My Birthday in Fashion

Today is my birthday and I have been counting down for months. I have an amazing day planned with Alex and friends including brunch, pool, Iron Man 3, and drinks. Later, Alex is also going to take me horseback riding!

I thought I'd kick off my birthday in style by sharing what my birthday has in common with fashion history.

This was the May cover of Vogue the year I was born. It's not as hideously 80s as expected. Tatjana Patitz was a gorgeous German supermodel who can really rock the bedhead look. And yes, Vogue, of course there is sexy after 40.

 

The year I was born also marks the launch of Isaac Mizrahi's and Lida Baday's first collections. These garments was in their 2010 and 2012 spring collections respectively. I just love the styling -- those shoes on Mizrahi's model are killer!

My birth year also marked the end of an era. House of Patou released one final spring collection including the beautiful gown above.

I am also happy to share the same birthdate as Valentino. This green couture gown is part of the newest spring collection and I would absolutely die if I had a dress this stunning.

Mood Board: Refreshed & Serene

Five months ago, my boyfriend and I moved into our very first apartment. It is just a small studio but compared to our last situation it is spacious. Even though we have all the space we need, I am craving emptiness. I'm longing for that blank wall or the ability to spread out on the floor.

Over the summer, we are finally splurging for bedroom furniture which will provide extra storage under the bed and finally spread us out a little more. I plan on putting the final "girly" touches as well - new curtains, throw pillows, etc.

I saw a mood board on another blog and was blown away with the idea. I decided to make one for my apartment decor plans. The painting in the middle was painted by my boyfriend's mom, Karina Allrich, and hangs over our bed. Since there are no walls between our bedroom and living room, I decided to use the color palette of the painting as the base for both rooms. I hope to capture the freshness and serenity in my decor that these photographs portray.

The Ultimate Swatch Book + Freebie

Swatch books have always been a great idea in theory.. They are great for certain projects like redoing a room or planning a wedding, but fall flat for every day uses. I always start one, then a few months go by and I realize it's already filled with holes and questions. Where is the swatch of what I just bought? Did I use that fabric up or do I still have a yard? Didn't I give that fabric away?

I spent hours redesigning the concept of a swatch book to fit my needs. This new swatch binder divides your swatches by project. As a mostly apparel designer, I found that it would be most helpful to flip to my swatch page of pants that are made in the closet, so that I can then see if the blouse fabric I am looking at matches something already in my wardrobe. This organization method would also work to sort by color or any other method you see fit. I have made this tutorial versatile and I'd love to here ways you customized it for yourself! 

Photozealous #4

I am not even sure the purpose of this page.. was it an ad or article? I do know that I found it in a 2005 issue of Details Magazine. Yes, that is a men's magazine I used to get and I don't remember why. I enjoyed the eye candy and the articles. Plus, the larger page format made for amazing collages.

As the warm weather rolls in, we all gear up and add color to our lives through fashion, decor, our photos, etc. I could have found an image with a model or decked out in neon with a pool or garden in the background but I choose this. There is something alluring about the sharpness and simplicity of white.

April Obssessions

DIY Pressed Flower iPhone Case | Shabby Apple doesn't just have great clothes, but great tutorials too!  A unique way to preserve flowers or even save memories by using your prom corsage or wedding bouquet.

Stationary Set | Recently, I bought this lovely set of notepaper and handmade envelopes by Manipulated Paper. I signed up for the International Geek Girl Pen Pal Club and was matched to not one but two pen pals! I'm excited to start receiving snail mail again.

Wine Bottle Vase | I discovered this amazing decor item by Nor Cal Art Glass and thought it would be a great way to add a little pizazz to a patio or kitchen.

The Churchill | My newest favorite hang out spot with my friends. It's outdoorsy, great food, and drinks come in mason jars! This bar has an amazing country chic vibe right in the heart of West Hollywood. I could eat their sliders and duck fat popcorn all day long.

Cross Stitch Paint | Cross Stitching on a wall using paint is well, just plain genius. It looks like a fun way to add color and texture to a room without painting the whole thing. I hope to incorporate this somehow in my future home.

1 Minute Bacon Mug Brownie Recipe | Do I even have to say more? Thanks Jaime from Prudent Baby for this inspiration which I intend to make my own gluten free version of very soon.

Summer is Upon Us

1 year ago today I started this blog. I planned for a week and still haven't made it through the list of ideas I wrote down for posts. I was unemployed and new to Los Angeles. It feels amazing to look back at everything I accomplished in a mere 365 days.

It is also about that time to start planning summer activities - trips, outdoor fun, warm weather treats, etc. I have created my list of top ten activities to complete by fall.

1. Get back on a horse bought lessons
2. BBQ at the beach
3. Visit the Aquarium
4. See Joshua Tree
5. Finish decorating the apartment
6. Go to the Drive in
7. Attend a West Coast Red Sox Game bought tickets for July!
8. Spend a lot of time at my pool
9. Complete all the sewing projects in my closet
10. Complete the summer activity list on Real Simple

What is on your list?

Butterick to the Big Screen

So I am a bit behind on my already planned projects. I still have my summer suit to make and a few dresses for weddings I am attending this summer but that isn't going to stop me from sewing for another contest! I had a lot of fun with the Mad Men and Sewing for Victory challenges so how could I say no to Butterick to the Big Screen?

I'm not going to give away the outfit I am putting together just yet but I will show you which patterns I picked out.

Any guesses?

Butterick 3030

Butterick 5895

Need inspiration for your own silver screen project? LA Times wrote an amazing article, Send in the Gowns, which has video footage of amazing timeless dresses.