Escape Yourself for a Night!

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays for one sole reason: COSTUMES! Since I was little, I have always made my costume (with Mom's help). Then as I got older I got really into it, and the last couple years I have actually made my whole costume from the pattern to the final product!

Since Halloween is coming up, I wanted to recap some costumes for you, in case you're still in search of an idea. I'm not telling you what I'm going to be this year, you'll have to wait until after its unveiled! * I am going to put these in order of ease, so if you're not an expert sewer you can still make a costume for Halloween!

Old School Madonna. This one is comfortable and so much fun. Fishnet gloves, some kind of huge sheer bow in your hair (I added a side pony), rough layered 80s tops, tutu, leggings, High Top Chucks and LOTS of bangles. Don't forget to add your Madonna Rock Star attitude to complete the look!

Jessica Rabbit. You won't believe how many people didn't know who I was, what on Earth did they watch on TV growing up...did they miss the Roger Rabbit movie? Slinky, sexy red dress with a slit all the way up to your hip (I cut a slit up my repurposed dress). Purple satin gloves, heels, red long wig. And pucker your lips, sip martinis and be sultry all night.

The classic Marilyn. Super easy: pretty dress, pin curl hair, gloves and heels! The hairstyle makes this outfit a little harder, but if you just buy the blonde wig, it is easy. Plus you can justify buying a gorgeous dress because it can double as you costume and wedding/soiree ensemble later! Don't forget dramatic false lashes (mine have a diamond eyeliner), red lipstick, and a beauty mark!Cleopatra. This was fun because not many people do this costume! I made the skirt out of a simple McCall's pattern. Folded my cami in half and added gold around the straps. Draped gold fabric around my waist. I bought copper from a home improvement store and bent it into two armbands. Ebay provided the Egyptian necklace. Put on wig, go crazy with make-up (the Egyptian cat eye is fun), I also put on lots of bronzer and gold shimmer, since I'm not blessed with olive skin.
Flapper. This is soo much fun to be. I made a sheath dress and added each layer of fringe. Also, you can't see it, but the back is plunging with 2 horizontal sequin bands going across it. Add fishnet stockings, beaded headband, fingerwave wig, LONG pearls, heels, bright red lipstick etc. My two favorite accessories for this outfit were a long skinny cigarette holder (not shown), and a garter belt...that holds a mini gun!
Wonder Woman. This is pretty close competition for my favorite costume ever! I made blue high waisted undie bottoms and joined them with the corset top (I had to create all the patterns on this one, Warning: there are no decent Wonder Woman costumes or patterns to buy). Appliqued the gold belt on and added a loop to hold the lasso. Created patent leather boot covers tailored for a pair of my knee high boots, and then created a gold headband and cuffs. Don't forget to applique on all the stars, and sew on the gold ric-rac WW symbol. *I added sheer tights for warmth and a little extra coverage for comfort* I had to add brown extensions since my hair was a little past chin length at this point. So I felt like someone completely different, it was awesome.

Remember, always make costumes with friends. Just like you don't carve pumpkins alone because it is a fun group activity so can costuming! Go shopping for fabrics together, bounce ideas off each other, and then if you get stuck mid-way two heads are better than one!

So, what will you be for halloween? What has your favorite costume been in the past (handmade I hope)!

Up, Up, and Away Amelia!

I flew around the coast of France today! It was very neat, and the next blue sunny day we have, I get to learn to pilot myself! I am looking forward to this adventure for sure! It was so neat to see all the quaint French towns from the air...I even got to see England on the horizon across the English Chanel. Here are some pictures of my adventure. *Please don't steal them, thanks!*

This hangar was built by Americans during World War II. Crazy!
I'm loving it!
The French country side looks a lot like America's...with better architecture.
May I introduce you to the French Coast...and the English Channel. I love beaches no matter where I go!

The map, you know, just in case.
Cap Gris Nez (Gray Nose).
The clouds broke up a little, it was nice.
I'm so glad the sun rays turned out in the pictures! It was the perfect end to the day! Hopefully, that sunny day for pilot lessons isn't too far off. Where have your flying adventures been?

Moda Italiana

Now for part 2 of Milan. Italy has so many big name designers that it is impossible to capture their fashion week in one week...at least not if you do it justice! *photos compliments of style.com*

For a strong start to the second round, Blumarine makes quite a vintage statement with this fun, day outfit. Structured like the 50s but colored like the 70s, I absolutely adore the vintage air it holds, and I must get my hands on a soft leather jacket like this!
Roberto Cavalli has created a great juxtaposition of structured menswear against flowy, lady like fabric. Each attribute brings out its compliment stronger than if alone. Be in charge while still being swept away in a Spring romance with this suit!
As usual, Georgio Armani hits the nail right on the head. This outfit is so perfect for a girls night out on the town, and is sure to be a head turner. The extra fabric with lots of coverage makes the one bare shoulder incredibly sexy, and paired with short shorts and heels it is the perfect example of pairing compliments...Cover a little here + Uncover a little there = elegant sexiness! All it needs now are the perfect statement earrings and you're good to go.
I was very impressed withe s/s 2010 line of Luisa Beccari, but how show-stopping is this dress? It is the closest thing to perfect Hollywood glamor that I have seen on the runway in quite a few seasons. Dramatic sweetheart v-neck, cap sleeves, and lots of ruching...sigh...

And of course...VERSACE! Always an adrenaline pumped show and this season was no exception. These two pieces were my favorite though! How adorable is this suit for Spring? Yes, I know, to actually wear it any where "suit appropriate" you would need about 6 more inches on your legs but it is so Jackie O meets Serena van der Woodsen. Perfecto!

Then, this hot number is a nice soft color with a jaw dropping neckline that will turn heads from miles away. I personally would loose the split because I think that is too much skin, but I still love the dress either way!

All in all Milan was wonderful. Flirty, bright, and whimsical everything a Summer/Spring fashion week should be, but I wonder what Paris has up its sleeves?? I know it is the FW I have been dreaming about the last 3 weeks! All the lights, catwalks, starved models...it all comes down to this coming week...Paris. Buckle your skinny waist belts its gonna be an exciting ride!

Milano Milano...part one!!

Milan FW was amazing. So many big names and so many great pieces hit the catwalk. So many in fact that I am making a two part post. So enjoy part one as I gear up for part deux (sorry I know French and English...no Italiano)! *photos compliments of style.com*

Trussard 1911 made quite a statement with this edgy dress. Recently shoulder pads have reappeared...I am NOT ok with this, but I will say these are done quite nicely, subtle, but structured. Plus the studded waistband and knockout figure flatterer does tons for making a statement!
Pollini had quite a well done blend of menswear and classy lady in this double breasted dress. You can let people know you are in charge without ever saying a word.
I absolutely LOVE this Monet inspired floral jacket by Aquilano Rimondi. Bright enough to pop without being overbearing but still subtle enough to be classic. Its fabulous and perfect for that Spring breeze!
Grecian, romantic perfection in this garment from Alberta Feretti. It makes me think of a nice walk after the perfect first date and the Spring weather is still warm enough to wear a dress, but cool enough at night for you to wear his coat...which would be the perfect accessory to this outfit.
Moschino did a knock-out job with this party girl ensemble. Very 80s-tastic meets Sex and the City.

I admit Dolce & Gabbana's line was somewhat a lot for me...it went from 70s western to 80s western to completely 80s in one line up. Some pieces I was NOT a fan of, for example anything acid wash, or too much denim (especially when paired with denim ruffles and lots of fringe), but these pieces were perfection. This could easily be the same girl going from day of shopping to nice dinner date, vintage cool to shabby chic.

My favorite, so far, for the Milan FW 2010 is Emelio Pucci. I loved most of his pieces that strutted the stage, but I was able to narrow down to two for showcasing. Many designers have begun showing bathing suits on the runway and all are playing with technique and skill to create a different look, but I thought this one shoulder one piece was truly unique. Still shows the belly in a demure, hidden way that is seductive. Then, this bright blue show stopper. Obviously the one shoulder look is going to stay longer than its brief stint in 2000, but Pucci found a way to bend the trend in a creative direction. I really like the outcome, many ripped pieces wrapped around the model, so its flowy yet contained...not to mention a bright color like I like!

Be on the lookout for Part 2 in the next day or two. My apologies for not posting the past couple of days (I've been moving) hopefully things are settled and scheduled for me now. Also, stay tuned, I will be posting some more travel photography. I know it has been a lot of fashion lately, but it has been Fashion Week season...what did you expect?!

School Days, Forget The Golden Rule Days

Today I start my job and my French classes! Big day for me. So I thought I would post on my favorite school look...plus some. I absolutely LOVE Gossip Girl, and my favorite style of all the girl characters is definately Serena van der Woodsen. Her style is everything I love about fashion:unique, edgy, and known to break all the rules. *photo pulled from periodicstyle.blogspot.com*

Although no real school would allow that mini-skirt, even in tights, I love the essence it has. Over the knee boots, slouchy boyfriend vest, very loose tie. But also how she pairs boots with short items and long sleeves. Its a very "I'm out the door" kind of look, together yet dishelved...fun!

The Detail's in the Fabric

I have recently decided that Alexander McQueen is one of my Fashion Design idols. Everything the man does, he pours 100% of his soul into. He doesn't design for the mere fact of making a complete garment, but rather makes a statement every season. He is a rarity in this modern age of trend turnover, in that he actually is: an Artist. His gowns drop jaws and evoke gasps as they parade runways or steal your attention in a glossy spread.

Here. I can show you better than tell you.

*photos compliments of style.com and harper's bazaar*

Not just another A-line 50s silhouette, rather an A-line...with a bubble hem, a sheer overlay, that's pleated, and twisted, and belted, and the pop of a lace bodice. Phew!
This dress is used in the recent Sex and the City: The Movie 2 photo shoot for Vogue magazine. I always love layers of tulle that pop from under a skirt, and I love peacocks.

I remember the day I got the magazine in the mail that had this dress as the front cover...I was speechless. How extraordinary is the dress? I still can't take my eyes off of it. Layers upon layers of endless, fire engine red feathers, and then more tulle. So bold with such a lady-like, classic silhouette.

I can honestly say this picture is my favorite piece of fashion photography for this century...and probably half of last's as well! I remember dreaming over the pages of Vogue in high school and being enthralled with McQueen's iconic Oyster Dress. How romantic and ethereal is the outcome of this shoot? It really does make you feel like she washed up on shore out of a clam and is like a pearl you've never seen before. Your eyes get lost in the skirt as the layers go on forever, I cannot imagine the skill, labor, and love that went into the completion of such a work of art...hence why its in the Metropolitan Museum of Art now.

Who is your iconic fashion designer?

Mad Top Hatter

Johnny Depp will be playing the role of the Mad Hatter in the new Tim Burton film Alice in Wonderland, set to release in late March 2010. The story is going to be a sequel to the original animated film rather than a remake, and I think Tim Burton is perfect for this drug induced bedtime story. My real excitement for this movie is to see all the costume! Costume designer, Colleen Atwood, has set the bar high with just the movie posters alone. Her list of experience is impressive, including many Tim Burton films, Big Fish, Sleepy Hallow, and Edward Scissorhands.

Seeing the poster for the Mad Hatter got me thinking...How cool are top hats?? Just admire the detail she has put into this one: a green lace overlay with a variety of hat pins, and a stunning satin sash...I could easily see this on a runway...Wait a minute, I have! So in honor of Colleen and her anticipated work, as well as the ever classic top hat, lets just see what spin the modern millennium has decided to take on this upcoming trend!

From Christian Dior to Zac Posen, many designers have sprinkled their runways over the past couple years with top hats. Which means it is about time to start seeing them at a fun night out on the town! Let's see what shopping options we have for Runway to Celeb to Reality!

Britney, Madonna, and Heidi. All stylish women, all trendsetters, all workin the top hat!

*all photos compliments of their respective shops*

Sparkley Jem starts us off with the adorable mini version. I really love the mini top hat because it is a way to make a modern statement.

Greene Goth brings a vintage cameo onto the scene. I love anything that incorporates cameos, the Victorian vibe is just so elegant.

Topsy Turvy Design uses feathers which is a favorite material of mine.

Pink Tigers Den is adorably cute. Small enough for street fashion, bold enough for a statement piece.

I love this Bubbles and Frown hat! It is so runway-tastic with a Mad Hatter vibe. I love the play on proportion and the curled technique of the shape and the brim!

Lastly, Gypsy Lady Hats, brings a classic Fedora dip to a standard Victorian top hat. Remaining true to the era with a lush satin ribbon and popping it up with a textured finished look. How Humphrey Bogart meets Mr. Darcy is that??!

I can't wait to get my own top hat! I'll rock that on an awesome Girl's Night Out with a cocktail dress and stilettos! How would you rock it?