One of the biggest trends that took over  Spring Fashion Week 2012, was none other than white on white. I love a head-to-toe white ensemble.  

But it's really hard to achieve this look without looking like a marshmallow!  In my effort, I added touches of metal.

Inspiration:

This skirt is a throwback from waaaaaaayyyyyyy back.  It's from 2005!  

It's one of my favorite crocheted projects.  In case you haven't been reading my blog from its initial conception, you may or may not know that I do crochet and knit.  I just haven't sat down to do either in a while. 

It's the zigzag skirt  by Mari Lynn Patrick from Interweave Knits Crochet - Fall 2005. 

 All I remember about this project is that this skirt was really easy to make.  Back then, I was churning out about 2 crocheted projects a week.  And I love the fit and flare style! 

As you can see, I'm VERY particular about the care and maintenance of my clothes.  Especially the ones that I put painstaking time and effort into hand making.

Wearing:  silk tank from TJ Maxx; wedges: Jessica Simpson; black raffia & leather clutch: The Limited; fedora: Target; belt: Calvin Klein.

Since the last dress I made, I've been in the mood to wear halters.  So I pulled out this dress I made  2 years ago.

It's Simplicity 2579.  Now, let's talk about the what I've learned since 2 years ago when I made this dress...

First of all, I should have definitely made a FBA.  And a sewn in bra like I did on the eyelet dress would've been great.  And being that I made this dress out of silk crepe de chine and the lining is of silk habotai, the side and back of the bodice would've really benefitted from some boning.  

You live and you learn. Regardless, I think this dress is a great summer vacation dress and would be appropriate almost anywhere! It would do just fine if you're visiting London hotels or Ocean City hotels as a wardrobe choice to pack for that next big trip.  Have any of you ever gone back and worn something that you'd sewn years ago and thought of all the ways you could have improved the garment if you were to sew it today?

Wearing:  dress: Simplicity 2579; sandals: Zara; purse; TJ Maxx.

I used Vogue 1298, a pattern by designer Rachel Comey.  I bought this pattern as quickly as I could get my hands on it.  I was sold at the gorgeous halter back and the curved hemline.  

The description is:  lined dress has straps extending into bands, close-fitting, front pleated bodice, back waistband, pleated skirt with raised waist, side back seams, shaped front hemline, invisible back zipper, and no side seams.

Based off of the pattern envelope AND my flat pattern measurements, I decided that I didn't need to add any additional length.  I wanted to this dress to be casual and it was okay if it fell above the knee.  I cut a size 14 on top and graded to a 16 at the waist.  I did a 1" FBA and added a horizontal dart.  I also sewed in a nude colored strapless bra (I cut the band off at the side seams), because this dress is obviously NOT "bra-friendly".  And being 41, there is NO WAY I'm leaving the house without the girls bound up, doing what they're supposed to be doing!

I used a cotton eyelet and lined it with a light-weight broadcloth, both from Hancock.  And where the instructions advised for "sew-in interfacing", I used cotton batiste.  

With this being a curved hemline, I'm so glad that it had a hem facing.  The hem turned out perfectly!  And instead of the lining being free hanging, it's slipstitched to the hem.

Close-up of the back:  Look!  No gaping!

I really like this pattern.  What I didn't like is that it was more empire-waisted than I thought it would be.  That plus the pleating equals "maternity-ish".  Hence the reason I added this great belt.  But other than that, this is a great, well-drafted pattern and the instructions were precise.  And this hemline is so on trend!

See, I'm not the only one that can rock eyelet!  My little princess Isabella -- The Future Fashionista, decided to get in on this trend!

I love shopping for baby girl clothes, A LOT more than I enjoy sewing them.  One of my favorite stores is Janie & Jack.  For those of you not familiar, those prices are no joke!  Maybe for a special occasion outfit, but for everyday clothes?!  Nope... I can't do it.  She'll grow out of it after barely one wearing.  So while browsing for ideas, I was inspired by the "Tea Time Bright Collection".  I was sold at eyelet, orange and madras!

For the top, I used McCall's 5610 and cotton eyelet and batiste for the lining, all from Hancock.  I cut the infant size medium.  It was a little big in the shoulders and I had to take several inches ( I don't remember how many) out of the shoulder straps.  And since I was using scalloped edge eyelet, I decided to only use one row for the ruffle.  The top has a thread loop center back closure, with a tiny 3/8" buttton.

For the shorts, I couldn't find an option like these for infant girls, so I used a baby boys' pattern -- McCall's 6016.  I eyeballed this pattern and knew it was going to be huge!  I cut the size small and still had to make waist adjustments with the elastic so that they wouldn't be too big.  And I cut around 2" off at the hem and still made 5/8" hem. They looked like pants before I altered them.  I think they mixed in a toddler pattern for infants.  Notice I added grosgrain bows for a girly detail.  Oh... I used a cotton madras from Hancock.  I had no problem matching the pattern.  It was quite easy!

It was so much fun sewing for Isabella.  I hadn't made clothes this small in almost 15 years!  I enjoyed it so much that I picked up more patterns for her!

Since I had some running around to do, I decided to put on something today that required minimal effort.

A jersey dress, flat sandals, a big bag for all of my junk and a pair of sunnies always fit the bill.

The dress is Vogue 8631, that I made in February.  I love the draping on this dress and decided to layer it over a cami for a casual look.  This dress is so great because it can be dressed up or down.

Wearing:  dress: Vogue 8631; sandals: Mossimo from Target; purse: Steve Madden; belt:  Anne Klein; Sunnies: Karen Walker.

I've been seeing printed pants everywhere -- on all of the style bloggers; as a favorite in street style fashion and all over Pinterest.  I've seen them in wild animal prints, bright florals patterns and bold abstracts.  So I was inspired to try out this trend.

Pinterest via Just Lia

And a popular way  they're shown is with one of this season's biggest trends -- the peplum top.

I decided to use Simplicity 1887, view A -- sans elastic ankles.  I cut the size 16 and added 3 inches to the length.  I omitted the ties.  I'd envisioned wearing these specifically with this top so there was no need for the ties. I love that they have elastic in the waist.  That detail also puts these pants in the "pajama dressing" category.  Not really PJs, just as comfy though and also chic!  

Gratuitous close-up!

Wearing:  top: Vogue 8815: pants: Simplicity 1887; shoes: Nine West; bag: TJ Maxx.

I'm really not a floral print kinda girl. This is just something I really don't have an eye for... that is when it comes to fabric. Now I can look at a RTW garment and know instantly whether or not I'm in love with the print. But fabric?  Not so much.  I would have to see it made.  So when I find a piece of floral fabric that I love -- I grab it!  I haven't had much success this season.  So I thought I'd "shop my closet".

What I've loved most about this dress is the built-in foundation.  You might think boning should be reserved strictly for special dresses and eveningwear.  But au contraire, it's perfect for a strapless sundress.  And if you're making strapless sundresses and omitting the boning, you're missing out on a greater fit.

Wearing:  Vogue 1174; pumps: Tahari Slingback Espadrille pumps (TJ Maxx); clutch: The Limited.

I hope everyone had a fabulous Memorial Day weekend!  We did!  On Saturday while checking out the patterns that were on sale, Mikaela saw this romper/jumpsuit pattern and asked me to make it for her.

View A was perfect for her!  She picked the same fabric that I used for my dress.  I cut the size XS - size 4, and it fit her straight out of the envelope.  

We decided to add an exposed zipper as a fun little detail.

Here's the close-up.  

I started to omit the sash, but after it was finished it looked like it needed something at the waist.  So I went ahead and made it too.

This is such a cute and easy summer piece.  I may make her another one because she really loves this!

silly girl!

Wearing: romper: McCall's 6362; shoes: Toms Glitter Slip-ons; jewelry: Forever 21 and Tiffany & Co.

Even though Pinterest inspires me on a daily basis, I haven't done an "Inspired by Pinterest" post in a while.  I know there are people out there that still don't get Pinterest.  But I really don't get why they don't get it! LOL  There is something on there for everyone and their personal taste.  I don't get any kickbacks for saying this.  I'm just an obsessed fan of the site!

Pinterest via Pretty Tall Style

Here is another version of Vogue 8772.  This time in yellow.  I was going through a citrus thing at the time I made my fabric purchases.  

I wish I could have found yellow gingham in the same scale as the green shirt.  But oh well, I can live with this mini-gingham print.

Wearing:  shirt: Vogue 8772; shorts: Old Navy; fedora: Target; sunnies: Karen Walker; sandals: Sam Edelman; purse: TJ Maxx; bangles: Amrita Singh.