Our Jasmine Envelope Clutch sew along starts in August! So exactly what is a sew along? It's like a long distance meet up. We all work on the same project at the same time but in different cities heck, even different countries. We chat about the project, we share pictures and we work together if you get stuck. Once everyone has their kits or bought their fabrics and supplies we will get started. We will sew a little bit every day or so and I will guide you through the process with detailed posts and pictures. When we are done you will walk away with a brand new clutch purse, maybe a new skill and hopefully some new friends.

How do we start? Easy! Below you will find a swatch sheet of available fabrics suitable for the clutch. All are heavyweight cotton and easy to work with. You can purchase a kit from me for $40 (including shipping) Each kit includes everything you need to finish your clutch excluding thread and of course a sewing machine! Kit includes clutch pattern, outer fabric, lining fabric, interfacing and zipper. Zipper will be coordinated with outer fabric and lining will be something fun. Fabric flower shown is optional and not included in the kit. I will however show you how to make it!

Prefer to purchase your own fabric? Not a problem. You will need to purchase 1 yard each of fabric, lining and interfacing, 14' zipper and thread.

Additional supplies needed are:

• sewing machine
• thread
• iron
• scissors
• measuring tape (if kit not purchased)
• large button, pin back and needle/thread for flower (optional)

Email me your fabric selection and I will forward you an invoice via Paypal. Any questions let me know!

Cheers!
Jackie

Spring styles

I recently had the pleasure of a sneak peek at the new spring fashions at Kohls. It's making me crazy for spring to arrive. I am loving all the bright colors! What's your favorite?

Bold and yummy accessories!

Cute outfit for work.

Simply beautiful!

Colored carpis scream summer.

Sexy!

Perfect dress for everyone.

Cap Sleeve Jacket

Ah the cap sleeve jacket, perfect alternative to a long sleeve jacket when the weather heats up and you still have to look professional. A short sleeve jacket is fun and flirty so have some fun when pairing it with other pieces! Think simple t-shirts, camisoles or how about a ruffly blouse. Don't be afraid to wear it now with a long sleeve top and a pair of dark denims. When choosing accessories look for a bold necklace or a big chunky bracelet.

This black jacket easily transitions to work wear when paired with a pencil skirt and silky blouse. I hear you - what if you don't want to bear your arms?  Look for a short sleeve jacket with arms a bit longer than a cap sleeve. This jacket from Macy's is perfect and it's on sale for $35.99!

What a great look!

And if you sew...on sale for only $3.00 at the Butterick site.

The Sleeveless Trench

I love trench coats! What a classic look that remains strong year after year. On the runways the sleeveless trench was everywhere. But sleeveless? Hmmm not sure about that. To me a sleeveless trench coat defeats the purpose of a coat. Maybe it's because here in Cleveland it's cold more months out of the year than it is warm. But if you want to be ultra trendy this Spring? Go for the sleeveless trench. This trench is from Urban Outfitters for $79.00. Want to save some money? Check out a resale or thrift shop and cut the sleeves off. Interested in a tutorial? Let me know maybe you can talk me into it!

For me I think wearing the sleeveless trench as a dress is the way to go. My favorite is this trench coat dress from Kenneth Cole for $129.00. A bit more than I like to pay for a dress but in white imagine how many looks you could come up with.  Pair it with a bold piece of jewelry or a pair of wedges. You could slip on a pair of flats to create a casual look. You could swap out the belt with a more colorful one, think black or even red.

If you have some sewing talents (or maybe a friend) check out this great looking pattern from Butterick. What do you think about this trend? Would you wear it?

Spring 2011

It's that time! Time to think about Spring fashion trends. This year includes some fun looks and some edgy looks. I have to say I was a bit shocked by some of the looks this season but very happy with others. So what's in store...sleeveless trench coats, capped sleeve jackets, graphic tee's, graphic designer inspired long skirts, high waisted jeans, mixed up prints, military look, sheer layers, neutrals, bold colors and comfy clothes.

Over the next couple of weeks we will attack them one at a time but first my favorites include the graphic tee's and skirts, mixed up prints, anything military inspired, bold colors and of course comfy clothes. I cannot say I am ready to endorse a sleeveless trench or high waisted jeans and honestly I am tired of neutrals (maybe it's because of a very long and cold winter)!

Here are some pic's so you get an idea of what the looks are all about. What are your favorites? What would you avoid?

Sleeveless Trench Coat

Cap Sleeve Jacket

Graphic Tee

Graphic Skirt

High Waisted Jeans

Mix & Match Prints

Military Inspired

Sheer

Neutrals

Bold Color

Comfy

Milestone

We are reaching a milestone in sales on our website. The person whose order is that magical number will receive a free bag along with their purchase. Celebrate with 25% off any order of $50 or more now through January 28. Enter milestone at checkout! It could be 1 more sale or it could be 3 you never know! Good luck:)

Go shopping now!

Fab Finds!

Forever 21
From the website...Celebrated by many style conscious and trend-savvy shoppers, Forever 21 has quickly become the source for the most current fashions at the greatest value. Forever 21 is growing quickly, featuring new and exciting store environments, a constant flow of fun and creative clothing designs and the accessories to make your look come together at the right price.

How can you not love Forever 21! The prices are affordable and the fashion is current and trendy. However, the shopping experience can be overwhelming. The store is packed to the brim with racks and displays. Go prepared to spend time. It can be hard to find your size there and when you do TRY IT ON! Their return policy both in store and online is horrendous. The good thing - you can get some fabulous items at rock bottom prices. Visit the store during the week avoiding weekends and plan to spend some time.

At Forever21.com we found these leggings for $4.50. Even if you never leave the house in them they are a great steal. Earrings for $1.50. Basic v-neck tee in a multitude of colors for $4.50. Thermal knit top (great for layering) for only $6.50. And our favorite this pleated crop jacket for $16.50! Have you shopped at Forever 21? Share your tips!

Click here to submit a Fab Find! and be entered into our monthly drawing to win something fabulous from our website!

A little bit of oomph!

The stores are starting to showcase Spring clothes but most of us cannot even think about Spring clothes with snow on the ground and temperatures below the freezing mark. So how to add a bit of oomph to your closet without breaking the bank? Accessories!

Ok admittedly our number one way is with handbags. But they really can add a splash of color and a fresh look to say a brown turtleneck and jeans. You know the drill - the bag does not have to match the shoes and you can mix patterns. Speaking of shoes…another great way to add oomph to your wardrobe. Choose shoes in a fabulous color and you can easily create a slimming effect all over.

Scarves are everywhere and priced affordably. Just be sure to pick a flattering color for your skin tone because you are going to wear the scarf close to your face. And then there’s the jewelry. Bold statement pieces take an outfit from blah to wow instantly. We love stacked bracelets in gorgeous colors. Just don’t overdo it!

Belts are another great accessory. Chain belts, wide leather belts, skinny belts or even scarf belts all work to add a pop of color and accentuate your waist.

Spend some time mixing and matching these accessory pieces with your current wardrobe. We love the belt featured from New York and Company for $16.06. Wear it over a jacket or sweater - instant color!

What's your favorite way to add spark to your wardrobe?

Spring 2011

It's snowing here in beautiful Cleveland, Oh and what better to do than to think about Spring! Pantone recently announced it's color of the year for 2011 - honeysuckle. A rich vibrant shade of pink that is both eye-catching and alluring creating a sense of confidence while evoking boldness. We love it! Nothing says warm like honeysuckle, even the name screams summer. Now how would you wear this bold color?

Our first thought is makeup - a rich pink blush or lipstick would be oh so fresh for Spring. According to the Pantone site in fashion "Honeysuckle always works with the standard basics of black, navy, charcoal or light to mid gray". We love the mix of honeysuckle with silver gray or the russet brown. Think lightweight cardigan in honeysuckle with a pair of pants in the russet brown. Bright, bold and uplifting.

Too much color for you? Our favorite way to add a trend to our closet (and infuse a bit of color) is with accessories. So how about a scarf in honeysuckle or maybe even a handbag! Paired with jeans and a neutral top you can't go wrong. Affordable fashion!

Planning on incorporating pantone's color of the year into your wardrobe? Tell us how?

Milestone

We are reaching a milestone in number of sales on our web site. Maybe it's time to offer a little giveaway to the lucky person who hits that magical number. What do you think??? We are thinking in addition to their purchase they can choose a free bag. It could be one more sale, it could be 5 more sales!

How about a promotion?

Did you hear we are now offering purse parties both in home and virtual. Want more information please contact us or visit our website.

For any party booked and held during the month of January the hostess will receive a special gift in addition to the hostess rewards!

Fab Finds!

J Jill
From the website...J Jill is a leading multichannel fashion retailer of women's apparel, accessories and footwear. We have a relaxed approach to style. Never complicated, always easy. The perfect balance of comfort and fashion, designed for real life.

It's cold out and the nights are long. After a long day at work this sweater topper for $99 would be scrumptious to slip on (in our humble opinion)! This sweater topper has a reverse-knit placket and collar with rolled edges and is thigh length. Made from cotton and cashmere - see what we mean! Pair it with a cozy tee and a pair of leggings or knit pants and you are done for the evening. Weather permitting you can pair this with a pair of jeans and a belt. What is your favorite color? We love the light gray heather.

Click here to submit a Fab Find! and be entered into our monthly drawing to win something fabulous from our website!

Fab Finds!

Francesca's Closet
From the website...Since opening its first store in 1999, Francesca's Collections has become one of the fastest-growing women's fashion retailers in the country. This privately held company, with locations in over 32 states, provides its shoppers with an eclectic, carefully chosen assortment of treasured items. Francesca's provides this unique shopping experience to our patrons by taking its inspiration from travelers who search the world for beautiful luxuries and gifts to bring to their friends and family.

Once again we find a one stop shop that delivers a treasure chest of options for every woman who visits. We fell in love with this tunic for only $38.00. With three functional pockets and a drawstring waist it's not only flattering but perfect for layering. And who says winter has to be boring? Not with this yummy jacket in ivory for $68.00. And what about this tee shirt for $24.00 that has 3 different looks to it! Our favorite color is definitely the navy. For those chilly days and evenings we love this wrap in rust for $34.00.

Not only does Francesca's Closet offer online shopping but they have boutiques in nearly every state! What are your favorite pieces from Francesca's Closet?

Click here to submit a Fab Find! and be entered into our monthly drawing to win something fabulous from our website!

Fall Fashion 2010 - Capes

From what we hear the cape is the single most important item to have in your closet this year. If you are investing in one trendy item this fall it appears the cape is the item. You are probably thinking what we're thinking - how to pick one and how to wear it!

Pick a cape that reflects your personality. Then look for one that suits your body type. A lightweight cape that hits thigh length is always flattering as it creates a slimming effect. A little heavier on the bottom - look for a shorter style that has structure and even a belt. Top heavy women should avoid any cape that has a flowing look to it opting for one that is more fitted. As with any item you put on your body the end result should be slimming and balanced. This goes for the cape too. Balance out the volume of the cape with slim bottoms like skinny jeans or how about that pencil skirt! Go easy with the accessories as the cape is just about all you need.

We love this cape from Chadwicks for only $69.99. It's gorgeous in gray tweed (another fall trend) especially paired with a pair of dark denim jeans or a black pencil skirt. Would you wear a cape?

Another great question

Fab Finds! received another great question from a reader today. We had to share and she did not mind. Her question..."I am in love with your Morgan Paris in Gray bag. It's all me but I am not sure what to wear it with. I am used to only carrying one basic black bag. How would you suggest I wear it, I like basics".

Ok we love this bag too;) The fabric has such personality and if you have not tried on a Morgan bag you should. She fits snuggly under your arm with room for a jacket. So what's a girl to do? Sounds like our reader is a fan of classic styles who does not venture too far with patterns or with styles. For her our suggestion is to pair the bag with neutrals and a touch of color either in your top or how about your shoes! We paired the bag with some great dark jeans, a multi use gray cardigan over a winter white cowl tee. Or for a touch of color how about a super stylish tee in a beautiful shade of purple. Pop on a great pair of heels and you are done! Did you notice all items can be worn with other items in your closet?

How would you wear Meredith Paris in Gray? Got a fashion question? Send them our way here!

Fashion question

Fab Finds! received a question from a reader that we thought needed to be answered and shared with everyone. The reader asked "I am a few years past 50, every store I go to has leggings, every catalog I browse through has leggings. I want some! Am I too old to wear them outside the house?".

NO! You are not too old to wear leggings in public. Why not be trendy and comfortable over 50? We do have a couple of tips though. Buy neutral colors, leave the bright colors, the metallic, and the leather ones for the younger girls. Look for leggings that fall below the widest part of your calf (you know the little bulge), and wear tunics and dresses that fall well below the rear being sure the bottom of the tunic or dress falls below the widest part of your hips. See a trend here;) Keep the look sleek, one key piece of jewelry or some fabulous ballet flats (the bit more daring ladies can wear the new booties). The look in the picture says it all!

Have a fashion question? Send them to Fab Finds! Maybe we can start a weekly dialog.

Morgan and Meredith

Check out new combinations!

Fab Finds!

Chadwicks
From the website...In 1983, Chadwicks became the first company to offer woman the innovative concept of a fashion catalog with the same high-quality apparel found in department stores at a fraction of the price. Now, over 25 years later, Chadwicks is still America’s favorite one-stop shopping destination for stylish women’s fashion at an unsurpassed value.

We fell in love with this dress from Chadwicks for $49.99 the moment we saw it. Effortless wrap dress with kimono style wrap. How can you resist a dress that is flattering, easy to wear, fashionable and in a yummy chocolate brown? What a great way to incorporate the trend we talked about recently - animal prints! Pair this dress with a fabulous pair of animal print shoes from DSW for $49.95. Finish the look with a stunning necklace also from Chadwicks for $24.99. Be sure to sign up for Chadwick emails and save 15% off your first order. How would you wear this dress?

Click here to submit a Fab Find! and be entered into our monthly drawing to win something fabulous from our website!

Fall Fashion 2010 - Pencil Skirts

Oh the pencil skirt. What's not to love? Classic style, perfect for work wear, can be worn to many functions and downright flattering. The pencil skirt was created in the late 1940's by French designer Christian Dior and quickly became popular.

So exactly what is a pencil skirt? It's a skirt that has a straight and narrow cut and falls at or just below the knee, some feature a little slit in the back. The beauty of the pencil skirt is that most women regardless of size can wear one. Follow these tips when purchasing one:

• Take your measurements. The skirt should fit smoothly over the hips and rear and the waistband should fall just below your natural one. Look for one that accents your shape and is not constricting.
• Check the length. For fuller legs a slightly longer skirt might be more flattering. 
• The skirt should be free of pockets, pleating, trims or belt loops. The look should be sleek.

How to wear:

• Keep the look simple and clean. Pair the skirt with simple tops that flatter the lines of the skirt. Keep jewelry to a minimum.
• For fuller figures pair it with a jacket or shirt that is slightly longer than the widest part of your body.
• Pair your skirt with a short jacket or cropped cardigan think Coco Chanel.
• For a trendy look pair your pencil skirt with a mismatched jacket.
• For a slightly more relaxed look pair the skirt with a slightly oversized cardigan, add a belt and a pair of simple flats.

The pencil skirt works well with other trendy items for fall - animal prints, pearls, tweeds. See just a few smart choices this fall and you are going to look spectacular!

 

Fab Finds!

Ann Taylor Loft
From the website...We are committed to meeting the evolving needs of women who want feminine, stylish and versatile fashions that offer great quality and value and that inspire women to look as beautiful as they feel.

What an absolutely beautiful find from Karen of Cleveland. This dress from Ann Taylor Loft is perfect for taking us right into fall and maybe even spring 2011. The cut is flattering for all shapes and in a soft jersey knit - comfortable and fashionable. Karen says she shops at the Loft frequently (she would not provide us figures). We love the Loft too! Great find Karen and thank you.

Karen paired the dress with a cotton/spandex legging for $38.00 from Ann Taylor and a pair of slouch platform boots from DSW for $79.95 (try coupon code 'fallshop' to save $10.00). Did you notice the boots are in camel? How would you wear the dress?

Click here to submit a Fab Find! and be entered into our monthly drawing to win something fabulous from our website!