I am writing this blog to help me get back into shape after having my second child. Documenting my pregnancy weight loss helps me to stay on track. Posting the pictures of my growing belly during the pregnancy motivated me to continue to work out till the end. I know that is why it is easier to shed the extra pounds after giving birth. I am only 6 pounds away from my pre-pregnancy weight. I have not begun working out since I gave birth because of my busy schedule. I went back to work full time at three weeks post birth because I get to bring the baby with me. Which I am so thankful and blessed to do so. I also perform in a musical 5 shows a week that keeps me very active. I had a slow start but recently the weight has been melting off.

  Being asked to be a bridesmaid or better yet maid of honor for one of your best friends wedding is a moment you will never forget and cherish forever. This is one of those many events you envisioned early on with the besties planning out every detail.

  So the big day is over and you are left with a dress you thought you would wear again or at least hoped so, tailored just for you! But really...are you...going to wear it again? The answer is no. You are left with a dress that cost hundreds of dollars, altered to fit you and wasn't even your style. Well let's change that and make it your style. I'm going to start a series of blogs showing you the ways I made use of my old brides maid dresses without a pattern. It helps if you have a sewing machine. If you don't that's ok we will figure out other ways to vamp up the dress.

  Here is the before picture of the first bridesmaid dress I chose to revamp.

After that I chose to add leather capped sleeves. Using a pattern I found on the internet for making easy puffed sleeves.

I cut off the bottom of the dress to make it into cocktail style.

I then added a leather permanent angled belt.

The sewing isn't perfect and that's ok! Now it's time to try it on. (Making sure it fits)!

It turned out just as I hoped! Below are a few more shots of me wearing the dress!

How to apply the crystals

Step 1 Decide where you want to place your crystals on case. Squeeze a small amount of glue onto a paper plate and use a toothpick to pick up a small amount of glue and place on case.

Step 2 Using tweezers, pick up crystal and place on glue and press to set.

Step 3 Continue gluing each crystal onto case.

Step 4 Check crystals for security.

Hello sewers (and non sewers) that have a closet full of unused silk scarves. I have a great DIY dress to make with them fast and easy.



This design was inspired by a dress worn by Kate Hudson. I love Bohemian fashion. How it flows, with contrasting patterns, uneven hems, the escential hippie look. It's also fun, fashionable and most importantly...comfortable.

Next sew the two scarves together where you would like the bust line to fall.

*Tip*

I saved the excess fabric to fill the hem line.

Next take your other scarves to fill in the gaps.

The back is going to be a bit more trick cause you need to put in the zipper. It will probably end up at an angle with the random pieces seven together.

I folded and sewed a piece of scarf around the bust line to give it more structure (and hide mistakes). Then garnished it with some bling, crystals hand sewen on for the finishing touch.

I left the hem long, frayed and untouched. I wanted to keep that raw fresh sewen feeling.

I showed off my designer scarf dress at the Minneapolis Ivey Awards. An award show appreciating the local talented artists in the theater world.

You may not think that you have your own sense of fashion style but you do! We all have our own opinions of what looks good on us and expresses a bit of who we are and what we feel comfortable wearing. I want this blog to inspire you to try to break out of that comfort zone your so attached to and wear the clothes you never dared to wear before.

The hot trend this fall is fabric blocking. In the past it was all about color blocking, not anymore. This is the time to combine the different fabrics and textures to create the ultimate look. My favorite combination is leather and wool. It's sleek, sexy, and warm. Excellent for the cooling fall weather.

Another great fall trend is mixing your summer florals with dark hues.

The Second pair we really didn't need to do much. BUT we wanted to do something. They have so much character On their own: Motorcycle Chick meets Hollywood Rock Star. So going with that why not add a few silver studs to the back pockets. So we did.