My All-Time Favortie Song

Fall In Love At A Coffee Shop is probably the most captivating thing I have or will ever hear. It's romantic, interesting and the overall design (set and costumes) are so beguiling. Okay, you just need to watch it.

I'd love to wear almost all of her outfits! (but I wouldn't feel comfortable in the last one.)

So do you like it? What are your favorite songs/music videos?

~Anna

Boom! Bam! Design! Wham!

 Hi, everyone! The other day I really wanted to get a new design to you all. I was inspired by my daily shoe calendar and the tons of fringe we've been seeing this year. I really like sketching without a figure; this makes the process faster and less difficult, plus it's pretty fun!

 

If I ever make this, I think is would go fantastically with a light lace jacket and some ankle boots, what do you think?

~Anna

The Plaid Dress

So are all of you feeling inspired today? 

Well I am, and here's why: 

Yep, that's right, my first garment construction video! I have learned so much while making this, but the most important lesson was not giving up! During this, I felt that I was making something that was going to fail or look horrible, but in the end, I really love how it turned out. 

Perseverance, baby! Whoot!

Just a reminder: my clothing business, Demure, will be opening its online shop on January 1st, 2016! 

I hope you all take the time and follow Demure's social sites, it would really mean a lot to me: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/demurefashions

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/demurefashion/

Instagram: @DemureFashions

Twitter: @DemureFashions

 Also, if you haven't taken my survey for Demure, I would really appreciate it as well: 

Click here to take Demure's survey.

So, do you like to upcycle clothes? Or would you be willing to try it? 

Let me know in the comment section!

Demure's Survey no.1

Hello everyone! I have exciting news! On January 2nd, 2016 Demure will officially open its shop online! However, we still have lots of planning and research to do before this happens.
Right now we are working on our marketing plan and need your help! We need as many women as possible (preferably ages 15-25) to answer our survey questions! This survey will help us get the word out about Demure more efficiently. So please take this survey and share it with your friends! Thank you!

Click here to go to the survey!

The Renaissance Festival!

Every year between the end of August and the beginning of October the Renaissance Festival comes to Michigan! This gives my friends and I a chance to dress up and basically step back in time!

The first week I attended, I wore this wedding dress I found for $15 at Volunteers of America. While it was pretty, I thought that more could be done to it...

So, I dyed it blue!  I also made fake hips which gave it the Marie Antoinette look! (Although, Marie was not alive during the Renaissance, I thought that it was still fine to wear.) I also ended up removing the rosettes off the shoulders as well as the bows from around each elbow.

One of the things I love about the Festival is the scenery! It actually looks like a town during the Renaissance era.

As you can see below there is a pirate ship that is used as a shop! They also have jousting tournaments, a birds of prey show, as well as other fun shows on stages throughout the park.

The have plenty of things to buy from food to jewelry. I bought this ring-bracelet that you see below; I thought it went well with my costume, but also had the versatility to wear with outfits at home.

One of the shops we visited sold tapestries! Below are some of my favorites:

The second time we went, we were celebrating Emma's 21st Birthday! My Aunt gave her, my mom and I free tickets for the day! (Thanks Aunt Cindy!!!)

Our friends also attended the Fest that day. We loved hanging out with them!

The masks in the upper right hand picture are made by my friend Tara. Her shop, Griffin Forge has amazing masks! You should check it out!!

So have any of you been to a Renaissance Festival? Or another event that your had to dress up for?

Photo credit: Myself, Nate H. and Tammy P.

Audrey Hepburn's Style

Hey all! Because Audrey is a style icon for many of us, I'd thought I would highlight some of her style choices so we might imitate it in our outfits.

One thing I like about Audrey's look is her face. Nothing is overdone, it is natural and dramatic all rolled into one. I think her whole style reflects this concept.

As you can see, one of shirts she commonly wore was a long sleeved crew-necked tee.
She lightly used accessories and patterns in her outfits. To me, this makes her outfits classic and chic, while they draw attention to her face.

Audrey is often pictured in cigarette pants; for your outfits you can just wear a loose pair of skinny jeans instead.

Here we see her with a doubled-breasted coat, though I'm sure she wore other coats, we can always don one of these for instant style.

Above, we see several different dresses that she wore. The one on the far left is my favorite and even though the details on the dress are elaborate, her accessory choices are still subtle.


What I think is so cool about Audrey's style is that it can be so easily translated into our modern era; plus it lends itself to being modest.

When you try this, remember less is more. Let your classic choices sing their own praises!

Have a fabulous week, Darling! (Too bad I can't be as classy as her when she says it!)

Fall Fashion 2015

Fall fashion is my favorite season. I love the layers, fabrics and the excitement of up-coming holidays. I have been looking a little bit into fall fashion and while I cannot cover the entire season, I thought I'd highlight some of the styles that stood out to me.

As usual, please keep in mind that these are fun trends to try, but your heart is what makes you stunning. Also, you don't have to follow fashion trends to dress attractively or tastefully.

The boho look is still going, but this fall add layers, such as ponchos, thin scarves and turtle necks. To sum up this style, just think of the 1970s. The hair, the love of leather and the overall natural look are all included in this trend.

The easy way to wear this trend: Pair a wool poncho with a pair of bell bottoms and carry a leather fringe purse. Oh, and I'm totally putting a panama hat on my wish list!










Victorian is another trend that is popular this season. A staple of this look is the turtleneck or any high neckline; these are often paired with a ribbon. The Victorian trend also encourages excess floral jewelry (including broaches), ruffles, beading, lace, gloves and big floral patterns (like brocade).

The easy way to wear this trend: Wear a high collared shirt with a ribbon tied around it; you could also add steam punk boots to cement the look.










This next trend, which InStyle has dubbed Lady Danger, reminds me of Divergent or Hunger Games. Leathers, large gold buttons, grommets, and futuristic patterns all contribute to this style.

The easy way to wear this: A leather jacket paired with combat boots.  The sweater to the left would be a comfortable way to wear this trend; hoodies are the bomb!










Overall these styles overlap in many different ways, which for the budget conscious person (myself) is really great!


If you want a simple "What should I add to my wardrobe this season" suggestion, look below:

Basic items to wear this season:
 1.) Turtle necks
 2.) An A-line wrap skirt
 3.) Wide legged, high waist pants

Fun styling options to try:
 1.) Excessive accessories
 2.) Knotted belts
 3.) Leather jewelry

 Lastly, I dub Car Wash Pleats the craziest trend of the season!

Have a happy week!
(Oh and I have figured out my business model, so I hope to open shop in January 2016! I'll tell you more later.)

Indian Fashion!

Okay, so maybe the love of this style came from watching too much of the Australian TV show "The Elephant Princess" or it could have come from watching "Bride and Prejudice" (the Bollywood version of Pride and Prejudiced, which is terribly cheesy yet hilarious) but my love for Indian fashion is growing out of control! So I've once again gone-a-Pinteresting and found some clothing and styles I love!


Below, we see a lots of gold details. These outfits remind me of royalty and romance. 

Pinks and blues together are my favorite! Not to mention the Kashmiri shawls!

 Here we see more of a pastel pallet; I find these looks calming.

 These dresses remind me of prom fashion! (For those of you attending homecoming or prom, you should consider going Indian! I feel like it would be unique!)

 More details! I love the intricacy of this style!

 Now, I have tried to find an everyday look to match the Indian style, though it was hard, I think I figured out several characteristics that contribute to this look:
   1.) Paisley (this includes beaded paisley)
   2.) 3/4 sleeves
   3.) Yoked waistline (see colorful dress on the far left.)
   4.) Tassels
   5.) Line v.s. Geometric designs. (see pants and dress on the far right.)

As you can see I adore this style, but I think I've said that enough. What do you think about it?

Late Summer Fashion

People keep saying that "Summer is over." Well apparently they didn't pay attention in their 1st grade class. We have almost a month left of summer, people! Below are some styles that you can wear as the summer is cooling down. (Please take note that I didn't say ending)

Capris are excellent for this time of year! They let your lower legs still get air and then, when the day ends, you have their warmth when you sit by the bonfire!

Plaid button ups; these will add a little farm pep to your wardrobe, and like the Capris the sleeves can be rolled up or let down depending on the weather. Plus, you can also wear a T underneath it just in case it gets too hot!

Blazer. Of course for Summer you would want to go with a 3/4 sleeve, but what else could you want? You could go chic or victorian, bright or earth toned; the choices are endless!

I hope that you will have a fun late summer!

What Should Be In ~ no.4 Hair Scrunchies

I know that these might be a childhood-fashion-nightmare for some of you, but I think it would be really cool if these came back in style! LOTS of old styles are coming back in, so why not this one?

 These tutorials would be really fun to do, because you could match them to an outfit you made! (By the way, check out Reagan's blog, it has more hair accessory tutorials!) 

 So will you get in touch with your inner 90's child and wear this accessory? I will.

I wore this scrunchie while writing today!

Mod Fashion

 Hello all! Sorry about the delay of posting, I've had a cold this week and have been taking it easy.

I thought I'd write on the Mod fashion trend that has been going on for some time now, and will still be popular this coming fall. This trend was also really popular in the 60's. Its main fashion head being Twiggy, a super model known for her slim figure and big eyes.

As far as I can see, this trend is about STATEMENTS; to make these have a bigger effect it is important to present them on a simple garment. Typically this is done on an A-line dress though sometimes it is a shapeless shirt paired with an A-line skirt. These statements tend to be colors and patterns, and are sometimes expressed in the form of collars or pockets.

As you can see below, these mod outfits are more recent, but still reflect the characteristics of this style.

Do you enjoy this trend or is it too crazy for you?

Have a fab week! ~ Anna

Design no.67

 

 

Boho Look!

I thought I'd show you all my favorite clothing items from the boho trend! 

For those who don't know: boho is short for bohemian, 

which comes from the french word bohémien or gypsy.

Tunics and embroidered shirts. 

I love these things!

 Soft fabric pants. 

I really like the bold patterns, plus these things are super comfy.

Then there are the shawls.  

Just having one of these can give your outfits that boho look!

Have a great week! 

This week I am trying to make pompom shorts. I hope I can post pictures of them next week!

I'll Be Back... (Warning)

Hey, All!  Just wanted to let you know that I'll be on a tech-fast until the 13th. So that means no blog posts until then. So sad I know ;). Have an amazing Summer until then!
~Anna

Fun DIYs to Chase Away Summer Duldrumbs

Hi All! 

I'd thought I'd share some fun DIYs I found on Pinterest! 

I always love doing crafts when I'm on vacation.

So which one of these do you think you'll try this summer?  I think I'll try to make the shell hair pins and soda can opener bracelet.

Pictures of My Seamstress Toils

Hi, Everyone!

I hope you are all having an amazing week! I’d thought I’d (finally) share photos of the different projects that I have been working on for the last couple months.

First, we have the photos from my Spring 2015 fashion show! This show featured six items that I made (5 dresses, 1 shirt). All but one of these (the formal light blue dress) are an original design.

My models are Victoria Kerr, Emma Parker, and Grace Smith. They did an awesome job! Plus, they are gorgeous!

Second, is the Mother of the bride dress! I was super happy to make this for Mrs. Holderread to wear on her daughter’s big day! This was made from the Simplicity pattern 1195. However, I made it tea length instead of full.

Part way done!

Day of the Wedding! She looks so beautiful!

Third, are the bridesmaid dresses! I learned so much about fitting and alterations with this project. I feel so much more accomplished. These dresses are made from the Simplicity pattern 1194.

Naomi in one of the dresses!

Hannah showing off the fluffy skirt.

 So there you have it, my fabric babies from the last few months. I have several other projects in the works, when they are done I’ll make sure the share them with you!

Have a fun week!

Anna

If you want to keep up to date with what I’m working on follow me on Instagram @AnnaDesignLove or like Demure on Facebook.

The Horror of the Crop-Top ~ Solved!

Crop tops, their name is enough to send chills down any modest fashionista’s spine. How, in the name of good honest modesty, are we supposed to adapt this trend for our wardrobe?

Well, hopefully I have solved this problem in a way that allows us to wear this trend, but still be modest!

Solution no.1: Wearing an under shirt.

Okay, so this is probably crossed all of your minds already, but let me go a little more in depth of what I think about this. When you pick an undershirt, it needs to strike a balance between loose and fitted so as to keep the “this is a shirt, not skin” message clear, while not looking too baggy. This can depend on the style of shirt and your comfort level. Personally, I try to meet the fitted/loose balance and choose a color that is not near my skin tone. (because I’m caucasian I usually stay away from white and beige colored undershirts)
I try to find a complimentary color to the crop top, or one that ties into the design of the shirt. For example, I have a blue crop top with a black bow on the chest; instead of trying to find a matching blue, I wore a black undershirt instead.

Solution no.2: Turn it into a peplum.

From what I know, the peplum came before the crop top, in this era that is. So, making your top into a peplum might be back tracking, but as you know I LOVE these things, so yeah, who cares about current trends.
Adding a peplum to your crop top can be difficult, because finding a similar fabric type and color can be enough to stress anyone, but I’m sure us fashion pioneers can handle it!
I would recommend using the same “color theory” as mentioned above. You can also add an under layer to your peplum to prevent showing skin when it’s a little breezy outside and your shirt just won’t stay down.
Below is my info-sketch (I’d call it an info-graphic, but it’s not that fancy) that illustrates what I’m talking about:

Solution no.3: Sew a permanent layer to the peplum.

This is probably the most practical, because of the coolness factor (I mean avoiding heat, hehe) and the fact the it won’t fly up in your face.
I would recommend doing this only to fitted crop tops, because I think it would look funny on looser ones, but I don’t know everything (shocking, right? ;-) )
Fabric and color choice are just, if not more, important here as it is in solution no.2. Try to choose fabric that is the same weight and type as the top that you are attaching it to. Also make sure that the fabric you’re choosing has some sort of give, or just make sure that you will be able to get in and out of your shirt.

Well there you have it. Three ways to turn the crop-top horror into something we can wear.

So what are your thoughts about crop-tops? Can they be turned modest, like suggested above, or will they always be in your no-no box?

Feel free to comment your ideas on how to make these tops modest; I’d love to know more!

Old Sketches, Fresh Ideas.

Okay, so it's not Thursday yet, but I thought you would like to see some of my old sketches, drawings of my favorite clothes and some of my designs

 As you can see by the picture on the lower right, I love drawing costumes as well!

So did you like any of the designs? If so, which one would you like me to make?

Maybe if my life slows I can sew one of these. :)

Repost: Vlog no.7

Thank you, Sophia, for letting me know that this vlog was not playing! As it turns out, it didn't upload to Youtube correctly. So here is Vlog no.7 re-uploaded and ready to be watched! 

If you can't watch it through my blog click this: What Should Be In ~ Vlog no.7

I've been having trouble with Youtube loading to this blog; if you cannot watch this video please let me know!

Overcoming the Awkward Open House Scene ~ Vlog no.8

In this Vlog I discuss some of the insecurities I have at open houses and how I am going to try to overcome them.

 

Have a great week! 

If you are having trouble viewing this video, please go to this link: What Should Be In ~ Vlog no.8 

If you still cannot see this video, please comment on this post to let me know!