Turtleneck Makeover

I don't know if you've noticed or not, but I'm a bit of a bargain hunter.  I especially enjoy end of season sales because you can pick up all kinds of goodies for next to nothing and be all set for next year.  I try to stick to basics when I do this, that way it's sure to still be in style 12 months later.

Case in point....I got not one, but TWO perfectly good black turtleneck sweaters for a whopping total of 5 buckeroos!  Even the salesgirl was shaking her head at what a steal they were.

But I already have at least one black turtleneck in my closet (or maybe more).  So the whole reason I picked up two was so that I could play with them a bit.

We're going to go from sad, sad basic, to fun and sexy wardrobe staple in just two cuts and one seam!



Please ignore the fact that my light fixture looks like a crown~

Here's what you need:

-2 sweaters, if you're a real trendsetter, they don't even have to match!
-thread, scissors, chalk
-sewing machine
-optional: serger

Steps:
1) Start by marking your sweater with the outline of a new, wider and slightly deeper neckline.  It doesn't have to be drastic.  Mine was widened about 3/4" on each side, tapering out to approximately 1.5"-1.75" in the centre front.  I also cut the back a bit too but wish I had left it closer to the original neckline, so don't take too much out here.

2) Once your happy with the new outline and are sure that it's symmetrical, cut it out.  Serge or zigzag your neckline edge as soon as possible to avoid fraying and stretching.

3) Set that piece aside and lay out your second sweater.  We're going to make this into a cowl for the neckline.  Mark and cut a line somewhere between the underarm area and bustline.  Again, serge or zigzag as soon as you can.

4) Now, pin the cowl to the body.  Be careful to make sure that the right side of the cowl is touching the inside or wrong side of the body and raw edges are even.  Your seam will end up on the outside.  That's OK, because once it's turned over the cowl will cover it up.  This way the side seams will also be finished on the outside.

It's that easy!  You're done!  Just turn the cowl out to the right side, try it on, and check out your new hot mama sweater!

Oooh la la!   Va va voom!   Hubba hubba!
So versatile~

We've already had a bit of snow here so I'm sure I'll be wearing this comfy number very soon.

And don't forget about those left over sleeves from the second sweater.  Just cut them off, serge the edge and you have a new pair of leg warmer/boot socks!

Some people have very strong feelings about turtlenecks...are you one of them?  Do you find them constricting or do you think they're cozy as a cocoon?  Leave a comment~

This project was featured here:

   
 

Do I look like Angelina Jolie?!?

I'm totally kidding!  Don't answer that question.

Last weekend I had a couple of Sephora gift cards burning a hole in my wallet so I went in for a Special Occasion make-over.  I didn't really have a special occasion, but make-overs are just plain fun, so why not?

I asked for a clean, fresh, spring look that was natural looking, with an Angelina Jolie cat eye.  These were some of the inspiration photos I took with me:

It was really all about the skin more than anything else.

Here's how I looked when I walked in the store:

One of my eyes was a little swollen which is why
I look a little lopsided and wonky~

And now, be gentle with me because I'm really putting myself out here for you....here's how I looked with all of my make-up removed:

Have you ever tried taking a photo of yourself
in a public place with no make-up on??? 
It's a little awkward~

Here are some of the magic tools we pulled out:

I really love Two Faced make-up and this
Natural Face kit is super gorgeous and versatile.

And here's how I looked when I walked out:

Not exactly the life altering transformation that we all hope for when we get a make-over but I love the make up and used up all of my gift cards.

I ended up purchasing the Two Faced Palette you see above, along with some Dior Mascara primer, and an amazing HourGlass lipstick in the colour Fable. The lipstick is a crazy expensive but the cool thing is that you can get refill cartridges for half the price. Next time I go in I also want to grab the Laura Mercier Tinter Illuminizer.

I think these photos are much better:

I always look better when I'm hanging out
with two of my most favourite people in the world!

If Angelina Jolie would ALWAYS walk around in a parka, sunglasses, and undone hair, maybe...just maybe, I could pass for her~


Angelina Jolie on the set of
In the Land of Blood and Honey