Friday, March 27, 2009
Don't Get Drenched...Get Trenched!
 There is definitely something about wet weather that makes me want to thrown on a pair of jeans, a comfy sweatshirt, and some wellies and do nothing but nosh out on the couch and bury my head in a good book. Fashion is the LAST thing on my mind. Strike that. It's not on my mind at all...it doesn't even make the  list of things on my mind!!But I have to admit that lately I've been admiring these wonderfully girlie trench coats with full skirts and tucked waists and beautifully tailored lines that are most definitely drool worthy! So, I got my favorite rainy day outfit together...or what would be my favorite rainy day outfit if I could afford Miu Miu and authentic Cameos...and decided to Gene-Kelley-it and make a splash! This outfit DEFINITELY makes me want to go 'dancin and singin in the rain'. Which is just perfect since Mr. WeatherMan isn't being agreeable and keeps predicting wet weekends!! Come on with the rain...I've a smile on MY face! If you want to see where I pulled some of these clothes...check out my collection here. As always...comments are appreciated!! Happy Friday, Everybody! Labels: Fashion and Beauty |
posted by Nornie Gal at 12:20 PM
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Wednesday, November 12, 2008
DIY T-Shirt Project
I bought my very first sewing machine this past year at my favorite place to spend time and money...Target. I've used it a few times for some little projects but after seeing this site, I became one inspired (or obsessed) with becoming a t-shirt refurbisher....a DIYer...an 'indie designer', if you will. So, I dusted off my little Singer....threaded the needle...and started figuring out what all the little knobs and wheelie things did. And here's what happened... First, I got my oldest, ugliest, most unwearable t-shirt out of the furthest corner of my over-stuffed closet. This, in and of itself, was quite a feat of strength...and endurance. Just look at it! Would you go out of your way to pull that beastie out of it's hidey-hole?! I think not. But I did retrieve it and here it is for all to look upon with terror...Yes...it is an extra large grey monstrosity, but don't judge me. You know you have one lurking in the shadows too...  Next, I plotted my course. I knew I wanted little puffy sleeves and something a little bit more fitted around the torso...the potato sack look is apparently out this season. So, I figured an empire waist would work for me (and yes...that is to be read 'ohm-peer' as if you were Tim Gunn on Project Runway - which is a show I TOTALLY recommend watching!). That was pretty much the sum total of my planning process. Not exactly what I would recommend to others but...it is what it is, people! I got out my shears and started snipping to my hearts delight! I cut the shirt about 3/4 of the way up from the bottom and cut off both sleeves as well (on the inside of the seam so it came off with the sleeves).    I went back into my closet and pulled a shirt that fit me well and used it as a pattern for the shape of the shoulders and sleeves. Once I had all that cut the way I wanted - after making sure I left enough fabric for the seams - I started working on my puffed sleeves. I found that the easiest way to get a pretty even puffed sleeve is by needle and thread. Using a running stitch through about half of the shoulder end of the sleeve, I pulled it to create the bunching that would make my puff.    
  note: if you want your shirt to fit on the female parts...make sure you sew in a few darts for the little ladies! But I didn't.  Instead, I made four pleats - two on each side - folded away from each other, and sewed that sucker down. I did find...after trying it on the first time...that I let the back portion be a little too large and it hung awkwardly. But with a zig-zag stitch, a large piece of elastic, and some straight pins, that was fixed in a jiffy. When all was said and done...it wasn't the most beautiful creation ever. But, I'm a first-timer in t-shirt surgery...there's always the next patient!!   Labels: DIY, Fashion and Beauty, Just For Fun |
posted by Nornie Gal at 6:57 AM
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Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Perfumania!
So, I've had this little tickle at the back of my mind about perfume...and how I don't really wear it. I've never found that 'perfect scent' that just makes me feel well dressed - you know what I mean? I usually just splash on some generic vanilla bodywash that claims it's from Tahiti and hope it doesn't clash with whatever deodorant I happen to find. Boring. Boring. Boring.  And the thing is, I LOVE scents. I love the smell of christmas and clean baby and long summer days (yes...they have a smell). And that last one is what I'd like to bottle. Somehow, I would love to be able to bottle up the smell of warm earth and cut grass and honeysuckle - which, I've decided, is what a long summer day smells like. (Do you think it would be too much if I threw in chocolate chip cookies too?) Apparently, making your own fragrance isn't impossible...at this site there are even a few recipes to get you started! So go ahead and grab your essential oils and vodka... Labels: Fashion and Beauty, Just For Fun |
posted by Nornie Gal at 12:52 PM
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Friday, September 19, 2008
My Fall Favorites
| So, I've been doing a little bit of shopping for a few new 'fall wardrobe' essentials and have come across quite few things that I thought were perfect to herald in a new season. Cool weather, vibrant colors, and comfort all play a big role in my personal fashion choices...and after some debate (and lots of time spent web surfing) I've found what I'm calling My Fall Favorites... The Sweater Dress: Whether it's a chunky cable-knit or a figure-skimming cowl-neck, sweater dresses are the perfect all-purpose solution for the fall. I love these versions above. Look for thigh-skimming dresses to alternate as a compliment to a pair of skinny jeans and booties or tights and tall boots. If you're feeling really fashion forward, add a belt at the waist to really show off your figure...tucked in waists are tres chic!     Pictured above from left to right: Waffle Knit Tunic Sweater from GAP $49.99; Cable Front Sweater Dress from EXPRESS $88; Cashmete Mock Neck Sheath Dress by Michael Kors $1395; Cotton and Cashmere Turtleneck Sweaterdress from Victoria's Secret $88 Wide Leg Trousers: I love these trousers! No matter what kind of hips or thighs or bumps you might have, this pants style will show you off to perfection without revealing a thing. These are unfussy and easy to pull out, put on, and pair with. Don't worry about that muffin top, the newest styles are very close to or just below the waist giving you a great hourglass shape. Try pairing these masculine shaped trousers with an ultra-feminine top!   Pictured above from left to right: University Pant from J.Crew $148.00; Battery Park Denim Trouser from NY&Co. $44.95 A Little Bit of Lace: Isn't lace the ultimate feminine fabric? You can find it in everything this season...bags, shirts, shoes, skirts...definitely a must-have for the fall this year. And berry is the color of the season. From yummy plummy purples to ripe ravishing reds, if it's the color of a fruit you'd love to put in a smoothie than buy and wear it! I love how these shirts can go from office to night-on-the-town with just a twist of a neck-tie, just fold it into a big bow or a long sweeping knot or leave it alone and let it hang loose. So versatile and fun! The word of the season for tops is definitely feminine. Look for ruffles, pintucks, and lace this fall.    Pictured above from left to right: Tie-neck Silk Blouse by Milly $240; Black Lace Bow Blouse from EXPRESS $69.50; Silk Buckle-Print Blouse from Banana Republic $79 Slouchy Boots: If you don't have a pair...go out and get some! Pair them with a skirt and tights, or over skinny jeans, or under your favorite boot-cut pants, or with shorts and knee-skimming socks, or a maxi skirt, or...ok, I think you get the idea. Go get them!   Pictured above from left to right: Singer Slouch Boot by Madden Girl $54.95; Mossimo Kat Tall Boot from Target $34.99 Please refer to just about everything I said about slouchy boots and apply here. Use punchy colors with these vamped-up, buckled-out booties...oh, and don't forget to pair them with your pleather leggings! Happy fall season everyone!    Pictured above from left to right: Unzipped Leather Bootie by Two Lips $69.95; Aeriall Platform Bootie by Madden Girl $49.95; Peep-Toe Booty by Steve Madden $149 Labels: Fashion and Beauty |
posted by Nornie Gal at 11:51 AM
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Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Custom Kicks? Check Out Keds.
Have you ever gone shoe shopping and thought to yourself? 'This is great...but if only I could add this color here or a little print there...it would ROCK!'. Well, here's your chance to do it. Keds now has the ability to let you download your own photos, pick out colors, and even change the stitching on a personalized pair of shoes. I spent a little bit of time on there today and had a blast  throwing together some ridiculous shoes. When I finally settled down and customized something that was actually wearable, this is what happened: Yeah...they're nothing overly fabulous, but if you're into pink, plaid, and polka dots than this may be the shoe for you! You can save your designs and go back later to modify or even put them up for sale on the Zazzle website and earn some money if people deside to buy your fabulous designs! So, go ahead and check out Keds' website, pick your kicks, and start getting creative! Labels: Fashion and Beauty, Just For Fun |
posted by Nornie Gal at 11:44 AM
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Thursday, July 31, 2008
The Office Desk - An Occupational Hazard
 'I do NOT want to sit down!' - This is the mantra I repeat to myself as soon as I get into work every day. I am sick and tired of sitting at my desk! When I was in school, I never really envisioned myself working hard for my degree so that I could spend countless hours behind a desk working on my office-chair-butt-mold. I had dreams of exotic places and new faces and interesting work spaces. Yet, the reality remains...I sit at a desk all day. From nine to five I bathe in the unnatural glow of a computer screen...slumped in my office chair...wishing I had a window.Far less romantic than my youthful dreams - but I can't really complain because at least I have a job. So...since complaining is out of the question and apathy really isn't my style, I've begun my quest for the perfect at-work solution. There are about 992 million Americans out there who, like me, work in jobs that are considered 'sedentary' - this has led to a 60% increase in weight gain over the last couple decades (According to the National Bureau of Economic Research in MA). Which, in turn, can lead to all sorts of problems - joint pain, fatigue, and even 'desk rage'. Many workplaces out there realize that healthy and happy employees generates growth, stability, and fresh ideas. So, they've tried making healthier cafeteria food, giving away free gym memberships, or even paying employees to lose weight. (Personally...I am all for that option!) Unfortunately, my own job didn't come with any of these 'perks'. So, I've been searching for something that would keep my body from fusing to the office chair. Behold my fabulous finds!... Pros: Cheap: for about $30 you can get your own 75cm exercise ball to serve as your desk chair. Great for building lower back and core strength - which improve posture and alleviate back pain. Cons: Not very attractive and may even be unacceptable at the office. Balance: if you don't have any of it than this is not for you. Options: If you don't mind spending the extra bucks, you can buy an exercise ball chair - the ball fits on a rolling chair. Check them out at Target and WalMart. The Active Sitting Disc or Wedge:  Pros: Inexpensive - About the same price as the exercise ball. Can be put on top of whatever desk chair you already have. Cons: Not as multipurpose as the exercise ball. Range of movement is less limited so core strengthening isn't as pronounced. Options: Check out these options here. The Treadmill Desk:  Pros: Low impact movement that works the legs and core strength. Burn calories. Cons: Expensive to buy premade. Have to have a treadmill. Could be treacherous to your health if you accidentally step off. Options: If you need the whole nine yards and want a desk that is seemless, then check out Steelcase's Walkstation. But if you don't have an extra 5 grand to spend on a 'new desk'...or if you're feeling industrious, are at least a little bit handy, and you already have a treadmill waiting to be transformed into you very own walkable workstation, this $49 version might suit you just fine. Labels: Fashion and Beauty, Health |
posted by Nornie Gal at 12:28 PM
3 comments
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Girls With Curls
 So, as a girl with curls...is it possible to have a funky, updated, and totally chic 'do' with those unruly ringlets? I have been wanting to chop my own 'bumpy hair' (this is what my son calls it) and have gone on an all-out excursion for the perfect curly cut. These pics to the left are just a few of my finds.I think it is worthy to note that with the exception of the bottom right pic, all these lovely ladies have more wavy than curly hair...my quest for cropped curls continues... Which is your favorite? I must say that I'm really partial to the blonde...since her hair is about as curly as mine and I think she looks fantastic! Labels: Fashion and Beauty |
posted by Nornie Gal at 6:15 AM
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