Colorada

I'm so impressed by the beautiful things at Colorada. Tops, dresses, bags, skirts— even a skirt named after the book I'm reading right now. She combines vintage-inspired silhouettes with modern florals and fresh touches like satin or velvet ribbons, appliques, tiny ruffles, and fabric rosettes. When matched with quality fabrics and fine workmanship, you have beautiful products that are going to be comfortable and lovely to wear. Especially appreciated is the fact that the majority of her clothing covers well without being frumpy; indeed, I have to say the apparel sold is elegant and stylish, not dowdy. While the lines are simple, the designer has added the aforementioned feminine touches that contribute to the prettiness in a unique fashion without being garish.

The North Carolina-based Colorada's goods are made in a smoke-free, pet-free workshop, and the prices are very fair; dresses range from $30 - $150, with most being in the $35 - $55 range (the more highly-priced are clearly formal or wedding attire). Skirts are from $27 - $62. All things considered, particularly the apparent quality of the work, this is an extremely, extremely fair price for handmade clothing!

Colorada is a great place to shop if you want comely things in your closet. It appears that custom work is available, so if you have something special in mind or need an item already offered in a different size, I wouldn't hesitate to email!

In Season

It's late October, so we're coming to the end of eggplant season, but those versatile berries (yes, they're berries!) can still be found at your local farmer's markets and grocery stores. But even when the last aubergine has been roasted or sauteed, plum and eggplant shades are still very popular in the fashion aisle, all the way through March.

This vintage chenille suit with a matching blouse is darling and perfect for the coming winter. This Jackie O-like suit is very pretty, and as you know, chenille is very soft and comfortable. The matching blouse is poly, though of course you could switch it out for a blouse of your own or a simple camisole with very clean lines. The suit is probably a small, definitely for petites: the skirt will fit a waist up to 30" and hips up to 40".

Best of all, this is marvellously priced at just $25 from Bleu Green. Too many women have nothing but black, navy, and khaki-coloured suits in their closet; why be one of the masses? Pick up a charming vintage suit like this in a still-professional colour and stand out from the pack.

Vintage Plaid

The accession of fall means plaid makes yet another resurgence into our fashion consciousness. Surely I'm not the only one know notices this! Plaid is a strange thing, though: some like very loud, almost clashing plaids, while others prefer to don a subtler ode to Scottish Highlanders (I tend to be in the latter camp myself). Something about plaid is so festive, and for many Americans especially, it reflects a sense of pride in one's forbears, who left the rugged land they'd conquered to tame yet another.

This vintage plaid skirt is a great (if not entirely traditional) example of a fun plaid that won't make other people's eyeballs bleed. While colourful and bright, it isn't overbearing or traffic-stopping. You can wear it with girly heels or your favourite pair of boots - both heeled and flat boots would look terrific with this $32 skirt. The pleats are classic, especially as we ease our way into the more formal styles of the cold-weather months, and let's face it: this is long enough that you can wear it all winter long without having to worry about ill-timed gusts of wind or just plain old freezing your tail off.

From Femmina Style, where they've just gotten a pretty nicely sized wave of new goodies (there are quite a few cute tops, too).

Snuggle Your Way Into Fall

This has got to be the perfect sweater for fall, bursting as it is with the rich colours of the season: wine, green, red, and mustard with a little white thrown in for relief. The cape collar adds style and depth, while the buttons appear to be made of wood; if not, they're still large enough to make a statement. Don't big, chunky buttons say "fall" and "easy to fasten with chilled or begloved fingers" anyhow?

Hand knit, this soft sweater will stretch to fit your body comfortably, keeping you warm and cozy and cute all at the same time. It's listed as a size small, probably a 2-4, and is $65. From Que Dicha, who is also offering several other tempting sweaters at the moment.

By the way, I've put up some new pictures of our house, including the gorgeous new kitchen colour, the painted garage door, and a happy fall shot of the exterior complete with pumpkins; it's all here.

Another Two-For-One Monday

Yes, yes, because surely you missed me so very much, you get two treats for one visit today. Lucky you, dahlings! We spent the weekend working here; Hubby did more sanding & joint compound-spreading and I painted our kitchen. The bedroom still isn't much to look at (read: plain drywall and another layer of joint compound), but the kitchen? It went from a rather unsettling shade of butter yellow to a beauuuuutiful shade of robin's egg-ish turquoise. This means our kitchen is halfway done, since all that's left is to paint the cabinets white and put up a cheery backsplash in a pretty shade of green. Hooray! I love to cook — love to cook — so having the kitchen done will tickle me about sixteen lovely shades of pink.


All right, on to the fashion. Two finds for you today, both requiring a small amount of aplomb and courage to wear for some, I suppose, but I think both are great pieces. First up is this merry melon pink fitted vintage suit. First of all, it's a wearable size, what seller Blue Velvet Vintage consiers a large (jacket is 42-36 and the skirt is 33-44). It's wool or wool blend, so if you treat it well it'll last for year, and features snappy pointed French cuffs and a kick pleat in the back of the skirt.

What I really like, though, is the flattering cut — feminine without being childish and with a beautiful curved yoke in front. The yoke is accented by two small rhinestone buttons. See it in that close-up there? Isn't that a great touch? Just beautiful. The front pockets mirror the curve for a pulled-together look. The label inside this vintage wool or wool-blend suit read "Talle Maide Original" and "The Crystal Room, Loveman's, Chattanooga", and the suit is only $95. Trust me, you're not going to find a pretty cut on a long-lasting classic suit like this anywhere for under $100 unless you hit the gold mine at your local thrift shop.





Something else I couldn't resist was this gorgeous, dreamy 1940s velvet coat. Putting this beauty on would make me feel like a glamour queen, and I could probably confidently meet anyone in the world while wearing this, knowing I looked lovely and charming and put-together, even if it was snowing madly outside. Wouldn't it make you feel the same? (I'm tempted put the PayPal account in lockdown until I stop hyperventilating over this coat.)

Lined in satin with hidden side seam pockets, this dramatic coat is made of black velvet cut into a New Look style, with princess seams in the bodice leading to the gored skirt. The cape collar adds to the striking appearance of this coat, and two velvet buttons finish it off beautifully. The label reads "J. Klienfeld and Sons, First in Fashion, Brooklyn", and the $185 coat is 38-30 with open hips and is 43" long. As Blue Velvet recommends, you're going to want to be a bit smaller in order to wear this comfortably over your clothing.

Both available from Blue Velvet Vintage, home of real and repro vintage wonderfulness.

Modern Bustle

One of my favourite skirts is a long denim skirt that is flared at the bottom and has a slight bustling effect in the back. Something about that bustling feels so girly and feminine, plus it's just a lovely detail. This beautiful silk bustled skirt from Devotions, a sister shop to Princess Izzy, has the same neat feature. The vintage kimono fabric boasts lovely red and gold flower medallions on a black field, with white vines in between.

The colours are perfect for fall, and thanks to the bustling in back, it will fit anyone from size 10 to 18. This would be lovely for a wedding or a luxe choice for a workday when you'd really rather just stay home (my attitude about such days is that one might as well wear a favourite thing to make the day a bit better).

This one is of such classic style you're sure to enjoy it for years to come. Handmade with love and just $58.

Flutter

There are so many beautiful tops at Flutter Fashion there was no way I could pick just one to share with you. Thus, I give you 10, ranging in size from extra-small to large, and prices from $23 to $80. Also available from Flutter Fashion are jackets and tees, but these colourful and feminine layered-look tops really capture the eye and demonstrate what designers Joleen Rumsey and Rachel Six clearly do best. No matter what style you're looking for, from classic to funky, Flutter will have something to suit your desire - and keep you modestly covered but still looking chic and pretty. No frump here! Most women prefer a fitted top that isn't skin-tight, and I'm sure you'll agree that these offerings fit the bill marvellously.



Row one: Ms. Brown, Catherine, Clementine, Capuchino, Madame Butterfly.

Row two: Sweet Pea, Roxanne, Cindy, Ballet Ruse, and Bridget.


There are at least half a dozen others I'd love to feature, but you'll just have to go see for yourself. All from Flutter Fashion - I'm expecting big things from these ladies!

Ephemeral Architecture

A-line skirts are undeniably one of the finest fashion inventions of all time. Flattering to every figure, they can be fun, sophisticated, ladylike, and are always swirly and pretty. While their hemlines have regrettably gone up in recent years (to the point we really can't call them 'skirts' anymore, though I'm not sure what they are), the traditional A-line hem typically hits just below the knee: long enough to be modest, but never frumpy or dowdy. They are perfect with sandals in summer, boots in winter, and are very easy to wear.

Not surprisingly, it was the great Christian Dior (I love, love, love the New Look) who introduced the A-line in 1956, just a year before his death. Sometimes they have darts, sometimes they don't. They can be embellished with ribbons, rickrack, buttons, even ruffles - or just left alone to their clean lines so you can embellish elsewhere.

Right now, you can get an A-line of your own (or a few) from Swank Creations. The handsewn $55 Flair skirt has an invisible zipper and yes, it still hits just below the knee on most wearers (22 inches from waist to hem). It's offered for waists from 25.5" - 32.5" and you can buy it in a plethora of fabrics - colourful 70s mod flowers, cowgirls, polka dots, little frogs on lilypads, tropics-dwelling parrots, Asian prints, pretty, stylized woodlands and bird prints, even a rickrack print. There are many to choose from, so definitely check out the selection for yourself. For an additional $5, you can add a wide grosgrain ribbon in your choice of colorus to the hem of your skirt for a more finished look.

Artist Rachael also offers a variety of handbags in her shop, all very chic and cute. This woman definitely has an eye for fabric!

And surely, we all owe Mr. Dior much thanks for this simple but wonderful fashion innovation.

Hot Summery Red

Red is one of my favourite colours, and this particular colour tends to elicit strong responses in everyone. It's a powerful colour one just can't ignore (hence red "STOP" signs, red stoplights, red male cardinals, fabulous red lipstick...).

Initially, the wearing of red was limited strictly to the nobility because the cost of creating such a bright hue was tedious and expensive (much like purple and other pure colours). When a king, queen, cardinal, or judge wore red, it symbolized not just their power in general, but indeed, their power over life and eath. Eventually, of course, it became easier to make red apparel, so much so that military uniforms were often red. Interestingly, during the Middle Ages, it was thought that red bedclothes protected one against "red illnesses" like rashes, fevers, and even miscarriages!

It's interesting that while red is the colour of love, romance, and redemption, it's also considered a colour of death, murder, war, fire, and competition. It can definitely be seen as aggressive - in fact, a poll of drivers a couple years ago found that drivers saw those in red cars as being aggressive drivers purely based on the colour of the vehicle, regardless of the kind of vehicle (I've had not just one but 2 red cars...) Personally, I feel more confident and cheerful when wearing red, and I believe it was Psychology Today that found wearing shades of red and green together markedly improved people's moods (so if you're having a bad day, pair up!).

Many cultures see red as having protective powers - maybe because of the inherent "caution!" it seems to transmit to people and even animals. Wear a red ruby and you become invincible; in battle, cover your weapons and even yourself in blood, red paint or clay. (Yeah, that bit about the blood is a little over the top, and I'm not certain I want to know from whence the blood came, thanks.)


No matter what, though, red is nearly always in fashion. I tend to think it's because it is such a lively, vibrant, cheerful colour. The eye is just naturally attracted to it (some think red is the first colour we are able to recognize - familiarity definitely didn't breed contempt in this case!). Red also happens to be the colour of my favourite sports team (the only sport I truly follow other than horse racing), the Red Wings. So it's no surprise that I really like this Dita top from Papaya - it's red! And it's cute!


The neckline is square, so that is another point in this adorable top's favour. The short cap sleeves have a slight puff to them for added femininity - as well as visually broaden your shoulders just a touch, not a bad thing. The cut is very flattering - it can go formal or casual. For the cherry on this sartorial sundae, you even get the red and white polka-dotted belt with the top!

This $32 top isn't crazily flashy but it's clearly not sloppy, either: wear it to the office (maybe with a red or black belt if you don't want to frighten the dot-impaired), to church, to dinner, to a party or the pizza parlor...anywhere. Truly. Under a jacket, over a skirt or pants, with pearls or chunky turquoise beads, I don't think you can go wrong. This top is a size medium (36-31-37), but as Melissa handsews and designs everything herself, if you email her you might be able to get it in a different size (there is another Dita top in black available).

I see Melissa's work on Flickr pretty frequently, and it's always really cute and pretty clothing. She has several other tops in her shop and frequently updates the store, so checking on a regular basis is a great idea if you want something unique and fresh for your closet.

Bows Can Be Beautiful

Long relegated to humorous and not-so-humorous stories of horrendous bridesmaid's dresses (my girls had NO bows, thank you, and both looked gorgeous in their dresses), bows have taken some really hard hits as far as fashion for a long, long time. Other than the happy, floppy bows seen on some fine Derby day millinery, usually bows are the, well, butt of many jokes. This is a far cry from fashion's golden years of the 40s and 50s, when bows, while not ubiquitous, where plentiful and pretty though admittedly not dwarfing anyone's rear end or shoulders in a stiff imitation of a sequined butterfly's dying spasms.

It behooves us to recall that bows, used and placed properly, can add real personality and sweetness to a lady's outfit, putrid bridesmaid's dresses aside. Take this denim skirt from Cecilia Jane. Check out that fabulous bow! Isn't it lovely? With its high waist, this skirt really reminds me of the styles of the 30s, 40s, and 50s. You'll need a simple top to go with it, but that shouldn't be too hard to find in your closet.

A high-waisted skirt like this one is not only chic and pretty, it's quite figure flattering. Take another look - hourglass figure, anyone? Our grandmothers and great-grandmothers were on to something! Pair this cotton-Spandex skirt with a cute top and pretty pumps or espadrilles and you're good to go nearly anywhere you want - and the possibilities for mixing are just about endless. What about red mules or flats and a white top like the one shown for Independence Day? (Don't forget that skin-protecting hat if you'll be out in the sun all day.) Or a lace-trimmed top in gold with espadrilles or strappy sandals for a night out?

This $60 skirt is just beautiful and timeless. It might require a little courage to wear at first, but I can almost guarantee that once you see what great things it does for your figure and your mood you'll love it. The length is modest yet still comfortable without being creepy (you know of what I speak). Designed and handmade by Simonair, who hails from St. Thomas Virgin Islands, this is a gorgeous and fun skirt that could very well become a go-to piece in your wardrobe. It comes in sizes small to large, and while there's nothing about larger or smaller sizes, I'm sure an email to Simonair won't hurt. Her shop has other skirts available, as well as some really cute bags, tops, and tees.

Fun Friday: Just Horsin' Around

All right. Y'all know I just love horses. It's one of those supposed little-girl things many of us just never outgrow, and there's nothing wrong with that. Somehow, though, the equine sports have fallen out of favour in our day and age (and we're worse off for it, if you ask me), and it can be difficult to find a fun and fashionable way to show that love for the horse.



But not anymore, dear ones! No, thanks to Blackbird Fashion, we can now share our love of the equine with the whole world by wearing one of these fun denim skirts with a bright, cheerful red horse applique. Hurrah!

This knee-length skirt is an A-line, a nearly universally flattering cut, and zips up the back. Since it's in denim, it'll look at home with a tee (oh, imagine the Independence Day possibilities!) or a silk cami, or a sweater in the cool months. Pair it with wedges, boots, mules, or just go barefoot (in appropriate places only, please). I just love this skirt! Even better, it comes in sizes from extra small (27" waist, 34" hip) to 2x (42" waist, 50" hips), so it's almost guaranteed it'll be available in your size. It makes me so happy when indie designers remember the need for larger sizes these days.


The horsey applique - the reason for all this excitement - is red felt, and he looks to be a fine-headed animal, if you ask me. The skirt is $45 and made with love by the hands of Californian Clarity Miller. She offers pirate- and flower-appliqued skirts, as well as hand-appliqued hoodies and tees (check out this adorable whale tee for only $22 - darling or what?).

Clarity's site is wonderful, and her products are adorable and fun - just what we need on a Friday, right? She's got great products and an obvious sense of humor, and I think you'll really enjoy her things - I've yet to ogle at her home decor section, but can't wait. I think you'll really like her store very much.

We're going house-hunting again tomorrow, as in "second walk-throughs of two houses we've seen before and liked". We just learned that one has had major flooding, so I'm thinking it might be out of the running, but we both really liked the second home quite a bit (hint: kitchen to kill for). (No, not literally!)

I hope you all have wonderful weather and a fabulous weekend!

It's A Bonanza!

Well, I am just so excited about some of the lovely goodies from Wildewear, I'm going to show you several! A big complaint I hear often is that it's just so difficult to find pretty, attractive clothing that's modest as well. So when I find someone providing said hard-to-find items, I like to - well, go a little crazy.


I really like the Summer Swing dress. The colours are perfect and mixed so prettily, the wrap style is universally flattering, and the black exposed seams add style and a really nice finishing touch. This particular dress is a small to medium (4-6), but as long as Wildewear's fabric stash for this one lasts, other sizes are available as well. It's cotton poly stretch, so it'll be comfy for summer wear, and I'd say it's probably suitable for most offices and is definitely cute and ladylike enough for church, and just about anything else you'd like to do this summer. It's $57 and hits just above the knee (maybe a little lower than that, based on the pictures).


Here tonight you see the Very Veronica dress/skirt. Now, I'm not really a *huge* fan of strapless items, because as we all know, they're a real, real pain to keep up in place where they belong. And if you can't keep the top where it belongs, very bad things can result. Still, this dress is too pretty not to feature, and since it's made of stretch cotton lycra, it can be worn as a skirt, too, after you fold or scrunch down the top. Versatility is a fine thing.

Of course, to help with the potential falling-down/creeping-down issues, you can always wear a chocolate cami beneath, or a sweater over the top of this dress. Unfortunately, it's hot out, and who wants to wear a sweater? There's fashion tape, of course, and if you're really concerned, perhaps sew on some chocolate straps or straps in the pretty green used to vine about the skirt (methinks chocolate would be best, though). The pretty, whimsical flower looks to be dancing on the skirt and is perfect for summer. Match this up with some beautiful turquoise or green jewelry and you're good to go! There are 3 of these in the Wildewear shop at $55 each; they all appear to be small to medium, but it can't hurt to email and ask about a different size if you think it's necessary.


There's also this lovely and prettily colourful Peaceful Penny dress, sizes 4-6 for $57. While this exact fabric layout isn't available anymore, it'll be close, and Wildewear will send you pictures of the new layout in a jiffy should you email and ask. The cotton poly stretch is a mix of black, white, and a green that pairs really nicely with the red-and-pink flower print. It hits just above the knee and has the slightest of cap sleeves with a nice V-neck.





How about this sweet Zen Mate Top? In pink and chocolate - still a pretty popular colour combo - it's a square neckline tank that's pretty enough for just about anything but still comfy and chic in a stretch poly lycra.
The waist detail is particularly attractive and very flattering. It's $40 and comes in size small to medium.


Everything from Wildewear is handmade. There are many other cute tops, skirts, and dresses at the shop, and everything has such a lovely, flowing look - be sure to check it out!

The Colour Purple

Is this an alluring tee or what? The front is graced by daylilies and the back by butterflies, hand-silkscreened onto this succulently plum-coloured cotton tee. Perfect for casual or dressier wear, this is one top you'll be certain to pack for all your trips this summer and maybe even into the fall - with its little cap sleeves, this one is easily topped off with a jacket during cool evenings and cooler months.

Now, I'm staring at this $27 tee, and honestly, I'm not sure about the neckline - it's so hard to tell sometimes, and I almost didn't feature it because of that. Still, if it's too low, you can wear a camisole underneath or do my favourite new thing for tops that are too-low cut: buy some nice ribbon in a suitable colour and sew it on. Works like a dream and adds a little more luxe if you're using satin or velvet (not sure I recommend velvet anything for summer, though).

I think my favourite thing about this top is the deep, rich purple. It's not cloying purple or fairy-tale purple, it's a flattering grown-up purple. The butterflies on back add just a hint of playfulness and lightness, though, so you won't intimidate everyone in the room (purple, particularly in its deeper tones, tends to be associated with royalty, wealth, and sophistication).

This one is available in small, medium, large and extra large, so don't be shy! Available from The Stevester, who has a really wide selection of tee styles, from Peacocks to Johnny Depp.

Some of the Prettiest Tees You'll Ever See

So, I was nursing a minor illness today when I ran across some really lovely, lyrical artwork on Flickr. The artwork was displayed on stationery, but as a bona-fide doodler myself, i had to take a closer look at the home of the stationery, Imaginary Friends. Imagine my happiness (and doubtless a healthy jump from my immune system) to see that not only does Imaginary Friends offer beautiful artwork masquerading as stationery, they sell t-shirts featuring the work as well!


As you can see, I had a difficult time picking just one tee to share, so I chose a handful: the Northern Pygmy, the woodpecker, a panamanian golden frog and even a men's tee featuring the most stylish monkey I've ever seen (in this case, it's a golden snub-nosed monkey). Each tee's page tells you a little about the animal featured - for instance, the red-cockaded woodpecker builds sap wells near the entrance to its nest to protect its young from snakes and other predators.




Each $28 tee is 100% jersey cotton that has been hand-silkscreened with the image, and they come in small, medium, and large (the monkey tee comes in extra large as well). This definitely takes that all-American classic fashion icon to a new level, especially since the delicate artwork on the tees is so sophisticated, making these tees a dressier option for days you still want to be comfortable. Really, I'm so impressed by the beautiful artwork, which is obviously inspired by the beauty of creation all around us. They are all just so lovely! These tees will top off skirts and pants with equally stylish aplomb and class.


Imaginary Friends also offers accessories, prints, and the aforementioned stationery, all featuring this elegant artwork. There are several more designs available, so be sure to check them out!

Pretty Frocks from Christa Taylor

Really, it makes me so happy to see dresses are a hot item this summer. Feminine, pretty, comfortable and the easiest thing in the world to throw on when you're running late, they make a lot of sense. Whether you go vintage or modern, there are a lot of lovely and modest dressed out there this year - or those that can easily be made more modest, such as the dress I found Saturday. The neckline's a wee bit low for my comfort, but I'm just going to hand-sew a bit of coordinating satin ribbon inside the neckline so it's wearable. If you're uncomfortable baring your arms for whatever reason, it's easy to top your dress off with a light sweater or jacket.


Of course, even the most beautiful summers are marred (kind of) by rainy days when there's a slight chill in the air. Or you just aren't body-temperature challenged like I am and you prefer short and cap sleeves. Regardless, these classic and classy coat dresses - in black and white - from Christa Taylor are a perfect addition to your wardrobe. In a timeless shirtwaist style, they'll quickly become a turn-to staple. The perfectly contrasting piping on the princess and edges will slim and lengthen your figure, not to mention add instant style. A matching wide belt is included, too - all you need is a great pair of shoes and maybe a bracelet and you're good to go! For just $55, you have something that will rise above not just the ever-changing fashion trends, but is ladylike, pretty, and quite chic. The sizes are of a decent range, too.

Christa Taylor, like many of us, became frustrated when long shopping trips resulted in only scanty returns, because so much of what's available is ill-fitting and far too revealing. Finally, she began designing her own clothing that is modest yet chic - the website notes,

We love to assemble modest clothing that is truly beautiful and unique to satisfy the high standards of both the posh and trendy girl (We resoundingly reject frumpiness!). We unashamedly desire to change the world of fashion. We want to convert you to an Empowered Traditionalist. An Empowered Traditionalist challenges the notion that to be modest you must compromise beauty and attractiveness.

At Christa Taylor we're pioneering a modest clothing revolution. Our team is committed to designing trendy and modest clothes that match your unique style. We are fashions for the empowered traditionalist; offering chic, feminine, and modern modest clothing options that are carefully selected to bring you premium quality and a totally modish [chic+modest=modish] flair that allows you to keep up with all the latest trends. We love creating those modest skirts, trendy tops, modest dresses, modest swimwear, and accessories that you had previously only dreamed about.

Gotta love that. Additionally, Christa Taylor gives at least 30% of its profits to charity, trying to help the poor and unjustly treated around the world. Thirty percent!

In addition to these fabulous dresses, Christa Taylor also offers tops, skirts, swimwear, and accessories. I'll admit to being not too crazy about the swimwear, especially in the face of this year's 40s and 50s swimsuit revival and the - imagine this! - Esther Williams collection (quite apropos to its namesake and mostly kosher), so fair warning. That's my only issue, though, and we all know I've got a wide vintage 40s-love streak in me. There are some very cute tops and skirts, though, and overall, many tempting goodies at the online shop.

All from Christa Taylor. Enjoy your shopping!

Natural Beauty

Isn't this a pretty tee? Perfect for topping off jeans or a skirt, for a day bumming around town or going to a friend's party, it features what the artist describes as a bird's eye view of a seeding dandelion to one side. The artwork is striking, and the soft monochromatic tone is truly lovely and perfect for this time of year and the approaching summer. It is funny that of all flowers, dandelions (to which I'm violently allergic, interestingly enough), a weed, have such a sweet and pretty ending to their life, isn't it? Perhaps that's why they are so ubiquitous.

Artist Alison has hand-silkscreened this beautifully waning bloom onto a soft and comfortable cotton tee using a tabletop press. This $26 shirt is an open run, and comes in sizes from small to extra-large, and also comes in a dark gunmetal grey tee with purpley-blue bloom.



Just because I can (hee!), I wanted to feature this other tee, which is also very pretty and in a slightly different style. A grand live oak is silkscreened onto a chic pale blue puff-sleeve tee. I'm not sure if I like the puff sleeves or the live oak better - but as it's a symbol of the South I love so much, I've got to go with the tree. (Besides, the Derby is Saturday afternoon.) For just $22, this is listed as coming in small and medium only, but Alison's profile says you can email her with requests, so it is definitely worth contacting her about if you're interested, right?



These and many other goodies, from short and long-sleeved tees to skirts, toddler pants, and baby onesies (not sure if I like the pirate ship scary seas or meatball one more - my friends really need to start having kids!) are all available from the talented and very sharp-eyed owner of Circular Accessories. When I say sharp-eyed, I mean it; Alison creates really terrific, unique designs that I guarantee are nothing like what you'll find at other stores, and that' meant in the best of ways! Ladies with an affinity for nature will especially like the shop, but I genuinely think Alison's artwork is one of those things most people will really enjoy.

Pretty In Pink (or black...)

There are those of the opinion that only 50s-loving retro girls can or should wear circle skirts. Others think only young teenyboppers should wear this fabulously floaty, girly, modest but still wonderfully attractive wardrobe treat.

They're dead wrong. (And more likely than not no fun at cocktail parties, picnics, or church.)

I love circle skirts. Granted, they do make me think of the 50s - but they're also comfortable, feminine, and awfully fun to wear (just be cautious on windy days - I should do a whole post on the importance of slips and half-slips, as it's skirt season). Dressed up or down, with a sweater or cami, with dressy heels or ballet flats, you really can't go wrong with a circle skirt (although some curvier girls prefer half- or 3/4-circle skirts; the name comes really more from the fabric cut than it does the shape of the skirt, but true circle skirts are pretty much unmatched when it comes to twirly goodness). I often start the day with a button-up sweater over a camisole and my skirt, removing the sweater to drape around my shoulders or on my chair when the inevitable overheating begins (there's no way someone my age should be experiencing hot flashes, but that's life). It's always a comfy, pretty outfit that allows me to feel at ease without looking like...well...a gym rat. Or worse.



A few ladies have asked that I start featuring larger garments. This can be difficult to do: vintage sizes tend to be small because women wore some truly incredible undergarments, they were smaller because of the physical things they did (walking to the market, cleaning house without the aid of all our little toys, etc.) and food they ate (food back then wasn't nearly as heavily salted or over-horomoned as it is today). Additionally, remaining vintage apparel is often still around because the dress or skirt was important - a prom or formal dress, wedding dress, debutante dress - all things worn when the women were young. With such wonderful memories attached to them, such dresses were saved and loved long after they were too small to wear, so...they're still around. When we factor in the average age of marriage back then, which was pretty young, it's a little easier to understand why vintage tends to run smaller. That's a small part of the beauty in vintage pattern-hunting, of course, but anyhow...

I do try to feature larger sizes, I really do. Trust me: having battled and overcome anorexia - nearly at the cost of my life - nearly ten years ago, I loathe the iron maiden of supermodel airbrushed "What is...ice cream?" skinniness as much as any other sensible woman. Still, if you're not accustomed to vintage duds-hunting, you might be surprised (horrified?) at the number of drool-worthy dresses and other treats with 22-inch and 24-inch waists. However, I shall redouble my efforts to find beautiful, modest apparel for plus-sized ladies!


(I hate that phrase. What about my favourite - "curvalicious", a word I actually invented, in its full incarnation "cuddle-ily curvalicious"?)


Both of these skirts come not only in standard sizes but plus sizes as well, which is why I am really happy to be featuring an actual larger-sized goodie! The checked circle skirt and pink cotton circle skirt, both from the wonderfully fun Hey Viv! are vintage-inspired but true to form, and come in waist sizes 26" - 38". In fact, the skirts are custom-made for you when you order: you can order a cinch belt, peasant top that also comes in plus size, a scarf, and even your own crinoline for the pink cotton skirt (the black check comes with its own). The check is 32-33" long (depending on the size of the skirt), while the solid cotton, which also comes in black, is 26-27" long.

The black check is $36.99 - $39.99, while the cotton skirts are from $22.99 - $24.99, all depending on size. All of Hey Viv!'s accessories and clothing are very reasonably and fairly priced, especially when you consider the skirts and crinolines are custom made to your size.

No doubt in part to the reasons listed above, Hey Viv! specializes in plus-size, wearable vintage and vintage-inspired apparel, so if this is your style, Hey Viv! is a fine place to start building your wardrobe. You can also get all sorts of fab 50s accessories there, from repro to real cateye shades, jewelry (like this sweater guard), cinch belts, and appliques. Enjoy!

Ingenuity = A Shirt For Everyone

Before I get started, I have a question - do you have problems reading the site? Are the posts all the way at the bottom? I've had a couple of emails and can't quite figure it out. If you have better script-writing know-how than I, your suggestions will definitely be welcomed! Thanks.

This morning, my best friend sent me a link to pants like these - we both bellydance - saying she wanted another pair, as she already has a luscious tone ones. I looked at the pants, went, "Oooo! Perfect!" - and then looked at the price. They're $75 plus $6 shipping, so it's $80 for a pair of pants I'd only wear when dancing. In the morning. By myself. $80 seems like overkill, and I said something along the lines of it being too much to me for what is workout wear. If I performed publicly, I might feel differently, but there it is. (I do like the pants. If I had $80 to drop on workout wear, I would probably buy these.)

All of that to say she's going to roll her eyes and laugh about tonight's post.

Most of the time, when I look at clothing (excepting vintage), I say, "You know, I coiuld make that for a lot less. Yes, it will take me two weeks and a few frantic IMs to my mother-in-law, but I'll bet I can make that myself." But sometimes we all see something that is just so cute or perfect it's nigh-well irresistible. The very least I can do is share it with you, right?

That's today's Pretty Pretty Princess shirt from Identity Crisis. Creator Karly (cohost of DIY Network's terrific Stylelicious) whipped up the first of these as a prototype one day and wore it out. After receiving an avalanche of compliments, realized she had a hit on her hands (she walked out of the bar with two orders). How's that for the American Dream? I love it!

Identity Crisis offers several of these, including some in lace and another in a modern but still feminine sheer floral. This one, in navy with a fabulous floral contrast collar and sleeve trim, is probably my favourite just because the contrast is so perfect, isn't it? Of course, navy is a go-anywhere colour and always a classic look; add chic flowers as Karly has done and you are definitely going to end up with a winner. As you can see, the collar wraps around your waist and ties, adding a bit of an Asian flair to your day.

Best of all, this comes in a very wide range of sizes (perhaps custom - bust sizes ranging from 30-43 or 'other' and waist from 23-40 inches or 'other'), so you should be able to get any one of the Pretty Princess styles in your size. I'd probably wear this one with a cami underneath for just a tad more coverage, although the way one works ties might provide enough. This shirt would look great with pants or a skirt, and I think would look particularly smashing with white bottoms. $76 at Identity Crisis. Enjoy!

Where the White Fern Grows

Bonus! Susan, of Modcloth, has kindly offered a 10% discount off any order. Just use the code "pretty10" at checkout.


This very pretty red top featuring a lovely fern proves yet again that the cotton tee is one of the best wardrobe inventions ever. Versatile, comfy, and durable, a well-fitting tee is not just flattering but just about always in style. Worn alone, under sweaters or jackets, with jeans or skirts; solid-coloured, printed with a design or logo, and with any kind of neckline - what was once a simple piece of underclothing is now a fashion icon available in nearly endless variety. (And they've only been around in the general population since around 1930, if you can believe that.)




With its slightly retro flair, attractive but still modest wide scoop neckline (think of the accessorizing possibilities!), and the puffy fern on the front are delicate and pretty (anyone else like fern plants as much as I do?), this red tee is cute and flattering. I think it would look fab with jeans or a white or chocolate-covered skirt (your choice on dark or milk). It's 93% cotton, 7% spandex, and on sale at only $20.99. Available - along with plenty of equally cute clothing - at Modcloth. Enjoy!

Modest Actually Can Be Cute. Shocking, But True.

I think most women are aware of the fact that your basic crewneck tee isn't all that flattering. Personally, I prefer a fitted squareneck or V-neck tee - they're more polished-looking (and more flattering), not to mention cooler temperature-wise for someone who tends to overheat a lot (like me). For some reason, though, it's difficult to find well-fitting, well-made tees that aren't cut down to my bellybutton. Besides, just think of the sun damage to the girls! Eeeek!

Squarenecks are a very flattering cut - possibly more than a v-neck, but that might depend on your shape. It broadens your shoulders more, which can balance out wider hips and even make a waist look trimmer. V-necks do the same, but I think squarenecks are even better at it, at least for an hourglass figure like my own; v-necks, however, are more feminine and dressy, so it's all about what you need!

These squareneck tees from Diviine ModesTee just about fit the bill. The neckline is a smidgen too high for me, but it's still pretty and highlights the collarbones, never a bad thing - overall, I could tolerate it and honestly probably wouldn't even think about or be bothered by it once it was on. Not only will this go well for casual wear, it would probably look professional enough under a jacket for work (if tees in that situation are too warm for you, there are also regular and lace-hemmed camis).

At the moment, there are five colours - black, two shades of pink, kiwi, and aqua; the tees come in sizes ranging from extra-small to extra-extra-large, so this company is definitely doing their best to be available to all comers! All tees are made from durable, non-pilling (YAY!) cotton Lycra which has been tightly woven so it isn't sheer and won't lose its shape. Right now, the store is having a 20% off sale, so it's the time to buy!

Diviine ModesTee also offers short-sleeve V-neck tees, a pretty bell sleeve v-neck (I've a strange liking for bell sleeves), and a 3/4-sleeve squareneck tee, as well as a variety of other tees and camis (some are lace-trimmed), all in a mix of colours.

The website features a tribute to their mother, a woman who instilled self-respect into her daughters and taught them a value system consisting of (from daughter Marci):

"...the power of modesty, strength from integrity and the beauty of virtue as a woman. My mother taught me these values, but more importantly she lives these values. She was determined to maintain a modest lifestyle, fashion and expected her daughters to do the same. She taught and showed me of my divine worth by her modest example. I saw and learned that a modest woman emulates an inner acceptance of oneself, an unseen power of virtue and self-worth. I learned that women need not show off their bodies for attention nor affection."

How refreshing is that? Sadly, today, it seems as if some moms are in competition with their daughters to be the next one immortalized as a Bratz doll or Hustler's "Seen On The Street" page. Sigh. I am very blessed to have a mom who was both fashionable and modest.

The tees and camis are all available from Diviine Modestee - and since there's a sale going on, it's probably worth running over!

Happy shopping!