Recent Infatuation: Gunne Sax

I don't know where it started - I suspect Etsy - but at some point I began to long for a Gunne Sax dress. To be specific, I adore the coquettish, prairie designs of the 1970s.

 

Gunne Sax, so named for the "gunny sack" or burlap trim used on some of the earlier dresses,was founded in the 1960s. In 1969 it was purchased by Jessica McClintock. Yes, the very Jessica McClintock who made your coveted homecoming dress in 1995.

via The Dusty Dog Vintage

The brand is often associated with its 1970s prairie designs with Victorian and Edwardian details.I adore how the designs took classic elements such as lace, gingham, and calico, and combined them in a way that turned late-19th and early-20th century American fashion on its head.
 

via Rosebud Vintage

Gunne Sax also manufactured renaissance- and medieval-inspired designs, with empire waistlines and middle plackets, and used other historical costume elements such as corset-like laced bodices.

via The Vintage Bazaar and possibly my personal favorite

Despite all the Victorian-ness these babies are actually rather sexy. Everything is (mostly) covered up, but designs with decolletage-baring necklines, corset lacing, and tailored bodices are, as I said above, coquettish. The body-skimming tailoring doesn't hurt either.

via Hellhound Vintage Clothing

Sign. Me. Up.

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?!

Busy Busy Busy

I haven't written in a bit of a while, but don't think it's because I have nothing to write about; I think we can all agree I rarely run out of things to say. It's just that I've been doing, going, making so much lately I haven't found the time to tell you all about it. Here's the summary (mostly) in photographs.

My friend, Jim, graduated from college earlier this month.

Guess which one is Jim.

Jim is something of a teddy bear wrapped in a bad ass, tattooed, bald-and-I-own-it shell. In honor of that I accompanied Emily to a nearby ceramics studio and painted Jim a pretty pot.

It's impossible to tell, but I wrote "Ashes of Passed Exams" atop my painted flames. I have no idea what will actually go in his jar,but he seemed pleased with it.

I actually missed the giving of Jim's gift (his wife kindly delivered it) because I was in San Antonio at Hava's baby shower! And oh what a shower.  I wish I'd taken photos, but, alas, I'll have to wait for them to appear on Facebook. In any case, Hava and Ryan have chosen to do Baby Caleb's room in a Dr. Seuss theme and the shower took that idea to highest possible level.  I did my part via my gift: a tummy time swanky blankie.

I suspected I wouldn't have time to photograph the finished product so I took some snaps midway through the making. Babies learn so much about the world through touch so I chose a variety of fabrics and embellishments, each with a different texture and all in a common Seuss color.

On the flip side I went with a black and white color scheme. For the first few months babies are unable to see colors, but I wanted Baby Caleb to start enjoying tummy time to the fullest right from the start; well, as much as any baby ever enjoys tummy time.

Speaking of black and white...

Okay, black and white and pink. Those are the favorite colors of my favorite high school graduate, a darling girl called Courtney. She just got her dorm room assignment and I cannot wait to show her the memo board I put together. You might recognize the fabric... Since the wall was getting some jewelry I didn't want the bed to feel left out so I made a little something for that too.

Hopefully, she's as keen on monograms as I am.

I've got a few other things in the works: a shirt for Ben (because I like to punish myself) and some placements for a neighbor. I may even do a tutorial for the mats. Ooooo. Aaaaah.

Home is...

Well, I'm back from a week of house hunting in DC. I wish I could tell you the hunt is over, but things didn't turn out quite like we'd hoped.

I've said it before, house hunting is hard. However, this time around I confess it is also a little fun. The busybody in me relishes seeing the insides of all those different houses, and imagining how I would set things up if it were my home.

I can't take you into the houses I saw on my trip, but I'll gladly share with you some of my favorite inspiration homes and decor.

Brookleigh Daybed from Rosenberry Rooms

I'd set Emily up with this daybed in a heartbeat. Sadly, she's not that into it.

Smeg Refrigerator from West Elm Marketplace

Ben has already agreed this is the refrigerator for us!

Tiny Victorian cottage in the Catskills

I'm pretty sure Emily needs a little something like this in our backyard. She agrees saying it would be"perfect for a sewing studio."

Flor tiles in "Just Plain Folk" and "Lanyard"

I first read about Flor tiles in 2007 on Dooce.com. I liked them then, but I fell in love when I saw this great rug on Brooklyn Limestone. I'm still working to bring the rest of my family around.

Powder room on HOUSEography

In DC powder rooms are in practically every house. At least one of ours will have dark blue walls and a gold ceiling. I'm doing it, there's no stopping me, don't even try.

English Farmhouse sink in a kitchen by Hallie Cohn Designs

I fully intend to have a farmhouse, or apron-front, sink someday.

And you? What's going on in your dream-house tour?

Stuff I found while looking around

If you follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter you already know that I am spending my morning with the orthopaedic surgeon having my tendon reattached. Don't be jeal.

To keep it short: My finger was caught between two large mirror fragments; the tendon is severed and must be reattached; the nerves are also cut so I'm not in much pain (yet); I finally get to live my elementary school dream of having a cast for all my friends to sign.

Since my hunt and peck finger gets worn out pretty quickly that's all the verbiage you get today. Instead, I thought I'd share some things I found while futzing around on the web. Click on the images for source info and details. Enjoy!

P.S. Any tips on how to handle my inevitable DIY withdrawal?

For every girl, a garter

May was an excellent month for design. I had a couple of opportunities to really let my imagination run.

First, I got a request from one of my favorite clients to make a wedding garter set for her soon to be sister-in-law. Then, two magical words were said to describe this wedding:

Burlesque Masquerade

Oh my gosh, sign me up, and can you get me an invitation!

Smoldering temptress

This little vixen was made with upcycled venetian-style lace from a corset given to me by a former cocktail waitress. She was named for an angel, plays with the devil, and lives like a force of nature. I had to use this lace. Had.To.

Temptation for two

The toss garter (because temptation is best when shared) is made primarily from a red silk camisole. Appropriate, right?

This next garter is one I've been splashing all over the web. Okay, just Facebook and twitter, but I can't help myself. I love it!

This was custom order for a bride who is marrying a man with a fondness for skulls. That button came from an amazing shop, Haute Button, on Etsy. I absolutely cannot wait to snatch up more buttons for embellishing garters. I may even find an excuse to make me some cute clothes so I can sport some of those babies, myself!

If I had this much fun in May, I wonder what sort of girls and garters June will bring me! Have you been having some extra design fun lately? Tell me about it!

In the City

Today I am actually traveling again, but you guys have already seen a travel outfit. What you didn't see was my interpretation of a tourist. On Wednesday, before the cocktail dinner shindig, my travel buddy, Carrie, and I met up with the Tara Gentile for lunch at the Reading Terminal Market. Other than lunch and dinner, Carrie and I had no plans so we decided to wander the city a bit.

So what does one wear while strolling the farmer's market and artsy areas of Philly?

For the longest time I avoided wearing black with navy.  I have no idea why; it is really quite sophisticated. obviously, I am writing this before I actually leave for my trip, so I'm still on the fence about the scarf.  The sweater is a v-neck so I know I'll want something to fill in the negative space.  I'm just not sure silver is the way to go...

Yes, those are shorts and, yes, those are tights.  Again, please note that I am not wearing tights as pants. I'm wearing them under (short) pants. But can we please take a second to appreciate these sweet hounds tooth leg cover picked out by my savvy husband?

Awesome, right!?

Sweater: TJ Maxx
Shorts: Hand-me-downs
Tights:Target
Shoes: Gianni Bini circa 2009
Scarf: Hand-me-Down

I also packed some jeans just in case I was too cold to wear the shorts and tights.  I'm stylish, not stupid.

But tell me, what would you put on to tour the big city?

Treasury Tuesday

Dream a Little Dream...

Treasury by Jennifer at Clay Bouquet Shop

Holiday Tips

There are two types of tips this time of year: the kind that help us survive and the kind we give to thank those who help us survive the rest of the year. It is definitely better to give than receive - even more so when you give graciously.  For those of us prone to making a mess of every social situation, Sarah from This is Glamorous has prepared a lovely guide. (and didn't she include the most divine images?)

Whether you are traveling or will remain at home this Christmas, it is always thoughtful to think of those whose services you require on a regular basis, for a well-mannered traveler is always grateful for good service.

via This is Glamorous

Beyond a spoken thank you, tipping is essential in many cases, and for services above and beyond, a handwritten thank you note is always an elegant and appreciative touch.

via This is Glamorous

As for your regular go-to services at home, it is a wonderful gesture to acknowledge their continuous service during the holidays . . .


Continue

For every girl, a garter

Variations on a theme: Pleats in Tulle

What's your variation?

Craft-along flower 3: Marigold (not actually gold)

For other blossom tutorials and the more info about this craft-along please click here.

I think today's flower looks like a marigold.

via

Except that it's navy.

And if I can make a navy marigold, you can make an any-color-you-want marigold. Ready?

For every girl, a garter

Today I'm rubbing elbows with a princess!

via*

That's right, Ben took Emily and me to the Magic Kingdom for a family adventure before he leaves town. Since I hope to be seeing Disney's version of that cinder girl, I thought today would be the perfect day to show my latest garter!

It was actually inspired by my recent discovery of Alice Blue Gown, but don't you think it would suit Cinderella perfectly?

It has everything a princess could hope for -icy blue dupioni silk, vintage lace, gold...

I just can't decide if I should offer it as a keepsake garter with a coordinating toss garter, or if I should make a pair of garters for everyday princess wear.  What do you think?

* "Inspired by her childhood memories of Disneyland and a practical knowledge of period costuming, artist Claire Hummel created a series of illustrations featuring historically accurate versions of Disney’s princess costumes. " ~ My Modern Met See more about this series here and here.

For every girl, a garter

In the last few weeks I have been busy busy with custom orders.  And I am not complaining! Okay, I'm complaining a little, but only because my sweet clients are claiming their one-of-a-kind garters as fast as I can list them in my shop so you guys don't really get a chance to see them.

Of course, the ladies I work with have exquisite taste and I've had a lot of fun designing for them. You, my lovelies, just have to see what been flying out of the Never a Plain Jane design studio.

Remember these fab vintage buttons with their adorable anchors? Well, that post was up less than 24 hours before a sailor's wife told me to "get 'em." She wanted a garter for a boudoir shoot she's doing - a gift to her deployed husband.  I was more than happy to oblige.

Knotted rope heart and vintage button detail on "The Sailor's Wife" by Never a Plain Jane Designs

"The Sailor's Wife," a unique, custom garter from Never a Plain Jane Designs

Then there's Jenn. After 30-something years her mother is getting the big wedding she never had. Jenn asked me to help her design a garter duo as her special gift to her mom. She described a woman who appreciates pattern, color, primitives, quirky jewelry, vintage, and handmade.  The only request was that I include peacock feathers. This weekend there will be a happy bride will be wearing this thoughtful gift from her loving daughter:

"Pretty as a..." keepsake garter by Never a Plain Jane Designs

"Pretty as a..." toss garter by Never a Plain Jane Designs

This must be the weekend for weddings because I had just finished Jenn's giftable duo when I received my first rush order - less than two weeks to go before this bride said I do! I work well under pressure, though, and there was no way I could refuse when I saw her dress.

Mina Gown, interpretation of gown from Bram Stokers Dracula by Romantic Threads, Photo by Le Mew Photography

Cristina has designed a Victorian/Edwardian-influenced steampunk wedding.   Don't you wish you were going? She asked for a garter duo  that incorporated vintage buttons and plenty of drama.  She also gave me permission to "bring on the feathers." In my vast button collection I found these brass beauties that reminded me of boot buttons.  For the keepsake garter I looped the biot feathers so they mimicked the scalloped lace often used to trim Victorian garmets.

"Mina" garter duo by Never a Plain Jane Designs

Vintage brass button and feather detail on the "Mina" keepsake garter by Never a Plain Jane Designs

I love my job!