Style inspiration from other etsy seller

Sometimes, I am amazed by the uniqueness and craftsmanship of other handmade seller on etsy, and spend hours and hours looking at their pages. LuluFinder was one of them. I found her page through Sally Jane Vintage, and literally spent an hour going through her sold items. They are all so beautiful! It has a nostalgic feel, and super girly and feminine, yet stylish. She reminds me of Samantha Pleet's last year collection. I can't wait to see what she is going to make next!

Had a lot of fun making this slide show!

Black and white t-shirt dress and some sewing tips

Available at my shop
Look! The color of my tights are matching with the flower in the back yard:p
I made this dress last night after watching prison brake.. I am so into this show now. I am at the season two now. Wentworth Miller is too cute.

Anyways, I can think of so many different variation of this dress. For instance, I am thinking of making it in light gray & pale pink combination, or dark red & dark gray combination..
Also, if I get too lazy, I can use already-made t-shirt for the upper part.

This is embarrassingly unprofessional, but this pic above is the pattern I drafted last night. I use flyers which comes with news papers in the morning:p I usually use two big ones, and tape them together. Then using the measurements, I quickly draft patterns, and change here and there as I go along.

I have never been trained as a professional seamstress or anything. I learned everything from BurdaStyle, other online sources and books I take out from libraries. So I am not in a position to advise anyone about sewing, but here are some tips I learned over time to make your sewing time a bit smoother and faster:
* Don't pin patterns to fabric. I use paper weights (actually just heavy coasters I got for my wedding) to hold the patterns, and cut it out. This saves a lot of time.
* Don't baste. I personally think this is a waste of time, unless you are making a wedding dress or something big. I use some pins, but sometimes skip that entirely as well.
* Serge first, then connect the parts together - I used to serge as I went, but I found out, taking care of the edges of the fabric first saves a lot of time at the end.

Hope this helps!

Kirsten Dunst inspired...

After seeing Kirsten Dunst in NY fashion week, I could not stop thinking about her gold sequin dress with cute bow in the front. She paired it with black opaque tights and Prada pumps, and looked so chic. I am used seeing her in casual hipster-ish outfit, so I was kind of taken aback. I did not have time to go get a gold fabric, but I used a polka dot cotton that I had to make this dress.

I drafted the patterns for the upper part, but I gave up when I got to the skirt part. I am too impatient. I did not want to make a complete replica of Kirsten's dress, so I added a ruffle for skirt, and made an exposed zipper closure in the back with deep V-line.

This was the first dress that my mother ever complimented on. She is very critical when it comes to my sewing, but the first word that came out of her was "Kawaii!" (which means "cute" in Japanese), seeing this dress. I am pretty happy about that.

Scarlet flowers

Dressed up to go to church this morning. Wearing Zara dress I got a week or two ago for 990 yen. Andy and I started going to an international church that is 40 min away from our place. We are both excited to be more involved in the church:)

Have a great rest of the weekend everyone! xoxo

Luella Spring 2009 RTW

Lipstick red, teal, pale pink, lemon yellow, polkadot, bow details, 60s feel and peter pan color...
Check out the entire Luella spring 2009 ready to wear collection! So lovely!

Tomato red nails

Love MK Olsen's tomato red short nails with a lot of jewelries.

Sources: Olsens Anonymous

Make up post

I'm taking a day break from sewing posts and writing about make up. I love make up and I use the following...

Foundation: Origins - this is very light weighted and that's why I like it. I don't use it every day, but whenever I feel like it I put it on and never got pimples from this. I usually choose a color that is one tone lighter than my actual skin. This must be the Japanese thing (or Asian thing?), but we all want to look lighter, as the saying goes "Fair skin conceals seven faults of a woman's face"...

Powder: Clinique - Most of the time I only wear this light weight powder with a sunscreen. Gift from my friend Kaitlyn!

Benefit eye makeup pallet: I love benefit products. I think they have great quality products for the price. I used this eye make up pallet so much, I don't have any eye shadows left inside. It came with concealer, dark and light tone brown eye shadows and dark brown powder liner. Now I use the dark brown power liner for my eye brows.

Hard Candy eye shadow pallet: To replace the Benefit eye shadows, I've started using Hard Candy. It works well. It comes with 6 or 7 different colors, including black, brown, silver and purple. I only use dark and light browns, maybe purple once a week. I predominantly use brown, because I know it certainly makes my small eyes look a bit bigger!

NYC black liquid eye liner - cheap, and works well!

De ja vous fiber wig mascara: This is AMAZING. This is about my 5th time, using the same mascara. It is not so much the effect of it, but the way it comes off when you remove the make up is pretty unique. It comes off as if the crumb is coming out when you use an eraser. It does not make your eyes all black, or hurt at all. This is great - you can purchase it at Sephora!

Outfit detail: Jacket - borrowed from my sister, Coco deal, Skirt - borrowed from my sister, Zara, Top - no brand, don't remember where I bought it, Belt - thrifted, Clutch - vintage, flea market.

It is absolutely great to have my sister around - she lets me borrow her clothes, and I love this biker Jacket from her! Went out with my girl friends to a Italian restaurant last night:)

zipper zipper 3

I'm sure it is getting annoying how I keep posting about my zipper projects. But I can't seem to not use it right now. This time, I added it in the front of the dress. Since the fabric is stretchy, I did not need a zipper for a practical reason, but it adds an interesting essence to a simple dress.

Pattern is not used. I just used my own measurements.

Right now, Japan has so called "Silver week". 9/21 is a national holiday to celebrate the aged, and 9/23 is the official start of the fall. And the Japanese government has a rule of whatever day that is sandwiched with national holidays become a holiday as well. So 9/22 is off too. They started calling this long weekend "Silver week" since they have "Golden week" in the end of April to beginning of May.

Not for me though. Since I work on American schedule, I am working! While I work, I leave the online radio on - Mostly Aol radio now. Since I cannot use Pandora anymore. I've listened to Hip Hop, R&B, Piano Classical, Jazz, Sinatra style Jazz, Brazilian Jazz.. and right now Pop music. I need some new music though! At some point, I am listening to the same music over and over again. Any recommendation on good online radio?

Weekend

Last weekend I did a lot of girly fun things!
Like, eating giant cheesecake parfait with my girl friend.. it came with a fireworks!

Looking at a beautiful sunset - it was more beautiful in the real life, my camera didn't capture the color right, oh well.

Going to a cute coffee shop in Shibuya and sip some hot tea at night

Hanging out with my friend... I got this new zara dress for 990 yen! In dollar, it is less than 10 dollars. I got this during the end of summer sale, but I can totally wear this all year around by paring it with tights and shirt inside, and wear it as a jumper. Happy with the purchase!

Bit too boring

I've been making clothes for a bit longer than a year now, and the way I create things is, to get a fabric that feels good to me (mostly cotton or jersey), and the color that I like, and just make whatever I think it would be best for the fabric use. I think about one or two fabric that I buy for a while, never sketch or anything, then just start cutting fabric and sew. Unless, I get a custom order for bride's maid dress or something. Then I sit down and draw.

But I feel like, my process has become kind of like a routine, and in another word, boring. I keep making the same thing. To get out of it, my husband advised, that I have to start sketching and make variations of one particular theme or design. Really entertain the idea that I have. It will take some effort but I would like to design things that are more unique and interesting, without looking too freaky. Right now, I am a bit discouraged.

Anyway, here is what I made the other day (before my husband gave me his advice)...
Polka dot camisole with exposed zipper - I used Tara as a base, but changed the shape a bit, so it is narrower, added a zipper, omitted an elastic under bust, and changed up the straps as well.

The necklace is the one I thrifted the other day, but I wrapped it around my neck twice to make it look like a choker.

Camisole - handmade, Knit jacket - Anne Talyer Loft, shorts - Gap, Booties - Payless

Next project: Biker jacket

images from Topshop.com

I really want a biker jacket this fall to pair with some summer flower dresses, tights, and booties. I want a real leather one. I love the smell and the feel of real leather, that the fake ones don't have. I've been checking some leather biker jackets, but they are so expensive. I was hoping to score one at a thrift store, but I don't think I will get that lucky.

Thankfully, I found this biker jacket pattern on Burdastyle. The design is simple and slim fitted, which I like. I have never sewn a leather fabric, so I will try in thick jersey (my favorite) or denim first to try out, then perhaps make one ine real leather. Anyone knows where to purchase leather fabric in Tokyo?

This hot pink mini skirt with big pockets was added to the shop today - check it out!

zipper zipper 2

what a beautiful autumn day today was! It was nice and dry, sunny during the day and cool at night. Just a quick post about another exposed zipper project following yesterday's zipper tank. It's almost 11:30pm here, and I'm exhausted and super sore from yesterday's work out.
I made another circle skirt with a zipper in the front.

Outfit detail - stripe shirt, thrifted in Japan for about 2 bucks, skirt handmade, pearl and gold chain necklace, thrifted in Japan for 1 dollar, sandals bandolino.

Here is what you need to make a circle skirt.
Square fabric, folded twice, and then cut out the edge evenly to make a perfect circle. Then cut the other side of the edge, where the fold is, the same way. Now you have a fabric shape of a do nut. This time, I cut out the hole in the middle too big. But what you can do when that happens is, to gather the edge with an elastic thread, so you can adjust the length of the waist. Then I connect the skirt part with a waist band.

zipper zipper

Last time I went to Nippori fabric row, I happened to find 10 zippers for 100 yen (about a dollar). Since they were so cheap, I had to ask at the cashier if there was something wrong with them. Thankfully, they were all good zippers, functional, and the store was just trying to get rid of them. Now everything I make has exposed zipper. Besides this tank, I made some other things with exposed zipper details, which I will post sometime later. I think zipper adds some accent to a simple piece, such as a black tank. I really like how Alexander Wang uses exposed zippers in his Spring 2010 collection, like this one or this.

This is what the dress looks like without the zipper top on. Yes, it is not a skirt, but a dress that I made a while ago. Now available here.
I am super super sore after Andy helped me work out today. It was only for a 20 mins exercise, but it really killed me. 5 rounds of 3 min punching bags, 3 sets of 30 sec high jumps, 3 sets of 30 sec mountain climbers (I hate those), and 50 squats. My hands were shaking, trying to use chopsticks for dinner.

Thank you Burdastyle!

There was a pleasant surprise today in the mail. Burdastyle sent me their very first project book, which consists of Burdastyle members creations. All the creations are based on their pattern.

Here is mine! My tara pattern variation. I simply lengthen the pattern, and took off the sleeves (although I love its fairly like sleeves), and replaced them with straps.
Lastly, today's outfit. I felt pretty lazy today, it's Monday. I woke up late (7:30), and just have to be comfortable to start the week.

Outfit detail: top, gift from my friend, khaki cargo pants, thrifted in Philly 3 years ago for $3, necklace, thrifted, about $1, sandals, bandolino.

Ugh, why is Japanese yen so expensive right when I come home? I had to exchange some dollars to yen today, and a dollar is only worth 87 yen. When I went to school in the States, and had to pay tuition, a dollar was like 130 yen. I am getting screwed...

Fall trends: Love and Hate

Image from WhoWhatWear.com

After reading this article about fall 2009 trends at WhoWhatWear, I realized its trend is a mixture of what I love and hate.

I love...

• Platform pumps: Uncomfortable it may be to walk around, you can't deny the fact it makes your legs long and sexy.
  
• Razzle Dazzle legs: I love wearing tights in winter. If it is embellished or textured, it's even better. Most of all, it is practical to wear tights in cold winter, they keep you warm!
  
• Long sleeve mini dresses: I'm already planning on making many mini dresses for my shop this fall/winter. American Apparel always has the most basic yet perfect basic dresses like this long sleeve one. I love the versatility of this item - you can simply wear it by itself, or can pair with a skirt to make it look like a top!
  
• Slouchy overcoat: I like having fun with coats - that's the first thing people see in the winter. It does look complicated to draft the pattern of those though.
  
• Winter shorts, paired with opaque tights.
  
• Lingerie display: If this is done correctly, I think it would look very chic. If it's done badly, you risk being look like a hooker though.
  

I hate...

• Sculpted shoulders: Don't they look like a crown? It is just unnatural to make your shoulder protruded like that.
  
• Knee-high boots: I have never seen a person who can pull this off correctly. You necessarily look like a prostitute... I might change my mind once I see someone wearing them in a classy, and good-girl way. I hate to look cheap and easy.
  

happy friday!

Just wanted to show off my new thrifted finds... My mom and I went to a thrift shop that's closed to my house yesterday. I got these chunky gold neckless and a fake pearl ring for about a dollar each.

Outfit detail: H&M tank and lace bra, Gap shorts, black tights, Bandolino sandals, F21 cardigan.

Excuse my dumb face, but I'm happy since it's Friday! Happy Friday everyone!

Blue lover

Thank you for your input on my last post about one-shoulder dress! With the fabric of that dress, I made a skirt as well.

Windy today!

Here is all you need:
1. Rectangle fabric, width should be bigger than your hip measurement, and length is your choice. It can be shorten or lengthen.
2. Rectangle fabric, two of them for pockets. I love pockets. I don't really use them, but I put hands in them, and for some reasons, it is really relaxing to have hands in pocket. Weird, maybe..
3. Waistband, same width as the 1 rectangle fabric.
4. An elastic band. I would use a thick one, mine was about 1.5 inches. Cut it to the measurement of your waist.

I paired the skirt with anne taylor loft jersey jacket (from Kaitlyn) and Payless booties!

One-shoulder dress

A couple of days ago, I wrote about how I wanted to try making a one-shoulder dress. So I put my act together, and sew this up. I know, this is far different from gorgeous Badgley Mischka dresses that I admire, but it is a start. This was my first time making one-shoulder dress. I had not tried making one because I wasn't attracted to them before. I hope my version of one-shoulder dress don't look like I'm Miss America or political candidate (it might only be Japan, but they wear this shoulder thing in campaign with their party name on) or something. If so, please tell me! I won't be offended:p

The base dress is pretty simple. I created a tube top first. I lined it with the same fabric for the fear of seeing through, and on top, added a little loop to go through an elastic band.
The skirt is a circle skirt, I think Burdastyle has a simple how-to of it. I usually cut out a square fabric, fold it twice, then cut the hem so it will be a perfect circle. Then at the other end of the folded square, I cut out a small circle, which is where your waist goes in when wearing it. Then I put the tube top and the skirt together, added a sash that goes around the back, crossing, and tie it on the left side.

autum flowers

Just quick post about today's (Wednesday) outfit. I'm doing pretty well with getting out of pajama and wearing actual clothes to work at home. Sometimes I skip make-up if I don't have enough time, but I think I'm allowed.. especially when no one is looking at me, unlike the office!

Dress: Urban outfitter's, $10 on sale 2 years ago
Ankle booties: Payless
Necklace: F21

I like this dress since I can wear it all year around. I pair it with a half sleeve white knit today, but in the summer I can wear it with a tub top, and in winter, I can pair it with a turtle neck. So versatile! And I love the price. Actually, my sister got it for me and myself about two years go. She is so lucky when it comes to Urban Outfitter's sale.

I got these booties last year, after looking at Jessica from what I Wore wearing it many times. I like the look of it, but they actually hurt very much:(

I wore this to work and go to gym after work. I joined a gym here. Excited to be back on schedule with working out more frequently.

ruffle vest variation

Does this dress look complicated to sew? Not at all! It literally took me 30 minutes to finish this. I forgot to document it this time, but next time I will make this dress, I will make sure to take a step by step photos and post a how-to here.

I used the hot pink fabric I bought on last Saturday. I was so excited when I came up with the idea for this dress while I was riding bike to bank this morning, I could not stand it. Right after I got home, I immediately started sewing this. This dress is a variation of the ruffle vest I made the other day. Base is the same - big rectangle and a hall in the middle. This time, I lengthen the rectangle so it's wearable as a dress. Then I sew the front, and added a sash in the back. That's it! Simple, right? The tie can be tied in the back as well.