The Olympics 2010

Growing up I loved watching the Olympics. I would make paper medals and organize competitions with neighborhood kids, vacationing cousins, and my younger siblings. Highlights were the neighborhood bike riding event, and the somersault vaulting onto the basement couch event. Alas, paper medals were not enough for me, and eventually, I became a competitive figure skater. While my dreams of figure skating glory are long over, I am excited to see my former rinkmates compete at this year's Olympics.

For those of us who will be watching the celebration of athleticism while reclining on our couches, there is still the opportunity to nab some cool Olympic gear. Ralph Lauren is sponsoring the U.S. Olympic Team and has designed special polos and jackets for the occasion. My favorite is the Opening Ceremony Knit Hat, which I hope will go on sale soon.

Roots use to design some amazing Olympic gear, but sadly, they're are not even sponsoring the Canadian team this year. However, Roots has created an International Collection, which celebrates the different heritages that make up Canadians. I really like their leather bags, especially the Village Bag International.

I, also, love collecting Olympic pins, and NBC is currently offering a nice selection in their Olympic Store.

As for me, I haven't given up on my Olympic dream. Curling, anyone?

DIY: How to Make Naughty Granny Panties

If you have ever wondered if it is possible to make your own undies instead of forking over $20 at Victoria's Secret, then this project is for you. With just a couple of hours and some basic sewing skills, you can flaunt your own pair of Naughty Granny Panties.

You will need:

Scissors

Pins

Shipping or heavy paper

Cotton fabric

Thin elastic

Sewing machine

Thread

Size large panties

1. Make a Pattern

To create a pattern, cut apart a pair of large panties and trace the pieces on shipping paper. Because we're using a non-stretch fabric, the finished panties will be a size small, so you may want to adjust your pattern for a larger size. You'll want to end up with a front, back, and crotch piece.

2. Cut Out Pieces

Once you've cut out your pattern pieces, use them to cut out pieces from your fabric. You'll want to cut out two crotch pieces and use one of them for the lining.

3. Pin and Sew Right Sides Together

Using a narrow seam allowance, sew the front, back, and crotch pieces together with a straight stitch and zigzag or surge the front seam for a nice finished edge.

4. Zigzag or Surge Front of Crotch Lining

This creates a finished edge for your lining piece.

5. Sew Right Side of Lining to Wrong Side of Back Seam

You want to sew the lining piece to the back seam so that the lining can fold over with the right side covering the crotch area.

6. Pin Lining Down Covering the Front Seam

7. Zigzag or Surge Around the Entire Piece

This attaches the lining to the crotch piece and finishes the edges of the panty.

8. Zigzag the Elastic Onto the Panty

Place the elastic slightly to the inside of the fabric's edge - don't put it on the edge because you want to create a ruffle. As you sew, stretch the elastic so that it will gather the fabric when you let go. Sew one piece of elastic on each leg piece and do the same for the top edges.

Elastic on Leg Piece

Finished Elastic

9. Sew Sides Together

Using a narrow seam allowance, straight stitch and zigzag or surge the side pieces together.
10. Viola! A cute pair of Naughty Granny Panties.

Go Red for Women

For more information, visit Go Red for Women and learn how you can make a difference.

Links a La Mode: The Independent Fashion Bloggers Roundup

The Love/Hate Relationship With Fashion

Edited by Debutante Clothing

I’m always complaining about going out to fashion events by myself – I just don’t have many friends that are into fashion. While some people think fashion is frivolous and contributes nothing to the world, others are curating museum exhibits featuring 20th century clothing. This week’s links made me think about the love/hate camps in fashion. Starting with Grit and Glamour’s post on bloggers getting backlash from fashion insiders, Houndstooth + Tortoiseshell’s refreshingly funny admission of Tavi envy, or Fab Lab’s hate of people who hate. But there is some love in sight – British Style Bloggers reminds us to look in the mirror and love ourselves. Enjoy!

Note from Editor : Please be sure to check out the IFB Conference at NYFW : Evolving Influence

Links à la Mode: February 4th

• A Dress & A Bike – Why breaking the love of one particular brand has been good for my personal style


• British Style Bloggers – Some gems to remember


• Debutante Clothing – Going to a Vintage Show? Insider Tips & Interview


• dirty hems – lacroix by lacroix


• Fab Blab – Why I Hate People Who Ostracize Fashion


• fête à fête – Review of Guerlain’s Spring 2010 Cherry Blossom makeup & the new Rouge G Le Brillant lipstick


• Friend in Fashion – Luxe Vintage


• grit and glamour – Fashion’s Knickers are in a Twist


• hello beauty! – Benefit Stay Don’t Stray: An innovative new primer to lock down shadows AND concealer


• Houndstooth + Tortoiseshell – Young fashion blogger incites curiousity, envy


• Independent Fashion Bloggers – Get Out There : How To Cover Events Without Feeling Like an Idiot


• Lillys Roses – How to DIY your own Chanel Jade nail polish


• Mariel's Castle – Haute Couture 101


• Model Max – MAT GORDON: The ModelWatch Interview


• Oranges and Apples – Top websites for ethical shopping


• Retro Chick – Ethical Design Spotlight – Junky Styling


• Styletastic – To fur or not to fur?


• Stylist Diva – : Are Fashion Bloggers taking over the world?


• Tatiana Supports the Arts – Etsy Window Shopping: Queen Elizabeth I Roundup


• the brooklyn posh blog – He loves me, he loves me not, he loves me, red hot


• THE COVETED – Pretty Dresses at the VioletvilleVintage.com launch


• White Rabbit – The inspiration behind my Merlixa Designs millinery collection


• [the3st] – Interview with Amy Smilovic of Tibi

Things i LOVE Thursday

Watching Lost

Wearing dresses

This picture from The Photodiarist

Greenwich Village 1969

Cute kitty bento box

Chanel Temporary Tattoos

Baking chewy brownies

Listening to music by She & Him

Watching Amreeka

Drinking hot chocolate

Putting together a Stylist’s Kit

Photo from Art Comments

Don’t let a last minute tear or stain keep you home. By putting together a fashion emergency kit, you can repair your outfit and get on with your day. Here are some suggested items to keep handy:

Shoes

• Shoe horn
• Rubber heel grips
• Foot cushions
• Adhesive bandages
• Non-skid sole grips

Undergarments

• Bra clip
• Clear bra straps
• Bust enhancer
• Control Slip
• Strapless bra
• Seamless panties
• Double-sided tape
• Tag covers

Stains and Runs

• Clear nail polish
• Deodorant sponge
• Stain remover
• Baby wipes

Fabric Care

• Travel steamer iron
• Wrinkle free spray
• Static cling spray
• Lint roller
• Fabric shaver

Sewing Kit

• Seam ripper
• Measuring Tape
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Needles
• Thread
• Safety pins
• Hem tape

Taken from The Fashion Planner's Guide (An Interactive Guide to Style).

"Most Coveted" List

A Dream within a Dream.. by lil_miss_whit's

Inspired by In Life & In Fashion's post, I am creating my own "Most Coveted" List. Instead of buying a bunch of cheap clothes and accessories, the idea is to save up enough money to buy the pieces you really want. The Most Coveted List doesn't have to be just designer items but should be quality items that you'll want to use for years. Here's my list:

• Mason Pearson Boar Bristle Hairbrush
• Burberry Double Breasted Cotton Trench Coat
• Christian Louboutin Platform Pump
• Butter by Nadia Signature Jersey Wrap Dress
• Betsey Johnson Evening Tea Party Dress
• Diane von Furstenberg Julian Wrap Dress
• Mulberry Alexa Bag
• Proenza Schouler PS1 Medium Leather Satchel
• Hunter Wellington Original Gloss Tall Boot
• Mike & Chris Isys Hoodie