HEMS- A "SLIGHT" OBSESSION

Hey Everyone....as you know by now I don't draw attention to someone for the sake of calling people out or just making noise for the sake of it.  I feel that on certain issues I have a very strong opinion.  But I don't think the topics I choose to passionately talk about is done in a malicious way.  Nor do I feel I am alone in my feelings....I may be just willing to take it on more than someone else would....sometimes I just can't help myself!!  I just feel that sometimes certain things have to be said.
Case in point-Hems!  I would have to say that I am "slightly" obsessed about Hems.  Whether you are talking about Hems on a dress, on drapes or even pants.  In a previous posting I talked about how I can't stand it when drapes are too short-really one of my pet peeves.  Is it life or death?  No, but it kinda really bugs me...you can see that posting here.
What got me thinking about clothing hems is when I saw this pic of Rachel Zoe:

People

For the love of all things good....haven't these people heard of having pants hemmed?  Can't operate a sewing machine or thread a needle....can I suggest Hem Tape.  You can buy it at WalMart for goodness sake.  What bugs me more than anything about the above pic is that SHE is supposed to be a stylist.  I will never understand the fascination of these people and having their pant hems dragging on the ground.

Stylelist

I love Debra Messing.....adore her!  But for the love of all....why are her pants dragging on the ground??  I have no issue with her outfit except it would have looked way better if the pants fit better. Not only does it shorten the body but it is also a hazard.  Have you ever tried to walk in heels and pants that are too long?  I hope you have Health Insurance my friend!  Who is her Stylist?  Seriously??  Sometimes these people who are supposed to know what they are doing get on my last nerve.  You are dressing beautiful people....can you at least make sure that their pants fit correctly!!!
What is my point in all this?  A hem does not cost a fortune.....in fact it will cost you between $6.00-$10.00 dollars depending on where you go.  Better yet.....you can do it yourself if you have a little skill with a needle and thread....if you don't.....get it done professionally.....it will be the best 6 Bucks you spend.   When a pair of pants are tailored correctly......you look and feel fabulous.
Now don't get me wrong, I have nothing against a longer hem....especially if one is wearing a killer pair of heels.  But as soon as that pant hem puddles on the floor- I AM DONE!!!
Like I said earlier....if you are in a bind turn up that hem with Hem Tape.  It really is a life saver.  It is quick and will hold for more than one wear.  As long as you know how to operate an iron that is.  Never press directly onto the fabric as this will cause the fabric to acquire a "shine".  Use a press cloth or if you don't have one use a light piece of Cotton Fabric or even a light Pillowcase.  Place the fabric on top of what you are pressing and press the two.  T/he top fabric will take the abuse from the iron thus leaving your lovely item underneath damage free.
Perhaps Hem Tape should be put into some of these "Swag bags" these stars seem to snag.  Maybe, just maybe they would think twice then.
Or....better yet.......check this out.......Melissa George came up with a way to Hem pants that isn't permanent.

StyleNews

Now that is how your pants should look my friends.  Just a peek at the shoe, no tripping no puddling-just right!!
 Sometimes you like your pants longer or shorter depending on the shoes you wear.  The product is called "Hemming My Way".  It looks really cool.  I will have to see if I can get it here.  Has anyone tried it??  Perhaps she should let Stylists know!  Goodness knows there is a lot of stars out there that could use this product.

Have a great day everyone.....
Megan 

GAP- HORIZONTAL STRIPES?? REALLY???

Hey Everyone.... I hope all is well?  I got an email over the weekend from the Gap since I am on their mailing list....It was their top 6 picks for Spring.  My first thought on seeing this email was....OK, lets see what they have...... In the past I have been a big fan of The Gap.  I will say that in years past they caught my shopping eye way more than they do now.  In the recent past do you think I could find a blouse without ruffles down the front? (that being said if you look online now- not a ruffle in site-YEA!!) I find that many of  their shirts this past little while had NO shape whatsoever so that I had to buy a XS or S to fit me properly....And in NO way am I an XS!  They tended to hang off my frame or not hang properly due to having breasts- I end up looking like a can with legs!!  D Cup +Rectangluar, Boxy shirt= Not a good look AT ALL.
Now let me say that I do troll the Clearance rack about once a week or so...one never knows what they will find!  I am one of those people that will not (on principle) buy full price if I don't have too.
Now, back to the 6!

Here is what I got in the email:

Gap

This first one is a winner in my books.  One cannot go wrong with a great fitting shirt.  And to top it off, it is gingham.  I LOVES me some Gingham.  The only issue with this one is the shorts.  Maybe one has to be 19 in order to pull this one off- maybe?  Put these on me and......Whoa!  I am not a large girl by any means...however......Oy!
I think this print would have looked awesome on a little skirt   One that wasn't too short.  That way, more of the population would be able to take advantage of such a fun print. If it were a skirt I may have even considered it.  Since they are shorts...well..... I think I will pass.

Gap

Number 2!  I think this one is fine....as long as...and I stress this.....that people buy the right size.  I do not care what size it says on the tag- buy the size that fits your body.  I myself find that for skinny jeans that I sometimes have to go up a size just for it to fit properly...and I am OK with that since the most important thing is that they fit great- who cares what size is on the label.  One of the main problems with this style is how low they tend to sit.  Now I am NOT one of those Mom's that likes them hiked up under ones breasts.....however...having a muffin top roll over a super low waistband isn't great either.    Find ones that fit you in the right place and you will be as good as gold.  Even curvy girls can wear skinny jeans if they find that right fit.
My only other issue is the colours this season.  I am not a pastelly kinda girl.  I like full on colour myself.  They are very pretty...I just think I don't have much in my wardrobe that would go with these pastel colours.

Gap

I really love these Dotty Skinny Jeans- I will have to try a pair on and see if I am less than horrified with what I see.  They really do look amazing on the model though- and with those heels-super cute!!!

Gap

 Number 3!  Ahhhhh the Maxi Dress.  I am sure I am going to get some flack about what I am going to say...."Enough already".  "Aren't we done with this one yet"?   "Isn't this trend over and done with yet"??  I don't know many people that look really good in this style of dress. I know, I know... I am sure that it is uber comfy to wear.  Most of the time when I see woman wear this dress,  they drag on the ground and they give no shape whatsoever.  I think the only person who would look halfway decent in this style is Giselle Bundchen!!  And maybe not even her!  Maybe it's my own built in bias.  I am just about 5'4" and I am sure that I am no longer even that!!  Have you ever tried on one of these dresses??  Well let me say that unless you are 5'9" it drags on the ground.   Yes one can get it hemmed or even buy a petite.  However, whenever I have tried this one on I feel like a sack of potatoes in it.  I guess maybe it's my height or something!  And as for the petite sizes- I am not a true petite so the proportions are way off for me.  I just can't wrap my head around this style of dress.  I have a friend that owns one in a lovely print...she wears it with a jean jacket...and I must say she looks pretty good in it.  But here's the rub..... she's 5'9"!!!  Again with the height!  I guess I will have to let this one pass...... for me.

Gap

I really love a wrap dress- It is very flattering on everyone- skinny, short, curvy or tall.  Try to envision it with out that necklace or those shoes- REALLY???  That's how you want to accessorize this dress? OY!!

Gap

This Eyelet dress is soooo cute.  Might have to try this one on myself. My only concern would be the length. I feel that it could benefit from being about 2-3" longer.  I am by no means a prude or anything I just think that for most of us the length as it is shown is not flattering.  I wish I could wear this length...but my size and of course my age.....well... a little longer would be nicer.

Gap

Number 4!  They almost got this one right for me.  I always love a great blazer.  There is just something about popping one of these on and a great scarf that makes one feel put together.  I really love the pop of colour on the under colour and at the cuff area.  HOWEVER.... I am sure you know what I will say about this one..... Horizontal stripes??? REALLY??    Maybe it's because I am not 18 anymore??  I don't know anyone except someone who is super skinny that can get away with this one.  I can imagine how horrible I would look in this. But that being said,   I get it!  They are trying something a little different. But really?  Horizontal stripes on a blazer??   Check out the page on the website- even the model doesn't looked that thrilled to be wearing it!!  When I wear a blazer I am trying to emphasize my curves and emphasize my waist.  Wear those stripes and forget it.  I know I am not uber young anymore, but really???

Gap

This one is way cuter.  Great detailing.  It has Spandex for a really great fit.  And I LOVE the contrast piping- that is how you do a cute blazer my friends.

Gap

Number 5.  For the most part this one is OKish.  However... There are few concerns I have for this one.  For most people this dress will be an issue.  This dress has to hit you perfectly at YOUR waist for you to be able to pull this one off.  I myself am short waisted, so the dress would tend to "pouf" just above my waist-not to mention that it is a drawstring waist- you have to be careful about how it is pulled and tied-again causing a "pouf" effect at the waist-sometimes not the most flattering of looks.  Secondly, there is no way that one would be able to wear this belt with this dress!  Have you ever tried to wear a belt with a drawstring...come on!  Ok maybe on second thought this one is NOT OK with me.    Lastly....I think that the length for most would be an issue.  Hitting one at the thickest point of ones thigh- not always a good look.  The dress could do to be 2-3" longer-just my humble opinion.  Looks really cute on the  model...however, in real life this would look ridiculous on my frame...again I think I will pass.

Gap

This little lovely is one that they seem to always get right.  Can't say enough about this style of Cardi.  You can wear it in a number of seasons.  Dress it up, dress it down.  Mix colours.....It is such a great piece to have in ones wardrobe.  This one is a 10+ for me.

So there you have it.  I suppose that some adverts do work  They bring you to a website and you check things out.  I was just curious as to their "6".  Like I said.... Gap recently doesn't always get it right for me.  Maybe it's my age- early 40's.  But I don't think so.  I think of myself as someone who is fairly young at heart- in fact I still think of myself as 18 in my head!  I just think sometimes when I am in the Gap..."even if I were 18 would I wear this"? And most of the time it is a resounding NO.  I do think they are better than they have been in recent years past..... Will I still shop there?- Yes.  Will I be happy with all they have to offer- No.  But I think you can't please everyone with everything...you have to offer things to a wide range of people.  And as long as they offer great fitting jeans (on the clearance rack of course) and great little Cardi's I will still shop there.

Have a great day everyone.
Megan

PINLESS BROOCH

Hey Everyone.  When we rarely get the chance to get out I do like to dress up a little.  And the way that I like to dress up an outfit is by adding a flower.  There is just something about wearing a flower that makes me so happy.  Not to mention it always is a great conversation piece and conversation starter.  The only problem with wearing said flower is that in order to wear it one has to poke holes in whatever one is wearing.  I know that I am not the first to present this solution, however, if you haven't seen this lovely little magical trick.... here it is:

Here is the flowers in question.  The red one came with a safety clasp so a cut that off.  The gray flower already has a flat metal clip that does not leave holes-but the reason I left it intact was that the clip is flat and wide as well as metal.

This is the backsides of the flowers now:

To the red flower I added a flat metal disc.  Husband had that lying around in his tool box- but a flat washer would do just as well. They can be purchased at Home Depot or Lowes.  Hot glue whatever metal disk you are using to the backside of your flower/brooch.  You then will use a RARE EARTH MAGNET to hold you piece in place..  They are also known as Super Magnets.  An ordinary magnet will not work since you need the extra holding power so that when it is worn it stays in place.  I buy my magnets at Lee Valley.  For those who don't know- Lee Valley is an amazing store for tools, garden stuff, special big and little boy/girl toys.
When you want to wear the flower/brooch just sandwich your clothing between the magnet (inside) and your flower/brooch on the outside of your garment. To put on, I hold the flower in place and then place the magnet on the inside of my garment where the metal disk is touching the outside of the fabric. It is the greatest thing ever!!  No holes! And it gives the added benefit of really holding your piece where you want it.  Even if you can get over the holes that can be left, a pin just isn't enough sometimes to hold a brooch properly without flopping around.  The magnet gives your brooch a better hold.  This little trick would be great for costume or vintage jewelry as well.  This would also work great on hats, gloves or whatever you want to wear and NOT put holes in it.  These rare earth magnets are incredibly strong.  I have never lost a flower/brooch this way- EVER!!

As far as my Gray flower goes, the magnet works really well with the clip that is already there, plus the clip is wrapped in a nice ribbon so I didn't want to change it.  I was lucky enough that it was made out of metal.

So there you have it!

Have a great day everyone.
Megan

LANDS END LOVE!

Just a quick posting today.  I wanted to share with you a love a have.

Lands End

I mean, I truly love them.  My only problem is they no longer exist here in Canada.  Insert sad face here :(
If you want a bathing suit that ACTUALLY fits then look no further.  If you want some fun COMFY shoes look no further.  If you want AWESOME Tote Bags then look no further.  No, I really mean it!!
I am hoping that if we do get to go to the states then I am hunting down the nearest Lands End.  Heck I may make the trip to Buffalo and pay the duty- I don't care, it will be soooo worth it.

Here are some of my fav's:

Favourite, favourite Tote Bag EVER!!

Lands End

Why is it my favourite??  Well for one thing it can hold quite a bit.  I use it to pack for the weekend for the cottage, to go to the local pool or for when we go to the beach.  It has loads of pockets on the inside, it is very sturdy, and best of all it has a ribbon with a key attachment.  How awesome is that??  I never have to search for my keys- that alone is a great feature.  The one I have is Navy with a lighter blue accent.  I bought mine a few years ago.  I love it!  Can you tell how much I love it.
Now you may ask- does it get dirty?  So far I have been very lucky.  But if I did have to clean it, I would just throw it in the wash and lay it out in it's shape t dry.  It is Cotton Canvas after all and is meant to take a beating!



Favourite Swimwear EVER:

Lands End

These are my favourite bottoms I have EVER bought for swimming.  They have a built in panty inside.  They are so comfy.  They dry quickly.  And best of all they so help with the bikini line ladies!!  Plus I just feel so damn good in them.  Not too much showing but enough showing. BEST EVER!!





Favourite Swim Top;

Lands End

Although this isn't exactly like the one I have, I am so seeking this puppy out when I get there!!  It is very similar to the one I already have.  A halter style is so flattering on so many women.  Especially if you tend to be a little larger in the bust area.  In addition, at Lands End some of their bathing suits come in a D, DD or DDD cup- how great is that??



Just a couple of my favourite things that I wanted to share with you.  If you are lucky enough to live near a Lands End-then you are SO lucky.  If you haven't had a chance to go there, give them a try, you just be more than a little surprised by the clothes.  If anything, check out their bathing suits they are awesome!

Have a great day everyone.
Megan

LIBERTY LONDON

Hey everyone.  Just wanted to share with you some of my favourite fabrics from Liberty London.  I have been a huge fan of Liberty for like.... well....... FOREVER.  Their lawn fabric is the "bee's knees" for me.  Lawn fabric is a high quality cotton fabric that is very light in weight and hand yet the weave is very dense in thread count. I nearly went bug eyed in University having to do a thread count on some of this fabric! What does this mean for you?  It means you are getting an excellent quality fabric that is lightweight.  Which is super awesome when you want to make a drapey, flowy, dress or top.  I made a top out of some Liberty fabric 20 years ago.  Too bad I had to give it away- I got smaller-which isn't a bad thing except when you can't wear your fav's but have to find new fav's.  I suppose I will have to get my hands on some new Liberty Fabric and make myself something pretty.
Anyways, here is a few of my fav's right now out of Liberty London's fabric collection:
CAUTION: YOU MAY WANT TO GET A DROOL CATCHER FIRST BEFORE PROCEEDING:

PurlBee

I can't even put into words how much I love this outfit- would love to see The Man in this one.  If you follow the link above it will take you to a Handkerchief Tutorial.  Now that is something from a time gone by.....

This last one is my favourite by far.  All those different flowers, all those colours (red, white and blue).  I would love to get me some of this one!!

One other item I would love to get are these:

I literally said when I saw these and I quote, " OH COME ON!!"  Comfortable running shoes and Liberty- CRAZY TALK people!!  Now if I can wrangle up the 90 pounds (UK) which is around $150.00 Cdn I will snatch these little puppies up real quick- Oh to dream!!

Anyways.... just wanted to share a drool worthy moment with those of you that love (OK obsess) about fabric like I do.

Have a great day everyone.
Megan