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It's an end of an era...

I've been blogging since November 24, 2001

Much of it has been personal. VERY personal. So personal, in fact, that it's become burdensome. If you're wondering why I'm stopping - that's it, in a nutshell. The joy I once felt in writing in this space is gone, for more reasons than I care to recount. But I am busy, things have changed - and I'd rather spend my time doing things, than talking about doing them.

My only goal when I started blogging/writing was to make some sense of what I was going through. And to tell the truth.

Blogging has evolved dramatically in the last 9 years, and with it....comes the time to ask myself if I need to evolve also. The answer is yes.

So, with that - it's time to go.

I want to thank you - those of you that have taken the time to read my stuff, and give me feedback, comments, email me, etc. I appreciate all that you've shared with me, positive and negative.

And no, I haven't stopped writing completely - it's just time for the journey to take a new direction.

This leg is over.

Now on to the next.....

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Yeah, I've been MIA - but I've been busy, and that's a good thing ;)

So, my friends decided that they were coming to visit Atlanta for the holidays, and wanted to go on New Year's eve. Now, I haven't been out on NYE since the early 90's, so I wanted to look fabu and have a fabu time - cause it may be the last NYE that I'll be going out on the town.

So the question of the day for me was - what to wear? And the first answer that popped in my mind was that YSL Lurex jumpsuit that I talked about in the plus sized trend shopping post in November.

However, not only did I not have $1,690 laying around for an outfit, but to my knowledge, YSL doesn't make clothes for women my size. So what's a fashionista on a budget to do? Bust out that Singer (or in my case, Baby Lock), hit up the fabric store - and Tim Gunn it.

And just in case you all have a desire to DIY it, I'm providing details ;)

Patterns:: First, let's talk about finding the pattern. I stalk Butterick & Vogue Patterns' websites regularly, and I sorta doubted I'd find the exact jumpsuit I wanted, which was true. What I did end up finding (via Google) is a host of Vintage pattern and craft sites like Lanetzliving, along with Ebay and Ecrater. So, I ordered 2 jumpsuit patterns initially, both with sleeveless looks, but back variations. However, I really wanted a halter-back jumpsuit, so after hitting up all my previous sites, I found a vintage pattern on eBay, Butterick 3934:

Note that the pattern was NOT my size - it was actually a few sizes too small. So, although I really liked the style, I knew alterations were in my future. But I love a challenge!

Fabrics:: This actually took a LOT more effort than the pattern. As any seamstress, designer, or reality tv show will tell you - fabric selection is e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. I could list all the websites and brick & mortar fabric stores I visited, and it would take up most of this post. So, the main point is, there are a ton of online fabric shops that have good selections in typical fabrics, like Denver Fabrics, Vogue Fabric Stores, and even exceptional, one-of-a-kind fabrics such as Emma One Sock. But they only came close, and I needed the fabric to be dead on.

So, we finally hit up local brick & mortar stores. My good friend Chelle pointed me to Peachtree Fabrics, but unfortunately although the selection is amazing, the only carry decorator fabrics. After hitting up a couple of other stores and asking tons of questions, the lovely ladies at Forsyth Fabrics (down to earth Jersey girls like Chelle) sent me to Gail K.

Cue the aww-AWW music, and let a gold halo shine on this store, m'kay?! The selection was amazing, I mean the store was overrun with stuff: sequins, prints, jacquards, lurex, organza, wools, heavyweight tweeds, etc. In other stores, when I said Lurex, the staff gave me that Scooby-doo "hunh" look. In Gail K, when I said Lurex, the staff pointed to a whole rack of bolts of fabric. Sweet!

Alterations:: As I said, the pattern was several sizes too small. So, I had to consult several sources to figure out how to resize it. I came across several techniques, including the splitter techique and the pivot & slide technique. However, I found a book that details the pivot & slide technique:

...except I made the pattern about 4 sizes too big. What to do?!

Tim Gunn-ing in this piece:: the interesting thing about committing to something is that, under the gun, when the resources are depleted (read: you're broke) and time is short...you will MAKE IT WORK. Which is what I did. I mean, I was clipping, resewing, trimming, reclipping, trying on, starting over....I think a person with less patience would have given up. But this chick was c.o.m.m.i.t.t.e.d. I kept at it, until it started looking like the picture in my head, and like a sculpture, it eventually, with more whittling and slicing, started looking like I wanted it to....and eventually:

Not bad, hm? I'm rather proud of myself....it might not be an exact replica, but I think it's pretty good for a first (after a long non-sewing hiatus) attempt.

Aight, gotta go...I have a ton of back-in-the-day fabrics/projects to now tackle. Project Saga continues....lol

As promised & threatened - I'm back to tackle those trends I couldn't find ;)

So there have been a lot of hot trends this year (similar to previous years). One thing I've found particularly compelling this year is that these trends can be very flattering to us curvy chicks.

1940's pencil skirts, pegged suits and feminine dresses accentuate our curves, and can re-define (nee create) curves where curves may be ill-defined (or missing). Red is just a sexy color and gives you that boost of confidence that makes you channel fierceness. Jumpsuits are very on-trend, and given the right cut and fabrics, can grace curves. And Fur has been reinvented, in touches that says luxury without screaming bulky or expensive.

So, how do you find trendy clothes in your size? Well - we talked about some of the where, so here I'll show you some examples and talk about how I found them. Even if you don't necessarily want to channel Rita Hayworth or Audrey Hepburn circa 1942, hopefully the tips can help you update your look with trendy finds ;)

Jumpsuits: I literally fell in love with the Anthracite Lurex halter jumpsuit created by YSL for Fall '09 (the picture above). So much so, in fact - that I'm ordering the fabric myself, and I found a suitable pattern. Because I knew that I wouldn't find the exact jumpsuit in my size, I'm sucking this one up - and sewing it myself. Don't sew? Well, find a good seamstress (we all should have a good seamstress in our fashion network for alterations et. al.) and have her make it for you. If you buy the fabric and search for the patterns, you can reduce her legwork (and your costs) in the process.

But if that's totally aus, then here are a few good suggestions for you. The deep v-neck, long sleeve Charlie jumpsuit by Monif C. is sexy, and flattering. Lane Bryant has several to choose from, including some strapless and halter styles. I've also seen a few at some of the department store chains made by various RTW lines, but honestly: the fit of a jumpsuit is so crucial, that I'd leave this to the retailers who take pains to fit curvy folks, vs. RTW folks who are "sizing up", if you know what I mean ;)


1940's:: I think I found my new favorite dress. This Raquel dress from B & Lu is extremely fitted, extremely curvy, and is screaming 1940's to me. Add a fur stole, killer stillettos and some soft curly/wavy hair, and you've travelled back to another era. I really, and I mean REALLY like the embedded self belt waistline which will whittle your waist. It creates the figure 8, without some of the bulk that a jacket & skirt combination can sometimes creates. So, are you an Hourglass? Hour and 1/2 glass (like me)? This dress should work for anyone whose curves approach dangerous. I was searching for the jumpsuit above, and stumbled across this one in the process - yay me!

Not quite your cup of tea? Kiyonna.com has some lovely plus sized skirts, Igigi's Limited Collection includes the Michelle Suit (my fave), the Milano Suit and the Marcela suit which are all quite 40's & pretty fab. Also, check out Bloomie's, Nordie's & Macy's for separates to create that pencil skirt & pinched waist jacket silhouette. I found most of these by searching on these websites directly - and as I mentioned, I do love boutiques for trendy wear.

Red:: I originally considered red as purely a makeup trend - a rebellion after years of MAC Oh Baby & Beaux. But after I started seeing is used in fresh ways and new shades, combined with the resurgence of both the Vampire movies and 40's glamour - Red is now a statement color to bring the fire to an outfit.

And perfect for the holidays. Along with the Marilyn convertible dress from Monif C. (pictured at left, it's like 10 dresses in one) consider the following Red options: the Traditional Tunic from Gayla Bentley at Neiman Marcus (cute, with a pair of leggings ;), this double-breasted funnel neck coat from Style & Co at Macy's, the Tapestry Sweater Dress by Melissa Masse or this one-shoulder maxi dress from Lane Bryant.

Oh yes - and this little red suede fringe vest from Berek @ Neiman Marcus. Fierce, no?


Fur:: faux fur to be exact. The Faux Fur Gilet is very on-trend this year, and this one by Rachel by Rachel Roy for Macy's apparently sold out in about .00009 seconds. What's a fashionista to do? Well, I broke out my sewing machine (again) and found some fabu fur at I'm Stuffed Fur.com, so I could get my gilet just right ;)

More options?: how about the coffee-colored faux fur vest at Avenue, this fur-trimmed cardigan from Lane Bryant, or this Fox Faux Fur Vest from FabulousFurs.com? BTW, Fabulous Furs sells all kinds of faux fur in various sizes, from full coats to wraps & stoles, and they're wonderful because they're pelted - so they look real ;)

Aight, so we've got some on-trend options. Now I'm thinking - what about the other trends? Sequins? Leggings? Rocker looks? 1980's? All out there, with a little Googling and searching...lol. Oh, you might want to click those links for a peek ;)

Next up....Shopping for your body type, and finding clothes in your size. Stay tuned...