A Simple Nest

SLR bag

 

I posted some cool bags here before, but I just came across this bag that has me wishing I had all sorts of money.  I think for now I'll have to just make an insert for my current bag while I dream about this one.

Jewelry Class

 I'm so excited!  I just started a jewelry class!  I made a ring yesterday (practicing with copper) and I am pretty pleased with the results.  Can't wait to start making BANGLES!   Here is some inspirational Jewelry i collected from online: 

Gold plated Bangles

 
Brass Bangles

Brass cuff style bangles

I also really love the bangles that have jewels, but I can't find a picture right away.  O well.  Can't wait until next Wednesday.  W are learning a bit of wire wrapping I think.

Girls Clothes

I came across 2 adorable dresses I want to attempt making copies of in the next year or two for my Zoe.  Adorable no?  

Trapeze Dress from Olive Juice

This Birthday dress found via A Little Sussy

Cathy's Red Jacket

I watched Wuthering Heights yesterday, and was enamored with Cathy's red jacket (in her wild days).  I want to make myself one, but I'm having a very hard time find pictures of it to work off of.  I may have to get the dvd again and slip it into the computer and take screen shots, the ones from you-tube aren't turning out well to show the back and ruffles.  Here's the best I could find so far.  Beautiful no?

Petal Tee tutorial

Ruffles and Stuff has the-cutest-sewing-tutorials-ever!  And she does so many!  This is a brand new one I am especially fond of.  The Petal Tee! 

Stylish Camera Bags

from Stash, who also has some stylish iphone, ipad, and laptop bags

 
 

Yes!  These are camera bags!  Stunning right?  By Ketti Handbags.  

Of course Photojojo's sassy bowler bag

Bilingham Hadley's Pro Original

Jill-E small leather camera bag in bone 

 

Botkier Crossbody Camera Bag in Gold Lambskin

 

Jewelry for your body type

We all know that dressing for your body type rather than just following any trend makes a huge difference in the way we look.  We are told time and time again in magazines and books.  DRESS FOR YOUR BODY TYPE!  And have regretted when we went for a trend that didn't fit our own, am I right? (I'm reminded of a all the classy turtle necks I have bought....and never wear because I look 50 years older and heavier)  But do you ever stop and think about what Jewelry to wear for your body type?  (Remember the pearls scene at the beginning of Thoroughly Modern Millie?)  Everything you put on draws or detracts attention to your favorite features or flaws, so here's some tips:

 

Penelope Cruz wears bright blue sapphires to stand out against her dark long hair and also draws attention to her lovely face

Earrings:

Earrings draw attention to the face and can emphasize specific features.  If you have an angular face, round shapes, like buttons, pearls, or loops will soften your look.  If you have a round face, angular shapes can have the opposite effect.  Same thing goes for thin or wide faces: go for the opposite shape in earrings to balance the visual effect.

Hair style makes a difference too.  Small settings can get lost under long flowing hair, so play it up with something bright and bold.  If you hair is up you can go dainty and still get them noticed.  Sometimes a tight up-do or short cut can give a boyish look.  Dangle earrings, or big hoops can counter balance this as well.

Jessica Knows where to let her necklace fall to flatter her figure

Necklaces:

Necklaces draw attention to your face as well as your neck, chest, and overall body type.  If you are short, a long necklace may add visual length.  If you are tall and thin, a choker might be the best bet. Full figured women may benefit from long necklaces to stretch the visual line, but don't go too delicate or it will only emphasize bulk.  Go bold! 

If you are large busted, you need to be wary of the length of your necklace.  If it is too high you will look saggy and older.  If it lands at the bust line it just looks strange and ridiculous.  Try a length an inch above the cleavage line, or a long necklace that lands at your waist.  Emphasize that thinnest part with your necklace just as you would with a belt.

Bracelets:

If you are petite, small delicate bracelets look good. For a full figure, again, go bold either with a lot of small bracelets, or one big chunky one.

Rings:

For short fingers beware of the length of the setting. Never let the ring extend past your knuckle.  Thin bands look best.  For long thing fingers a thicker band works better, or a set of stacking rings would look nice.  

Pictures sources:

Sapphire Earrings from The Natural Sapphire Company

Jessica's Simpson's necklaces from Celebrity Fashion

Sweater Refashion

I had a sweater with crazy sleeves.  CRAZY!  I wish I would have taken a before pic to prove how crazy they were. Tight up to the elbows and then BANG they blow out like a balloon.  But the cashmere material was scrumptious, so I couldn't get rid of it.  Now it has new life in a skirt! 

The bottom was already unfinished and I liked it that way.  I just laid a favorite skirt on top as a pattern and cut the top half of the sweater to shape of it (leaving the original side seams on the bottom half). Sewed it up with a straight stitch, then zig zag to reinforce it.  Easy peazy.  I didn't finish the top, it stretches just fine and I like the unfinished edges. 

The sleeves will be a dress for my baby when she's a little bit bigger. :)