Week in Feminine Dress - Day 4

Sorry no day three. :-( I simply forgot to take a picture! I barely remembered to do one for today! I was too busy having fun at the State Fair with a bunch of friends. :-) Fun times!



What I'm Wearing:

Blue and Green skirt - St. John Bay from JCPenny's for $3 on the clearance rack
White Tank - St. John Bay from JCPenny's for $4 on sale
White Sleeveless blouse - Karen Scott (I got this shirt years ago!)
Brown Flip Flops - Mossimo Supply Co. from Target $15
Straw Hat - from Wall-mart several years ago
Sea green Purse - Don't remember the brand it's from JCPenny's I paid about $10
Union Jack Necklace - Chain I already had and had received as a gift. The charm I bought at Hancock Fabrics for $2.50 with three other charms.

Wow! Looking at this list, the most expense thing of my outfit is my flip flops! Shocking!


~Ashley

THE Wedding Dress

I headed back to the bridal gown studio on Sunday and was determined to pick out my gown from the three finalists. I knew I had to make a decision fast to ensure that I have the gown I want for Guam. The studio's 100+ styles are rented out on a first- come-first-serve basis. I needed to act quick, or someone else can reserve the one I am about to pick.



My initial favorite was the first one, the simpler, grecian style gown. I happily tried it on again, but was feeling less excited when I looked at it in the mirror. I was surprised myself at my sudden change of feelings about it. I have no idea why it looked less impressive to me the second time around.



I put on the second choice, and was feeling better in it than the first choice. I had to give up on the 3rd choice because someone had reserved it for the days I'll need to take it with me to Guam. The 2ed choice is a nice, clean, shorter gown, but a gown with longer tail will probably be more suited for chapel wedding. So I asked to try on a few more new styles. I did remember to bring my camera with me this time so here're my two new favorites:



The lady assistant was very patient, very helpful.




This is one of 4 more gowns I tried on Sunday. All are longer styles.




Here's another.




Same gown as the one right above.



Ultimately I settled on the strapless, lace & beaded gown that you see of the 2ed photo of this post. What do ya'll say? Which one would be your favorite?

Maid Marian's Wardrobe - A Medieval Fashion Event

I'm so excited! Amanda over on AmandaBeth Online is having a "long weekend" event for everything Maid Marian! When will this great event be? Glad you asked, Friday October 23 through Monday October 26. I know it seems so far away! But it will be here upon us before we know it.

You can read more about the event on Amanda's site, by either clicking on the picture below or on the sidebar.


~Ashley

McCall's Fall Collection

McCall's patterns are slowly becoming a favorite of mine, after Simplicity and their Project Runway Collection. I have gathered together some of my favorite new patterns that have come out for their Fall Collection.

I just have one thing to say before I show my favorites. I wouldn't wear most of these designs with out making some little adjustment for modesty's sake. That said let's see the collection!

Dresses:

Pull-on knit dresses are comfy to wear when you just want to stay at home and curl up with a good book to read. For modesty I would length this pattern several inches, well maybe more then several as the pattern says the dresses are 4" above mid-knee.

The classic sheath dress that is perfect for just about every event. Add either some statement jewelry or a fashion scarf. Maybe a belt for a little waist definition. Or wear it plain if it is make up in the right fabric.


Tops:

A pretty feminine blouse. Wouldn't this look great if you added some pin tucks and lace? Oh, the possibilities with this pattern! Of course, you could always take this pattern to the summer by adding short sleeves.

A pullover tunic, that would probably look best over pants. Though, some tunics look great over skirts, you just have to be very careful on the style of skirt you wear with a tunic. As you could end up with an unflattering look.


Skirts:

I really like view B! It reminds of some skirts I saw in my 1940s and 50s sewing books. This skirt would give one that vintage/modern feel. As fashion repeats its self - just like history.

Jackets:

Once again another piece with that vintage feel. I really like this jacket - its so, let me think, 1940s maybe early 1950s! I need to go study my fashion history. ;-)

What do you like from McCall's Fall Collection? Take a look at the collection yourself, just click on the picture.



Next week I'll feature another pattern company's Fall Collection.

~Ashley

P.S. All of the pictures are click-able.

Week In Feminine Dress - Day 2

On a wonderful board I'm on, we are doing a Week In Feminine Dress. Where we dress femininely through out a whole week and post pictures of our outfits. It is a great way to get ideas of new outfits! ;-)

What I'm Wearing:

Green Blouse - Eddie Bauer
Green Flower print skirt - Homemade for under $5
White Tee-shirt - Jones New York
Black Flats - American Eagle from Payless

~Ashley

Princess Victoria Ka'iulani Cleghorn

Forth from her land to mine she goes, the island maid the, the Island Rose, Light of hesrt and bright of face, the daughter of a double race. Her Island here, in southern sun shall mourn their Ka'iulani gone, And, I, in her dear banyan's shade, Look vainly for my little maid.

~Robert Louis Stevenson

~Ashley
picture taken by one of my sisters at the Reformation 500.

Black & White Polka-Dot Dress

OK, let me warn you! I'm in love with polka-dots!!! I always have since I was little and liked Minnie Mouse. But, sadly I never had a dress with polka-dots till this year when I have three! :-) But this one is the best, as it reminds you of Minnie Mouse, but in black instead of red.

Simplicity's Project Runway Line #2588

Pattern Description: Misses Dress with neckline and skirt variations.

Pattern Sizing: I cut a size 10
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes!
Were the instructions easy to follow? Super Easy!
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love this pattern, super cute and stylish! It will be perfect for my trip to London!
Fabric Used: Cotton quilter fabric from Joann's.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I lengthened the dress 7 inches. If let as is the dress would be above my knee (I'm 5' 8").
Would you sew it again? Yes.
Would you recommend it to others? Sure, it’s so cute.
Conclusion: Cute dress and so fun to wear!

What I'm wearing with the dress:

Reversible Black and Brown Belt from JCPenny - $9 on clearence

Black Wedges from Target - $20

~Ashley