Crafty Crafterson

Last year I saw this adorable felt bow project on Twig and Thistle and new I had to make one of my own.  They actually used a tutorial from How About Orange on making bows from magazines and other papers as the inspiration for the felt version.

Isn't this sweet?  I love it on the presents as a special topper but it's so perfect as a classy yet festive holiday brooch.

I had almost forgotten about it but yesterday it popped into my mind again and I ran out to grab some felt.  Luckily I already had pin backs. It takes a bit of time to cut out all the strips so they stay even.  That was the longest step.  This is the first bow I made so it's a bit of a test bow but it turned out great, I think!

So, unoriginal, I know but I styled it with a grey blazer as well.  It jazzes up my otherwise boring work outfit of jeans and black flats.

The red bow is classic but I'm going to try a nice dark evergreen green (maybe for the hubby to wear) and I found this amazing alligator print embossed felt in red that I'm really excited to try out next.  I'll post pics.

If you want a simple yet festive bow to wear or decorate with this is it.  Plus it's inexpensive.  I only needed 1 piece of felt which is $0.29 and the pin back which are 50 for $3. If you have a glue gun already, you're set!


Photo Credit (all but last two) from Twig and Thistle.

Bring Home the Blue Ribbon

Equestrian style has never really gone out of style - slim cut breeches-like pants, crisp shirts, tailored jackets and high flat boots - but lately we are seeing a very strong resurgance. This style has a simple and functional but very rich look.



Of course, Carla Bruni looked amazing on this Vanity Fair cover and Ralph Lauren practically invented the integration of the look into mainstream fashion (and continues to do so, as this Spring 08 look shows).



But what I've started seeing a lot of are the more extranous and fun parts of riding - the prize ribbon.

We all want to look Best in Show, what better way than to add a big blue (or other color) ribbon to your outfit!

You may have seen FemmeSud's Grand Prix rosette wristlets.




I, of course, want to take 1st Place!



I've also long been a fan of ShoeMissy's work, especially her adorable heels embellished with rosettes saying flirty things like "Starlet", "Dolly" and "Filly" but now she's up to something new...



Cheeky rosette ribbon pins...



She has six different styles. Personally I fell in love with and bought four of them, including my favorite teal, the sexy black and, perfect for this season, both plaids.



I think I'm going to be pinning these on tops, skirts, bags, everything!

Ensemble du Jour

The Outfit
I'm happy with what I'm wearing today, mainly because I like my accent pieces and I'm comfortable too. The clothes are pretty basic - a v-neck knit top from Ann Taylor and a Merona swishy black skirt.



It's pretty chilly today. I'm wearing my vintage white driving gloves that have black stitching. I. Love. Them.



I decided to wear pearl jewelry to pick up on the white elements. I don't wear pearls a lot. This pin looks like a small tree with faux pearls on the branches. It actually was part of a shirt. When I got rid of the shirt I kept the pin. I'm also wearing a simple pearl bracelet.



I'm wearing my vintage satin corded "luncheon" heels. Comfy, pretty and unique.



The Focal Point
What is tying all of this together? What inspired me today? It's my new eBay find - a vintage tweed 3-piece suit. The suit is all of the same material but I thought I would be too warm with the jacket and skirt so I just wore the cape. I don't think I've ever owned a cape before. I like it. It makes you feel very lady-like, especially when you are walking around with gloves on and your arms through the openings as shown in the picture.



I felt very "lady-who-lunches" today with my gloves, shoes and cape. If only I could have been taking a leisurely lunch and then a bit of shopping. Instead it was home-work-home. I did pop out for a bit of lunch, so I guess that is something. I don't think my dogs appreciate the ensemble as much as I would hope.

Ensemble du Jour

I've been a little reluctant to post my outfits, because, well I just haven't been feeling them, ya know? I mean, they're okay and everything but because I didn't plan them out the night before and because I am a total slacker in the mornings, I had to sort of throw together what I was thinking about. And I'm not totally thrilled with the results.

Here's what I had on yesterday and today -

The Outfits
I had planned on wearing my new vintage gold booties with black tights. Being a lazy git that was as far as my mental processes got. So when I went to get dressed I got a mental block. I wanted to wear the newly acquired shoes but had no inspiration to draw on for the remainder of the outfit. So I ended up with a pleated black miniskirt and black v-neck sweater. I was trying to craft a necklace using my large "gold" vintage pin and some very regal purple satin ribbon but it all died on me. The pin was forced to act as it's regular old pin self.



Thursday shoes - vintage Kenneth Cole slingback lace-up booties.



My vintage pin - She looks far lovelier than I was feeling.



Today it is crummy and rainy. I've been wearing black most of the week so I just needed a little color. I'm wearing one of my approximately 15 argyle sweater with my jeans. How neutral is that.

I did pair it up with my new vintage Etienne Aigner pumps that are a luscious teal. The sweater has a really bright teal line as a part of the pattern, so I used the heels and my London Blue topaz ring to try and pull that out.



So blue!



I would have liked to have worn a thin patent belt in a really bright color like yellow or purple. Now I have to go track one down.

(yawn!)

Ensemble du Jour

Even though the Candlelight event at Biltmore was less than our favorite thing during our trip, it did give me an opportunity to dress up a bit. Since it was kind of chilly I didn't get to wear any of my new open-toe heels. Also, we were going to be doing a bit of walking so I needed warmer and somewhat comfortable shoes.

The Outfit
I paired a long black skirt that I got a while back from Nordstroms. What I love about it is that it isn't just a plain long skirt. It has a very neat back design that gives it almost a train. I paired this with a v-neck top from Ann Taylor. The black top has sequins on the cuffs going up the arms and is v-neck front and back.

I paired this was low-heeled calf length boots from Bandolino. They're simple but comfortable and give a sleek look under the long skirt.




The Focal Point
The focal point was to be sleek in all black. It was quite chilly so I had to wear my heavy long cinnamon colored coat over my outfit. While we were looking at the shops at Biltmore, I found this beautiful huge silk flower pin.



I know big flowers are going to have a bit of a resurgence give the SATC movie but I would grab this anyways. The fabric has a beautiful lustre and it is about 6 inches wide. I pinned it to my coat but I can see wearing this on tops, with belts, in my hair, on a bag, really anywhere.

Lush!