It's been two months since my last pixie cut and there is progress being made! :D On a side note, I did try to pin curl my hair yesterday and it was a major fail. I think I've still got at least another solid month of growing to do before I can get back to pin curling.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Monday, July 28, 2014
Museum Date
This weekend, my hubby and I took a rare date day and did absolutely nothing work or photography related! It was amazing! Since we didn't take the camera, I just have a few iPhone snaps.
We went to the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal. I used to go there all the time as a kid but hadn't been back in years!
The museums are located in a 1931 train station so the lobby is full of gorgeous art deco details! *swoon* There are three museums there- a natural history museum, a Cincinnati history museum and a children's museum. Plus they have an Omnimax theater and also a traveling exhibit.
We had quite a grand time in the history museum where I just had to get some snaps with this street car! They have a very nice WWII section as well as a really cool timeline of Cincinnati history.
They were actually having a 1940s beauty workshop there the day we went but it was sold out so I wasn't able to sneak in at the last minute. I did get some info on their up coming 1940s events though! They are having three more workshops on Oct. 11, Feb. 7 and May 9! And on Aug. 9 and 10 they are having a 1940s weekend with a car show, dancing and more 1940s fashion seminars! More info on their website.
We finished up the day with some (mostly) window shopping at the local outlet mall, although I did pick up a few pairs of pants for work since I'll be teaching 6 (!!) labs this fall.
We went to the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal. I used to go there all the time as a kid but hadn't been back in years!
The museums are located in a 1931 train station so the lobby is full of gorgeous art deco details! *swoon* There are three museums there- a natural history museum, a Cincinnati history museum and a children's museum. Plus they have an Omnimax theater and also a traveling exhibit.
We had quite a grand time in the history museum where I just had to get some snaps with this street car! They have a very nice WWII section as well as a really cool timeline of Cincinnati history.
They were actually having a 1940s beauty workshop there the day we went but it was sold out so I wasn't able to sneak in at the last minute. I did get some info on their up coming 1940s events though! They are having three more workshops on Oct. 11, Feb. 7 and May 9! And on Aug. 9 and 10 they are having a 1940s weekend with a car show, dancing and more 1940s fashion seminars! More info on their website.
We finished up the day with some (mostly) window shopping at the local outlet mall, although I did pick up a few pairs of pants for work since I'll be teaching 6 (!!) labs this fall.
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Polka Dots and Photos
A few weeks ago, the hubby and I went out for dinner and a night time photo shoot. I wore a new dress from Queen of Heartz.
Back in May, I won a gift card to Queen of Heartz from Lisa Freemont Street! It took me a while to decide what to buy but I'm really glad I decided on this cute polka dot dress.
I wasn't quite sure what to pair with the blue dots but I ended up going with pops of pink. I think this outfit just needs a pink belt!
I also wore my American Duchess 23Skidoos. Despite being 20s/30s style shoes, I like pairing them with anything vintage!
I was pretty happy with the fit of this dress. Nothing is going to fit me perfectly right of the rack but I felt the fit was good enough that I didn't need to make adjustments before wearing it out.
As it got a bit later into the evening, we pulled out some lights and really had fun!
Back in May, I won a gift card to Queen of Heartz from Lisa Freemont Street! It took me a while to decide what to buy but I'm really glad I decided on this cute polka dot dress.
I wasn't quite sure what to pair with the blue dots but I ended up going with pops of pink. I think this outfit just needs a pink belt!
I also wore my American Duchess 23Skidoos. Despite being 20s/30s style shoes, I like pairing them with anything vintage!
I was pretty happy with the fit of this dress. Nothing is going to fit me perfectly right of the rack but I felt the fit was good enough that I didn't need to make adjustments before wearing it out.
As it got a bit later into the evening, we pulled out some lights and really had fun!
Hair light! There's actually a flash behind me to help my dark hair pop off the dark background.
We had a lot of fun and I love any excuse to dress up.
And do some window shopping while I was at it!
Photography: WillThorpe.com
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Retro Inspired Summer Makeup
Today's video is a great summery makeup tutorial! It's perfect for that touch of summer without looking too bronzed.
Monday, July 21, 2014
Changing things up
Sometimes you just need to shake things up. After being very anti war era 40s for so long, I'm diving right in to those great 40s fashions!
It's been really fun to dig into my closet and wear things that I haven't worn in a while like this great chartreuse dress.
I made this back in Summer 2012 from Butterick 5281 which is a reprint of a 1946 pattern.
Speaking of changes, I dyed my hair! If you follow me on Instagram, you already saw a photo of the dye I used. It definitely didn't come out the color on the box but I really like it!
To tone down the chartreuse, I accessorized with brown. Plus I have a great brown and chartreuse hat!
What things have you been changing up in you look lately?
It's been really fun to dig into my closet and wear things that I haven't worn in a while like this great chartreuse dress.
I made this back in Summer 2012 from Butterick 5281 which is a reprint of a 1946 pattern.
The bodice came out a bit odd and it was almost on the chopping block in last October. Now I'm really glad that I kept it.
I actually really adore chartreuse! Plus this dress is so comfortable!
Speaking of changes, I dyed my hair! If you follow me on Instagram, you already saw a photo of the dye I used. It definitely didn't come out the color on the box but I really like it!
To tone down the chartreuse, I accessorized with brown. Plus I have a great brown and chartreuse hat!
Overall, I'm quite happy with this outfit!
What things have you been changing up in you look lately?
Saturday, July 12, 2014
HSF#13: Under $10
This Historical Sew Fortnightly Challenge was to make something that cost less than $10. So I tried to think up something small and stash busting for my Renaissance costume that I could whip up for less than $10.
The Challenge: Under $10
Fabric: 0.5 yds cotton lawn ($5/yd)
Pattern: self-drafted
Year: it could work for quite a few eras but I'll be wearing it for 16th century
Notions: thread ($0.50)
How historically accurate is it? It should really be linen. But I did hand sew the whole thing. It's the first thing I've ever entirely hand sewed so that's an accomplishment.
Hours to complete: quite a few (4-5)
First worn: not yet
Total cost: $3
In other costuming news, I've been working on trimming my court dress. Right now I'm adding green velvet trim. I'm still pondering other ideas for trim but progress is being made.
I've also been working on my Italian dress. I made a dent in the eyelets but there are more to go!!
But my eyelets are looking nicer so I must be getting better at them.
The Challenge: Under $10
Fabric: 0.5 yds cotton lawn ($5/yd)
Pattern: self-drafted
Year: it could work for quite a few eras but I'll be wearing it for 16th century
Notions: thread ($0.50)
How historically accurate is it? It should really be linen. But I did hand sew the whole thing. It's the first thing I've ever entirely hand sewed so that's an accomplishment.
Hours to complete: quite a few (4-5)
First worn: not yet
Total cost: $3
In other costuming news, I've been working on trimming my court dress. Right now I'm adding green velvet trim. I'm still pondering other ideas for trim but progress is being made.
I've also been working on my Italian dress. I made a dent in the eyelets but there are more to go!!
But my eyelets are looking nicer so I must be getting better at them.
Friday, July 11, 2014
Playing Dress Up Somewhere New
As a costumer, I love playing dress up! And what's better than dressing up at a new event.
The SCA or Society of Creative Anachronism is a group of people who with an interest in pre-17th century life. Some like costuming or fighting or various crafts and trades. And they hang out and do nerdy things together.
Everyone there was very friendly and willing to share about what they enjoyed doing. And I may just have convinced my hubby to let us go to a meeting at a near by chapter! :D
The faire was set in 1300 AD in Scotland/Ireland (I forget which) so it was definitely a different feel from the Ohio Ren Fest which is set in 1578 AD in England. It was smaller and quieter than I was used to but it was very fun.
The faire area was mostly shaded and very cool. There were a couple of vendors who also do the Ohio Ren Fest but most were new. I didn't end up buying anything but it was fun window shopping!
This past weekend, we went to the Kentucky Highland Renaissance Festival!
I wore my red kirtle with my new shift! It was quite light and comfortable!
I do adore dressing up! :D
There was an SCA group there doing demonstrations and it was quite fun to watch.
The SCA or Society of Creative Anachronism is a group of people who with an interest in pre-17th century life. Some like costuming or fighting or various crafts and trades. And they hang out and do nerdy things together.
Everyone there was very friendly and willing to share about what they enjoyed doing. And I may just have convinced my hubby to let us go to a meeting at a near by chapter! :D
There were other entertainments like a joust!
And a whole slew of new shows to enjoy!
The faire was set in 1300 AD in Scotland/Ireland (I forget which) so it was definitely a different feel from the Ohio Ren Fest which is set in 1578 AD in England. It was smaller and quieter than I was used to but it was very fun.
The faire area was mostly shaded and very cool. There were a couple of vendors who also do the Ohio Ren Fest but most were new. I didn't end up buying anything but it was fun window shopping!
Monday, July 7, 2014
Playsuit Time!
I have *finally* taken pictures of my playsuit!
I showed off a few pictures of the blouse from my trip to Florida and I love it!
It's from Advance 8511 which I've made several times.
Of course, you need more than just a blouse to make a playsuit!
The shorts I made from Wearing History's Sailor Playsuit Pattern a few years ago.
Actually, the skirt from that playsuit goes great with this blouse too! But I'll save that for another outfit shoot.
The skirt was made from the dirndl skirt sew along. And it buttons all the way down for easy playsuit action.
Although, you do have to be careful where you de-skirt! Most people wear quite a bit less than shorts under their skirts. lol.
I wore this outfit to Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill in Kentucky.
It's a restored 19th century village that used to be the home of a religious sect called the Shakers.
The buildings are quite darling. I felt like I walked on to the set of a Jane Austen novel! It would be just the perfect place for a Regency event! Oh, well. Perhaps next time.
The grounds were very beautiful and peaceful. It was a great way to spend a relaxing day soaking up some history.
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Sticking with What Works
I'm all for trying new things but sometimes you have to just stick with what works. So when a nice piece of vintage fabric came my way, I knew I wanted to stick with a tried and true pattern so there was not chance of sewing failure.
I used Simplicity 2851 c. 1949. This is the 4th time I've made up this pattern! (1) (2) (3)
If you have a really great pattern, you can make it up several times without it looking too much like the same dress. Different materials, the use of print vs. solids and adding optional details really changes up the look.
Of course, chopping off your hair also helps to diversify the look! lol!
What's your favorite tried and true sewing pattern?
I used Simplicity 2851 c. 1949. This is the 4th time I've made up this pattern! (1) (2) (3)
I love the kimono sleeves, cute collar and flattering shape!
If you have a really great pattern, you can make it up several times without it looking too much like the same dress. Different materials, the use of print vs. solids and adding optional details really changes up the look.
Of course, chopping off your hair also helps to diversify the look! lol!
I really do adore this new dress! It's perfect for work and oh, so comfortable!
What's your favorite tried and true sewing pattern?