Light bulb went off in my head

So I have this portfolio that I received as a gift when I was in high school. One summer I was fortunate enough to score this amazing internship at Birch Aquarium @ Scripps. At the end of the summer they gave me this cool portfolio that is teal green and black. Its gorgeous, yet I find myself not really using it because it doesn't necessarily scream "professional." So I have set out to create a cover for it using the fabric I have. Let's see how this turns out. I really should be reading for class tomorrow, but I currently have no motivation to do so. Maybe I'll get up extra early tomorrow and make myself a cup of hot chocolate and read. But right now this project is ready to be done.

Online courses

Why do online courses seem to have ten times more work assigned than courses that you actually have in person?! Whatever the reason for this, its taking me away from my sewing and creative juices. So instead I find myself sketching out ideas a bit to shape my current dresses and tops into something more fun and inspiring for the next seasons. Also this week i have to locate at an Anthropologie shop the Daily dose foldover bag, because its sold out online. :( This is what I get for trying to wait out the price game. Hopefully a store has it. Its such a gorgeous bag to own. I hope I get to own it.

Embroidery??

Lately I've been thinking about picking up embroidery and adding it to my list of crafts. Not sure though, I do have embroidery floss....just need the needle and a hoop. Perhaps, it might add more charm for Christmas gifts.

Tired of this fall heat

Living in Southern California often has its perks, such as great weather year round. However, after living the past four years in DC and Salamanca, Spain (One of the coldest cities in Spain) I've come to miss the fall foliage and the crisp, cold fall air. So now here I am complaining about the heat!!! Actually, I've been complaining about the heat since May of this year. :) I'm still waiting for that first opportunity to either A) return to DC or B) return to Spain. Specifically to enjoy the cool changing of the seasons. I want to wear this dress I had made, but I can't because its too hot to wear it with tights. :(

Christmas Crafting gift ideas

So I was thinking of what can I make my family and loved ones for Christmas and I have a couple of great ideas. But I'll have to disclose them at a later point in time, for I'm scared someone might read my idea and figure out who its for. But I can't wait to get started.

Loving this outfit

Once again Gwen Stefani has done it again!!! Chic and fabulous!!!!

Style Icon: America Ferrera

I just love Ugly Betty star America Ferrera, although I do have to catch up on Friday's season premiere. I will sometime this week. But she is this week's style icon. She's got such a gorgeous body and has embraced all her curves regardless of what Hollywood has said. I love how her thick eyebrows and dark brown hair plays up the vibrant colors she often wears.

Potential Shirt Dress Refashion

So as I'm here going through a few blogs I have been inspired. I figured that this is probably the best way to document my eureka moment, because I dont know where my sewing/craft journal is at the moment. (My desk is messy, once again!!!! And of course my corner in the room I share with my younger sister.) So I have this gorgeous shirtdress that I bought from H&M a few years ago, however since then I have gained weight!!! I know sad story, so the top part is a bit snug and gaps when I wear it. My idea is to use the Coffee Date dress pattern for the bottom part as a guide to cut the bottom part of the dress off. Then use this tank top that I had bought at Forever 21 but it turned out to be way too long, and using the excess fabric to make vertical ruffles on it. However, I feel that if I do it now I won't be able to wear it until the spring/summer, since its a summery bright plaid.

I'm also thinking of transforming a dress that I bought when I was living in Spain. I bought it during their "rebajas" which happen twice a year. Everything is super cheap!! Hence, my impulse to buy. I have yet to wear it. Its all white shirt dress. There's something about it that keeps me from wearing it, I have yet to figure it out. I plan on just using the top for the dress and using the Coffee date dress bottom part as a guide to make a skirt out of the Frida Kahlo Fabric that I have and making into a pseudo/hybrid shirt dress and attaching belt looks to make a belt out of the Frida Kahlo fabric. We'll see how these turn out. But first I need to get through my pile of projects started and not yet finished.

I took the pledge

Yes, I took the pledge of not buying anything new for the next two months and instead doing my own sewing and wardrobe refashioning. This will be hard seeing as I have my eyes on these two dresses over on Modcloth. But yes, I'm part of the Wardrobe Refashion craze let's see how these next two month go. On the upside, I'll be saving money. :)

Minor snag

So I was working away on my new bag, when I realized that the thread tension on my machine is off again...arrgh!!!! And the bias tape I had made didn't quite come out how I had hope. So now I find myself having to take it apart. I think maybe I should just go to Joanns or Walmart tomorrow and buy some bias tape to finish off the top of my bag. Almost done, almost!!!

Style Icon: Penélope Cruz

Yesterday at Costco I bought the November issue of Vanity Fair, which has Penélope Cruz on the cover. She is gorgeous and always has some of the best outfits for any occasion.

Almost done...

I finally finished the hem on my Anthropologie inspired dress. I just need to insert the zipper, but I'm having a bit of a toughy since the top seams are already serged. I might have to improvise somewhere but until I solve this dilemma I'll have to wait it out before I cut and attempt to sew. Anyone have any tips?

This is pretty neat...

Style Icon: Liv Tyler

There is nothing really to say about Liv Tyler, her style speaks for itself and I love her outfits!!