Suits me

We have a pool (for now). I love the beach. It may surprise you, then, to know how rarely I actually get into the water. As a result I only own two bathing suits. Well that and I can never find anything that fits right. There's either not enough suit (no bikinis for me), not enough support, or too much suit (who are these women with such long torsos?).

Suddenly, however, I am inexplicably gripped by the desire to buy a new swim suit. And, oh, some of the ones I seen online...

The husband isn't a fan, but this ruffled one piece from Wildfox is calling out to my whimsical side.

This beauty from J. Crew's Luxe Tulle line just went on sale. Look at the support that thing has! And ruching hides a multitude of sins often all too visible amongst beach goers. Sadly, the "regular" torso measurement is almost eight inches longer than my torso. Dear J.Crew, add swimwear to your selection for petites. Thanks.

Betsey Johnson calls this raspberry confection "Shortcake." Doesn't it sound perfect for me? I love that it has the feel of a strapless but still has the very thing needed for keeping your suit where it should be even in rough waters.

Now if I could rock a two-piece I'd seriously consider doing it in one of these.

 ChloeScalloped Halterneck

Classic retro bikini in navy from BeBops

Why is bathing suit shopping so hard?!

The best kind of "bad"

First, a quick finger report. My Thursday follow up came with some unsettling news: instead of simply cleaving the tendon in two I also managed to separate tendon from bone. As a result, I may need a tendon graft. That's right, internet, when I do damage I go all the way. I should know more by next week. In the interim I'm developing some mad ambidextrous skills.

But enough about all that. I did something way more exciting (and far less excruciating) than injure myself last week.

I. Saw. Wicked.

via Broadway Artists Alliance

Ben got me tickets for my birthday (in August) and I thought the January showing would not get here fast enough. Totally worth the wait.

One caveat - this musical is not based on the book by Gregory Maguire.

Inspired by it, perhaps, but not based upon. It is more like the other other story of the Witches of Oz; the one acceptable for young audiences.

This is actually my first experience with a Broadway production. And oh! Oh, that set!

And the effects!

Jeanna de Waal as Glinda in the national tour of Wicked.

But above all, the pipes on this woman!

Christine Dwyer as Elphaba in the national tour of Wicked.

Christine Dwyer is indescribable. Her singing...the way she delivers lines...the way she moves on stage. Just, wow.

She'd be my number one idol if it wasn't for Susan Hilferty - the genius behind the costumes.

Elphaba

Seems I have a lot of work to do if I want to be like Susan. Better get to it!

Oh, what to wear?

Since I was talking about an out-of-the-box host gift yesterday my mind was whirring with thoughts of holiday parties. I doubt I'll be throwing any, but I might get to go to one or two. What to wear?

Originally, I was just going to show this chic bronze, bedazzled number recently featured on The Coletterie.

Bronze dress from Dear Golden via The Coletterie

Then, I started clicking around in Dear Golden's shop and Oh. My. God!

I'll take this for a Christmas Eve reception.

1950s wool plaid wiggle dress from Dear Golden.

For this I'll have to find tickets to The Nutcracker followed by cocktails.

1940s green taffeta gown from Dear Golden

And for New Year's Eve I wouldn't hesitate to trade my LBD for this beauty!

1920s beaded chiffon dress from Dear Golden

Smashing, aren't they? I've shown you my holiday dream closet, so now you tell me about yours!

Summertime

With the rain literally coming down in sheets outside my studio window it is hard to think yesterday was the start of summer for us in the states. Sure, the calendar says the first day of summer is June 20, but we all know Memorial Day is when it really begins.

1954 Cole swimwear ad via MyVintageVogue

Yesterday, that sweet boy of mine treated Emily and I to lunch at The Pub. Nothing says "I am celebrating an American holiday" quite like eating classic British fare at a pub. I digress. Besides the amazing beer selection and awesome menu, we love The Pub because it is a prime spot for people-watching. We snagged a corner table on the porch and let the fun begin.

And that brings me to today. People, I know it is hot outside. I live in Florida so I don't just know it's hot;  I know it is hot outside. I understand that your urge is to expose as of your skin as possible in hopes the heat will escape your body more quickly. But, please don't. Think of the children. There are plenty of actual clothes that you can wear to stay cool and look good through the season of swelter.  Let me help you out.

1. Ban polyester. It doesn't breath and, therefore, tends to make you sweat more.  More sweat means you'll feel less than fresh and you'll definitely smell that way.  Opt for lightweight, woven fabrics such as cotton or linen.

Victoria Dress from Sierra Brooke

2. Say goodbye to black; at least during daylight hours. The darker the color the more light it absorbs and when we're talking about sunlight you can bet we also mean heat.  No matter how cute that black tank top is avoid wearing it before sundown. I promise, you'll look just as good in other colors.

Floral + Red + Stripes via Life's a Journal

3. Pack your jeans away.  Okay, I know this might be hard for some of you.  Most of us all but live in our jeans.  If you must put on denim to feel human, at least opt for summer-weight denim.  Yes, there is such a thing.  The fibers in summer-weight jeans are thinner, making the fabric lighter so you can avoid heat stroke.  For those of you willing to part with your favorite pair of blues for a few months see above regarding fabric.

Put those jeans away! via Polyvore

So as to not overwhelm you, I'll save my list of don't for another day.  In the meantime, go! shop! dress summery!  And by all means, dress well.

Oh! I almost forgot to ask; what are your warm-weather staples?

For every girl, a garter

This week I got the best e-mail ever. Want to know what qualifies as a best e-mail? One with pictures of an NPJ bride. Wearing her original NPJ garter! At her St. Patrick's Day wedding! Seriously, you guys, I might use up my weekly quota of exclamation points in this one post.

I know you understand, though, because you cannot look at this couple and not be excited. Sarah and Chris tied the knot, literally, on St. Patrick's day. Because they are just awesome like that.

Amazing wedding photography by Mozingo Photography.

I know, right?! They exude joy!  And that isn't even the half of it.  Just look at how her sapphire eyes sparkle against that red hair.  When I was a little girl I'd call it monarch butterfly hair and ask my mom every day if I could dye my stupid blonde locks. And that headpiece!

Genius bridal portraits by Mozingo Photography

Sarah contacted me in February about making her wedding garter.  I knew we'd get along just fine because she started her message with my four favorite words; "I love this garter!" She was referring to my Golden Years garter.

I really shouldn't put my own photos in the same post as a professional photographer's.

When I made this garter I knew it was only going to appeal to certain type of girl. Luckily, Sarah came along, and she is the very best type of girl. And she requested a toss garter.

So I made fair Sarah a toss garter and described it thusly. (That's right, I just threw a"thusly" in there.)

I don't actually know Sarah - I mean we've never met - but I think she might be a wood sprite. She asked me to make a toss garter. Something simple, she said, with ivory and amber, brown and olive green. Can you imagine an early spring wedding with golds, browns, and greens? It sounds like a dance of the druids, of dusk in the hollow, of woodland dreams come true!

I happily designed my secret elf bride and creamy, dreamy, band of ivory dupioni. I added lush olive green satin leaves with just a hint of gold, and a vintage beaded earring shimmering with the tawny shades of the earth.

Sarah responded enthusiastically and confessed that yes, she was rather woodland. I just knew she and I were meant to be, but she decided to go ahead and marry that Chris fellow.

I cried for a bit, but my mourning turned to tears of joy when Mr. and Mrs. Chris Pressley sent me these most lovely photos taken by the talented Michael and Meriah Mozingo.
 

 

 Chris and Sarah, you look positively exuberant!  I trust your happy wedding is only a sign of the many joyful years ahead of you. Thank you so much for allowing me to be a small part of that loving and lasting happiness. Best wishes to you both.

Very truly yours,
J-

heart-to-heart

Thanks to the Etsy favorites feature, I have hearts, you have hearts, we all have hearts! Here, we’ll hop from heart-to-heart each week, progressively adding to our heart trail as we follow the favorites from one seller to the next.

When Thanksgiving dinner here in America called us away from our heart trail we were puckering up for


...FIGandYARROW {Basil Cardamom Lip Balm} who hearts

...RhapsodyAttic {Hollywood RegencyLamp} who hearts

...Junkyard Glitter {Vintage Frame} who hearts

...StudioBotanica {Handmade Christmas Ornaments} who hearts

...Rare Bird {Chairs Fine Art Print} who hearts

...Amelia Bath and Body {Oatmeal Soap} who hearts

...take some time to relax by the fire; we'll pick up the trail again 'round Boxing Day.

For every girl, a garter

Last week, while the rest of us recovered from our Turkey-induced trances, an NPJ bride hopped a flight to Costa Rica.

via Mareas Villas

She, along with friends and family, checked into the beautiful Mareas Villas Luxury Resort.

And when she said "I do," I was thrilled to think an NPJ original was part of this fanciful, tropical wedding.

Thank you, Maria! And congratulations!

Inspiration Found: Reversible Things

Doesn't it seem as though the comfiest, coziest things are best when they're two-sided? I talked about this a little in October, but now that autumn is sort of making her appearance in Florida I'm even more in love with objects featuring duality.

It means twice the number of hand-protecting coffee cuffs.

via Love 2 Create

It means snuggling twofold as often.

via COCOCOZY

That's two times the amount of chic outerwear accersorries.

via UnderReconstruction

And now, thanks to yours truly, you can coordinate your garters with double the amount of outfits, moods, socks, and stockings!

Reversible Garter Pair at Never a Plain Jane Designs

One side is 100% wool upcycled from a vintage Ralph Lauren skirt. Delicious fall shades of russet and forest green make up the cozy plaid pattern. On the flip side, a rich, gold dupioni silk.

I really love these. Really, really love them.

For every girl, a garter

I'm a sucker for a femme fatale. My friend Jessica says it is because I admire strong women. Whether or not that is a correct diagnosis, one of my forever favorite vixens is Poison Ivy.

As I originally saw her - In cartoon form

I'm also have a thing for red heads. Go figure.

Alas, I don't really see any day soon in which it would be acceptable for me to don red waves and/or green leaves.  So I leave it up to you, my internet darlings. Please someone dress up as Poison Ivy. I mean, I already have your garters ready and waiting for you.

Garter pair: Poison Ivy

usually I'd just stop the "For every girl" feature with a garter photo and go about my merry day.  But I love this character so much couldn't resist doing a little costume recon.

I can appreciate a comic book character's traditional leotard and tights uniform, but I think I prefer the skirted renditions.

via HalloweenCostumes.com

Samantha SamSam as Poison Ivy by Celeste Giuliano

via Nilla on DeviantArt

Amazing interpretation from Megan-Marie.com

Let's take a page from yesterday's post and focus on getting into character all the way to the tips of your fingers.

Even though it's Halloween it's still just a crazy outfit until you put your face on.

I love holidays that let you dress up. And seriously, be Poison Ivy.  She's undeniable.  If you do use the coupon code FemmeFatale at my shop and shipping is free.