Showing posts with label Olivia Pope. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Olivia Pope. Show all posts

May 24, 2014

Olivia Pope-Inspired Dress + Aussie and the Fox

So, it's been long over due, but the Olivia Pope-Inspired Dress I have been telling you about is finally here! Yep! I finished it and wore it last night for date night with the Hub! It felt like the perfect occasion.

I used Burda Pattern # 7232
The pattern was pretty complex with the way the back attached all together and then to the skirt. But once I took a good gander at the pictures in the pattern it went together rather quickly.  I would recommend making some additional markings for yourself when you cut out the back pieces. It was a bit challenging to figure out the direction the points were going. 

The inside it completely lined with no exposed seams. I used a white stretch cotton sateen I picked up at Fabric Mart in the clearance section for $2.00/yd. I used the cotton to line it as well because I wanted the dress to hold its shape and I knew I would not be able to wear a slip with that back! Or a bra for that matter!

I purchased a stick-on backless bra from Target. I was rather nervous about the bra situation. They kinda have the same stickiness of a mouse trap... My first thought was "will my these come off?!" "Am I going to have sticky boobs afterwards?!" But no worries. They came off and all is fine and well! Rest assured.

So yeah, here is the dress!
And a nice view of my front yard. #livingthefarmlife
I used buttons that look like pearls to close the back.
The front is also not very bra-friendly. But it sure looks hip!
I sewed all of the "pearl" beads on by hand. (I purchased a little bag of them at Joann Fabrics.)
Probably while watching a marathon of some terrible show on TLC that Josh would not approve of, like Hoarders or Extreme Couponing. Both shows which make me feel super-charged afterwards making me want to scrub every cranny of the entire house and run to the store to buy 100 bottles of toothpaste that will last me 50 years but were free just so I can say I did.


We decided to celebrate our dating anniversary this year at a new restaurant in Lancaster that I have been wanting to try since my birthday, last October...
But after spending 5 years together and almost one year of marriage, it seemed like a good time to finally go out on the town. So we drove into the city for our late night dinner reservations at 8:45 pm. It was definitely a stretch for this girl considering I like to be on the couch under a blanket at that time of night. I don't know what happened. Being married has made me old. But I was going to prove the night wrong and show it I am young and alive! 
(Not mentioning the couple seated next to us at the restaurant were probably in their mid-50's...)
Aussie and The Fox is a mix of classic staples with an Australian flair.
The menu offered a unique burger, tasty pasta, roasted chicken, fancy fish, and a popular pork loin. 
I tried the Aussie Burger, which was surprisingly delicious. I was a bit concerned about this egg and beets business. I'm PA Dutch. I like what I like and I like potatoes. But this was certainly something different and Josh and I both really enjoyed it. Definitely putting this on the list of things to eat again. I think trying new restaurants is pretty exciting. I love dressing up, going somewhere new and trying as many new and interesting things that I can in one evening. 
Especially when it gives me an excuse to wear an awesome dress I just made!
I will leave you with a quite a lady at a fabric store once told me:
"Don't make the dress for the occasion, make an occasion for the dress!"

-Katie

April 30, 2014

Project: Olivia Pope Inspired Dress

Finally, a preview of my Olivia Pope Inspired Dress I have been telling you about since late February. I've been working on this dress on and off, whenever I need a mental break from sewing handbags for all the shows this season. 
It is almost complete! I just need to sew on the buttons to the back of the dress. 

I decided to try my hand at beading for this dress.
This pattern is from Burda and features a unique bodice design with triangles in the back that button closed. I'll get you some more information about this dress in my final post about this project.

This dress is all white, using a cotton sateen and white pearls. 
It is confident, edgy, and sophisticated like Olivia Pope.  Hence the inspiration.
In case you are just tuning in, I am crazy about Olivia Pope's fashion on the TV Series Scandal.
You can catch up on Scandal on Netflix, the season just ended on TV the other week as it was shortened for Kerry Washington to have an adorable child. As hard as it is to wait to see what happens next, I guess it is ok. We'll give you this one. 


More soon on this dress and another dress I have been making in secret. (A wedding dress!) 
Shhh. =]
Love, Katie

February 28, 2014

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

February 10, 2014

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:

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