So many projects

When I told my friends and family I was getting serious about starting my sewing, I started to receive lots and lots of books. Most of them were for my past two birthdays and Christmas. Right now, my sewing machine is in the shop (the shop also known as at Sam's house waiting for a part). So, I am trying to keep busy by flipping through each of these books and picking out my favorite projects.

The first book I am wanting to get through is Sew U by Wendy Mullin with Eviana Hartman. This book is great because the authors do a spectacular job making it seem simple. It also gives step by step instructions, tips and tricks for putting in zippers, button holes, etc. I have a huge phobia of zippers and button holes so this book has been a comfort. You receive three Simplicity patterns for a skirt, a shirt, and pants. All easily customizable to make your own wardrobe. My favorite thing about this book is how practical Wendy Mullin is. She started sewing in her college dorm room, and for someone whose sewing area is confined to my bedroom, this was all really encouraging.

Then there are books like the Lotta Jansdotter book, Simple Sewing where I cannot find a project in it that I don't like. Do I need a curtain that has pockets for little plants? No, but wouldn't it be so cool?

Twinkle Sews was a book from Sam that I got less than a month ago. The dresses, tops, skirts, etc make me drool. I cannot wait to get my sewing skills back to novice and kick some serious butt on that dress on the front cover. I am seeing it in black, blue, or purple.

I received the Make Your Own Clothes book last year for Christmas, and have yet to really dive into it because the disc to print out the patterns isn't Mac compatable (really?... Are you serious?)

As soon as I finish this post, I am off to browse through Sew What! Skirts to see if I can find a cool ruffle skirt project for New Year's Eve.

Home Sewn is dedicated to all things beautiful and french. I love the poufs and garlands.

Born Again Vintage will definitely come to be an asset as I grow tired of my wardrobe in the next year. Yes, I have lots of staples, but a year is a long time.

What sewing books draw your inspiration?

Fashion Tip Friday - Do Your Laundry!

Today's fashion tip stems from experience. Even as an only child, my parents made me start doing my own laundry when I was in high school. I have always hated doing laundry, and to this day, still hate it. However, when it comes to getting out of a fashion slump, doing your laundry is the first step.

In Barbara Horowitz's book Closet Control she recommends doing your laundry before going shopping for a new outfit. Often we think we "need" a new black top because we can't find that other black top that is probably shoved underneath your dirty gym clothes from two weeks ago.

Yes it is always more fun to go shopping than do your laundry, its also more fun to eat an entire tub of Ben and Jerry's New York Super Fudge Chunk than do a rep of 10 squats. Which will be better in the long run? Marking off a chore, or putting a dent in your budget?

Have a wonderful weekend! Good luck with all the holiday shopping!

Personal Manifesto - I love this!

I came across this blog post this morning and just had to share it. It is about how to create your personal manifesto. The post itself is a little long, but definitely worth the read when you have time. Take a moment to read Gwen Bell - How to create your personal manifesto.

I can definitely see myself wanting to do this with close friends. I love it!

Looking forward to Thursday

*Disclaimer: This has to do with underwear, girls underwear... Just saying proceed with caution men*

Believe it or not, this reason does not involve delicious turkey or Bess Burn's Cornbread Dressing recipe. This reason has to do with amazing holiday coupons for one of my favorite stores: American Eagle Outfitters.

On Thursday, American Eagle is offering free shipping and a promo code for 25% off your order. This is only applicable for Thursday though. The free shipping is automatic when you place an order on Thanksgiving, but you must use the code in order to get the 25% off.

American Eagle please don't be upset that I took this image from a screen shot in my e-mail.
If you want me to take it down I will. Okay Thanks!

Now what I love to do is use the coupon for free shipping and 25% off my order, in conjunction with aerie's 7/$25 undie deal. Not to mention that the only reward I have received from my Discover card payments has gone to a $25 gift card to American Eagle.

This means it costs me nothing. Happy freakin Turkey Day to me!

PS - Underwear does not fall into the realm of "clothing" and I cleaned out that drawer this morning in preparation for the oncoming influx of new underwear.

Another reason I decided to stop shopping

Packed to the brim, my closet is crazy. My decision to stop shopping for a year stemmed off the fact that I looked at the two foot plus stacks of sweaters, sweatshirts, and jeans and said enough.

Unfortunately I could not capture the oddity of my closet. It is shoved under a set of stairs, which makes it quirky. Oh, well! That's what you get when your house was originally built in 1928.

Tired of it... so I dyed it!

This weekend I had a lot of extra time on my hands, so I decided to take a pair of jeans and revamp them. I loved the fit, and the shape. They are a pair of Gap Slim Fit jeans from 2004 that I purchased while I worked there (can you say discount?). They are perfect for cuffing up, and showing off some cute flats. However, the color was very 2004. They were a vintage blue wash, that had quite a bit of antiquing and fading on the legs. I decided to dye them with navy blue RIT Dye.

There is always a bit of risk when it comes to dying something. You can really never be completely sure on the color but that is part of the fun and excitement. I was hoping that the pants would turn out to be a nice rich blue, however when I looked at the prepped dye bath, I had a feeling it would turn out a little on the purple side. I was really pleased with the way they turned out.


What do you think?

Outfit:
Top: Anthropologie
Pants: Re-vamped '04 Gap Jeans
Shoes: DSW
Necklace: Local Boutique

Fashion Tip Friday - The Power to Own it

I am going to start a weekly feature called Fashion Tip Friday. Every Friday I will bring you a fashion tip and encourage you to try it out for yourself.

My first fashion tip is: Own it.

Usually when met with a new trend, we tread carefully. There is good reason, because some trends won't work on us. That's okay. However, all too often we can get stuck in a rut when it comes to style and not willing to take a chance. This is where today's fashion tip comes in, be bold and own it. This fashion tip comes courtesy of my former roommate Emily who encouraged me when I tried wearing something new, to just "own it" and it wouldn't matter what other people thought of it.

The point is, if you can be confident in what you are wearing, then it does not matter what you are wearing. Own your look, just for one day. Whether its wearing golden yellow tights, bright blue shoes, or a giant bow on your head, never underestimate the power of owning it.

So, put on something different, take a deep breath, and at least walk down the street!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Today is the day!

No more shopping for this little lady until November 16, 2010!

I honestly cannot believe this day is here, and to be honest I am a little relieved! While on a trip to Chicago recently it occurred to me that I was ready for this day even then. There is so much power in the ability to say no, and to have a firm reason to stand behind it. No more shopping for clothes, it will be a challenge and a joy!

Last night as I was trying to drift off to sleep, I made a few additional resolutions, or hopes for this year of being 25. I want to discover what it means to be passionate about the things I want. To be honest, I have never seen myself as someone incredibly driven. I was always satisfied with just getting through it, and now at the age of 25 I am beginning to ponder why that is. I see people all around me that have worked really hard and achieved so much. I just want something to work really hard towards. Whether it is getting out of debt, sewing, writing, working, or just loving the people in my life well, I want to work hard at it. I am not sure what that means, or how it even looks, and I am not even sure how to start.

Thank you to my amazing family and friends that have been in my journey thus far in my life. Thank you for supporting me and loving me. Thank you for listening and crying with me, for laughing and smiling as well. I am truly so blessed to be where I am today, and I don't want to ever forget that!

PS - So the last piece of clothing I bought was a pair of nude fishnets from Kohl's and I am testing them out today (Thanks for the inspiration Jessica of What I Wore). I like that they are very subtle, but thinking I should be wearing black tights instead today.