Inspiration Shot: Rome

Do you remember the HBO series "Rome"?  I'm a big history buff.  I totally love immersing myself in ancient times and this incredible production that aired in 2007 and 2009 allowed viewers to completely lose themselves in 1st century BC Rome.  This was the time of Julius Caesar (one of my big history crushes), Cleopatra, and Marc Antony.


Source

This is the series that introduced James Purefoy (Marc Antony) to many North American women.

Ahhh, but I digress.  The main reason I bring your attention to this fascinating series is for the women's fashions and to show you how they inspired me.

You may think it would be difficult to create something Roman inspired without looking like you're heading off to the nearest frat house for a toga party, but take a look at these beautiful pieces:

                        

                       

 I love the drapey, flowy look of all of the women's clothing.  And so much more colour than we would expect!

So, how to translate this to present day....well, I started with a vintage pattern from McCall's (circa 1979):


(Please bear with me, I'm having
some technical difficulties with my scanner)

I used a pretty printed very shear fabric.

When I wear it I put a matching layer underneath for two reasons.... one, as I said it's very shear, and two, the sides are completely wide open!

oooh la la!

The pattern uses a drawstring at the neckline but I just stitched it and added some matching buttons for some pretty detail.

I also added a drawstring to bring some definition to the waistline.

You don't have to be a designer to make something your own.  You can take any pattern and just tweak small parts of it to create something totally unique and your own style.

Just in case you haven't seen the Rome series and are interested in seeing it I feel I should warn you, it is a bit risqué and fairly violent.  Just picture the soprano's in ancient Rome.  However, if you like drama, amazing acting, beautiful scenery and sets, and some very pretty people, I think you'll enjoy it.  And if that doesn't convince you, maybe this will...

Only a few days left to enter the thank you giveaway...make sure to get your entry in before Saturday, May 14th!

Inspiration Shot: Roman Ruins

What do you see when you look at pictures like these?

(These pics were taken pre-digital camera days so please pardon the quality)


Roman Forum, Rome,  Italy

I see what used to be.  I see Cleopatra in all her shimmer and shine enchanting every Roman who looked her way when Julius Caesar showed her off to his people.  I see Mark Anthony partying the night away at some ancient palace with incredible mosaics everywhere you look.  I see fountains and statues and a beauty that everyone thought would live on forever.

Please tell me that you see the beauty and experience and adventure inside each of those stone pillars.  Don't look at the cracks and broken crumbling rocks.  Today is my birthday, and it's a big one.  In case you haven't picked up on it, I'm afraid I'm having a hard time with the whole growing old gracefully concept. 

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