shit happens...funeral & fashion

I've been gone a little while, why? Well- shit happens, in my case - life. 

Between interviews, hospital visits, trips to the airport, and a funeral. My life happened and writing just wasn't an option. Therefore I won't be able to make good on my threat to restyle 4 innocent victims I found on Facebook,  just yet. 

I will however, talk about fashion, styling, or for the inept- dressing properly. 

As I said, I have been busy the last few weeks. And when you are out and about the way I have been you see a lot of people. 

I won't get back on my soapbox about "leggings not being pants" again (oh wait, I just did), but people, why do you feel the need to dress like others around you are blind. I understand those days when you have the flu so you leave the house in sweats. But I find it really hard to believe that 90% of the people in my town have the flu at the same time. Seriously! Jeans are just as easy as sweats, and people are less likely to stare.

clearly if you haven't figured this out yet, if you want to learn something from me, there is a certain amount of bitching involved.

Moving on.

The lesson of the day... dressing for funeral services.
 

 Now up north, some of you call it a wake, but in the south its called: who can make the best fried chicken.

As you may know, in the south, women run a funeral and all the services involved. Southern women appear out of nowhere with chicken, deviled eggs, and sweet tea. We pass around babies we don't know, to people we might be related to, in exchange for cake. 

What we don't do is keep our mouths shut. Women, in general, talk about everyone; but southern women will say it to your face, followed by "bless your heart".
Keep that in mind next time you show up to a funeral improperly dressed.
If you don't know what to wear, I'll make it easy for you...
google it!
I did, and here are my top 3 finds.

Proper Funeral Attire Etiquette

How to Dress Properly for a Funeral

What is appropriate funeral attire?

Obviously these are all subject to your upbringing, however you know I'm gonna give you my opinion.

Funeral Don'ts

Short Skirts
Exercise Clothing
Flip Flops
Neon- anything
Loud Jewelry
Jeans

There is nothing tackier than showing up in a sweater, that you are trying desperately to pass off as a dress. This was the talk of our family's funeral, that and the matching sweater epidemic. This girl broke all my don'ts; bright sweater (too short)-no skirt, over nude tights, uggs, and the neon nails. Bless Her Heart!

Ladies, I understand every time you leave the house, it's a statement. But at a funeral, the statement shouldn't say "hello, I'm your future ex-wife".

I encourage a fashion statement, always. Church and funerals are a great place for me to flex my own style wings. Since my body shape and style tend to lean towards the 50's housewife, with its bell-shaped skirts, cardigans, and printed tights, I seem to fit in perfectly at such a solemn occasion. (Especially since this past week I was often seen carrying a baby, a plate, or someones coat.) Though I did leave my bow at home.

OK I know this whole post has been well, morbid. But funerals are part of life, and why not have a humorous way to talk about what to wear.
at least that's how I see it.

later, taters

Beginnings are happy. Endings are usually sad, But it's what happens in the middle that really counts.

RIP PAPA JACK.
My grandfather lived his life full of god and humor. He left an impression on everyone he met, good or bad. And We grew up hearing "one day when I'm gone you will say papa never picked on you none"
Papa- now that you are gone, that doesn't sound like a lie anymore.
We miss you.

 

Back to Basics... body shapes.

 We have been taught, since conception, that all women are shaped differently; that we are all unique. Yet, we are organized into the standard slots of basic body shapes. Tradition tells us that to find the right cut and style, we need to know our body shapes. What better way to determine your shape, than visit your local produce aisle?  

small chest must equal pear shaped. 

large chest equals apple.

no chest equals banana. 

Maybe it doesn't bother you, but I don't like being compared to fruit. There is nothing less flattering than taking a test in "Cosmo" only to find out you are shaped like someone's favorite pie filling. An apple- really?

The biggest problem with using blogs and websites like, lovelyish and Harbinger Fitness is that by looking at a computer screen, one would tend to guess at which "fruit" they look like based on their own perception of their body.
Then, there are websites like Shop your Shape where you have more than just fruit to chose from or you can use their Shop your Shape Calculator. With the calculator there is no guess, you simply feed it your measurements and watch your shape appear. But, measuring yourself can be almost as demoralizing as swimsuit shopping, in the winter, during your period. Horrible!!! But if you are that brave, go for it. WARNING: they site bombards you with popups in an attempt to get you to create an account 
As a costumer, I advise having someone else measuring you; you cannot get accurate measurements without help.

Now I hate admitting to my measurements out loud or online, so I have a better suggestion.
I came up with a at home version after watching this episode of the Rachael Ray Show, where Rach's fashion guru Gretta, helped 3 audience members determine their body shapes. Now Gretta uses fruit shapes too, so be prepared.

if only we could all be that brave.

So here's the deal. Every week I will dare all my readers to try something new.
If I can do it, take pictures, and post them online- so can you.

Like I said before, I found a at home version of Gretta's body shape tool.
Wearing tight fitting clothing- I did this after my run, pardon the exercise clothes.
Stand in front of your bathroom mirror.

 and using a dry erase marker, old lipstick, or cheap eyeliner.

Draw Your Shape.
Trace your shoulders. Then follow your chest all the way down your hip line.

(there would be more step by step instructions, but you try tracing anything on a mirror and hold the camera at the same time!)
I know, easier said than done. This is why you do it alone. i had to close one eye to keep the marker in line with my body. Obviously this the shape you are drawing will be slightly distorted, but the point is to see your shape based exclusively on your body.  Stand back and take stock of the drawing. Tah Dah... See curves? All women have great curves, but its hard to tell when we insist on wearing baggy clothes in an attempt to cover them.

Now the hard part...picking your "fruit" or shape!

there are tons of ways to decide your shape now that you have personally drawn it.
you could Google - female body shapes
you could flip through a fashion magazine
you can even use this photo and compare yourself to todays Holloywood bodies...

see again with the damn fruit! (all photos Google image search)

 Like always, I must do this body shaping thing my own way. And why not, I make my own trends, and wear what i like.

Now because, I clearly have a desire for the theatrical.

I'll build  my shape and lookbook with history. Maybe its the costumer in me, but I looked at my body type and said "where in history do I fit? when did the women look like me?"

Think about it. it works.

obviously if you are shaped like Twiggy. you can wear anything and...

you probably aren't reading this blog.

however...

For those of you who have, and accepted the challenge- and don't want to be fruit. Lets talk History of Fashion, the condensed version.

Now keep in mind, I am of the belief that what works for your style can also work for your shape. But keep an open mind!

In the 1920's the female shape was hidden. Although women were not wearing corsets, the fashion was eliminate your curves and create a boxy shape.

 

In the 1930's fashion was a commodity. Women wore what they could make and those who could afford store-bought saw only the slight changes made to the female shape.

The 1940s brought a new air to fashion. Still adjusting from the war and factory work, fashion developed a  practical mannish style with an added sense of femininity. Thank you Dior for giving us beautiful waists again.

After the forties, fashion started giving us a much needed variety. 1950s silhouettes seemed to be at odds, both full and tight. Still visible was the influence of the 40s neckline, yet they foreshadowed the close fitting clothing that would soon come.

 

The 1960's fashion, didn't look how it was often remembered. Thank you Mad Men for helping us fix that. 

Women were seen, less like the dutiful wife of the fifties and more like... well women. Dresses got tighter, hem lines shortened, there was a sense for sexuality in the work place. 

In the 70's, the free love of the hippies was fading, people we spending more time at the disco, and (as my dad says) people were showering again. With TV becoming a very big deal, lots of tv influence and color was going in to the fashion that was now readily available.

Now the 1980s. There are no words only pictures. 

 

 


Ok enough of funny pictures. 
Of course there is a way to be apart of any and all of these styles if you want to. And I promise I will help. But to help I must play a little game called
Pick My Decade!
As much as I love love love the 70s with their high-waisted pants and scarfs- the seventies does not love me.  Accepted moving on.  
Now if we were picking my fruit shape (using the same link I offered you) I'd be.... pear shaped.
meaning- my hips are larger than my bust, and my waist gradually slopes to my hips.
Now here's where I say these websites are BOLOGNA.
According to this website, I'm supposed to add volume to my top half to counter balance my lower half. People my boobs are way to big to give the illusion that they are even bigger, I don't have a Kardashian butt.

So what decade do I fit- easy. It's the same one most of you would fit in. The Fifties. The fifties offered a body flattering silhouette and a variety of options for all shapes and sizes. Plus, the fifties is easily translated with todays clothing options. See?!






But my favorite "starlet" with the ultimate 50's vibe... Zooey Deschanel!
This girl uses a 50's influence daily and has become a shinning example of how to intermingle a past fashion with a present look.

she & him album

New Girl

Now slap me on the hand if you must, but I personally feel that all our bodies are hourglass shaped. 

The sand just isn't all in the same place.

But if you keep following this blog- I will help dress all of you. 

In my next post, I will be taking 4 volunteers. Or if I don't have any volunteers, I'll simply pick 4 unsuspecting facebook friends.

For these "volunteers" I will create a lookbook (with their own clothes, favorite accessories, and some new stuff)to show them and all of you how to incorporate a vintage feel to their wardrobe.

 Sound like Fun!!

Comment and it could be you!!

until next time, Later Taters

about me...

i am the anti-fashion designer. 

if i hadn't been the teachers pet, i would have been my college professor's worst nightmare.

i don't buy designer labels.

not can't just don't.

i blame my mother. 

i inherited her sense of style, timing, and mouth. 

we are always early, esp. when it comes to a sense of fashion. i, like her, cannot be considered trendy. not because we have bad taste, but because we always wear things months if not a year or more ahead of schedule. therefore i have learned to buy what i like and adapt the rest. it wasn't until after college that i found my true since of style.

with a degree in fashion design, 4 years of costume design and stitching experience, and more than 17 years of sewing experience, you would think i own more clothes than forever 21.

you are wrong.

not being a fan of "fast" fashion. i shop rarely and just add tights! 

**definition time- fast fashion means cheap and affordable clothes designed to bring the latest trends from the runways to stores in the fastest possible way.

example- Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, Delias, Old Navy, & Gap

these clothes are made only to make it "through the summer" until the next legging crazy.

i'm a firm believer in basics. black dress. great coat. and one nice pair of jeans.

i don't necessarily follow the "whats hot spring 2013" path. why? because what other designers try to sell on boney ass models aren't ever gonna fit me correctly- esp not at a fast fashion price. 

the all through college i searched for a specific personal style. the problem i found is if i follow trends i have to be uncomfortable. why in gods name do you wanna be uncomfortable all the time.
i know what your thinking. "mom always said 'beauty is pain'". yeah maybe for a fancy night out, but no way am i going grocery shopping in pain... or sweats!
my philosophy on fashion is: it should make you feel good, and you should allow you to be you.
clothes are required by law, but that doesn't mean it cant make a statement!

i have three rules of fashion...
learn them. live them. love them.
 #1 Leggings aren't pants!
 repeat with me. i don't care if you way 47lbs. if i see you wearing them as pants, i will point, laugh and comment to anyone wh'os listening.
#2 Your bow can never be big enough!
if you don't like bows, ok whats your thing. find it and do it big. i never feel better than when a great bow.
#3 Smile! 
if you feel good enough about your outfit to smile, then you are trendy all on your own.
runway models can't smile- someone else picked out their outfit!

until next time. later taters.

 

best way to change is to upcycle....

writing a blog.

for me thats like writing in a diary or new years resolutions.

its something that always seems like a great idea, until you are two weeks in and someone makes you cookies... then off the wagon you fall. 

the problem for me with writing a blog is well, writing a blog. where do you begin. what do you talk about. 

hi my name is angela... um ok whats next. 

after months of crappy, random sales pitch blog posts,

(they're still up, i'm not ashamed. go ahead read them. lol)

i asked for help. and a new friend and excellent blogger answered my call. 

my question: "where do I start? how do I make it interesting?"

and her response: "YOU are fun and interesting!" write about something you are really really interested in.
stunned, i sat and thought for a minute; the first thing to pop into my head was
"NO WAY am I INTERESTING!"
eccentric.maybe. obnoxious. at times. brutally honest. definitely, but i really don't know about interesting.
i am however great at giving an unbiased opinion and turning crappy "goodwill" finds into wearable art.
so that settled it, after this introduction and a brief background on why i'm "interesting", this blog will be a truly UNFASHIONABLE guide to finding you own style, in the back of your closet and ( in my opinion) starting a few trends of your own. 


until next time! Later Tater!

teaching...

i got the job...

knowing that i like to be busy and that i am constantly working on something new will not surprise any of you. so when the opportunity arose for me to add to my ever growing resume, of course i took it. in addition to working freelance designing costumes, alterations, my etsy, craft shows and my semi stable part time job, i will be teaching sewing classes at Joann Fabrics in Mt. Juliet. its close to home, its my community, it's kids... what more can i ask for- right?

Joann's in Providence Shopping Center has classes for all ages and interests. they also do a open house every couple of months for those interested to meet the instructors and see the projects offered
 the next open house will be December 1st from 1-3pm.
here is the link for anyone interested ...
Joann Class Home Page
Kids Studio Classes
class flyer's

for now i am the teen and kids sewing instructor.
the teen classes will feature things like pjs, jackets, purses, and even some home interior projects.
the kids studio classes (8 and up) will teach kids how to make jackets, pillows, blankets, pjs, and book bags.
no matter what age group, these are great projects to teach kids independent sewing both by hand and machine. in each age group there are classes at different levels from beginners to advanced level. and each class is geared to teach a specific skill.
if you cant tell already, i am super excited. i love to sew. and when you love something you want everyone to love it too.
since the class schedule changes every 2 months i will update regularly on the projects and whats coming up.
This could be a great Christmas present, after school project, or even a productive winter break babysitter!!! -mommy and daddy movie date anyone???

for Dec. i will be teaching the following 3 classes...

Headtime Story: Kids Sewing 101. $35- one 3-hr session
pillow case, contrasting fabrics. teaches sewing machine basics, simple construction
Wed, December 19th.  2-5pm

Frosty Friends Fleece Blanket: Kids Sewing 102. $35- one 3-hr session
fleece blanket, hand sewing and embroidery
Thurs, December 20th. 2-5pm

Just My Style Bolero Jacket: Kids Sewing 301. $45 two 2-hr sessions
kids jacket. using pattern, adding trim
Sat, December 29th 10am-12pm
Sat, January 5th 10am-12pm

and remember i will be at Joann Fabrics in Providence December 1st from 1-3pm to show you the December projects!!!
don't those sound fun!! cant wait, hope to see you soon.

Last Chance Santa

since i figure i made a promise in my last blog.

i intend to keep it. not only am i back but i am bringing word of my next craft show.

if you've heard of Christmas village, you will love this. Last Chance Santa in Gallatin, Tn has all the perks of Christmas crafters, minus the pushing and rudeness!

 

i personally am sooooo excited about this show. and its only 9 days away!!!
free to admission, entertainment, food, shopping, door prizes, goodie bags, pictures with Santa....
the list goes on and on!
my favorite part about great, well put together shows like this one, is all the vendors. i will have the pleasure of meeting a ton of new people as well as seeing some of my new friends I met while participating in the Junk n the Trunk show in October.

this event has been sponsored by Sweet Tea & Shopping's Julia Proctor. and though we have not met in person, YET!!, she has done an amazing job thus far. i can not imagine the time, and energy it takes to put on an event of this size. give her a round of applause everyone. of course the only way to thank you is come shop, hint hint everyone!

Last Chance Santa will be held at the Depot Square Event Center in Gallatin, Tn.
on December 7th & 8th.
amoung the 50+ vendors will be
( of course Ella Dee and Stuff)

Cindi Renee Design

 

 

Seams Sew Wright

 

 

Just My Art by Amanda Baugher

 

 

Creative Carmella

 

 

and of course pictures with Santa by Chapman's Photography

 

 

now as these are only a smell few of the vendors, but to see any more you will have to visit

Sweet Tea and Shopping or come see us all at Last Chance Santa!!

 

until then HAPPY CRAFTING! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



learning never ends...

learning never ends...

that sounds pretty accurate.

 i learn everyday. we all do. we learn about each other, ourselves, my husband's preferred way to load the dishwasher... the learning (big and small) is endless.

i have learned a great many things since my last post. i learned that doing business with friends, is awkward. doing craft shows in your small town, while fun, is not always a good use of time- if only you could pays bills with new friends right?! and i also learned that sometimes the best advise comes from the most unlikely people.

for those of you know know we, you know i dream big, sometimes bigger than i should. and you know i am a planner. but the problem with that is i spend 75% of my time planning. the bigger the dream, the more complicated the plan. sounds smart right, the old rule measure twice, cut once. the problem with that is i over complicate the plan to the point that i have no time left for execution.

new goal, call it new years resolution that i am starting early...

SIMPLIFY.

through simplification and time management i hope to make my life and business more successful.

i have learned so much this year.

i started a business. i joined the creative world of craft fairs. i found my (current) purpose.

and since i have only truly been at this for about 6 months, i figure i did pretty well. that being said there will be some definite changes coming, after all changes follow learning

 

things in our house has changed pretty drastically recently. i'm sure some of you saw mentions of it but not what really happened. during the first of November i designed Belmont University Opera Department's fall show.it was a big one, defiantly the biggest i have ever taken part in. for those of you don't know, when you design a show anything that isn't rented comes out of your pocket. now of course you get reimbursed for it, but sometimes that can be weeks after the show closes. the night before my show opens i get word that my hubs is receiving a lay off. the news hit me like a ton of bricks. i knew it was coming, that's the nature of his profession. but this was the first one. and since i am freelance and only work part time somewhere stable- words like unemployment and mortgage are not a good combo. but after just a few short weeks, the hubs received the call that he's back to work. Thank Heavens!

money is tight and having him home has been weird, but now we know what to expect. learning experiences right. its now time to make a change in our life plan and get in moving. so next time this happens we wont feel so much panic and stress. maybe we will use it to take a vacation!

part of this new plan involves me changing some of my work goals.

 

  as for my business and simplification ... i am no longer splitting my brand ( talk about over complicated). no double more double etsy. all Ella Dee and Stuff shopping can be done here: Etsy, Facebook, and in person at local crafting events. **if i can figure out how, i will be putting a calender up so everyone can find me!

 

well this is my thoughts for now. i'm sure i will be back soon!