What Goes Around Comes Around ... With a New Look

My fascination with people who can turn a piece of clothing into something different will never end.  I already think it's a challenge to look at fabric and get an idea of what to make with it, but then there's an advantage; the designer knows approximately how much fabric is needed to make the design in mind.  

Designers who recycle clothes to make something new are on another playing field altogether.  How many pieces of old clothes will they need, what colours go together, should they dye the clothe,  if there's not enough of one type of fabric or colour, what do they combine it with?  I bet you (because I recycle clothes as well) that the designers don't even know what they're going to make until they have the old clothes in hand.

Here are a few exceptional clothes and accessories that have been made from old clothes:

by Gary Harvey, www.ecostiletto.com

www.thefashionablehousewife.com

by Goodone, www.treehugger.com

by Piece Lilly Purse Bags & Accessories, http://inhabitat.com

Recycled clothes also are called green fashion and eco-conscious clothes.  It's a nice idea and good for the environment to make old things new again.  Till next blog!

Flashback: Canadian Fashion 2009

I like to look at fashion from the past.  How about you?  Since I'm on the "Oh, Canada" bandwagon (see last week's blog), this week I'm focusing on Canadian fashion designers. Canada has many gifted people.  I can list a lot of famous actors from Canada that are known.  I'm not so sure that the Canadian fashion designers are as well known worldwide, but they know their craft inside and out and deserve recognition as well. 

The designs from the following three Canadians are from their spring and summer lines for 2009.

by Eve Gravel, photo by Jimmy Hamelin, www.fashionweekphotos.com

by Dinh Ba Design, photo by Jimmy Hamelin, www.fashionweekphotos.com

by Andy The Anh, photos by Jimmy Hamelin, www.fashionweekphotos.com

A taste of the past. It's good to look back at times.  Till next blog!

I'll Wear These Bright Hues If...

Canada Day was this past Friday, and as I grow older, I appreciate being a Canadian.  Belated Happy Canada Day!  For the US, Happy Fourth of July!  You all know (well, the Canadians anyway) that the Canadian flag is red and white.  I have no problem with that.  I have a problem with red clothing though...let me add orange to the list.

Nothing against those who love those colors.  I just find red and orange very loud and demanding attention, and I'm kind of low key.  My challenge today was to find red and orange clothes that I would consider wearing.  The solution for me?  Both red and orange fabrics must be combined with other colors.  That I can live with.

Pleated striped tee by Ellos, www.avenue.com

www.thisnext.com

by Valentino, www.thisnext.com

Stargazer print dress by Ali Ro, www.shopstyle.com

Designers, just add a little more length to the dresses for us modest women.  

Till next blog!

Denim Galore!

I came across a wonderful denim bag, which caused me to become curious about what else was made from denim, other than the traditional jeans.  And I was surprised, although I shouldn't be; there are plenty of creative and imaginative designers in this world of ours.  

The denim accessories are appealing, and I'd like to see people wearing or using them more.  Actually, I haven't seen anyone using any of these accessories in my neck of the woods.  Things have to change.

Santogold denim bag by Matt & Nat, www.instyle.com

www.polyvore.com

www.couturesnob.com

www.denimblog.com

http://trenchandaccessory.blogspot.com

www.shopstyle.co.uk

Till next blog!

Fun Shirts for Fathers....and the Rest of the Male Population

It's Fathers Day today (12:03 am).  Happy Fathers Day!  I'm going to make this real quick because I was ready for bed two hours ago.  My teens are technically finished school for this year (they have exams next week) and so they took over the computer for the day.  I'm going to have to book time this summer to get on the pc.

I found some very fun shirts and t-shirts online that will please the teenage boy to the young at heart 50 year old.  Age is all in the mind after all.  

http://fashionapparel.onlinefashionhouse.com

http://fashionapparel.onlinefashionhouse.com

www.shoptions.net

by Versace, www.takebags.com

Worship T, www.c28.com

I hope I've given you ladies and idea of what to buy next Fathers' Day,  or for Christmas, or for your father, uncle, or husband's birthday...

Till next blog!

Fashionable Tunics and Bohemian Chic

I've been working, not as fast as I want to, on a couple new blouse designs with plans for more this summer.  I was looking at New York Magazine online and I was once again inspired, this time by the resort clothing for 2012 (that's right, I typed 2012!).  That's just the push I needed to get sewing!  

I was tempted to do a blog on men's shirts this week as I've stumbled on some nice ones, but I'll do it next week.  I'm becoming even more keenly interested in men's clothes.

My friend, Paulina, owner of Le Couturier Haute Couture, designs and sews custom clothes for a living and has done this for many years.  She's made three very fashionable blouses for the website Designers and Deals which I've started to promote crafters and designers like us.  Paulina's website, www.thedressmaker.ca, will be up some time this summer if you'd like to see more of her work.

Textured Tunic by Le Couturier Haute Couture

Flower print tunic by SK Clothes

These tunics and other clothing and crafts as well as the designers contact information can be viewed at www.designersanddeals.com

I have to end by adding this picture of my daughter.  Her ensemble is very bohemian chic.  I love it! 

Till next blog!

Spring/Summer Trends for Women 2011

According to Elle Canada magazine, there are about 11 fashion trends for women to follow this spring and summer 2011.  Choose one, or choose all.  I'm overwhelmed already.  Supposedly, there's something for everyone, and that's good news!

White is the new black.

www.models.com

Pants are full legged and loose.

www.thisnext.com

Anything in sheer fabrics (I hope not pants unless lined).

www.thisnext.com

Minimalism dressing: clean lines, solid colours

http://cgi.ebay.com

Stripes - bold strong patterns                

www.riceandbeansvintage.com

   
Also in are t-shirts ( the crew neck with long or short sleeves), ballet inspired clothes (flowing skirts, ballet slippers, leotards), and nomad clothes (my favorite - 70's inspired, maxidresses, fringes, etc).   I think everyone will be fashionable this summer (lol).

Till next blog!