Witchy Woman | Outfit

This is the dress that consumed my life for weeks and weeks. Last fall when the Through the Bluebells Dress first popped up on Modcloth, I didn't get it. It had all the elements of boho or hippie chic that isn't my particular brand of style. I had no vision! But, after seeing it on several girls with similar body shapes to mine I was starting to see the magic. And if I can be frank for a moment, it was the boobs. Big boobs look incredible in that dress. Then someone said it made her feel like Florence + the Machine and I immediately got the fever. My view of the dress instantly changed and I could see perfectly how, in the right context, boho chic can cross over from hippie to witchy with a little sprinkle of Florence Welsh and a dash of Stevie Nicks.

Unfortunately for me, apparantly everyone else felt the fever too because it was no where to be found on Ebay, Poshmark, or Facebook BST's. I even had some wonderful friends on the hunt for me, but sadly it just wasn't going to happen and any similar dress was a pale comparison to the drama and the fit of the mythical Through the Bluebells.

Then the gods of love and fashion bestowed this sewing pattern upon me. It needed some modification, but it had the extreme bell sleeves and even the extra ruffle of flounce at the bottom just like the Bluebells dress. I felt confidant in my ability to switch out the bodice and waistband for something closer to the origianl inspiration and rayon fabric with a colorful floral print on a black background was easy enough to find. Everything was going so well!

But, alas, that time of innocence could not last. I was confidant, but I should not have been. Modifying the dress left gaps in the pattern that I did not have knowledge to fill and I had to go back to my former style of sewing that involves sewing with one eye open because I have no idea what's coming out the other end and I'm afraid to find out. I was simply not prepared for the slippery, slide-y, shifty beast that is rayon. There are so many problems with this dress (mostly hidden) because this liquid fabric was a whole new concept to my cotton loving self.

I toiled away for days and days. I sewed seams and then I ripped them back out again. I cut out new pieces after working the old ones to death. I cursed at Glinda, my sewing machine, and then kissed and caressed her to calm her down again.

It was, no doubt, an adventure. The outcome and my oath to not touch rayon again for a very long time made all the time and work a satisfying experience because yes, I absolutely feel Florence and Stevie walking with me in this stunning dress.

I feel so accomplished being able to hang another dream dress in my closet knowing that this one was crafted by my own hand. Now, if only I could find the perfect velvet, fringed shawl...

Tell me in the comments if you've ever dramatically changed your mind on a style of clothing and how you made it fit for you!

Dress: made by me (pattern, fabric, similar dress in straight sizes, similar dress in plus) | Tights: We Love Colors | Boots: Thrifted (similar) | Hat: Target (similar) | Lips: Colourpop Ultra Matte Liquid Lipstick in Tulle

Fresh Floral Skirt | Outfit

I'm sure it's quite obvious that I have been delving deeper into the world of sewing, but I struggled for years as my skills creeped along not wanting to gain any traction. My first big breakthrough was realizing that I needed to research how to use my sewing machine. I thought that sewing was simply a matter of getting a sewing machine. Boom. That was it. I kept buying patterns and attempting to attach fabrics together and for years I couldn't figure out why it wasn't working. 

Now I realize plopping myself down in the middle of things like that meant I had several gaps in my knowledge. It was always a mess because I was using the wrong needles or using needles that were way too dull. I know now that each fabric is unique and takes a slightly different skill set to work with successfully. But even with that knowledge I struggled and still did more fighting with my sewing machine than actual sewing.

The real game changer happened when my sewing machine died. Croaked. Keeled over. Left this world for a better one. I did some research to find the best value and got myself a brand new, shining pet and oh, my. Sewing was suddenly easy! Actually enjoyable! I had nothing holding me back anymore and took full advantage. 

I have spent the last few months actually concentrating on understanding construction and building a repertoire of go-to patterns. I love it!

I had made a gathered skirt before, but I accidentally stumbled on this video tutorial and found myself engrossed. I watched the entire thing absorbing new knowledge and decided to ditch all prior experience and start fresh. I made three whole skirts the next day and never have I sewn anything I was more proud of. Never had a project gone so well. I only wish there were a thousand more of these videos!

If you are a beginner sewer, I highly recommend trying that tutorial over any others.

Cardigan: Target (similar in plus) | Skirt: Handmade (pattern, fabric) | Tights: Walmart (similar in straight sizes, similar in plus) | Shoes: Thrifted (similar) | Lips: Stila All Day Liquid Lipstick in Aria

Decorating for Halloween | Outfit

All holidays are a good time for me. I will take any reason to celebrate and be festive, but Halloween has a special place in my dark heart. There are a lot of sweet and innocent reasons to love fall. Crunchy golden leaves, brilliant blue skies, the slight chill that makes snuggling into a warm scarf heavenly. But, nothing compares to thrill of Halloween.

My tastes run towards the chilling and haunting. The question of shadows that appear firm until you turn to meet them. The creak of movement in an empty house. The crackle of energy that moves up your spine while sitting with your back to darkness. I could live in this state all year round, but in October the whole world unfurls into the same mood that wants to fills my head and I can sink deeply into my eerie and gothic delights.

In particular, I've always held a fascination with witches. I went as a witch for Halloween 5 years in a row when I was a kid. My favorite movies always seems to be about witches. Hocus Pocus, Rosemary's Baby, The Craft, and the newest addition to the list, The Witch. When I was a teenager we stumbled upon a Wiccan celebration while camping and I was completely spellbound (pun so intended). Basically, I like them a lot and they are always the source of my inspiration for Halloween.

Elegant, unearthly, and an easy, unshakable sense of power. Witches call to me.

Maybe it's because witches draw my love of granny chic and subtle sexuality into one stirring and unsettling image, but not only do I want to fill my house with this feeling, I only want to dress with a witchy woman in mind for eternity the next month. Autumnal, dark, and moody. I want to live deliciously.

What inspires you in fall? The feelings of harvest and plenty? The ghoulish breath of cold air on your skin? What brings you to life this time of year?

Cardigan: Target (similar in plus) | Shirt: Passive Juice Motel | Skirt: Target (similar in straight sizes, similar in plus) | Tights: Target (similar in plus) | Socks: Torrid (similar) | Boots: Modcloth (similar) | Lips: Colourpop's Ultra Matte Liquid Lipstick in Tulle

Apple Picking Hat | Outfit

A few years ago, Target had a commercial running in which a woman has an internal dialog about being a "hat person." She questions if she is, in fact, a hat person or not and she decides that she could be if she did more hat wearing things like apple picking.

Partly because I am completely susceptible to marking and partly because I really and truly understood what this woman was saying, I immediately decided I needed an apple picking hat. It took me a few years to find one, but it was worth it. This vintage, candy apple red hat is clearly what your don to pick autumn fruits.

I am a hat person, but unfortunately, I am not a fruit picking person. I can't be. We keep trying and trying but not once have we succeeded. Usually we wait so long that the season passes or the farms are closed, but this time we were catfished. The place had "orchard" in the name, It advertised "Pick your own apples!" But it was all a lie. There wasn't a single tree in the whole place and "pick your own apples" meant fill your bag with whichever variety of apple you want. You know, just like at the grocery store. Clearly, we are not apple picking people because it's not that hard to get right and we just can't make it happen.

Instead, we explored the non-orchard fields, sampled pears, plums, and the best apple cider I have ever had, and munched on giant, candy coated caramel apples. It turned out to be an amazing day and I'm pretty sure we checked off all the actual fun of apple picking with no actual picking required.

Dress: Apricity (similar in plus) | Cardigan: Eloquii (similar) | Tights: Walmart (similar in straight sizes, similar in plus) | Shoes: Thrifted (similar) | Hat: Vintage (similar) | Lips: Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Unicorn Blood