Sewing for Beginners

So for about the 500th time, I've decided to tackle the task of learning how to sew. Beyond a few basics I learned back in the day with my grandmother, I really don't know what to do! I've sewn a lot of extras onto clothes (ribbons, trims, etc) but I've never been able to follow a pattern and actually make a piece of clothing that was wearable. The closest I came one time was when I laid a dress on some material, traced around it, then cut two identical pieces of material out and sewed them together. Surprisingly, it didn't turn out that horrible! The dress looked ok, but the collar did not- I was forced to wear a jacket all the time to cover up the crooked neck. :)
Oh well... moving on.

I am notorious for getting super excited and buying everything I need to learn a new hobby. I try it... fail... try again... fail again... and then give up. My house is filled with the remnants of various crafts, drawing books, sewing materials, etc, etc, etc. Since this give-up attitude is ridiculous (and very immature for someone of 28 years of age), I decided to tackle sewing AGAIN. But this time, I've committed to follow through!

Guess what??? I'm actually doing it! I've made 4 skirts so far and am working on a shirt! What's more is I'm actually really enjoying it. Whats has brought about this amazing change? My new book Sew Step by Step by Alison Smith. It has over 200 essential techniques for beginners, from threading a needle to sewing ruffles. The reason I love this book is because it is has clear, color photographs to demonstrate every technique and tip. I'm really learning a lot and even though I'm not a professional yet, at least my clothes are not falling apart! :)

Pictures to follow soon! In the meantime, challenge yourself and learn a new hobby. If sewing and design is something you would love, check out the Sew Step by Step book by Alison Smith. I got mine for $16 at Barnes and Noble but it is also available here on Amazon for the great price of $10.

Fashion's Night Out on Amazon

So amazon.com is celebrating the new fall fashions with their own "Fashion's Night Out" online. They are featuring lots of style tips and articles, suggested outfits, interviews with designers like Nicole Richie and lots of great clothes!

Featuring practically every brand in the world- from 7 For All Mankind to Betsey Johnson, Michael Kors to Rebecca Minkoff, they have a little something for everyone! If you think most of it is still out of your price range, think again! They do have some great (and reasonable) things available on line. Check out the denim shop to get great Labor Day sales- some items are up to 75% off! Also, sign up online to receive special offers, including 20% your next clothing purchase.

FULL TILT feather tank - $17.99



Giraffe Print Faux Leather Satchel - $17.97



DIY: Tie-Dye Tanks

Normally tie-dye shirts make me think of 70's day during school spirit weeks, but these tie-dye tanks are low-key and not too bright! They are super easy to make and look great during summer. Wear them alone or layer them under a jacket to transition into fall! Plus, it is a fun, cheap project- one pack of dye is usually just about $3.

Step 1: Make sure you start with a wet garment. You will need to fully immerse your garment in water and then ring out the excess.

Step 2: There are a lot of dyes and methods you can use. I like to use a powder dye like the ones available from Rit Dye. Start by filling your washing machine with hot water. Dissolve the powder in a small bit of water and then add to the washing machine. Mix well.

Step 3: Add wet garment to the washer. Set the washer to an extended wash- the garment needs to be in the dye for at least 30 minutes before letting it go through the rinse cycle with cold water.

Step 4: Remove garment, take off rubberbands if doing a tie-dye method and hang to dry. Darker garments may need to be washed before wearing. Enjoy your newly colored garment!


Tie-Dye Methods:

1) The olive green tank in the picture started off as a plain white tank. To get the one circle pattern, pinch a bit of fabric in the middle and pick it up. Twist the fabric as you would a mop (the less material you twist, the smaller the circle). Once it it twisted, fold the twist in half and secure with a rubberband. Follow the directions above. Remove rubberbands before hanging the tank to dry.

2) To get a design similar to the white and blue camisole, twist the entire shirt as you would a mop. Once it is twisted VERY tightly, fold the twist in half and secure with rubber bands towards the bottom. The material you leave hanging lose below the rubber band will give you the solid color on top and bottom of the camisole. If you want more solid color and less tie-dye pattern, simply adjust the rubber bands to allow more fabric to hang loosely. Wash as directed and remove rubberbands before drying.

3) For the blue and gray tank on the right, simply start with a gray tank instead of white and use blue dye. Follow the instructions for the first pattern and just vary the size of the circles by doing some small twists and some large ones. Wash as directed and remove the rubberbands before drying!

4) Experiment with various patterns and methods. For more ideas, check out these different tie-dye projects.

Bargain Beauty Buy: Camomile Makeup Remover

I'm a big fan of The Body Shop, but I'm not always a fan of their prices. However, there are a few Body Shop staples that I can't live without- one of which is The Body Shop Camomile Gentle Eye Make-up Remover.

Available in an 8 ounce bottle for $14.50 or a 2 ounch bottle for $4.00, it is one product I recommend to everyone! I've tried a lot of other makeup removers (mostly affordable versions from Covergirl, Maybelline, etc) but was never pleased with any of them! Then I tried the one from The Body Shop and fell in love! I've been using it for years now and couldn't be more pleased.

I have sensitive eyes and my skin is easily irritated, so this gentle cleanser is perfect for me! Most of the sensitive-skin makeup removers I've tried felt too oily, but the Camomile Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover from The Body Shop is perfect! It removes makeup with very little effort (no harsh scrubbing needed!) and leaves skin feeling very soft and clean!

Still don't want to pay $15 for a makeup remover? You use very little of this product to remove all your eye makeup, so one bottle lasts forever! It's really worth the price and I seriously doubt you will ever go back to using another brand of makeup remover.

Visit www.thebodyshop-usa.com or go to a local store to see their special offers. Right now they have several great offers like "Buy 2, Get 1 Free" or "4 for $30 Mix and Match". I love the mix and match offers because you can get any of their other great products like body butter, body polish, lotions, and lotions. Sign up online for coupons or click here to see their list of current sales and discounts.

(Just so you know... all of the products I feature on my blog are bought with my own money and feature my honest, personal opinion. I don't receive free products or accept payment for reviews as do many other bloggers.)

If you have a product you just can't live without, let me know. I might feature your favorite product in my next post! :)

Happy Shopping!

Wish List - Aerosoles Plumbrella Wedge

Ok, so I finally have a wish list item I can afford AND that is practical! I am 100% in love with these suede wedges from Aerosoles and will hopefully get them next time I'm shopping. They come in black and a beautiful plum purple, but my favorite is this gorgeous mink color. For only $89, how can you go wrong?

During my clumsy adventurous life, I have fractured my back and broken my foot twice! So because of continued issues, I absolutely have to wear comfortable shoes! Unfortunately, it's hard to mix comfort with fashion. I can't remember when I was last able to wear a gorgeous pair of sky high heels. *sigh*

In this case, I'm happy though... yay to Aerosoles for putting out comfortable AND fashionable shoes!!!

So, what are you waiting for? Shop away!  :)
http://www.aerosoles.com/product1.asp?P=PLUMBRELLA

Wish List - Derek Lam Bag

For those of you who have $1,800 dollars to spend on hand bags, here is a beautiful bag worthy of your money! As for the rest of us, we'll just have to drool over this Greige Suede Tatum Bag from Derek Lam. Not quite gray, not quite beige, it's a winter must wish for all our wardrobes.

http://dereklam.com/shop/category/all/greige-suede-tatum-bag.html

How to Buy on a Budget!

There are always plenty of ways to make your wardrobe up to date without breaking the bank! Though designer clothes are really nice, you don't have to be a millionaire in order to have a runway look.

Don't believe me? Check out the following two outfits and then read the shopping tips below!


                             Chloe Fall-Winter Fashion Show

Depending on the store, the average cost of this outfit is $4,595!!! Do the python details on the pockets of the gauchos make it worth the money? Does the hand-painted calfskin bag really make it a good investment? I hardly think so... not for us normal people that is! Even if I were fabulously wealthy, I could hardly bring myself to spend almost $5,000 on one outfit.

If you like this outfit, there are plenty of ways to get the basic look for a fraction of the cost. Check out my more affordably priced outfit below.




                                           Bargain Outfit

The grand total of my outfit is $146.24!!! By making smart shopping choices, you can have the look as seen on the Chloe runway and have versatile pieces you can use with other outfits as well. Here's the breakdown of the prices...

H&M Yellow Sweater $29.95
Travelsmith Denim Gauchos $34.00
Relic Diana Shopper from Kohls $40.80
Worthington Why Knot Wedge Sandals from JC Penney $24.99
Old Navy Womens Classic Belt $16.50



MONEY SAVING TIPS

1) Shop Online! When you shop online, you have more styles, colors, and sizes available than in stores. Even if you go to 10 different stores in person, you may not find exactly what you're looking for and may end up settling for something that isn't perfect. (Apart from the fact that no one can afford to waste money on gasoline!) Many online stores now offer free shipping and hassle free returns/exchanges if the product doesn't meet your expectations. In addition, most chain stores (Old Navy, Target, Walmart, etc) will even let you return items at any of their store locations. Check out the return policy before finalizing your order online and then make sure to keep all receipts or tags.

2) Shop around! Whether shopping online or in stores, don't settle for the first piece you see. When I was searching for denim gauchos, I found a pair very similar to the Chloe gauchos for around $50. But as I kept looking, I found a pair as cheap as $7! The gauchos I chose from Travelsmith were some of my favorites based on color and the long pockets style stitching. Instead of just searching through all your favorite online stores, try using google to find specific pieces like "highwaisted denim gauchos". For some of the gaucho options I found through google, check out these links: http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=8886530020018&cid=57304 and http://www.nextag.com/denim-gauchos/stores-html.

3) Choose versatile pieces! Denim gauchos can be worn with lots of things and a variety of colors, but denim gauchos with python trim like the ones from Chloe are rather limited. When choosing pieces, go for things without extravagant trims or stitching. It will help keep the clothing more versatile and won't limit you to wearing it with just 1 or 2 outfits. That being said, not ALL your clothing pieces have to be versatile. The general rule of thumb should be: the more expensive the article of clothing, the more versatile it should be. If you find a great top on sale for $15, it doesn't matter if it's versatile! If you are investing in a expensive winter coat however, choose something than can be worn with various outfits through the season.

4) Be your own modiste! If you just have to have that python trim on your gauchos, don't be discouraged if you don't have the money for the ones by Chloe. After buying a pair of affordable denim gauchos, get creative by adding your own touch! There is no rule that states ready to wear clothing from stores can't be modified. Buy trims or material from your local craft store and sew them onto the article of clothing you want to revamp. If you don't sew, use stitch witchery or fabric glue. When modifying your piece of clothing, try looking for cheap, easy pieces (especially when you first try your hand at revamping something). For example, look for denim gauchos at the thrift store. If you happen to mess up, you won't lament a $5 pair of gauchos as much as a $40 pair of gauchos!

5) Be willing to compromise! If you try to copy a look exactly as seen on the runway, chances are you will never succeed. When looking for an outfit, remember you are looking for runway inspired pieces and not actual copies. If you find something similar and like how it fits and looks, go for it... even if it isn't exactly how it looked on the runway or in a magazine. If you insist on trying to find an exact copy, you will spend the entire season searching and never find the right thing. Don't be afraid to use your own judgement and modify the outfit for your body type or personal style. Choose a different style shoe, make a different color choice, use a sweater instead of a blouse. Make every outfit your own... special and unique!

Wish List- Marc by Marc Jacobs Sunglasses

I am totally in love with these glasses!!! The next time I have a hundred bucks to blow on sunglasses, I'm totally getting these! Of course, I'll never have a hundred bucks just to blow on sunglasses but oh well. To be honest, $98 isn't at all bad when compared to other designer glasses but they are (as the old song says) "not for me".

I suppose they will just remain here on my wishlist, looking pretty and waiting for someone else to buy them. If that someone is you, follow this link! http://www.marcjacobs.com/product/detail/mmj186-s/marc-by-marc-jacobs-oversized-plastic-frame

Trend Spotter - Stars and Spots

This week's trend? Stars and spots! To be more exact... small, delicate designs in two-toned prints.

Think tiny white stars on black dresses, navy polka dots on white skirts, etc. The shapes should be small to medium size- nothing too over powering. Giant stars or polka dots read too childish, but a dainty print in classic colors reads feminine and chic.

Try navy and white for a classic look, black on black for a more modern style or have an edge with unusal colors like yellow and black as seen in the Brite Star Collection from Dolce and Gabbana- a collection which has already proved hugely popular with stars like Kim Kardashian, Beyonce, Anne Hathaway, and Fergie.

Check out these designer looks below for inspiration and then check out the bargain pieces available to those of us on a budget!

*If you can't afford to buy entire outfits with the latest trends like polka dots and stars, look for scarfs, bags and other accessories to add a fresh touch to your outfits! Over the next couple of posts, we'll be talking about ways you can easily integrate the latest trends into your own closet for a fraction of the cost!



Designer Looks - Inspiration Pieces



          The 3/4 Length Dress from the Dolce and Gabbana Brite Star Collection - $1,225
    




           Sheer Lace and Crepe Butterfly Dress from Dolce and Gabbana - $1,075




                           Techno Twill with Glitter Dot by Marc Jacobs - $1,400
        




                  Double Face Stretch Crepe Skirt with Glitter Dots by Marc Jacobs - $1,400
                  
    


               Double Face Stretch Crepe Dress with Glitter Dots by Marc Jacobs - $2,900
                                       




                                         Ruffled Lynette Blouse by Kate Spade - $295




                                   Polka Dot Lucia Dress by Stella McCartney - $2,155
                     


           Cover of Vogue Espana featuring various pieces from the new Dolce and Gabbana collection
               



 Bargain Looks - Realistic Pieces






















Melonia Polka Dot Pleated Sateen Dress from Kohls - $85.00




























Ann Taylor Cascade Dots Print Dress - $59.88

        























Worthington Belted Sateen Skirt from JC Penney - $17.60






















Alyx Ruffle Polka Dot 2-fer Dress from J.C. Penney - $39.99


















Womens Going Out Blouse from Old Navy - $29.95
                                       









 










Ruffled Tie-Belt Dotted Shirt Dress from Old Navy - $34.95























Gathered Dot Top from Gap - $34.99
























Knitted Spot Jaquard Jumper from Topshop - $80.00


















   






Merona Ruffle Front Black and Gray Dot Dress From Target - $29.99
      
























 MNG by Mango Polka Dot Blouse with Drawstring Neck - $31.92

















Black and White Oblong Dot Scarf from Target - $12.99
























Mod Dot Rain Boot from Walmart - $25.00




















Double Ring Canvas Hobo Bag with Star Print from Walmart (Prices Vary)



















Candie's Silver Tone Simulated Crystal Star Drop Earrings from Kohls - $9.80

Tips for Tanning

During summer, we all love the golden glow. Instead of tanning outside though and risking freckles, burns, and skin cancer, try tanning the safe way! Whether you have never used self-tanner or use it all the time, try using these tips for a smooth, natural looking tan.


1) Exfoliate- Before applying tanner, you need to prep the surface. In the shower, use a loofah and shower gel to gently exfoliate your skin (especially your legs which tend to be the driest)

2) Apply tanner - When you're fresh out of the shower at night, make sure you dry your skin completely before applying tanner. You don't want any moisture left behind since that can cause an uneven tan. Use a streak-free tanner like Loreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion. Start applying on your legs first. Squeeze little drops all over the fronts of you shins, then use your hands to gently rub in and around to the back. You want to cover all areas evenly and not leave things "too" wet. If the lotion isnt rubbed in enough, remove some by gently rubbing a cloth over your legs. You want to keep rubbing until your legs feel slightly sticky but not actually wet. Make sure you don't see any streaks left behind- the built in bronzer helps you see where/what you are applying so you can avoid streaks. Next cover your arms, chest, shoulders, and

neck using the same method. Leave your face for last- only put a small amount of tanner in your hands and rub together to coat hands evenly, then apply all over your face. Don't get too close to your eyes (it's ok to leave a little white line like sunglasses under your eyes and across the bridge of your nose- it looks more natural and if you try covering it all and going close to your eyes, it is more difficult and tends to leave spotty areas).

3) Wash up- After the lotion is rubbed in everywhere and you are sure there are no obvious streaks, wash your hands (especially in between fingers and around nails) and wrists. The bottoms of your wrists tend to be the whitest parts of your arms, so if you dont wash up there you will have an obvious brown line where your writst meets the palm of your hand. Pat hands and wrists dry with a towel so you dont rub off lotion in other areas of your arms.


4) Let dry- before putting on your pj's and getting into bed for the night, make sure you are completely dry. This will help avoid getting tanner on your clothes as well as avoiding streaks on your skin.


5) Sleep - Applying tanner at night is best because you are lying still and won't be sweating. Tanner can kind of make your pores feel clogged up at first and can make you sweat. So you don't want to apply during the day while you're running around because you can end up with sweat making nice little white trails through your tanned skin. lol

6) Spot removal - Once you wake up, check your skin for any spots or streaks. Even the best application can sometimes leave streaks. If that happens, no worries! Take a pumice stone and soak in water. Apply a little shower gel on the stone and GENTLY rub on the spotty area. You will only need to rub 3 or 4 times very gently. The pumice stone is abrasive enough that it takes the color right off. Rub once or twice and check your progress- you don't want to take all the color off, just the excess color. Use carefully on sensitive areas like neck or face- some people recommend a loofah for taking off color but I have found youhave to rub more/harder to get the exess color off. Using the pumice is easier on the skin- even though it is more abrasive, you can use it gently and it requires only a few rubs until the color is gone. If you have spots on your legs or ankles (or other "tougher" areas)  use the pumice stone with baking soda. If you have extra color around your nails, just try soaking them in lemon juice and then polish them with a clear or nude color.

7) Bronze - If you have sensitive skin on yoru face and don't want to use self-tanner because it causes breakouts, just apply the tanner on arms, legs, etc. Then on your neck and face, use a powder bronzer. To give that silky glow, use a moisturizer first as a base for your makeup and then apply the bronzer last.

8) Enjoy your tan- you are now tan in a healthy, non-threatening way! Tans can make us feel more confident, cover up scars/stretch marks, even our skin tone and actually make us look thinner, so enjoy your glow and go strut your stuff, ladies! :)