Stripes and Polka Dots

The mixing of prints continues this week! Stripes and polka dots. I love 'em both.

This sweet little sweater (from Target) has a bit of blue in it, and so does this skirt. So why not pair them?

This skirt is a home-made bubble skirt. It's easy - here's how:

The skirt (originally from Shimamura) was really too long for me, so I cut it just below the knee, then basted some 1/2" elastic to the inside of the cut edge. Stretch the elastic as you go so when you tie it off at the end, it will pull the fabric in. It still hung too low, so I tacked it to the cut edge of the lining inside, every 4-6 inches. Viola! Le Bubble!

cute keyhole detail

brass balls, indeed

twisted hair -- see the inspiration here

Made by Me Black skirt

O, Marc Jacobs, you inspire me!
After I saw this spread in Vogue, I just had to Make This Look.

I still need to make/find a cream silk top, but I am very happy with my black "silk" pencil skirt. (it's poly shantung actually, which i love.) Marc's is incredibly embellished, but I was more concerned with recreating the shape/lines.

I look forward to creating more looks with this fantastic skirt. I just LOVE it.

Made by Me stripes

Mixing prints is tough work. You have to be fearless! Adventurous! Daring! Just go for it. Stripes and polka dots (esp. black and white) are fairly easy to pair. I really enjoyed wearing this fun outfit.

I made this shirt -- perhaps "adorned it" is a better word. Lace and cut out flower appliques on an old striped t-shirt. REUSE REPURPOSE REINVIGORATE.

Belt, thrifted; Skirt by Kookai, thrifted; red beaded necklace... you guessed it...thrifted. :)

Office Attire

Adding "men's style" accessories is hot right now (hasn't it always been?). I've been doing it for years; you should see my collection of ties! But I was inspired this week to wear these lovely thrifted cufflinks, so that set off the whole outfit... pink french cuff shirt and brown pencil skirt, followed by Ann Taylor vintage-inspired pumps, and my huge leather Chloe bag.
I feel fabulous, like Mary Tyler Moore walking down the streets of Manhattan, ready to conquer the world! (That's what "styling" is all about for me -- build yourself up to the person you want to be AND YOU WILL BE IT!)

Veggie Fritatta with Potato Crust

Eat this tonight!
Found this recipe at For the Love of Cooking, and pretty much made it to spec except left out the ham. Also I used cheddar instead of swiss. The flavor of the caramelized onions and mushrooms was the best.The potato crust was so yummy and filling without just being flour & margarine, like a traditional crust. It was Deeeee-licious.

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!

Forever in Blue..

Money talks
But it don't sing and dance
And it don't walk
And long as I can have you
Here with me, I'd much rather be
Forever in blue jeans...    Oh, that Neil Diamond is a poet.

Went to see a tribute band a few nights ago...Hot August Night... very fun concert in the park.

After the blue polka dot dress, I thought I'd keep with a blue theme for the week and try to put together some blue ensembles. Here's today's...

White dress shirt, Theory; Skirt, Jean Paul Gautier for Target; necklace - LA flea market@Dodger Stadium