Erica B.'s - D.I.Y. Style!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

2012-05-13T12:45:00.000-05:00

Happy Mother's Day to ALL of my blogging friends that are mothers and "motherly"!

What I'm Wearing | Zigzag Maxi!

2012-05-03T18:00:00.000-05:00

I had this M. Missoni maxi dress pinned for a while, in two color variations and I knew I'd be recreating this look.

M. Missoni Zigzag Maxi - $795 (yikes!)

I decided to pull out my Mission Maxi pattern because I really love the racerback style of the top and also that the pattern gives you a dress with waist shaping. It was an easy as punch modification: I just separated the top from the bottom 9" from the underarm and allowed for a seam allowance. I also lined the bottom portion because the zigzag fabric is pretty transparent.

I used a black ponte knit from my stash and the zigzag fabric is from Jo-Ann's and a lightweight poly knit for the lining. Sidenote: I was in TJ Maxx in the Runway section and noticed that silk crepe maxis were lined with a lightweight poly knit. I guess this is the fabric trend... which is new to me.

Wearing: blazer: Vogue 8721; dress: Jamie Christina's Mission Maxi; wedges: Jessica Simpson; belt: Calvin Klein (old); purse: Urban Expressions.

What I'm Wearing | Orange + Minty Green!

2012-05-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

Today was a looonnnggg day! So if I'm looking ~~greasy~~ a little shinier than usual, that's why. These photos were taken at the end of the day as I was making my way back home.

It felt good to sit down, even if it were just for a few minutes and enjoy the breeze!

It was such a gorgeous day that I decided to play with some color. One thing about reading style blogs and being on Pinterest, is that I see a lot of things that I probably wouldn't have ever thought to do. Orange and green? Sure if you attend Florida A&M University and it also works if you're a carrot or a pumpkin! But for color blocking? Who would've thought? I actually love them together!

Wearing: cardigan from Windsor; top: Vogue 1282; jeans: NYDJ; sandals: Zara; clutch: Street Style from Lotus Boutique; necklace: BCBG Max Azria; sunnies: Karen Walker.

Review: McCall's 6355 | Earning My (Mariner) Stripes!

2012-05-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

This is McCall's 6355. What I like most about this pattern is that it works for a knit or a woven. It has horizontal and vertical darts in the front and vertical darts in the back. I used the horizontal dart which gave the dress some shaping in the bust area. And it didn't distort the stripes of the fabric much.

I bought the fabric from Hancock. What I didn't notice until I got to the cutting table is that the stripes run on the grain, instead of selvage to selvage. Minor irritation. Since this jersey is 100% cotton, I didn't have to worry about it stretching one way or the other. I bought enough to ensure that my garment would have horizontal stripes. I added an inch or so to the length. But other than that, this sewed straight from the envelope.

This is how I finished the neckline.

I was going for a nautical look. I've been seeing that style so frequently from J. Crew and I wanted to put something together that was similar. I even found a nautical-inspired rope necklace!

Wearing: denim jacket: Per Se Collection; dress: McCall's 6355; purse: Jason Wu for Target; pumps: Tahari slingback espadrille pumps; belt: The Limited (old, but similar to this one); necklace: Charming Charlie.

What I'm Wearing | Fully MAXI-mized Sunday!

2012-04-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

This weekend was a really great one. So great that I was completely exhausted by the end of the day. Great weekend indeed, but I'm dreadful of all I have to do come Monday. It must be all of the sewing and family time that's caught up to me. Tired as all get out, but well worth it!

This is a maxi dress that I made from Mimi's tutorial. This quick little project obviously inspired by these RTW styles are great spring/summer wardrobe additions.

Soft Joie Maxi Dress - $158; Splendid Maxi Dress - $110; and Joie Maxi Dress - $198

Wearing: maxi dress: DIY (see above); jacket: Simplicity 2250; purse: Urban Outfitters; sandals: Sam Edelman; fedora: Target; bangles: Amrita Singh.

What I'm Wearing | Weekend Maxi!

2012-04-29T00:00:00.000-05:00

I'd decided a while ago that a peacock blue maxi skirt was something that MUST be in my wardrobe for this season.

I found a beautiful crepe de chine at Hancock last Saturday and it was completely serendipitous.

A maxi skirt is really one of the quickest and easiest projects that you can make. If you have an appreciation for this style. It's really just a matter of taking your waist measurement, deciding how deep you want your gathers. I wanted mine pretty deep, so I used the full 60" width of the fabric. And deciding how long you want your skirt. A waist to floor measurement is a good start. Then you have to take into consideration the height of the shoes you'll be wearing.

Inspired from Pinterest!

Asos.com; Brooklyn Blonde; Kim Kardashian via The Fashion Bomb Daily.

My nail color today is Essie "Turquoise & Caicos".

I love the easy, breeziness of this skirt. I could seriously live in these every single day!

Wearing: white v-neck t-shirt: Mac & Jac (old); skirt: DIY; belt: Asos.com; purse: Urban Expressions: sandals: Sam Edelman; sunnies: Karen Walker.

I've been busy!

2012-04-28T10:30:00.000-05:00

I've been knocking out quick "Spring Essentials"! Here's a sneak peak!

Taken on Instagram.

New VOGUES! I'm excited!

2012-04-25T18:00:00.000-05:00

I haven't been excited about a pattern release in a LONG time! These made me perk up really quick! I can't wait to get mine. These are my picks:

1298 - Rachel Comey

1299 - Rebecca Taylor

1302 - Kay Unger

1304 - Lailia by Julia Alcarcon

1305 - Lailia by Julia Alarcon

1308 - DKNY

1309 - Issey Miyake

1310 - Chado Ralph Rucci

8804 - Claire Shaeffer

8805 - Very Easy Vogue Custom Fit

8809 - Very Easy Vogue

8815 - Very Easy Vogue

Are you liking any of these?

What I'm Wearing | Still Chilly...

2012-04-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

So when I got up yesterday morning, it was 45 degrees and the weather lady was strongly suggesting putting on a coat or a jacket! O_O Really? It's it's almost May!!! For the first part of the morning, I had to actually turn on the heat in the car to take the chill off. And even though I ditched the jacket, long-sleeves were still needed.

Today I went with a light-weight sweater and my faux leather skirt I made for last fall.

Butt I still wanted to put on a pair of sandals.

And even though it was really, really windy, it was a good day to be out and about. But tomorrow, I'm staying home and not leaving unless it's a life-threatening medical emergency OR unless I want to! LOL

Wearing: white bandeau neck sweater: TJ Maxx; faux pleated leather skirt: Butterick 5285; heels: Zara; purse: Nine West (similar to this one); necklace: BCBG Max Azria.

What I'm Wearing | Weekend Wear!

2012-04-23T00:00:00.000-05:00

Another rainy, windy and kind of chilly day. But it was pretty at the same time. We decided to take our little family party to a nearby lake. I went to the closet and decided to go with something very "J. Crew-esque".

I've mentioned before that I rarely wear heels on the weekend. A lot of running is something most of my weekends consist of and I have to find a way to still be "cute" and comfy.

Is it bad that I'm longing for bad, rainy weather just so I can have some guilt-free sewing time?! There is so much on my list that I need to get to.

Wearing: sweater: last seen here; shirt: Butterick 5526; denim pencil skirt: Vogue 8603; sneakers: Converse All-Star Silver Glitter Athletic shoes.

Why is it cold again?!

2012-04-22T12:15:00.000-05:00

Well, it's not "cold" cold, but it is chilly and windy. It's currently 60 degrees and only a high of 66 today. I have no idea what I'm wearing. BUT, I am being inspired to make colorful spring blazers for times when chilly weather creeps its way back in amongst my sunny spring days.

Last evening, this is what I wore out:

It was really nippy yesterday. I needed a jacket. I knew I wanted to wear my white jeans and my denim chambray shirt and I went with my "Chanel" jacket.

I usually ONLY wear this jacket during the fall, but I decided that it should also be a great essential in my spring wardrobe as well.

The details of the sleeve with my vintage Chanel bag really capture the spirit of the look I was going for. And I'm really glad that I was wearing such a classic colored polish:

Today's color is OPI "Too Hot Pink to Hold 'Em". And BTW, I've joined the Instagram movement since it's now available for Android phones.

It's been a few years since I've made this jacket. For you long time readers, I'm sure you remember this "labor of love" project... it took 2 weeks to make.

I'm so glad that invested a great amount of time, skill and pride into this project. I can see myself wearing it for many more years to come.

Wearing: denim shirt: DKNY; optic white jeans: NYDJ; purse: vintage Chanel bucket bag; wedges: Jessica Simpson.

Review: New Look 6003 | Red Peplum Skirt!

2012-04-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

This is my version of New Look 6003. I saw the Zara skirt and I knew that I could EASILY make a skirt like that. and decided to save myself 80 bucks! I found the linen fabric at Hancock and I already had a zipper and lining fabric at home, so I was on my way.

I cut the size 16 pattern which fit perfectly at the hip, but was HUGE in the waist -- which I didn't figure out until I was ready to put the zipper in. I just made an adjustment at the center back to take care of that. I could've saved myself a lot of trouble by cutting a 14 at the waist and grading to a 16 at the hip.

Zara Pencil Skirt with Frill - $79.90

I didn't have to lengthen the pattern because there were 3 length options. I just cut mine somewhere between view D and E. And I also slightly tapered in the bottom Not too much because I still have to walk up and down stairs and exit and enter a vehicle. And I added a lining since the pattern did not recommend one.

And for the main detail, I modified the shape of the peplum for the front and the back. I think that the look of the skirt looks A LOT like the one from Zara.

Look #1: jacket: Simplicity 2250; striped tank: TJ Maxx (old); belt: Anne Klein; purse: TJ Maxx; pumps: Steve Madden.
Look #2: jacket: Per Se Collection; white v-neck t-shirt: Mac & Jac (old); belt: The Limited; wedges: Lotus Boutique; purse: vintage Chanel bucket bag.

What I'm Wearing | Color + Comfort!

2012-04-15T10:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I had a lot of running around to do. Basic Saturday afternoon errands. And I was also getting in some family time. On Saturdays, it's pretty much guaranteed that I'll be wearing a flat or some sort of comfortable shoe. I'm usually doing a lot of parking and walking. As much as I love a great pair of heels, I love my feet, ankles and knees more!

This tunic is another oldie, but goodie! This is (OOP) McCall's 5662 that I sewed 4 years ago.

No matter how comfy I am, I love having my sparkle and shine! This nail color Orly "Gumdrop".

Wearing: tunic: McCall's 5662; pants: Simplicity 2562; sequined tank: Banana Republic (old); purse: TJ Maxx; sandals: Sam Edelman; bangles: Amrita Singh.

What I'm Wearing | Navy, Red & Gold!

2012-04-11T18:30:00.000-05:00

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood!

Loving my nail color! Parisian 'Daffodil'.

Who doesn't love a little daytime sparkle!

Wearing: cropped denim jacket: Per Se Collection; sweater: Lauren Ralph Lauren: pants: Vogue 1039; shoes: Steve Madden 'Unityy'; sunnies: Karen Walker; purse: TJ Maxx; Amrita Singh bangles.

What I'm Wearing | Gingham + Boyfriend Jeans

2012-04-09T18:15:00.000-05:00

Boyfriend jeans? Or should I say "husband's jeans"? LOL

I decided to participate in the "boyfriend jean" trend. Which is basically a cut up and bleached out pair of my husband's old Levi's. And can I tell you that these are the most comfortable pair of jeans I've worn in a long time!

It's funny how anything that vaguely resembled a "mom jean" became a fashion faux pas for years. And now, boyfriend jeans are just as trendy as a skinny and a bootcut jean.

I decided to add my gingham shirt. The last time I wore it, it was part of a dressy ensemble. I love how it looks juxtaposed with torn jeans.

Creating your own boyfriend jeans are quite simple: try them on, mark where you'd like to make cuts with an exacto knife with chalk. Carefully make you cuts and use sand paper to fray the cuts. Toss in the washer with chlorine bleach and then dry. Repeat until they look the way you want them to.

Wearing: shirt: McCall's 6436; jeans: Levi's (old); sandals: Nine West; purse: Urban Expressions.

Flowing...

2012-04-08T13:01:00.000-05:00

I feel in love and became completely obsessed with purple maxis and maxis in general while collecting them on Pinterest. These are three of my favorites collected from here, here and here.

I found this semi-sheer purple (it sometimes looks purple or blue depending on the light when photographed) fabric at Hancock. It's 60" wide and I bought 5 yards. That's pretty much what it took to create the dramatic flowing of what I had in mind. I didn't use a pattern. I cut 4 - 45" long pieces on the grain and sewed them selvage to selvage on the serger. I created a separate waistband and added 1" non-roll elastic and sewed that to the gathered top.

And I made a serged rolled hem. I love this fabric and it was everything that I was looking for since I couldn't find any pleated fabric, but it shredded like crazy. The more it was handled, the more it frayed.

I wore this out and the temperature was dropping as the sun was setting so I threw on my leather jacket with a studded belt. I love how it gave such a girly look an edgy feel.

Worn with my leather moto jacket; a silk tank: TJ Maxx (old); belt: Calvin Klein; necklace: Forever 21; shoes: Jessica Simpson; clutch: Nine West.

Have a Happy Easter!

What I'm Wearing | Orange + Turquoise!

2012-03-31T22:00:00.000-05:00

Remember when I mentioned the Sam Edelman appearance at Belk? Well, that was today! He is super awesome and not to mention talented! His shoes are gorgeous, comfortable and pretty reasonably priced. Here are some of the hotness in his current collection that was in the store:

Just fabulous! I'll be showing you my favorites later...

This is what I wore today:

Sam Edelman shoes of course!

Color-blocked to death!

Wearing: jacket: Simplicity 2250; top: Old Navy (old. Similar HERE and HERE); pants: Vogue 8774; pumps: Sam Edelman; purse: TJ Maxx.

What I'm Wearing | Sheer florals + White

2012-03-28T19:00:00.000-05:00

Spring is in full effect and that means florals!

I'm reminded of a Miranda Priestly quote from "The Devil Wears Prada":

LOL!

Wearing: silk chiffon tunic: McCall's 6204; optic white jeans: NYDJ; heels: Zara (sold out, here it is in solid black); purse: Urban Expressions; sunnies: Karen Walker.

Review: Vogue 8721 | Hot Pink Blazer!

2012-03-27T00:00:00.000-05:00

I'd been wanting a pink blazer for a while now. And I've also been seeing a lot of softly tailored blazers and I knew I wanted something not so "normal".

I'd seen Vogue 8721 in an issue of Vogue Patterns magazine and it really jumped off the page at me. The colorblocked styling was some of the best I've seen in the magazine.

I knew that I wanted mine in a vibrant color that would be perfect for spring and I had this bright pink linen in my stash.

The pattern description is: Jacket D is semi-fitted, lined, front and back darts, angled and bias cut middle, lower fronts, middle and lower backs, three-quarter length sleeves

I cut the size large and I added an inch to the length, but I probably could have left it as it was. As far as jackets go, this is a very simple jacket that I would recommend if you've never sewn a jacket. It's collarless, so you wouldn't have to try and tackle notched collar. And it's kind of boxy, so you wouldn't have to make 10 muslins perfecting the fit.

The only real tailoring method I used on this was to stay tape the roll lines. The jacket is fully lined and has a back yoke that is easily bagged. And I added a thin shoulder pad.

Worn with: Polka dot silk chiffon blouse: Simplicity 4112; shorts: Old Navy; wedges: Jessica Simpson; purse: Urban Expressions.

What I'm Wearing | Colorblocked Shift Dress!

2012-03-26T00:00:00.000-05:00

"Colorblocking" is one of the biggest trends this season. It's an awesome way to brighten up your spring wardrobe with bold and vibrant colors. I saw this dress by Heidi Merrick and I was inspired to make my own since this one was $437!

Inspiration:

Heidi Merrick "Huntington" Dress -- Shopbop.com, $437.00

To recreate this look, I used Butterick 5522 as my base pattern. As you see, the original design looks pretty boxy and shapeless. I decided to use this pattern because I wanted an a-line fit. I've had this pattern in my drawer since it was first released. I always thought this was a cute dress, being that it was a Trina Turk knockoff. I never got around to making it because I was deterred by the reviews I read. Most referred to the dress as being "tent-ish". When I think of that, I instantly think "maternity-ish" and after being pregnant three times, I ran screaming from that look! But after seeing Cidell's version, I completely changed my mind. Sometimes you need to listen to your instinct instead of completely relying on reviews.

To achieve my inspiration look, I first lengthened the pattern by 2 inches. I made a 1 inch non-dart FBA and changed the sleeve to a slimmer style. I cut the back, front and sleeve pattern pieces into block sections and created new seam allowances. And I also used an exposed zipper because that was a detail of the original design. I used cotton jersey fabric whereas the original used silk crepe.

Worn with: wedges: DV by Dolce Vita; vintage Chanel quilted drawstring bucket bag; sunnies: Karen Walker; earrings: Marc by Marc Jacobs; necklace: Forever 21; bracelets: Forever 21, ASOS.com and Tiffany & Co.; ring: Melody Ehsani Jewelry.

How a CHANEL Jacket is made!

2012-03-15T15:45:00.000-05:00

When you see the price tag for a Chanel jacket and thought it to be ridiculous, you should watch this video. I've made a "Chanel-like" jacket with all of the handsewn couture elements. And it was definitely a labor intensive project. (Hence the fact that I've not made another!) The Haute Couture house's process is incredibly mesmerizing! Take a look!

"Fashion Star" premieres tonight!

2012-03-13T13:30:00.001-05:00

I'm always excited when there is a new version of this type of reality tv show.

Will you be watching?

What I'm Wearing | Springing ahead!

2012-03-11T14:00:00.000-05:00

I love the color combination of yellow & turquoise, as evident also here.

I love this time of year when the clocks move forward. I love when the days are longer. I feel rejuvenated... like a bear coming out of hibernation.

This week's nail color: Essie - "Mint Candy Apple". The color "mint" is everywhere!

The only thing I don't like about this time of year is dreaded allergies. Mine aren't bad enough that I have to get shots, but I can't miss a dose of Zyrtec before leaving home.

I'm normally not a sneaker wearer, but while shopping with Mikaela I saw these.

Wearing: Yellow trench jacket: Vogue 8480; turquoise top: McCall's 6287; white jeans: NYDJ; sneakers: Converse All-Star Silver Glitter Athletic shoes; purse: Vintage Chanel quilted bucket bag and sunnies: Karen Walker.

Sam Edelman appearance at Belk at The Summit!

2012-03-09T13:30:00.000-06:00

For those of you in the Birmingham Metro Area:

source

Fashion Designer Sam Edelman to Showcase Spring 2012 Collection and Contribute to Breast Cancer Research in Alabama

Edelman joins Belk in giving $10,000 to BCRFA

Where: Belk at The Summit, 205-968-4200

When: Saturday, March 31

Time: 1-3 p.m.

I'm a MAJOR fan of his designs and here are two of my favorite pairs:

Sam Edelman 'Lyla' Pump

And a pair of my favorite Sam Edelman boots that I believe are sold out now. They're from a couple of seasons ago.

Put this on your calendar. If we make these types of events successful, I'm sure there will be more fashionable events coming to the area.

What I'm Wearing | I'm so blue!

2012-03-07T18:15:00.000-06:00

Can you tell I'm willing Spring to come forth!

So, I've been seeing high-low hem skirts and dresses everywhere. And I mean everywhere! But the ones I've seen in the stores are usually too short for me. They hit me at the mid-thigh... like the length of a mini skirt. So that only left one option:

To make one myself. I used the same process for this skirt that I did when I made my maxi skirt last summer. Mimi wrote a great tutorial and I read over that to make sure I was on the right track and I started cutting. I knew how to shape the hemline, but it was just a matter of getting the right length for the front and the back.

My seams are serged and I added elastic to the waist. And since this fabric is a plissé, I was going to leave the hem raw but this fabric was starting to shred. So I left a serged hem. I found the fabric at Joanns.

Wearing: sweater: TJ Maxx; belt: The Limited; bag: Vintage white quilted Chanel bucket bag; wedges: Lotus Boutique.