tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33204360150489552162024-02-07T18:27:36.577+01:0021centurydressmakersfashion, fashion design, sewing, re-cycle, Paris, art, denim, denim revolution, jeans, dressmaking, crafts, knitting, crochetingUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger206125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320436015048955216.post-50969447924074994162011-07-17T11:28:00.012+02:002011-07-17T16:57:24.636+02:00How to Make a Pair of Cozy and Sweet Ballet Slippers<div align="left"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 262px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630251891033143362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjRPmsXb2PewR2yY8GlVPuv7Z_6YUOUchFi3r9Q_YLJnjvkfmQWkMK_43P5eSXIxYd2B-qKoBmI2elozhyphenhyphen2drSfbJW2-bhpMe0dCJseGVHtu-mzB1UR8IZsObyb49SOI8ag_EhGdey9M/s400/slippers+side+view.jpg" /> <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/59968225/Sew-a-Pair-of-Ballet-Slippers">C<span style="font-family:arial;">lick here for PDF version and patterns<br /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><span style="color:#000000;">These pretty ballet slippers -- a most enjoyable and fun sewing project -- can be made in a leisurely afternoon. Rummage through your left over fabric scraps and notions, get started and before you know it, you will be admiring your handiwork as you pad around in your cozy new slippers.</span></span><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color:#333399;"><strong><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 398px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 336px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630251894583436834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyaEjyU6jV5aFbWQS_zlCSQmuU3NH46T38rmWw08zekIWEHNqMuGJJ97lCjqdpTD8Jkd88SzVFzk8S_RXYbkQJdb1kJJZC54spGPSqDit5ToqLOFveSWxgw3yTujmRRUr82j1EcRSSpyw/s400/slippers+on+pillow.jpg" /></strong></span></span></div><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color:#333399;"><strong>What you need …<br /></strong></span>**unless the yardage is noted, lay your patterns on the material to determine the yardage<br />• Re-cycled denim<br />• Cotton fabric (pink gingham) for lining<br />• Cotton fabric (eggplant floral print) for piping, heel trim and ruffles<br />• 24” x 5/8” wide velvet (raspberry) ribbon, cut in half<br />• Iron on interfacing<br />• Cardboard<br />• Leather, vinyl, denim or another durable material, for the sole<br />• 1 yard x ¼” wide elastic, cut in half<br />• Thread, scissors, pins, pencil, needles, sewing machine<br />• </span><a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/59968225/Sew-a-Pair-of-Ballet-Slippers"><span style="font-family:arial;">PDF (click here) upper, sole and ruffle patterns<br /></div></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><span style="color:#333399;"></span></strong></span></div><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><span style="color:#333399;">Check the fit before you start …<br /></span></strong>The pattern included is an adult, medium size. To check the fit, stand on the sole pattern. It should peek out around the perimeter of your foot. If you need to reduce or enlarge the pattern, cut the pattern in quarters down the middle, and then extend, or overlap the pieces to fit your foot. Tape together, smooth out the new lines, and apply the changes also to the upper pattern. Then cut an upper and sole out of some leftover fabric, gather the toe and baste the two pieces together. Slip it on, check the fit, and apply any further adjustments to your pattern pieces.<br /></span><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><span style="color:#333399;">Cut your pieces …<br /></span></strong>• Cut two denim uppers + two upper interfacings.<br /><br />• Cut two soles from the durable material. </div>• For the lining, cut two soles and two uppers out of the pink gingham + two sole and two upper interfacings.<br /><br />• Cut the floral accent fabric: Cut two bias strips 1” x 24” wide from the floral print for the piping + 4 x half-moon pattern for the ruffle + 2 strips 1 ½” wide x 3” long for the heel trim.<br /><br />• Transfer all pattern notches.<br /><br />• Cut two cardboard soles (cutting 3/8” smaller all around the perimeter of the Sole<br />Pattern. (If you like your slippers more cushiony cut out a pair of foam liners as well.)<br /><br /><span style="color:#990000;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Easy to follow sewing instructions…</strong></span><br /></span><strong><span style="color:#333399;">Denim Upper and Sole:<br /></span></strong>Iron the interfacing on the back side of the denim uppers and soles.<br /><br />Sew a row of basting stitches between the toe notches.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 142px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630314238069210946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6hccIZM-ohWkn_hSfcMSg0fibkQzk_FuYSGLE6As8zTiZt5q7YNtsfkFhAWUy3GyhwMqFyhyphenhyphenRyZZ6q3jy1YhR4xWepCJZ3fxzkL3i-d-2kf7Yl0Uf4KT9MJD7S8TWiA4gkQ0x45TtVg/s400/basting_upper.jpg" />Stitch the heel together with a 3/8” seam allowance and press open.<br /><br />Reinforce the heel seam with the cotton floral fabric as follows: Interface 3” strip floral accent fabric. Fold back ¼” seam allowance along each length and press. With wrong sides facing each other, center strip over the heel seam. Pin and trim any excess off the top and bottom so strip aligns with denim edge. Edge stitch along each length. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 253px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 232px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630314244534757970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3L9jR4bbilF8w9xRrSOLExi_fsYPeePwONdWRZ7BfEqbpLezMsEzQqaDQ8oUS20sjSwlJVQjmbs-Y1je1GjH_Bro4tzxT2-HVjfKTlsgLVG-Gxa0aVSo4u0WY42OzOfuMp4JtViEyOwI/s400/heel.jpg" />Pull the toe basting thread, easing gathers, so that the toe will curl under softly. With right sides facing, pin the upper to the sole, matching notches. Baste and remove pins. Stitch seam with 3/8” seam allowance. It is a wee bit tricky, so take your time to stitch a neat, curved line, with toe gathers evenly distributed. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 224px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 419px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630314249327922274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglI_d1r_P8eyyGzNioGyWaLSeGHf8RqTkqeHimobqlSadAIokev9apZbZd8_DN9-u7mNeS2hoFnUcyb7RZvIZ-DFnO76wq0zD91YptuRWHOMdYSMDtqSdqzXKIOePptPfjRAZbhmcJBdk/s400/stiched_slipper.jpg" />Turn right side out. With something firm, like a pair of blunt scissors, press firmly on the seam, to give it a pressed finish.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#333399;">Make Lining:<br /></span></strong>Iron interfacing to the cotton lining upper and sole.<br /><br />Following above instructions for the denim, stitch the lining upper to the sole.<br /><br />Assemble Slipper:<br />Slip cardboard soles inside slippers.<br />*If you like your slippers cushiony then slip the foam soles on top of the cardboard.<br /><br />Slip the linings inside the slippers, smoothing neatly in place. Pin.<br /><br />Baste together all around the perimeter of the edge.<br /><br />Trim off any lining that extends beyond denim.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#333399;">Make the Ruffle:<br /></span></strong>With wrong sides facing, stitch one pair of ruffles together, sewing ¼” around the half circle shape but not the bottom.<br /><br />Turn ruffle inside out and press.<br /><br />Stitch a row of basting stitches ¼”, along the bottom edge. Pull the basting stitches to form soft gathers.<br /><br />Pin ruffle, centered, aligned with denim edge, to slipper front. Baste and remove pins.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#333399;">Add Slipper Piping and Elastic:<br /></span></strong>With right sides facing each other and edges aligned, pin the bias floral fabric all around the perimeter of the slipper edge. Baste, remove pins. Stitch ¼” around the edge.<br /><br />Zigzag stitch the elastic around the slipper edge as follows: Align the elastic with the slipper edge on the inside, pinning it all around with a little ease. (You only need a little elastic ease for a good fit.) Zigzag stitch down elastic center.<br /><br />Press the floral bias piping up. Fold it over the edge, and tuck the seam allowance under. Pin it around the perimeter so that you have a neat piped edge.<br /><br />Hand stitch the piping closed, with the stitching line following the seam join point on the right side, so that your stitches are hidden. Be careful to pull the elastic as you stitch, to maintain the ease.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#333399;">Velvet Ribbon Bows:<br /></span></strong>Tightly tie two small bows. Cut bow ends at diagonal angle.<br /><br />Hand tack bows to cover the join point of the ruffle.<br /><br />Pad around with a big smile and enjoy!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 303px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630318715502999762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCaM-mBhzYjhE8mF8Bgnopd07SxpAyP8M7dG6eyeBOgWyuzhhxfgZuvHEFHhQYuNzpX6JDiT7-sAoBU3jafEHL5emvgvFyRXICKaQSTRszQLddWRuLbIHmFQcYGwZPsIRnBxagTfwlPc/s400/slippers+3.jpg" /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320436015048955216.post-86648494276541458402011-04-03T20:05:00.004+02:002011-04-03T20:32:41.466+02:00Sew a shower bonnet from re-cycled plastic and fabric scraps<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPQEwDLf4GsVn6iDni34zcO9wzLCaEza6L6IEui5z514y-7HaqAtNmNqwSleYER96HKCjMoUHNWbTn2fsh_5nfP3UitUJNwLlcnCEZQq8Hijy0DjdjrVo4Ywj-FBtRAcPECsZDANCJVw/s1600/Jazzy-bonnet.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591420764162070466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 360px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPQEwDLf4GsVn6iDni34zcO9wzLCaEza6L6IEui5z514y-7HaqAtNmNqwSleYER96HKCjMoUHNWbTn2fsh_5nfP3UitUJNwLlcnCEZQq8Hijy0DjdjrVo4Ywj-FBtRAcPECsZDANCJVw/s400/Jazzy-bonnet.gif" border="0" /></a>Above is a "Jazzy" shower bonnet. It is lined in a green re-cycled plastic bag, with a nylon lace overlay, and fun ribbon scraps and odd buttons rummaged from notions box. Below is another version, this one made from an old vintage, polyester California State scarf. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591420666189209890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojHfQYc8vbuiNAQaNLsBrWjQVubQ_pLjpgsm_fOrqCt36k1l0bljL8flfLH2ziu90G8CfzfYdNHbSlnAe-fH601hBbO1ILTgNXw6wWWUlhbRmEqrcu5_DQklBIf2FX7TcxgVONQcDBIU/s400/bonnet.gif" border="0" />These bonnets take an hour maximum to make, and are so practical and fun - and decorative and cheery in the bathroom. This is how you sew them... <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXkdKOYdgbBBf4tyd1o9PrY74ioO40MPX8JL2mpz38mSrmXaedws1siNA8VyfM237ktcTcUYszxeLQXSiIxaA346S4ittg2Y1-1CnLk-Vp1qokqb5pY9G5ie4XdmAjZ6IElfCVXmOEg8/s1600/fabric.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591420740256502402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 366px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXkdKOYdgbBBf4tyd1o9PrY74ioO40MPX8JL2mpz38mSrmXaedws1siNA8VyfM237ktcTcUYszxeLQXSiIxaA346S4ittg2Y1-1CnLk-Vp1qokqb5pY9G5ie4XdmAjZ6IElfCVXmOEg8/s400/fabric.gif" border="0" /></a> Gather together your materials - above, is a vintage polyester scarf, a green plastic bag pulled from the re-cycle bin, 1 yard of 1" wide turquoise gingham ribbon + (not in the photo) 1 yard of 1/4" wide elastic, 1 yard of 1" wide yellow gingham ribbon, red thread.</div><br /><div>Directions:</div><br /><div>Cut the scarf in a circle, with a 20" diameter. Repeat with the green plastic.</div><br /><div>With wrong sides facing, align the two circles together, and stitch all around, 5/8" from the edge. </div><br /><div>Sew the turquoise ribbon around the edge.</div><br /><div>Make a casing for the elastic with the yellow ribbon. Align the yellow ribbon 1/2" from the edge of the turquoise ribbon. Stitch with a zigzag stitch, 1/2" from the edge. Stitch a second row, 1/8" from the other edge, leaving a 2" gap to pull the elastic through the casing. </div><br /><div>Slip the elastic through the gap, pulling it through, pin the ends to together, to an ease that is comfortable for your head. Stitch elastic closed, and clip excess. </div><br /><div>Fold back excess ribbon to form a bow, and tack with a button, or two.</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrxetQSEX5rmPC14uo4_fUAgvduVlihPzxTri938qLbqb2AiVV_wXc8nm0DvwV4d6hrWyISHGSfB0QCxkWO1k5XHrVo5oZt-WRQo-EQ-S3T8LFDMK7eVj4ZjigI7HmcJE20VisjqTa7s/s1600/California-scarf-bonnet.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591420697954396450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrxetQSEX5rmPC14uo4_fUAgvduVlihPzxTri938qLbqb2AiVV_wXc8nm0DvwV4d6hrWyISHGSfB0QCxkWO1k5XHrVo5oZt-WRQo-EQ-S3T8LFDMK7eVj4ZjigI7HmcJE20VisjqTa7s/s400/California-scarf-bonnet.gif" border="0" /></a> <br /><div>Enjoy!</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320436015048955216.post-67067656317155869772011-01-30T15:05:00.006+01:002011-01-30T17:22:46.368+01:00February Fashion Screensaver<div align="left"><a href="http://www.21centurydressmakers.com/Full%20pages/Freebies%20frame.html"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567980480898946754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 399px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 319px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8uDLmN3SreII9S4LTdRMVxaRPmqWXmu2fGw4hN81ujOpkPPkG1DZPXXQOe7CUzzckgHI2vV-rcdkWniIaJgf5pVWQgvzjxrrDp-pIuCCDKo0r-ZpNRZiErsBeRM1fIvTAdqfYTs7r_Yw/s400/mini.gif" border="0" /> Click here to download or print your free February screensaver)<br /></a>When I create a monthly screensaver, I simply can't anticipate where it will lead. It just sort of happens, with the fashion story unfolding, as I sketch. This month, is no exception. </div><div align="left">Starting with the center of the month - Valentine's Day, I thought everything would be pink, but instead it grew into a story about discovery. One sketch is an inquisitive portrait. But (hidden to the viewer) she is wearing USLU Airlines Nail Polish <a href="http://www.usluairlines.com/shop/nail-polish-las/">"LAS (or Las Vegas) Eau de Colette.”</a> Described as a “blued hex perfumed” polish, it sounds lovely, and, unexpected, like, a blue valentine. I haven't smelled it, but doesn't it seem like a reason to visit Paris and go to Colette? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHr6waMX6Dxq8hC8EJdRgRpyqbs8aAeoJXxkcFOQ5WKAmkHeYa5SmK4NZ6MYOrNYqagtXwYfOJkwS4bQt1dwMG9y5DYuKZEqm_0FWWKI3G6sg9OTYhCcuemPY9oOLFD0bstk_qm8TxlY/s1600/uslu_nail_LAS_2500_logo_a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567980454531423890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHr6waMX6Dxq8hC8EJdRgRpyqbs8aAeoJXxkcFOQ5WKAmkHeYa5SmK4NZ6MYOrNYqagtXwYfOJkwS4bQt1dwMG9y5DYuKZEqm_0FWWKI3G6sg9OTYhCcuemPY9oOLFD0bstk_qm8TxlY/s400/uslu_nail_LAS_2500_logo_a.jpg" border="0" /></a>The other sketch is of a woman, as a dandy, strutting all her fashion on the outside. Sporting a printed floral, bell bottomed, pantsuit, with hair dyed to match, or almost match, her poppy velvet beret. She is wearing <a href="http://the-lacquerista.blogspot.com/2010/10/dior-447-mandarin-orange-peachy-squishy.html">Dior’s sparkly nails “Mandarin Orange</a>.”<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgLCqW0P4fxLU0zO7Pi5hV8fX_VrXf87r_GAHuoL1tZu82gWqmo0nYgIx70I9dVd1PUcQaT9QQs9c8ZwvKqPUeA_zj27W3jD8aj9-yz8wT6r3XP10XrlEmzNOIwDiBHNXYKvFOZlD66k/s1600/IMG_1643.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567980447729073906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgLCqW0P4fxLU0zO7Pi5hV8fX_VrXf87r_GAHuoL1tZu82gWqmo0nYgIx70I9dVd1PUcQaT9QQs9c8ZwvKqPUeA_zj27W3jD8aj9-yz8wT6r3XP10XrlEmzNOIwDiBHNXYKvFOZlD66k/s400/IMG_1643.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567980486672886754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 189px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPJYTB_cRTVb96P1MWzuyhX3Ld97hAUMNVd-eFsoZX4iLWo1P-hJw7cdM2oD2AdB1oH19XvcbUmw63qOsBGMaNB2v7uEIUIF3LLkY2m6rWJ13Tnq6v7lZLTQVvxjkVKbVT1-NQvmy8kY/s400/pantsuit+sketch.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><br /><br /></div>Fashion is fun, and releasing one’s fashion desires feels soo good. It is also the best defense to fend off those bitter cold and dark winter days that are bound to happy all month long.<br />All kinds of wonders and delights await us in February. It is only up to us, to open our heart, follow new paths, and discover and enrich our life and those around us with the delights of the unexpected.<br />Wishing you to enjoy February, in all it's glory!<br />P.S. The <a href="http://www.fondation-pb-ysl.net/en/Accueil-Fondation-Pierre-Berge-Yves-Saint-Laurent-Copie-485.html">LOVE poster is from YSL</a>, dated 1992.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320436015048955216.post-87227468727771764552011-01-07T18:53:00.005+01:002011-01-07T19:12:44.506+01:00Emmanuelle Alt appointed Editor of French Vogue<div align="center"><a href="http://www.iwanttobearoitfeld.com/journal/2010/12/17/carine-roitfeld-quits-vogue-paris.html"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 288px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559503807995404818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2suD1jN5WICu2dEPhh0vIyzY0mltP9QvdagU0GPgfLiMYQJNqguK7Bu9YGjHEc9mXvlOlTcz9Gb7sIH4HStecmSYjc4U3G4axQpl5noX8W_Kna1VG_-G3ZHoqcP-GW5cmc3rof0g4Bs/s400/carine_roitfeld_Emmanuelle_Alt_New_Vogue_Paris_Editor_In_Chief.jpg" />Carine Roitfeld </a>(former Editor) and <a href="http://mystylefest.wordpress.com/2010/10/19/parisian-chic-supremo-emmanuelle-alt/">Emmanuelle Alt </a>(on left, future editor) </div><div align="center">photograph courtesy of <a href="http://mystylefest.wordpress.com/2010/10/19/parisian-chic-supremo-emmanuelle-alt/">mystylefest.wordpress.com</a></div><div align="left">I adore French Vogue and how Carine Roitfeld has re-invented it these last few years, without limits, and using it as a vehicle for her personal expression about women, luxury fashion and lifestyle. Then suddenly, the carpet was whipped up unexpectedly and she resigned. It has just been annouced that her partner in crime, Emmanuelle Alt, has been appointed the new Editor in Chief. This is a woman with a more nonchalant style, less sexy, more tom-boyish (actually the petit bateau striped top in the January screensaver post just below is dedicated to her ... ) and I do hope she is fearless and shares with us all her inner wishes about life, fashion and being a woman. It was sooo fun with Carine (who personally I hope creates something ravishing ...), but I am certain it will be just as amazing with Emmanuelle! </div><div align="left">A New Year, a fresh start, new faces, places and thoughts. It is all so positiviely invigorating. Change is wonderful. Embrace it while you can.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320436015048955216.post-33943673532346882452011-01-06T22:54:00.009+01:002011-01-07T00:06:52.960+01:00January fashion sketch screensaver<div align="center"><a href="http://www.21centurydressmakers.com/Full%20pages/Freebies%20frame.html"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559211855522961346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 399px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 319px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjanEiYJRaTQc7n9uW20DH5EEKC8r1LUZVHB8oPc2SS7l1Pansr7jzDlBVCBOUp7Q1VA0eh9SBqixMAmupJW6u3IOcoeqWCUII_JCp0ZmDvhHoRvldX5WT6QW0xpbwXbmC3PmBskoEviLc/s400/mini-jan-2011.gif" border="0" /> (click here to download the January screensaver)<br /></a><div align="left">There is nothing like a strong winter spell (at least in my part of the world) to make layering everyone's fashion statement. After loosing gloves and hats, without a moment to spare, a lofty, very 70s red wool boucle, was quickly knit into a fluffy hat, <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559196384685106338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 363px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWbU3kFaxsukEzwhvMA1PrYy0QbBTIUSTjZBXOdQ4g07j6RKFCs8Yi3ax2PEJrq07sZJ3QpL2FCo9LTA77NvMuJSqkHd4UqByLvuCcESfwuRuCrhycuQLUCIu8sXtY5XC4kTBlj28rHo/s400/face.jpg" border="0" />... and that delicious red color, meant it was time to wear the old patched (it's in my book!) ski sweater, that my Mom had knit so very long ago, layer it over a couple of t- shirts (one was not enough,) leggings under overly patched jeans, and finally a pair of hand knit RL argyle socks were stretched on top of the jeans to keep the warmth inside. Feeling wrapped and bundled up, felt cozy and protected on a bitter winter day, especially, when <a href="http://www.chanel.com/en_US/fragrance-beauty/Makeup-Nails-LE-VERNIS-RIVA-120490">Chanel "Le Vernis Riva" was gleaming on one's nails.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559208708998289794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 350px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0zVB9fIJUVF_l88qcpGfKUB4JPGrLnB-raMCtNOoFrMc5OC8NIW2iCs8dBSZTQbYr2p3Ll3bWZD7kigxyXswmrw-cf7pAUkbugsFtmt2JYgQYpkaUaQriZed7nDf6kERZjhtvCj7Fg4/s400/P148277_LARGE.jpg" border="0" /></a>2011 -- it sounds like a number that very recently, seemed so far, far, away, into the future, that it was only for the imagination and not for the reality ... but here we are, with a new year in front of us. I do hope that each and every one of you enjoys a fruitful year, and that all your hopes and wishes come true.<br />Best wishes,<br />Nancy </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320436015048955216.post-32956910851993576112010-12-28T21:34:00.005+01:002010-12-28T21:53:17.332+01:00Upstairs Downstairs - a sumptuous BBC fashion delight!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 289px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555834689150892546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCy8JYOfebQO6CqT3GNO3ymPQwKOwpPj16m_6RYb3z5ebSs1RbQd61yOdbN4DdUhcykbuHX1TgSQS3gaxIhC65JymOZJaXvE3BrMCL-XAFS2BidTPtwTr5L2zW-gWYpZOfCET0UkOhQA/s400/article-1337590-0C71E38E000005DC-438_306x423+upstairs.jpg" /><br /><div>On BBC tonight, in just a few minutes - is the last episode of a beautifully conceived revival of “Upstairs Downstairs.” Set in 1936, in London, it is a story of the lives of an aristocratic family (upstairs) and their household help (downstairs.) I am swooning over the retro clothes (<a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1337590/Upstairs-Downstairs-Cream-teas-30-000ft-stealing-Madonnas-limo--Keeleys-bathtime-heroics-.html">Amy Roberts</a>) AND the interiors (<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2010/11_november/22/upstairs_downstairs15.shtml">Eve Stewart</a>).<br />The women’s clothes are simply marvelous. One woman is dressed gorgeously eccentric, reflecting an Eastern influence - you feel the touch of silk velvets, hand woven silk crepes, hand beading and piecework, which is worn unexpectedly with a pair of shocking peacock green stockings popping out of sturdy leather shoes – streaming long scarves or bright coral jewelry – with her pet monkey and brilliant heirloom tiara as props … while another character is all sultry and pale, with chiffons in flesh tones, or shades from the white of the eyes, something you can’t put a finger on, because it is so fragile and beautiful – and all of it contrasting beautifully with dark brunette hair or blood red lipstick. Another woman is dressed with all out glamour - but it’s her coarsely knitted beret worn with an expensive fox cape-let which makes it so real, and a body skimming (in this case serious vintage couture wear) fully beaded evening gown which is the ultimate dress because of the extraordinary way it fits – how it glides over the body and then the beauty of the hair styling, make-up and jewelry. </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 290px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555834691450315458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2IHnoEhzVZ-9BITqeCjgVGK3_SKPH9-R-U19rMNcuje8x_UUy0cM2_cDq2sYYfN18U-j2Nl5tI942nk93PLd_xFKe6u9ClKo7zrQvn68Lg6h0ocuq69-qzKW_u-7tEGnPFNYjXIiJQ-M/s400/article-1337590-0C71E3D2000005DC-299_634x460+upstairs.jpg" />The men are equally turned out, with immaculately tailored and fitted tuxedos – here as with the women, the beauty is in the perfection, the fit, the way the clothes glide effortlessly, move so easily, it their charm, and that sort of made-to-order feeling is a luxury not seen today.<br />The household help have beautiful lace detailing, tiny tucked and pleated bibs, pretty, sanguine starched caps and interesting collar shapes. The men wear fitted salmon striped silk waistcoats. Everyone is turned out in tip to toe splendor, from sunrise to sunset, and you glimpse or just feel that no possible detail has been forgotten, and assume that all their undergarments must be of the period as well to get this kind of ease of fit. The shoes are sturdy but fine, with a medium proportioned curved heel (silly me, why did I discard an old pair of Maud Frizon shoes from years ago with just that heel ... .)<br />The settings are sumptuous, with interesting moldings, colors, dark silk wallpapers, the glow from side table lamps - all setting a stage of beauty. As I scurried around to find out about the stage designer, I discovered that she adopted her colors to best show off the beauty of the leading women. The settings dictate the moods, the manner of walking. There is a revealing interview with the actor <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/tv/2010/12/upstairs-downstairs-adrian-scarborough.shtml">Adrian Scarborough </a>who plays the butler, who mentions: <em>"My favourite room was the kitchen pantry. There were shelves and shelves of provisions, boxes and jars from the period along with home-made preserves and chutneys, bottled beetroot and pickled onions.” </em><br /><div>Admittedly, the story line moves slowly, but maybe that reflects the reality of the pacing of life in 1936, which would be so different from our lives today. No matter, I am swooning over the series. It celebrates fashion and style as we embrace it today – ageless, and as a tool to bring out the character and emotions of the women, expressing her personality and individuality and beauty. I’m off to see the last episode and to bring some fresh retro beauty into my wardrobe! </div><div align="center">(And the photos are from BBC.)<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 312px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555838192418653074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0frFjjDUwQoDmU6kwKSFb5PE88aHfhgTjppToI5-HLqeAamcdLz4r6iP-Ys6LI2yNpoDze78FmiUE-AORlNVVYf_rewmR0mxoMpOaM0AHgziu77dbE3ci7GBGiomzfTuFv8dCTCqN4w/s400/article-1337590-0C70F2C7000005DC-921_634x814upstairs.jpg" /></div><br /><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320436015048955216.post-53391923662574703652010-10-31T11:52:00.010+01:002010-10-31T20:00:36.444+01:00Free November fashion screensaver<div align="center"><a href="http://www.21centurydressmakers.com/Full%20pages/Freebies%20frame.html"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 399px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 319px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534161533122214626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofU1lNOPLSqvnhXbyh6wp15Ag-jiOZ72Q6nlZ0NKaw2C6YfMU_L1dyj254k30VrxAUgLmMR7QfjHNU9C-bc5FfPnAcMx7iLtMDlQKqSfpcZmjH-FyYWlSRJi70rgCPsiVl4hddtDz5-Q/s400/Nov+mini.jpg" /> (click here to download this month's fashion calender)</a></div><div align="center">Bohemian</div><div align="center">Feathers,</div><div align="center">Fur, faux fur,</div><div align="center">Plums and winter berries,</div><div align="center">Layering, with a personal allure and style all one's own...</div><div align="left">Like the freedom of personal expression felt in the 60s, pull out old, new and borrowed from your closet, and layer it on with creative liberty. </div><div align="left">The cape was sketched in fur, the thought being - that it was a re-fashioned fur - but when I finished sketching, it had become a cape of feathers. And the little "Juliet" plum velvet vest, is patched with old denim, and found in my book, <a href="http://www.21centurydressmakers.com/Full%20pages/Denim%20Revolution%20frame%20booksale.html">Denim Revolution</a>. Postcards scanned into photoshop make up the background, one of the ceiling of the "<a href="http://www.palazzote.it/pte/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=113&Itemid=35">Salotto di Psiche" (Psyche Room) in the Tea Palace in Mantova, Italy </a>-- and the other of music from Troldaugen, Norway, with the phrase "Det Forste motes sodme," roughly, translating as -- the sweet taste of the first meeting. November is lush, filled with art, music, friends, family. All of it swept up in the beauty of the last, lingering, leaves of autumn.</div><div align="center">Best wishes to one and all,</div><div align="center">for a lovely month,</div><div align="center">Nancy</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320436015048955216.post-33558066008310833772010-10-03T17:41:00.002+02:002010-10-03T17:54:05.911+02:00October Fashion screensaver<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ClqCtcRTKQNeTsKls9bxd_Dgj-uHiFwWQpjPvsDJTLRVM6l48YQNXII1Em8H8qBykdU5eWDGtdXhxb14yDu1iFdZjKWjHrehCwaVe-6TwMgGk6DGhwTaybJ8_TXMIqtPFdRtMVbvoPk/s1600/mini+october.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 399px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 319px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523845496086936434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ClqCtcRTKQNeTsKls9bxd_Dgj-uHiFwWQpjPvsDJTLRVM6l48YQNXII1Em8H8qBykdU5eWDGtdXhxb14yDu1iFdZjKWjHrehCwaVe-6TwMgGk6DGhwTaybJ8_TXMIqtPFdRtMVbvoPk/s400/mini+october.jpg" /></a> (as a fellow blogger, just <a href="http://www.21centurydressmakers.com/Full%20pages/Freebies%20frame.html">click here for the October </a>screensaver)</div><div align="center">Welcome to October!</div><div align="center">It seems that every country (and religion) has their own festival, for make-believe and costume dress-up. I guess it's because we all have a need to pretend, to allow ourselves an opportunity to release and express a fantasy or another side of our character. In the states, it's the holiday of Halloween that everyone goes all out while in Brazil or Switzerland they have Carnival. Whatever your nation, whatever your inclination, be creative and make your own costume, surprise yourself! </div><div align="center">Wishing you a lovely month,</div><div align="center">Nancy</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320436015048955216.post-27646370494719105922010-09-28T15:30:00.005+02:002010-09-28T16:55:31.163+02:00Halloween fantasy mask<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9m9Ie1i-LFvyF3Dnl9-_XoVDSQo9K0ClGQpGiLnO5DO1u8eXT3ptrN1AMEe2irB8KtDcwg70E9uRmiNM2WwaK9NAtyf8b0aFXXXonzHRRr9AgclOzaMbZrjiH86eu5tGFOZXvgidhIVE/s1600/mask_Venetian-Carnival.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521956375547235378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9m9Ie1i-LFvyF3Dnl9-_XoVDSQo9K0ClGQpGiLnO5DO1u8eXT3ptrN1AMEe2irB8KtDcwg70E9uRmiNM2WwaK9NAtyf8b0aFXXXonzHRRr9AgclOzaMbZrjiH86eu5tGFOZXvgidhIVE/s400/mask_Venetian-Carnival.jpg" /></a> This magical mask, has been posted before - but I've decided to make it my signature statement for Halloween on both of my blogs. It wonderfully fulfills and stimulates the desire to create something unexpected for any mysterious parties or trick-or-treating as we head into October. Originally, named a Venetian Fantasy Mask, it was created for <a href="http://www.21centurydressmakers.com/Full%20pages/Denim%20Revolution%20frame%20booksale.html">Denim Revolution</a>, but when we couldn't squeeze it in - it became a freebie. All the how-tos are right <a href="http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/10/halloween_fantasy_mask.html">here, on craftzine</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320436015048955216.post-38712947525065203402010-09-25T14:47:00.010+02:002010-09-26T12:36:47.244+02:00Rodarte Spring 2011 return to nature<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521159421696102642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKp9IHJLi3bffmNqBmsHv3Ep13pFmzqxF7bWa-YyZI9otDUwQ2r41DY62E05qil5pup8A1P0s18wO8pMJHYNEDzA782R_2zqxR3pD1nC8SiRNW-BZj1dBS_pveQQgtv4GkAjW0pDCd_OM/s400/belt.jpg" />Spring 2011 collections started in New York, continued to London, are happening right now in Milan and soon will, en wrap Paris. Via the inventiveness of the Internet, there is much for everyone to see and learn about the collections, the designers, the fashion shows and the behind the scenes creative talents who make these presentations so sumptuously remarkable and influential. Once those "talents" and their techniques were privy to a select group of fashion editors and key store buyers, but today you can whip around the web and find more and more detailed information about who does what, and with a little searching - some how-to photos to support their processes.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 282px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 416px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521159419265754050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtO_mL0916OQ5jrwAUpMsqp1qjCMpUE7Ujql9viaO8V37AQG3gHQWzl-JZRnY_M8VWGv7dr_d1OcC-bfUR-3bTcvxXWS6NgIfTCZskelLCP2jHnjN67k8EQqXghEwhXymSTKTcB9v8-9Q/s400/hair+barrette.jpg" />Being a romantic, I was totally swooned over by the Mulleavy sisters’ “<a href="http://www.rodarte.net/">Rodarte</a>”– chiefly, their accessories – meaning all the accessories including the hair and makeup as well as the shoes and belts.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 297px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 438px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521159422534565442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVd60o5p_I03nsmcNOJhuKZwoPKsCoAsNeU8lTtpxrII9sdmxP5bUnrFZQ_WwD8s5FuRwLnM75Tw9aFzk4JUAC2sy9lhoo55PKqrfcKwD3UbiP9fGrYWGGV6erwvwbxEsatxKc2qzd7xA/s400/shoe.jpg" />Seventies suburban Californian, the Redwood forest, Big Sur and the rugged Bay area inspiration for the collection has been well documented, but actually, how and why it happened has no significance for me. I was drawn in by the fantasy of feeling closer to nature. The hand carved barrettes, in raw chunky wood become so beautiful with the shapes of butterflies, beetles and branches. They stimulate and intertwine with one’s own colorful associations and imagination of nature with the interpretation and softness of this artist's hand carved image. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 271px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 396px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521155893762104514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKam23fUbsunJMIKIMpmSyRBuiVsYAxQ2NTK8ffu4gJTKhj9DODto154FqibU5E-7TYQ4ADjwQTJGbK6uu8ZIy8HQ4P9o54Ilwx8mzp_SH9Yt0kcTHXfIEpKcTbm5qBeLhTvesmN30HiY/s400/face+hair.jpg" />These feelings are carried over into the hair, make-up, shoes and belts. <a href="http://www.vogue.com/collections/spring-2011/rodarte/beauty/#">(click here for Vogue's how-to and scoop.) </a> The golden hues of an imagined golden flecked frost, deep in the forest, added a magical glow to the make-up with their carefully gold-dipped eyelashes, lips and cheeks. The slightly disheveled hair with uncommon streaks of texture feels like a pile of windswept leaves. It all has the hand of craftsmanship combined with a personal voice from the designers which spurs my desire to collect, own, make and find a way to be part of this natural beauty.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 448px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521162984090036930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgRKErQFepgfUb348smd_3UAZFxFnThkOpgftJ6ZwvsfcQiIm5u23yGrXAybpnJuvNIWNx4nlL1vhxWQEVvDbOiMLDN9B2s7OK5BDJ2X1foQVS5qAbY5vIMJg1N1bcQyks22xEZkBUys/s400/leather.jpg" />And even though I love the clothes, my style would be to wear all their accessories with my own jeans, cashmere and silk, with more streamlined and wrapped dresses, allowing them to glow with the touch of sun and moonlight and no competition and truly become a part of my life, and feel I am in the forest, even though I am in the city. Uhmmm… .<br /><div align="center">images from <a href="http://www.vogue.com/collections/">http://www.vogue.com/collections/</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320436015048955216.post-31441688684401147662010-09-04T23:25:00.001+02:002010-09-05T00:26:50.892+02:00The Dress I Made<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdF5pc6M3WMLV5OBwDzUrblsLyZ08L2nsc2TXZ9jtILF7e4Ej1Gr2f7wXfdajr6HSug9sj6hAowUFMbazCE9v0QP8oxVmySHRLq1PQ-YUSQXvZOxBCK8M64Doue8Y0a9gwf4wEheaxCXI/s1600/me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdF5pc6M3WMLV5OBwDzUrblsLyZ08L2nsc2TXZ9jtILF7e4Ej1Gr2f7wXfdajr6HSug9sj6hAowUFMbazCE9v0QP8oxVmySHRLq1PQ-YUSQXvZOxBCK8M64Doue8Y0a9gwf4wEheaxCXI/s400/me.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Dutch product designer Renske Solkesz is documenting on her <a href="http://thedressimade.com/">new blog</a> her personal challenge to create her own wardrobe. She is commited to wear only clothing of her own design that has been created with her own hands. Renske is searching and exploring her clothing needs and desires following a pure, sincere and beautiful design philosophy. She is not creating a utilitarian wardrobe of basics, but a wardrobe of her emotional, aesthetic as well as her practical needs and visions.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">There are belts:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhda1_WvltRpk4jhMeV0Tb-rBv4mQUb-1NMOcdT9EICOGxSJYPelVoc-Uz8kuTtSkwjkG6LcE70m_0iDwwA-ePmIjjXROfqNKlJ5fAK5xdbmAmL1KRtS0n0z8NhyphenhyphenaZpvgBGArxydovmiOU/s1600/diybelt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhda1_WvltRpk4jhMeV0Tb-rBv4mQUb-1NMOcdT9EICOGxSJYPelVoc-Uz8kuTtSkwjkG6LcE70m_0iDwwA-ePmIjjXROfqNKlJ5fAK5xdbmAmL1KRtS0n0z8NhyphenhyphenaZpvgBGArxydovmiOU/s640/diybelt.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Scarves, skirts,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXrlZuyMzwpxhJQi89hKZqywX8_uJSN4IBjcwhydbV_Gi9Xa5cGkEwVb546ZlWwHRQaRH1_SZ-gncm3w6rFZ_oBA-V6WC-aJSdV7sjleL5UqU0hZzG1y0gPYcHNCbWnuEw33LLPQtd7c/s1600/thedressimade_blue-shiny-skirt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXrlZuyMzwpxhJQi89hKZqywX8_uJSN4IBjcwhydbV_Gi9Xa5cGkEwVb546ZlWwHRQaRH1_SZ-gncm3w6rFZ_oBA-V6WC-aJSdV7sjleL5UqU0hZzG1y0gPYcHNCbWnuEw33LLPQtd7c/s400/thedressimade_blue-shiny-skirt2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">dresses and more.</div>Personal challenges reveal and surprise. They take commitment, energy and power. Her blog is her way of revealing and sharing her artistic story.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320436015048955216.post-20147812625311196592010-08-30T22:10:00.002+02:002010-09-01T22:18:32.928+02:00Free September Fashion Wallpaper<div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNblnHKPNwekkt0ghXd2_VTL4hWUDUVoTFZNcDKVMolUGx1ZbzfBFKIPsUkpk5liJ2A2MfJxFY5stZPSS6XOTgP9KiFYGJ6qHPjUjjlcWR8acH_cJ6ZtJUrg3WOdfJ3X2QJrz_m5Gqpv8/s1600/sept-mini.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNblnHKPNwekkt0ghXd2_VTL4hWUDUVoTFZNcDKVMolUGx1ZbzfBFKIPsUkpk5liJ2A2MfJxFY5stZPSS6XOTgP9KiFYGJ6qHPjUjjlcWR8acH_cJ6ZtJUrg3WOdfJ3X2QJrz_m5Gqpv8/s400/sept-mini.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_758544242">(click here to download this month's calendar</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">as your screensaver or to print a copy)</div>Each month, when I sit down to create the calendar, I surprise myself with the final results. Even though I start with a planned thought and direction, regardless the wallpaper takes on a life of its own, developing and evolving as I sketch, until I am content that I have sincerely expressed the mood that I feel about fashion and style - at that moment.<br />
This month I knew I wanted to include a project from my book, since the special sale - <a href="http://www.21centurydressmakers.com/Full%20pages/Denim%20Revolution%20frame%20booksale.html">of $10.00 (click here! for info) </a>is continuing and so sketching the little Russian caplet project from the book was a natural. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yKpdeEyTYVr492ySYXvK8jRriepe3tT2RsoLQnRdsvn1SoTcibRZsJ88Z7CAFdH7lkn5AKeLGPX1LeDYpIS9EoPqM_L978CGleDFH_o2vcay6lhigNTmHhiTClHAX9nfmdxnqDWEcAc/s1600/denim-cape-sketch.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yKpdeEyTYVr492ySYXvK8jRriepe3tT2RsoLQnRdsvn1SoTcibRZsJ88Z7CAFdH7lkn5AKeLGPX1LeDYpIS9EoPqM_L978CGleDFH_o2vcay6lhigNTmHhiTClHAX9nfmdxnqDWEcAc/s320/denim-cape-sketch.gif" /></a></div>With it's faux-fur collar, and rugged frayed edges it captures a way to re-cycle your old jeans to fend off that first gust of fall with carefree style. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgATnq10NbzDqp6QEDv8gPfanXnQkL79_pi9tEt0fbeYkEQ9eqbI9scGHppG5fbsPbgX4zvyGzqV5LpbTcO3pnW15t8-mBGxzStP-csgDAwqkoaZcdxDnd5h1DfTXP4HUIlxkPJoPmIk/s1600/tampabay_com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgATnq10NbzDqp6QEDv8gPfanXnQkL79_pi9tEt0fbeYkEQ9eqbI9scGHppG5fbsPbgX4zvyGzqV5LpbTcO3pnW15t8-mBGxzStP-csgDAwqkoaZcdxDnd5h1DfTXP4HUIlxkPJoPmIk/s320/tampabay_com.jpg" /></a></div>From there it went to pony tails like on <a href="http://www.amctv.com/originals/madmen/">MADMEN</a>, and then elegantly manicured finger nails, which were sketched with <a href="http://www.sergelutens-usa.com/necessaire-de-beaute/sang-bleu.html">Serge Luten’s “Sang-Bleu” nail polish – </a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRlfqG3U-Tj7gB0upjC_h51-raBzTFC8gcxVbUS5sdMKtwCKe5gLhVVOoUYv-jIkr03KsWsNNWY-DC66ju1ijxZ_FPSazjGcQDrmnD0Nl2aSOG0geGKq00ho_PXU1jsLudwyt4vU7x5s/s1600/30675-sang-bleu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRlfqG3U-Tj7gB0upjC_h51-raBzTFC8gcxVbUS5sdMKtwCKe5gLhVVOoUYv-jIkr03KsWsNNWY-DC66ju1ijxZ_FPSazjGcQDrmnD0Nl2aSOG0geGKq00ho_PXU1jsLudwyt4vU7x5s/s320/30675-sang-bleu.jpg" /></a></div>-- interesting and unique colors on finger nails are turning quickly into the key accessory this fall. All of that is wrapped with thoughts about searching as an artist surrounded with the backdrop of André Masson’s “Leonardo da Vince et Isabella D’Este.” This woman may be in New York, Berlin or London, in the countryside, just somewhere where there is a stimulating mood to search, ponder and try to make sense of life, politics, art, the future and our roots.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Wishing one and all and yours a wonderful September!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nancy</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320436015048955216.post-8580374762974938112010-08-21T21:17:00.000+02:002010-08-21T21:17:53.769+02:00Barneys New York Denim Competition<div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwYHZ0VJ-SF3-aBWhEyiwl3JSqs4qahEJ2gbAEuFzz0rkNV5kufpb3dJKme1hB__qOunLZP7G1QlKzvNIEcoSde7oJMDXlq4aW-KdBufCHouhSk0Z7GLIhXobrVTsNt_sdZVYA2gOXXQ/s1600/sweep_top760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwYHZ0VJ-SF3-aBWhEyiwl3JSqs4qahEJ2gbAEuFzz0rkNV5kufpb3dJKme1hB__qOunLZP7G1QlKzvNIEcoSde7oJMDXlq4aW-KdBufCHouhSk0Z7GLIhXobrVTsNt_sdZVYA2gOXXQ/s400/sweep_top760.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.barneys.com/Denim%20Style/DENIMSWEEPS,default,pg.html?utm_source=CHTAH&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CONTEST&email=nancyminsky@gmail.com">Barneys</a> has offered up a style challenge. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> --- Get out your favorite blue jeans, the ones that are truly you ---</div><div style="text-align: center;">and style them up with your most daring, outrageous, runway vision.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then snap a photo and email it to the Barneys fashion directors.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The prize - 5 x $500 gift certificates !!</div><div style="text-align: center;">and to take part in a NYC/Barneys fashion fun and games competition.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope you take the challenge, </div><div style="text-align: center;">release your imagination and enter - </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">and</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> hope you win!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320436015048955216.post-47676629675657014632010-08-20T17:12:00.001+02:002010-08-20T21:40:03.962+02:00Les Khakis de Chanel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rEof4RWV6Ob98eCwvFzeqidCP3HLjbYB4nAqoripNJ-afAMI6wQ2bG8p4RFs1Fxkcu9wPCXkixhUDAZfFVzev08JF3QoH5Ym-hhOsIvJQ0rSGyCJbFUWas8O4A6sx6GbBDoEKvgKbxw/s1600/chanel-les-khakis-de-chanel-collection-fashions-night-out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rEof4RWV6Ob98eCwvFzeqidCP3HLjbYB4nAqoripNJ-afAMI6wQ2bG8p4RFs1Fxkcu9wPCXkixhUDAZfFVzev08JF3QoH5Ym-hhOsIvJQ0rSGyCJbFUWas8O4A6sx6GbBDoEKvgKbxw/s320/chanel-les-khakis-de-chanel-collection-fashions-night-out.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just wanted to pass the word-</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">before the limited quantities of Chanel's hottest nail polish disappear in their boutiques in</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">NYC (with a complimentary manicure ! no less at the <a href="http://www.alllacqueredup.com/2010/08/chanel-les-khakis-de-chanel-preview.html">Chanel Boutique on Spring Street</a>), </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">as well as in London and Paris --</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chanel's special nail polish collection of three colors, created for</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Vogue's Fashion Night Out - that look like this ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqHrGvDUyFHeyAvHtZ8WruwtZvV1JySvD_12SwCDTYqnnOPGO50gpQokTD9IGyGlVnW7_hlOCXPObSMX5zgA3Z34bKKERgxp5ZxtcyHgtW2LC5-mvymKnUoo6LoqwubkUSxQ-9zCvx0I/s1600/Screen-shot-2010-07-29-at-06_00_58.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqHrGvDUyFHeyAvHtZ8WruwtZvV1JySvD_12SwCDTYqnnOPGO50gpQokTD9IGyGlVnW7_hlOCXPObSMX5zgA3Z34bKKERgxp5ZxtcyHgtW2LC5-mvymKnUoo6LoqwubkUSxQ-9zCvx0I/s320/Screen-shot-2010-07-29-at-06_00_58.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">on nail-polish maven <a href="http://www.sophyrobson.com/2010/07/new-camouflage-chanel-collection-for-fashion-night-out/">Sophy Robson</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So perfect!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320436015048955216.post-71601103662657049932010-08-16T18:05:00.000+02:002010-08-16T18:05:40.405+02:00Soft and southern, heirloom style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-MSzqdABu-fd-tcTnotM98XEAKOzyjAoRM-fofMR3UHqQNQ1vE1cBvesMxU-EgDjfBhLNLlUe97GLtBwthzJMK_7LZ3u6hf3tF_nTcjG6A-inopmr16uZIGUVTBkj5SU28NhCUkDSXU/s1600/DIY-underwear.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-MSzqdABu-fd-tcTnotM98XEAKOzyjAoRM-fofMR3UHqQNQ1vE1cBvesMxU-EgDjfBhLNLlUe97GLtBwthzJMK_7LZ3u6hf3tF_nTcjG6A-inopmr16uZIGUVTBkj5SU28NhCUkDSXU/s400/DIY-underwear.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CreoleSha?ref=seller_info">Creole Sha</a> explained that <a href="http://21centurydressmakers.blogspot.com/2008/06/cutoffs-diy-denim-shorts.html">my post</a> triggered the idea -- but this design duo gave it their signature, romantic touch - turning a pair of old denim jeans into soft feminine panties. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I adore them and wanted to share them with you. </div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">All their designs on their <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CreoleSha?ref=seller_info">etsy</a> shop have that feeling of a hot, carefree, late afternoon in the south. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The lazy luxury of hand-dyed family heirlooms … makes the last of the hot summer days feel lost in time and especially cool … .</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9K7M6hKxWxVbHvz45JWptFEKhtyt9UqCF7gnGwzf9gXtB6ql3xFFG4iDHNvm17hU8gnYWBbpnGae5EBcL1RrVxFrFGC_bROkabf9z_x_hKD-UVnBeIG35s-odh0VdEkdgerQH3I9NgQ/s1600/il_430xN_160745173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9K7M6hKxWxVbHvz45JWptFEKhtyt9UqCF7gnGwzf9gXtB6ql3xFFG4iDHNvm17hU8gnYWBbpnGae5EBcL1RrVxFrFGC_bROkabf9z_x_hKD-UVnBeIG35s-odh0VdEkdgerQH3I9NgQ/s400/il_430xN_160745173.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you Creole Sha for sharing your New Orleans style.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320436015048955216.post-9128475407333129552010-08-06T22:23:00.002+02:002010-08-19T09:41:41.365+02:00Oohh la la Half Price Book Sale !<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwUuYMaFLBqDXLA1smy3CzQDaBqQAMpHAi7G9jHakaeMbL83_QvSrUPDXeTJdsgqBhBG1j_rDkaXHLUCLplk7EKLYRkeEtLrzgBPkotLdVMChbTKnlw5IOXSiwURMs79qMjGlYRv7Jpc/s1600/denim+beret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwUuYMaFLBqDXLA1smy3CzQDaBqQAMpHAi7G9jHakaeMbL83_QvSrUPDXeTJdsgqBhBG1j_rDkaXHLUCLplk7EKLYRkeEtLrzgBPkotLdVMChbTKnlw5IOXSiwURMs79qMjGlYRv7Jpc/s400/denim+beret.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This denim beret is from my sewing book, <a href="http://www.21centurydressmakers.com/Full%20pages/Denim%20Revolution%20frame%20booksale.html">Denim Revolution</a>. The contrast of softly worn blue denim embellished with ornate gold and velvet trims creates a very cool look. I am delighted that it is right now featured on the <a href="http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2010/08/craft_pattern_denim_beret.html">craftzine blog right here</a> – jump over and check it out.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">And having that feature --- triggered the decision to have a super, back-to-school book sale! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Right now, <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Denim Revolution</span> is available for: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.21centurydressmakers.com/Full%20pages/Denim%20Revolution%20frame%20booksale.html">$9.95 (including free shipping in the USA)</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">(I also ship internationally, but must charge for the shipping)</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I do hope you will buy my book</div><div style="text-align: center;">and that it will inspire you to dream about what you can make, </div><div style="text-align: center;">with all your individual charm and sewing skills</div><div style="text-align: center;">to freshen your wardrobe</div><div style="text-align: center;">with hip new accessories and clothes</div><div style="text-align: center;">just in time for the new fall season.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320436015048955216.post-70334218325112729982010-08-06T11:38:00.001+02:002010-08-06T11:39:51.142+02:00Isabel Toledo "Court" shoes at Payless<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCNCITmrFBfap3tozkQrEcjIllR4POYNry06NRTNaYt9NqMBc7XTzi-_XqJ9kCp-27lgeJd9ACcbjNTcc-zD-O6yGWLxytL0GwPFv7Xlmx7SgJCfsI51B5K3K26JiTnBzjA3dfy-Abks/s1600/image_image_107010_fr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCNCITmrFBfap3tozkQrEcjIllR4POYNry06NRTNaYt9NqMBc7XTzi-_XqJ9kCp-27lgeJd9ACcbjNTcc-zD-O6yGWLxytL0GwPFv7Xlmx7SgJCfsI51B5K3K26JiTnBzjA3dfy-Abks/s320/image_image_107010_fr.jpg" /></a></div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Over at <a href="http://www.colette.fr/#/eshop/article/16413273/payless-x-isabel-toledo-court-shoes/165/">Colette they are already selling Isabel Toledo's "Court" </a>shoes. </div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Aren't they divine! All that style for only 35 Euros! </div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Her husband, <a href="http://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/contemporary/past_exhns/spectres/collaborations/toledo/index.html">Ruben Toledo</a> has always been my numero uno illustrator. </div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I never tire from browsing through his imaginative, simply sublime, Nordstorm catalogues ... .</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZb8orH3a3TkDd4XfOVsjgL3ix0hkWFyLNoTqTgRfxdBB2L40OymaHx08MlrPKNTH-SqUGTdaGfv77S8I-Xj_tjn47Gr4u9T7lXgT0kcy6eEEf_T2LSFmMMzMPuWUhdbNsOXy_mpRF42Y/s1600/image_high_def_107030_fr.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZb8orH3a3TkDd4XfOVsjgL3ix0hkWFyLNoTqTgRfxdBB2L40OymaHx08MlrPKNTH-SqUGTdaGfv77S8I-Xj_tjn47Gr4u9T7lXgT0kcy6eEEf_T2LSFmMMzMPuWUhdbNsOXy_mpRF42Y/s400/image_high_def_107030_fr.png" width="317" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320436015048955216.post-76030314420976192922010-07-31T21:10:00.000+02:002010-07-31T21:10:17.625+02:00August 2010 fashion screensaver is here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzXegn_CesPdx55TYjzxsgwtPV3z3CSRkzRsbZx8fT8oQ9t5JTmb8k-1a9Y7cT1d01Zbe6b3q69HO2hxBPRgCY5qwhP4ErPwZgjkYteEuRBzJ4gg4Vawuq5qK-U2GjyW1rtP9uc4LyJ4/s1600/august-mini.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzXegn_CesPdx55TYjzxsgwtPV3z3CSRkzRsbZx8fT8oQ9t5JTmb8k-1a9Y7cT1d01Zbe6b3q69HO2hxBPRgCY5qwhP4ErPwZgjkYteEuRBzJ4gg4Vawuq5qK-U2GjyW1rtP9uc4LyJ4/s400/august-mini.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(as a fellow blogger, <a href="http://www.21centurydressmakers.com/Full%20pages/Freebies%20frame.html"><em>just click here</em></a> to download</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and use this month's screensaver or to print yourself a copy)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">August always feels like back-to-school mode no matter how many years have passed since one last registered for classes. The stores and magazines are filled with dreamy designer inventions styled and chosen by the editors. They hope that we will take the delicious bite and wrap ourselves in something new - that we will be infused through their creativity with fresh energy and glamour as we prepare to pounce on the new fall challenges. Just the right <em>pièce de résistance</em> is so very invigorating.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In sketching this month's calendar, my thoughts drifted to denim worn simply with white cotton camisoles - the timeless way of dressing. The look that found its way into brush and paint are from my book, Denim Revolution -- the ornate poet's beret with brass buttons and elaborate ribbons and the harlequin trousers with their plush ruby insets and gold braided bows. Fun to make and so cool to wear.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wishing one and all to enjoy August's gracious, grand finale,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">of the sweet summer,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nancy</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320436015048955216.post-27134349274440533952010-07-31T21:00:00.001+02:002010-07-31T23:39:01.008+02:00Liberty cotton lawn blouse, so pretty to wear and lovely to sew<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Cf3qxhMeMcIDAu4OXKmUzuBJ4p0K3wGahSVSr9aMCcBJMcap2DgfeUNtEdL3eBJAi3BG2PPVFnCFdNuO01zYBMnXb12BG98txa73SbkfQWGknqt8VG6kt4r-MfH-wveAcOaZfyvwtbs/s1600/liberty_top%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Cf3qxhMeMcIDAu4OXKmUzuBJ4p0K3wGahSVSr9aMCcBJMcap2DgfeUNtEdL3eBJAi3BG2PPVFnCFdNuO01zYBMnXb12BG98txa73SbkfQWGknqt8VG6kt4r-MfH-wveAcOaZfyvwtbs/s400/liberty_top%5B1%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Last summer I bought some luscious fabrics from <a href="http://www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/departmenthome/dept/fabrics?resetFilters=true&gclid=CNn42YOm-KICFYiX2AodVjMvmQ">Liberty of London</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;">And since then, have thought and mused about what to make. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Finally, after waiting way toooo long, I've started to sew. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Using <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-2339-misses-tops.aspx">NewLook pattern 6483</a> as the base, </div><div style="text-align: center;">An easy pattern, with a good fit that can be adopted to personal whims.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGUPxf-6GRy3xxxxeTYZf8MFA0eQT_eqK8acKj6j98QKUFVUfFSJaco5c6GXGKqI3uLj_vBapjygSbVZ8-SscxaQicGCV6U-E64fS6BnvtrjGN075G4EHACsdXD8gVRO45qPalApiADs/s1600/liberty_closeup%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGUPxf-6GRy3xxxxeTYZf8MFA0eQT_eqK8acKj6j98QKUFVUfFSJaco5c6GXGKqI3uLj_vBapjygSbVZ8-SscxaQicGCV6U-E64fS6BnvtrjGN075G4EHACsdXD8gVRO45qPalApiADs/s400/liberty_closeup%5B1%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">What I did:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">- To the front pattern, I folded the front dart closed and slashed the neckline to add some soft fullness. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">- To the sleeve pattern, the cap was slashed - to add some soft gathers in the cap.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">- The seam allowance has been turned back and edge stitched.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">- The cuff and hem were hand rolled and hand stitched, because the fabric is so yummy I just wanted to hand sew.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">-Two vintage buttons were used at the back neck.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">-I used silk thread, the fabric is fine and I think it is a better match with a silk thread. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">The print is <em>Miranda</em>, the fabric, Liberty's celebrated cotton lawn. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">When you sew this fabric, and of course wear it, </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">you understand why it is so legendary and has such a devoted loyalty.<br />
All the scraps have been rolled up and stowed away for something special in the future.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikP0osWWF15BBEA7DrhdwrrsU67bi3zBnrbYRcZF1zS_-QQc_P3OP9TH2OG95uiQyjgI0XDtQF43qvY_SOprjjmzHhGowc0dUwTbEB3yaIJ7JalpLXiKmINGkfv4PL0C2_MXvhlhBcaA8/s1600/librty.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikP0osWWF15BBEA7DrhdwrrsU67bi3zBnrbYRcZF1zS_-QQc_P3OP9TH2OG95uiQyjgI0XDtQF43qvY_SOprjjmzHhGowc0dUwTbEB3yaIJ7JalpLXiKmINGkfv4PL0C2_MXvhlhBcaA8/s320/librty.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">so here I am - in my new uniform,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the Liberty blouse, a sweater knit from linen yarn found in Milan</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and patched and mended jeans.</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320436015048955216.post-79985716232985806072010-07-18T20:49:00.000+02:002010-07-18T20:49:48.925+02:00The July fashion screensaver<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNAqeEiISwNQZdvoJjCcU45uff4xTz3TJW3AsMT83bTrKk6lOjgb9h68mVb3PC6vZq8JwHszKVtGOWIayk8I10VJMJssGgeDpjlmOvjmkfws_JRxxIoqRRR83aCzUTg4a1uOZ0ZhqJGs/s1600/july-mini.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNAqeEiISwNQZdvoJjCcU45uff4xTz3TJW3AsMT83bTrKk6lOjgb9h68mVb3PC6vZq8JwHszKVtGOWIayk8I10VJMJssGgeDpjlmOvjmkfws_JRxxIoqRRR83aCzUTg4a1uOZ0ZhqJGs/s400/july-mini.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finally (...it's only July 18th after all)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the July screensaver has arrived!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.21centurydressmakers.com/Full%20pages/Freebies%20frame.html">(click here to download a copy)</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With <a href="http://21centurydressmakers.blogspot.com/2009/02/re-cycling-to-make-pretty-dress.html">this</a> denim trimmed vintage slip as the inspiration for the sketch,</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYXiZklZ68wy5cG3EdL9HVBGYiA_01_x3oiWsXeA4OQbHmDCL6HTogdxJ1cH2WHsI_ALYNWywetdp6TEJdfE3K8IZsV5n44nvzYi1FZvWr-1UUYdw-ijqlapMnBSQ1bjdDfHLnDN7HdU/s1600/VDB36257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYXiZklZ68wy5cG3EdL9HVBGYiA_01_x3oiWsXeA4OQbHmDCL6HTogdxJ1cH2WHsI_ALYNWywetdp6TEJdfE3K8IZsV5n44nvzYi1FZvWr-1UUYdw-ijqlapMnBSQ1bjdDfHLnDN7HdU/s400/VDB36257.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I wish one and all a most happy second half of July.</div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">And may you stretch your summer weekend</div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">with an extra dose of lasting, lovely pleasure!<br />
Best wishes,<br />
Nancy</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320436015048955216.post-49021081725710924882010-07-13T23:18:00.000+02:002010-07-13T23:18:07.963+02:00Back from vacation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFeVB-Q1giZXrEeWYRN3zPFGBrN1f-2qPm8ln-U1ZxDChaq0RbE8qiROAYV5yR6DcbL76VoQI50Dbn0EENWOnvpSDT90HZ0IJ8dg6N5JVrSueKdBgJpKzzgOnTzDIsFWQW99m7IiaJCc/s1600/figs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFeVB-Q1giZXrEeWYRN3zPFGBrN1f-2qPm8ln-U1ZxDChaq0RbE8qiROAYV5yR6DcbL76VoQI50Dbn0EENWOnvpSDT90HZ0IJ8dg6N5JVrSueKdBgJpKzzgOnTzDIsFWQW99m7IiaJCc/s400/figs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One reaches up</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and plucks a fig</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">for breakfast or a midday snack.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Vacationing</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">has been so lovely.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320436015048955216.post-88926393227341075802010-06-23T22:32:00.000+02:002010-06-23T22:32:41.486+02:00A quilted, pieced, morning coat created diamond shaped cotton<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6CHDeuBJYxUUspz1jdAWYYetSIu4k10ito60Jf9PwlrNaN7a3AL0pomNKZCmECk8JoKhO_0n3ybvxR352mD4vaTTIHa3tG0dpf15w9oeO946Ka_Y2lScK5kkjhd5BccEASOLwiwgTVs/s1600/quilted+robe+full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6CHDeuBJYxUUspz1jdAWYYetSIu4k10ito60Jf9PwlrNaN7a3AL0pomNKZCmECk8JoKhO_0n3ybvxR352mD4vaTTIHa3tG0dpf15w9oeO946Ka_Y2lScK5kkjhd5BccEASOLwiwgTVs/s640/quilted+robe+full.jpg" width="377" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Labeled simply, as "Man's Morning Gown, 1825." </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> Created from a cloth pieced together from hundreds of diamond shaped cotton fabrics.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">It is the ultimate luxury. Simply beautiful! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Displayed as a rarity as part of the costume exhibition currently at the Brooklyn Museum (<a href="http://21centurydressmakers.blogspot.com/2010/06/american-women-costume-exhibitions-at.html">see below post</a>).</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The softly hewed earthy tones feel like a pile of leaves, swept by the wind and dappled in the morning light. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLG19-Ec_O1wkKEJFNUHQhfgGRLAV_B6ECXYPSN2yfJjfc2VmMhPceEKF7V034BKLC2i8jgIgCHUdX83yAt4EAHAruAOP4Aezn7YWBCriN-7V7HCad1d_6ZHDepk5IAktnteUrE13OB5I/s1600/quilted+robe+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLG19-Ec_O1wkKEJFNUHQhfgGRLAV_B6ECXYPSN2yfJjfc2VmMhPceEKF7V034BKLC2i8jgIgCHUdX83yAt4EAHAruAOP4Aezn7YWBCriN-7V7HCad1d_6ZHDepk5IAktnteUrE13OB5I/s400/quilted+robe+front.jpg" width="326" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The lift in the sleeve cap, the waist detail, wide cuffs and collar, covered buttons, every inch, softly hand tailored with the same grace and beauty that stitched the cloth together.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">It is terribly romantic.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvd69BYP9SqDexhtfF4HxoWj2mPtMXHHDB7x5Ax5zA-0WC5m8l9rxxaT955uoL7OMyRhi045PSmfd9sXDgDsrW_7zcuLF6TtA2lGlFT9Wqv_wuBuIX8DxHL_W9yLTKY8ng0d-juQ3DuHY/s1600/quilt+robe+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvd69BYP9SqDexhtfF4HxoWj2mPtMXHHDB7x5Ax5zA-0WC5m8l9rxxaT955uoL7OMyRhi045PSmfd9sXDgDsrW_7zcuLF6TtA2lGlFT9Wqv_wuBuIX8DxHL_W9yLTKY8ng0d-juQ3DuHY/s400/quilt+robe+back.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The back view shows the freedom of movement the wearer must have felt. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Fullness comes from the soft gathers at the waist and a bias cut side seam. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">It's made by a master, but one wonders if it was commissioned by a professional, or stitched by a family member or by household help....and how glorious the lining must be - lovely it is! </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320436015048955216.post-6322362509261781312010-06-20T21:21:00.000+02:002010-06-20T21:21:02.786+02:00American Women Costume Exhibitions at the MET and in Brooklyn<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEXtOSXc8b8XerEYLSrq1JgowZHXSSTdp4UikQ1fkgbVoCM91krNbJ5lwZEo9LwT9OwKhTM9Ww-ZUevgpDAQkeTq0FqJ7C69Czw4ogNCGL_xjzmm3iOcaeylyBC6tx95u4DUnLJYw_0o/s1600/55_26_247_650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEXtOSXc8b8XerEYLSrq1JgowZHXSSTdp4UikQ1fkgbVoCM91krNbJ5lwZEo9LwT9OwKhTM9Ww-ZUevgpDAQkeTq0FqJ7C69Czw4ogNCGL_xjzmm3iOcaeylyBC6tx95u4DUnLJYw_0o/s320/55_26_247_650.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Elsa Scaparelli Bug necklace (Brooklyn image)</div>If you are in New York – you simply can’t miss the pair of costume exhibitions at the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum and the Brooklyn Museum. Brilliantly drawn from the Brooklyn’s deep coffers of masterpieces, the exhibitions, celebrating American women, are filled with clothing, accessories and unique novelties from the mid 19th to the late 20th centuries. At the MET the focus is on the desire to embrace a new freer lifestyle that inspired the designers, liberating women, decade by decade. While in Brooklyn, it is motivated by the designers’ creativity and women of stellar style (with budgets to support their whims) who together defined and inspired artistry and change. <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSpXWU1ov6J72NDnuWCQCGdlbRLnBHHdQSZsaYajslE4ZO_6vbBT2IUtj58OBJYLeUfSjzm1-u4DkqFID7NWYwek4rtwWc_3ZUu9AZ0f_a-xLRuIPYIc357zWI127-4s0sbgU4f6FEjA/s1600/DT1687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSpXWU1ov6J72NDnuWCQCGdlbRLnBHHdQSZsaYajslE4ZO_6vbBT2IUtj58OBJYLeUfSjzm1-u4DkqFID7NWYwek4rtwWc_3ZUu9AZ0f_a-xLRuIPYIc357zWI127-4s0sbgU4f6FEjA/s400/DT1687.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Liberty cape, 1900-1920 (MET image)</div>True to their character, the MET’s exhibition is staged, with showmanship and polish, while the Brooklyn just opens its closets and displays its exquisite wares in their bare bones, and astonishes with the unexpected, the rare and the historical references. When I finished, the MET exhibition, a previous visitor had written in the guest book, “I am proud to be an American Woman.” Proof of the invigorating emotional pleasure derived from the exhibition. I am switching back and forth between in my descriptions between the two exhibitions because they are both, equally so rich and beautiful. The textiles are fragile and certainly will not be displayed again very soon. I can’t encourage you enough to try to squeeze in a visit. <a href="http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/american_high_style/">“American High Style: Fashioning a National Collection” at the Brooklyn</a> until August 1st, and <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/special/se_event.asp?OccurrenceId={CA088C8E-D618-4503-91E7-833569115BF2}">American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity” at the MET</a> until August 15th.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilnLK-5qNttjRENO4UUe-JxqCCZMe6K-rLLGJ_qwxQrFb1BK91lXyiE1DEur_MXncXJfrr70207CYp3t4X2mqCizQj0OuihbZha4wT5iIJJhyCLkI_X-Glj42UuqKp5rsuOHmOtf0zeU/s1600/61_176_2_600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilnLK-5qNttjRENO4UUe-JxqCCZMe6K-rLLGJ_qwxQrFb1BK91lXyiE1DEur_MXncXJfrr70207CYp3t4X2mqCizQj0OuihbZha4wT5iIJJhyCLkI_X-Glj42UuqKp5rsuOHmOtf0zeU/s400/61_176_2_600.jpg" width="233" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/american_high_style/poiret.php">Paul Poiret's evening dress</a>, 1910 (Brooklyn image)</div>With these exhibitions, the museums have also launched their new partnership – the transfer of the entire Brooklyn costume archive to the MET, for its care and preservation. Though initially it seems, spurred by the financial limitations of the Brooklyn, the collaborative combination of the Brooklyn’s collection focusing chiefly on the Belle Époque period, Elsa Schiaparelli, Charles James, the American designers in the first half of 20th century, and collections donated by extraordinary American women collectors, such as Millicent Rogers -- with the MET’s European and contemporary clothing – has created a magnificent, powerful collection. The weekend I was there, the Museums jointly held a symposium covering all aspects of their collaboration culminating in the work of these two exhibitions. I attended Jan Glier Reeder’s (Consulting Curator) lecture on the three year documentation process, followed by her gallery talk of the exhibition. Needless to say, I was ecstatic and it was splendid!<br />
One hopes though, that the MET will be able to maintain the unique character of the Brooklyn’s collection. It is as much the sensitive and subtleties as the obvious and well documented reasons, that identity the heritage of the Brooklyn Museum’s pieces and how they came to be so generously donated. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSltkTt-hd4J0K94EuY7A1lU4iZacYIxCClhRjMfUaUDPidgzQsrHzRWafj4F0TYAuyzUvp1uu0JNpUxdNLl2NfvcTZSWVkVz8454fZ1gLIDdY90bU_V44Y6E6xwXkTQ6_AJejBzD6-Jo/s1600/worth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSltkTt-hd4J0K94EuY7A1lU4iZacYIxCClhRjMfUaUDPidgzQsrHzRWafj4F0TYAuyzUvp1uu0JNpUxdNLl2NfvcTZSWVkVz8454fZ1gLIDdY90bU_V44Y6E6xwXkTQ6_AJejBzD6-Jo/s400/worth.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/american_high_style/worth.php">Charles Frederick Worth</a>, late 19th c (Brooklyn image)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below <a href="http://www.schiaparelli.com/">Elsa Schiaparelli</a> cotton dress, patched with seed package prints and a bold zipper down the back.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sSdIe8_taPFdmJvrCMcOBlwG1u9jvB3Iodi5trD1_k4ncsHxYMJbQCq4WkrAi-_DYmYSwI4KeStoWmIOXaM4kwP3avqMhHlnuqK05sT7TU4B7NYCKJq0M0JVwsZw7Ue-Q-zFhZW5KNY/s1600/scap+patchwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sSdIe8_taPFdmJvrCMcOBlwG1u9jvB3Iodi5trD1_k4ncsHxYMJbQCq4WkrAi-_DYmYSwI4KeStoWmIOXaM4kwP3avqMhHlnuqK05sT7TU4B7NYCKJq0M0JVwsZw7Ue-Q-zFhZW5KNY/s320/scap+patchwork.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I have many more images to share with you!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320436015048955216.post-87293407781349776402010-06-02T20:53:00.000+02:002010-06-02T20:53:25.737+02:00The June Fashion screensaver<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9WqhyphenhyphenSZffjnBMkCGCyEF0leeJYN5aZ-cWnOOxtERtVh8PZmdu1aUEaELgwDyvRAsZjX9WI3if2y4yvi9pLBWmrf8QG0a6dVwMwVhoFcMYjcVjYLS5ofmJtX5uPYhNyDammKYPaupu18/s1600/June+2010+mini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9WqhyphenhyphenSZffjnBMkCGCyEF0leeJYN5aZ-cWnOOxtERtVh8PZmdu1aUEaELgwDyvRAsZjX9WI3if2y4yvi9pLBWmrf8QG0a6dVwMwVhoFcMYjcVjYLS5ofmJtX5uPYhNyDammKYPaupu18/s400/June+2010+mini.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.21centurydressmakers.com/Full%20pages/Freebies%20frame.html">(click here to download the June screensaver</a>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Still high on my wonderful visit to NYC. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">10th Avenue viewed from the <a href="http://www.thehighline.org/">Highline</a> - wow! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The glory and playful happening in Central Park's <a href="http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/sheep-meadow.html">Sheep's Meadow</a> --</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and fashion at the MET. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I felt like a carefree tourist --</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and it was fun,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">exceptionally so,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">as it can only happen in NY, NY.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3320436015048955216.post-83706993464294292352010-05-29T21:12:00.000+02:002010-05-29T21:12:25.420+02:00DIY cropped, denim joggers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tpBn5vFwrbSxkg444bvS1-ndzEGHrqSZpfTFb-UkFuK3gHDmnniWHk3eT8cp9D-T21mX5nqqCRV7ZV_gpeda11swgJvesSGdBR-Ba-tw0vfM4Y9Z3dilRf1ybI50xwYNMkvl7KezDG0/s1600/078_Mins_9780307353771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tpBn5vFwrbSxkg444bvS1-ndzEGHrqSZpfTFb-UkFuK3gHDmnniWHk3eT8cp9D-T21mX5nqqCRV7ZV_gpeda11swgJvesSGdBR-Ba-tw0vfM4Y9Z3dilRf1ybI50xwYNMkvl7KezDG0/s400/078_Mins_9780307353771.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wanted to let everyone know, that over at my <a href="http://jeanrepair.blogspot.com/2010/05/diy-cropped-denim-joggers.html">other blog, the new, pure denim one</a>, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've just posted these cozy, cropped, rather smug, denim joggers.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUJB92-U77Q5fleUzJ0fyP6qXe_fGf9iJYt69xrD2Kb1vtBExy9VInG8EWyNuHIvKh3AmAyKWuS8M_ZRs7g6rdps2aeIbyGdvpbmnPyR1xaYmrxf74lwwTQmFFFWLYaKTTZA96PJLFRE/s1600/077_Mins_9780307353771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUJB92-U77Q5fleUzJ0fyP6qXe_fGf9iJYt69xrD2Kb1vtBExy9VInG8EWyNuHIvKh3AmAyKWuS8M_ZRs7g6rdps2aeIbyGdvpbmnPyR1xaYmrxf74lwwTQmFFFWLYaKTTZA96PJLFRE/s400/077_Mins_9780307353771.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I can attest that they are perfect</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">for sailing through the spring and summer.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1