Buy it or Make it: Denim Jeans

I have been the luckiest girl lately. I am back to my pre-baby weight and size thanks to a change in my diet and making time to exercise! It means that I can fit my old jeans, but that doesn't mean I want to wear them. I'm a new girl after having a baby and my wardrobe should reflect the journey. As much I love denim, I don't like to shop for it. Isn't it a chore when it comes to finding new jeans? I also cringe at the cost of Paige Jeans, $298 for a basic pair, even though they are truly a remarkable feat of beautiful engineering. I'm a mom now and budget is the word.  Thanks to lady luck on my recent shopping spree! I went vintage shopping and scored three pairs of jeans that I am in love with! As I'm not Canadian, I wasn't familiar with these two Canadian denim manufactors, but holla! Every girl in North America should know these labels. First up, Silver Jeans Co. 

{Image from Jason in Hollywood-read this blog to keep current on billboards in LA}

The Silver Jean Co. was established twenty years ago by Michael Silver. He earned an degree in Fine Arts and went to work in the fashion industry for Western Glove Works. He learned the craft of denim and was inspired to launch his line of clothing for Men and Women. I respect that he mentions in an awesome interview on creating denim fashions that he is tireless about details such as thread, fabric, and dye.

Read more awesome interviews at Denim Blog

Things I am Loving: Kate Hudson to J Crew Toronto

Yesterday, our condo building was having plumbing upgraded and the water was shut-off for the entire day. That meant a trip to Toronto's Eaton Center was in order. On my adventure at the mall, which with a 14 month old girl is truly an adventure,  I fell in love with Kate Hudson for Ann Taylor. The peplum dress, shown on the right, is a fantastic example of beautiful tailoring and fit. These are classic dresses that inspired me to pick out some patterns that would replicate the look at a fraction of the cost. 

Things to Sew: Fall Jackets

I love September because the weather is typically filled with the warm remnants of summer.  As the last of summer fades away, there is a shift to creating that same cozy warmth, and nothing makes fall more enjoyable than a fall jacket. There are several images that have me excited about the idea of covering up in style.  Olivia Palermo fall jacket style is classic and modern. 

Afternoon Ideas to Beat the Heat!

Ombre Hair Color & Hair Chalking

Ombre Hair technique had once been the French girl's secret. Suddenly, it has splashed on the shores of the States and women are loving the look. The fantastic purpose is of Ombre hair coloring is not just that it is more wallet-friendly, but that it highlights beautiful soft beach waves.

Hair Chalking is a fantastic way to amp the style of your ombre hair. It's quite simple and there are plenty of products on the market available to temporary color your hair.

Lunch in the Sun: 5 Essentials for an Awesome Picnic!

It takes more than food to make a picnic awesome.  A beautiful picnic blanket, plush pillows, a relaxed summer hat, and extraordinary tableware can make things fabulous! Toss in a sizzling summer read, Southern Charm by socialite Tinsley Mortimer, and you are read to forget doing anything for the rest of the day. Rest and relaxation does need a bit of prep work! Discover some great accessories to help you get the rest you deserve-or... Better yet, discover the cure to the office blues or an awesome way to just escape!

Sew it: My Summer Swimsuit Top

It was quite a week. It came and it went! I had a funeral to attend out of town. On returning to our home, we discovered that our place was in full blown renovation! Hence, no posts last week. It happens! In my spare moments, I've been plugging away at this swimsuit top. I love Kate Spade and wanted something bright, fun, and little retro. Last night I got it done! I used McCall's Pattern M5400, Top E. The girl in the next drawing looks a bit crazed! LOL! That's the drawing top I made.

Fashion + Interiors: The Graduate in Reverse

Resources:

Kushcush Swimwear 

{Worn by Celebs like Jessica Biel, Audrina Patridge, Kim Kardashian, & Nicole Richie}

Buy it or Make it: Swimwear

Are you swooning for summer? I am! I love summer, swimsuits, and oceans to swimming pools. Have you noticed that Kate Spade has launched a Swimwear line for the first time! I was so excited. Here is a preview.

Kate Spade Debut Swimwear 2012

Now, I actually love to swim, soak in hot tubs, or paddle on surf boards. Imagine my surprise when I found out these swimsuits are $358 {gasp!} and you can't wear them into hot tubs {double-choke!!}. I don't care if Kate Spade swimsuits come with a free ring, I ain't going to do that! I quickly checked out some other options, including making my own swimwear. I'll let you guess what I'm up to now...

Ready to Sail with Fresh Produce Clothing

 

 

Check out Fresh Produce Clothing online. You might even pick-up the same dress I'm wearing to add to your wardrobe. One more reason to wear the beautiful...its dog-friendly too!

Thanks to Fresh Produce for sponsoring Modern Girl Style and allowing me to select any piece to review! I'm inspired by your clothes! I'll love this dress for life! To learn more, check out the Fresh Produce Blog, too.

On the Set: Fashion + Interiors

On the Set: Fashion + Interiors is a new series that I will be running this month. I've been so nuts about fashion that I've been neglecting my other love, interior design! This is my creative way to channel them together and keep the flame alive! The dress featured is available at Amanda Wakeley. I discovered a low budget version of the asymmetrical neckline by Calvin Klein for $70 at Marshall's. See the pic here at my Modern Girl Style tumblr, a shopping & around town blog. The interior is from Elle Decor. 

Modern Girl Style Tumblr Update

I'm publishing inspiring images that I collect in my daily life via Modern Girl Style at Tumblr. Isn't the neck line on this dress beautiful?! I can't wait to try a neckline similar to this on a summer dress. Why does summer have to be so short! There are too many dresses to wear and not enough time!

Sewing Project #3: Double Off-Shoulder Dress

It ain't perfect! That's the first thought I had when I tried it on, but the base layer is! This dress was sewn from Built by Wendy: Dress Book. I love this book, so forget what the reviews say! I drafted the pattern, cut the fabric, and then stalled for too long. I wasn't sure how to sew single-fold bias tape to the neck line, but I found this awesome tutorial and it was full steam ahead! 

I created the top, sheer layer, first. I will admit that I'm not to happy with the overall look of the top layer. I quickly hemmed it, knowing I wasn't going to be all that happy with it. I think that this top layer is just going to be worn on days when I'm in the mood for it. I'm don't like that you can't tell that I'm wearing two off-shoulder dress that are criss-crossed over another. It ends up being a bit too conservative for me! Here is a better view...I should have moved my hair for this shot! 

Buy it or Make it: Paper Bag Skirts

My love affair with paper bag skirts started at Emerson Fry. What I didn't realize was how easy this is to make at home. A paper bag skirt refers to the waist line of the skirt, which has a ruffled top that can flop over or stand tall, like it has been starched.  It can be belted or cinched tight with elastic, or both. Therefore, the first image isn't a true paper bag skirt-I just love the image.

{image from gipsy scarlet}}

Since my craft room has become an atelier {laugh now}, I am en route to sewing my own paper bag skirt. I'll publish photos when the project is done, but here are a few resources for those that want to tackle a paper bag skirt and links to those that just want to buy it!

Host a Party Like Megan Draper

{Mad Men Season 5}

Megan Draper, the new Mrs. to Don Draper, taught the world on the season premier that she knows how to host a party even if it leaves everyone speechless. No, it wasn't the appetizers or the drinks, nor the decor that left the room stunned into silence, it was her special gift to her new husband. Ahem, let's recap. 

How to Throw a Party Like Megan Draper

• Over serve drinks like a Gibson Martinis and Moscow Mules. This is the official Mad Men Cocktail Guide
• Serve party food that has heart-attack inducing qualities like bacon. Extra Pound Cake has a modern take on the perfect Mad Men food + drink combo. 
• Music is so essential to a great party. What was Megan's inspiration for her little number...a little known French song, Zou Bisou Bisou by Gillian Hills! The video is just as awesome as Mrs. Draper's version!

• Kiss your husband and make up when things don't turn out as you expected! Or read this interview to know what it's like to kiss Don Draper.

How to Wear Trapeze Tops

Before I throw off this post by beginning with a picture of a vintage trapeze artist, I want to talk about the cut and design of the trapeze top, a very celebrity worn look. The cut of the top is "fitted at the bust and extends out to an A-line shape, which extends toward the hemline". The flow of the fabric gives the impact of movement, much like the trapeze artist. Here are the modern images of the trapeze top that will help you to connect the dots to this style trend that you may be seeing at your local boutique or mall. And I will take a quick moment to thank, Mary Ann, a reader, who sparked the writing of this post! She wants to find the trapeze top that Jenni was wearing on the second episode of Interior Therapy with Jeff Lewis-any one think or know the top, please post an answer in the comments! Now to that trapeze top:

Here's to You, Jeanwest!

One of the aspects I love about blogging is meeting new people, places, and things. This post is a loving shout-out to my loyal readers at Jeanswest that have been reading my blog for the last few years.  More importantly, the Australian & New Zealand denim outfitters have beautiful news! They are celebrating forty years in the business this year. Since the thought of sewing my own pair of denim jeans is like the idea of me flying a spaceship to the moon, I'm going to drool over these beautiful images by Jeanswest. Who wouldn't want to be wearing a pair of these?!

Sewing My First Dress

I haven't had time to focus on the construction of my off-shoulder dress. I wanted to get something done quick and fast. New Look 6936 was the perfect solution. As a new mom, I also need dresses that are easy to go. My sister hates the print of this dress, but I like it because it reminds me of my wedding in Maui! So take or leave the fabric of this dress, the pattern rocks. It really is super easy to sew. A great dress for a beginner like me! I also like the other options for the bodice of the dress. The kimono style dress really is the best for my post-baby body! 

What can I say? I make a bunch of sacrifices for my little girl-but it's all soo worth it! Now, my mom is still in town and like no one in my family, including my mom, understands my blogging thing. She is on a melt-down to leave and do what?! Shop! Got to run and guess what? I'm wearing this dress today!

Spring Inspirations for 2012

Resources to Draft a Sewing Pattern

Gathered Hemlock Dress by Anthropologie

Can I ever stop posting images of beautiful dresses? I was extremely smitten by the pencil dress created by D&G (the floral dress below) & DKNY. It is truly a wardrobe staple.

As you know, I'm not an atelier sewing pro! When I need to know how to learn something, I utilize the Web. Since I'm a loving blogger, I want to share my research with you! Here is an easy resource list to help any girl learn how to draft patterns: