Pleats, Please

Definition: A pleat (older plait) is a type of fold formed by doubling fabric back upon itself and securing it in place. It is commonly used in clothing and upholstery to gather a wide piece of fabric to a narrower circumference.
There are different types of pleats you may come across, most popular pleats are the knife, accordion or the superfine crystal pleats. When pleats are worked in lightweight fabric, it creates a volume without bulk so the figure issue is minimized- one of the many reasons why I'm obsessed with pleated skirts and dresses.
The knife pleats cater for a wide market range, offering versatility and adaptability across all seasons. It can be updated by layering and altering the length of the hem which is quite commercial (the high-low hem). Pleats also work well in metallic's if you want to focus on a more sophisticated look- the pleated skirt in midi length is a key item for winter season.

Pictures shown are from Candicelake.com, WGSN, Topshop, Zara

totoro painting

I used Acrylic paint on two medium oil and acrylic canvases, I was thinking of working on a larger piece but felt that I wasn't ready because I haven't painted for years. I painted the canvases for part of my friends birthday present because she loves Totoro, I mean-who doesn't?! I'm currently working on a new canvas piece which I may post up if im happy with it. Anywho, I hope you all like these! xxx

Boyfriend Denim

Having read a recent blog post about denim I have decided to look for more inspiration in regards to what it can be worn with and its current trends. Boyfriend denim has been around for quite some time and is now making its way back into stores and catwalks once again. The way I like to wear denim this season is by sticking to the looser silhouette and borrowing from the boy vibe. Im looking to get my hands on some high waisted shorts in a pale denim wash. I have listed a few of my favorite denim pieces below along with some inspirational photos. I hope you all like it! x

                              

ZARA STUDDED DENIM POP FABRIC STUDIO SHORTS

LONG SLEEVE DENIM SHIRT

photos from jakandjil and The Sartorialist.

big blazer

(Marks & Spencer oversized double breasted blazer, Forever21 polkadot dress, H&M knitted jumper, Jack Wills Scarf, TOPSHOP Studded brogues)

When I state 'oversized blazer' I mean 2x my actual size, but very comfortable to wear. I got this blazer a while back on EBAY, it was a bargain piece and I love it as it can be worn over a chunky knit with ease of movement (without the need of feeling like you would rip a hole or two in the shoulder seams if you were to wear a fitted blazer). As you can see from my previous outfit posts- I'm very much into my oversized, chunky and loose fits as I feel most at ease in them, and I can't stress enough about how important it is to wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Thank you again for all the lovely comments on my blog! Have a lovely week ahead!

A day in photos

Image from top to bottom- 'W' sign snatched from my brothers wedding, I thought the ribbon covered sign would work well as a decor in my room. Homemade Yoghurt and strawberry smoothie. 'Hunger games-catching fire' book, I read this in a day! Amazing book and can't wait for the next film coming out November 2013.  Different Scented FaceMasks my friends have baught for me from Hong Kong. Vietnamese rolls with sweet cabbage, fried onions and carrot with fish sauce and vinegar.
Happy Friday! :) xxx

experimenting with drapes

With spare time on my side I had decided to experiment with my pattern cutting skills, since finishing my placement under a month ago I already miss the constant days and hours by the sewing machine and at the pattern cutting table, so I thought I'd take up this free time and opportunity to work on a new dress for the summer! The dress is inspired by this seasons trend in the draped hem of skirts and my everlasting love for evening gowns. The first few images are of the toil of the dress (purple silk satin), I tried the toil on myself once it was completed but wasn't completely satisfied. So I altered the pattern- shortening the hem and increasing the volume at the centre front bodice, Once happy with the alterations of the pattern, I had decided to go search for a suitable fabric to cut it in (turquoise lightweight linen). I'll post up some images of the final garment once its completed! And I just want to say a big thank you for all the lovely comments on my blog.