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.

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!

Fie on you, Blogger! Fie, I say!

Perhaps it is Blogger and perhaps it is the user (I admit nothing), but I am having a heck of a time composing a grand post for today.

So instead of looking at enjoyable photos from my London trip, I give you...

This is a reminder. No matter where you are in the world, no matter how cute your red pumps are,

Tights are not pants!

Good job with the stripe on stripe, though. Too bad you had to screw it up by wearing tights as pants. Which they are not. 

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!

Amazing Grace

Please, somebody, anybody,  find a way to dress like Grace Kelly for one of your holiday parties.  Just look at this red ensemble from "Dial M for Murder."

That shrug! That lace trim on the sweetheart neckline! Those crimson lips!

I wish I could have found a better shot of the whole ensemble, but this'll have to do.

Oh, the way that dress swished about her legs when she walked.  If ladylike had a sound that swish would be it!

Almost 50 years after the movie was made Grace's costumes are still totally relevant. To me anyway. What about you?

Treasury Tuesday

Look! I was included in a Holiday Bride Gift Guide!

Please click on the image to visit this treasury at its Etsy home

Omigosh, do you see those Rose Garden Wedding Candles!

Keri O'Hara put together this striking red treasury of what she calls "exquisite items from the WedEclectic team." Well thanks, Keri, but if you want to talk exquisite, let's discuss some of your picture perfect, charmers!

Christmas Tree Photo Ornament

Keepsake Necklace with Custom Photo Pendant and Sterling Heart

Custom Christmas Photo Ornament - Just Married

What would be on your winter wedding wishlist?

Inspiration Found: Red Wedding Shoes

Remember these fabulous shoes for an upcoming Las Vegas wedding?

Red satin pumps from Payless

Well these shoes, along with their owner's dream for a "vintage, glamorous, Hollywood, Old Las Vegas, classic, shocking and beautiful wedding," were the inspiration for a custom-made garter. 

In case the shoes weren't enough, I wanted to whet your appetite for my creation by first sharing someone else's. Jill Fontaine of Stay Calm Cupcake left a comment on my Facebook page proclaiming red wedding shoes bring to her mind...

Red Velvet Cupcakes! 

Vegan Crimson Velveteen Cupcakes via Whisk Kid

Hmmm, Jill's suggestion is pretty tasty, but I think my garter is down right decadent. What do you think?

 

Michele garter custom made by Never a Plain Jane Designs

I used 100% black and red silks upcyled from a couple of blouses scored from a local thrift store. I found the feathers here. I'm thrilled with how it turned out and the bride, Michele, is just over the moon!

Are you feeling inspired yet?  Tell me about it in the comments. And if you aren't, maybe you should contact Jill for some cupcakes.

Get your swim on!

Today I am taking Sarah and my Emily to the beach! I'm sorry you all can't come; I'm sure we'd have a fabulous time together.  To make up for it, I put together a little picture post of vintage and vintage-inspired swimwear. Enjoy!

1946 LIFE Magazine - Photo by Nina Leen via MY Vintage Vogue

Beach Blanket Bingo in red from ModCloth

Grace Kelly via Spires and Gargoyles

Fantastic find from Mountain Meadow Vintage via The Dainty Squid

Holly in Ebony& Ivory from Rey Swimwear

Black Foil Paisley One Piece from Torrid

Costa Swim Suit from Shabby Apple

Bathing Beauties via Couture and Cupcakes

FInd Inspiration In...An awesome pair of shoes

It has been so long since my last Find Inspiration post! About a month ago I had a bride contact me about making a custom garter for her September wedding in fabulous Las Vegas. I all but swooned when she described her vision of the big day.

"Vintage, glamorous, Hollywood, Old Las Vegas, classic, shocking and beautiful are all words I think of when I think of our wedding."

Oh my gosh! Can I come?

I guess, technically, I'll be there because I get to design this awesome bride's garter.  To help me out, she sent me some photos of her bridal wardrobe including a picture of her red wedding shoes!

Red satin pumps from Payless

Are you inspired?! I'm totally inspired! Who wouldn't be inspired?!

Won't you play with me?  Use the comments to tell me how these shoes prompted a project.  It can be any project - putting together a fierce outfit on Polyvore, making a fiery flower arrangement, planning a Vegas vacation...whatever! Feel free to e-mail me photos too: neveraplainjane@gmail.com.

Treasury Tuesday

O say, can you see...it is a time for celebration

A Never a Plain Jane treasury

Lady in the Street: For every girl a garter

Thanks, once again, to Pinterest I have discovered my new favorite designer, Karen Millen.

Gasp!

  Swoon!

 

Thanks to my visiting friend, Hava, I also have a dress and garter pair for you:

Dress: Karen Millen via Pinterest, Garter: Never a Plain Jane

According to Hava, there is nothing better than a chic business outfit hiding a hint of rock star!  I have to agree! I'd love to know my garters were being worn as a reminder to women that they can indeed rule the boardroom.  Of course, no one would ever have to know the secret to their confidence.