Pattern review - the Marjorie empire waist dress by Love Sewing Magazine

I just finished this dress for my "little sister's" (Big Brother Big Sister) quinceañera this coming weekend.  This is a FREE pattern from the UK Love Sewing Magazine.  I think I first saw it on Pinterest and was surprised it was a free pdf pattern.  Of course, you have to create an account on their website.  The one caveat is that there are no instructions.  You have to buy the particular issue in which it was featured to get the instructions - totally fair.  If you are an experienced sewer, you can easily put this dress together.

I worked methodically to get a good fit with this dress, trying it on and altering it each step of the way.  I love the end result.  I really like the vintage silhouette:  the empire waist, gathers, and A line skirt.  What I didn't like in the end were the sleeves.  They were slight bell shaped and much longer.  I felt like the dress needed to show a bit more skin so I shortened and narrowed the sleeves.  I used a beautiful woven blue stretch linen and viscose fabric by Theory from Mood Fabrics (seems sold out).  

I'll be honest, when I first put this dress on, I felt it was a bit Handmaid's Tale.  However, I decided to try it with a few different pairs of shoes and the outfit completely changed.  

Shoes, Shoes, glorious shoes.  They are a weakness of mine.  These are 5" stilettos by SJP (SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker).  These shoes are beautiful and I don't get to wear them often.  They are tall.  I plan to wear them to the quinceañera mass earlier in the day.  The second pair (which I'll wear to the reception) are from Zara.  They are made with an interesting tapestry fabric and have a much lower heel.  They'll be very comfy and dance friendly.

Lastly, I love putting my own label into the clothes I make.  It adds both a personal and finishing touch to the garment.  I have labels left over from my previous business but you can get personalized labels from Etsy or simpler ones at your local fabric/craft stores or Amazon.

What is your favorite dress silhouette? 

Red and Black - by Crafted by Lindy - Fab Finds from Etsy

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1. Reindeer Christmas Decoration - SlippinSouthern

2. Chalkboard Garden Stakes - clouds - candystripecloud

3. Hare original linocut lino block print woodland red - TheBluebirdGallery

4. circus - woodland owl wing hair clip - sleepyking

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5. burberry fox soft sculpture - everyeskimo

6. vintage spectator pumps - RococoVintage

7. The Knotted Sailor Bow in Red/Cream - dollyknits

8. Crazy Cat Lady Hoodie - theboldbanana

[Lindy lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband, son and daughter. Besides blogging, she enjoys running her stationery business and creating new designs for her Etsy shop. You can read her own blog here]

My baby is 15 today - let's eat cake - Texas chocolate cake

My first born is 15 years old today.  It's hard to believe and, indeed, time goes very quickly.  We jumped into his bed this morning, dogs and all, to sing him happy birthday.  This truly is what teenagers love...not, but he took it in stride.

I slipped on his shoes the other day as I took the dogs out.  He has man feet.  My feet (none too small at size 8) swim in his shoes (size 13).  My baby is grown up. He's not even finished growing. Sigh. I guess this is what they do.

Happy Birthday, Max! We love you dearly!

As is our tradition, he has chosen his bday dinner (sushi) and requested his cake - Texas Chocolate.  This recipe is from my mom and was a favorite of mine when I was a kid. Warning: this recipe isn't for the faint of heart.  It's rich, moist, delicious. Rich.  A treat once or twice a year.  Much more than that, I'd recommend consulting your cardiologist.  What's a cake if not a treat?!

I'll add a photo later, once I've made it.

Texas Chocolate Cake

cake ingredients:
2 sticks butter (1 cup)
1 c water
1/4 c cocoa
2 c four
2 c sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
1/2 c sour cream

Bring to boil butter, water, and cocoa.
Combine dry ingredients - flour, sugar, soda, salt. 
Add hot mixture at once to flour mixture
Lastly add beaten eggs and sour cream.
Mix well.

Pour into greased 9.5 x 13.5 (3 qt) baking dish. 
Bake 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Make icing while cake is backing and frost while warm.

frosting ingredients:
1 stick butter (1/2 cup)
6 tbsp milk
2 tbsp cocoa
1 box powdered sugar (2 cups)
1 tsp vanilla

Bring to boil butter, milk, cocoa. 
Add all at once to powdered sugar.
Add vanilla.
Mix well and pour on warm cake (icing will be runny and ooze into the corners - the best pieces).

The Journey - by Crafted by Lindy - Fab Finds from Etsy

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1. Fine Art-"Keep Off the Tracks" 8x12 HDR Photographic Print - eleven12design

2. Vintage envelope seals - postage stamps repurposed - Brinner

3. Mustard Womens Cloche Hat With Peacock BlueFeather Accent - bethanylorelle

4. 60s Brown Green Patent Pumps Bow Smartaire 7.5 B - BlueRoseRetro

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5. Full Aline Red Womens Skirt- IslaNewYork

6. Camera Kodak 1950s Pony 828 51mm Vintage Leather Case - salvagelife

7. Vintage Travel Photo - "Take the Long Way Home" - missquitecontrary

8. retro afghan - missoni inspired chevron stripes - FlumeStreet

[Lindy lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband, son and daughter. Besides blogging, she enjoys running her stationery business and creating new designs for her Etsy shop. You can read her own blog here]

Pretty Pastels - by Crafted by Lindy - Fab Finds from Etsy

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1. 30 Butterflies, Paper, Wall Decor - simplychiclily

2. Mini Round Concrete Pot - roughfusion

3. Pastels colors oxfords flats - goldenponies

4. Mini Arrows Pastel Set - verlaivans

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 5. Travel Art, New York Watercolor - SketchAway

6. Lu-Ray Pastels Dinnerware - TheGildedTassel

7. Pastel Corduroy CHEVRON Stripe High Waist A Line Skirt - VonlenskaVintage

8. Geometric Embroidery Hoop Art in Pastel - alopexia

[Lindy lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband, son and daughter. Besides blogging, she enjoys running her stationery business and creating new designs for her Etsy shop. You can read her own blog here]

Where to shop in London

Shopping in London was a lot of fun.  I love exploring stores that we don't have here in the states.  I couldn't get enough of Oxford Street, shops in SoHo, and Piccadilly Circus.  Here are some highlights worth noting:






Liberty - a super posh store featuring everything from designer clothes, vintage ware, and housewares, to fabrics and yarns.  Set in a charming Tudor building, the store is uniquely designed to feel like you are wondering around someone's home.  While I was determined to find something I could afford, I walked away empty handed. However, I did enjoy seeing beautiful items by talented designers I admire.  I may have drooled a bit on an Alexander McQueen dress.  A girl can dream.

You all know I love shoes.  Some of my favorites are Fly London, so I was beside myself when I saw one of their stores (none in the states).  I didn't end up buying a pair of shoes there, but was happy to see some new styles unfamiliar to me. The kids shoes were adorable.  So glad my kids are picky old enough that I'm not tempted to buy them any.

One shoe store from which I did buy a pair of great shoes was Office.  I walked in when I saw Tom's Shoes in the window.  Jackpot!  This shop sold great brands (Fly London included) and I immediately picked up 3 pairs to try on.  I ended up purchasing these wedges.  J'adore!


Topshop is another great store that features up and coming designers.  I stopped by this store twice on my quest to find something I had to have.  My second visit, close to closing, took me to their lovely shoe department.  There I found these great flats. 

Also in their shoe department, much to my dismay, was this pedicure station which I had read about in a magazine months ago.  You sit with your feet immersed in a tank of water while tiny fish nibble on the dead skin of your feet.  You couldn't pay me enough to stick my toes in that water.  I have issues with things touching my feet in murky water as it is (thanks Jaws and Friday the 13th).  I can imagine what this feels like and now I have goosebumps all over just thinking about it.  Of course, Chris thought this was fascinating.  I'm glad it was minutes from closing or I'm sure he'd have tried it.  You can read more about this wacky craze here.

Next up, some great sites.  I must admit that I'm not too motivated to do anything other than pack and tie up loose ends before moving.  You may see some frantic posts before I get around to writing about the great museums and gardens in London.  I'm just warning you.  If you have a minute and can stop in to give my hand a cyber squeeze now and then, I'd appreciate it.  I'm a woman on the edge of losing her mind.

I'm seeing red this week

The kids were seeing red today.  This was the second time, in several weeks, that didn't get a snow day while the rest of Rhode Island did.  They'll be very happy when they get out of school a day or so earlier than everyone else this summer.

I was seeing red this week on the internet.  These are a few of the things I found in my travels.

1.  Red dress by Alexander McQueen. 
on sale for $609.00 (was $1535.00)

2.  Red wire and black leather necklace by hypho, $120.00

3.  Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua, $15.00

4.  Suede party heels by Kate Spade, $298.00

5.  Candy apple red coin purse by Definition of Self, $26.00

6.  Red stairs with cat photo by Marite2007

7.  Art print by Shira Sela, $20.00

Quick and easy way to dress up your holiday shoes

Ribbon pumps (ballet style)

This is a simple and extremely budget friendly way to jazz up your party outfit.  You can do this with any pair of plain-ish pumps and any color or style ribbon (wide or thin, satin, velvet, plaid, etc).  And, in my case, they helped keep my shoes from slipping off my feet!

What you need:

pumps

ribbon

Instructions:

 Wrap ribbon around your shoe and ankle.  Tie in front or back.

[grey suede pumps by Franco Sarto, vintage crinoline, handbag by à la mode]

Pretty Peacock - posted by Crafted by Lindy - Fab Finds from Etsy

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 1.  Peacock Cameo and crystals adjustable rings - daliadaliak

2. Luxe Peacock Felt Baby Booties - sunflowerexpress

3. Peacock Feather Pin - peacescollection

4. Peacock Studs - lsette

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5. The Counting Peacock - 5 x 5 Numbers Print - sugarfresh

6.  Waverly -limited edition gocco screen print -Exotic Bird Series 5x7 - jenskelley

7. The Bohemian Peacock Locket - Vintage - verabel

8. Peacock feather tattoo thigh-high stockings  - post

[Lindy lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband, son and new baby girl. Besides blogging, she enjoys running her stationery business and creating new designs for her Etsy shop. You can read her own blog here.]

Coveted - Melissa plastic shoes

Melissa Plastic Dreams Shoes are made from MELFLEX plastic, patented, hypoallergenic, recyclable, and extremely flexible PVC. The cute Brazilian-brand shoes are cruelty-free and devoid of animal products. Not to mention the company recycles 99.9% of factory water and waste, reuses overstock styles in the next season’s collection, and Melissa Shoes employees are paid above-average wages and benefits.

J'adore!!!

The things people do for fashion

Don't forget to enter this months giveaway--------------------------->

I'll admit, I've squeezed my feet into many a pair of shoes. Frankly, my feet are beginning to show the results. But, I draw the line here. This is the latest craze from Japan:

Okay, so this is a bit extreme. However, it isn't just modern day madness. Check out the kind of shoes that were worn in the day of the Geisha (caution: not for the faint of heart). What a price to pay!

Note: LNK, I'm making you an official contributer to the blog. Thanks for sending me such great stuff!

A new pair of shoes everyday!

Like many women, I have a shoe fetish. Okay, its more like an obsession.

I came across Mohop, the Chicago based handmade shoes, about a year ago. Mohop, is the brainchild of Annie Mohaupt. She began making shoes in 2005 as an experiment to see if she could actually make them. Well, she not only succeeded in making them, but proceeded to be innovative about it. These shoes are individually handmade to custom fit each customer. They are fashionable, versatile, comfortable, and environmentally friendly. The bomb!

Each pair of wooden soles (in a variety of heel and wedge heights) comes with 5 ribbons allowing the wearer multiple design options. A "how to tie" booklet accompanies each purchase.

Endless shoe style possibilities...a girl can dream, can't she!