Bombs, Bloomers, and Barbeques

Today is the fourth of July. Yes it is a date. Most days tend to be. This also means that today, being the fourth of July, is Independence day. If you are un aware as to what that means, here is a brief history. In 1776 on July 4th this group of men wrote a really important list of things they find valuable on a piece of paper and signed it. This was called the "Declaration of Independence". They then sent this pice of paper over to the guy on the throne in England and basically told him that they wanted to break up (the colonists wanted to be free from the British crown). And so they all fought for a couple years and in 1783 the independence of the United States was recognized. For more information on this subject you can go back to High School and get an education or watch this very enlightening and education musical    so aptly titled "1776" 

Not only is this a great day in history and in the making of our great nation, but it is also a big day in the world of fashion (the world I tend to spend most of my time in). Sure today we all take this chance to break out our daisy dukes and star spangled bikini tops, but 237 years ago those words weren't even invented yet. So what were those ladies and gents wearing as they liberated our country from the evil brits? (no offense meant to my British friends. I love England. In fact I just got back from England) Now this is actually quite an interesting subject which I could delve into so deeply as to write a large essay on it (oh wait. I already did that, except about the French Revolution) because whether we are aware of it or not, what we wear relates directly to the world around us. Due to the rapid social and political changes of the late 1700s, fashion changed very much in that time. It started with the introduction of the Enlightenment movement and the writings of Voltaire and Rousseau. As the general thought of the populace was changing, their clothes reflected what was going on in their heads. Fashion became a bit simpler and less elaborate. (This may have also had something to do with the growing animosity between classes, but really that is more relevant to the French Revolution)

Now thinking about this, those people, our forefathers and mothers, had to be uncomfortable. I would not fancy walking around in July heat in approximately 10 yards of fabric, not to mention a corset and a wig and a cap. Yuck. It gives a certain amount of respect, even more than they already deserve, to those people who helped liberate our great country. 

During this time there was another great change in fashion. In fact, it is during this time that fashion became the concept of fashion that we understand today–a means of self expression. Because fabric was becoming more accessible and production was becoming simpler and therefore cheaper, it was easier for people to find ways to express their individuality through what they were wearing. This was, of course, essential during a time of political upheaval. Everyone has an opinion, and so everyone chooses different sides, and as we are human and want attention, we have to advertise this information. Today we all get our slogan t-shirts ready with our different buttons, but I much prefer the style of the 1700s. They just created whole dresses color coordinated for what team they were rooting for, including hats, 3 ft hair-dos, and of course embroidered petty-coats. Heaven forbid someone should mistake you for a Tory. 

And my friends in honor of this great day, I say we all ditch the daisy dukes and swimsuits and instead darn complete 1776 musical costumes and celebrate the fact that we are free from the oppression of the corset, I mean the British crown. 

Or just wear the shorts, they're more comfortable any way

And do not forget the red, white, and blue

and of course some sparkles

Happy Independence Day Friends 

God Bless America and God Bless clothes 

JusticeMae

Would you like a cuppa?

Once upon a time there lived a young girl who, while living in 21st century America, always felt as though she was truly a princess of a far away kingdom. If not a princess, then surly a member of the French court under Louis XIV, or maybe best friends with Jane Austen, or maybe even a turn of the century New York socialite. As this girl was not really any of these things, she had to settle with living those lives in her heart. And so, while living in 21st centric America, she often play acted her other lives to the best of her abilities.

"Sometimes I do pretend I am a princess. I pretend so that I am a princess so that I may try to behave like one"

--A Little Princess by Francis Hodgson Burnett

Well today was one such day when this young girl's play acting became real. For what could better portray the life of a young romantic better than a tea party? 

The young girl invited all of her best friends and the enjoyed authentic teas, delicious sandwiches, scrumptious scones with heavenly Devonshire cream, and many delectable treats, all served on antique glassware. 

The table was set to its full glory with plates and food and, of course, peonies 

The guests arrived in their most appropriate afternoon tea attire 

And the food was enjoyed to the greatest extent possible

After enjoying a day of much festivities and play acting the life she likes to pretend she has, this young girl is much worn out, but is extremely happy. While she may live in 21st century America, she can play act at the life she dreams (while having the luxury of 21st technology to clean up the mess of such a classy and enjoyable party). She would like to encourage all of the dreamers, the romantics, the princess wanna bes out there, that it is perfectly possible to create a life tailored to your dreams, even  if it is only to a small extent, like throwing a tea party when you wish to be having tea with the queen of England (and that probably your best friends are better company than the queen of England).

And so, with that she leaves you to skip off to the gym to work off the luxuries of the day.

The end. 

Stitching Across Time

There is something quite amazing about working with your hands. It gives you a certain feeling of accomplishment to create something. It is my opinion that our society today is seriously lacking in the creativity department. It is just so easy to get everything pre made and with out any work on our part. We can call up almost any dining establishment and have a complete meal delivered to our front doors, we can hop online and do all of our research in a matter of seconds, and we can stop by at Target for, oh say a tube of lipstick, and come out with any number of new clothes. How different would it all be if we had to actually work for all of those luxuries? I mean, I know we do work for those things already, we have to make money and what not, but what if we actually had to grow and make all of our meals, actually dig through piles of books to find out information, and sew all of our clothes? It would certainly be a different world. But, in some ways I think we are really missing out. As I said, there is really something amazing about using your hands to create something.

When I was in third grade I taught myself, witch some aid from Mommy, how to sew, and I have sewn ever since. Of course I do love to go shopping and buy made in china clothing, but the clothes I love the most are the ones that I make myself. I get the satisfaction of knowing that I made something that I can actually use, I know that I certainly have a one of a kind, and I save money! Now who wouldn't want that? A crazy person. that's who.

Today I sewed for about 6 hours and made three dress, all before eating lunch. I felt quite accomplished.
I think we should all try to play at creativity a little more often, so that we can all be better, more self reliant people, and also get in touch with our ancestors : )
So, if you are a well seasoned sewer, please check out my latest projects
If you have never tried before, let me be an inspiration to you and maybe, just maybe, you will try it out someday

Just one of my many piles of fabric

I love my Bernina Sewing machine. His name is Berni. He has a sister named Bernadette that is a serger.  

This is Sabine, my dress form. She is a little naked right now, please forgive her, she is french

As with every sewing project, you have to start with some kind of pattern. I started with these two Cynthia Rowley ones, but ended up altering them quite a bit, because well, well because I just don't much like following directions and rules. I make my own rules. 

Hobby Lobby, and I think Michael's and maybe JoAnn Fabrics, has a great deal where every once in a while they have simplicity patterns on sale for one dollar. Please take advantage of this. There is no reason what so ever for you to pay 14-35$ on a pattern. That is just ridiculous. 

Dress 1, a light blue seersucker with lots of pleats on the bodice. If you live in Denver, go to Denver Fabrics. That is an order. They have really great "bargain fabric" that is great fashion fabric for really cheap. I always buy way too much when I am there.

Dress 2, made out of the left over fabric from Mommy's shower curtain fabric (so yes I blend in with my bathroom) and vintage buttons
I did not spend a single dime on anything for this dress. See? Saving money!

Dress 3, fabric from Hobby Lobby, of course on sale, some old, found buttons, and a really cool scalloped maroon zipper that I got at the V&A Museum last year in London (that I have kept for a year not knowing what to use it on and have finally given it a purpose in life!)

Are you inspired? Do you want to get out there and sew now? I hope you do. If you have never sewn before, go to your local Michael's or Hobby Lobby or really any craft and or fabric store and check out their classes. That is a great way to get started. If you don't have a sewing machine, have no fear! If you go to a class, you can use their machines, or you could do it old school and hand sew, although I don't actually recommend that as it can cause you some major hand pain and takes forever. 

I promise you all, that if you take some time and do some work with your hands and actually make something, instead of getting something some little, old, under paid, Chinese woman maid in some factory somewhere that you bought on the Walmart rack half price, you will feel better about your self and about life. That is a guarantee. 

xoxo

p.s. also if you make more of your clothes you have more money to buy shoes and food : )

The marvelousness of today

Not every day is perfect. Not everyday works out just as you planned. Not everyday is worth remembering forever. So when you do have a perfect day that works out just as planned and will be stuck in your memory forever, it just makes you glad to be alive. I woke up at 6:30 this morning, worked out, ate a delicious breakfast of strawberries and an omelette, and then went off on an adventure with my best friend in the whole world, my mother. I do not think that I can adequately describe the marvelousness of this day with my limited vocabulary, and so that in order for you to take a glimpse into the window of my life, I shall share with you a picture timeline of the last seven hours.

Time to take a leap, or should I say a Spring?

Spring is here, finally. It seems as if winter was unbearably long this year, and yet at the same time we barely even had winter this year. Of course, the forecast does show snow for this week, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, but that is just Colorado for you. I say Spring is here. My garden is starting to show its face and so Spring is here.

I know I say this about just about every season, but I think that Spring is probably  my favorite season. Now why is that? Is it the fact that school is almost done? or that all the flowers are starting to grow? or that I can start to wear dresses without wool tights? I would say all of the above plus a lot more. Now that all of those beautiful spring colors are starting to emerge and we are no longer trapped in a cage of white, brown, grey, black, and "ick", we can start to spice up our wardrobes! At this time of year, when all of the greens, yellows, and blues are nice and dull, as if they are just beginning to come out, it just looks beautiful everywhere. So, why not mimick the great outdoors and become like a wood fairy? I mean…ummm…wear flowers? leaves? okay maybe just wear the colors of early spring and maybe not actually wear spring itself. 

dress from Modcloth

How about some mint green and light pink? You can look like the lovely little buds popping up on the bushes

or become the flowers that are coming up through the still frozen ground

with the lightness of chiffon and cream, you are like the light morning spring air

and of course don't forget the classic florals

and the icy blue morning sky with the touch of a rosy sunrise

and of course, we mustn't forget that Spring is the beginning of sandal season!

Now go outside and get some fresh air and enjoy the delights of Spring!

Don't forget to read my past posts and to follow me on Pinterest!

xoxo
Mae