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My 100th Post... and my first of 2011!

10.1.11

Happy New Year!

It's hard to believe that it is 2011 already, and that we're already mid-way though January!

Walking to work this morning I took the most amazing slip on the icy pavements.  Not just a slip and fall, but a slip, fall and slide down into the road.  As I tried to stand back up with Bambi legs slipping on the ice the only thing I could think of was Spring!

Now, I can't really complain because, up to present, we've had a pretty mild winter.  We had a dumping of snow over the weekend though and, even though I watched two hours of Dancing on Ice last night, I still can't manage the shortest of walks on ice without ending up on my behind.  Even a holding a silver certificate in ice skating doesn't make up for my lack of coordination on winter footpaths.

There was only one thing for it...  To spend my lunch hour looking at Spring/Summer clothes and planning my wardrobe for a season where I can totter from the bus stop to work in cute heels.

The only problem is, I'm not really feeling the styles and trends that are around for S/S 2011.

Being back home in the UK over Christmas was great for my wardrobe.  I so miss shopping back home.

I welcome any shopping tips anyone can give me for Halifax, NS.  I want to find cheap, on trend clothes which I really struggle to do.  I begrudge paying a fortune for clothes I will only wear a few times.


Whilst back in the UK I found myself browsing the new collection at Topshop.  It was just before New Year and the sales section had been picked over so much that there was only teeny sizes and the weird sale pieces left.  You know those pieces that you swear you've never once seen in Topshop even though you go in there once a week!

Here's my rundown on Topshop's main S/S 2011 collections:

Swedish Summer
This is the look I have the most issues with.  It's a country style 70's collection.  Think lacy, flowers in your hair.  It's a style I just wouldn't feel comfortable wearing.


I have a huge problem with the mid-length skirt.  I find this length really unflattering on most people, and if you don't pull it off just right you could end up looking like a Grandma... or even me in my Index catalogue shop uniform circa 2000.  Which fortunately I have no photographic evidence of (I hope no-one else does either).  However, this look does have some gorgeous detailing, like the cutout pattern detail on this jacket.


The collection also features the uber comfortable brogues and knee high socks (which I WILL wear one day!)

It also features dungarees.  Which I will NEVER, EVER wear...


Ever!


Graduation Collection
Now, this collection is way more up my street.  Tailored and sophisticated.  Think preppy US 50's university style.  Sandals with cute ankle socks, shorts, knee length skirts.  I really love this look.





Except for the wide trousers...


Not feeling those as much!

Snake Valley Collection
This collection I like certain elements off.  I love the sheer fabrics and the floor length knits.  Think a Red Rock Canyon Desert Hummer trip whilst on a weekend in Las Vegas.




The patterning used in this collection also has a 70's vibe.


New Age Constellation Collection
The last collection Topshop has released for S/S 2011 is a really simple, minimalist style.  It reminds me of Japanese style basics clothing.




Hard to review as a whole collection, I would wear these pieces with other styles to liven them up a little.  Although I adore this piece with its shots of vibrant colours.


I always visit Topshop's new collections first to give me an idea of what styles I should be looking at for the upcoming season.  I find them one of the closest retailers to achieving that catwalk look that I then tone down for everyday wear.

Just thinking about Spring and Summer has cheered me up!

All images from Instyle UK.

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Not Just Fashion - Favourite Finds

Here are some blog posts I've favourited recently.  A mash up of all things I've found interesting or beautiful this week.

Kraft Paper Fill-In Moving Announcements - Oh So Beautiful Paper
DIY Alexander Wang Tailcoat Skirt - A Pair & A Spare
DIY Embellished Collar - A Pair & A Spare
Amy & Matt's Geometric Pattern Wedding Invitations - Oh So Beautiful Paper
Romantic Lace Ballet Skirt with Raw Edges - Love Maegan
Brooks England New Bags - NotCouture
11 Hand Stamped Business Cards - Oh, Hello Friend
Dana Tanamachi - 100 Layer Cake
Collections: Cotton Candy and Bubble Gum - Design is Mine
New Letterpress & Flat Printed Valentines Cards - Wiley Valentine
DIY Weekly - Crystal Ring - A Pair and A Spare
Alexandra Cassaniti - Canvas Stripe Tote - Tres Chic Now
Elin Kling for H&M - Fashion Roadkill
Getaway Girl: Salt Lake City - Greedy Girl

These are not just fashion posts.  I'll always have a special love for paper and invitations - even if I decide not to walk that path anymore.  I still get butterflies when I walk into a card shop.  You can't take the Hallmarker out of me!

Enjoy!

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My 2nd Project

25.9.10

So finally I managed to tackle my second sewing project, the flutter sleeved cardigan I mentioned earlier.


I managed to make this in one evening which was great.  I'm still a little slow with things, double and even triple checking everything before I make each cut or stitch, but I'm really loving it.

I wore this the very next day and I can see it becoming a wardrobe staple.  My hubby even thought I'd bought it which is a great complement!

Starting on a skirt now, and my first ever zip!  Stay tuned...

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My Next Project

9.8.10

This is the next project I am going to tackle...



Along with this...



Wish me luck!

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Autumn/Winter Key Picks

8.8.10

It pains me to think of the winter months that are looming, but now is the time to pick up those key winter wardrobe staples just as they come into stores towards the end of August. Pause to consider a purchase at this time and it may be gone forever...

These are the key pieces I will be looking to add to my wardrobe over the next few months:

1. Winter Wonderland Sweater

I'm hoping I can find a piece like the one above from D&G. I did buy something similar on sale in Abercrombie that I didn't get the chance to wear too much last winter, so maybe that will be my Norwegian sweater of the season.

2. Maxi Skirt

I'm still undecided on the whole maxi skirt trend. I had a bit of an incident a few years back involving a escalator and a gypsy skirt that I haven't quite got over! But I know by the end of the season I will have worn one of these a few times. This version by Athleta is perfect for the autumn months.

3. Camel-Coloured Coat

I have been alternating between a plum winter coat and a camel coloured coat for the past few years and I must admit I love my camel coat. It goes with absolutely anything and can be dressed up or dressed down. Perfect. Two styles I have been admiring are both by designer Suwha Hong.

4. Knee High Socks

This is another trend I've been excited to try but I can't quite muster up the confidence to actually wear it. I just have this dread that I will look like some strange late-twenties school girl. This season I'm determined to try them out. This plain pair from American Apparel would be perfect to test out this trend (and they can be work under trousers if I decide it's not for me!)

5. Bright Evening Dress

I feel this is the season to put the LBD away and go for something a little brighter to liven up the winter months. I love the style and fit of this piece by BCBG.

6. Nude Heels

These heels are by Cole Haan, with Nike Air technology. They don't come cheap (this pair is priced at $328 - although you can find great bargains at outlet stores like Freeport, Maine) but honestly, these are the only heels I can wear all night without causing me any pain at all.

7. Lace/Embellished Detailing

This dress and jacket by French Connection are perfect for Autumn/Winter. The embellished detail is beautiful and each piece can also be worn separately.

8. 50s Inspired Bag

I love a beautiful bag, especially when they are large enough to cram in all the junk that I carry around! This one from Club Monaco would be ideal, and the colour will complement my camel coloured coat perfectly!


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My First Creation!

3.8.10

We've all got to start somewhere, right!

This is my first ever sewing creation, a pair of lounge pants. I was so nervous starting this out that I put it off for weeks and weeks. I didn't want my first sewing masterpiece to be a complete disaster that would put me off for life! But amazingly, they turned out perfect.

I used fabric sourced from the remnants bin at my local fabric store and it only cost me a $1 (there was no way I was using expensive fabric on my first sewing attempt!) I took the pattern slowly and read (and re-read) each step carefully.

They only took me two evenings to make and they will be in-house comfy staple wear for a while! I've already had requests for orders from friends (Christmas presents anyone!)


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A Fresh Start

2.8.10

So, a computer mishap which resulted in all my design files disappearing into virtual nothingness has made me rethink myself and my blog.  Was I doing what I really wanted to do?  Was I heading down the right path?

I needed to disappear off the radar for a few weeks to really think about this.  Yes, I could easily recreate the files that I lost, but did I want to?

I took some time to think about what I really wanted to do, what skills I wanted to learn to push myself and I realised what I had known all along.  My true passion lies in fashion and clothes.  From the colours and patterns of the fabric to the shapes that are cut out of the sheets of fabric to piece together to make garments, I love all of this.

I have never made my own clothes before, but please join me on my journey over the next few months as I attempt to make my own capsule wardrobe for spring/summer 2011.

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