Style Obsession - Joan Holloway

Oh, MAD MEN, I love you!

And Joan's wardrobe is my current raison d'etre...
Everything I want to make these days is inspired by this wardrobe -- Costume designer is Janie Bryant.

Can she breathe with that belt that tight???  If I wear my belt that snug, I will have to stand all day! But if it made my shape look that good, it'd be worth it!!!!!!!!!! :)

Polka dots and pearls

I think every week I post at least one polka dot outfit! I do love the dots.
Here's my style for the day and some pics that inspire me. Have a great weekend everyone!

Made by me Navy Dress

This dark navy blue dress has the cutest white button print with tiny red thread in the button-holes. 2-3 yards were given to me by my dear friend Karen for my B-day about 5 years ago. I FINALLY made a dress out of it. A simple dress with a zipper in the back, a bit of gathering at the top of the sleeves, and a matching tie for the waist (but I like to wear a red, gold, or black patent leather belt with it as well).

And I made a skirt too.
Fabulous!

Polka dots

OMG, I love polka dot dresses. You've already seen me in a few on this blog and I've only been at it a month!
I just got this blue polka dot dress. Thrifted! Belt - thrifted! Necklace - thrifted!

As soon as I tried this dress on I thought "belt it" and had planned on a bright red or pink one, but I decided on complimenting the round dots with a geometric sandal and went with a nude shoe and belt. I plan to have some more fun styling this dress. See you in the fall, blue polka dot dress.

Shoes, from ModCloth :)

Triple wrap belt, and my new favorite nail color - Essie, Vava Vroom

Black & white

Simple, drop-waist, off-white, sleeveless sweater dress. But how to dress up and "style" this simple shift? Add a bright belt over the cardigan. I love bright belts. And I find belts over a little sweater or jacket very dressy, feminine and flattering.

Polka dot cork wedges, from Shimamura. Pink lace socks from Little Tokyo. Same color scheme, but spicy enough to bring life to this office ensemble. Shy away from the obvious! Don't go for the simple, safe, plain black pump or flat -- be creative! Have fun!

Have a  great weekend!

Hot Pink Halter

It has been years since I wore a halter top, but since I made this one myself...I just had to wear it.
Sewing rocks. Hardcore.

Suit jacket and wide-leg black pants (Express); purple suede wedges (Kenneth Cole for Macy's).

Notes on this bike: This is my free bike I found in the trash. I keep it at work for zipping around as needed - it gets used daily. For a junk bike, it is so great. The wheels roll... one brake works- that's ok, right? The pedals/cranks squeak so loud you can hear me coming a block away. Yeah. I know I'm cool.

LBD Week

A few months ago, I cleaned out my closet and got organized. I found tons of wonderful things that I haven't worn in a long time, so I decided to give myself a weekly theme; I'd have to be creative and wear some of these great pieces that don't see a lot of action. I've done purple week, brown week, gray week, pink week...skirt week, scarf week, suit week, polka dot week, vintage week... You get the idea.
This week is Little Black Dress week.

MONDAY: black cotton dress, with polka dot bottom, ribbon belt, from Shimamura in Japan

TUESDAY: Black shirt dress from Macy's; patent leather bow belt from Shimamura; shoes from ModCloth; socks from Little Tokyo Mall

WEDNESDAY: Dress from ModCloth; shoes from Seychelles, thrifted

THURSDAY: vintage polka dot dress from BBC Vintage; Belt, thrifted; Shoes, Remix

What's the LDB look for FRIDAY? Tune in next week to find out...
It's a fashion CLIFFHANGER!!!

Fresh cookin'

Because I don't just style my outfits, I style my life, I want this web-log to be about all kinds of creations. Last night I made a simple dinner. Nothing fancy - green vegetables, lightly steamed, with bow ties and alfredo sauce. What made it so special was the home grown zucchini. The pleasure and satisfaction that came from eating my own cultivated food was lovely. You don't need a lot of space to grow some food. Do it if you can. And enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor!

(I used a ready-made sauce, but I have made my own alfredo and it is far superior to any store-bought. Try this recipe for a simple, rich, delicious sauce. )

• 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Melt the butter slowly in a saucepan (low-med. heat), then stir in cream, let it warm. Then stir in cheese. Cook for a few minutes stirring occasionally till cheese melts and it starts to bubble. Turn down heat, let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.