VIA «Vintage Colors»

VIA «Vintage Beads From Mardi Gras»

The Inspired Shop

The new interior for Parisian shop L'Eclaireur was issued Arne Quinze, by the artist from Belgium.

For furnish of internal territory of a fashion it was required two tons of wooden boards, and also it is a lot of others vintage elements. Into walls it's integrated 147 screens showing various animated plots.

The Vintage Interior

“This place inspires us. We each time try to be beyond easier luxury. This research, search, surprise… Various possibilities for display of necessary expressiveness of data, the actual moment.
It not simply stop, is experience. The project has united in itself dreams, emotions, history and memoirs. It's imagination in which each person will find itself.”

VIA «New Vintage Interior of Parisian Shop»

VIA «Vintage Collections»

Oh, hello there. Nice to see you. Notice anything different? Anything intermediate? Yes, that's right. I have successfully completed an intermediate pattern. We're talking darts, facing, curvy sleeves, and bits that match up.

And, while I'm (obviously) pretty chuffed with myself I can't take all the credit. Colette patterns are just so damn good. I mean they come in book format. They have a glossary. I know I've praised Colette pattern's organised awesomeness before, but it's worth another shout out.

What I changed?
I used a single layer of fabric for the sleeves and hemmed them instead of using two-layers as the pattern suggests. I think the curve would have been nicer with two-layers, but I was feeling rebellious. I also used a regular zipper instead of an invisible zipper because apparently I live in the deserted wastelands and dark blue invisible zippers over 5cm are rare, exotic gems.

What I like?
Despite my rebellion, I adore the way the sleeves turned out. They're incredibly feminine in how they mimic the bust line. The secret pockets hidden beneath a pleat. We're talking hidden, deep, comfortable pockets that don't change the shape or bulk up the dress. Genius. Someone get Sarai a nobel prize, stat.

I'm also really happy with the fit of the dress, especially the bodice. As usual, the pattern had to go through some epic changes to fit me properly. I originally cut a 4 in the top and 6 in the bottom (holla for the badonkadonks!), lengthened the bodice 3.5cm (1.4"), took in the waist, adjusted the skirt to match, blah blah blah...

What I'll do next time?Match the waist band pieces. Ssssh. Just don't look at them.

So, my verdict is love, love, love and I can't wait to make it again. But, I know you might be wondering... what does my macaron have to do with a field track? Well I was at Uni wearing my dress, so I thought I'd take some photos while out there. And, the reason I was at Uni?

So I'm a graduate with intermediate sewing skillz. Could I be any happier? No. Probably not. Unless I had a chocolate milkshake. Then my life would be complete.

Macarons On My Table

Saying a sewing project is on my table is a bit of a lie. It's really on my floor, with a sleeve on the table, a skirt front over a chair, and a back yoke who-knows-where. But it will come together, with the it being my new, nearly completed Colette Macaron dress. You've probably seen it out in the google-sphere on other talented ladies (or men?). I'm using the same japanese cotton from my Welcome Spring dress... and my present bag.

But please, hear my case. I have a totally legitimate reason. You see I bought the fabric online, and my cautious nature thought "I'll get a touch extra, just in case". I then discovered the Simplicity pattern was a big fat lying liar pants and I needed way less than suggested. So I gotta-lotta fabric. Two dresses and a bag's worth, actually. The Macaron pattern is labelled 'intermediate', but to be honest I haven't found too many issues... yet. It just requires patience.

I have also checked a technique. Look at this facing, it's so facey! I can't believe it took me so long to do facing. I literally stared at it for about an hour. You know what else this facing is? Serged. Seriously I am now considering my life in two parts: Before and after owning a serger. With the latter obviously being far greater and magical.

It makes everything so clean. So neat. So finished. I'm going a little serger crazy. This is going to be the neatest goddamn garment in the land I tell you. Oh, I also have a new addition to my treasured sewing family. Yesterday was my birthday and, what can I say, my boy knows how to buy a good present. I haven't used it yet, but I feel pretty pro just having it in my possession.

Colette Violet

Yeah, things are getting Colette-crazy around here, and next up is the beautiful Violet blouse. I've had this pattern for a while but never mustered the courage to attack those intimidating button holes, or that menacing peter pan collar. I'm sure I'll find, just like every other time I check a technique, it will be fine and I have nothing to fear from a little Peter Pan action.

I'll probably use one of the three fabrics below as they're already in my stash. I'm petrified of creating one of those prevalent space-devouring stash-monsters. That all looks rather pink, doesn't it? The first two I bought at a vintage fair, and the third is a liberty of London fabric I got for my birthday. Spoilt much? Yes. I've never sewn with liberty fabric, but it's been a dream of mine. I'm not embarrassed to admit I've spent hours just holding onto this little strip of fabric, rubbing it against my cheek.

VIA Intermediate Pattern For Colette Macaron Dress

They were everywhere, I tell you! I didn't stand a chance. Especially because I've been on the hunt for some new button-downs since I saw these great looks over at Amber's Notebook. Needless to say, I got little carried away...But, I NEEDED these, right? A work investment or something. Plus, I have a presentation on Tuesday, so I was thinking I would go classic with a white button-down, tan wide-leg pants, and a brown skinny belt.

Ok, I have to admit I'm pretty domestically challenged (I had to ask my brother how to thread my sewing machine), but something about the fashion-blogging community has inspired me to take my wardrobe into my own hands. Ever since I saw this post over at This Time Tomorrow, I've been looking for a black, floral-print strapless dress. I haven't had much luck finding exactly what I wanted, so when I saw the long skirt on this vintage dress, I decided that I could make my own. Seems simple enough, right? (It helps to look with your imagination.)

It might be a week or so until I get to show you the results because I'm currently facing 10 hellish days of finals, presentations, essays, and case write-ups before I get to graduate. Not to mention, the Stanley Cup Playoffs are in full swing and are completely a legit distraction. (Got to go to Game 1 Pens vs. Senators btw!) I've also made some good healthy eating progress! Ahh... soo many updates to share, so little time.

I Just Made My $200 Tunic Go On Sale!

Turns out I’m pretty much shit outta luck on locating the cream tunic that I mentioned below, which naturally only makes me want it more. (I’m troubled like that.) I even mathematically justified the purchase by returning a winter-weather shirt that had yet to be worn. And, being the economics guru that I am (thanks college), I decided that it only made sense to consider the money I got back for the shirt a sunk cost and just pretend that it was orignally put towards the tunic. So, since sunk costs don't really count, I am now FORCED (by the rules of economics, of course) to recognize the true cost of the tunic as the purchase price minus the money I got back on the previous t-shirt. And, TADA!

But either way, it was all for nothing… well, at least until I cross-paths with something else that preys on my materialistic side. Note: Jammer cannot be held responsible for any flaws in the previous reasoning. Blame the system. In the mean time, I think I’m going to make a quick run to Forever 21...

And, this means I get to share 7 little fun facts about what makes me, me:

1. When I was little I wanted to grow up to be Marika and Barbie. Hey, we all had dreams...
2. I can't sit still. No seriously, I'm the annoying girl in class who is always tapping her pen. (Sorry about that.)
3. I'm about to become the annoying girl at work who is always tapping her pen. I'm graduating with a job in accounting. Looking back, it's not at all what I wished I would've done, which is a bummer, but then I remember I'm only 22 and still can go after what I want.
4. I have a fear of snakes and possibly commitment. (My longest relationship ws 3ish months, but I'm trying to stretch it to 4.)
5. I'm a total Star Wars geek. In fact, I think Jedi Knights and all superheroes alike are pretty badass.
6. I would take watching the game at a bar with a group of friends over some flashy nightclub any day of the week.
7. Never seen an episode of the Jersey Shore. Believe it.

Also, thank you for all of the cooking advice! I can't wait to check out all of the websites, books, and recipes! Don't worry, I'll have a fire extinguisher on hand at all times.

VIA The Cream Tunic and 7 Little Facts

As I'm sewing my 1950's Violet Wiggle Dress it reminded me of the set of photographs I once saw on the LIFE archives. A few of you know I've been to Russia a few times, once when I was 15 with my very adventurous father (Russia was his type of vacation) and then after high school with the intent to study Russian History. To make a long story short I ended up being very homesick and my stay was brief. Still, it's one of my favorite places in the world and I've had the privilege to see. Since then I love learning about Russian history, the good and the bad, and seeing it through art and photography are one of my favorite things to do.

Dior in Moscow

In 1959 the Soviet Union decided to get with the times and host some fashion shows. Does Yves Saint Laurent's Russian Collection ring a bell? Dior decided to bring their "New Look" straight to the people at GUM, which is like Russia's version of Galleria, located directly in Red Square. Back then it had more sensible shops for the working comrades, today it hosts over 200 luxury brands like Dior.

Red Square in Soviet Union

Dior had it their mind just to walk with the people at GUM, who by their expressions seemed horrified and curious all at the same time.

I'm kind of loving the floral dresses that nearly all of the women are wearing. Kind of wish I stuck around Moscow for a few days more just to do some vintage shopping. Wait while I add it to my bucket list.

Despite loving Dior... Well because it's Dior...

VIA Dior in the Soviet Union (Moscow City)

Stealing the show: But it was Amy Childs who stood out from the crowd in her Pia Michi gold gown
And it seems maybe the girls had coordinated their outfits, as they all went for sparkly metallic numbers as they posed on the red carpet.
But it was redhead Amy Childs who managed to hog the limelight, perhaps for the wrong reasons, as she pulled out all the stops in her Pia Michi strapless gold dress.
The elaborate gown featured a beaded bodice and ruched gold skirt, complete with a tulle underskirt, giving Amy a strong resemblance to Belle from Disney's Beauty And The Beast.
However, the rest of the TOWIE girls also went all out with their red carpet outfits.
Metallic: Sam looked stunning in her Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress while Lydia Bright wore a grey flowered Dynasty gown and Lauren went for sparkly everything in Scala
While Sam shone in a shimmery white and black Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress, Lydia wore a pretty metallic grey flowered Dynasty dress.
And Lauren looked like the cat that got the cream as she posed with fiancé Mark Wright while wearing a strappy silver Scala dress and matching sparkly shoes.
In the black: Cat Deeley wowed in a black lace Christian Dior gown, with her hair swept back into a chic up 'do

Whoops! Louise Redknapp, who wore Stella McCartney, and Lenora Crichlow both arrived in very similar black plunging jumpsuits
Sisterly love: Kara Tointon arrived at the ceremony with her younger sister Hannah
Glamour girls: (Left to right) Zoe Ball in Roland Mouret, Michelle Collins in Nadine Merabi and Hayley Atwell, in Antonio Baradi
Dressed to impress: The One Show star Alex Jones, in Versace, and actress Amanda Burton also went for black
Pale and interesting: (Left to right) Sheridan Smith in Ermanno Scervino, Amy Nuttall in BIBA and Victoria Pendleton in Stella McCartney. The trio all stuck to summery pale shades on the red carpet
Lighting it up in brights: (Left to right) Gillian Anderson in vintage Dior, Vicky McClure in Alberta Ferretti and Tracey Emin in Vivienne Westwood all opted for pink or red for the red carpet
Essex cast pick up their BAFTA

On the Red Carpet at the 2011 BAFTA Television Awards

source: dailymail

VIA The Only Way Is Essex girls lead the glamour at the BAFTA Television Awards... but it's Amy Childs who steals the show