Mid-Week Inspiration: Christmas Window Shopping

A little window shopping never hurt anyone. Have you started your Christmas shopping? 

Here, style icon Sophia Loren, figures out gifts for her list. 

Image via Pinterest. 

Mid-Week Inspiration: Knit Interior

Pretty cozy! 

via: Giant Knitting

Mid-Week Inspiration: The Flower Girl

Textures | Knit | Crochet | Macrame | White on White | Lace | Lingerie

via Numero #132

Mid-Week Inspiration: Sophia Knitting

More Sophia inspiration. Love those knit stockings, too! 

Mid-Week Inspiration: Tweed

When ever thoughts of  an ideal Autumn or Winter wardrobe come to mind, as they do this time of year, I gravitate toward tweeds. I love the texture, flecks of color, and sturdy warmth it provides. I also love the classic styling that always looks chic.

Dita Von Teese in vintage Dior. 

Classic Chanel. 1950's. 

Menswear inspired. Biba. 1960's/70's. 

Sears. 1950's. Yes! To each of those pencil skirts!

What fabric are you drawn to time and time again? What is your go to Autumn wardrobe staple?

All images found on pinterest. Follow me for inspiration, any day of the week. 

Mid-Week Inspiration: The Sweaters of Volver

Volver, an amazing film by Almodovar, was released in 2006. But it wasn't until last week when we rented it from Netflix that I finally saw it. Not only is the film great, but the fashion is as well. In true Almodovar style the colors are bright and there are several prints. If I saw this film when it came out, I would have loved the fashion as much as I do now, but since I wasn't a knitter then, I wouldn't have been nearly as inspired by the wonderful sweaters in the film. Or at least not inspired to want to make them!

This bright leafy green one was my favorite. Several of the sweaters in this film are lacey open work, so truly I am wanting to get my hands on the patterns!

It's a dark scene in the film when Penelope Cruz's character Raimunda is wearing this red one. I found myself studying the stitches!

Gingham! Need I say more? 

And another textured knit, this time a set! 

Have any films inspired your knitting? 

Mid-Week Inspiration: Vintage Sewing Pattern Pledge

 I'm not one for "sew-alongs"or "knit-alongs", heck even book clubs don't work for me. I like to work on my projects in my own time, especially since the free time I have for them is really limited. Do you remember the "That's Sew Cinematic" sew along I wanted to participate in back in 2012? Nope, I still haven't made that dress! But I still want to! 

I also want to sew more from my vintage pattern collection. I've got some goodies in there and I did tell myself at the beginning of the year that it's time to start using them. I have always sewn more from my own drafted patterns and still do. Sewing from published patterns can be strange when you are used to your own. But my collection of vintage and repro patterns needs to be explored! 

Here are a few projects from the past where I've used vintage patterns.

You may remember this swimsuit cover up from 2009. I used McCall's 6370; an adorable pattern from the Sixties.

And of course, last summer I did my peasant blouse series. That was a lot of fun. I made three using the Butterick pattern above. Black Swiss Dot, Fruity Peasant Blouse and Hawaiian. Oh and I found some white Swiss Dot in my fabric stash so I will be making one more this summer, too!

Considering the amount of sewing patterns I have, this is not a great turn out. So, I was pleased to find out about Marie's Vintage Sewing Pledge from a A Stitching Odyssey.  I first discovered it from her guest post on By Gum, By Golly. Not only did I discover the pledge but also her fine blog! I love when that happens. I also discovered that I'm not alone in the vintage pattern hoarding collecting dust scenario. This is common amongst us vintage crafty types, and we have the fabric stash to prove it. 

Marie has made a pledge at the beginning of the year to sew at least 5 of her patterns from her stash in 2014. That to me, seems achievable! I'm starting 6 months too late (realistically it will be June before I start!), but better late than never. Let's see how many I can do. Unlike other sew alongs- I've got time and can share along the way. All is required is to share with #vintagepledge on twitter. This is a pledge, not a sew-along. This is inspiring!

Here are some patterns in my hopeful pile! Oh and that Lana Turner dress too! 

Mid-Week Inspiration: Sewing for Summer

Beach vacations are booked (Key West in May)! Summer will arrive...at some point! Lately, I've been inspired to start sewing up some Summer fashions. Now is the time to get the stash organized and patterns planned. 

How about some beach cover-ups?

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

Mid-Week Inspiration: Stanley Kubrick- Photojournalist

Stanley Kubrick is most well known for directing such movies as The Shining, 2001 Space Odyssey, Lolita, Dr. Strangelove, A Clockwork Orange, to name a few. He was and still is an influential and inspiring American movie director. I recently discovered his photojournalism work from the late 1940's. Straight out of high school he was hired by Look Magazine and caught cinematic shots of everyday life and the more colorful life in New York City and else where. I am always a fan of cinematic quality in photographs and am inspired by his work plus they offer a great glimpse into life of the '40's.

Here's just a small sampling: 

Self Portrait with showgirl Rosemary Williams

Actress Betsy Von Furstenburg

Mid-Week Inspiration: Inside the Studio

Here's an adorable shot from Fifi Chachnil's studio! 

For more inspiration, any day of the week, follow me on Pinterest, the source of this week's inspiration. 

Mid-Week Inspiration: Be Beautiful!

I need this to be my mantra. 

Take the time, Ladies!

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

Mid-Week Inspiration: Blush Turbans

Blush Pinks. Turbans. 

Val and Musso.

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

Mid-Week Inspiration: White Interiors

There is a strong part of me that really wants to move into an all white house. I think this feeling comes about in the Winter months or perhaps due to the start of a new year. I love the simple nature of it, plus the rustic charm. I love the different shades of white put together and the surprising depth that it has. Here's some inspiration. 

With an all white palette, your eye is drawn to the different textures and shades.

Do you decorate in monochrome? 

For more inspiration, any day of the week, follow me on pinterest. The source of these images. 

Mid-Week Inspiration: Winter Weddings

I always thought a winter wedding would be so romantic. A furry shrug, a cozy sweater, cranberry and evergreen accents, a quiet snowy landscape...

Here is some winter wedding inspiration. 

How gorgeous is this dress? 

Just lovely!

Love the sweater, mittens, and dashing groom!

This cake! I might have a winter themed party- just to serve this!

From my shop, ruby velvet garters. 

For more inspiration, any day of the week, follow me on Pinterest, the source of these images. 

Mid-Week Inspiration: Christmas Bombshell Rita Hayworth

Rita Hayworth is true Poinsettia beauty queen!  Love that swimsuit! 

Every Wednesday this month I have been featuring a different Christmas Bombshell from the past. On Christmas Day, next Wednesday,  let me know which one is your favorite! 

Already featured, Clara Bow and Esther Williams! 

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

Mid-Week Inspiration: Christmas Bombshell Esther Williams

Esther Williams is this week's Christmas Bombshell!  Looking lovely, as always!

Each Wednesday this month, I will be featuring a different Christmas Bombshell from the past. Last week was the adorable Clara Bow! 

On Christmas Day, the last Wednesday of the month, let me know who is your favorite! 

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

Mid-Week Inspiration: Christmas Bombshell Clara Bow

In October we celebrated Halloween pin-ups and bombshells. It was a lot of fun, so I am continuing on this month with Christmas themed bombshells! Each Wednesday will feature a different one! On Christmas, the last Wednesday of the month, you can tell me who was your favorite Christmas Bombshell! 

Clara Bow is adorable as always as she delivers presents to an igloo! So cute! 

Mid-Week Inspiration: In The Mirror

Classic Hollywood stars at their vanities...a perfect setting if you ask me. So glamorous and amazing. I love these photos.

*Gasp* that gown! Rosemary Lane, 1939.

Tallulah Bankhead. Gorgeous!

Sophia Loren. This is such great photo and she looks amazing. 

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

Mid-Week Inspiration: Chanel Fall 2013

I love this ad campaign from Chanel! I think you have to be knitting to float in space. 

Isn't it adorable?


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

Mid-Week Inspiration: Halloween Bombshell Myrna Loy

How stunning is this week's Halloween Bombshell, Myrna Loy? Myrna was best known for her role as Nora Charles in the 1930's The Thin Man movies. 

Tune in tomorrow when we will be choosing our favorite Halloween Bombshell of the month! 

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