DIY Tunic, Distressed Skinnies, Heelless Shoes + Pattern Review of McCalls 6204

Happy Tuesday my Darlings! enjoy today's Vlog with Q&A's and Shout Outs but first, if you sew please read this article about a woman who inhaled a pin! I know I am guilty of putting a pin in my mouth while sewing out of convenience, please don't do that again! Thanks Nik for sharing on FB.

Pattern Review McCalls 6204

**This super easy McCall pattern is on sale for $1.88!! HERE***

Pattern Description: M6204 View A Misses Tunics

Pattern Sizing: I cut the 8

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? This pattern is so easy to make. This is a great newbie project.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love tunics because they are flowy and comfy to wear and still sexy when off the shoulder. I had this piece of fabric in my stash for a long time and it was perfect for this pattern.

Fabric Used: Jersey Knit (I bought it locally)

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None.

Would you sew it again? I already have but haven't worn it, lol I made it in a white/sequin jersey

Would you recommend it to others? Yes. This is a great mindless project to do that sews up quick and is satisfying ;-)

Get The Look

 DIY Tunic / Heelless Platforms (similar) HERE / Distressed Jeans (similar) HERE / Beaded Tassel Necklace (similar) HERE

Michael Kors Watch /NY&Co. Leopard Bangle 

xoxo

mimi g.

DIY Figure Flattering Florals + Tracy Reese Pattern Review V1314

Happy Monday Darlings! A few weeks back in this post I shared my plan for the floral fabric I ordered from Gorgeous Fabrics  to make my Tracy Reese V1314 dress so this weekend I took saturday to myself and got some sewing done. I made this dress, a pair of pants and a top which I will wear this week. Toay however I am feeling really lovely in my floral dress; here is my review of Vogue Pattern 1314 a Tracy Reese Design.

Vogue 1314 Tracy Reese

More pics below

Pattern Description: V1314 Misses Dress

Pattern Sizing: I cut the 6 but altered the pattern by grading down a good 3" on the side seams.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? This pattern is REALLY easy to make, it's just 2 seams and sleeves. The gathering is about as complicated as this gets if you are newbie but it is easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked that the gathering was on both sides and in the front and back of the dress. I will say that for this being a designer pattern (Tracy Reese) it is really easy to make and a beginner seamstress could make it. I find that is is similar to the OOP V1020 that reviewed here and has been made by many ;-) the only difference really is the gathering on both sides.

Fabric Used: Jersey Knit with a 4 way stretch from Gorgeous Fabrics

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I had to take out several inches because even though I made the smallest size when I took the flat pattern measurement I knew it was going to be big. I ended up taking 3" off the pattern before cutting into the fabric.

Would you sew it again? YES, this is oneof those patterns that you can make several times to build your wardbrobe, it can be made sleeveless, shorter and can be work with a coat, blazer, shawl, boots, heels etc.

Would you recommend it to others? Yes. If you are a newbie and want to give this a go I would say if you can handle my maxi skirt or dress you can do this for sure. If you are a seasoned seamstress you can sew this with your eyes closed, lol

Conclusion: I knew the minute I say that fabric that I woud be making this dress and I love it!

The Look

 DIY Dress / Lindsay Platforms HERE / Michael Kors Watch & Ring / Coach Bracelet & Ring

xoxo

mimi g.

Mixed Prints Look: Flowers + Dots

Happy Thursday Darlings! Last night was so much fun, the hubby and attended a celebrity charity event and had a chance to catch up with old friends too, Ill be sharing more on that tomorrow. Today I am going to share my tips for mixing prints.

Mimi G.'s Tips for Mixing Prints

1. Your prints should have at least one repeating color but there are exceptions to the rule because there are no rules, just guidelines. I worry less about a particular color and instead about the undertones. I mix animal prints with florals often without there being a repeating color in both prints but it works if one print has only only 2 neutral colors and the other print carries the most color. Example: Leopard + Florals work really well!

2. Blending Smaller prints with larger prints is always a great way to mix it up, try to avoid using two prints with the same scale pattern unless the colors and prints are similar, meaning a top and bottom with the same print in a different color-way (with one color in both print repeats) then you can get away with mixing same scale prints; remember that the point of mixing prints/patterns is to create interest and depth.

3. Don't be afraid to mix wide stripes with narrow stripes or large dots with small dots, the same /print pattern works great in different scales and you don't have to keep your mixing to only two prints, be creative and don't get stuck trying to follow the old rules of fashion, they no longer exists.

H&M Polka Dot Skirt (similar) HERE / Forever 21 Water Color Floral Tank HERE / Wild Pair Platforms HERE and on SALE / ASOS Sunnies HERE

 Example: My skirt is grey with white polka dots but there is no grey in my floral tank however, there are grey undertones in my tank so the big flowers with the small polka dots work because its a big/small pattern mix and the grey works because there are grey undertones in some of the flowers and leaves in my top, make sense?

 xoxo

mimi g.

Mimi G.'s Fall 2012 PIcks

Happy Wednesday! I know that its hard to think about Fall/Winter when it is so hot outside but planning is key. Here are some of the things I must include in my Fall 2012 wardrobe.


My Falls Picks

1. Texture/Prints mixing textures adds depth to your looks  and I will be adding a lot of texture this fall. My essentials on the first look include a leather jacket preferably tailored and with a strong shoulder, some chunky sweaters and stripes with bold printed pants in jewel tones. A suede pump is a must for me! and another great way of adding texture; In Cali I can wear open toe shoes year round which is a bonus. Don't be afraid to mix prints or include stripes and have fun combining different textures.

2. Texture/Drape I may buy it or make it but either way I must have a textured draped coat, this essential item can be worn with jeans, slacks, pencil skirts, dresses and can be worn with flats for a casual look or with heels; I must and will have a draped coat this Fall. The other essential item for me is a great pair of flared jeans and you know I love my animal prints and will continue that trend in my accessories and in a great pair of pointed toe pumps this Fall. 

3. Prints/Leather I am loving all the printed sweaters and coats coming this fall but I have fallen in love with the bat wing shape in outerwear. I love the wood toggle buttons and the multi striped pattern in the sweater below and will be looking for something similar to this so I can pair it with a sexy Leather skirt which is the other trend I plan to add to my Fall wardrobe. Leather skirts are sexy and always on trend in some form or fashion. Leather and Chunky print knits are a definite for me!

4. Jeweled Tones/Classic Boot I love a great cape and this Fall I plan to add a few capes along with a classic riding boot. I am really into the jewel tones this fall so that will be a must in my tops and capes/ponchos. A classic riding boot is something every woman should have and I think its time for a new pair ;-)

5. Winter White Blazer/ Color I love a great blazer and I will admit that my closet is filled with them. A good clean line blazer is essential for me but what is most important to me is making sure I have some great winter white. I am also a lover of color  and I love brightly hued slacks! I plan to brighten my days by carrying color over into fall. I never understood why people shy away from color during the fall/winter, don't be afraid to wear color  year round, it is a great way to make those cold dreary days bright and lovely.

xoxo
mimi g.

Lady Like Dress + Nude Heeled Sandals

Happy Monday! 

I had such a great weekend and I hope you did too! aside from the beach and the shopping (new camera) I also had time to just sit and relax. I was hoping to get some sewing done on Sunday but I made the terrible mistake of choosing to clean my closet "really fast" which always turns into me getting completely obsessive with organizing every. single. thing and pulling everything out of the drawers and creating a GIGANTIC mess and then cleaning it all up, needless to say that took up ALL day but my closet and bedroom are super clean and in order right now as you see by the pics I posted yesterday ;-) 

Onto what I am wearing, I got this new pic frame software and have been playing with it, do you like the new pic layouts below vs the other style? I also had an idea of doing a short video "Getting dressed w/ Mimi G." I would basically film myself getting ready in the morning and talk about how I select my outfit, accessories etc. whatcha think?

 Forever 21 Dress (old) these are cute HERE and HERE / Audrey Brook Heels HERE /  Forever 21

Gold/Wood Bangle (old) love this stack HERE  Nail Polish is Sally Hansen "Gray on Gray" / Necklace + Green Ring were gifted.

Old Layout...better?

 xoxo

mimi g.

Dark Wide Leg Jeans + Teal Balloon Hem Top

Hi Darlings!!

I know I owe you a vlog and will get on camera real soon, promise. 

So I ordered myself a lighting kit! LOL you know you are serious about blogging when you start setting up lighting kits in your studio, Cant wait! LOL! but anyway.....I got these jeans at Guess and I love them! they are so slimming but were kinda long so I had to take up the hem by 1/2" other than that they are fabulous!

Get The Look..

Forever 21 Top (old) Similar HERE and obsessed with this one HERE / Guess Jeans ON SALE from $138 to $69! HERE / Michael Kors Bag (old) Similar HERE  Accessories:  Necklace (old) Similar HERE / Large Rosette Ring HERE / Bracelets HERE

MK Watch (old) Exact HERE 

yum my deodorant smells yummy! BWHAHAHAHAHAH

xoxo

mimi g.

Im Seeing Green... My Picks

My Picks

I was doing some online shopping today and of course went over to Lulus.com to do a little looksy around and I found these cute tops and skirt that I must have...here are my picks ;-)

I Love that I could work both tops with this striped skirt which I LOVE and the green shoe is hot!

Color Blocked Top, Green Polka Dot Top, Black/White Striped Skirt, Green Studded Pump

Dress Pick

Oh the possibilities with these two little dresses ;-)

Green Strapless Dress, White Lace Dress, 

xoxo

mimi g.

What I Wore...

Hello Everyone! 

Yesterdays excitement with the car had me exhausted, LOL trying to hold in the surprise was so hard ;-) Thank you so much for all the lovely comments and she wanted to let you all know that she is beside herself right now with excitement.

Tomorrow I will posting more details on the June 23rd Meet, Shop & Learn so make sure of you haven't rsvp'd to do so soon. Hotel, travel logistics, etc will be on here tomorrow. If you missed the post you can find the info here

What I Wore

American Eagle Sheer Floral Top (old) F21 Skinny Cropped Jeans (old) Wild Pair Wedges (here)

Kate Spade Sunnies, Various Bangles from F21, Gold Bangle (here)

xoxo

mimi g.

What I Wore + It's Raining Again!

Ugh! I am so tired of this California weather, it was in the 80's Monday and now its in the low 60's and raining on and off all day, then the sun comes out and tricks you, giving you hope of a clear day....SMH

Get it together Cali!

Gap Sweater, F21 Jeans, Steve Madden Boots

xoxo,

mimi g.

Knock Off + Tut While Im At It?

Tutorial?

I saw this maxi dress on net-a-porter and I love it! so I am going to make myself one, I figured while I do that I can turn it into another tutorial since it's such an easy dress it would be a great beginner tutorial. Yay?

xoxo

mimi g.

Todays Vlog + What I Wore

Hello!!!!

FYI, if you don't see your comment after posting its because I need to approve it first so don't worry that you don't see it right away ;-)

What I Wore...

This dress is as comfy as it gets! its from Old navy (old) and I love it! except that unless I want to look "loose" LOL I have to wear a t-shirt or tank underneath or my itty bitty's may make an appearance and we don't want that!  

I love when I get home and my hubby has bought me flowers and places then in different rooms in the house :-) He is a keeper I tell ya! 

xoxo

mimi g.