MeadowTree Perspectives

Snow Leopard For All Seasons

Pauline of Covered Perfectly has just released some refreshing looks in the animal motif trend that is still wildly popular. Her “Snow Leopard” print tops are classic with a beautiful and easy on the eye print. Being a mixture of winter white, black and grey, I feel that the snow leopard print has an ability to mix with more color palettes than the traditional cheetah and leopard patterns. The Snow Leopard is quite a versatile cat.

TopsandSnow — **Snow Leopards tops courtesy of Covered Perfectly. Snow Leopard photo from the Snow Leopard Trust.**

Covered Perfectly offers the Snow Leopard print in four styles. They are shown in the above photo. From left to right: V-neck T-Top with three quarter sleeves, scooped neck T-Top with three quarters sleeves, a gathered top and a duo tone (with black) flared bottom design. For the blog today, I picked the simple V-Neck T-Top to style and review.

All four tops are made of 96% Micromodal and 6% Spandex. “MicroModal® is something truly special. The fiber is made of European beechwood, is completely natural and produced in Austria. This natural composition makes it a breathable fabric, suitable for wearing close to the skin.”

“It’s described as the softest fabric in the world and is so gentle it feels like a second skin. It’s super soft and luxurious, you will love it!”

Before I get started with a few ways I’ve been wearing my top, I want to talk a little bit about Pauline and her company. Pauline Durban founded Covered Perfectly about six years ago out of shopping frustration. At 57, she just couldn’t find tops that flattered her shape. Today she has a successful company that designs for classically aged ladies in sizes S-1X. Another important fact for me is that she makes all her clothes right here in the USA. They are excellent quality and if you want to try and be more environmentally conscience in your fashion choices, purchasing a piece from Covered Perfectly is a good way to start.

I immediately knew that the snow leopard print would seamlessly fit with a lot I already had. Everything that I am using with my new top is sourced from my closet. So let’s get started…

Just Going Simple

This top is such an eye catcher and elegant it looks great just thrown on with a favorite pair of jeans and shoes for a quick on-trend vibe. In my case it’s my four year old but essential Madewell dark denim skinny jeans, black Vince Camuto slip-ons and my essential basic black bag.

I’m showing three views of this top because I think it is the perfect length (I’m 5’5″ and am wearing a large) and flattering from all angles.

Covered Perfectly + Covered Perfectly

Mixing a new Covered Perfectly piece with one of my older ones is something I love doing. I think the Long & Lean Vest from last spring really complements my new top.

For contrast, I chose washed out black jeans from H&M’s 2018 Conscience Collection and added grey accessories (Coach bag and Rebecca Minkoff suede flats).

Adding the Basic Essential Black Blazer

When the weather is cooler, I can exchange the long vest with my essential black blazer from DKNY, which I purchased at Macy’s last year. For fun, I added one of my thrift shop finds from about ten years ago; an old Kate Spade grey fabric design bag.

Adding Some Color With Soft Pink

This is how I have mainly been wearing my Snow Leopard top. It’s a little dressier although I’m still wearing jeans; my Caslon skinny jeans from Nordstroms (now sold out). For a little extra flair, I added some cut velvet booties I picked up from TJ Maxx a couple of years ago.

It’s perfect with BB Dakota’s Teagan reversible jacket. The blush pink is sold out but the jacket is available in other colors which would go great too. I’ve worn it out to eat, shopping and meetings. This has been my perfect “go to” outfit.

Layering Over a Sleeveless Maxi Dress

I love layering. It stretches items from season to season. For fun, I pulled out a very old thrifted Eddie Bauer cotton maxi dress and threw my Snow Leopard top over it and added a silver chain belt (also thrifted). Black boots topped it off along with my black Rebecca Minkoff Leo clutch.

We have a little more black and white action going on in this photo. Let me please introduce Penny who decided she needed to be a model today and she does match me perfectly!

Wrapping It Up

This top is a four season winner. It’s an incredible price for how versatile it is.

The price for the Snow Leopard top is $44.95. Being an affiliate of Covered Perfectly, my readers get a 20% discount. That makes it $35.96 + shipping (free shipping for orders over $47.00). Remember, all of Covered Perfectly is made in the USA.

Returns are so easy. If it doesn’t fit or you don’t like it, just return it within 45 days of purchase for a full refund or exchange.

A plastic return envelope and return label is sent out with each order. The return labels have an expiration date. Once you receive the return label, it needs to be mailed back to Covered Perfectly within 7 days. After 7 days the return label will expire. Only one return label can be provided per order. Pauline’s products are already superb and this just adds to an impeccable customer service.

As I just mentioned above, MeadowTree Style readers receive a 20% discount. Use the discount code MTS20 when you check out at Covered Perfectly. The discount will apply on up to two items. Or you can take advantage of the buy 2 get 1 free, any combination.

Thanks to Covered Perfectly for collaborating on this post. This post does contain affiliate links, which generates a few pennies for MeadowTree Style.

I hope I have inspired you to try this new subtle and chic animal print because I think it is beautiful.

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed my review and ideas for wearing this great new Snow Leopard print shirt. Take care, everyone and until next time…stay creative.

Run over to Covered Perfectly to check out the all the new styles and some beautiful classic ones.

xoxo

Terri

Walking on the Wild Side

I’m excited with this review today. When Pauline of Covered Perfectly asked me to review another garment, I knew exactly what I wanted to play with. So today, I bring you Covered Perfectly’s A-line cheetah printed skirt, which I adore and think you will too when you see all the ways I’ve found to style it. This is one that I think has endless possibilities.

But first, I want to talk a little bit about Pauline and her company. Pauline Durban founded Covered Perfectly about six years ago out of shopping frustration. At 57, she just couldn’t find tops that flattered her shape. Today she has a successful company that designs for classically aged ladies in sizes S-1X. Another important fact for me is that she makes all her clothes right here in the USA. They are excellent quality and if you want to try and be more environmentally conscience in your fashion choices, purchasing a piece from Covered Perfectly is a good way to start.

A few details about this skirt:

Longer length to cover any problem areas
Made in U.S.A.
Machine Washable
95% Polyester 5% Spandex

This skirt’s knit jersey is very soft to the feel (as all of Pauline’s designs are) and the elasticized waist make a super comfortable wear. Sizing is normal. For reference, I am 5’5″ and am wearing a medium.

On With the Styling

With the exception of four newly thrifted items, items for this post are sourced from my closet.

#1-Covered Perfectly + Covered Perfectly

My Covered Perfectly Peek-a-boo sleeve A-Line top, which I already had, was the first thing I wanted to try. If you haven’t read my reviews for this top, they are HERE and HERE.

The Peek-a-boo top is slightly flared which looks great with a pair of skinny trousers. However, I wanted a straighter fit and came up with an easy solution; just gathered up a bit on the bottom and fastened it with a black elastic hair tie. This would have looked fine on its own but, for fun, I added a Cheetah pin and then finished things out with straw accessories.

I added Liz Claiborne wedge sandals, an eNVe Designs necklace and a Jason Wu for Target clutch.

If I wanted to wear this combo during the spring or fall, I would just change out the straw for leather.

#2-With a Crocheted Summer Top and a Brown Tank

I’ve could have shown you photo after photo of my skirt with this and than black top. But I knew there were more color possibilities. With this in mind, I headed to my favorite thrift store. In less than an hour, I found four tops that would work with my skirt.

Two of the four pieces I found are in this styling. The light crocheted top and the brown tank underneath (I know, you can’t really see it) were the first two items I scored on my thrifty shopping adventure.

I picked my brown and black Eric Javet’s Squishee bag (Poshmark listings) and some Etienne Aigner multi textured sandals to finish out the look.

#3 Jean Jacket

I think this look just might be my favorite. Honestly, I didn’t come up with this idea but have seen in a few magazines around Kansas City. and had to try it.

Is there anything a jean jacket can’t go with? I’ve kept it simple, adding two pieces of Georginia’s fabulous jewelry, a vintage Carlos Flachi bag (eBay listings) and my newest Kavalas in gold metallic shoes by Springstep.

The T-Shirt could always change. I just went with black, but you could use gold, brown or a graphic shirt to make this a individual look. The shirt could be left untucked as I have done, tucked in or knotted at the waist.

#4-Layering & Doubling Up on the Spots

I’m using the third thrifted piece for this style; a cheetah printed Calvin Klein tank top.

This time I layered the three pieces. I like how these two prints work together and it gives an illusion that I am wearing a drop waist skirt. I’ve already worn this one out and about to a fashion event and it was a hit.

For this style, I picked a vintage Rodo clutch (eBay listings) and a older pair of Nine West cage sandals.

#5 Cheetah and Tiger

This look carries on with the mixed print idea with my fourth thrifty find. When I tried this tiger print top on I thought, “no way would this work”. However, as I was shopping, I had second thoughts and decided that I just had to see if the two prints could peacefully coexist. It’s just basically putting stripes and polka dots together, right? Of course, the top had already been put back and it took me some time to find but I was determined.

I thought a bit of gold might help (I love that gold is back) so added a gold metallic narrow belt and a burnished gold Coach bag. The shoes are reptile textured Aerosole wedges.

Is this too bold for you? Would you mix different animal patterns? I have a silk scarf that has mixed patterns on it, which gave me the idea that it might work on a larger scale. I am really interested on how everyone feels about this one. And yes, it works for me and I would wear it out (just haven’t had the chance yet).

Wrapping It Up

I will be wearing my cheetah skirt regularly during three seasons. It you live in a warmer climate, this would be a year round piece. It’s an incredible price for how versatile it is.

I’ve used mainly black and tan but other colors that would work with it keep running across my mind: burnt orange and camo-green being a couple. This skirt does offer endless styling play.

The price for Covered Perfectly’s A-line cheetah printed skirt is $39.00. Being an affiliate of Covered Perfectly, my readers get a 20% discount. That makes it $31.20 with free shipping and remember it is made in the USA. That is a deal!

As I just mentioned above, MeadowTree Style readers receive a 20% discount. Use the discount code MTS20 when you check out at Covered Perfectly. The discount will apply on up to two items. Or you can take advantage of the buy 2 get 1 free, any combination.

Thanks to Covered Perfectly for collaborating on this post. This post does contains affiliate links which generates a few pennies for MeadowTree Style.

I hope I have inspired you to find your “wildness” with animal prints because they are a lot of fun!

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed my review and ideas for wearing this skirt. Take care, everyone and until next time…stay creative.

Run over to Covered Perfectly to check out the goodness.

xoxo

Terri

And Just a Little Note-The Hair Affair

Before I leave, I’m going to mention my hair styles for this post. Most of you who read me know that I my attitude is “my hair, other hair, don’t care.” The shorter blonder style is Claire by Noriko in Carmel Cream and the longer brown layered with highlights is Peppermint by BelleTress in Creamy Blond. I know my readers have wanted a post just about my experience with alternative hair and I still have good intentions of writing that. For today, I am leaving you links to these two styles on my favorite “alternative hair” source: Cysterwigs.com.

Covered Perfectly’s Long and Lean Vest-Part 2

Hello everyone!

I’m back today with part two of my style inspirations based on Covered Perfectly’s long and lean vest. If you didn’t get a chance to read Part One, it’s HERE.

Before we start, I’m going to give a bit of history of Covered Perfectly and my vest.

Pauline designs for all women but especially thinks about us ladies over 50. Covered Perfectly’s made in the USA clothes come in sizes S-2X so she has us all covered! For reference, I am about 5’5″ and am wearing a size large.

I honestly feel that Covered Perfectly’s new vest makes me look slimmer. This is achieved by the vest’s length and a strategically placed bronze button. The vest’s finishing features also include one inch bands along the edge and armholes.

The fiber content is 94% Micro-Model and 6% Spandex. Coming in the colors black or blue, this vest is easily a three season layering garment.

A little more about the fiber that Pauline uses for her garments. MicroModal® is one of my favorite fabrics to wear because it is luxuriously soft and feels great against my skin. Also, it is a truly sustainable fabric.

MicroModal® is derived from the inner pulp of beech trees. All processing is done in accordance with strict environmental standards including chemical free spinning and dying, rainwater for growth, and produces no toxic discharge. This sounds pretty good for Mother Earth.

On With the Styling

Today’s three looks have a completely different vibe than those last time. My three previous styles could be the beginning of a Capsule Wardrobe. I feel anything I published in that post could be interchanged between the three looks; a mix and match dream.

Today, things are a tad more eclectic. Still working from my closet, my new looks are very unique from each other and each has its own aestheticism.

A Tad Boho

I’ve had so much fun wearing this one! It has been perfect for going out with my girlfriends.

I layered black over black with my choice of a black top. This works for me because of the contrast of textures.

My green maxi skirt has never been too happy with any pairing before, but this look has been the answer.

Other things I added to carry out the Boho theme were a long pendent of Agate stones and a very colorful straw bag from my vintage Rodo collection. The lacy looking open toed booties team up with the lace top for that romance I was after.

My Covered Perfectly’s vest works perfectly tying together all these different elements together. I’ll add that my friends loved this one.

BohoWineBar — **This style has been perfect for those causal get togethers with friends.**

Some ideas for romantic boho.

From left to right

My Squad Olive Green Maxi Skirt by Pistola from Lulu’s $80

Guess Drea Sheer Flocked Lace Top from Bloomingdale’s $37.92

Kate Landry Wicker Shoulder Bag from Poshmark $76 (for as long as it lasts)

Unisa Sayvi booties (also in red)-DSW $49.00

Everyday Metallic

Everyday Metallic

How do you feel about wearing metallic for casual wear? A lot of us, I am sure, already wear metallic shoes and bags for day-wear.

A couple of years ago I picked up a dark gold metallic stretch top from Kansas City designer Laura McGrew (Tomboy Designs). The problem was that, being metallic, I thought I should only wear for more dressy occasions. Having more than enough clothes that fall into that category, it wasn’t getting out of the closet very often.

Finally, I decided I needed to think outside the mental box that I had put myself into. If I could dress the top down a bit, why couldn’t I wear it for everyday? When I got my Covered Perfectly vest, I thought it was just the right thing to bring the metallic top into the realm of everyday wear.

It was back in March when I first came up with this idea and Mother Nature was still doing her cold bit. Back then, the Cheetah boots made sense. Now that it’s warmer, out with the boots and in with the flats!

I’ve worn this out a few times and enjoyed this little bit of day-wear glamour. How do you feel? Does it work or is this over the top for you?

metallicCalla — **I took deep violet Calla Lilly home (along with another color).**

A Few Finds For the Everyday Metallic Look

A. Stretchy Hampshire Bootcut Pants from Boden $98

B. Jack by BB Dakota Gold Dust Metallic Knit Wide Sleeve Top from Amazon $32.40-$57.50

C. Brighter Gold Cindaisy Women Metallic Long Sleeve T-Shirt Nightclub Shiny Stretchy Tank Top Blouse $21.99

D. Mix No. 6 Cadaoria Bootie from DSW $44.98

E. Lexa Pebbled Rose Gold Leather Tote from Nordstrom $159.00

F. Steve Madden Talent-L Animal Flats $89.95

Workin’ It

My third idea includes some old staples from my closet. Honestly, this outfit would work without the wide belt but I love this belt (thrifted) so I immediately grabbed it for a focal point.

The pants, I did make and used a grey plaid linen with a now discontinued Vogue pattern. Linen is a lovely natural fabric which, I love to sew and wear.

Again, mainly a black (or grey) and white look but then I can slip on my red patent creepers and have some footwear fun! And like all Covered Perfectly garments, these shoes are made in the USA!

library — **I decided to match my hair to my grey/black look the day I was librarian. Old teachers never die, they just come back as substitutes.**

My suggestions for some basics for this style are:

shoppingWorkingIt — **American Vice has 1/2 price sales on their shoes about three times a year. Get on their mailing list and wait for one of those sales if you like their shoes.**

Kasper Plaid Straight Leg Pants Black/White -Nordstrom Rack $35.97

White ¾ Sleeve White Cotton Top-L.L. Bean $22.95

Red Patent Creepers by Modern Vice $349.00

Audrey Bucket Crossbody by Lodis-Travel Smith $148.00

Ralph Lauren Wide Patent Stretch Belt-Lord and Taylor $38.00

That wraps it up for this time around. Covered Perfectly’s “Vest With Pockets” is reasonably priced and so versatile it is well worth the investment. Again, Pauline does makes her garments in the USA and I’m all about bring it home. And another plug for this fabric. MicroModal® is so soft and easy wearing.

Just one little extra thing. MeadowTree Style readers receive a 20% discount on up to two items! Use the discount code MTS20 when you check out at Covered Perfectly. The discount will apply on up to two items. Or you can take advantage of the buy 2 get 1 free, any combination.

Thanks to Covered Perfectly for collaborating on this post. This post does contains affiliate links which generates a few pennies for MeadowTree Style.

I had a great time putting these last two posts together. There is nothing like having a great basic piece to work around.

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed my review and ideas for wearing this vest. Take care, everyone and until next time…stay creative.

xoxo

Terri

Covered Perfectly’s Long and Lean Vest-Part 1

It’s been a while since I’ve had a long vest in my closet. That changed when Pauline of Covered Perfectly asked me to review something from her new spring line. I was immediately drawn to the “Vest With Pockets”.

Pauline does design for all women but especially thinks about us ladies over 50. Covered Perfectly’s made in the USA clothes come in sizes S-2X so she has us all covered! For reference, I am about 5’5″ and am wearing a size large.

The fiber content is 94% Micro-Model and 6% Spandex. Coming in the colors black or blue, this vest is easily a three season layering garment.

On With The Styling

After coming up with six ideas, I decided this review was going to be in two parts; there’s just too much this vest can do.

Today’s styles are casual and very wearable for all women. Sourcing items from my closet, these weren’t done just for the today’s post. I’ve worn all three out and about (see the collage at the very end). This vest has been working hard.

With Black Stretch Side Striped Pants

I like color blocking and it shows in my first idea. As it still can be a tad cool around my part of the world, I teamed my vest up with a Merino V-neck sweater and a pair of black slim stretch pants with hounds-tooth side stripes.

Shoes are Vince Camutto slip-ons but I also like the idea of metallic or colored sneakers to give a little color punch.

Long pendants complement this vest perfectly. This one by eNVe Design by Ngan is one of my favorite.

I finished the look off with a black and cream Rebecca Minkoff Love bag to carry out the color block theme.

A few ideas out there for this style:

White Caslon Ivory Sweater (poly/acrylic)-Nordstrom’s $59.00

Vince Camuto Sneakers=DSW $69.99

Side stripped joggers-Kohls $39.99

Adding a Few Stripes

For my second idea, I’m still in black and white but added stripes. This round I’ve paired my vest with a black and white cotton knit top and black slim jeans. Striped Tees are just one of those basic things that should be in everyone’s closet (IMO). And ditto for a good pair of black jeans.

I think open toes booties are going to be around for a while and the ones here are Unisa’s Sayvi.

Here are some things I thought would work for this style:

Black & White Stripped Tee Shirt-Nordstrom’s The Rack $22.97

WIT & WISDOM Ab-solution Black Stretch Skinny Jeans-Nordstrom’s $68.00

Rebecca Minkoff’s Small Jean Saddle Bag-Rebecca Minkoff-on sale for $149

Unisa Sayvi booties (also in red)-DSW $49.00

Going Towards the Grey

Grey comes into play for my third and last style for today’s post. I chose a grey marled cotton top and a pair of washed out black jeans that from a distance look gray.

I still wear suede boots in early spring and added some by Rebecca Minkoff. Neutrals are a perfect palette to feature a dramatic pop of color and I sometime like to do that with a bag. This is another Love bag in patent reptile texture by Rebeca Minkoff.

Again, another long pendant. This one is a DIY affair because it’s was quick project to find something(s) cool and put it or them on a chain.

Here’s some items to check out:

Heather grey long sleeve Tee-Target-$18.99

Lee Platinum Gwen Straight-Leg Jeans-Macys-Macy’s $56.00

Journey Collection Vally Bootie-DSW $54.99

Michael Kors Cross Body Snake Skin Bag-Mercardi $116.00

That wraps the style ideas up for today. Covered Perfectly’s “Vest With Pockets” is reasonably priced and so versatile it is well worth the investment. Again, Pauline does makes her garments in the USA and I’m all about bring it home. And another plug for this fabric. MicroModal® is so soft and easy wearing.

Do you think this vest would help out in your spring styles and would you pick the black or blue?

Thanks to Covered Perfectly for collaborating on this post. This post does contains affiliate links which generates a few pennies for MeadowTree Style.

longcollage — From my small town’s new wine bar, St. Patty’s Day celebration with friends or visiting my daughter’s art studio, Covered Perfectly’s long and lean vest has been working hard. This also shows you don’t have to button it to still have it work its magic. My grandson William gets credit for Rachelle’s studio photo (I made a promise that I would let you all know). As most of the time, Michael took all other photos.

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed my review and ideas for wearing this vest. Take care, everyone and until next time…stay creative.

xoxo

Terri

My Sew-Sew Life-A New White Shirt

Hello dear friends,

I’m back today to chat about white shirts. Yes, white shirts, which at first seem so boring. However, with their wide range of styles, they are anything but and can open up many a new style adventure. A few months ago, I published the Baker’s Dozen of Closet Necessities. First on that list was, yes, the white shirt.

Over the years, I’ve had more than my share of white shirts; bought a few and made a few. This last one I stitched up is just an eye-catcher and will be on my “wear a lot” list for quite a while. So far, I’ve worn it to artsy events but can’t wait to try it out with some jeans for something a little more casual. It’s easily a three-season worker so there will be plenty of chances to experiment.

First of all, I think this particular shirt is a hybrid between a shirt and a swing jacket. It definitely has to be worn “as is”, no adding a belt, vest etc. Not much is needed with a piece like this because it’s a statement all its own and that is what drew me to this pattern; just an easy piece to throw on, go and look fabulous.

I finished this piece sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas. By the time I finally decided what to do with my pattern (it always takes me a very long time to make these decisions), the thing had been discontinued! Once upon a time, Vogue Patterns carried Vogue 9089 by Marcy Tilton. I probably bought this pattern in 2015 but now you can’t find it anywhere. It’s a shame because it’s quite a shirt and a classic design (IMO) that could have been worn in 2015 and still wearable in 2025!

The pattern line art gives you a chance to see the lines and details this shirt has. I made View A with View B’s sleeves. I wanted every detail I could get. The collar has a pin tuck to set it off and I definitely wanted that notch in the turn up cuffs. The extra panel in the back adds a real swing to the thing!

The fabric is a white on white pinstriped cotton by Rag and Bone purchased almost two years ago from Mood Fabrics in New York. Mood Fabric has quite a bit of designer deadstock. For me, it makes a project a little more special if I use some fabric that someone like Calvin Klein or Carolina Herrera has used. It’s not necessary but I have to admit that I get just a little excited putting it in my shopping cart!

Have you ever watched Project Runway? Mood Fabrics is where the designers all run madly around for a few minutes picking the fabrics for their designs. I don’t madly run around, I just order mine online in peace of my living room.

Styling

The look today is all black and white (with a bit of gold and blue), which is a timeless classic.

Everything but my shoes (Marc Fisher) is homegrown. I made my stretch bamboo pants a couple of years ago. My hat with the gold tassel is by KC hat designer Amina Marie Millinery.

As far as jewelry, it’s the same thing. The large blue ring is Cheryl Eve Acosta; pendent by Gorgina Hererra and bangle by Jennifer of Janesko. I guess after hanging out with these ladies for a few years, I have managed to add a few of their pieces to my collection and end up wearing them quite a bit.

Knitting Anyone?

I decided to double up here and add my newest knitting work because it goes perfectly with this whole look I have going today. It’s all black and a highly textured Rows of Many Colors shawl that I just finished. I know, there isn’t any color in this particular piece, but usually there is.

I developed this technique about a dozen years ago, to help alleviate the rather large pile of yarn that I was collecting (didn’t work). I’m not going to elaborate about the “Rows of Many Colors” technique, because I’ve done a full blog post about it HERE.

The First Time

My shirt made its first debut in Joplin at an art gallery where daughter Rachelle was showing some of her drawings. Style wise, I changed a few things here, mainly adding my crazy conspicuous pearl bowed tapestry slides by John Madden. They take up so much visual space; I have to be careful with what I pick to accompany them.

What kind of Mom would I be if I didn’t show off my Hummingbird earrings? I’d been after daughter Rachelle for a while to create some lace earrings for me and she did these for my last birthday. She designed Hummingbirds and it’s to bad we couldn’t show both earrings because each bird is doing something different. I thought they were a perfect with the flowers on my slides.

Finally, a word about my hair for that night… this is Jon Renau’s “Heat” in Palm Springs Blond. Sometimes it’s just fun to go blond and I’m all about the hair adventure!

A close up of those pearl bows.

Do you ever go with the classic black and white look? There are probably some who just love color so much they would never cross over to the B/W side. It seems I’m the opposite. I love my black and white and like adding a bit of color for a little contrast. Are you yea, nay or just in the middle?

A Bit of Sewing-My Heart Sings for French Seams

I love French Seams. Nothing makes a garment more finished (unless lined) than a French Seam. Sewn in a two part process, they are easy and gives your garment professionally finished look. I don’t have a good way to do videos found a good instructional one on YouTube by Jeniffer of Work Room Social.

I’ve reached the end of my story today. That’s what I’ve been up to: sewing, knitting, going to art shows, teaching a bit and a little bit of Instagram and just trying to be creative in general.

Take care, everyone and until next time…stay creative.

I would be remiss if I didn’t list my friends’ online sites for their art:

Amina Marie Millinery

Cheryl Eve Acosta

Janesko Designs

xoxo

Terri

IMG_2357-1 — **Just Happy in Black and White (from a couple of years ago)**

My Sew Sew Life-The Gingham Trend + 1st. Friday’s Slow Fashion Walk

Quite a few bloggers seem to be wearing gingham these days so maybe it is “on trend”. Gingham was very much a trend for me a few short years ago in 1966. That’s when I made my black and white gingham Mary Quant dress. Special memories this dress brings, so I hope to keep it in my closet a few more years.

The Summer of ’66

In truth, I didn’t make it myself. I was a pretty good seamstress for someone just 16 but a total flop at handwork or smocking. The pattern had an insert of smocking which I tried but just couldn’t get the hang of it.

Fortunately, Mom was good at about all things needlework and tackled the smocking while I took on all the other sewing of the dress. I still have a clear memory of her sitting on the floor by my bedroom window and stitching away.

Honestly, it was amazing she even bought the pattern and material. Dad was a sheet metal mechanic for TWA (Trans World Airlines) and a union man. That summer, five days after I turned 16, the union went on strike. It turned out to be the most widespread strike in airline history.

I just remember the summer of ’66 being rough for our family. We had no money coming in for what seemed like a terrible long time. I refreshed my memory by reading about the strike HERE. I didn’t realize then how lucky I was that Mom bought that pattern and material for me.

In the end, the machinists’ lot improved in terms of safety and income. The strike and the union really benefited our family’s well being…

Mary Quant

Black and white has always been my favorite color combination even back in ’66. Some things just don’t change. Back then, like most teen girls, I was in love with the Beatles and the whole British invasion thing.

Mary Quant was considered a leader of this new hip look. I was so thrilled when she worked with Butterick to create patterns for us teens (or our mothers and grandmothers) to sew. I ended up making a dress, a jumper (an American jumper not a sweater) and a navy spring coat. I still have my dress and jumper.

Leggings, Flats, Boots and a Backpack

When I went to college, I hemmed this dress up ridiculously short (it has a 7” hem). If I had worn that length in High School, very likely I would have been sent home for indecent exposure!

I didn’t change the hem length for these photos, I just put on a pair of leggings. If I wear this dress out and about now, I think I would let it down at least 2”. (Michael likes the hem right where it is…imagine that.) Black leggings would still be in the mix because they look great with it.

Butterick 3505

**She’s an old and battered pattern, but I still have her. And yes you are reading my maiden name. Until the age of 23, I was know as Teresa Lynn Reinschmidt.**

In the second pix above (and just below), I’m wearing NineWest loafer-styled flats. Can I remember what shoes I originally wore with my dress? Looking at the model and drawings on the Butterick pattern, the stylists picked Mary Jane’s (didn’t have) and what what might be smoking loafers (didn’t have those either).

I recall having loafers back in High School so that’s probably what I settled on. But my heart even then was really with white booties–which I happily found on clearance last June at Marshalls (my GoGo booties, in the pix above the pattern).

These booties were love at first sight and I really thought they would be a cinch to work with. Whoops, that hasn’t been the case. However, I am determined to come up with something so it’s time to put on my creative thinking cap on how to incorporate them this fall. Do you think we are well past that old Mom’s rule of, ”no white after labor day?” I think I might dare wear my white booties if I go gallery hopping this 1st Friday in September.

In the early 2000’s my sister gave me a small black leather backpack that she no longer needed. I literally carried it everywhere for years until wearing it out. I was very attached to that bag. Good daughter Rachelle tried to alleviate my loss when she picked up this nylon Nine West backpack at an estate sale. For awhile, I really didn’t give the backpack a chance. Finally, over a dozen years later, I’ve been using it on a regular basis and I don’t know why it took me so long.

My Favorite Gingham Collection of All Time

I’m closing out with my favorite gingham collection of all time. When WW II was raging, French couture was absent and American designers came into their own and started designing sophisticated looks around more basic American fabrics.

In 1942, American costume and clothing designer, Adrian, created the Gingham Girls hostess gowns using humble American made gingham. If you aren’t familiar with Adrian, he designed the costumes for the 1939 production of The Wizard of Oz.

fullDGGIRLS — This photo is taken from the book, *American Beauty* by Patricia Mears. *American Beauty* is a chronicle of pivotal American designers; may which have become obscured over time. I highly recommend this book, if nothing else for its gorgeous photos. I found mine used on Amazon a couple of years ago and am constantly referring to it.

This finishes my part of this September 1st Friday Slow Fashion Walk. One of the ways you can hook up is styling with something that has been in your closet for a good long time, say ten years or more.

Now, it’s time to have all of you share any Instagram or blog photos of your slow fashion. Here are just a few ideas: thrifted, locally made, Fair Trade, DIY, traded, borrowed, and just been in your closet forever. I look forward to see what everyone has been up to.

To get in the spirit of things I created a collage of the wonderful slow Fashionistas that linked up in August.

If you don’t follow any of these ladies, you are missing out on great inspirations. Starting from the top left they are:

AnneMarie of Mutton Years Style & I-her IG is mutton_style
Mary of The Pouting Pensioner -her IG is thepountingpensioner

Jodie of http://www.jtouchofstyle.com – her IG is @jtouchofstyle

Trina of Tipey Heelz-her IG is tipseyheelzblogger

Michelle of Shebee on the Edge and her IG is @shelbeeontheedge

Nicole of High Lattitude Style – her IG is highlatitudestyle/
Penny of Frugal Fashion Shopper -her IG is frugalfashionshopper

Charlotte of http://www.jtouchofstyle.com – her IG is @jtouchofstyle/

Jess of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish-her IG is elegantlydressedandstylish

Carmen of Fashion With Compassion-her IG is @forthejoyofit
Nancy of http://www.jtouchofstyle.com – her IG is @jtouchofstyle
Michelle and her IG is michelle_dvm99
Emma of Style Splash-her IG is @thestylesplash

It’s now time to start our new Slow Fashion Walk for August. It starts today and stays open until September 30th.

To link up, Just click the blue button below and it will take you to a new page. Copy your URL, crop your photo and that is just about it.

If you haven’t ever joined a Linkup before and want some help, here is my guide.

Visit some of the other bloggers and above all else have some fun.

I link up with some great blogs every week. To see who they are go HERE.

Michael gets credit for the photos and editing. If you spot a mistake, it’s all his fault.

Again, thanks for stopping by. Take care……..

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My Sew-Sew Life-Linen Chambray Tunic

I just finished a new linen tunic, finally. I’ve only had this Craftsy project kit for 2 & 1/2 years! When daughter Michelle saw me wearing it, she just shook her head and exclaimed, “Mom, I can’t believe you did something so hippy dippy!”

Hippy Dippy? Me? (OK, once in a while). I actually don’t think this is so hippy dippy, but maybe an early 60’s breezy beach vibe comes to mind.

The pattern that came with the kit was Simplicity 4149. Frankly, I would not bought this pattern on its own, but I really wanted the chambray linen that came with it. In the beginning, I even considered using a different pattern for my linen. But as you can see, I stuck with the original one.

As Time Went By…

This pattern is rated an easy-to-sew pattern. However, during the two years this project sat around, I found ways to just make it a littler more harder and more time consuming.

In spring ’17 (thinking I was going to make this tunic last summer), I decided it needed fringe. I didn’t want what we typically think of fringe (think kitchen café curtains from the 60’s). I had no idea what I was looking for,but just knew I would know when I found it. I did find exactly what I wanted at Bingus Pingus Art on ETSY which was four yards of French vintage cotton tape fringe trim in an off white color…perfect!

il_570xN.1171036513_o7d3 — **fringe created from what looks like cotton tape used in tailoring**

As my project sat around for year two, I decided that all those stitches on my Baby-Lock sewing machine were going to waste. So why not add some embellishing stitches? And not just along the edges but as an overall pattern. Did I underestimate how long this was going to take? Well, of course I did!

The Sewing Nitty Gritty

As I mentioned in the intro, this is linen. It’s wonderfully cool but it will wrinkle and you have to live with the wrinkles. I’ve read a few articles on how to prepare linen so it won’t wrinkle as much, but I’ve yet to try any of them.

To be on the safe side, I marked each row of embroidery with a water-soluble blue marker pin so I would go crooked with my stitches. Also, I used cut strips of Pellon’s 541 Wash-N-Gone Stabilizer behind each row of embroidery. I did a test with and without the stabilizer backing. The stitches looked a lot better with the stabilizer and its a breeze getting the stabilizer washed out.

Now, if I was going to add stitches to silk, velvet or wool, I would use a light weight tear away stabilizer. Believe me, they make a stabilizer for every purpose.

Embroidery stabilizer has its uses in other home sewing projects and this was one of them. I will always some type of stabilizer when I’m adding decorative stitches. That is, if I decide to spend hours making pretty stitches again.

Mom taught me that a garment’s inside had to look as good as its outside so I fretted about the fringe edge. I don’t know if I can clearly explain what I came up with but I’m going to give it a go.

I doubled the hem over my fringe edge and then hand stitched. That means I did have two rows of hand stitching, one attaching the hem to the fringe tape and on the top just like you would finishing a hem on any garment. Clear? Probably not, but I gave it my best. It’s something I came up with on the spur of the moment because I couldn’t stand seeing the tape edge on the inside of my top.

Linen fabric frays. There are a few ways to take care of this: line the garment (sort of negates wanting to keep super-cool thought), serge all edges (one problem there, I haven’t taken time to learn my new serger), bind all seams or French seams. I love the look of French seams so that was what I used. However, I did use self-binding (I had enough fabric) around my armholes.

**The hem turned down on top of the fringe edge.**

Back To Fashion

OK, I didn’t mean to literally turn my back but I did embellish the back too. I have a pet peeve when a garment has something cool on the front and they didn’t bother with the back.

Sewing is one of the parts of my style and fashion expression. I continue to be grateful to my mother for teaching me my way around a spool of thread and a needle.

Knowing just a smidgen about how to raise or lower a hem, take in a side seam here and there can open up so many possibilities of what one can wear–especially if you are exploring thrifted items.

Really Back To Fashion

White Restyled Jeans

My cropped white pants were originally a pair of White House/Black Market long jeans found at Salvation Army. There were zippers on the bottom but the legs were too wide and it just looked wrong. Form and function were not working. Rather than re-donating them, I cut the legs off and turned them into cropped pants. Finally, I am getting some wear out of them. Plus, I have two really cool 6” zippers if I can figure out what to do with them!

Later, I will probably try my tunic with other bottoms but for now the white works for me.

Coach Crossbody Bag

Have you ever gotten something, wore it once and then forgot about it? That’s what happened to this little Coach Crossbody. I’m pretty sure I bought this the spring I retired (2012), wore it once to the zoo with my sister, put it away and never thought about it again.

That changed when I rediscovered it and started carrying it this week. I think the Periwinkle against the grey, black and white is a striking color contrast. So why did I forget about it?

The problem for me with smaller bags has always been my wallet. I finally found the perfect solution with an Accessed Denied RFID card carrier. It’s takes care of all my important cards that I need and has opened up using smaller for every day.

1370-Teal-C_800x — **My game changer-It’s a handy dandy little thing. Even when I do carry my wallet, I still keep my important things in this and keep it in an interior zipped pocket.**

Back to my Coach logo bag; after getting this bag, I decided that I was done with any logo patterned bags by Coach.

My Love of Keds

Ever since I was a kid, I have loved white Keds. When I found these tripled walls on clearance on Amazon last fall, there was no question that I was going to get them.

Does white canvas take extra work? Yes, but I love them so I clean them with either a potato scrubber brush or a fingernail brush after wearing. It just takes a few minutes and I am so happy when I have a pair of bright white Keds on!

I wonder if I’m alone in still liking something from my childhood. Does anyone else have something that they still enjoy, do or wear since they were a kid?

The Most Obvious Accessory

Yes, I’m sporting a wig today. I am now a believer in them for a change of pace, solutions for older thinning hair and hey, just for fun! I’m not going to say more because this topic deserves a post all of its own. My daughters and I now all wear wigs (I was the last convert). In a future post we three are going to collaborate on why we “wig out” and each of us have very different stories to tell.

What Kind of Blogger Am I?

Lately, I’ve been mulling over what type of blogger I am. I read a few blogs that are blended or covering a variety of topics. Lately, I think MeadowTree Style is a blended fashion blog. Why? Well, there are three reasons; I enjoy writing about:

fashion and with an emphasis on slow fashion
Sewing and occasionally knitting
3. Fashion History-Until the end of December, my fashion history commentary will be only on Instagram but next year my fashion history musings will be here.

So there you have it; a little style, a dallop DIY and a tad bit of history and I’m a happy camper! That’s it for this post. I’ll see you in a couple of weeks when I back for September’s Slow Fashion Walk.

However, The 1st. Friday’s Slow Fashion Walk is still going on for August, in fact, until August 31st. So you still have time to join up with your slow fashion takes and be in next months collage.

To link up, Just click the blue button below and it will take you to a new page. Copy your URL, crop your photo and that is just about it.

Visit some of the other bloggers and above all else have some fun.

I link up with some great blogs every week. To see who they are go HERE.

Michael gets credit for the photos of me for today’s’ effort.

Again, thanks for stopping by. Take care……..

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

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Trina Turk Silk Top: August’s Slow Fashion Linkup

Do you listen to podcasts? I do. I especially enjoy listening to fashion and fashion history podcasts. Charles Beckwith’s American Fashion Podcast was the first podcast that I subscribed to and still is one of my favorites.

Generally, he works and broadcasts out of New York but occasionally goes on the road. Earlier this summer there was a series from Los Angeles. The June 29^th podcast was an interview with Trina Turk, who has been know for her California inspired designs since 1996.

I’ve know about Trina Turk but never seriously looked for her designs. Intrigued after listening the interview I went on a little hunt for something of hers to add to my closet.

What I found was a second loved little top that shouts “summer is here”! It has a little California vibe with a little 60s mixed in. I was also drawn to the small ruffling detail on the front.

This print has almost all the tints of the main hues of the color wheel: red, blue, green, violet with orange and yellow being combined into a yellow orange. There’s also a little bit of tan and grey. If done right, quite a few colors can be combined in a design.

The top’s fabric is silk and it was manufactured in Los Angeles. Trina mentioned in her interview that she had as many things made in LA as she could. She usually keeps to simple shapes and lets the fabric print do the important work and these simpler shaped garments can be made in LA. I feel double lucky that I found a very reasonable priced top on eBay and that it was made in the USA.

Are any of you Trina Turk fans? I really would be interested because this is my first time wearing her.

Accessories

White accessories pair fabulously with this top. I have my pair of white summer cotton trousers on that I sourced two years ago from Target. This is the second time they have been on the blog, just this summer. Honestly, I will wear these until they fall apart.

I found my laser cut MAC bag by Rebecca Minkoff the first summer I was retired. I’ve worn it more this summer than ever because, well, I never get tired of this bag

There’s about 34 MAC bags on RM’s site in different textures and colors. When she has one you really like, it’s best to get it because when it’s gone it’s gone. I can tell you that this particular bag gets attention!

My pink smoking flats are Mercanti Fiorentini from DSW and again something I picked up the summer after I retired.

For fun, I’ve added a very busy and highly beaded thrifted bracelet. Finally, I have on one of my pieces from Cydney Ross. I love this young woman. She is a sculptor and Gallery Coordinator for the Belger Crane Yard Studios in Kansas City. She also makes jewelry and as I now have four of her pieces, you could say I’m a fan.

IMG_5188-1 — I’m also a fan of the Belger Crane Yard Studio s. They have fun date nights where we can go, make, create and paint ceramics. And there is always great art and ceramics to see in their galleries! While I was painting my Santa, Michael was throwing a pot on the wheel.

This finishes my part of this August Slow Fashion Walk.

Now it is time to have all of you share any Instagram or blog photos of anything you think is slow fashion. Here are just a few ideas: thrifted, locally made, Fair Trade, DIY, traded, borrowed and just been in your closet forever (or a least 10 years). I look forward to see what everyone been up to.

To get in the spirit of things I created a collage the wonderful slow fashionistas that linked up in July.

If you don’t follow any of these ladies, you are missing out on great inspirations. They are:

Jodie of http://www.jtouchofstyle.com – her IG is @jtouchofstyle
Carmen of Fashion With Compassion-her IG is @forthejoyofit
Michelle of Shebee on the Edge and her IG is @shelbeeontheedge
Mary of The Pouting Pensioner -her IG is @thepountingpensioner
Patti of Not Dead Yet Style-her IG is @notdeadyetstyle
Penny of Frugal Fashion Shopper -her IG is @frugalfashionshopper
Leslie, a guest of http://www.jtouchofstyle.com – her IG is @jtouchofstyle
Nicole of High Lattitude Style – her IG is @highlatitudestyle/
Jacqui of Mummabstylish-her IG is @mummabstylish
Ronnie of Ronnie Rambles On-her IG is @ronnierambleson
Jess of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish-her IG is @elegantlydressedandstylish
Kate and her IG is @Kate’s Kitch
Michelle and her IG is @michelle_dvm99
Charlotte of http://www.jtouchofstyle.com – her IG is @jtouchofstyle/
AnneMarie of Mutton Years Style & I-her IG is@mutton_style
Maggie of Thrift Shop Fashionista – her IG is @thriftshopfashionista

It’s now time to start our new Slow Fashion Walk for August. It starts today and stays open until August 31st.

To link up, Just click the blue button below and it will take you to a new page. Copy your URL, crop your photo and that is just about it.

Visit some of the other bloggers and above all else have some fun.

I link up with some great blogs every week. To see who they are go HERE.

Michael gets credit for the photos of me and editing. If you spot a mistake, it’s his fault.

Again, thanks for stopping by. Take care……..

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

My Sew Sew Life-Pattern Hacker

I’m a pattern hacker from way back. No, I’m not an Internet pirate that steals code. I change and rearrange a sewing pattern to get what I want or need. Almost every sewing blog that I follow talks about the style changes they made with their working pattern. Creative people are, well, creative.

The two fashions I’m wearing for today’s post were changed, each for a different reason, one planned and one a matter of necessity.

The Planned Pattern Hack

crowned — **In Dallas, accessorizing my top with long leggings, lizard textured wedges, my MCK Pendent, my main “go to” black bag and a crown by AnnMann Designs.**

I wanted a dramatic high/low top for a trip that my daughters and I took to Dallas at the end of May. I settled on New Look 6439. There were things that 6439 had that I wanted; a wide V-Neck, 3/4 sleeves and a fit and flair styling.

The Sewing Nitty Gritty

To get the look I wanted, I added 5″ of length onto the front and 16″ onto the back of View D. After that, I adjusted the side seams to create a smooth transition from the front to the back.

My next step–I think really important–was to make a muslin from a cheaper polyester knit to check the sizing and make any adjustments that appeared necessary. Fortunately, the pattern itself was a good fit. The muslin step is important if you want worry free sewing .

This is an “Easy Just for Knits” pattern, a good one for beginners. The only part that needs extra attention is putting the band around the V-Neck. Basting it on before machine sewing eliminates any hardship with getting an even width.

I used my walking foot to ease the fabric through because this seems to help if you are sewing knits with a regular machine.

I like this pattern. Hmm….I can see eventually adding maybe 10” on the front and turning it into a dress…maybe with a knit that has a print.

The sizing is pretty accurate. For me, I did my usual cutting the bust part a larger size and the rest of the pattern in a smaller size.

The Fabric

The fabric I chose was Ken-Dor’s T7880 – Tencel™ Organic Cotton Jersey. which is 70% Lyocell (Tencel™), 30% Organic Cotton. I love Ken-Dor fabric because, “Ken-Dor takes great pride in specializing in environmentally & socially responsible knit and woven textiles and strives to ensure that partner mills adhere to multiple global standards of environmental and social compliance.”

Ken-Dor does not sell directly to consumers. I use the The Sourcing District because there is a five yard minimum on fabric orders. Although, I’m not quite a designer, The Sourcing District is perfect for smaller independent designers who don’t need hundreds of yards of a single fabric.

This fabric is silky smooth and a pleasure to work with. It will be easy to make other garments with what I have left. I think it is the perfect T-Shirt fabric.

FashionShow — How I wore my high/low to a Kansas City fashion show. The shoes are the same but I added two more pieces: MKC jewelry and a vintage Rodo clutch. I also tried cropped leggings for this look. That’s my friend Paige (and our Edward Jones financial advisor).

Where Can You Buy Tencel Fabric Online?

I did a little looking around and found a large selection of Tencel at Fashion Fabric Club. I may try them out when I decide to make my dress from this pattern using a print.

Besthippychic — **And one more variation. Back to short leggings with a pair of Martha Davis sandals, vintage sword necklace by 74th Harley Street. Someone dubbed me “Hippy Chic” that night. I’ll take that.**

The Unplanned Pattern Hack

Earlier I wrote that making a muslin of your pattern is an important step. Well…sometimes I don’t always practice what I preach.

The pattern that I used is Style Arc’s Jacinta Knit Dress. It came along with the fabric in a kit that was on clearance at Craftsy about two years ago. I had been wanting a maxi dress and really liked the fabric print.

**This is a comfortable dress without much shaping around the waist. I’ve seen photos of others who have made it and put a belt with it–also a nice look.**

For some reason, last summer, I just decided to cut out the dress without even worrying if it would fit. What I did worry about was matching the print stripes at the side seams. After cutting it out, it just sat there until this spring. Finally I decided to hand-baste the dress together and try it on. Oh my, this thing was so low in the front, I could never wear it out!

Okay, time to creatively correct my mistake with a pattern hack. I added an inverted triangle in black jersey knit. Wearing a black camisole underneath would also have worked, but I thought that might leave me feeling too warm.

A Little Bit About the Pattern and Sewing Nitty Gritty

Due to the minimal accompanying instructions, I would suggest this pattern is for intermediate sewers. Also, the line drawings make the dress look shaped but it is really a straight fit. But don’t be too intimidated, it is still a great summer maxi and easy to wear. I wore it on the plane when the girls and I flew to Dallas. For me, this is probably one of those one and done patterns. But I would still try a Style Arc pattern again because, in general, I like their designs.

Important Link For This Post

Craftsy

Ken-Dor Textile

Style Arc Patterns

New Look Patterns

The Sourcing District

It’s time to button up my latest adventure with pattern hacking. I’ve changed patterns around for as long as I’ve been sewing and that is going back to the 60s. However, I’ve only come across the term “pattern hacking” a couple of years ago on social media. I guess now we have to have a name for everything.

I’ll be back when August’s 1st Friday rolls around with another Slow Fashion Walk. Until then, stay creative.

July’s Slow Fashion Walk

The Slow Fashion Walk is open until July 31st.

To link up, Just click the blue button below and it will take you to a new page. Copy your URL, crop your photo and that is just about it.

Visit some of the other bloggers and above all else have some fun.

I link up with some great blogs every week. To see who they are go HERE.

Michael and Rachelle get credit for most of the photos of me and editing.

Again, thanks for stopping by. Take care……..

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Boho Chic With April Madden: The July Slow Fashion Walk

Well okay, I’m wondering, where did June go? Fly by it did, though, and now it’s time to share our First Friday in July, slow fashion walk. What I happily want to share, dear readers, is a look from a local Kansas City designer, April Madden of April Madden Studio.

April uses vintage Indian Sari and ethnic textiles to create one of a kind pieces. She is one of the most elegant up-cycle designers that I know. Her pieces appeal to my hippy chic side. This top is created from a vintage sari; the front and back are different. It is like I have two tops in one!

I can’t decide which side I prefer. Mustard yellow and a dusty violet are superbly mixed in this print. To me, these two color wheel complements are maybe the hardest to use together. However, when each color has been either darkened or lightened, they can be a very striking combination.

Here I wear my April Madden with a pair of purple/brown leggings. I guarantee I will wear this super comfortable outfit when the kids come this weekend for a our family 4th of July/birthday (mine) fling.

Not My Only April Madden

Below is a dress April created from a silk and gold metallic thread sari. I just feel so elegant in it!

April also creates prints using antique wood printing blocks–which I find fascinating. Below is an example of a black shirt with gold prints. Further below is April holding one of her antique printing blocks. Can you see how she uses the block to print out a circle design?

Being Inspired

Most of you know about my DIY tendencies. So…I’ve wondered if one could find a vintage sari. Of course! On eBay, I won my auction for $16 (no shipping) but had to wait about three weeks to get it shipped from New Delhi, India. As if on cue, it arrived today, the very day I’m putting together this post. I’m pretty excited to just have it, five yards of gorgeous fabric. I’m contemplating making a Caftan but am in no hurry to make any decisions.

I’ve finished my walk for today. Now it is time to have all of you share any Instagram photos or blog photos of anything you think is slow fashion. Here’s just a few ideas: thrifted, locally made, Fair Trade, DIY, traded, borrowed and just been in your closet forever (or a least 10 years). I look forward to see what everyone been up to.

To get in the spirit of things I created a collage the wonderful slow fashionistas that linked up in June.