Express Myself: Part One

"Less is more."  

Some things are simply beautiful in their simplicity.  Not overly complicated, they make a statement without even trying:  the result is stunning and flattering for everyone to enjoy.  That is how I feel about one of the newest items at Express.  We all know ruffles are in, and yet somehow, this ruffled tank features a defining detail that makes all the difference -- the ribbons.  The ribbon trim adds a bit of dimension, depth, and contrast to the color palette that is charming and unexpected.  How feminine is that?

*Drum roll please*  Click to see the masterpiece: EXPRESS: TIERED RUFFLE TANK

"Practically perfect in every way" ~ Mary Poppins

The only part NOT practically perfect in every way is the price-tag.  In my opinion, $40 for a tank top is a bit high.  As much as I'd like to sport that lovely garment under a chic Arthropologie swing-sweater, some things will continue to exist in my dreams.... 

Unless....

I pose a challenge to myself and invite all of you to watch me accomplish it.  The result will be one of two things.  Either I will be a domestic goddess and create my own ruffle tank top with ribboned accents, or I will fall from my pedestal and create a less-than-beautiful shirt that will only see the light of day when I'm doing yard work (i.e. never?).  In either case, join me on my journey!  Check back soon to see the project entitled "Express Myself" as I chronicle my little experiment to make a ruffled tank top reminiscent of the Express version for 1/2 the cost.  

Whatever the outcome, rest assured that it will be made with love.   So therefore, it will have some beauty.  ;)  

Style Tip:  Pair with a cute sweater or cardigan and colorful scarf for a chic look.  Brave those cold upcoming winter months!  Cheers!

Introducing "Le Picnic"

 

Dress Design for Shabby Apple Dresses

Introducing "Picnic in a Field of Flowers"

Inspiration:  A lazy afternoon.  The sunlight filters through the newborn baby green leaves that cling vulnerably to the tree branches high above.  A pleasant grove filled with the musical chirping of playful birds.  Best of all, a sense of new life and expectation as the snow is gone, the grass bursts through the hard soil to reveal a carpet of green be-speckled with vibrant wild flowers.  In the midst of this glory sits a girl with a plaid picnic blanket and a book, ready to immerse herself in the beauty of her surroundings.  She has ridden to this grove on a vintage bicycle with a Nantucket basket to take her there in style! 

This dress is the perfect accompaniment to the scene, in its rich hue of green with a surprise double layer of yellow floral cotton peeping under the knee-length, full, A-line skirt.  The thick waistband cinches the waist for a feminine figure while the pin tucks in the bodice create a neat silhouette.  The mock tube-top blends flatteringly into the ivory cotton mock shirting with a small bow  on the sleeves to add a feminine flourish.  The pockets in the skirt have elastic at the top and are perfect complement to the on-the-go woman.  Paired with either brown leather thick-heeled pumps or espadrilles, this dress is the epitome of feminine ease.

Introducing "Little Flower Bud"

 

Dress Design for Shabby Apple Dresses

Introducing "Little Flower Bud"

Inspiration: Spring has sprung and my inspiration for this look stems from the vibrant colors and exuberance of the spring season.  An afternoon on a park bench along a sidewalk busting with tulips and daisies is a perfect afternoon indeed.  With a smart dress that has the look of separates, the mock *buttons* on the front actually form a surprising twist to the look, since the dress is wearable via a side zip.  The deep, rich, dark hunter-green skirt hits mid-knee and the various textures in the "sweater" and the shirt add interest.  The high and thick waistband cinches the waist for a trim appearance.  The ruffles on the bottom of the skirt and neckline screams feminine and flirty while the smart floral clutch completes the outfit.  A beautiful ensemble for the active woman who wants to go from the office to a lunch date to class without changing her look.

Color and fabric suggestions:  Rayon or polyester blend for the skirt, knit-wear for the "sweater" and cotton/ eyelet for the shirt.

Introducing "Spring Break Fun"

 

Dress Design for Shabby Apple Dresses

Introducing "Spring Break Fun"

Inspiration:  Classes are out and it's time to vacation! This girl has donned her classy frock for a relaxing stay at a beach town.  Strolling along the sun-lit boardwalk under a big floppy straw hat and a straw clutch, she is the picture of beauty.  This dress features a bateau neckline, short-sleeves, and is fitted through the body boasting a very full a-line skirt.  The flowers are created and are sewn into the hemline of the skirt as a raised applique.  The skirt hits just below the knee or mid-knee.  Beginning at the shoulder, a green ribbon-type fabric skims the body, attached to the dress all the way down, and ends at the hemline with the flowers.

Color and fabric suggestions:  Polyester silk or cotton-blend in light ivory or neutral featuring cotton-blend red floral appliques and a green fabric that is similar to a green fabric ribbon sewn on.

Introducing "March Spring"

 

Dress Design for Shabby Apple Dresses

Introducing "March Spring"

Inspiration: The weather is warming up and spring is in the air!  My inspiration for this dress came from an image of a snowy mountainside, clothed in the warm sun, on which there are pockets where the snow has melted away to reveal a grassy knoll covered in flower blossoms.  The dress exhibits two layers in the skirt, an overlay of white under which a layer of vibrant floral patterned skirt peeks out.  The top skirt has a ruffle extending from the hip level downwards at an asymmetrical angle revealing the floral underneath.  An asymmetrical waistline creates a flattering silhouette for any woman.  The perfect dress for stepping out on the town for an afternoon in the sun.  Pair it with vibrant earrings and some heels for the complete ensemble!

Color and Fabric Choices:  May be made in polyester silk or cotton blends for comfort and ease of use in white or light ivory neutral, and the second layer in the skirt being manufactured in a bright vibrant floral pattern, preferably with red as the predominant color.

Introducing "First Blooms"

 

Dress Design for Shabby Apple Dresses

Introducing "First Blooms"

Inspiration:  After a long winter under a bed of deep snow, this dress is a celebration of life and beauty with its nod to the winter snow in the color.  It embraces life with the colorful red flowers that peep through the cutaway in the white dress, almost like eyelet.  Appropriate for those lovely ladies who are eager to shed the mundane black for a feminine garment and grab coffee or lunch with the girls on her lunch break, this is the perfect dress for the occasion!  Pair it with a red purse and some vintage heels and step out in style!


Color choices:  May be done in a polyester silk or cotton blend in light neutral colors for the main color palette and a bright fabric underneath, preferably red.

Petit Fleur Collection

Introducing the Petit Fleur Collection!  The inspiration for this collection came from a picture in my mind on the charming nature of the spring season.  The snow drips rapidly from its position perched on the rooftops and branches of trees, forming little rivulets that whisk away to creeks, which are swollen with the snow melt and spring rains. 


Walking through a forest, for example, one might happen upon a secret grove in which flowers are in full bloom, just waiting to be discovered.  Like a woman takes delight in being discovered and thought beautiful, this grove and the flowers in it seem to reach boldly to the sun and show themselves to the full advantage in order to bring joy to the viewer. 


The colors in this collection are reminiscent of the melting snow and colors bursting into life, and the designs are crated with spring activities in mind.  Enjoy! 

Classic and Classy Dresses for Women

Who doesn't love a good deal?  Right now, designer Christa Taylor is having a going out of business sale! Now is your chance to stock up on cute, timeless dresses and accessories for a fraction of the cost!  But hurry, these treasures are sure to disappear quickly!!

http://www.christa-taylor.com/c/modest-dresses/