60's Blue suit

Of course, I was inspired by "Joan" and wanted to make an early 60's style suit/dress. But I wanted separates that I could pair with other things. So I first made this skirt and then I made the top from a late 60's dress pattern They look good I think. Most people thought it was a dress and not 2 pieces, which is interesting. The top is too big (I used a larger pattern) so I need to take it in a bit. I prefer a very fitted/tailored look. I was going for a chic/ladies-who-lunch/60's-professional-dress look... but I'm feeling it is maybe a bit "old republican/first lady" kinda look. I suppose it is a very VERY fine line.

Haircut

I finally got sick of my long hair. I tied it up in a ponytail, walked down to Manic Panic Salon on York, and said "cut it off." The hairdresser was horrified. "Are you sure about this?" she asked me at least 5 times. Yeah, I said cockily, it's only hair. It'll grow back.

Here's my 10 inch ponytail. I'll send it off to Locks of Love - they make wigs for kids. At least it's going to use. Now I can let it grow for a year again (or 2!) and not have to worry about a cut. I'm still adjusting to my naked neck. I have a bit of "buyer's remorse" so to speak, but I'll get used to it.

And it is true - it's only hair. It just keeps growing.

Fall colors: nude, brown, gold

I'm still getting used to fall (cold weather in LA) and trying to wear "fall" clothes. This Made-by-me top is well-fitted, and, in my mind, a nude top like this should go with everything and anything, but it doesn't. I'm still trying to find pairings for it. Feel free to offer up your ideas and inspirations, folks. It's not just the color but the fabric, and the cut/style as well that is somewhat specific and tricky to pair with just anything.
I'll keep you all posted on what I come up with! :)  (Perhaps I should buck the attempt to "match" it and go for something wildly different for the bottom???)
Happy sewing and styling!!!

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!!!!!!!!!! :)

Dot Frenzy

New wrap dress...polka dot knit fabric...Made by me last weekend... So cute! I love the fabric!

Challenges--- Sewing along the grain with the stretch. It pulls through the machine and the hem is wonky and janky looking. Perhaps I'll go over it again with a bias tape or ribbon on the back to keep it in line. Just the neckline needs revisiting I think. Perhaps facing would solve the problem...
Do you like this one?

Why wear sandals on a chilly day? - Just got a mani-pedi - see below :)

New Vegan Cookbook

Our friend Matt Ruscigno is a dietician, and foodie, who is also vegan and an endurance athlete and trainer - check him out at TRUE LOVE Health. He worked on this awesome cookbook called Appetite for Reduction -- get it for a veggie-lover YOU love!

I made a few AMAZINGLY tasty dishes last weekend. Super YUMMY! Cook this tonight!

1. Chickpea Picatta and Caulipots:
Picatta : http://www.theppk.com/2010/09/chickpea-picatta/
Caulipots are Cauliflower Mashed potatoes - creamy even without butter or milk. Especially tasty with Picatta gravy on top! The lemon/wine/caper richness of the picatta is just insanely delicious. Enjoy!

2. Chili Verde con Papas -- basically a tomatillo stew/vegetarian chili without tomatoes -- really different. I loved it. I love the flavor of tomatillos but had never cooked them before. They seemed intimidating to me somehow, I'm not sure why.

 Bon Appetit!

Made by Me - Blue skirt

I just can't get enough of pencil skirts right now. Or this shantung! Or vintage patterns!  I picked up a few DOZEN last weekend -- woohoo! Another hoarders junk is definitely my treasure. :)  This skirt pattern was a 1970's skirt, and the pattern called for a front slit with top-stitched detail up the front center. I prefer a clean front so I scrapped that and cut one solid piece for the front. I really like the pockets and the thin, lined waistband. I plan to make a top to match this.

Sweater from a no-name shop in Rome, Italy; sandals from ModCloth.