floral skirt

A skirt I finished last weekend, I just didn't get around to posting a picture of it until now. I got the fabric at Walmart for about $3 a yard, which is a steal. I just have to wear a slip underneath because its a bit see through, but other than that its a gorgeous spring/summer skirt. I know, I'm making spring/summer skirts in the fall, but I'm looking at it this way: "I'll have a killer wardrobe come S/S10."

Vintage 1950 Dorian Leather Purse

Last month, I bought this lovely little black leather purse from Etsy.com. Its such a great addition to my closet. I already know what I'm going to accessorize it with. I love little black bags like this, so chic and very structured.

Anthropologie Inspired Dress

I finally finished a dress that I had started but didn't quite workout. I actually started using Burda's Coffee date dress pattern, but the top part didn't come out like I had hoped. So this is my almost final dress. I'm thinking of using the leftover scraps from the top to make a ruffle to attach to the dress. Meanwhile, here's the tentative final look.

I used an old black tank top from H&M that I had lying around and the skirt pattern from the Burda Coffee date dress pattern.

Style Icon: Carla Bruni-Sarkozy

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy has been making her name appear in the headlines way before she even decided to wed French president Nicolas Sarkozy. She has impeccable taste and always looks flawless even in the simplest of looks. She really does us how to dress down, look polished and chic and make fashion headlines. I just love how she utilizes low key accessories and has this amazing shift dress collection. The day I get an office job/teaching position I would love to have an amazing dress collection like hers. Luckily, I sew so I can sew up some creations on a budget.

Nothing like...

There's nothing like folding newly acquired fabric scraps while watching Grey's Anatomy season premiere on the computer in the path of the fan. Oh yes!!! Life is good. Janie at Sew Joe has saved my life for having a spare presser foot holder in her store!! $9 dollars later and I'm back in business. :)

Sad news...

I somehow managed to break my presser foot holder for my new Brother sewing machine. :( Now I have to look/call several places to see if they have it..ugh.....set back number 21453458 of the year for my sewing endeavors! Wish me luck in obtaining one tomorrow.

First day of autumn!!

Finally it is here!!!! And I'm head over heels excited!!!! its the Autumnal equinox!! I love the changing of the seasons. I learned to appreciate it and love it even more by being out in DC for the past 4 years, sadly I'm back home in Southern California where we have 4 seasons that seem to blend into 2. Its going to be a scorcher today! The weather report calls for heat, dry air and more heat!! With of course the ever looming threat of a wild fire here and there. Oh yeah, did I mention possibility of Santa Ana winds? Hoorah for living in wildfire/earthquake country; NOT! But of course this has its upsides. Having a a semi-eternal summer means that I can still wear out my newly sewed skirts with tank tops without having to worry about freezing my toosh. However, I think fall here in L.A. is seen more through the fall lines and accessories that tell you its fall, rather than the elements telling you its fall. Still I cannot wait for the crisp, chilly air that will have to come sooner or later, even though I wish it came soon and didn't leave until mid spring!

Also today is my first exam!! eeekkk!!! Shouldn't be too bad. Our professor should us the test on Thursday and it was easy enough. I didn't really stumble upon any of the questions, so I think I have this. :)

Style Icon: Katy Perry

I recently saw Katy Perry live at the 15th Anniversary Show of Warped Tour and I had never really listened to her music. Honestly, I was rather annoyed with her "I kissed a girl" song that has been overplayed on the radio. But not until that night, my opinion of her changed completely. I guess you could say that I fell in love with her in a heartbeat and she has become an icon to me. :) Also she's amazing live in concert! I would love to see a show of hers in the near future whenever she comes near L.A.

Music Note tote bag

I have also finished the tote bag I had started making for my younger sister. I got the inspiration from her, because she's in band and is always looking for a bag big enough to carry all her things to and from band practice, shows, and other functions. I made a stencil out of cardboard and randomly placed them on the front. I left the back side blank, so she could use it as her own canvas. I used two old ties I found at the Echo Park Out of the Closet thrift store. Adding a bit of individuality and uniqueness to the bag. Here's how it came out.

Frida Kahlo Wallet

Yesterday my younger brother had asked if I could take him and his girlfriend to the movies in Uptown Whittier, which I did and boy was I glad! I discovered this amazing new second hand store off Bailey's and Greenleaf, which I have to go back to so I can check it out. But more importantly I went into La Casita del Pueblo, this store is a Latino/Chicano art, folk art, shirts, and anything you can think of making with a Latino twist and flair. They have some amazing pieces by local artists, too bad they are a bit pricey, but accordingly of course. However, I took inspiration from this and decided to make my own Frida Kahlo inspired wallet. It came out looking amazing and most of all I only spent $10.80 (+tax) on it. I purchased the wallet at Forever 21.

Front:

Back:

The bird has a ribbon with the following inscription: "Pies para que las quero. Si tengo alas pa'volar." Translation: "Feet why do I want them, for I have wings to fly."

Best of both?

Since I've been home I've struggled quite a bit with coming to terms with myself and being back home. I often feel that as a recent college graduate I shouldn't be coming back home to move in with my parents. I feel though its a step backwards, instead of moving forward. I miss DC so much. I miss everything! My friends, the cafes, the Potomac, Georgetown, Georgetown Cupcake, and all my favorite food places. Yet, I find myself in a happy place being home, because it means I'm closer to East Los and everything that I love about my cultura. I get to attend these amazing free cultural shows in Downttown (yes, I also went to those in DC) and get to eat my favorite food. It's also so nice to be back home with the familia and enjoy the simple things. Could it be possible that I have been fortunate enough to embrace the best of both worlds? My own heritage and the heritage that I have acquired while being away at school? 

Style Icon: Gwen Stefani

Gwen Stefani has always had this impeccable taste in clothes and fashion. She truly is an icon that will last for ages. I love her styling and even more her fashion line. Too bad its way over my budget, but I hope that one day I get to at least own a bag or shoe from it. :)

She always looks chic even when she's pregnant and

with her kids. She's one chic, cool, sexy mom!

I'm bored and extremely dangerous

As of lately I've been very bored with my hair and make up. I think its time for a new hair cut, even though I just got a trim about 4 weeks ago or so. I'm thinking of getting a late 50s/early 60s hair cut. Mostly taking inspiration from Zooey Deschanel. I've also been obssessed with her since I saw her in "500 Days of Summer", which I think is my favorite movie for the summer. I'm not sure. Maybe I'll go later on today or even later on this week? First I have to see if I have enough money for a new cut. I'll blog on it more later if I decide to or not.

Favorite movies so far:

1. Fast and Furious 4

2. 500 Days of Summer

(so far as in 2009)

Long lost pictures

In May I remember taking a couple of pictures at the Senior Picnic in Maryland. Yet somehow I never really sought to search for them, until recently, which turned out to be more of "Whoa!!!! These were on this card??!" But here a couple of them. I really love these pictures because I feel that for at least one week my besties and I did not really worry about the next stage of our lives and really focused on enjoying the time we had left together. 

Summer chic in the City

Recently Blake Lively was spotted walking in Manhattan in this amazing outfit. So summer yet it spells out chic and comfyness all around. (photo courtesy of InStlye)

Back to a routine

So after two weeks of having work and classes my body has fallen into a routine. It is now 8:34 in the morning in LA and I've been up for a good 90 minutes. I just woke up on my own, which is great. Now for tomorrow to wake up even earlier to go for a run. I've decided to run the LA Marathon next March, so later on today I have to figure out my running schedule in terms of weeks and miles per week. Also, I hope to resume my regular blogging tomorrow. :)