What I Wore | Back to Basic

WhatIWore: After this week of Halloween and vampy lips, here’s a basic B everyday look! I made this faux shearling jacket last year when I was pregnant and I’ve been playing around with ways to wear it this season. It’s pretty cropped and needs a longer layer underneath, otherwise it feels a little too top heavy. 

Honestly guys, I’m just feeling a little brain dead lately and can’t think of anything else to write. Hope you have a beautiful weekend! My folks are arriving today and we have lots of house projects to work on and celebrating for my mom’s birthday!!

When: Last Thursday

What:
Shades: Karen Walker
Sweater: Lands End (similar)
Jacket: Self Made (longer option)
Jeans: Crafted by Lee (online only - and $23!)
Boots: UGG (similar here)
Bag: Frye (older style)

Where: Coffeeshop

What I Wore | The Greatest

WhatIWore: Feeling like today’s a good day to hold my babies tightly instead of talk about clothes. So that’s what I’m going to do. They are the greatest. 

When: September 30, 2017

What:
Hat: Self Made
Shades: Karen Walker
Sweater: J.Crew
Denim Jacket: Old Navy
Cords: J.Brand (old!)
On Bea: Target Onesie, Old Navy Leggings, Freshly Picked 

Where: Brunch at Cardinal Spirits

What I Wore | Class of ‘73

WhatIWore: Ever have a week when it just takes until Wednesday to get going? I’ve been focused on other things (like my living room makeover and planning for Felix’s birthday) and my outfit photos lately have been duds (tried two different times with one outfit and ended up trashing both sets of photos). But today! Today! I’m feeling it a little more. I just wrapped my Whole 30 and I’m really happy with the results. I’ll do a recap post and some after photos in the next week (hold me to that!).

But let’s talk about this outfit! I knew when I got this sweater that it would have an awesome retro vibe that could be perfect for anything from a 1950s full skirt to a pair of high rise 70s style jeans.  For this look I paired it with my self made waist high flares, a vintage scarf, thrifted boots and a self made hat. Threw in those $12 sale sunglasses too. And I love it! I ditched the hat en route to town and was a little on the fence about the scarf, but ended up keeping it on and even scored a compliment (they do such wonders for your self esteem when you’re taking a risk!) So I felt great!  Definitely hitting the 1970s art teach vibe on this one. 

When: August 30, 2017

What:
Hat: Self Made
Shades: Loft
Sweater: ModCloth (on sale!)
Bag: Frye
Jeans: Self Made (pattern notes here)
Boots: Thrifted

Where: Donut Date!

Post Whole30, these jeans even feel a little loose fresh out of the dryer so I might take them in a smidge, but I kind of like the relaxed look too. I’ll be making this pattern up in a new fabric soon and I will definitely give them a closer fit to the body through the thigh.

So anyways! Gotta jet and clean up this house! Photos of the living room coming soon too!

My DIY | Wrap Ruffled Peplum Blouse

Good morning everyone! Firstly - who’s excited for the eclipse this afternoon? Secondly? Raise your hand if you’ve been singing “Total Eclipse of the Heart” for the past week or so? No? Just me? 

Today I’m really excited to show you the blouse I made last week - a wrap blouse with peplum and ruffle elements. I did made some minor changes to the construction of the garment, so let me tell you all about it! 

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Sewing Notes | McCalls 7602

I picked up the pattern during one of JoAnn Fabric’s 99 cent sales and I already had the polka dot fabric on hand. I used both the right and wrong sides of the print and I love how the subtle contrast enhances the design of this piece. I don’t know the kind or content it is but I’m guessing it’s a rayon. I was surprised it was so easy to sew! I lined it using a similar navy fabric I picked up elsewhere.

I cut a size 12 with the D cup option and used the tissue paper pattern as is for this piece. 

The first thing I changed was to convert the faux wrap into an actual wrap. I created long ties in the self fabric and attached them to the smaller side seams of each front bodice piece. I left a small opening on one side seam to allow the under side of the bodice and it’s corresponding tie a place to exit the blouse. I also omitted the back zipper, as the wrap allows for an easy way to get this piece on!

Another thing I did differently was to line the entire garment, including the peplum and ruffle. I did this because I didn’t want to fiddle with a narrow hem on so many curved pieces. It also gave the final garment a really polished look inside and out. Unfortunately it weighed down the ruffle a bit so I added some hooks and thread tacks to help it out a little. Also my chest is huge and adding the extra closure helped not show off too much cleavage. 

I would definitely sew this again - maybe in a pretty eyelet cotton for summer or another rayon that could layer with a turtleneck for fall and winter (very 70s school teacher, right??) If you’ve made this piece, I’d love to see your version!

To get a sneak peak of my next project, check out my instagram stories! I’m making a bit of a mini collection this season. I started with these jeans and now this top. All of the pieces sort of work back together and with what I have in my closet. I’m excited!“