Burgundy Burgundy

I've always heard that burgundy is one of those colours which you either love or hate. Call it what you will: burgundy, maroon, wine, oxblood, claret, I love it - ever since about grade 5 when I got burgundy-ish slip-on shoes which had a very slight heel. I remember I felt quite grown up. They had a pale greenish-yellow trim and some kind of buckle (weird right?) and they went with everything. I used to wear them with red pants. My mom paid $5.99 for them and it must have been a good deal because I remember that my best friend's mom was grilling me about them because my friend's shoes cost $13.99 - but they were shiny black patent. Funny how I still remember the prices from so long ago.

So back to burgundy. It's supposed to be a new colour for fall. Yay! I think it's because Kate and other celebs wore burgundy to some events last year, and its dribbling down to us.

Here are some burgundy coats and gowns from the past year or so:

I love the colour - it's so rich and luxe.  Here are some items for the rest of us:

	dress on left by: vaudeville and burlesque dress on right by: dorothy perkins
	you can even get a burgundy sari

Sweater Dress

It's Fashion Friday again.  Winter has arrived and it is quite cold now. So what do you do when you want warmth, but don't want to look like you're dressed for playing in the snow?  Sweater Dress!

There are cute sweater dresses on sale at Ralph Lauren - although for me, the price is still too high:

Sweater dresses are great for the cold.  You can wear them as is, or if it's freezing out, you can add vests, cardigans or jackets over top for extra warmth, and they still look work-appropriate.  I really like the extra long one, but I think after 8 hours sitting at a desk, they would get baggy knees, so the best buy is likely the shorter one.

I just happen to have 3 in my closet which I have been wanting to not refashion, but adjust.  They are a modified tunic style, slightly more casual as they have pockets, but which might look better with the waist taken in.  Unfortunately, every photo I took today has come out fuzzy, must be the late nights of  Christmas planning taking it's toll.  But here's a pic instead:

They are about 3 or 4 years old now, and it's time to refresh them.

Daily Posts

This blog needs a bit of organization instead of just random posts.  It is quite difficult time-wise to do very many refashions, due to job, family etc.  Other blogs have themed days and I thought that perhaps for this blog it could be:

• Monday:  Made by me - a refashion, craft or diy item
• Tuesday: Tutorial - not by me, but ones on the web which I'd like to try one day
• Wednesday: Weight Loss - There won't be much to report on at first, but maybe it will be about new things I'm trying etc.
• Thursday: Thrifty Things - no need to explain this.
• Friday: Fashion Finds.  For example, yesterday's Camilla Jacket post would've been a Friday Fashion Find post.

I'll try to follow the format, so, today is Friday.  Fashion Finds.

Apparently there was a chocolate fashion show in China.

 

They are opening a "Chocolate Wonderland" and had all sorts of things made out of chocolate.  The dresses don't look like they are entirely made out of chocolate, I don't think they are, but nice nonetheless.   They also had these LV bags:

Too nice to eat.  Guess that's why they are under glass!

Camilla's Jacket

I'm always on the lookout for things that I can refashion or copy.  Today I saw a pic in the paper of Camilla (Duchess of Cornwall) in a fabulous jacket.  I'm not a Camilla fan, not at all, but I thought her whole outfit looked very luxe and modern day royal.  

I'm thinking the jacket might be re-creatable and am now on the lookout for something to do this with. I especially like the big official looking cuffs.

Scarf Ace

Ages ago, I stumbled on a blog called Scarf Ace and I always remember the name because it is so much like Scarface.  So I'm borrowing the name for today's blog post title.

I'm a scarf addict and am always on the lookout for scarves or scarf makings.  I found a perfectly sized dark brown velvety piece of fabric at my favourite notions store for 59 cents.  I just need to find something for the other side:

Hmm, will have to learn to take better pictures - it is not showing up very well.  It could probably be used as is if I just trimmed the edges a bit to make them straighter - it doesn't seem like an-easy-to-fray fabric, but I like the idea of having a reversible scarf.

Unfortunately, the project will have to wait until the weekend though as the first round of lay-offs are starting tomorrow.  I think it'll be about 130 people.  Not good.

Let's end with a pic of my scarf collection:

See that 2nd one?  the black, white and yellow one?  That was made from a long piece of fabric which I originally intended for a blouse.  I even bought a pattern, but chickened out at the last minute and made it into a scarf.  Best. Decision. Ever.  Lots of people have complimented me on it, so it is one of my "proudly made by me" items.