Haute Couture?

I grew up with a mom that sews (anything!) she could make pretty much anything and everything.  And of course I wanted to be just like her, so I learned how to sew a few basic things as well…with a very strict directive from her when starting the process "do it right or don’t do it at all".  As I got older, my pieces stayed pretty simple, pink pants (with elastic bands), skirts, dresses etc. nothing too crazy. My mom however, made my prom dresses and all sorts of things that I wasn’t yet accomplished enough to execute.

Lately, I’ve gotten the bug to sew again…now, don’t get me wrong, I was still fixing buttons, lengthening hemlines, modifying curtains etc. you know - basic things. 

My project to bring me back to sewing for real came with my Gay Pride Parade dress. I saw the material at JoAnns and fell in love (I had just come back from Hawaii, so likely still had floral on the brain) with the material. The theme for the Gay Pride was birds of Paradise so it was perfect!….now all I had to do was execute the plan.

I thought I got an easy pattern but that wasn’t to be, so with assistance from my mom and a long night of cursing, wine and more cursing, I managed to complete the dress in time to wear for the party. It was a test of wills…mine vs the pattern. I have to say I like the dress. I’m now inspired to do more projects…so on my list now are a pair of scarlet red corduroy pants w/large cuffs (I can also make extra long to work with heels)…a plaid dress, with some unique ribbon details that I found and a new swanky dog bed for beau (with beautiful ivory fringe!) that will be beautiful in the living room.

They won’t be perfect, but they will be one-of-a-kind works of art and isn’t that what Haute Couture is all about?

Let your heart guide your style

‘elle

Nude the New Black?

Regardless of what you call it Nude aka: Camel, Beige, Fawn, Taupe, Mushroom, or Buff…has become the hottest color (or non-color) this summer and I see it going into Fall/Winter as well. Tell me what gal out there hasn’t been looking for the perfect Nude platform heel? I know, I have a pair! (but, I don’t know if I count…). What I do know is that the shoe should match your skin tone so as to elongate the leg. It allows you to wear pretty much anything and this shoe will go with it perfectly. Wow, a shoe can do all that? Yes it can my friends – so quick run get a pair!

Now that I have my perfect elongating heel, I want a Fall/Winter coat in the same color scheme. Some of you may know I’m on the hunt, and trust me its rare that I actually hunt for much – I generally like to “run across something I like…” but in this case, I feel the need to hunt and find my perfect coat in my perfect color. Let me tell you that it’s not easy…do I go stylish/ trendy or classic and tailored?? I even saw a great cape – not practical with these Chicago winters, but would allow me to showcase my black elbow leather gloves!   Once again I digress....

So my friends, my search continues…stay tuned, as soon as I find it I will definitely share…and those to-die-for Nude heels I found – Joan & David, Nordstrom Rack – Deerfield, IL.

Happy Shopping & Styling

'elle

Don't Wait - Get Started Now

I'm talking about Fall/Winter shopping...trust me I know you're probably thinking I'm crazy when the entire country is under a HEAT WAVE, but Fall/Winter will be here soon enough and you will want to be prepared with you winter wardrobe. [espeically those of you that live in Chicago like myself , where the winters last a Long, Long, Long time!]

So here is what I'm liking right now...

I saw some awesome grey suede boots, lace up with a peep toe that will be super fun with skirts, skinny jeans (dare I say that I actually where them) and dresses! 

To go with those boots, I found a grey shawl with a faux fur trim that will be super fun and add a little 'something special' to whatever I'm wearing, even if its just jeans and a t-shirt!  And lastly, I'm on the hunt for the perfect camel coat/cape...nothig too fancy, but I've wanted a camel something for a while - kinda like my DEEP DESIRE for red boot cut pants (someday i will find an affordable pair!!).

At any rate, I wanted to let you all know that you should be thinking about what the next season brings, look at what you have, send it to the cleaners (like my garage sale find - white faux fur coat - $5) get the buttons fixed, or whatever, assess what you have and what you need and what still fits!!! Then make your list and go shopping...if you see those fun tights grab them now as they will likely costs more later or won't be there when the season actually hits.

No need to think summer new buys, its here and half way over; its time to think to cooler times ahead...stay thirsty my friends...but more importantly stay fashionable!

love
'elle

Preppy Fun

So I have to laugh because, I know that I’m on this preppy style kick ( – which if you know me isn’t really my thing) but I have been seeing it for Spring/Summer and I really like it..but what I didn’t realize is that I’ve apparently been working it into my styling more and more. I can say I’ve been “suggesting” to Scott to try it (he’d look so cute!), but I’m have a little trouble on that front. Anyway on Saturday I found my white Ralph Lauren cardigan over my shoulders and I had to laugh…and then on Sunday that same sweater paired with my new Target red gingham plaid dress…that’s when Schott actually said “what’s up with your preppy style these days?” – Huh? I guess I had crossed over in more than a small way. Not that this should be a surprise to him, seriously I’ve been trying to get him in a pair of red shorts, or the pink polo shirt, or the hunter green shorts…or even the ‘driving-shoe’ leather moccasins.

So yes, I have found my inner “preppy” and you’ll see me in it this summer…along with my retro favs and my unmistakable – “Michelle Style” mixed in.

Wear what you love; try new things and most of all have fun!

Summer Shirtdress Style

So today, I saw this dress while looking for something else and I just fell in love.  I like the simplicity of the white, the unique sleeve detail and the girlish charm that takes one back to being young/youthful.  This dress is by Viktor & Rolf (way out of my price range, unfortunately) but lovely all the same.  I hope you enjoy it too!  BTW, if I were to get this dress, it would need to be a few inches longer! 

I wanted to make sure that you all knew that the best "Hat" events are coming up in back to back weekends! 

Hat Event #1 - The Royal Wedding.  
I mean seriously, what is more fun than watching the fashions - not so much the clothes, (other than the obvious, what will the Bride be wearing...) but the Hats are what draw me in.  So I figured why not partake as well...on Friday April 29th, 8:00a CST I will be wearing my black facinator hat to work knowing full well I will be the only one...and likely the only one on the bus too.  I'm going to withstand the looks & laughs so that I can fell like I'm part of something larger than myself - even if I'm thousands of miles away (and a little late).  Ladies if you have a hat, where it - they are so chic!

Hat Event #2 - The Kentucky Derby. 
I have already gotten my wonderful cream, wide brimmed hat w/feathers and again I'm ready to rock the classic tradition of hats for this long established event.  My hat, sundress and cocktail - ah, Spring will have most definitely arrived at that moment.

Why don't we wear more hats ladies? I mean it saves us from doing our hair, it so very Feminine.  Something to ponder...until then wear them if you've got them! 

Spring Fashion 2011

Spring is technically here, (I say technically because its still cold here in Chicago and no flowers to speak of…) and I hope you guys are ready because I loving the fashion for Spring 2011! Now, I’m a practical woman and I recognize that I may not be able to pull of all these looks, but you know me, I’m sure as Hell gonna try!

So let’s begin…below are the popularly identified Women’s Spring 2011 Clothing Trends…


The Sheer Maxi Dress

They say that each season things (i.e. trends) evolve and merge…kinda like my thighs. This Spring they are introducing a new take on an old staple which personally I think is perfect for any and every woman regardless of body type, height and age! The Maxi dress is going sheer people - - now don’t freak out, you just may need to layer a little more than normal, but think of it this way, you can now feel free to show off that fabulous lingerie you’ve been hiding all winter long!


Lace Clothing

These days lace has been transformed – its no longer your mother’s or even your grandmother’s old lady clothing…it too has evolved and is transcending seasons. Now its more about the antique-style lace and less the stretchy stuff. To “pull this off”, and that’s exactly what you’re going to feel like – you’ll be pulling off a feat like no other…they recommend that you go with a wider net, unique pattern and a sturdy fabric (quite sturdy if its supposed to hold my rolls and folds). Wearing something like this means you are wearing the dress, not the other way around…, try it without a slip, if you’re so bold…(and I mean you better be bold!)


Crochet & Macrame

 I love this look, very 70s/Bohemian and its super crafty for those of us (Mom) that can actually Crochet…(I was supposed to learn over Christmas but alas the time got away from me, now I’m kicking myself cause I’m sure in the few days that I had I could have learned to make a dress or two). I love to be crafty but they don’t want the homemade crafty feel for this style, instead they say its all about intricacy, quality and luxury edge…(I could have had all 3, I’m just saying)

You’re probably going, how much different is this to lace…well not far from it. Crochet is delicate, but not so delicate as to be lace. There now you’re in the know! Both Macrame and Crochet are good this year as the whole 70s revival is going on this Spring/Summer so it’s a perfect accompaniment. You’ll see these in earthy tones, browns, oranges, creams and white…to sum it up – “Overall the aesthetic is still luxurious with a modern sense of refinement” (did you get all that?)

Tassels

Don’t call it a comeback! ...but it is, it’s the return of luxury trimmings…you were wondering when those were going to come back weren’t you! (said w/sarcasm) You’ve all heard the saying “its in the details” well now its this detail that is changing the look and feel of clothing and accessories. The tassel is a trimming that is said to signify luxury and at times the…wait for it…exotic.

There are some great things out there for you to try and I hope you get the opportunity to…this is also easy to execute on your own…find an old purse, head to the craft store and see if you can bring your old whatever into the new & now.


Bell Bottoms


With skinny pants (I’m going to admit, this was not my favorite look…and definitely not on a guy) no longer making a statement it was inevitable that a different style would emerge as a trend. It didn't necessarily have to be this one, but with the come back of all things 1970s it was inevitable that fashion forward people (like yourselves) would turn to bell bottoms / flared pants as their style of choice. And the short answer is: yes, (unfortunately) skinny jeans are still in fashion. Flared jeans and flared trousers are back for both men and women for as a spring 2011 fashion trend; bell bottoms and flared jeans for are all about a neo-1970s style that has the following elements:


1.) A hem that is at least as wide as your foot
2.) Loose at the knee


Wide leg pants


Alongside the flares are wide leg pants and jeans. What is the difference between the two, and how should they be styled in 2011?


1.) With heels. Flats will simply never complete the look as well as heels will; (ha for all my friends that give me a hard time for wearing my heels…here is a case you HAVE to wear them!!) the exception is if you're carrying off a very masculine look with man-style flats.
2.) With a slim-fitting top to balance out the volume on the bottom half. A soft, billowing blouse can also work well but is best broken up with a waist-cinching belt.
3.) With utter 70s glamour: wide-leg trouser, platforms and a big floppy hat. ( I have a big floppy hat now I know I can wear it for more than just the beach!)
4.) Female dandy style - look to vintage icons like Katharine Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich for inspiration.
5.) With 40s pin-up girl flair, by pairing some wide-legged sailor pants with nautical


A final, mandatory note about wide-legs, be they jeans, trousers or a draping palazzo: all of these styles work best of taller frames. If you're short in the legs try a pair of skinny cropped pants or ones with a subtle flare paired with heels stripes and espadrilles.


Capri pants


For every trend exists its opposite. So as spring 2011's fashion trends allow us to welcome flares back into our wardrobes, so too does it allow for an opposite style (, in the form of capri pants, to make a showing. Click the link to find out about the styles of capris that are in in spring 2011, and what other trends to wear them with. For spring 2011 the slim-cut, though not necessarily skin tight, cropped pant gets a look in as one of those alternatives, with the option to create a number of different looks out of the style. The ladylike 50s/60s fashion trend is largely at the core of the capri pant revival. Think capris with ballet shoes or kitten heels, and a tie-front shirt. Another vintage take is to pair some nautical stripes and espadrilles, pin-up style. Cropped pants don't have to be pigeonholed to vintage looks, There are several different cuts to the capri pant in 2011:
• Pants that are cropped only ever so slightly, to sit just above the ankle.
• More traditional capri pants cut three-quarter, cut just below the calf than ones that are mid-calf.
• Slim-cut pants that are rolled up to sit above the ankle (a great alternative if you want to give a fresh take to some of your skinnies rather than invest in specifically cropped pairs).


Tail hems: dresses longer at the back

They've been seen as an alternative to the summer mini skirt or maxi dress, and for spring / summer 2011 'tail hems' continue their reign as the more interesting alternative to both. Shirttail hem, tapered hem, cutaway hem... skirts and dresses cut longer at the back are continuing to make their way forward. Tail hems fill the void between mini and midi; or between midi and maxi. They cover, yet they expose. And they're a simple way to freshen up your spring 2011 wardrobe with a new type of cut.


Stripes


Spring 2011 sees stripes with an unsurprising nautical dominance - but it's a dominance inspired by other key Spring 2011 fashion trends. In 2011, it's the classic navy and white color palette, worn as dominant stripes



Jumpsuits & Playsuits
They're something of a yo yo trend: one season they're in, the next season they're out. They're back again, reinterpreted to fuse in many of the season's other fashion trends.



The cutesy playsuits and rompers were a summer must-have. Well, as fashion would dictate it, one-piece anythings are back in style; from overalls to jumpsuits, to playsuits and rompers. .And for those who are, they can rest assured knowing that any investment pieces, particularly statement playsuits, will be a worthy investment. Just be sure to note, denim overalls from the 80’s is NOT part of this trend!


Ways to wear this trend:
1.) Evening: a new take on relaxed glamour
2.) Tailored: smart and sophisticated, a tailored playsuit can be office-ready as well as dressed up for day or night. Look for crisper fabrics, cuffed shorts, and cinched in waists
3.) Loose and flowing: a dash of hippy - working best when combined with soft floral prints. Fabrics should be free-flowing, legs wide and long.
4.) Sporty: hoods and zips to simple cotton jersey fabrics.
5.) Basic: while some designers have gone for prints and intricate detailing. A more versatile wardrobe staple, go for black, white or nude colors and simple straight cuts


How to wear jumpsuits & playsuits - Here are some more general tips and ideas of how to wear the trend:
• Curves or a pear-shaped - try for a halter jumpsuit or playsuit, belted in firmly at the waist, for a bombshell silhouette.
• For night time opt for luxurious fabrics like silks; details like sequins or sheer panels; or leather for an edgier look.
• If you go for a basic block-color piece, the options are practically endless. Try a cropped jacket in a contrasting color; bold statement jewelry; any variety of belts or ties; or some out there add-ons like removable shoulder epaulettes, badges, chains, or interesting layer
• Another way to wear the jumpsuit is with an exotic feel: to work this style look for billowing harem-style pants with gathered-in ankles.


Crop tops





It was 2009 that we last focused on this look as a trend, and back then it certainly wasn't a trend for the whole year. This is very much a high-summer 2011 look, one great for the hottest of weather and party atmospheres, such as festivals.


As a 2011 fashion trend the crop top is not just about exposing one's whole stomach, but about finding elegant new ways of showing a peep of toned midriff. Yes there's the crop top of the grunge-revival. Yes there's the crop top of the sportswear-as-daywear trend. But there's also the crop top as a sophisticated, refined piece that some will embrace as a look not to be feared.