Oooo, pretty...

It's not often we see a denim skirt as pretty as this one, but Funky Frum has us covered (literally).  The deep blue is elegant and grown-up, but it's denim, so...it's comfy. How about that!  It has a little bit of flare and very attractive contrasting stitching about the hips and hem — so cute. Denim skirts are extraordinarily  versatile, and this one will add a bit of femininity to an American classic.

$63, and in sizes 10-14. However, since they seem to think most women have only a 4" waist-to-hip differential, chances are you can buy one of these sizes and take it in if necessary (I'd have to go six full sizes up to fit my hips though my waist is small, so this girl would definitely be at her sewing machine - what is that all about? Oh well...). Regardless, this is an adorable skirt for all seasons and almost all events. 

Elegance for your Monday

Though you know I won't be a fan of a long-sleeved top in August (or June, or July, or even most of September), this aqua and brown skirt from Taqwa Iman is just about as irresistible as a fancy chocolate. The Batik-style print is fun and cheerful, but the simple A-line of the skirt with its hidden zipper is marvellously elegant and sophisticated. 

Certainly you could wear it to work or church, but I think this beauty offers many other possibilities, especially when paired with a beautiful pair of shoes (perhaps these; keep it simple, because of the intricate print) and a lovely fitted top. On sale for $37.99!

If you're not into aqua and chocolate (!!!), the skirt does come in several other colours: black and white, chocolate and sage, and pink and black. Very pretty, very simple...and that's what makes it so perfect.

Have a wonderful night!

Lemon Ice from Funky Frum

The colour of this skirt from Funky Frum is a very soft, enticing shade of yellow. It makes me think of meringue pie, or lemon sherbet, or an old Buick (hey...it's me here, you know). As a blonde, it's not advisable for me to wear yellow by my face, lest I appear to be dying of some tropical disease. But that hasn't stopped me from wearing this cheeriest of colours, and why should it? This skirt, at $39, is a great wardrobe-builder that gives you a tremendous splash of colour.

Made of cotton-poly-Lycra, this skirt's waistband is flatteringly thick and actually has tummy control incorporated into it. If nothing else, it will make it uncomfortable to eat more than one ought, right? The skirt is an attractive and modest length, and definitely looks like it will have that feminine swish-and-swirl about it.

Also available in black and heather grey, the versatile, wear-anywhere-and-everywhere skirt comes in a broad size range as well, from zero to twelve. 

Shades of Katie Scarlett...

There's something about curtains that women find irresistible...on the walls or under the needle of a sewing machine, being re-formed into clothing, handbags, and other assorted things. This handmade skirt has a long, proud heritage of sisterhood with fellow re-purposed curtians. It looks so soft, drapey, and feminine...the flowers lovely, but not too fussy. It can be worn as seen, with a camisole, or be topped off with a soft sweater or fitted blouse. 

This is one of those things we can simply call 'pretty', because that is what it is. One of a kind, it's just $15; as a wrap, it will fit a waist from 27-34". 

Handmade and offered by Dragonfly Designs.  The shop offers a variety of things, but most of all I'm quite clear with the number of apparel items that are attractive yet modest - not all of them, but many. In addition to skirts, you'll find several tops and even a couple of dresses.

Pretty is as pretty does

A friend sent me a link to Bellissima! Modesty Boutique. She'd met the designers at a homeschool conference, if I recall, and was very impressed with their work and their mission. And let's face it: sometimes, a great mission can be obscured by not-so-great work or production. Thankfully, Bellissima! gets things right on both counts, in graceful and fun fashion. Owners and designers Marianna and Michelle have terrific taste and style with a flair for funkiness (in a good way, of course). They also understand that not everyone is a size 2 or willing to starve herself to attain that "status", and they've got a wonderfully wide range of sizes that don't make a 100-pound 5' tall woman go..."I'm an 'extra large'?" Even shipping is free! How fabulous is that?

I have to say I think my favourite items currently in the shop are the skirts. Though I am actually a decent sewer, I have to say it's discouraging to come to the end of the project and not be able to wear anything because I need help pinning up the hem into a straight line (scoliosis + curvaceous hourglass figure = help is a MUST when pinning that hem). There are a handful of 99% finished items hanging in the studio closet, just waiting for a hem to be finished. *sigh* So...why not buy someone else's already-hemmed skirt, right?

(Time to ply a neighbor with homebaked goodies, isn't it?)

Especially pretty are the three skirts shown here tonight. All are poly/rayon, except the red and green one, which is poly/Spandex (but obviously not THAT amount of Spandex, if you get my drift, 1987). They're simple and clean-lined, giving you a streamlined and slender look while still being modest and very pretty. The waistbands are stretchy for an easy fit, and they also allow you to change the length of your skirt a bit; that's something that would definitely come in handy when I'm on a shoot, and it's a terrific idea. The material is lightweight and flowy, ideal for summer (just don't forget your slip).

Amazingly, these skirts are just $16.99. $16.99 Wow!

I also feel it is incumbent upon me to direct you to this elegant pleated skirt in floaty golden fabric, perfect for a big evening out (or in...it's the time of year for both fun and sophisticated backyard parties, isn't it?). It, too, is offered at the ridiculously good price of $17.99. You'll also find ruffle-edged, denim, and other skirts. There's a nice selection of tops, adorable jackets, and other goodies. Everything is reasonably priced and reasonably sized, too.



Shown are "Dreamsicle", "Geometric Link", and "Red and Green Flower Summer" skirts.

Breezy Cool

Are we all under the same heat wave or what? Wow. Of course, I'm not going to complain, because I just love the heat, particularly after the bitter winter (you know, the one that finally ended a week and a half ago?). Still, it makes sartorial decisions a wee bit frustrating depending upon what one is doing (especially the weekends, at least for me).

Now, as a photographer, I spend a lot of time in positions that could be pretty dangerous for someone who never wears pants, having chosen to stick to skirts for a variety of reasons. So there are quite a few longer skirts in my closet, ready for days I know I'll be shooting (especially when I'm shooting cars, because if you've seen my car shots, you know I really get into it). Modesty is key, so long, breezy skirts are not only protective, so to speak, they can also be very pretty and very comfortable in the right fabrics, especially this time of year.

The line between frump and chic is narrow when it comes to longer skirts, but it's worth seeking out. One example of a cute one is this flowery bohemia skirt from O'So Girly Shoppe. Available in navy and khaki, it looks so swooshy and sweet, doesn't it? Not to mention very comfortable. $40 in semi-customizable sizes. Sorry, adorable dog not included.

Also catching my eye tonight is this lace cotton blouse for just $30. It's fitted for shape and comfort, but not skin-tight. The lace is a lovely, feminine touch without being cloying — or worse, 1980s "kountry" (aieeek!). Obviously darling with jeans, this top would be equally sweet with skirts or dress slacks for work.

These prices are fantastic for handmade goodies, and the O'So Girly Shoppe is full of these pretty things, as well as a brand-new line of tees.

Well, I'm going to see if Hubby wants to dash through the sprinkler (I eschew the A/C as much as possible; having the windows shut makes me feel trapped). Stay cool!

Fun Friday: Ah, whimsy

Novelty prints are a wonderful thing. These days, they seem to be be limited to kids' clothing, but diligent searching will scare them into the open. And thankfully, there are always vintage items made from these fun little prints available for squealing over and purchasing.

Tonight I found two darling treats from Snappy Shop. First, we have this button-front blouse, aptly titled The Cutest Blouse in Town. You have kitties, puppies, and bears literally dancing their way across while a puppy tries to escape his yard, kittens fly kites, bears are walking about with balloons, and everyone in general seems to be having a jolly, merry time. It's all rather fantastical, to tell the truth, but isn't that what we want sometimes? The blouse is actually a handmade, one of a kind item patterned after 60s blouses, and it is topped with vintage seashell buttons that have metal shanks. Mahvelous!

It will fit a medium: the bust is 36.5", the waist 32.5", and the hips 40". $32.




Also capturing my eye was this extremely joyful wrap skirt made up of several different whimsical fabrics, resulting in a very playful and delightful multi-coloured skirt sure to make plenty of folks around you smile. There are funny chefs, Eiffel towers, polka dots, gingham checks, florals, pups & kittens, musically-themed prints, elegant toile, and even sock monkeys adorning this skirt. Even the model wearing it seems to be having a blast!

To provide some continuity, the waistband is black. As a wrap, this flared skirt should fit a broad range of sizes; it's 42" across in total with 18" ties. I daresay just about anyone ought to be able to wear this, but no matter her size, she's sure to love every moment of being in it! Handmade with loving care, it's $52.


Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! It's supposed to rain all day tomorrow, so no roto-tilling the spot we've selected for our garden just yet. *sigh* I have decided we'll be putting blueberry bushes in front, though; they're the right height and apparently make nice shrubs, turn a gorgeous blazing orange in the fall, and the branches themselves are a lovely hue. Best of all, though...our own blueberries! I very much want to have a veggie & fruit garden from whence we can gather much of our own food, at least as far as produce is concerned. And as much as I love food...it's a good idea. Anyone else ever done this?

Anyhow...see you Monday!

Cute & Custom Maternity Wear

A few years ago, one of my very stylish girlfriends ran into a dilemma: an inability to find cute, comfortable maternity clothing. She always dressed beautifully, but suddenly that was becoming very difficult, even though she probably gained no more than 15 pounds during the pregnancy (I am not exaggerating, either...she was a beanpole from the day I met her!). Her railing against the hideousness of maternity wear made the rest of us laugh, but at the same time we of course felt badly for her. No one likes having nothing but 2 skirts, a dress, and 3 tops to choose from every day, especially in an image-dependent business like advertising (hence my leaving it, but that's another story).

This seems to be a common problem. A family member and friend were both agitated because they couldn't find pretty but baby bump-friendly dresses for our wedding 2 years ago. It seems that designers think having a developing infant change your body, mood, eating habits, and ability to watch a movie without having to run to the restroom every 15 minutes isn't enough; no, they must sell you "flattering" "clothing" that often consists of ugly prints, fabric left over from 1976, and tacky tee shirts. Perfect.

Clearly, the proprietor and designer at See Mommy Sew had the same problem, but she faced it head on by creating sweet, pretty A-line maternity skirts. Just $50, you select your favourite fabric from her very respectable selection of cotton prints, send in your size, and in a short time you'll receive your cotton muslin-lined skirt. The broad elastic waistband is covered with a soft cotton-lycra and sits beneath your belly. There is room to grow (obviously!) and can be worn even after the stork arrives. Custom-sized skirts are available, and the designer will even add appliques, rick-rack, lace, or anything you like (though of course that may come at an additional price).

See Mommy Sew is all about the fun baby stuff for Mommy and the kidlets; there are cute diaper bags and changing pads featuring Amy Butler fabrics, and even cute little woolen baby pants. Everything is just adorable, and See Mommy Sew is even kind enough to share a tutorial for her maternity skirt for those who want to make their own. Happy shopping!

Hand-Painted Summer Fun

Ideal for just about anything this summer, this handpainted circle skirt is a fantastic one-of-a-kind treat! The vintage piece needs to have a seam repaired, hence the low, low price of $5, but the nature of the skirt makes it worth the tiny amount of work you'll need to get it back into tip-top shape. The seller thinks the images — a dancing couple, a woman by a pool of water, a woman in a gondola-like craft, a man on a bronco, and a sombrero-wearing gent sitting against a cactus — were possibly filled in by hand after the gold "frames" were sprayed onto the paint. It's hard to say, but this is much more than a black skirt.

It'll fit a 30-31 inch waist, though the tie closures mean this is a bit adjustable.

Auction ends Saturday!

Fun Friday Early: Kattywampus Applique Skirts

Well, it's an early Fun Friday because my parents are visiting this weekend. They're very much looking forward to seeing Benedict! Also, it'll be the first time in a while Dad and I will be able to watch a Wings playoff game together; I think the last time we did so was just prior to the wedding! Anyhow, I don't want to be digging around online with Mom and Dad here. Nothing personal. :)

Actually, while we're dealing with personal things, I won't be posting for the week of April 20; it's our wedding anniversary. Two years already (and still no wedding album because Hubby has been dragging his feet...)!

I came across tonight's pic last week, and simply had to post it; someone is sure to love these creative and darling skirt from A Kattywampus Tale. Lovingly handmade by a math teacher (!) in a century home, these skirts all have whimsical appliques, many nature-themed. All of the skirts look comfy, great for lounging or flea-marketing or just casually bumming around town.

Not only are the appliques fun, the patchwork style of the skirts manages to be cozy and homey without being...well...prairie rat. They're chic and stylish and sweet without making you think "Little House on the Prairie" or wonder where your chickens are scratching tonight.

Each Kattywampus Tale skirt comes with its very own "tale", inspired by the scary kattywampus stories of the artist's grandfather. From $15 - $110, most being in the midrange.

Have a marvellous weekend!

How To Be toasty-cozy-cute even at the office

I really have to thank Mei-Lynn at Rare Bird Finds for directing me to OrangyPorangy. This flannel skirt really caught my attention, though (there's an entire collection of them). While the word "flannel" generally conjures up images of garish plaids, this skirt is actually made up of a pretty floral print and a hemline border that makes me think of parachute seeds, the kind we'd grab as kids, hide in our hands, then blow away after making a wish on them. The flannel factor is especially nice this time of year: warm, super-soft, snuggly...It's cute enough to wear out and about nearly anywhere, but cozy enough for just bumming around the house...or on those days you want to pretend you're Canadian. ;)

The waist is soft, padded elastic for maximum comfort, and the skirt comes in small, medium and large. $55.

(I shall note that I also like this red-edged denim skirt, too. Pretty!)

Fun Friday: Sunflower from Seed

This darling sunflower-bearing skirt from Seed Clothing is such a delightfully bright colour — a punch of cheer for these grey, cold days. Since it's actually made from a vintage tablecloth made of a thick cotton, your heart and body will stay warm and cozy no matter how viciously the wind blows.

This happy skirt has ivory silk-lined pockets, and the waistband and hem are ivory as well. Pretty and sweet, don't you think? The sunflower applique is made of vintage lace. It's so wonderful to see people being creative with vintage items. Paired with a favourite soft sweater, cami and cardigan, or a fitted blouse, this $55 skirt will fit a 34" waist, so I'd call that a medium-large.

Seed has several lovely skirts (including a very pretty herringbone one) and a few great tops as well.

Have a great weekend! It looks like many of us will be getting hit with some rather exciting weather, so pull your favourite book from the shelf, whip up some hot cocoa or tea, and enjoy the excuse to stay in.

Fun Fridays: Buffet Line

The print on this wrap skirt is just fabulous - wonderfully mod and very fun. Everything you need for your next big family dinner is right on your skirt: the tureen, the fish and chips, the eggs, the poultry, dessert...even the drinks and condiments! All you've got to do is welcome your guests.

Well...if only it were that easy. But even if its not, donning this handmade Sam McLean creation will certainly make life seem a little breezier and much sweeter. Handmade, the wrap doesn't have any zippers or buttons or hook-eyes to fuss with, and fits anyone with a waist from 27"-32". In these colours, its perfect for whipping up a Valentine's Day dinner in, but of course it's marvellous for just about anything you'd like to wear it for. Just $35, too! What a deal on this one-of-a-kind skirt.


I hope you have something fun planned for the weekend. I've still got some work to finish up (with all of the debates and so forth, I've been kept pretty busy), but other than that we're going to slap the final paint swatch up on the bedroom walls and crossing our fingers!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sadie Tee from Layers

Well, I was going to feature this darling and sweet Sadie top from Layers Clothing tonight, but it's actually impossible to upload any of their images to anything - Flickr, Blogger, Photobucket - so take my word for it and check it out.

In the meantime, you can enjoy this pretty floral wrap skirt from Un de Six. With the muted blues in the skirt, it would probably look great with the above-mentioned Layers top in steel blue or the white; of course, it would look good with any number of fitted or semi-fitted sweaters, tops, or a cami-jacket combo. Like all wrap skirts, this one is meant to be comfy and easy-to-wear, and will fit a 25-35" waist and 30-40" hips. Handmade and one of a kind, it's $39. The seamstress who made this is also willing to make custom apparel, so be sure to drop her a line if you're interested in something extra-special.

Honestly, I had a bear of a time trying to upload the pictures of that other top, and it is very attractive, so be sure to take a look at it as well. :)

Have a wonderful night...!

Exotic Beauty

This pretty Amalia skirt is the kind I love this cool, windy time of year: pretty and feminine while also long enough that I can wear it without those irritating stockings.

Of course, I also love the beautiful, exotic print and flattering yet comfortable cut, and the whimsical bird applique on the pocket doesn't hurt, either. That the hem is finished off with binding that matches the print signals that this is a well-made piece of clothing; you're not going to find this quality of work at most stores without paying much more for it. Clearly this is pretty with a cami, but you could add (of course!) a fitted denim jacket or wear it with a sweater or blouse, too.

This skirt fits what I would define as a medium (due to the hip measurements, with a 32" waist and 37" hip. Handmade on a cozy mountaintop in Colorada's studio, this lovely skirt is $55. Her shop is full of very pretty, very ladylike and functional clothing as well as a few accessories, like this darling scarf made of velvet and featuring a luscious-looking pear. She uses some really lovely fabrics and her designs are very pretty, all of it with an earthy but modern classic flair...like Anthropologie, but without all of the fuss. Definitely stop in!

Welcome to 2008!

Happy new year's to you! I truly hope your Christmas or Hannukah and New Year's were wonderful. Many of you are still waiting for Ephiphany, which is of course this coming Sunday. Regardless, it's nice to be back on a regular schedule again, and I'm particularly glad that every one of the 15 dozen cookies I baked are no longer in our home.

How about you? Anything spectacular happen over the holiday break?


Tonight we're back with this simple, classic, extremely versatile lined grey woolen skirt. This vintage beauty is tagged size 12, but vintage sizes are of course far different; in modern terms, that's a 28-inch waist and 39-inch hips; the skirt is 28.5" from waist to hem and a very paltry $17. Thanks to the inner lining, you won't suffer from scratchy legs all day.

Now, the listing says the kick pleat belongs in front, but I think that's mistaken, thanks to the questionable, knee-length(ish) front-slitted skirts we saw several years ago. That's a rather modern interpretation for shorter skirts like this, and that's why I am pretty sure the zipper-button closure the seller says belongs in back actually belongs in front.

That aside, though, this skirt is one that will quickly become a staple in your wardrobe. Equally at ease with a turtleneck, blouse, or even a big, fuzzy, snuggly sweater, it's a perfect example of classic style. Again, that low price makes this subtle beauty a real steal, too! From Nerdybird Vintage, who also runs accessory shop SnipSnap. Anyone who uses Elsie the Cow gets my vote as a cool person, and her handmade accessories are really lovely and ladylike; in fact, several would make fine extras worthy of addition to whatever outfits you build around this skirt.

Have a great night!

Long Batik Skirt

We all know her. She can take a forlorn-looking skirt, a 70s tie with a frightening resemblance to elephant vomit, and a rather plain top and somehow show up at a party having transformed it most fabulous, amazing outfit you've ever seen, one that leaves every woman in the joint saying to themselves, "She is just so amazing. I wish I see the beauty in otherwise hideous clothes and do that." Sometimes its the jewelry she adds, or she adds lace to the top or a fun fringe to the hem of the skirt, but she never fails to take things most of us would see as inappropriate for the occasion and makes them amazingly apropos for it.


Now, if you ask me, this long vintage batik-print skirt is just one of those items, waiting for the right lady to come along and see the perfect piece for her New Year's outfit or the company Christmas party. It's got a free hip measurement and a 30" waist. The skirt itself is a deep blue, almost indigo cotton, and just $17.99 from Future Vintage.

Woolen Plaid

This wool/poly plaid skirt from Funky Frum looks perfect for this season, doesn't it? Fitted through the waist and hips, there's just enough of a flair at the hemline to add a bit of swoosh (just a professional version thereof). There are vent pleats on the bottom, and I like the way the skirt has been cut, too; this should fit very well. Two pockets with retro-style button loop closures sit just below the waistline. The colours are just right for winter, and the heavy, warm wool is definitely what your legs are hoping for to keep them warm right now. This would look great with a pair of tall boots and cream sweater, maybe like this one, or perhaps this shirred polo top in moss green, chocolate, or wheat, both also from Funky Frum. A white silk blouse would go well with this skirt also.

$68 from Funky Frum, and in sizes from Small to Extra Large.

Vive La France!

In honour of French President Nicolas Sarkozy's thus far extraordinarily successful (and, dare I say, wonderfully refreshing) return visit to the States, I thought I'd feature something reminiscent of France. After all, "Sarkozy l'Americain" called America "great" and says he loves us; I suppose it's a small thing to return the favour by featuring something that's a sartorial tribute to France, right?

(Gee, no, I'm not tickled pink by this or anything.)



I've been eyeballing this skirt for weeks, but it's a pinch (a literal pinch, thanks to my love for ice cream...!) too small for me. Still, it's just so cute and fun, and certainly one of the more unique France-focused items, I thought you'd enjoy seeing it (and perhaps it will inspire some purchases of fun fabric, too). The full vintage skirt you see here features a French marching band parading through a small town, French flags flying. Cute, isn't it? The colour is very nice and easily mixed with others in your wardrobe. It's a 25-26 waist with full hips, and is $45 from Denise Brain Vintage. It's one of a kind, and has some small holes, but two have been repaired, the other is easily fixed, and with the way this skirt falls it's unlikely most people will notice them anyhow. Honestly, this is such a cute skirt, it's not worth passing up if it'll fit and you love it.

Vintage is so great. Not only is it generally better made and more flattering than modern fashion, it's far more fun.

Pretty Skirt

Isn't this a lovely skirt? Chocolate-coloured fabric is made ladylike with flowers and butterflies embroidered in a pretty turquoise with a few small sequins sewn onto the skirt for that little extra kick - like bubbles in champagne. The knee-length wrap skirt is an extra large, 16/18, and made to tie in front or back per your preference. You probably won't be able to borrow one of my turquoise sweaters to wear with this, but they're not too hard to find this time of year; a white, chocolate, or turquoise blouse would match beautifully as wear. Finish the look with warm tights and cute shoes or just slip on knee-high boots (my favourite to keep legs warm on cold, windy days) and you're ready to head out in style!

$56 from Nicole Lee Designs, which (based on my perusal) seems to cater to larger women. Check out this fun retro wrap skirt, too. I really like her clean-lined but fun fashion sense; nothing boring or plain here.

I hope everyone had a great weekend; we finally got the first coat of primer up in our master bedroom! The sanding of joint compound took far longer than we thought it would, not to mention...well, new house means all sorts of things get moved around on the schedule, especially since football season is in full swing. Poor Rachel over at Hue probably thinks I've totally rejected her thoughts, but, no, just waiting for all the prep work to be done.

Our other big question right now is what to do with the kitchen. It's a cheery, beautiful shade of turquoise, but we're not sure how the stainless appliances will look with shiny white cabinets. I'd prefer white because it's more retro than the present natural oak stain, but...I'm not so sure. Not that it changes my state of bliss regarding that gorgeous new wall colour, though (it's Valspar's "Sea Wave", if you're curious). What do you think?