Modern Vintage Shop and Social in Review

Nov19

As I begin to catch up on blog post I will periodically insert some of my favorites from 2012. This happens to be one of them.

I must begin by saying I can always count on Lisa to have at least one item in her collection that screams at me……”Don’t leave the store without me”. Always one item that has Jen’s name written all over it. FYI as I decide my Sew Frugal & Fashionable challenge for 2013 this sentiment will be one of my new guiding principles. Before I buy any article of clothing it must speak to me and make me feel as though I would regret leaving the store without it. :-)

At the most recent Modern Vintage Shop and Social this little brown dress did just that. I saw it, picked it up and I couldn’t put it back on the rack. My only hesitation is that recently picked up a brown vintage two piece dress suit from an estate sale and I thought I don’t need two brown dresses. In the end I figured when I finally get around to having my own vintage pop up I will offer it as an available item.

So many wonderful vintage items adorned the racks at Nana’s in Mt. Pleasant. Lisa had dresses, skirts, blouses, shoes, purses and vintage jewelry.

At this Modern Vintage Shop and Social Quarterlife 2o2 showcased items which were great for holiday parties and work. Any of these items could be easily added to your current wardrobe.

Did I mention she served cookies and hot apple cider? Yummy

More items from the Quarterlife 202 Collection…….

And as always Lisa services you with a smile. Happy shopping! I can’t wait until the next Quarterlife 202 Pop Up Shop. Wonder where she will be popping up next? We will keep you posted in 2013.

Back from Sewing Hiatus….

Nov15

Hi there readers. Many of you have wondered where has she gone? Where is Ms. Sew Frugal? Is she no longer Frugal? Well I’m back from a long break which included and unsuccessful attempt to switch the blog to Bluehost. What a nightmare!! I’ve posted but you got nothing from me. I’ve decided to come back to WordPress and simply enhance what I’ve already put in place. Life just became much easier. I have also been completely bogged down by work. But now that we Have November 6th is behind us perhaps life can return to normal. (yeah right). Well at least Jen’s kind of normal.

This summer was a whirlwind of activities and I will begin updating the blog later this evening. There is so much to catch up on and soon you can join in a sewing challenge for 2013. We will announce in the next few weeks. SEW EXCITING!!! We’ve been swapping, thrift shopping, NYC Road tripping and have had many sewing classes over the past 6 months. In fact we have a Basic Sewing Class coming up on November 28th. Click the Link for more details: http://basicsewingclass1.eventbrite.com/

I’ve also started running since we last spoke and now I’m into making running skirts. I’ve found a few companies that make some great skirts but after a few trips to NYC I’m convinced I can design a few for myself which are just as comfortable and even more fashionable. I will also begin promoting my hats. I discussed this is an earlier blog post this year and I’ve worked hard at building up my inventory. Etsy store here I come!!

Well that’s about all for now. 2013 will be all about the Sewing Challenge and believing and realizing my dream. Below is the first step in making that happen. They say if you can see it you can believe it. One day I hope to grace the cover of Sewing Today and have an article written about my latest innovating teaching techniques Yes it can happen!

First and Second Lady Fashion

Apr16

Been a little behind on posting. Lot’s going on in this Sewing Diva’s world. But before I allow any more time to elapse, last week I had the pleasure of attending the One Year Anniversary of Joining Forces on the White House South Lawn. Joining Forces is a national initiative launched by First Lady Michelle Obama and Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden to mobilizes all sectors of society to give our service members and their families the opportunities and support they have earned serving our nation. I have had the pleasure of working on this initiative over the past year and am very proud of all the work that has been accomplished. However……..you know me, where ever I can find a fashion statement in the midst of work I grab it and run with it.

On a cold Wednesday morning about 100 of us waited on the south lawn for FLOTUS and SLOTUS to arrive. As usual neither one of them disappoint on their fashion. Dr. Biden steps out in a winter white 3/4 length coat with a bright pink cashmere scarf that really hit the mark. It look great next to her hair, eyes and pink lipstick. Dr. Biden is always very stylish. Yo Go Jill!

Oh and don’t think Dr. Biden stopped at the coat and scarf. Her shoes were really cute. They were a blue and pink suede. She was wearing them well.

Of course next up was the First Lady who in her own right is a fashionista extraordinaire was bearing the cold weather in style. She wore this burgundy 3/4 length flared coat with 3/4 length cropped sleeves accented with cream-colored buttons. This coat is a must have addition to the wardrobe.

FLOTUS - FABULOUS FASHIONISTA FIRST LADY

After the program ended I had an opportunity to have a brief chat with the First Lady. And this is how the conversation went: FLOTUS: Hi Jennifer, How are you? Always good seeing you. Me: Always good seeing you too. How have you been? FLOTUS: I’ve been well. Are you hangin in there? Me: Yes I am. By the way this coat is fabulous. Mind making it a hand me down next season? LOL!! (Just kidding, I did not ask the First Lady if I could have her coat:-) But I do plan to do some research to find where I can get it.

Wilmer Wilson & Lady Blogger fashion and beauty social

Mar19

With everything on my plate these days sometimes I’m amazed at how I do it all. Running from one event to another, changing clothes, grabbing cameras, grabbing sewing machines…………..whew it just makes me exhausted thinking about it. But the funny thing is it totally energizing and invigorating. Saturday after a full day with friends and running errands I stopped by an art gallery on Florida avenue which was featuring a young artist named Wilmer Wilson IV who transforms himself using everyday household items. See below a photo from his website: Recurring Man This piece titled Stone wall is essentially paper bags blown up and assembled. His pieces are amazing and he hasn’t even graduated undergrad. He’s currently a senior at Howard University and plans to go on to Graduate school at Columbia. Be sure to check him out!

After departing the gallery I headed over to the Lady bloggers and beauty social at It’s Vintage Darling one of my favorite vintage shops. The social was hosted by Dana J and Mika or The Diary of FrankyJ and For the Average Girl. The place was buzzing with lady bloggers and the clothing was flying off the racks.

Elise checking out guest receiving 50% off their purchases!

There was plenty socializing along with food and drinks to go around

Many of the attendees were dressed in vintage clothing or otherwise stylish outfits

I just love the color and the styling on this dress

Since everything in the store was 50% the lady bloggers didn’t have any hesitation trying on some of the fabulous clothing

She's fancy

More mixing and mingling with the lady bloggers and I took a few minutes to snap some pictures of some of the great items that can be found at It’s vintage Darling.

Trunk of cuff links, tie clips and other men's accessories

This dress I thought was hot. I could envision an awesome refashioning project. You can't see them completely but there are a pair of vintage Minolo's over in the corner. I really hope they are still there when I go back.

I really liked this leather handbag

SELECT: WPA Exhibition & Art Auction Gala in Review

Mar4

Last week I attended a fashion or fashion related event in DC almost every night of the week. Modern Vintage: Shop & Social on Wednesday, Mila & Fire: Art and Photography Expo on Thursday, Fashion Law Week DC: Intelligent Design on Friday and last night I attended my 3rd Washington Project for the Arts: Auction and Gala……WHEW!!!! Needless to say I am so very tired and would like to crawl back into bed however we have Sewing Class this afternoon and that always energizes me.

Granted this post is not exactly about fashion however it is about creativity and I wanted to share my experience with you all. Especially since last night the WPA represented more to me that just enjoying great art, great food and great friends. This year I had a personal vested interest in the auction part of the evening. My own friend Lily Valle who many of you have seen her signature on my photos, had a piece entered and yes I eavesdropped on the potential buyer conversations I will discuss that later.

WPA is in its 31st year of the Auction and Gala. WPA has helped WPA raise funds and awareness to support contemporary artists in this area. The artists invited to participate in this exhibition were selected by a group of notable curators from some of the most important institutions in our region such as the Corcoran Gallery, National Gallery of Art, Wexner Center for the arts and a special Board of Directors selection along with many others. The works represent a variety of media and disciplines and truly provide the viewer with a wide range design and style.

Upon entering building on 18th and L which used to be Borders Bookstore attendees were greeted by a woman on stilts with a lighted hula hoop. She was nice enough to pose for me. Later I caught her on a break from the stilts viewing some of the art on display.

Although there weren’t any performances some of the artist came together to spread some art Cheer.

Art Cheerleaders

These Art Cheerleaders were having a great time doing the tootsie roll

Here is our performer checking out this piece that ended up in a bidding war going for $4800. Incredible. Although my background is in art I still thought it reminded me of Dr. Seuss, Green Eggs and Ham

Board members and attendees perusing the art work

After milling about for a few minutes I decided to head over to the Bruschetta Bar. My favorite! I just about lost it with the breads, olives and tomatoes. Thanks Chef Barton Seaver. Job well done!!

Bruschetta Bar with wonton crisps. crostini, artichoke, tuna tartar, shrimp ceviche, tomato basil, green and black tapenades

Champagne and Peach Glazed Chicken

Desserts - Berry Mascarpone Parfaits, Raspberry Napoleons, Baked Alaska Brownie Stix, Miniature Rustic Tarts

Now on to the main event: Below is Lily next to the piece she submitted to the auction. It’s titled “Trifecta”. The photograph was taken in DC of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Memorial and Capitol. Such a unique set up and so perfect for the person who loves DC. You can see by the smile on her face she is very pleased with the outcome. In the end her piece went for $350 in a slight bidding war. I eavesdropped on a few of the bidders. All were very positive and thought what a unique shot. The back story is Lily and I sorting through her many photos of plants, trees, children, you name it. Trying to decide which one would be WPA worthy. In the end she settled on this photograph which clearly was an excellent choice. Lily is such a great photographer and has such a great eye and is a great friend. You can check out some of her other photos at LillyDC.Tumblr.com . I wish her much success and look forward to seeing some of her other work in many of the DC galleries.

Lily withe her piece "Trifecta"

Me and Lily. I'm the proud friend

Lily and the woman who won the bid on her piece

The DJ kept the music going all night

2nd Annual Fashion Law Week DC – Intelligent Design Part 1

Mar3

The Mansion on “O” was a beautiful backdrop for the designs displayed for the crowing event of Fashion Law week presented by Howard University School of Law.

The students of Hoard Law school created Fashion Law week to place more emphasis on Intellectual Property laws as the relate to the fashion industry. Their advisor Mariessa Terrell, seen below, explained the protection of fashion design rights beyond trademarks and patents has been common place in the international community but hasn’t really taken hold here in the US. Fashion Law Week included a keynote speaker from the Fordham Fashion Law Institute, roundtable panelist and much much more.

The evening started out with an installation of designs by Korto Momolu in the main sitting areas of the mansion. Born in Liberia, she left the country in 1990 due to civil war. She settled in Canada where she studied fashion design at L’academies des Couturiers Design Institute in Ottawa. She was the second runner-up from the 5th season of project runway. Her collection known as “Sankofa” is unique and the designs are full of life which tell a story. The collection presented this evening was initially shown in three parts to tell the story of Liberian women: Separation, Transformation and Celebration. There are 27 pieces in the collection which represent the 27 years the country has been in turmoil. See the designs presented during the installation below.

Feeling Youthful again confidence returning & Unraveling Shredded beauty

Finale Piece, bound hands, no voice covered mouth, skirt lifted illustrating violation

Restoration of Beauty & Feeling complete begin restoring total beauty

Past Exposure falling apart at the seams but still carrying the facade

Exposure revealing a sense of balance

More to come on Fashion Law Week……

Mila & Fire: Art, Fashion, & Photography Expo

Mar2

Last night Mila & Fire, who you see below, hosted: Art, Fashion, & Photography Expo at the Lotus Lounge on K Street in DC

Fire on the Right, Mila on the Left

The Art Fashion and Photography Expo organized specifically to place more emphasis on Art and the creators. There were 10 artists being highlighted and displaying their creations on Thursday evening. In addition, there were live performances, poetry and lots of networking. It was a little late for me being that I had to be up for work the early the next morning so I left a little early. But not before getting some photos of the artist and vendors at work. Enjoy!

J. Carmen - She carves these necklaces and earrings herself

Imani Shanklin Roberts - Paintings with fabrics and other textures

Artist Jai - Working hard on one of his original creations

Beads by Aree -Earrings and accessories

The crowd gathering and enjoying the music and art

Wearing something old and something new….well kinda new

Feb29

As I begin to gear up for my April 30/30 challenge I’m sorting through my wardrobe for essential items. Especially accessories. For April’s 30/30 challenge I will choose 30 individual items from my wardrobe and wear only those 30 items for 30 days. Why this challenge? To demonstrate how versatile a wardrobe can be. Without spending a lot of money you can stretch the items you have and avoid appearing to wear the same clothes over and over again.

Last week I wore a vintage dress I picked up from Goodwill last year and the Infinity scarf given to me by Ann from the Sewing Society. What a hit! I received so many complements. The dress is a grayish tan and really requires accessories to make it sing. this scarf was a great addition. The scarf is made from old tee shirts and trim. Thanks Ann!

Close up of the Infinity Scarf

Crystal Couture Fashion Extravaganza

Feb10

Just want to share with you some of the fashions displayed at this weeks Crystal Couture Fashion show featuring local designers and boutiques

Cat Walk Boutique

South Moon Under

The Chic Boutique

UGGLEE

THEMBE

Maven

Shecky’s Girls Night out in Review

Dec28

I really look forward to Shecky’s Girls Night out when it comes to Washington, DC Constitution Hall. This year I was a little concerned that the turn out might not as great as it had been in the past. After all there were several sites offering half priced tickets and even tickets for free! Figured the sponsors might have had a difficult time with participation. Well whatever the case it worked to my advantage. Chris and I had a great time and it was obvious that many of the women in attendance shared our enthusiasm.

The DAR Constitution Hall was filled with plenty of vendors selling boutique clothing and accessories that many shoppers are unable to find in the mall and at prices you can’t beat. The great trendy clothing is by far the best part of Shecky’s Girls Night Out or as last weeks event was titled ”Holiday Night Out”. the next shecky’s I plan to attend will be NYC. So excited about this event and can’t wait to cover for my readers.

Vendors selling everything from jewelry to boots to dresses

Racks and racks of clothing

Free stuff to pick up and the goodie bags were great this time around

Lots of jewelry and accessories

Ladies waiting in line to get free drinks and hair and make up done

I found this really cute flower petal satin purse. I didn’t buy it but I wanted to

Registration Desk. The women were lined up outside of Constitution Hall to get in and join in on the fun

Re-Blogging: Long Weekend Sewing Refashioning Project

Dec10

Re-blogging this blog post gives me great pleasure. I can’t wait to share with you the outcome in 2012. It took a while but I finally got it finished and I’m hoping to take some photos of myself in the next couple weeks wearing my new creation. In the meantime enjoy the before pics.

Re-blog from May 25th, 2011

As I peruse the items at clothing swaps and merchandise at my local Goodwill and thrift stores I’m usually focused on finding a few new additions to my wardrobe. In recent visits I put more consideration into what can I refashion or restyle into something new and more creative. I usually choose items which don’t require a great deal of additional work but during a February swap I felt the desire to take on a bigger challenge.

Right now I’m prepping for my own personal “Sew In” over the Memorial Day weekend. The goal is to complete at least 3 sewing projects. None of them from scratch and all of them from recent Goodwill or Swap finds.

Below you will see several skirts I picked up at that swap back in February. All were size 22. You might say, Jen what are you thinking picking up size 22 skirts? Well, what caught my attention was the quality of the fabric, mostly wool, the colors and the interesting stitching and pleats. And wouldn’t you know it they are all from Talbots. I thought to myself what can I make from these beautiful skirts. Not a skirt for myself but definitely some beautiful jacket, top or tunic. I’m SEW excited about the treasures I’ve found. I can’t wait to take them apart and put them back together to create something unique and fun. Of course I will not wear any of these creations until the fall but knowing they will be there waiting for me is half the fun.

You will see my step by step progress over the next several weeks. I’m sew pumped about this sewing project!

Re-blogging: One student making great strides refashioning and restyling

Dec2

As I gear up for next years challenge I continue to be inspired by my students who take on various challenges. Last spring Silver Spring Sewing Sisters had a series of refashioning workshops. Students were asked to shop local thrift stores and find an item that was worth spending the time making it into something more beautiful. I’m proud to say several students came away with fabulous creations. One example is below. Enjoy!

-Jen

A re-blog from May 27, 2011

A couple weeks ago Silver Spring Sewing Sisters had our first in a series of Refashioning & Restyling Classes. As part of that class everyone was asked to bring in an item that could use some reworking. Each one of the students who completes their project will be featured here on my blog. Today, Lily is being featured for refashioning this fabulous little colorful number. Below you will see where we turned the dress inside out and we are attempting to take off about an inch and a half from each side. Not to mention it needs a hem and some darts. With determination and perseverance along with adding her own touch of style Lily has finished a great dress she can add to her wardrobe. And I must add she looks great!! YAY Lily!!! Great Job!!! We are so proud of you. You are now officially the new poster child for Silver Spring Sewing Sisters Refashioning & Restyling

dewdropDC Clothing Swap and Pop-Up Shop

Oct27

Recapping UFO Class

Oct17

Silver Spring Sewing Sisters had a great time this weekend working on their UFO’s, UnFinished Objects. The purpose of this Meetup was to finish up some of those unfinished projects that most of us have been holding on to for months and just haven’t gotten around to them. On Sunday we spent a couple hours just focusing on “gettin’ it done”. Personally I made huge headway on a project I’ve been working on since July. Now I only have two more steps to completion.

Xtine completed hemming 3 pairs of pants and altering a blouse, Heather worked on a refashioning project and Ann was working on luggage tags for co-workers. Imagine if we had the entire day to sew and finish up our projects. We are looking forward to another one of these UFO Classes in the Spring.