Flowers are blooming and temperatures seem to be back on track for the season, meaning my wardrobe can get itself back on track for the season as well.  I feel like I really haven’t addressed enough spring fashion as of late, so this column is dedicated to adding a little spring pep into everyone’s step.  I’m borderline obsessed with one fresh new concept that’s both flirtatious and fun, and I simply love it when shapely silhouettes become the forefront the fashion industry.  Gone are the days of the skin tight mini skirt or barely there bandeau.  There’s a new flirt in town, and it goes by the name of a peplum.

Blake Lively wearing a Peplum Dress,
Image courtesy of teenvogue.com

I carried a peplum dress in my store in fall 2010 believe it or not, when it was still up in the air as to whether or not the trend would really catch on. Since then, it’s done a little more than catch on, and is currently in just about every store, in the form of skirts, tops, and dresses.  If you’re not quite sure what a peplum even is, let me just tell you that it’s pure bliss.  The word ‘peplum’ originates from Greece and refers to a short overskirt.  It’s usually protrudes slightly from the natural waist into a short skirt that accentuates a slim waist and adds a big of volume (in a flattering way) to the hips.  Peplums come in all varieties of pleats and ruffles as well as in varying lengths.  It’s a retro concept without being too dainty, modern peplums are popping up in bold prints and pastel neon hues, making them surprisingly new and fresh. 

1. Peplum Skirt:  The peplum pencil skirt is both cute and sophisticated, which are two concepts that are tough to get out of one article of clothing.  If you’re a business gal, opt for a peplum pencil skirt to add to your work wardrobe this spring.  They’re available at literally every price point and pattern right now, so choose one that suits your style and personality.  The skirts also vary in length and style, so choose what’s right for you!  If you want to cover your back side, chose a skirt that dips in the back.  If you have boyish figure and need to create some curves, opt for a shorter, straight peplum style in a bold print.  If you choose a peplum in a contrasting color or print from the actual body of the skirt, this will create an even shapelier silhouette.  The possibilities are endless!
2. Peplum Top:  This is probably my favorite peplum style right now, because it’s so new for spring.  Available in strapless, tank, or cap sleeve styles to name a few, the peplum top creates a slim waistline and a little bit of flounce.  Plus it can be worn with pants or shorts, which makes it the most user-friendly of all peplum styles.  Chose a bold color (think tangerine… the top color of spring) or a fun print for a pop of color over a pair of basic black pants.
3. Peplum Dress:  This is probably the safest way to rock the peplum trend because it requires no options of a second piece.  A black peplum dress is both naturally slimming and figure flattering, making it the best bet for a peplum newbie.  Since it has an overskirt to hide an imperfect midsection, it’s a spring trend that’s actually wearable for just about anyone, and creates an eye catching illusion of all the right curves.  Rock this style to a wedding or cocktail party this spring and summer and you’re bound to get showered with compliments.

No matter what your personal style, there’s likely a peplum out there for you this spring.  From black peplum tops with embellishments to floral peplum dresses, there’s something out there for the edgy girl to the girly girl, and everything in between.  This style is also available in mature, sophisticated styles, making it appropriate for almost any age group as well.  Have fun with the hottest trend of spring, and be sure to add at least one of these peplum styles to your closet this spring.

It’s been awhile since I’ve done a nail art column, and with the temperatures heating up, so should your manicures!  Prom and Wedding seasons are rapidly approaching, so it’s time to study up on the hottest nail trends for Spring 2012.  I can hardly contain myself with pistachio hues popping up all over the fashion world, and what’s better than a minty maven manicure?  I may be a little biased, considering I plan on incorporating a variation of this color in my wedding, but this color craze has got me craving some mint chocolate chip ice cream from the Big Chill (so unbelievably good)!  Here are the irresistible top cool colors for your springtime fingers and toes:

1. Perfect Pistachio:  This dreamy, creamy shade of green is practically heaven sent.  Fall gave us a lot of army and hunter greens, but this spring its’ all about being minty fresh.  In fact, I just ordered some yardage of Vera Wang chiffon in pistachio.  Double mint, anyone? RGB nail color in dew and minty, $16, available at www.rgbcosmetics.com
2. Tango Mango:  We all know by now that the color of 2012 is tangerine tango, so of course we need some manicures to match!  Check out Revlon’s Scented Mad About Mango Nail Enamel, $5.99 at CVS stores!
3. Pastel Neons:  I practially get weak in the knees when I see a creamy neon hue, whether it be clothing or nail polish.  In season’s past bright, 80’s style neons seemed to be a big hit, but this year it’s a tad more sophisticated.  If you still have your neon polishes from last summer, add some white polish and create your own softer version.  If you’re looking to buy, check out the Orly and China Glaze polishes like these at Sally Beauty Supply!
4.  Girly Glitters:  These big, chunky glitter polishes are fun yet sophisticated, which is hard to do when it comes to glitter.  Stick to the glitter polishes that have champagne hues added in, or purple for a little fun.  Try Jewelry Heist or Papa-Paparazzi by Wet n Wild’s new Spoiled nail color line.  It’s $1.99 and available at CVS.  Enough Said.
5. Basic Beige:  Nude nails are all the rage right now, similar to last season but with a twist.  It’s all about matching the natural nail to your skin tone.  Think dull, skin colored polish with less pink in the mix.  Try Sephora’s Neural Beauty polish by Sephora for OPI, $9.50 at Sephora stores and www.sephora.com
6. Printed Polish:  Nail art is still a huge craze.  Go with an art deco inspired mani for the freshest look.  Try black and white options with a pop of color, or go the easy route with nail polish strips, like Sally Hansen’s Salon effects in Tri-bal It on or Pink-A-Dot, $9.99 at Ulta stores and Ulta.com

 Have fun with your fingers and toes this spring, and don’t forget the ice cream!

Prom Queen Dream

A gown I designed and created earlier this month

This one's for all you teen queens out there... 

Another busy week it’s been thus far for this gal.  Fortunately for me, exciting things have been happening in my life, and I have more adrenaline running through these veins than Tim Tebow on game day.  Anyway, I know this is an exciting time for all you high schoolers out there, picking out your prom dresses as if you were being photographed by the paparazzi at the Academy Awards.  But what makes a good prom dress and how difficult is it to find?  There are so many options out there now, with drastic price differences, styles, and colors to choose from, so where do you start?

Finding a perfect dress for any occasion is always a challenge.  We as females are faced with a ton of issues, such as distorted body images and so much more (like bad cuticles, how horrible?!). While I may not be able to give you the perfect body, I may be able to ease the pain in finding that dress that will make your high school sweetheart swoon.

• Get prepared!  First things first, so do a little leg work.  While you can’t possibly know what style of dress is best suited for your body type until you try it on, looking in magazines and online is always a good idea.  Checking out what celebrities are wearing to awards shows is always a great idea to be on trend.  Just make sure the celebrity you’re trying to imitate was on the best dressed list, not worst.  Exclusively You in Bloomsburg carries Faviana, which specializes in red carpet inspired dresses!   Bring photos of things that inspire you to a dress appointment and show your sales associate ideas of what you like and what you may be looking for in a prom dress.  Beware, though:  try to stay away from getting your heart set on one specific dress before you head out to shop.  This can be discouraging for you and the salesperson and really ruin the fun!  

• Schedule an appointment in advance.  Dress shops and specialty stores love it when you call in advance and set up an appointment.  They are better equipped to help you that way and can dedicate a solid hour to solely you on most occasions.  Be sure to ask for an opinion from the salesperson!  They see tons of dresses on a daily basis and know what’s flattering on different body types and skin tones.  Plus they usually love it when a client takes their advice!

• Dress like you mean it.  Always try to wear similar undergarments to those you would be wearing with the actual dress.  Another idea would be to bring along some extra options so that you can try them on with the dresses if necessary.  For instance, if you plan on wearing a slimming undergarment with the dress, definitely bring it.  It can seriously affect the way a dress looks and feels!  

• Try on some heels.  A special occasion dress always looks better with the right shoes.  Even if you plan on purchasing shoes elsewhere, try shoes on with the dress.  Or bring a pair of basic heels from home.  You’ll look taller, stand straighter, and feel better!

• Go Couture!  Well sort of.  If you want to be totally different and have a hand in designing your own dress, schedule a consult with a seamstress such as myself.  I love doing custom dresses for people and always have a fun time creating someone’s dream dress.  It’s not any more expensive than buying one off the rack and tons of fun!

The layers that the bodice of the gown was constructed of

• Ask to purchase the floor sample.  If it fits you perfectly and it’s already in stock, why order?  Yes, it may have been tried on a few times, but you can usually ask for a discount and possibly walk out with it the same day.  


• Do A LOT of research before buying online.  Yes, you may be able to find a dress cheaper online, but if you haven’t tried it on you could be making a huge mistake!  It’s hard to know what size to order and so much more when ordering online.  Save the shipping cost (which may add up to the cost of the dress in a store anyway) and alteration nightmares by heading to a physical store.

Have fun with your dress shopping and don’t be too serious with it.  Let’s face it, every dress doesn’t look perfect on everybody, so be open to suggestions and bring a trusted confidant with you for their input.  Just don’t bring an entourage.   Things could get ugly.

High Class... Thrifter?

I’ve never been one to pass up a good deal.  Let’s face it, times are relatively tough for many of us and our budgets are tight.  But who says that we need to sacrifice our style just because we don’t have thousands to spend on a killer new wardrobe?  I know that I’ve alluded to my knack for sifting through the used clothing racks at places like the Salvation Army and Goodwill before, but for those of you for whom this is uncharted territory, it may all seem a bit…well…crazy, perhaps? Well you’re right, sort of. 

There are many different reasons people tend to do some, most, or all of their shopping at thrift stores, which can range from being environmentally conscious, to being financially savvy, to a love for vintage styles or a hankering for quality apparel.  Unfortunately, due to our country’s greed (this is obviously a severe generalization), we currently only manufacture approximately 2% of what we’re wearing, which is drastically different from the 98% that our country once proudly produced. Along with that greed, came a drastic decline in the quality of materials and construction of the garments that are now sold in most of the mass market stores across the globe.  Quality control has taken a backseat to fast turn around and inexpensive foreign labor, forcing us to shop more frequently and fill the pockets of seemingly every else but ourselves.  Think about it.  Do you really think your brand new top would even make it to a thrift store in 20 or 30 years?  Doubtful, considering if may possibly have a few pulls or holes after the first washing, even on a gentle cycle.

Although I do love vintage silhouettes and fabrics, the main reason I shop at thrift stores is the adventure of the hunt and the quality of a hand crafted Made in the USA garment or a famous Italian Designer name.  It’s like searching for a hidden gem that’s just waiting to be plucked out from the surrounding imposters.  If you’re not a seasoned thrift store vet like moi, however, here are some tips and tricks that can help you fake it ‘til you make it.

1. Determine if thrifting is even something that you would enjoy.  Let’s face it.  Many of you could care less about finding one perfect piece and would rather do your shopping online.  So do that!  Thrifting can be a hassle and quite annoying, in fact, for someone who doesn’t love the challenge of a bargain and the hunt for the gem.  Just remember, in order to find the diamonds, one must sift through a lot of rocks.
2. Allow yourself plenty of time.  I’m talking 1 hour at the absolute minimum.  I can kill hours upon hours without even realizing it, especially if I’m with my mother.  Never, ever, take my mother or myself up on an offer to tag along.  You will likely be laying down on one of the bed bug filled sofas before we have gotten through the pants.
3. Pick a section and see it through.  If you have something in mind you are in search of, say the perfect pair of dress pants, head to that section immediately and narrow that section down further to a general size range.  Remember, sizing has changed dramatically in the past 10 years or so, so you may be able to go up a size or two (or even three), depending on the designer and year of the garment.  Oh yes, we as Americans like to sugarcoat the fact that our hips are ever expanding.  Ah, yes, what was once considered a standard sizing in the 1940’s and 1950’s has somehow gone to the wayside and we’ve added some “padding” per se.  Haven’t you ever wondered if Marilyn Monroe was really a size 12?  She had a 23 inch waist according to her dress maker, which is not even in the same ballpark as a size 12 by today’s standards. 
4. Pick a good day to shop.  If you’re looking for the best possible deals and cheapest prices, it would probably be best to hit the racks on sale days.  Wednesdays are family day at Salvation Army, and most items are 50% off.  If you’re looking for the biggest selection, Tuesday may be the best bet.  On average, most donations come in over the weekend and take a day or two to be processed and put out for sale, making Tuesday the optimum day to shop.
5. Bring a smart phone.  Seriously.  If I find a gorgeous piece that I can’t live without I could care less who the designer is.  But if you’re looking for pieces that may have resale value, it may be valuable to Google a tag that is less familiar to see if the item may have vintage value.  You may end up wanting the cash more than wanting the clothes!
6. Check carefully for holes, stains, tears, etc.  Even if you find a quality garment with a small imperfection, still consider it.  Is it a stain that can likely be removed?  Do you have a tailor who is capable of fixing a small hole or a missing button?  I’d never turn down a killer look for a slight imperfection.  In fact, I sometimes buy pieces just because they have cool buttons or another element that I may want to use for something else.
7. Don’t be afraid to try things on.  It may skeeve you out a little, but don’t be afraid to try things on.  I typically try to wear a pair of black leggings and a tight fitting black tank so I can easily slip things on over them.  I can still get the general idea of fit and not leave the store feeling the need to shower immediately. 
8. Wash before wearing.  Basically all thrift store finds have a unique “scent” of sorts (more like a strange odor of mothballs and musky feet).  Always wash or dry clean your new finds before wearing to rid them from any odors or stains left behind from the previous owner.  You can also use home remedies like vinegar to get out tough odors like cigarette smoke.
9. Wear your items and do as those before you have done- Donate!  I go through my closet at least twice a year and sell and donate things that I have not worn at least twice within the last year.  Sometimes I kick myself a few years down the road for the things that I purge, but you can’t keep it all!  Plus you need to make space for your new thrifty finds.

I'm Bringing Pretty Back

Cynthia Skirt. 
This one’s named after my Momma because
she’s similar to a lovely bouquet of flowers…
delicate, admirable and beautiful. 
She has also been known to cause quite
 the allergic reaction at times.
 Love you, Mom!  

I think I’ve plagued you long enough by continuously ranting on my love of below-freezing temperatures and fluffy fur coats.  Clearly the big man upstairs didn’t feel like blessing us with a ski season this year, so I’m dubiously throwing in my puffy down filled parka and am on to more colorful things, such as Spring Fashion!  Since I can barely remember to water myself, I’m obviously not much of a flower girl, unless we’re speaking of a floor length floral print frock, of course.  I must admit, each year when Spring starts to show her warm sunny face I get super excited just like the rest of you, regardless of how little snow I got to shovel this year (and the realization that I need to start running 15 miles per day for the next 3 months straight if I plan on wearing any of my shorts from last year).

For those of you who don’t know a whole lot about the world of fashion, it can be quite confusing.  New York Fashion Week took place February 9-16, but designers were showing their Fall 2012 Collections (designers show their lines for next season, then buyers from around the globe determine what lines they want to carry for next season, which then determines the production of the actual lines themselves).  To make a long story short, as much as I love seeing the latest collections, my brain can only hold so much information at once (which seems to be increasingly less and less with each birthday) so I could really care less about next fall right now.  I was fortunate enough to attend Spring 2012 Fashion Week, which took place in September of 2011.  So confusing, right?  Well it’s even more confusing for me to sift through 5 months of information to uncover Springs most pertinent and wearable trends, but there are a few standouts that have left an indelible impression in my mind.

From washed out neons (think pastel meets 80’s color) to the beloved peplum silhouette (if you aren’t familiar with a peplum, Google it immediately- I love the false illusion of curves it creates), spring fashion is full of feminine, structured sportswear, if you will.  My absolutely favorite trend this spring, however, is the influx of bold prints that are beginning to line the shelves and racks from store to store.  Floral prints seem to be a staple for just about every spring, but this season the prints are exaggerated and quite a bit of fun.  I’m talking full on floral print pant suits, tropic thunder maxi dresses, and bold neon floral prints mixed with stark white elements.  If you’re not quite sure of how to pull this look off without looking like a flower child on Halloween, start small and work your way up.  The most important element in this to keep things fresh is to stick with a modern print.  Buying vintage and thrift store shopping can certainly be fun, but it’s also an easy way to look like you went thrift store shopping (have no fear… a thrift store tutorial is on its way for next week).  To ensure you’re on trend, stick with a floral that is this season, and don’t try anything too dainty.  This spring is all about having fun and being a little bold.  Think bright pops of color and in your face prints!  Here’s one of my most recent floral additions in my store:

Sweet Pad.

By the time you read this, this will have already been “one of those weeks”.  You know, a week filled with twelve-hour workdays.  By Sunday I’ll be feeling like my brain looks similar to a fried egg.  As a matter of fact, I’m already half way there. 

Therefore, I will be enticing you this week with a column on the importance of fashion’s presence in not only your closet, but throughout your home as well.

This topic comes to mind naturally for me this week, since I’ve been spending quite a number of hours lately working on some fun interior projects that, until now, were completely out of my element. 

For those of you who don’t know, I do have some credentials for talking about interior spaces.  I have a degree in Interior Design, have studied a little bit of historical architecture, and also worked as a Designer & Product Development Assistant at Decorator Industries before their unfortunate closing in 2009.  My style is fairly unique to, well, basically myself.  I love hitting up yard sales and thrift stores, turning something old into something new with a little paint and/or new fabric.  I would describe my style as eclectic chic, sort of a mash-up of artsy do-it-yourselfer meets modern whimsy.  That probably didn’t paint much of a picture for most of you, so I’ll be sure to include an interior photo of my house so you can try to envision just how crazy I really am. 

My living room.  I upholstered the green chair and made the pillows.

As it turns out, I’ve been privileged enough to be working for someone with an equally insane sense of style, just from another century.  Where my style is a little edgy, his style is traditional and almost skeletal at times.  As if the sense style being from another century isn’t enough for me to wrap my brain around, the materials and fabrics that I’ve been given to work with are also upwards of two hundred years old.  What does a two hundred year old piece of cotton or silk look like, you ask?  Well, it looks like its two hundred years old.  Most of the materials I’ve been working with are riddled with holes and hundred-year-old patch jobs.  Much of the work consists of preparing the fabric, meaning patching or reinforcing small pieces that then have to be joined into larger pieces to then create an actual slipcover or pillow. 

The most challenging part for me (strangely enough) in this whole process has been to color outside the lines so to speak.  The strange thing about working with fabrics from the 1800’s is that nothing really matches.   Think about it, fabric was quite pricey, so literally anything that even remotely matched was used in patching and repairs.  While I’ve been trained to try to pattern match seams and patches to make them look almost invisible to the naked eye, I have been forced to relearn and revisit my technique to put these mismatched pieces on display more or less.

This got me thinking about interior design and what a great design is really comprised of.  After all, there are so many different styles and tastes out there, so what are the important factors in creating a look that is uniquely you and reflective of your life and personality?  Design is all about space, light, colors and textures, and personality.  Incorporating all of these successfully should give a room a sense of harmony and cohesiveness.  Here are a few tips and tricks on designing your own personal space using all of these abstract ideas:

1. Space & Balance:  For most of us, space and balance are probably the two most important components of our interior designs.  Since many of us actually live in the spaces we design, having a functional space is key.  Start by choosing a style of balance: symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial, and go from there!
2. Light:  Depending on the space you’re working with, the correct lighting can set the tone for how a space is used and perceived.  For instance, Northern facing windows are important in an artist studio to provide the best natural lighting scenario.  On the other hand, incandescent lighting can be added to provide emphasis to a focal point and create a little drama in a space.  Since most of us are not lighting specialists, be sure to ask for assistance at a lighting showroom!
3. Color & Texture:  Probably the easiest way to alter the mood of a space, color and texture add major flair with minimal effort.  For a calming experience, choose a soothing shade of green or blue to paint your walls.  To liven a space, choose a warm hue of yellow, orange, or red.  To add texture, get creative with soft furnishings and fabrics treatments.
4. Personality:  Meaningful objects add a personal touch and make the space uniquely yours.  Bookshelves offer a great space to add trinkets and personality as bookends without getting cluttered.

The home I've been sewing at.  Incredible!!!

I can honestly say that I look at some of the designs that I’ve recently been a part of helping create and they are truly breathtaking.  While I would have never envisioned such a creation in my wildest dreams, they are absolutely works of art. I cannot take credit for any of the actual designs whatsoever (I’m a seamstress on this project, though I’m frequently referred to as Queen Bee as well as various other nicknames that allow me to feel much more important than I really am), I can say that I’ve really enjoyed bringing a female perspective to things and helping to “soften” some of the space with a little color in an otherwise monochromatic (white) palette.  Unfortunately I’m one of those annoying types that always has an opinion about everything, so I’m constantly throwing my two cents in.  Most of the time I’m shot down, but I have had a few small victories with some fabric selections.  In case you still can’t imagine the differences I’ve been speaking of, here’s a photo reference to cogitate.

For more fashion wholesomeness, check out my store at www.goodnpretty.com and blog at www.purplezebrashop.com.  Coming soon to The Purple Zebra:  Sewing classes!  Stay tuned for more info.  For column ideas and comments, email me at goodnpretty@gmail.com.

DIY Valentine Top

Seeing as though I talked about men last week, and addressed all the lovers out there back in January, I suppose that it’s only fair that I write a column geared toward all the single ladies out there.  You know the type.  The Valentine’s Day scrooge who wishes cupid would shove those stupid arrows where the “sun don’t shine” as they say.  Since I like to play fair, this one’s for you, sweetheart.  

Just because you aren’t in love, doesn’t mean you can’t look lovely while you’re sitting at home with a frown on your face and that bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon when the 14^th rolls around.  Remember ladies: that grotesque scowl you’re currently sporting can lead to monstrous frown lines, and we don’t need any of those, especially if we’re single (and can’t afford Botox).  Here’s an idea:  Turn that frown upside down and get crafty with your bad self.  Go ahead, be a little narcissistic and give yourself a gift this year.  After all, you’re single and probably won’t be receiving bouquets of flowers or boxes of chocolates (which is really a gift in itself if you take into consideration how many unnecessary calories you’ll be sparing yourself).  Or, better yet, gift one of you unsuspecting single friends with your heartfelt DIY Valentine!  She’ll be forever grateful that you remembered her on this day that is typically meant for all the couples out there.

DIY Lace Inset Heart Shirt

1. Fold a piece of 8.5x11” paper in half (as you would to create a greeting card)
2. Using a marker, draw a half heart on the fold of the paper.  I used a French curve to create mine, but it is just as simple to freehand your design.
3. Cut your heart design from the paper and set heart cutout aside
4. Select a shirt of your choice (tank, t-shirt, or long sleeved shirt), and turn inside out.
5. Lay the original paper (with heart cutout) flat on the inside out shirt.  Measure in .5” from the outside edge of the paper heart stencil and follow the heart shape, marking the t-shirt with a marker.
6. Cut the shirt along the marker line, making a heart cutout in your shirt that will be 1” less in diameter than your original paper cutout (.5” on each side).
7. Take the paper heart cutout and trace the shape onto a piece of lace of your choice.  Or, use an old shirt of your choice to create the heart from.  Try something fun, like a wild pattern or texture to inset in your new shirt!
8. Cut the heart shape from the lace or fabric of your choice, and pin or glue onto the wrong side of your cutout shirt. 
9. If you would like to sew the heart in place, either hand stitch or machine stitch around the outline of the heart, fusing the shirt to the inset fabric.  If you are not a sewer, simply use some fabric glue! 
10. Turn shirt right side out and enjoy!

Voila!  You’re new shirt may not get you a lover, but it will make you feel lovely about your craftiness, and you’re cute new top.  Happy Valentine’s Day!  For more fashion wholesomeness, check out my store The Purple Zebra in person or on the web at www.purplezebrashop.com, and become a fan on Facebook.  Coming soon to The Purple Zebra:  Good+Pretty Sewing & Crafting classes and parties!  Oh my GOODness.