Inspiration: Floral Prints

1. Pants

2. Cell Phone Case

3. Dress

4. Watch

5. Blouse

6. Skirt

7. Romper

Etsy Shop Favorites!

Today I put together a little list of businesses I have purchased from on Etsy and have become a big fan of their products and wanted to share with you: 

Not One Sparrow sells handmade jewelry from New Hope, PA.

I ordered from Ina for my wedding last year. I purchased the above earrings for each of my bridesmaids and ordered a gorgeous vintage-inspired pair for myself. We have worn these time and time again!
I have a huge wishlist for her shop because I kinda want everything!
She offers several styles of classic drop earrings, studs, and bracelets in gorgeous rich colors.

Shop here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NotOneSparrow

Aubrey Elizabeth Apothecary has the cutest soaps!
I ordered some of these macaron soaps for my bathroom when it was Kate Spade themed.
I am very interested in trying out some of her lip scrubs. I have been looking for a good one and she has some citrusy options that sound nice!
Shop here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AubreyEApothecary

Fleet Collection dresses are my favorite. I own about three now and they are worn often and for almost every occasion. I have worn them for interviews, meeting clients, to church, weddings, and showers!

I loved my mint dress so much (which I wore during my lookbook shoot!)  I ordered another one in coral and recently wore it to Liz's Bridal Shower.
I love seeing pictures of bridesmaids wearing their dresses posted on their Facebook. They always look so lovely! If only they came out with the dusty rose color in time for my wedding!
Shop here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FleetCollection

 Zoet Bathlatier offers luxurious candles and bath items.
I found this shop at Clover Markets, where we both are vendors, and smelled every candle in the tent! They are wonderful unique fragrances and I had to pick myself up one!
I can't wait for her Pumpkin Lager to come out in the fall again!
Shop here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ZoetBathlatier

Firebird has incredible scents of lotion and soap.
I tried a sampler of her soaps and every scent was unique and refreshing.
My personal favorite product is her body lotions. I love the lavender wood scent!

I am almost out and have to get some more!
She has great seasonal scents too that I can't wait for them to come out in the fall!

Shop here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FirebirdBathBody

The Paper Fairy is my go-to shop every time I am about to have a party.
They have so many fun things from printed goodie bags to flashy paper straws and cupcake liners.

Every time I look there are new awesome products being added to the shop!
So next time you throw a shin-dig, you know where to go!
Shop here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThePartyFairy

What are your favorite shops on Etsy?

Comment below, I would love to check them out!

First Video!

Hello! 

Today I have something fun and new to share with you! 

I finished my first video blog! 

It's pretty self-explanatory so I won't do a big description and I will let you go ahead and watch it.

I feel a bit silly in front of the camera. Yet, I felt that adding videos to my repertoire would not only help you get to know my products, but help you get to know me a little better as well!


So I hope you enjoy this beginner-attempt video of What's currently in my bag!
Suggestions are welcomed.

Thanks for watching!
Katie

Links:

Handbag: The Suedette Town Bag in Dark Rose

Wallets: Target ; Blue Wallet ; Brown Wallet

Phone Case: Vista Print 

Sketchbook: Amazon 

Chapstick: EOS 

Make Up: Mark ; Lip Gloss

Hook Up Mascara & Perfume are discontinued

Outfit:
Blouse: Vintage from Thrift Shop

Music:
Adele: Right as Rain

Project: Sugar Pop Top by Sew Caroline

Hi there!

Have you met my friend, Caroline?

She recently started a line of clothing patterns that are super fun and easy to make.

Perfect for beginners or those who just want to whip up a new outfit in a few short hours.

I answered the call to be a pattern tester for her latest and greatest pattern, The Sugar Pop Top.

This top was very simple to make with only a few pieces. There are two sleeve options, a cap or a flutter. There is also an adorable peter pan collar and a sweet little high-low hem.

I quickly made my top in the morning before Easter lunch with my family.

I cannot tell you enough how simple this top was to make!

But that could be because I have been working on hand-beading my Olivia Pope inspired dress that is nearly backless with triangles that button close and is fully lined in a way that you can not see the seam allowances at all. It's pretty awesome and just two buttons away from being complete. Hold onto your seat.

For my top I used a pumpkin-colored linen and rayon blend I purchased at Fabric Mart.

I managed to keep it unwrinkled until I sat in my car, baked some sweet potatoes, and met a puppy prior to taking these images...

What can ya do.

For this top I decided I wanted a lace collar. I looked through my stash to find a lace to cut with the peter pan collar but came across these beauties I purchased a while back because I just needed to have them and the project I would use them for would eventually come. It was a perfect match! It's like they were waiting for this moment to be used for this gorgeous top! 

I was even more stoked when the top fit well and there were no major alterations that needed to take place. The armholes are a bit snug for me personally, so I probably will redo the bottom of the arm for the sake of comfort. 

Because I opted to use the lace collars I had on hand, I made my own facing for the arms and neck. The pattern suggests to use bias tape. I am not very successful with bias tape...but it would be worth another shot...sometime...maybe.

I am happy with the way this top turned out and I am already planning a few more in my head as I type! There are so many possibilities for this pattern!

Make sure you follow Sew Caroline to see other examples of the Sugar Pop Top and to buy a pattern and start cranking out your own marvelous creations!
More from me soon! =]
Katie

Black and White Fashion Picks

Sometimes I just love a good black and white number.
The last Pattern Review challenge has me inspired and little white dresses are still dancing in my head. 

 But while I am stitching up my next idea, take a peek at some of my favorite ways to wear the classic combo. 

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

Stay tuned for my "Olivia Pope" Dress!
Love, Katie

Early Spring Fashion Picks!

It's melting, it's melting!
And it will soon be spring!
Here are a few of my fashion picks for when spring finally arrives:

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

Hang on friends, 

just a few more weeks!

Love, Katie

Obsessed: Olivia Pope

I am obsessed with the show Scandal right now!

I only require two things from my favorite tv shows: an intriguing story line and great styling.

Scandal takes the cake on both!

The lead character, Olivia Pope is inspired by real life crisis manager, Judy Smith. 

Olivia Pope began working as a lawyer turned White House aide that helped fictional President Grant win the election. After leaving the White House she started her own Crisis Management firm with a team of "Gladiators in Suits," a mix of lawyers and super spies. I won't tell you more because if you haven't watched any of this series, you need to start immediately. It is filled with suspense and secrets!

One of my favorites parts of the show is Olivia's endless collection of beautiful coats.

And I love a woman who can wear elbow length gloves and make them look fashion-forward.

Here are a few of my favorite looks so far:

Sources: hellobeautiful//stylishcurves//threejaneny

I love the Olivia Pope style.
It is basic and classic yet romantic and powerful.
She is a woman of neutrals, hardly wearing any color. And no print! Just texture!
Here are a few Pope Picks from Modcloth:

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9

Now that you have your neutrals covered, how about a few muted tones from Ruche?

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8

Scandal airs on ABC. Season 3 continues on February 27th!
Catch up on Netflix and joins us for a Scandalous party!

Clear your evening, friends!
Love, Katie

Project: Little White Dress

So, I am going to enter my first sewing contest on Pattern Review!

The first contest for the year is the Little White Dress Contest.
Similar to the LBD, the LWD is a staple piece that can be worn for both day and night.

My original idea when just hearing the name was to do a fabulous vintage-inspired dress with a fringe skirt. But after reading the rules of the contest, that quickly seemed inappropriate for daytime. Therefore the idea was scratched for something more day time appropriate. I mean, you could wear a fringe skirt to work if you wanted. I would. But I also work for myself. And considering that in order to win I need to collect votes, something safer seemed necessary.

I resorted to a fabric I almost got rid of, actually.
I bought it to make a coat for the holidays. Something knee length that could be worn as the statement piece. But I lost my nerve. No way could little ol' me in a small town pull off something so chic and elegant. A cape is overkill here. (But I do love capes. And crepes for that matter.)

Who do you think I am, Olivia Pope?!

Luckily I did not get rid of this piece of material and since it was the only almost solid white piece in my collection other than white lace I already have other plans for I chose to "make it work." 

Yep, now I'm bringing Tim Gunn into this. 

This is a creamy white boucle with opalescent threads woven in, backed with white tricot interfacing. 

I am going to use two Simplicity patterns to make this dress.
I am using the bodice from 1650 which is princess seamed and combining it with 2444's skirt that is pleated diagonally towards the center. 

I am going to add white piping details for a fashionable touch.

I am hoping this dress whips together quickly!
Just one more week until I need to enter it in the running!
Wish me luck.
Love, Katie

Holiday Fashion Picks!

Glamour Gown

Faux Leather

Sequins

Silver

Gold

Velvet

Fall Fashion Favorites

This fall I am loving geometric/abstract prints and luxurious textures!

Here are a few things I am admiring this season: 

Gold Chevron Dress

Brown Diamond-Knit Sweater

Caramel Leather-look Skirt

Mustard-hue Heels

Monochromatic Brocade Dress

Aztec Print Dress

Loving: Sequins.

Finally feeling better and ready to get back to work! 

I felt terrible the last few days, but after a carton of orange juice, and half of a bottle of mucus relief, I am feeling pretty good today. 

Speaking of pretty, how about those sequins? 

What is just as fantastic as glitter and doesn't get all over everything? 

Sequins. 

I love sequins and wish I could wear them all of the time! 

 Sequin Applique.

 Sequin + Poppy

 Sequin Shorts

 Sequin Mini

Sequin + Pearls

Mm, just perfect!
I need to make myself something glamourous, asap!

Loving: Fur.

I just found amazing pieces of fur at my local fabric store. 

I bought about 6 in different colors. (Purple, Red, Green, Navy, Brown, etc!) 

I am so excited about them! But I am not exactly sure what I am going to make with such small pieces. So naturally I looked to Pinterest for some inspiration! 

I am in love with fur vests! 

Here are a few of my favorites:

Fur + Gold. 

Fur + Maxi

Fur Scarf?

Fur + Gingham

Fur + Jewels