Beanies on and around my head…. (it’s Trendayyy Tuesday!)

But first… let me take a selfie! 

IMG_3584

Okay so maybe that pop culture reference is getting stale, but for TRENDAYYY Tues I wanted to show you my new hat with which I am obsessed!

That pic was taken on a trip home to the great plains of Iowa! It was characteristically wintery out there, so naturally I needed to keep my noggin cozy and stylish. What better way than with a brightly colored beanie! The hat was made by Echo, bought at Nordstrom, and was $32. (I swear I have already worn it 32 times in less than 32 days. Totally justified. )

It is no secret that beanies are a mainstay for chilly weather; the only problem is there are too many to choose! There are red beanies, blue beanies, thick beanies, and slick beanies! Shiny beanies, line-y beanies, girly beanies, and swirly beanies! Beanies with poms, beanies for moms, and beanies that help do good deeds made by TOMS!

AHHHHH !!!! MAKE THE RHYMING STOP!! I’ve only got one little head!

Screen Shot 2014-11-18 at 10.04.01 PM

I managed to narrow down the pack to some of my favorite looks to match some of my favorite moods. Check out these items I would pick for my dream closet!

Screen Shot 2014-11-18 at 9.35.46 PM

Yes, I did put a $250 fur hat and a $10 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles hat in the same style guide.

I call that being well rounded  😉

While shopping, I thought I wanted to add a “classy” hat to the line-up, so I did the most basic thing ever and typed “classy beanie” into a Polyvore image generator. This was the only search result:

Screen Shot 2014-11-18 at 9.30.06 PM

BTCH PLZ.

lol…of course.

Cheers! To beanies, beanies, the magical fruit.

XOXO

re

Dorky Chick Diaries: Hashtag Rebrand, Yoga Pants, and Flailing Arms

You might have noticed that Dorky Chick in Lipstick has been undergoing some changes. This is assuming you used to read my blog with the old look and also that you have eyes. I know neither, but for those of you just joining me today “Hello, my name is Caroline and this is how my blog looks. Take a seat and spit out your gum.”

Oh wait, I’m not a salty bus driver? Moving on.

Let me tell you about the “rebrand”, or rather, #rebrand. It looks like this:

Screen Shot 2014-10-15 at 12.20.53 AM

 

and

Screen Shot 2014-10-17 at 12.04.52 AM

With a little consultation from some of my most cherished gal pals, (one of which is a graphic designer– hey girl thanks again!) I sorted through quite a few versions before I came up with something I thought had all the right junk in all the right places. I wanted lipstick colors without the red Target dart. I wanted something simple to build on that also had a signature detail. I wanted feel like I had a stamp of my voice.

Rebranding my blog was like playing dress up with my website… and we all know how I feel about dress up 🙂

It was more than a visual makeover that I was seeking. I needed to change my “about” section as well, because, frankly, I’m about much more than I led on in the beginning, or certainly than I knew I could be. So here is the short version which is  followed by the long version.  If the question was “why ‘Dorky Chick in Lipstick’?” this is how I would respond.

“Dorky Chick in Lipstick” is a safe place for fashion and laughter to coexist.

It is a living fashion journal that is stripped of anything that comes without personal progress. It celebrates the wannabe. It giggles through the clumsiness of being a twenty-something. It is my diary out loud.

If you are curious, read on. (long version)

“Dorky Chick in Lipstick” is more than a persona. It is an experiment.

It began in early 2013. I had restless fingers, a lot to say, and passion for fashion that I had neglected for more “responsible” things like paying bills and going to college. It was a solid track, but I was losing touch with my favorite art forms: writing and fashion. I needed an outlet. I started a blog.

As I looked at the fashion world to see where I might fit in, I was inspired, but I didn’t see a place for myself. I felt like I was in a lunchroom of fashion bloggers with no seat. I admired them all, but I didn’t quite see taking pictures of myself standing against brick walls in cute clothes or writing how-to’s on being a modern-day Martha Stewart as platforms where I could really speak my mind. I don’t run with a posse of fashion-obsessed women who I could recreate Sex and the City with, nor do I want to scavenge every stinky thrift shop in Portland for a writing prompt. Each blogger seemed so pulled together and clear with their voice and their style. I, on the other hand, was wearing yoga pants, and the only voice that I could hear in my head was making wise cracks and giggling.

I realized what I needed was a safe space: one where I could have both fashion and laughter.

I didn’t want to make $1500 style guides or be a slave to my instagram feed, and I couldn’t help but feel like there were others like me, who felt fashion existed only for those on “the other side”. Then I realized how silly that sounded; it is up to us to decide how we live in our clothes. 

It is okay to wear lipstick and still be totally and impossibly dorky.

“Dorky Chick in Lipstick” is an experiment in demystifying what lies between fashion fabulosity and wherever we think we come from. It isn’t a fancy blog. I am not a photographer, graphic designer, website creator, a professional personality, or professional stylist, but I at least want to give it a try.

So come along. Yoga pants are welcome here. I’m telling the true, living story of a girl who wants to live expressively and laugh much. She loves to be a lady in lipstick, but her insides are giggling and making funny faces.

She is me, and I am welcoming you with flailing arms.

*end*

Cheers, friends! To progress, pink circles, and faking it until we make it.

XO,

C

Dorky Chick #TBT: ummm WHY wasn’t I invited to the VMA’s?

 

 

 

 

Listen. I don’t f*&%ing get it. All week I have to hear about stinking celebrities and their “fabulous” fashion statements and I have basically been red carpet ready for years and nobody has paid any attention to me. It’s not fair! 

Just take a look at Gaga in this trash bag dress….

Image

C’mon, financially-savvy-college-freshman Caroline was rocking that years ago…

Image

 

Obviously red carpet worthy.

 

Then Allison Williams shows up in Valentino and everybody is like “ooohhhh”

Image

 

Um excuse me but HOW could you forget that I basically wore the same thing to my junior year voice recital? 

ImageI friggin’ nailed “Green Finch and Linnet Bird” from Sweeney Todd that night.

Nailed. it.

But what really chaps my hide is Katy Perry and her– wait, what’s that they call it?- oh yeah— her “grill”. 

Image

 

 

Katy, Katy, Katy. Let me show you how it’s done. ImageFake forest background.

Casual knuckles under chin.

So whimsical…yet, so fierce. 

 

 

 

All I’m saying is, fashion legends like myself deserve some recognition.

I’ll be waiting on my invitation to 2014’s VMA’s, MTV. 

I’ll. Be. Waiting. 

😉

xo

 

 

 

READER FEATURE: Meet Laura!

I designed this blog to be a digital bulletin board/keepsake box/public diary of all things that keep me inspired. This includes learning hurdles cleared, industry knowledge acquired, fashion fantasies explored, and officially, now, recognizing those who live fabulously, fearlessly, and fashionably. I want to dedicate a new monthly installment to readers who have kept me motivated and exemplify what it means to DREAM and DO.

Introducing….

Image

Meet Laura.

62857_4174320194617_309711716_n

One of my oldest friends, I couldn’t think of a better person to kick off this segment with.  I can just remember sitting in our middle school homeroom class and chit chatting like we were millionaire shoppers. Drooling over Louis Vuitton logos, daydreaming about Betsey Johnson shoes, and always being “in the know” about what was acceptable 8th grade attire…we’ve come quite a ways 🙂  Why I chose Laura is because she is not only is she a loyal reader of my little blog, she is also an integral part of my fashion history. Knowing my love of fashion, she invited me one spring day in 2007 to watch the Central Campus Fashion Show. This fashion show was the end-of-the-year showcase for the Fashion Design and Merchandising students at the downtown, college-level tech school  for high school students, which I would after become a part of.  (You may remember me mentioning this school before in one of my earliest blogs- click here. ) This experience catapulted me into exploring my creative side, allowed me to take a road less traveled, and ultimately has played a part in what has caused me to sit in this chair and type on this blog.

My appreciation for her goes far beyond that invitation, however, and I would say she is one of the more inspirational people I know. Laura is one of those people I would describe as “tightly wrapped”. She is organized, she is accomplished, she makes friends everywhere she goes, and she somehow makes time for it all and then some.  She makes life fun while still working really hard and looking extra fabulous. OH and she can kick your ass.

But I’ll let her do the talking. I had a chance to ask her some questions so you can get to know her, we can learn about her style, and maybe some of her can rub off on us!

C: Alright Laura, gimme the basics.

L: I live in the fabulous Scottsdale, Arizona! It’s very much the stereotype that everyone imagines. Eclectic cars and women in 100% matching Lululemon outfits at the gym protecting their new manicures. Sometimes I wonder if these people have jobs or are really doing that well being sugar mamas. If the latter, I need to switch careers. Besides it turning into an oven for 4 months out of the year, I can’t complain about the sunshine and the great tan that I can therefore maintain. You [learn to] deal with the 120 degree hot season for 8 months of 80 degree weather  just by thinking of friends at home [in Iowa] crossing treacherous black ice. I am currently a pediatric intensive care nurse at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. It’s amazing, I know. It’s also sad, I know. I get to be the one there for families when their child is in the worst possible state they could imagine. I’m there for the happy times when we’re leaving the ICU, and I’m there for the sad times when that departure wasn’t as positive. All in all, I love what I do! I’m also a Crossfit coach. Nothing about that one is ever sad. I see people improve every day and lift heavy stuff. All in sometimes coordinated Lululemon outfits. I also have a little side job of making homemade almond butter – aptly named after my Crossfit enthusiasm “Nasty Girls Nut Butter.” If you haven’t heard of the Crossfit “Nasty Girls”, Google it. Then try one of my nut butters. You’ll realize after about 30 seconds why they’re appropriately named. The nut butter started as something I just did for myself and has now evolved into something people are bringing me jars back for refills! Check me out on Facebook- I ship!

**side note- Laura was actually on a team that competed at CrossFit regionals. Um.. watch out!!!!!!

Screen Shot 2013-08-26 at 5.58.22 PM

C: How would you describe your style?

L: My style is either scrubs or workout apparel, so pretty darn comfy. I literally have a closet of clothes that I select from for an occasion about every 3 months. However, when these such occasions arise, I’m choosing from a closet of low-maintenance, trendy pieces. I’m usually the one wearing a statement piece of jewelry with a black on black ensemble or the red pants with a basic tee. Standout, but easy. Done.

C: What inspires you?

L: My grandmother instilled in me the love of Coco Chanel. I’ve read three biographies and still have a Chanel-inspired password after five years. The mantra of not taking no for an answer and doing what you feel and not what society dictates is what I strive to achieve as well.

C: Who is a style icon that influences you?

L: Cliché, I know she’s been in the press a lot lately, but I’ve loved Kate Middelton (Dutches of Cambridge, allofherotherreallylongtitles), from the get go. She’s like me, effortless, comfy, and stylish. I also like Reese Witherspoon for her casual day to day outfits and then looking bombshell on the red carpet. Every time.

C: What is your favorite piece in your wardrobe?

L: My favorite piece (such a hard choice) would be a pair of 7 for all Mankind jeans that I have that literally feel like yoga pants. Who likes constricting jeans? Not I. These fit like a dream! I also love my swim covers – because that typically means I’m also wearing a bikini and going to the sun. …..Also, I buy Charles David heels. They’re my one and only. We go pretty steady these days.

C: If you could give one piece of fashion advice, what would that be?

L: My fashion advice would come from my inspiration, Coco Chanel.

“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”

I love this quote because I don’t ever go for the most avant garde outfit selections. I like things simple, some cleavage if deemed the right event, little jewelry, subtle makeup and fun shoes. Classy. Fabulous.

True to Dorky Chick form, I had to have Laura prove herself in pictures of a “TRRRENNNDAAYYY” outfit… Check it out!

1078235_10201031457766948_1534081123_n 1079372_10201031457526942_774120403_n 1080539_10201031457646945_1977753588_n 1097480_10201031457566943_226336853_n 972404_10201031457606944_1604474198_n

Laura says: Sooo here’s my outfit! It’s a dress I recently found at My Sister’s Closet, a designer consignment shop. It is Lotta Stensson. This dress still had tags on it that it retails for $350. I got it at the ripe dime of $58. It is also quite risque aka translucent, so I purchased a $28 white Free People slip to throw underneath. $86 investment worth $378; I’ll take it!

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, can I get a round of applause for Laura????

tumblr_lvgkkjV7wg1r6aoq4o1_400

She is caring for families in their darkest hours, achieving fitness goals and helping others do so as well, starting her own business on the side of ridiculously delicious nut butters, and is still getting out there and loving life. We see that beer in your picture, girl!  What can be learned through Laura is that no matter the circumstance, you can keep on “doin’ you”. For someone who spends most of her time in purpose-driven duds, she does an excellent job of keeping a her attitude stylish. Scrubs at work and spandex at the gym? No matter, because she knows she has fab looks waiting in the wings. Catch her teaching a class and you won’t know what is more impressive- her ability to keep up with the guys, or her adorbs outfit!

Thank you Laura! For letting us get to know how you take the day to day and make it fabulous- and for even getting your “dorky” on for some excellent pics of your Lotta Stensson dress.

Check her out on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/NastyGirlsNutButter

 1003964_212747035546797_482024380_n-1

Until next time readers!  Thanks for being patient as I travel across the country. So much exciting stuff to write about!!!!

xo

Are you a fashionista or fashionisto who lives each day with inspiration? Or do you know someone who is? You or someone you know could be next month’s reader feature!   Send in your name, the name of the person you are nominating, and a mini bio to dorkychickinlipstick@gmail.com ! 

Drawing practice ! 8.5

It has been officially an eon since I last had a free afternoon to sit and putter around with my art supplies. Feeling unfocused, I decided that drawing something already in existence was probably the best way to exercise my precision, and I chose the smokin’ red dress that Rhianna wore to the Grammy’s! 

Image

In my Illustration class review, I was told that I should work more on texture and on faces. I thought this would be a good choice because of the gathered skirt and translucent silk. 

Getting started was harder than I had thought, as I tried to remember the techniques I had learned months ago. I got started in pencil and took a pic so I could see what I’d started with by the time I was done. Lucky for me this time, I was already sold on drawing a long skirt so you didn’t have to see her weird looking cartoon legs…. 

ImageImage

Her arms were looking a little wonky and her face was so small that my pencil could hardly make details, but overall I was pleased enough to move on. After all, I had to accept that I will not be turning into Michelangelo in one afternoon of drawing.

Then there was the coloring! After outlining in thin Staedler marker, I decided that I would mix it up and use only my PrismaColor colored pencils this time. Previously, I had been using mainly my markers, but wanted to work with a medium I was less comfortable with. Here’s what came out:

Image

 

Riri was looking a bit better at the Grammy’s, but I took away some great observations about my process and where to go from here. Somewhere along the line her hair grew, her smile got colored in, and the precision of the folds in her dress became muddied. I had a hard time getting her hair to catch that ideal ombre glow and had an even harder time getting the beautiful coloring of her skin just right. This led to over-compensation, and I couldn’t color any more unless I wanted to just draw right through to the next page. 

ImageImage

 

All in all, it was a good checkpoint. I want to try this dress again, but instead use markers and spend more time on the details of her face and hair. I’ve heard designers say that more often than not a croquis gets drawn and redrawn multiple hair-pulling times until it is just right, but if I sit and roast any longer inside on this beautiful, hot day I think I will go insane in the membrane. 

On a positive note, I’m actually pleasantly surprised with the experimentation I did to make the fabric appear to be sheer through her torso and her face didn’t look like a man. These are both going in the “win” category.

I’m excited to try this again, and definitely will plan on more time for details. I think next time the most important part will be measuring and not second guessing my measurements. I got caught up in details that were not to scale and I lost focus of the precision that could have added some points for technique.

As we say around here:

Cheers, to sucking less! 

The grocery store calls! Stay positive friends, Monday is almost over 😉 

xo

Pictures of my TREEENNNNDAAAYYY outfit! 7.29

I’ve been working hard lately at trying to grow up. I’ve lived on my own for two years, I feel like I’m finally settling into a great network of people, and I want to be able to put more exciting things on my plate. Yesterday I celebrated a wonderful day of domestication. I cooked. I cleaned. I socialized.

And I wore homemade clothes!

As painfully June Cleaver as it sounds, I couldn’t help myself! I made this classic A-line skirt out of a funky black paisley-esque cotton last winter, and haven’t had a chance to see if it was worth wearing until this week. As basic and boring as can be, but I kinda liked it with my pink J. Crew necklace, grey tank, and go-to wedges!

Cue pic that says “Oh! Please have some more casserole, I made plenty!”

Image


Don’t let my fake smile fool you, I was really just happy to see carpet for the first time in weeks.

Image

ImageImageImageImage

It really is the little things. 

Hope you have a gleefully-rolling-on-the-floor kind of day.

xo

What to wear for a summer job interview! Start with deodorant…?

Here’s the sitch: it’s hotter than Birkenstocks in the 1990’s outside, and you need a job. You’d look great for an interview in January, but you’d be sweltering in thick, black fabric! Unfortunately a swim suit wasn’t the kind of suit your future employer had in mind for this occasion, and all of your other summer clothes may not be professional enough. 

So you asked, and I’m answering:

“I can’t find anything on Pinterest summer wardrobe ideas for job interviews! What tips do you have?”

 

Answer: wear this!

Image

 

Oh you mean you aren’t interviewing for the job of embarrassing prom date? Well then let’s dive into this a little bit more. 

 

MEN: 

Guys, tradition, unfortunately, will be keeping you in sleeves if you are looking to land that mainstream corporate gig. This doesn’t mean that you have to be boiling in wool, however. Summer-weight fabrics such as linen and seersucker are breathable and extremely classy choices for suits. Jackets are less necessary during this time, simply because of the heat, but when in doubt, err on the side of safety. Khaki’s and a button down are a practical choice. Be leery of different styles, however, should you be a gent who in interested in showing off your personality. Depending on the job you seek, consider how traditional your outfit should be. There is a difference between khaki colored slacks and khaki pants. If the khakis could be intermixed with jeans, then they probably aren’t job interview appropriate. More traditional companies or employers may be inclined to say that a pleated and cuffed khaki-colored trouser is more professional and classic. Likewise with shirts. Just because a shirt has a collar doesn’t mean it is the right shirting material.

 If I was your mom/sister/girlfriend (… and hopefully not all three) I would suggest you use good judgement and stray from getting experimental. There are ways of using subtleties to show off your personality, but if you aren’t sure what I mean, then you should probably just be going basic in the meantime. When you are ready to step it up, give me a call. We’ll go shopping.

Remember make sure that your belt, shoes, and socks match. Make sure your outfit isn’t wrinkled. Make sure everything is the proper length and fit. No shorts. No tennis shoes.  Not sure about something? Ask questions at quality men’s retailer. Women’s wear doesn’t have the same guidelines that men’s does, and quality male clothiers should be trained in the know-how of do’s and do-not’s. 

Here is a brief glimpse at how summer can translate into the modern day office.

Image

LADIES: 

Take a deep breath ladies, because fashion trends have transcended into business wear for summer. I actually think this is the best time to interview fashion-wise because of all of the possibilities! Being that it is sunny and warm, the shelves are lined with fun and expressive colors. Spring sales are aplenty and dark and gloomy colors have been buried, so forget that basic black a-line, and find something that shows off just how spectacular you are. My suggestion: make it classic, and also make it interesting. Start with basics like crisp linen pants, or a lightweight sheath dress. Traditional corporate job? Think pencil skirt and structured, short-sleeved top. Keep cool with silks and synthetics, and consider something flowy mixed with something structured. Make it your own with an accenting pair of heels and belt, or perhaps a dash of color with some fun jewelry. Keep it refined, but don’t let anyone tell you that a 9-5 means you will be relegated to sweater sets and 20th century conformity.  When you hit the shops to pick up that job-winning look, play with a variety of shapes and colors to make sure it works with your skin tone and body shape. Accents can be incorporated with practicality, and you may find that a brightly colored jacket or sweater is a suitable way to ward off A/C chill while not covering up your look.

Above all, make sure it is comfortable and flattering! If you feel good and aren’t pulling or tugging at your clothes, you will be much more likely to give the interview you want.  Leave your sky-high heels for date night!

Remember, cleavage is never okay. If it’s tight, it doesn’t fit. Close-toe shoes > your pedicure. No sequins are good sequins. Stay mindful of just how colorful you are- if you look like a walking color-by-numbers you may be overdoing it. 

Here are a couple ideas!

Image

Here’s an article I wrote for recent grads for the Portland State Vanguard… maybe this will help you too!

click here!

Friends, you are just one step closer to sweet, paycheck bliss. Now get off the couch, out of your Family Guy boxers, and take on the world!

Oh, wait… I’m the one in the Family Guy boxers…

Image

 

Probably time to get on with my day 😉

Enjoy the sun! xo

Don’t feel like going naked? Here is an article I wrote.

I’m off to the fabric store and then on to my industrial sewing machine class, but to quench your DorkyChick thirst, here is an article I put out a couple weeks ago for the PSU Vanguard!

CLICK !

If you don’t like any of my suggestions, I hear there is a nude beach on Sauvie’s Island. 

xo

TRRRREENNNNDAYYY WEEKEND: Here comes da judge!! 7.20-21!

 

 

Once again I’ve found myself in pageant land! I may not be destined for the courtroom, but I can still be a judge in the sparkly pageant arena 😉  So I’ve skipped town for a couple days to determine the fates of the ambitious young ladies competing for opportunities to find their inner queen.

This, of course, requires the right wardrobe so I played some dress up to exercise my styling muscles and make sure I was prepared for the weekend’s festivities!

OUTFIT 1: 

Orientation, first rounds of interviews, and introductions means it’s business time. A classic black sheath from Bebe was my first pull from my closet. Hotel A/C is usually pumping freezing cold air so I chose to cover up with this tweed jacket I found at J.C. Penney!  ($30!!) To ad my own flair, I put it with my favorite go-to cutout black heels, chunky silver jewelry to accent the exposed zipper on the jacket, and my favorite bracelet that reads “FEARLESS”

ImageImageImageImage

OUTFIT 2:

Sunday morning is the perfect time to pullout a cheery business wear outfit! Again, A/C pumping means dress for indoor autumn. I brought my own summer in the form of a white, flowy jacket, indigo capris, a bright floral scarf, and my favorite comfy pumps. Don’t let the playfulness fool you, I’m still a tough judge 😉

ImageImageImageImage

 

 

 

 

OUTFIT 3:

 Dear whomever it may concern at Fashion Police Department,

I’m repeating an outfit. Na na na boo boo. I don’t care.

Sincerely,

Caroline

For the final night of crowning, they said to pack our best! My pageant gown days are over, so I’m choosing to show my flashy flair through different means of fabulosity! I found this bright turquoise dress on sale from FCUK a couple months ago and wore it to the crowning of Miss Oregon 2013. I love that it is flattering, eye-catching, and comfortable! Great nights are only made better if you feel great in what you wear, and I’ve found that wearing a skin-tight sausage casing definitely gets in the way of being carefree- so I picked this! And I glitzed it up with heaping piles of jewelry.

ImageImageImageImage

 

I firmly believe the best outfits should be worn again! If I ever made it to the big time, I would wear the same outfit a handful of times just so people know it is okay.

Image

 

 

Well, that’s that! I will not be accepting any creepy calls this weekend of people asking “what are you wearing??”  You already know.

 

Okay, I’m off! Have a fun summer weekend- I’m sending love from pageant land!

xo

 

 

 

 

Blogress Report: Button-up Shirt and Wrap Dress DOMINATION!!! Sort of!!!!

Great news. It’s official. I am slightly smarter, slightly more accomplished, and slightly closer to crowdsurfing through thousands of adoring fans while people call my name and the trumpets sound and fireworks are exploding and Beyonce’s lipsyncing the national anthem and all there is to eat is pizza!!!!!!!!! That’s what dreams come true is, isn’t it!?

I just completed my next round of sewing projects! I took a “Perfect Shirt” class, a dress class, and also textiles! This weekend I have been doing a lot of last-minute crunching to get these suckers done.

PROJECT 1: THE PERFECT SHIRT

The “Perfect” Shirt is certainly not flawless, but this was an incredible introduction into traditional tailored garments. I made a shirt somewhat similar to this when I was back in high school, but it looked like doo-doo and was never seen again. This was a second chance for me, and it still wasn’t a walk in the park, but some serious progress was made!

Check it out!

Image

Eh? Eh??! I can’t take credit for just whipping this out myself, because I definitely had some guidance.That being said, I did have to finish a considerable amount on my own time since I missed some classes for my travels home.

Here’s what I learned:

-Proper plackets. The Rubik’s cube of fabric folding.

-Collar stands

– Adding structure with a yoke on the upper back.

– How to make a proper cuff

Here’s what I need more work on:

– Everything. There are a multitude of little tweaks that I couldn’t possibly think that I’ve mastered here, but all time spend working on this was incredibly worthwhile. There is little to no creative freedom in a project like this, so it is a classic example of “practice makes perfect”

PROJECT 2: THE WRAP DRESS

TA-DAAAAAAImage

Image << That’s the print up close.

This was a fun project to do because it didn’t require any zippers or buttons!!! Wahoo!! The fabric was fairly easy to work with and the garment seems to fit fairly well. It is lined with a grey synthetic, which frayed easily, but for as often as I’ll wear the thing, I think it will be fine.

Here’s what I learned:

-How to use a hemmer foot: this is a tool that wraps around the edge of the fabric and curls it as the machine stitches. This helps to make delicate hems.

-How to use twill

-A refresher in pattern manipulation

What I’ll work on for next time:

– Patience with the hem. I thought the hemmer foot would solve all my problems, but it is not a cure-all

– Measuring more accurately. It fits fairly well, but the..er.. girls ain’t gettin’ no bigger.

– Like the shirt, just overall confidence and proficiency.

I think the skill I am closest to mastering after this weekend is ironing. This is way more crucial to the construction process than I had ever imagined. I won’t try and make an irony joke here, but please know that I want to.

Well that’s all folks! I’m tired of sitting down, so I’m off!

As we say ’round here– cheers, to sucking less!

xo