Look What I Made at Sewtropolis…a.k.a. Summer of I Can Sew a Skirt

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Here it is, my first serious sewing project.  And I have to say, it was actually pretty easy!

When I think about the fact that this is an a-line skirt with a box cut and a lining, it’s daunting.  Daunting because I never took to sewing machines.  I took Interior Design instead of Home Economics in high school and somehow never got familiar with my mom’s sewing machine.

So I took a Skirts class at Sewtropolis with Nikol Gianopoulos in her adorable sewing studio – the only one of its kind in the Twin Cities.  I got to select my own pattern and fabric, plus I got to make the skirt to my measurements.

The a-line skirt has to be the most universally flattering skirt in the world.  For my curvy figure, a hem at the knee is best for my legs.  For someone with slender legs, a shorter cut would work great to show them off and create curves.

The box pleat in the front adds a classic, tailored detail, perfect for cotton.  Stripes add to the tailored look and help to elongate and slim.

And, now that I have a pattern that fits me, I can remake this skirt as many times as I want, using a different fabric each time.

With the help of Nikol’s experienced sewing skills and patient teaching style, plus additional sewing support and encouragement from Emily Schroeder, a mutual friend, I have a new skirt for summer.

Special thanks to Emily Schroeder and Pro Re Nata Communications for introducing me to Nikol and Sewtropolis, as well as for being the idea and PR engine behind Summer of Skirts.

{ Fabuliss helps you discover and express your personal style for camera-ready confidence. }

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Fabuliss Helps Mary Broaden Her Closet…and Break Out of a Shopping Routine

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I met Mary in May at a Fabuliss brunch that a friend of mine hosted.  Mary came to the brunch with a notebook and pen and two outfits…can you tell she was ready for a change?

She makes trips to Minnesota specifically to shop the Mall of America to update her closet.  Her normal shopping trips consisted of heading into a store and buying outfits based on what the mannequins were wearing.

To get a new perspective, try things she wouldn’t normally wear and shop more efficiently, she hired Fabuliss.

The photos above are a small sampling of a few of her new outfits.

As she tried on <a lot> of clothing, shopped the jewelry counter and picked out shoes, there were a few “a-ha” moments:

• Don’t knock it until you try it. The denim dress with zipper trim above, far left, is a great example.  It’s something Mary would never have picked out and she was not excited about trying on.  She couldn’t believe how much she loved it once she had it on.
• Try jewelry on. This is a continuation of what I just said but definitely merits it’s own call-out.  Prior to our shopping day, Mary said she had only tried on a couple of jewelry items.  EVER.  Trying on jewelry is essential because you can see where it hits you, how it lays and you get a strong sense of what you like and don’t like.  When you get it home, try it on with different outfits.  Try layering.  Go crazy!
• Personal style is an ongoing evolution. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again.  It’s perfectly OK that Mary is still buying black and brown shoes.  She said she just started wearing peep toes for the first time this year.  At DSW, she had to really think about whether she would feel comfortable with patent leather piping (“shine”) on her shoes.  Just think…if she can take a step in those new shoes, what else is she capable of?!?!?

At the end of an incredibly productive day, I count up that she has at least 30 outfits when mixing and matching what she bought.  Because her pieces are classic (with a little personality), I know she will be able to wear these pieces more than one summer.

Do you and your friends want to learn more about style?  Are you bored with your routine and closet?  Are you ready to see things in a different way?  Fabuliss can help!

Visit Fabuliss.com to learn more about packages or contact me directly at hello@fabuliss.com or 612-554-4629.

Target Blue Dress + One Accessory…from Bored to BAM!

This post started out when I spotted the dress in the middle.  It’s a simple, classic sheath with a cute detail around the neck.

It got me thinking how to sass up this beautiful classic dress…which led me to the idea that one accessory can add a lot of BAM!

Starting from the left, everything pictured is from Target:

• PETITE: I picked this simple wrap dress ($24.99) in teal because, well, it was one of the few dresses in the blue family.  It also looks like it’s well made for the price.  I am pairing it with a necklace ($19.99) that contrasts with the blue and adds an earthy, geometric feel.
• REGULAR: Get this…this dress is $24.99.  It feels like a quality dress and it comes in pirate blue (shown), cosmo pink and grey.  I am pairing this particular color with a fun Cynthia Vincent for Target wedge ($29.99).  It’s a little on the casual side but it’s a whole lot of fun!
• PLUS: Here’s another great find for $24.99.  If you try this empire waist dress ($24.99) on, make sure the fabric has enough structure to emphasize your curves while not revealing everything.  I chose this mosaic tile belt ($16.99 check stores; it was out of stick at time of posting) to add a pop of wow around the waist.  And in my opinion, it’s perfectly OK that the blue in the belt doesn’t match the blue in the dress.

Make sure to regularly visit SummerOfDresses.com to see what women are wearing this summer and post your own pictures for us all to admire.

If you’re in need of help adding more BAM to your closet, Fabuliss can help!  Visit Fabuliss.com for more information and sign up for the eNewsletter to get updates, special offers and more.  Or contact hello@fabuliss.com for more information.