clothes talk

Sorting through my wardrobe in preparation for 6 months of clothes-shopping-barren Yellowknife, I've noticed some repeat items that I buy again and again- in many different varieties, brands and fabrics- but still the same specific thing.
It is a difficult choice to decide which of them I want to bring- because there are so MANY, and yet I love them all.
This is because I wear them incessantly.
This is because I am completely obsessed with them.

This is what's called a signature look, though. And this is mine down pat:
- Black long-sleeved blazers: I love the way they can dress up a pair of jeans or be dressed down with a printed t-shirt. I've got a collection for every season and occasion (nearly...) whether 3/4 length sleeve or velvet or cotton jersey or lightweight or outdoor-weight. At last count I had nearly 10.

- Flat, knee-high, lace-up boots (black): You simply can't beat the lace-up variety. I wear them every day. When it comes to boot shopping, I shun all other varieties. But when I encounter a lace-up pair, I must have it. I've tried different variations (high heels, calf/ankle height, no-lace) and they simply don't work for me. Call it the Daria and/or Jane syndrome. That shit was all about me.

- Long hooded sweaters (black): The absolute ultimate in lounging gear. And they've got to be long: I'm talking butt-length- or longer. I don't get to wear them enough as I work every day, but I've got half a dozen stuffed in a shelf for single, glorious, warm moments. I've got a knee-length zip-up hoodie that is the only thing I've worn enough to warrant multiple repairs and I'm going to own it forever.

What is your signature style?

Another month, another costume party

This month I got creative with a "Mobsters and Dames" themed Masq as a 30's cabaret dancer. I am accompanied by Meaghan, who used awesome makeup skills to perfectly emulate a silent movie actor, a la Clara Bow.

The craft aspect was the sequined bustier (custom-drafted pattern, fully lined, fully boned). It is a MESS but it looks great because the fabric was so forgiving and hid all the mistakes. It was my first time working with stretch sequins.

I have learned:
- stretch fabric is stretchy and needs to be made smaller than normal clothes. (so often i neglect this fact)
- industrial fishnet tights are incredible- they conform to your legs perfectly, retain their shape, and are immune to picks and runs. They are also extremely uncomfortably itchy and feel like fishing net.
- I would like to start designing panties.

P.S: I am spending all my knitting time at Ravelry which is taking significant attention away from this blog- oh my.

P.P.S: I fly to Yellowknife in exactly a month and must now face the dilemma of bringing a sewing machine and tons of fabric and supplies up there, oh lordy.

** photo credit goes to Paul Smith

Subject: things on my head

Just a little update to show off some new hats.

I totally jumped on the cabled tam bandwagon- they are currently my favorite thing to make.the obligatory facebookey image

can it be-- that i have something other than black in my wardrobe??

On another note- this was not made by me but just too full of crafty gorgeous not to post.
I commissioned Monique Ryan (she has hats at Pretty Things Boutique) to make a little 30's inspired hat to be worn in lieu of a wedding veil (is there anything that girl can't do??). I basically told her what I would like on it (veil in a specific shape, feathers, pearls) but had no idea what she would come up with. I was beyond pleased with the result!

The cute half-moon shape, the flashy pearls, the feathers radiating out of it, the subtle veil, the vintage-y look-- the more I look at it the more perfect it gets! Even the ladies at the bridal store agreed that it was 100% better than any of the cage veil styles they had seen. (the secret is real vintage lace- not the horrible stiff acrylic stuff)
The price was beyond reasonable- almost too cheap for something one-of-a-kind. I only needed to sew on a little hair comb ($0.50 at Michael's) and it was ready to wear.
And if you happen to be interested in THE dress, I put a deposit on that sucker a few days ago. Here is a preview. (DON'T show to Mr. Christopher!)

Tune in next time for: More hats.