I tried really hard to find some chic and unique options for boys…well there were only about two that I was able to pull from the online racks that were somewhat interesting.  So…I’m focusing on sweet little girls and let’s be honest, there are many more cute options!  Obviously my love of ruffles and flowers has prevailed while browsing.  How adorable is that cupcake tee? I’d let my future little one wear it to every bday party she attended!   

• Rose Tulle Capri Set $46.50
• Garden Petticoat Dress $62
• Organic cotton with lace handmade dress $125
• Lavender Tutu Outfit with Headband $60
• Silverlake Shrug Sweater $42
• Oopsy Daisy Birthday Raspberry Top $50

I also love all the tutus that kept popping up in my online racks.  This one below is one of my favs–I adore the flower petals and dotted ribbons.  Do you ever get the feeling that you could make something you find while shopping?

 I searched around on YouTube and found a cute and easy tutorial for making Tutus–how quick & simple is that?! I think this would make a perfect birthday or Christmas gift for both my little Goddaughter and future niece!  I’d probably want to chic it up by hand sewing on a few crystals and flowers too!

For a while now, I’ve been sewing up dresses for myself: selecting new fabric, choosing a different pattern, picking out various notions. With summer coming up and me wanting to expand my skills in sewing, I thought it would be a fun and quick project to create a dress for my best girlfriend’s baby! This little girl, going on nine months, is too precious with her huge blue eyes, porcelain complexion, and blonde locks…I thought a fun summer fabric that would highlight her baby blues would be perfect! I selected a fun ice cream cone print filled with fun scoops in various colors, a bright pink ribbon, bright pink fabric for the lining, and green thread to keep that carefree summer feel. For the two shoulder buttons, I choose a cute pink heart shape—cause why not? I loved making this dress and brimmed with excitement as it neared completion.  I’ll be visiting both Mama & Baby at the end of the month and cannot wait to gift it!

*Note that I didn’t quite follow the vintage pattern entirely and added this adorable pink ribbon trim at the bottom hem (that continued up the sides to meet the accent tied bow). This just further accentuates the pink colors of the ice cream scoops and sweetheart buttons!

Materials for TWO dresses...I couldn't resist!

Laying out the vintage pattern...

Patience is a virtue!

Sweetheart buttons...adorable!

Too cute...see how the trim livens up the colors!

Stand-in model...

I love receiving each new season’s catalogue from J.Crew–filled with gorgeous blazers, well-tailored work slacks, and chic dresses!  I also like how they’ve repositioned themselves by featuring their creative and fashion directors, who have pieced together the clothes they sell in many a way–almost like a shop your closet concept.  This is great since it showcases how easily J.Crew can transition into your current wardrobe.  While I love their long-sleeved tops and cashmere cardigans for winter, I’ve fallen in love with their dresses for Spring!  Here are my top picks from this season’s collection that are perfect for work, dinner dates, and my upcoming rehearsal dinner!  

• Pretty ruffles jersey dress $88
• Crinkle dupioni dress $148
• Vintage zebra-stripe Blakely dress $128
• Silk taffeta bow monde dress $225 –LOVE this design for my rehearsal dinner!  Just perfect actually!
• Stretch flannel del pelato shift dress $178
• Saturday twist dress $68

Here are a few items from their jewelry collection that caught my eye too!  A girl can never have too many baubles and gems to throw on before she steps out the door!

•  Ombré pearl cluster necklace $98
• Pearl-and-ribbon necklace $40
• Mixed pavé cable link bracelet $95

I am in love with the look of the jeweled necklaces that have become so popular the past few seasons.  I like how a bold “bib” necklace compliments and adds a chic element to a plain jersey dress or tank top/jeans combo.  You can easily make your own bib necklace without having to spend your rent money (plus it will be a great conversation piece when you tell all your girlfriends that you made it yourself)!  

• Pick out your fabric for the necklace base: I used a heavy black linen.
• Strong thread: polyester (you could also use invisible thread)
• Sewing needle
• Jewelry findings: to ensure the ribbon is securely attached to the fabric & won’t rip the fabric from the weight of the beading.
• Beads: I used some that looked like natural stones (black and silver)
• Graph paper (I improvised and used leftover wrapping paper that had a graphic pattern on the back) 

Materials Total Cost: $35

Sketch out your design on graph paper (easier to measure & less room for mistakes).

Pin the pattern to your fabric and cut out the design.

I chose to fray the edges of the fabric to give it a vintage look. Then sew the jewelry findings where you would like the ribbon to attach.

Begin sewing the beads in the design/directions that you chose, starting at the top and work your way down the necklace. Ensure that you have securely sewn the beads on each edge.

Voila! How cute is that? Easily adjust the length by how you tie the ribbon around your neck.