My Projects: Black Swiss Dot Peasant Blouse

After being inspired to make myself some peasant blouses this Summer, I have one of several complete! 

I used black Swiss dot and vintage pattern Butterick 9768 pictured below. Like the lady in blue, I paired mine with a gingham skirt. 

The pattern is super simple and fast, which I am hoping will mean I can find the time to complete at least two more before the Summer is over.  I would love even more! 

Photos were taken last Saturday on a very hot day here in Brooklyn on our way to the Renegade Craft Fair. 

I love this blouse and I can't wait to make more! 

Black Swiss Dot blouse: Made by me

Vintage gingham skirt: Trade at Guvnor's

White Bow Sandals: DSW

Vintage red raffia purse: St. Louis (forgot the name of the store!)

Cherry necklace: Trashy Diva (gift from Husband on our Honeymoon in New Orleans!)

Sunglasses: Tres Noir from Betty Page Clothing

Mid-Week Inspiration: Grace Coddington Rides the Subway

Grace Coddington, Vogue magazine's Creative Director, was on the same train as me yesterday on my way home from work.

This is not my photo. Here is Grace photographed by Craig McDean for the January 2013 issue of Interview magazine on the subway.  Grace has been working alongside Anna Wintour at Vogue since 1988. 

She was also a model. The photo above is from her early modeling days. Grace is now 72 years old. She is a major player in the fashion industry here in New York and worldwide. She still works. She is not a fashionista. Fashionable? Yes. Fashionista? No. And she rides the subway. 

That is inspiring! 

Some of my favorite Retro Looks in the Modern World posts are styled by Grace. Have a look here and here. 

For more inspiration, any day of the week, follow me on Pinterest! 

Style Icon: Daisy Buchanan

F. Scott Fitzgerald's anti-heroine in his novel The Great Gatsby may not be someone to look up to, but you can't deny her style. Mia Farrow and Carey Mulligan have both played the 1920's flapper in the film versions of The Great Gatsby, 1974 and 2013 respectively, with such naturalness that you may start to think that expensive things are all that matters.  Daisy is the "golden girl" and has a "voice full of money" and the wardrobe to match. 

Here is Daisy as portrayed by Mia Farrow and Carey Mulligan: 

Have you seen both versions? Which one is your favorite? Who is your favorite Daisy? 

Retro Looks In The Modern World: Chloe

As much as the modern fashion world looks forward it also continually looks back in time. Here we explore Retro Looks in the Modern World.

British Model/Actress Chloe Hayward shows us her pin-up looks in this spread for the June 2013 issue of Vogue Italia. As usual, photographer Ellen Von Unwerth does not disappoint. 

Do you recognize this What Katie Did bullet bra? 

via:beautyscene.net

My Projects: Finished Knit and Crochet Accessories

I finished a bunch of knitting and crochet projects recently all at once. Unlike with sewing, when it comes to knitting and crochet, I like to work on multiple projects at once. Here are some of my finished projects!

Buttercup yellow crocheted fingerless gloves with bow. I've made a bunch of these with contrast bow and tipping. This is the first pair I've made in a solid. What do you think? What other colors would you like? These are available in my Etsy shop, The Sparkling Cocktail for $35. 

Above and below are new two-tone colors! I love this color combination, it's soft, girly, and has a vintage feel to it. These are also available in my Etsy shop, The Sparkling Cocktail for $38. Pink with Ivory and Ivory with Pink. 

All of the gloves above are made with the softest Pima cotton yarn, which makes them wearable year round. Depending where you live, of course! For more yarn information and a link to the free pattern- should you want to make your own- visit me at Ravelry or Craftsy.

This is the Seed Stitch Cambridge Scarf I have been working on and it's finally done! This project I am really excited about and it's not for sale, but rather for myself! This is from the Knit Lab class I am taking at Craftsy. It's a fabulous way to practice various knitting stitches, the seed stitch, a 2x2, and a 4x4 basket weave, all in one project. At the end you have a beautiful scarf. This knitting class has already improved my knitting skills and I haven't even finished it yet. The best part is it doesn't expire, so I have a video reference when ever I need it! 

You may have read my review on the Craftsy Knit Lab class here and my progress on this project here. 

A close-up. I hope you can get a sense of the different stitches! 

Now I have to decide what to knit and crochet next. I have so many projects on my list, I don't know where to start! I am also looking forward to Craftsy's Mystery Knit-Along for July! Have you ordered yours? I can't wait to find out what we will be making!! I will keep you posted and would love your company. More info here if you want to join, but do hurry as you will need to allow shipping time for your yarn! 

What are you knitting up these days? Do you work on yarn projects in the Summer? 

Mid-Week Inspiration: Summer Is Here!

What are your summertime plans? I'm looking forward to picnics and relaxing in the park. 

For more inspiration, anytime of the week, follow me on Pinterest. 

My View: Memphis Vacation!

I'm back from my Summer vacation to Memphis!  My husband and I had so much fun spending time with family and learning the rich history of Memphis.  First, we flew into Memphis from New York and took off in our Fiat 500 rental to Giant City State Park, IL for a family reunion. My husband is from Illinois and this was a great retreat from the hustle and bustle of our lives in New York City. 

On the road....I can see for miles and miles...

Ahh nature! Here I am testing out my new Tres Noir sunglasses by the lake. 

After the reunion retreat, my husband and I drove back down south to Memphis. We did some vintage shopping at Flashback. One of the few vintage shops in town, and definitely worth a visit! I bought myself a new sun dress and a fur hat! 

Classic Mississippi paddle boat and a fun ride! 

We did the Sun Studio tour, the birthplace of rock 'n roll. Here I am in my Trashy Diva dress I got in New Orleans. 

For more snap shots from my vacation, including Graceland (!), check out my Instagram feed. You can follow me there @BobbinBombshell.

Where are you going on your summer vacation? 

Retro Looks In The Modern World: West Side Story

As much as the modern fashion world looks forward it also continually looks back in time. Here we explore Retro Looks in the Modern World.

The June/July 2013 issue of L'Officiel Singapore takes us back to the days of pompadours and beehives in it's editorial; West Side Story.  Despite the title, I think it's more fitting of my recent trip to Memphis. Stay tuned for tomorrow's post where I share vacation photos! 

Models: Maggie Vitelli, Silviu Tolu, Aneta Z, Wynston S, and Slava Victorov

Photographers: Chuando and Frey

Some serious hair inspiration here! I love it! 

via: fashiongonerogue.com

On Vacation: Memphis Bound!

I'm off to Memphis for a little vacation time! Graceland here I come!

Follow me on Instagram @BobbinBombshell for updates while I am away. Perhaps I will be able to get my hair high enough to make Priscilla proud! 

My Projects: Update and Upcoming

You know how it is, the weather warms up and the sewing and knitting projects cool down. I am still working on a few projects but I definitely feel like I have slowed down. Here's an update, since it's been so long, as well as a few projects on my list!

Do you remember the Seed Stitch Cambridge scarf I started knitting a while back? I'm still working on it, but hope to have it done real soon! It's beautiful in this blonde tweed! 

I made these wall hangings from an old vintage crochet cutter and used embroidery hoops as frames. They are a gift but I love them on my exposed brick wall. 

I really want to get back into sewing. These are the three patterns I want to use this summer for my own wardrobe. Several peasant blouses are needed, the halter dress I want to make out of gingham, and the wrap dress, well don't judge, but I still haven't started my Lana Turner dress. So please! Encourage me to get back into a regular sewing habit! 

I have also purchased the Mystery Knit-Along for July from Craftsy! I am so excited. As I mentioned my scarf is nearly done and I wasn't sure what to start next so this is perfect timing. The pattern is also from Stefanie Japel, who teaches the Knit Lab course I took!  It is currently on sale for $14.99 and that includes the yarn, pattern, and workshop materials! Who doesn't love a good mystery? I would love it if you would join me. Follow the My Projects series here to see my updates and find out what it is or let's knit this together! Click here to purchase it before it gets too late! 

What are your project plans for the summer? Have you slowed down, or are you still going strong? I would love to hear what you have been working on! 

Mid-Week Inspiration: The French Riviera in the 1950's and 1960's

I can't think of a Summer when the French Riviera in the 50's and the 60's hasn't been my style inspiration. This year is no exception. I will not be going anywhere near the Riviera this year, but I can at least pretend, even here on hot New York City pavement.

Brigitte Bardot and Grace Kelly are the epitome of Riviera chic to me. If only I was a blonde!

Fit and flare summer dresses are on my style agenda this season! Of course in gingham and eyelet! 

Yes, yes, to this convertible! Ahhh the view! 

Love this whole look! 

Grace just looks stunning here! 

I have the brunette version of this hair. I just need the sun hat. I really do! 

My View: May Instagram Highlights

May flew by but it was a fun month! Here are a few highlights from my Instagram feed where I share more glimpses into my daily life than I do here.  To keep Instagram, ya know instant, follow me @BobbinBombshell!

The city was in full bloom in May. My sweetheart and I spent our 2nd Wedding Anniversary at one of our favorite places, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The wisteria was stunning! 

I've been practicing 1960's hair styles. I was quite pleased with how this came out! 

Pink tulle perfection! I love to share sneak peeks from my Etsy shop; The Sparkling Cocktail on Instagram. I've got a lot of gorgeous vintage to list when I return from my upcoming vacation! This crinoline is one of  many vintage lingerie delights soon to be listed. 

My natural straight hair on this day. Red is my favorite color. My boss said I looked like Minnie Mouse that day. That's a compliment! 

Retro Looks in the Modern World: Vagspel

As much as the modern fashion world looks forward it also continually looks back in time. Here we explore Retro Looks in the Modern World.

I can never get enough of retro swimwear. This shoot from the June issue of Elle Sweden provides some gorgeous retro swim looks just in time that have me wishing for a new suit! 

Model: Celia Becker

Photographer: Jimmy Backius 

This one may be my fave. You know how I feel about gingham! 

via: fashiongonerogue.com