Gap Khaki Hack

I have been pining for a pair of the Gap's "broken-in" rolled-up khahis - they look so comfortable with the higher waist and relaxed fit (sigh, there was a time when I would never have uttered 'comfortable', 'high-waisted' or 'relaxed fit' without shuddering...).  My comfortable wardrobe these days seems to be teetering on full-blown slob, so I am hoping these walk the less-slobby side of the line for cooler days at the park.

BUT, I am trying to get through the summer without investing in too many new things - fighting the urge to have whatever the trend is and be more responsible with my cash and my need for new clothes.  The horror of the tragedy in Bangladesh has not left me - especially since 90% of my wardrobe is Joe Fresh.  I have no idea what the answer to that can of worms is, but I can tell you that this beast of a need to shop is tougher to ignore than I would like.

In an effort to feed the shopping monster without waking the guilt monster, I bought a pair of ca. 2005 (or is it 1995? I forget) Gap trousers at Value Village.  They fit nicely around the hips and butt but were quite wide in the leg for my 2013 sensibilities.  So I brought out the sewing machine and in-expertly brought them closer to the leg by turning them inside out, pinning about where I thought they should go, and running a straight-ish line down the inside seam.  I did one leg first, and sewed it a few times before I was happy with the shape.  Then I just folded them over and copied the line to the other leg.  Turned them back out, rolled up the bottom, and taddah, my own broken-in khakis.

New clothes, a trip to Value Village, a little DIY, the style I was after and my hazy, ill-defined values intact - who knew one pair of trousers could satisfy in so many ways?

To Caftan? Or not to Caftan?

Updated bohemian from twonewyork.com

Not to rub it in, but I have been spending a fair amount of time lately on the beach.  For modesty and comfort sake I have been making use of my favourite caftan/beach cover-up - a Virginia Johnson tunic I got at a sample sale with a cute elephant print (I am slightly obsessed with elephants, in case you haven't noticed).  It is nice, light and comfortable, and I have managed to convince myself that it doesn't scream Golden Girls.  I found some more that I love, and many of them have me daydreaming of cocktails on the beach, or in the backyard!  However, even on a tropical island I am not sure I could rock them in public.  What do you think - is there ever a place for caftans that doesn't involve sand... or Florida retirement homes?

Stunning Emersonmade.com

Grecian goodness from twonewyork.com (cute babe gratis)

Lovely caftan from etsy seller Georgia Williams

Long caftans from India-based etsy seller JustCottons

Mara Hoffman Number

SOOO lovely at LemLem.com

Have I mentioned I love lemlem.com?

Queen of Caftan Project Runway winner Anya Ayoung Chee

PS - Google Golden Girls.  The photos are hilarious.  It seems they mainly wore dressing downs, but Dorothy (Bea Arthur) seemed to like caftans over blouses...yikes.

I'm over at Recreated!

My lovely blogging buddy Lindsey at Recreated is home in NB and asked me to guest post while she is away.  Of course I had to do a New Brunswick-inspired post!  Check it out over here - I will include a little tease for you. :)

I Need Something Icy

Holy Hannah it is hot around these parts.  This thermometer in my car read 39 yesterday afternoon.  Add in that muggy humidity and it starts to feel like the heavy heat is actually pushing down on you.  Ugh.  We are fortunate to have one window unit in our otherwise un-airconditioned house, along with 5 fans. Together, they have made the days bearable, although nights are another matter.  But enough whinging.  Inspiration comes in many forms, and the oppressive heat lead me on a search for pretty, cold blue, icy things.  Even the model's look is icy cold.  (Sadly, it also meant getting Vanilla Ice stuck in my head... sing it with me: Ice, Ice, Baby....)  I hope this cools you down!

1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6


Photo # 1 by: Grazia France

Tempting Under Wraps Robes on Etsy

When it comes to robes, I seem to be a fickle fan.  Certainly in University, when showering meant padding down the hall with your basket of supplies in hand, robes were essential.  Since then, however, I don't find much use for them. There just aren't too many opportunities to lounge around in a robe at our house (yoga pants are another matter...).

My mother, on the other hand, uses them a lot, especially when she goes down south during the winter.  They make perfect sense in that warn humid climate, as pjs tend to be light and mornings lazy.  Get up, throw on a pretty robe, and enjoy a restful morning.  (umm.... why do I not visit them down south more often???)

These pretty robes by Etsy seller Under Wraps Robes out of San Francisco have me re-thinking my morning routine.   Who needs to hit the park first thing?  Or wait - I've got it - weekends!  Hubster can pack the kids off for fresh air shenanigans while I lounge about with a latte and my blogs on the iPad.  Oh gosh that sounds lovely.  Now to pick the perfect robe!  Any recommendations?  I think I like the top one...

Now PJ bottoms - these are my weakness.  Combine it with a camisole for sleeping and throw on the robe in the morning?  Perfect!

They would be great bridesmaid gifts too, especially if you have a girl's spa day planned.  Or Mother's Day?  I dare you to peruse Kate's shop and not try to come up with reasons to get one!  At $85 they are more than reasonable.  Which would you choose and for what occasion?

Marni for H&M - yes please!

I have always been a Marni fan - from afar of course.  My budget is a little more joe-fresh-gap-on-sale than straight-from-the-runway.  But the colours and patterns and cuts are so bright and fun, I always sigh a little sigh when I see their latest collection.  I did a dance of joy when I saw that they are the latest designer line to collaborate with H&M.  Now, I was at a store for the Comme Des Garcons collaboration launch and barely lived to tell about it, so I am not sure if I am brave enough to fight the crowds...(oh who am I trying to kid). I do worry though that some of these beautiful tribal patterns will look cheap and feel cheap in person. But they look lovely on-line!  I love the dresses and the bracelets.  There is nothing in the collection priced over $149 (most of the dresses are $99).  It will be in stores starting March 8 - I know my calendar is marked!

I also kind of love the shoes and the wacky leggings, although I ponder their practicality with my current wardrobe... I REEEEEEEALLY love that top dress, and the green African print...and those bracelets... this could get expensive!

All photos via Fashionologie from the Marni for H&M Look Book and official advertising campaign.

RRL Autumn/Winter Lookbook

The Autumn/Winter look book from Ralph Lauren brand RRL is sooooo awesome.  Some of it kind of  reminds me of that very cool (and super creepy) HBO series Carnivale.  Sure, you can't always actually make out the clothing... but it sure is evocative.  You can practically hear the clicking of the old film reel and the scratchy, tinny piano music...

via Found Free & Flea

Pom pom linen scarf

When I saw these scarves on The Purl Bee so many moons ago, I immediately added them to my project pile.  I love linen, and the addition of the pom poms is so unexpected, but with them the scarf almost reads like a necklace.  Of course, they would be lovely in the summer evenings over a simple dress, but my life is busy and my project list is long, people.  I finally finished my first one on Tuesday.

Apologies for the bad photos, but it is a very pretty light grey linen and a crisp white pom pom.  So even though I am a few months too late for summer wearing - maybe the colours could be considered wintery?

Regardless, it was fun to get out the sewing machine again and make something!  I had to get a zipper foot for this project, and amazingly there is a great sewing store right down the street from me.  I am now inspired to get sewing this winter - new curtains maybe?  I certainly don't need any more scarves!!