#ThreadsOnThursday: Letting Out the Denim Skirt

Now that I am working in the fashion industry again, I have been hankering to sew a little something to wear.  But I am not interested in starting from scratch with a yard or two of fabric and a pattern.  Right now, I am wanting to alter existing items to make new items, or take a favorite item I no longer fit in and make it fit again.  My over 40 metabolism has slowed down and somethings just don't fit.  After a few years of trying to get the weight off by eating well and exercising I realize it's time to move on and get larger items or alter existing ones.  This a also a great way to save money, keep a high quality garment, and maintain a well fitting garment.  I am a pear shaped figure whose waist is one size smaller than her hip.  Often, the waistband on my jeans and skirts will gap at the back or I can't wear every brand.  Sometimes it's easier to alter a brand that used to fit, then to shop new and have to take in the waist.  So, today I am sharing how I altered a favorite skirt from Loft to fit again.  The skirt is a size 8 and I am some where between a 10 and a 12.  Here's how I got my skirt to fit again:

Supplies
A denim skirt
An old pair of jeans
Thread
Sewing machine
Quilters see through ruler
Rotary Cutter

Directions:

1. Try on the skirt and determine what you need to add to make it fit again.  I estimated I needed 2 1/2" inches finished to get a good fit.
2. Divide the needed width to be added in 2 and that is your finished side stripe width, so for my new skirt the finished stripe width will be 1 1/4".
3. Add the seam allowance on both sides to your strip width.  So, I added 1/2" seam allowance on both my side stripe for a cut width of my stripe as 2 1/4".  I cut my stripes from old jeans from my sons.  I keep their old jeans with torn knees and cut them up for sewing projects.  For this skirt I used the back of the jean leg to cut my stripes.
4. Using the seam ripper, open the side seams on each side of the skirt.  Be sure to rip the zipper out on ONE side ONLY of the side seam where it is placed if you have it.  If your skirt has a back zipper, you're in luck no worries about reapplying the zipper on one side!
5. Press open the seams you ripped out and remove access thread.
   
6. Sew the side seam with no zipper to the stripe in denim from your jeans and finish seam allowances (see photo above).
7. Sew stripe on the zipper side of the skirt to the side without the zipper (back panel).
8. Sew the zipper into the skirt if it is a hidden zipper BEFORE you sew the side seam.  I found a tutorial on how to do this without a hidden zipper foot on Youtube here. 
9. I have used this technique to alter a black and white dress with a tuxedo stripe on the side and it looks great too!  You can find that here. 
   

#WearItWell Wednesday: Swimsuits for the Pear Figure

If you're like me, you may struggle to find a swimsuit that fits your pear figure.  So, today I am sharing some great tips on getting the right suit to suit your wider hipped figure. 

1. Get guidance from a stylist like myself or use an online tool like the one at Swimspot.com which they call Shop Your Shape.  Not only can you choose your body type, but you can choose the coverage you like for your top piece and your bottom piece. 
   
2. Order the top and bottom in separate sizes for the best fit!  So, if you wear a 10 top and a 12 bottom, you can order the right size for both!
3. Order a top with bra sizing if you are not a standard bust size for your top size.  For example, a top with a 36 B size gives you more fit information than a size 10 top and therefore is more likely to fit better! 
4. Go with the darker bottom and lighter top to help minimize the hip!    See the suit at the top of this post here, or the Nautica suit below, which creates a longer line perfect to lengthen your figure and slim the hip too here.   
5. For a one piece suit, use the same tips and go with the darker color bottom and or sides.  Like the ones pictured below. 
   

#TrendyTuesday: Eyelet & Casual Lace Tops

Last weeks Trendy Tuesday post covered three ways to wear the lace top.  Today I'm back with more lace tops to love in casual eyelet!  Why so many lace trend posts?  Lace is pretty, timeless, feminine and can keep you cool!  Starting with a great Wave Striped Lace Top with boat neck by J.O.A. ON SALE for $32.50 at Shopbop!  Wear it over a bralet or camisole with contrasting color or in white.

Or a detailed eyelet tank top like this Glamorous Lace Blouse, also at Shopbop for $51.00. 

Wear an eyelet tank by itself or under button down top  or a jacket for a great Summer look, like this Minkpink Lackawanna Blues Tank for $49.00.

Try a tunic top by Free People On Sale for $64.00 in cream with an empire waist to flatter and flowing sleeves. 

For more coverage try this BB Dakota Alcott Blouse with lace yoke.  Pair it with jeans or a skirt and jacket for the office! 
Try a black eyelet top with back cut out detail by Free People.  Layer it over a tank top to wear a standard bra. 

#MakeItMonday Cards with Anna Griffin

Have you every tried an Anna Griffin card kit?  I love them because they are:

1. Beautiful!  I can't make a mistake designing with Anna!
2. Well priced!  For example HSN currently has a Classic White Cards, Layers & Envelopes for $24.95 with 24 cards & envelopes.  That makes each card $1.04 each.  And another set with more details called  Playful Pieces card kit for $39.99 for 20 cards with envelopes.  That makes each card just under $2.00. 
3. Versatile!  Just add your sentiment and a few embellishments to the card kit if it has none, like the first one above, or cover up the sentiment already in the card.  I converted several Christmas cards to a Mother's Day card, and sympathy card.  I take parts from one Anna kit and mix and match them with other kits also by Anna to fit the occasion. 
   
4. Quick and Easy!
5. Generous!  I still have supplies left over from the Anna Griffin Birthday card kit, after making all the cards and used pieces of them in the cards pictured at the top and bottom of this post. 

Since starting two jobs, my paper crafting has fallen off my daily to do list, but I still find time to be creative with Anna, whenever I need a card.  Thanks Anna!  I find Anna's Card kits for sale on Anna's Website, and HSN. 

Four for Father's Day

Father's day is June 21, 2015.  Only 2 weeks away!  So why not use the coupon code at Kohls for the last day of the sale, for a Father's day gift?  Here are four fashion picks for Father's Day perfect for Summer, from Kohls!  Use YESTOFRIENDS for an extra 20% off through 6-7-15.  Order $75.00 or more and get free shipping.
The classic denim button down by Dickies ON SALE for $30.00 at Kohls (pictured at top of the post). 

Chaps Classic-Fit Solid Button Down Shirt ON SALE for $35.99 at Kohls (navy blue shirt above).  

Wolverine Alto Ripstop Button Down Shirt ON SALE at Kohls for $35.00 in two colors (neutral shirt above). 

Grand Slam Classic Fit Airflow Performance Polo ON SALE at Kohls for $19.99 in 15 colors (in grey above). 

#StyleTheSaleSaturday

Check out this great closet staple look is ON SALE at Banana Republic this weekend.  Coupon code BRSUMMER for 40% off on the Belted Trench Dress (regularly $140.00, $84.00 after the coupon), Crew neck tee (regularly $24.50) can be worn underneath for arm coverage or warmth at the office,   Add the leather wrap bracelet that fits anyone with the weave, ON SALE for $34.99 ($20.99 after coupon) and the classic pump ($118.00 before coupon, and $70.80 after coupon).
You will love the trench dress as a versatile piece to be worn as a vest with pants and a shirt (see photo below). 

 

 

At White House Black Market, there are some great markdowns too!  Try this fabulous (look pictured above) Short Sleeve Tie Front Coverup as your jacket layer this season, ON SALE for $39.99.  Layer the wrap over the Sleeveless Printed Surplice Silk Top ON SALE for $29.99.  Paired with the Shell Modern Suit Pants with clean lines that flatter, ON SALE for $29.99.  Add the Nude Patent Pumps with Metal Accent ON SALE for $69.99, and a fun Black Piano Keys Stretch Bracelet ON SALE for $16.99. 

#FrugalFriday Summer Maxi Dress Picks

Today's Frugal Friday post is all about the Summer Maxi Dress.  Here are my favorite frugal finds this week:

For Misses:

1. Apt. 9 Empire Maxi Dress in 11 color options ON SALE for $24.99, use coupon code YESTOFRIENDS for another 20% off, and orders over $75.00 ship free.  Ship to store and pick up for free ship for orders less than $75.00.   This dress is perfect for the pear figure to slim with chevron placement and empire waist! 
2. Apt. 9 Sublimation Crocheted Maxi Dress in 4 colorways ON SALE for $29.99, has empire waist to flatter most figures! Use coupon code YESTOFRIENDS for another 20% off, and orders over $75.00 ship free.
3. Apt. 9 Floral Surplice Maxi Dress available in 3 color options ON SALE for $35.00,  creates a waistline and flatters the bust!  Use coupon code YESTOFRIENDS for another 20% off, and orders over $75.00 ship free.
4. Jennifer Lopez Print Empire Maxi Dress pictured here in color option Medallion Infinity, ON SALE for $39.99.  use coupon code YESTOFRIENDS for another 20% off, and orders over $75.00 ship free.  Diagonal print is perfect for slimming and empire waist flatters many figure types!
5. BB Dakota Samira Dress ON SALE for  $80.50 at Shopbop.  The shirt dress maxi flatters so many figures.  Fabric is sheer, but dress comes lined with an above the knee slip.  Perfect for a hot Summer day or night out!  Color is darker than pictured, length is generous!  I am 5' 3", size large and will have to hem this 4 inches to wear with flats.

 

For Petites:

Apt. 9 Printed Maxi Dress ON SALE at Kohls for $24.99, (photo above border print dress on the left) use coupon code YESTOFRIENDS for another 20% off, and orders over $75.00 ship free.  Ship to store and pick up for free ship for orders less than $75.00.  Why it works for petites:  border print lengthens the look! 
Caslon Keyhole Halter Maxi Dress $68.00 at Nordstrom. (navy with white stripe above)
Petite Striped Tasseled Halter Dress ON SALE for $98.00 from Loft.  Long stripes lengthen your look while slimming! (white & black dress above).

Women's Sizes:

Apt. 9 Floral Maxi Dress in 3 color options ON SALE for $30.00, (pink & black dress above on the left) use coupon code YESTOFRIENDS for another 20% off, and orders over $75.00 ship free.
Chaps Printed Empire Maxi Dress ON SALE for $69.99, (border print dress in the middle above) use coupon code YESTOFRIENDS for another 20% off, and orders over $75.00 ship free.  Dark colors and elegant border print are slimming! 
Adore Country Dress in Navy, at $59.99, (navy & white striped dress above) join ModCloth's community for a coupon code for $20.00 off an order of $100.00 or more.