace, cheerfulness and meekness. The fashions reflected this in their styles of beautiful, feminine simplicity and elegance. In our recent history, the popular ideas of what a woman should be have radically changed. Now, traits such as boldness, sexiness, and independence are the supposed ideal to what a young woman should aspire. This is also reflected in modern fashions – they have become more masculine as women wearing pants became common and acceptable – the styles also became increasingly brash, revealing, and tacky. Unfortunately, the manners and decorum of young lades have followed right along the same pathway.
That is why it is so important not to follow along with what the world deems to be right, without first finding out what God (and your parents) have to say, and how you should apply it to your life. Even in a matter as seemingly insignificant as what is in your wardrobe.
A popular phrase in modern culture – movies, and elsewhere, is to ‘follow your heart’. This type of advice is actually quite misguided. Jeremiah 17:9 says just the opposite: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”. So, it’s really not a good idea to ‘follow your heart’ and make decisions just because it ‘feels right’. Acting on emotions will lead you wrong many times. Instead, think, pray, ask – find out what is truly the right way.
The clothes you wear have an effect on your behavior. If you wear slouchy, boyish clothing – chances are you are more likely to act slouchy, and boyish. If you wear feminine, modest clothing – you are more likely to act feminine and modest.
Think about your normal, everyday clothing. Is it tacky or sloppy – too tight or revealing? Do you think it accurately represents who you are(or who you want to be)? What does your clothing say about you?
Your clothing should make you feel beautiful – it should represent that you are a special, unique girl – someone that shows respect for herself and others by dressing decently, modestly and beautifully.
Proverbs 31:10 says “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.”
1 Peter 3:4 says “a meek and quiet spirit in a woman is in the sight of God of great price.”
To God you are priceless – like a precious ruby. Rubies are so valuable that their worth is often more than diamonds! You are that valuable and that beautiful in the sight of God. Don’t hide under clothing that displays the wrong message about you. You are not a piece of cheap costume jewelry – but a lovely, precious ruby.
What is modesty?
Modest = chaste, decent, virtuous
Modesty can simply mean dressing appropriately and decently, but true modesty is deeper than that – it is a matter of character and attitude.
Is your clothing modest? What about your behavior? What instructions are given in the Bible?
1 Timothy 2:9 says ‘…that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shame-facedness and sobriety…’
In other words – it’s important to dress modestly, but let your behavior be modest as well, with gentleness and prudence ruling your speech and actions.
So, why all this fuss about clothing? Why should you dress differently from anyone else?
Did you know that what you choose to wear affects other people?
Romans 14:13 ‘…judge this rather, that no man [or woman] put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.’
As they get older – guys struggle a lot with their eyes, is your clothing designed to draw eyes to you lustfully? Are you a stumbling block to your brothers in Christ? God wants us to be a help to the young men around us – not a hindrance.
In Matthew 5:28, Jesus said that for a man to even look at a woman in the wrong way is a sin. Does your clothing invite people to look at you in the wrong way? If you cause someone else to sin – won’t it also be your sin? That’s one of the main reasons that young women must be very careful with their clothing choices.
Our family used to go to a large church. There were lots of young people. After a time, we began to feel very uncomfortable with the immodest clothing that the girls and young women were wearing to church. Partly because of this, we decided to stop attending that church.
Now, were those girls intentionally wearing inappropriate clothing so that people would be annoyed? No. They just didn’t think. They simply wore whatever modern fashion decreed as ‘cute’ and thoughtlessly wore it. Don’t be a slave to ‘fashion’ and what everyone else is wearing. You never know how your actions will affect someone else.
Women’s clothing styles have only in very recent history changed dramatically. In the ‘old days’ the ideal traits of womanhood were gentleness, grace, cheerfulness and meekness. The fashions reflected this in their styles of beautiful, feminine simplicity and elegance. In our recent history, the popular ideas of what a woman should be have radically changed. Now, traits such as boldness, sexiness, and independence are the supposed ideal to what a young woman should aspire. This is also reflected in modern fashions – they have become more masculine as women wearing pants became common and acceptable – the styles also became increasingly brash, revealing, and tacky. Unfortunately, the manners and decorum of young lades have followed right along the same pathway.
That is why it is so important not to follow along with what the world deems to be right, without first finding out what God (and your parents) have to say, and how you should apply it to your life. Even in a matter as seemingly insignificant as what is in your wardrobe.
A popular phrase in modern culture – movies, and elsewhere, is to ‘follow your heart’. This type of advice is actually quite misguided. Jeremiah 17:9 says just the opposite: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”. So, it’s really not a good idea to ‘follow your heart’ and make decisions just because it ‘feels right’. Acting on emotions will lead you wrong many times. Instead, think, pray, ask – find out what is truly the right way.
The clothes you wear have an effect on your behavior. If you wear slouchy, boyish clothing – chances are you are more likely to act slouchy, and boyish. If you wear feminine, modest clothing – you are more likely to act feminine and modest.
Think about your normal, everyday clothing. Is it tacky or sloppy – too tight or revealing? Do you think it accurately represents who you are(or who you want to be)? What does your clothing say about you?
Your clothing should make you feel beautiful – it should represent that you are a special, unique girl – someone that shows respect for herself and others by dressing decently, modestly and beautifully.
Proverbs 31:10 says “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.”
1 Peter 3:4 says “a meek and quiet spirit in a woman is in the sight of God of great price.”
To God you are priceless – like a precious ruby. Rubies are so valuable that their worth is often more than diamonds! You are that valuable and that beautiful in the sight of God. Don’t hide under clothing that displays the wrong message about you. You are not a piece of cheap costume jewelry – but a lovely, precious ruby.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Shabby Apple giveaway!
Shabby Apple dresses is having a giveaway via Grosgrain blog! Do go and check it out...
Shabby Apple San Gabriel GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!
Shabby Apple San Gabriel GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Thoughts on 'Emma'
She seemed to attempt to act a bit more mature when Harriet was near to ‘set a good example’. And after the failure of Mr. Elton, she realized a bit what thoughtless behavior had brought about, and was much improved for the rest of the film – except when Frank Churchill was around. Which – true to the book – he does not bring out the best of behavior in her, but the worst, which Mr. Knightly sadly notices.
Harriet seemed about right as the pretty, gullible, not-overly-bright best friend. Someone who Emma is quite understandably annoyed with by the end of the story. (of course she was the one who created the ‘monster’ so to speak, but yeah)
Frank Churchill was fairly charming I have to admit – and he did flirt outrageously with Emma. Poor Jane Fairfax! She wasn’t so easy to relate to as the Jane Fairfax in the Kate Beckinsdale Emma, you never really felt anything for her – but then you really aren’t supposed to. Emma never could warm to her or understand her until the secret engagement came out. She also seemed young and naïve enough to fall for the unworthy Frank Churchill.
Mr. Elton was perfect! Handsome – but horridly melodramatic and slimy.
And Mrs. Elton was beautiful – but rightly obnoxious and controlling. Her showy, overdone clothing fitted her well.
Mr. Woodhouse was very humorous. Although he didn’t look much like an invalid…:^)
Mr. Knightly was good. Funny, thoughtful, serious, blunt. Concerned for everyone. The perfect gentleman in every way – and his arguments with Emma were so cute. Though I didn’t like the blue and green velvet coats he wore. I thought he looked much more dashing when he was in black at the ball.
This Miss Bates wasn’t as hilarious at the Sophie Thomson version. Though she brought more depth to the character – she was still annoying, but in a sad sort of way….
I liked that with the longer running time we got to see more detail into the storyline and lives of the characters. Although – it seemed strange that they copied the Kate Beckinsdale version with the ‘daydreams’ that Emma has about Jane Fairfax and Mr. Dixon and Mr. Knightly. The Highbury ball was very well done, though. I like getting to see full dances, and not just bits and pieces.
The costumes were quite lovely. (finally we get to see some new Regency stuff !) Several of Emma’s dresses I want to recreate – the orange and green print dress she wear’s to Miss Taylor’s wedding, her yellow/gold honeymoon dress, her pink/gold Box Hill Dress, and a cute brown print sheer dress. Oh – and that darling little pale yellow bodice over the green dress. Love it. Some of Harriet’s were very nice too. I appreciated the fact that they kept most of the necklines from being too revealing. The only thing I didn’t care for were the white blouses that Emma and Harriet wore much of the time under short sleeve dresses.
Quite a lovely movie overall. I will most assuredly be getting this one on DVD.
Screen caps here.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
A Little Humor...
A 19th century watercolor from the Met museum "Two Ladies Being Shown Fabric in a Dress Shop"
The two ladies strike me as being very like Rebecca and Atlanta......what do you think?
Monday, March 8, 2010
Regency Dress and Featured on Ruffles and Stuff!
How sweet! My pink linen ruffled skirt was a featured entry on Ruffles and Stuff!
There are so many other lovely entries featured! I wish Disney good luck in deciding on the winners. It will be really tough - I can tell!
Also, I thought I would share some pictures of a recent custom order I made for an Etsy client. It is an 'apron front' style regency era dress. The pattern is one I sized up from the invaluable book Patterns of Fashion 1: 1660-1860 by Janet Arnold. It has supportive lining that crosses over and pins at the front, then the apron, or bib front buttons over it. Ties attached to the apron are looped around the back through tiny 'belt loops' and then brought to the front and tied underneath the apron front.
It is similar to the style of Ann's pale blue dress in Persuasion....
The first time I sized the pattern up - I made a pattern in my size. It fits excellently with my regency short stays from the Sense and Sensibility pattern. See more pics here.
A really neat feature is the long sleeves can button in and out of the shorter sleeves!
Some day - when I find just the right reproduction fabric, I will make myself a regency dress to keep. I love the style of that time period.
There are so many other lovely entries featured! I wish Disney good luck in deciding on the winners. It will be really tough - I can tell!
Also, I thought I would share some pictures of a recent custom order I made for an Etsy client. It is an 'apron front' style regency era dress. The pattern is one I sized up from the invaluable book Patterns of Fashion 1: 1660-1860 by Janet Arnold. It has supportive lining that crosses over and pins at the front, then the apron, or bib front buttons over it. Ties attached to the apron are looped around the back through tiny 'belt loops' and then brought to the front and tied underneath the apron front.
It is similar to the style of Ann's pale blue dress in Persuasion....
The first time I sized the pattern up - I made a pattern in my size. It fits excellently with my regency short stays from the Sense and Sensibility pattern. See more pics here.
A really neat feature is the long sleeves can button in and out of the shorter sleeves!
Some day - when I find just the right reproduction fabric, I will make myself a regency dress to keep. I love the style of that time period.
Friday, March 5, 2010
New Pink Linen Ruffled Skirt!
This little ruffled version of my favorite skirt has been floating around in my head for several months - and it finally found a chance to escape when I heard about the Ruffle Your Stuff contest... (do go and check it out!)
I have four linen skirts made from this super-easy 8-gore pattern that I drafted from one of Mom's favorite old jean thrift store skirts. One brown, one periwinkle blue, one gray/green, and now - pink! With ruffles!
Perfect since I made it in time to enter the Ruffle Your Stuff contest! A double row of pleated ruffles finished off with a bias band of self-fabric. All skirt seams are flat-felled for zero fraying. (we don't want Henry Tilney to say it won't wash well, do we? In case you didn't know, he has such and understanding of linens, not just muslins...) Buttons up front placket with some little mother-of-pearl....well - buttons. Of course.
The ruffles I made with a handy-dandy 'ruffler' attachment on my vintage Singer 221 featherweight machine. It can be set for gathering or pleating.
Help! Death by ruffles!
I have four linen skirts made from this super-easy 8-gore pattern that I drafted from one of Mom's favorite old jean thrift store skirts. One brown, one periwinkle blue, one gray/green, and now - pink! With ruffles!
Perfect since I made it in time to enter the Ruffle Your Stuff contest! A double row of pleated ruffles finished off with a bias band of self-fabric. All skirt seams are flat-felled for zero fraying. (we don't want Henry Tilney to say it won't wash well, do we? In case you didn't know, he has such and understanding of linens, not just muslins...) Buttons up front placket with some little mother-of-pearl....well - buttons. Of course.
The ruffles I made with a handy-dandy 'ruffler' attachment on my vintage Singer 221 featherweight machine. It can be set for gathering or pleating.
Help! Death by ruffles!
The pieces of antoher handy attachment - the buttonholer!
Like it? I think it will look nice in summer with a floral tee and sandals, too!