What Do You Think I Should Do?

The 54" width of the fabric.

I've had this fabric, "Brunei" by Lee Behren, for over seven years as drapery rolls wrapped in plastic in my closet. I have at least six yards. In fact, I went back later and bought more so I'm not really sure how much I have now. I really loved this fabric and did make two pillows out of it; however, the motivation to make this into a coverlet/quilt like the one below passed years ago.

 Detail of fabric middle.

A photo shoot in Living Room* magazine of an Anthropologie comforter.

You see how the Anthropologie coverlet has a distinct color change down the middle just the same as my fabric? I remember feeling that it was a sign and "meant to be". And it was at the time, too bad I took too long to stitch it up. Now I'm not so much into a lot of pink in my bedroom. So I'm trying to think up some way to make this fabric work by combining it with more orange and green fabrics. Perhaps a big border of another patterned fabric? Intersperse strips within the design or create a patchwork like the examples below?

Comforters from The Company Store.

However, that would mean buying more fabric and I already have enough for two coverlets! Can somebody help me with this?! Suggestions are welcome!

It's lovely though, isn't it?

*A great magazines that was canceled after only three issues.

Thank you Joanna!

So it's not just me!

Look what I just read on Smitten, written by Joanna Goddard (also from A Cup of Jo). Of course, I had to read it...she entitled the piece, Do People Call you Ma'am? And guess who the culprit is in her story?

I feel so much better now. However, I still don't think it's the right way to go in terms of customer service for that particular store. The ma'ams of the world are their target customers*, so why even risk insulting them?

*"30 to 45 years old, college or post-graduate education, married with kids or in a committed relationship, professional or ex-professional, annual household income of $150,000 to $200,000. She's well-read and well-traveled." From an article on the store in Fast Company, Issue 65, November 2002.

Say It Ain't So...

Oh, well.

The irony is, that this week, I've worn two outfits that were SO much cuter and stylish than what I wore to that interview. I made the mistake of confusing myself with what I previously knew about interviewing for my former jobs (mostly corporate-lite) than trying to get a job somewhere that was so individually unique from my past experience. I should have worn what I felt great in hoping that it would have translated to the interviewer.

In short, I should have sold 'the best me I could be' and not what I thought they wanted, which only resulted in me feeling lacking.

NOTE: I'm not saying I didn't get the job because of the way I was dressed. Not at all. I'm saying that I didn't feel confident in myself because of my ambivalence about my outfit and I let it affect the way I felt and presented myself. Also, the "ma'am" thing really did disarm me.

You live - you learn.

More of This is What I Need

First, I saw this cute capelet at Floating World Views, it's a rendition of Burda 8173*.

Then I saw this lovely jacket from Anthropologie:

Catalina Bolero, $120

And now I see this:

Lady Capelet jacket

a perfect little mash-up, right?

Where do you think I found it? No, not Anthropologie, though it definitely has that feel. No, this little gem is available at Forever 21! Yes. For only $35.

So I guess I need a charcoal gray wool capelet/jacket thingy in my wardrobe for fall.

Yeah, I can dig it.

*This is a discontinued Burda pattern, but Butterick 5032 is very similar, just eliminate the collar. I luckily already own this vintage Butterick pattern with it's own cape.

Fashion In Film: Little Edie and Anthropologie

I was just looking through this post full of costume images from the new HBO movie, Grey Gardens on the Edie Beales, Big and Little. I definitely will need to check this one out.

Halfway through the post, amongst all the gorgeous and eerily accurate costumes, I saw this dress:

Drew Barrymore as Little Edie

How close is that to the wonderful plum dress I showed in my last post? The same plum dress I vowed to look for when it goes on sale.

Of course, now I want it even more!

More images from the movie here via The Los Angeles Times.

More from the Anthropologie Clearance Room

Two dresses I loved at Anthropologie. Though the plum tailored dress is still at full price and only the denim ruffly one is in the sales/clearance room. If you run, you may still be able to get the denim one in a store near you.

The lovely full lining. This dress could practically be worn reversible, the lining was so comprehensive and made so well!

Happy weekend!

The Anthropologie Clearance Room (Part 1)

That is where I spent almost two hours, two Saturdays ago. I just wanted to find some sewing/crafty inspiration and the store did not disappoint. I took SO many pictures it was ridiculous. Good that the store pipes music into the dressing room so that it blocked out the sound of my camera's shutter. I thought I would post these pics with the coordinating info from the web site after I got home but as it turns out most of these things were no longer available on there. So, unfortunately, I don't have the manufacturer for any of these or what the sale prices were either.

So, just enjoy the eye candy (the clothes, not me):

Need an energy boost

Yesterday: I did a major Holly Hunter-Broadcast News* cry today on the way to a baby shower. Not good. Had attempted to complete some baby booties in time, but did not succeed.

 Update: Made bootie progress!

Today: Going to try on that New York & Co dress again (hey, it makes me feel good and maybe it will be on sale!) AND drop by Anthropologie for some free inspiration.

Update: I was stopped by the snow.

Monday: Must make appointments to see some body & mind doctors (long overdue New Year's goals) and sign up for a belly dance class for some needed social interaction and exercise. I met the instructor yesterday at the aforementioned baby shower. Hopefully, the doctors will work with me on my lethargy, nutrition, and depression issues and things can start looking up.

Update: Everything above was closed but I left messages and will call again tomorrow. To make up for this though, I did start my taxes online.

*After seeing the above-linked clip I remember how much I love that movie! Must see again soon.

Drafting a wardrobe story

I hope you can open this Anthropologie link*...because I adore this series. Not only do I like the swatches of fabrics used in the backdrops but I want almost every piece pictured; especially the accessories, like the shoes and these two necklaces:

 Unbloomed Bulb necklace, $218 (!)

Gentleman Juggler necklace, $98

*If it takes you nowhere...from the main page click on Clothes, then Outfits. You should see one model and six different ensembles.