Do You Issu?

If you follow FREE online magazines then you probably already know about ISSU.  If not, then get on over there and check it out.  It's a great place to find all kinds of inspiration.

Last night I was strolling around looking for new ideas and came across this online catalogue:

Victorian Trading Co

I found all sorts of fun inspirational ideas inside.

 I've been meaning to make Christmas crackers for years but have never gotten around to it.  This inspires me to use some of those awesome printables I've been collecting on Pinterest and just get it done this year!

These clip boards are so pretty...and easy to make too!

You won't believe this, but lace cuffs have been on my 'to do' list for ages.  This just might be the week that I actually make them!

I just got some very pretty Martha Stewart lace for decoupaging.  Now I just need a box to put it on.

You'll find other Victorian-ish type stuff that you would expect...

As well as a few pages of things you might not expect!

What's your favourite magazine or online catalogue?  Share the link in the comments section below~

Summer Essential: The Maxi Dress

What's the one boho chic thing you need in your closet for the summer????  The Maxi Dress of course!  I love maxi dresses.  They're so comfy, they're easy to dress up or down, and they make you look sooooooooooo tall!

This is a Cynthia Rowley design for Simplicity.  At first I had a hard time figuring out the waistband but once I figured that out it was smooth sailing. 


Still in the Simplicity stock line-up!

The straps are self made bias binding.  I was nervous about this part because I figured there was no way the straps would end up being the right length, but they were!  They fit perfectly.

Here's a close-up of the pattern on the fabric.  It's a very slippery slidey polyester.  I know, I know, euwwwww.  Everyone hates polyester.  But sometimes it works.  Sometimes it flows, and sometimes it washes 10 times better than other fabrics....so sometimes I use it.  Besides, I figure if I'm going for a 70's vibe I might as well go all the way~

And because I like you guys so much I'm going to share another maxi dress!  (Two for one, just for you)

For this one I used this great vintage pattern from 1979.

The pattern is a sort of basket weave look (yes, more polyester).

How about you?  Do you go for the maxi dress?  I think they're great for everyone, every size, every shape.  There are so many variations.   What's your summer go to outfit?  Leave a comment~

Show and Tell: Mary Tyler Moore Inspired

Have you noticed how many bloggers out there do a "look what I wore today" type of post?  They show all their pretty shoes, thrifted and recycled tops and skirts, and lovely accessories.  Well, I was inspired and thought I'd do one of my own.  Here's how I looked when I showed up for work this morning...

As you can tell, I'm wearing my new cable knit Romeo and Juliet tights, a beautiful angora V neck sweater, and ....oh, who are we kidding?  I could tell you that I'm wearing a haute couture Versace gown and you wouldn't know the difference.  -40 degrees celsius today people!!!  OK, deep breath (not too deep or you'll freeze your lungs), only 3 more weeks and spring will be here and somehow all of the mountains of snow around me will melt, I can take off a couple of layers, and hopefully regain my sanity~

And now onto business...last weekend I discovered that I was getting a free preview of the Comedy Gold network.  They ran back to back episodes of the Mary Tyler Moore show all weekend long.  Now, I didn't sit there and watch it all weekend but I did watch a few and I was loving the wardrobes of both Mary and Rhoda.  (Why did Rhoda get such a bad rap?  She had the best hair and had such cool clothes)



source

So, I got inspired and created a couple of outfits:

I love a pretty caftan top and this fabric was perfect for one.  Can you see the storks?

And I think almost every MTM Show featured at least one maxi dress.



There's a short version of this dress in my Etsy shop.



Do you have any favourite TV shows from the past that inspire you?  Leave a comment below and tell us all about it~

I'll be posting at the linky parties so check them out up above.