Window Shopping

I went to a high-end mall last night. The anchor stores are Nordstoms and Neiman Marcus. First I have to say I love trying on clothes at expensive stores. I wear clothes two sizes smaller than at the chain stores. Great for the ego! I have the same fit issues no matter what the cost, but it would bother me more to spend $200 for a dress and still have to remake it. Sorry there are no pictures...cameras were not welcomed.

I am never going to follow trends again. I haven't felt good in my clothes since the 1960's. Now that the retro styles are back, suddenly I look good in clothes again, in spite of the fact that I weight 100 pounds more than I did in the 60's. I feel like I wasted half my life in ugly clothes. Never again!

I went to the mall to look at construction and fabric used. I felt a silk/wool for the first time. It will be great for Florida winters. I also saw a beautiful silk jersey print on a DVF wrap dress. The front edge of the wrap dress was finished with self-fabric binding. I was surprised how many of the sundresses were lined with batiste.....and all the sundresses were lined. All the unlined jackets had Hong Kong finishes, and the lined jackets had piping in the seam between the facing and lining. Seams were pressed open and serge finished on dresses and blouses. Invisible zippers were used on everything. They basicly just used good construction techniques with really great fabric.

I was amazed at the difference good fabric made in the way a garment looks on the body. Things that I thought I couldn't wear looked great because of the drape of the fabric. I have been very frugal with my clothing for years, but it was not a good plan. I am definitely going to change my fabric buying habits.

Here are some of the changes I am planning to make as a result of this experience.
1. Buy only good fabric. The expense is worth it.
2. Make more things with princess seams.
3. Make a-line and straight skirts.
4. Make things with a fitted waistline.
5. Make a gathered skirt out of voile and move the gathers to the center, sides almost flat.
6. Make things out of a mid-weight linen fabric. It drapes but has enough body to keep things hidden I don't want to show.
7. Marry a rich man so that I have the money to buy all that expensive fabric.

Pretty Spring Separates

Here are some great separates for you to enjoy from the web sites of Nordstroms, Neiman Marcus, and Saks.

Pretty Spring Tops

These are my favorite blouses and tops that I found looking for ideas at Nordstroms, Neiman Marcus, and Saks.

Dreaming of Weddings

I went shopping with a 19 year old friend to get get ideas for wedding dresses. We don't have a date yet, not even a groom, but we know that it will take a long time to get this dress made, and we wanted to start thinking about it. She wants a silk gown with lace, but she tried on prom gowns at the mall to get ideas. Here are some of the highlights.


The white gown is shirred at the waist and created a very flattering shape on her figure, but I don't know if I want to use $100 a yard lace in this manner.









The blue gown had the best neckline, but I have never done any draping, and I would have to learn before making the gown.

The green gown was the one that made her feel pretty. She carried herself differently when wearing it, and had a beautiful smile. Hummm. I wonder what this would look like in silk satin and lace?

Pretty Spring Dresses

I have been searching the internet for ideas for spring sewing. Here are some dresses that I found at Nordstroms, Neiman Marcus, and Saks that I like.