a dance for one

Australian fashion label Lover has done it again. This bewitching video featuring their spring 2011 collection is everything a fashion film should be - understated and elegant, leaving you wanting more. Ever since watching The Red Shoes and Black Swan, I've been fascinated by ballet, so it's wonderful when designers feature dance in their collections (one of my favorites being Alexandra Grecco's adorable fall 2010 video).

It's good bye for now! Neil and I are leaving in the morning for Illinois, where we'll be until Tuesday.. first stop, visiting my grandparents in Galena, then to meet up with friends from my hometown for a day, and finally a stop in Joliet (and maybe a quick trip to Chicago) to attend the wedding of some friends from college. Can't wait. See you all next week!

jaeger boutique spring/summer 2011

One of my favorite Australian designers recently posted photos of their fall 2011 collection (which I'll share next week), and I was about to post it when I got distracted with this one.

I'm heading to a southern themed garden party in just a few hours and still don't know what to wear, so I became really inspired by these adorably simple day dresses by UK's Jaeger Boutique for their spring 2011 lookbook.. sweet polka dots and stripes and organdy fabrics and pleated schoolgirl skirts. Couldn't you live all summer in plain cotton dresses? My favorite piece has to be the light blue dress with scalloped edges. I would wear just about any of these outfits to the party this afternoon, and now I'll be searching the thrift stores for a lookalike.

Aren't those matching polka dot socks great? More photos here.

PS.. I'll be taking a break from my Sewing Saturday posts until I finish my local spring collection, which should be done in the next week. I can't wait to share the finished pieces! Also, the vintage spring lookbook is still hitting the shop.. new pieces daily, and more on the way today.

Happy weekend!

sewing saturday.. a sneak peak at blooming leopold's spring collection

Instead of a regular Sewing Saturday this week, I thought I'd share a glimpse of what has kept me super busy this past month - something I've wanted to share with you for awhile. I've been gathering ideas for handmade pieces to sell, and this spring I decided to get them together and make a miniature collection!

Here's a quick look at a couple of pieces recently made.. including a cotton gauze crop top and floral maxi skirt.

My collection will be for sale at Local Honey beginning April 2nd. There will be food and fun to celebrate the new designers joining the shop - and I'm so happy to be one of them. Some pieces will be available online as well.. more photos and info soon!

billy reid spring 2011 collection

Neil and I have been fans of Alabama-bred designer Billy Reid ever since we moved to Nashville and checked out his store here. The attention to detail in every heirloom-quality piece and loyalty to the designer's classic southern roots make the shop so easy to frequent (not to mention, the fried chicken and bourbon parties they throw every now and then). Contrasting patterned lining, hidden pockets on the insides of suit jackets, tailored vests and cuffed denim jeans meant to last forever.. clothing intended to pass down to your children and grandchildren. In an era of disposable everything, the concept is a breath of fresh air.

While Billy Reid focuses mainly on his men's line, his women's wear is generally just as exquisite. This spring, it's no exception. The mid length pleated navy skirt (with saddle shoes!) is my favorite, but the linen overalls are not far behind. And menswear for women is even better when it involves suspenders and double denim.

PS.. today's the last day to enter the peter pan collar giveaway!