FASHION DISTRICT

Fashion District crosswalk

Just a few reels of fabrics

Wanting to bring this dress form back with me



I'm a full-time working mom. There are pros and cons to that. Con- I don't get to be with my daughter as much as I'd love to be. Pro- I get to go on some fun trips to various places including several trips to La La Land's fashion district. This past trip my colleagues and I had the chance to walk about the district and spotted a few of the gazzillion textile shops. I'd have loved to spend hours checking out the myriad reels of textiles but there just wasn't enough time. Next time na'lang.

LIKE MAMA, LIKE MIMI.

I was elated when I was at Target (or said with your best bougie accent, "Tarjay") to find the last pair of toddler boots that look exactly like my UGG boots. I wanted to buy Mimi (what Amelia calls herself) a pair of authentic UGG boots but just couldn't bring myself to spend that much money on a pair of boots that would last her a season. Thankfully, my favorite one-stop shop sold boots just as good, if not better, than a pair of UGGs. Here's why they're better-- at least for me-- there is zipper in the inner side of the boot making it effortless to put them on. UGG boots, not so effortless. Mimi LOVES to wear them, which is great considering it's the beginning of the rainy season. Ah yeah.

FUN DRESS

Prepping the pieces

Sewing it up

All done
I made another piece of clothing for Amelia this past weekend. I absolutely love the way it turned out. The choice of fabric really went well with the tunic style. These days I'm a fan of botanical prints. It's also super comfy for Amelia to run around in. Right now it fits her like a cute lil' "fun dress" but as she grows it can be worn as a top paired with her black leggings or jeggings.

**For more photos and what Amelia looks like wearing the "fun dress" check out the "Projects" page.

MY CHIC NANAY

me and mom // circa late 1970's

mom // circa early 1970's

I visited my mom and dad this past weekend and snagged some old photos from them. I've always thought my mom wore the coolest clothes back in the 70's and early 80's. I recall when I was in high school my mom would make comments about the fashion trends of that time. She would say, “I used to have clothes like that when I was younger. Now they are wearing those clothes, again?!” I’d look at her and think she was foolish. Of course I now know that fashion history repeats itself and that she really did "have clothes like that." I heart her comfy outfit of high waisted black bell-bottom pants and cap sleeve striped cotton top (pictured above)… such a classic outfit. She was, and still is, nanay chic.

BLOGGING or lack thereof

summer 2010

It's been a while since I've posted anything... about two and a half months. I'd like to say I'd been uber busy with this project and that project but the truth of the matter is that I just haven't posted anything because I've been neglecting my blog. After a long day at work, when I get home all I want to do is spend time with my family before Amelia heads to sleep. Then, my only desire is to relax whether it be by watching one of my favorites television shows, flipping through a magazine, having some late night snacks, or by laying around on the couch thinking about how I should probably be working on my blog-- or some other project on my list of a million projects I'd like to get done-- until it's bedtime. I'd like to think I've been a "funk" phase for the past 60-80 days perhaps due to summertime. Now that summer season is over, I'm hoping the tina-funk is turning back into tina-fab.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

Getting started...
Bottom Pleated Gauze Pants...
First fitting...

I FINALLY finished a project! It took me a good long month but at least I did it. In my defense I’d like to say that the reason it took me so long to complete this project is mainly due to being SUPER tired (and laaaazy, I ain’t gonna lie) at the end of my work days. By the time Amelia goes down for the night, I’ve got about an hour and half or so to straighten up the house (amen for Jason doing most of this), prep for the next day, get myself ready for bed, and relax and spend time with Jason. Mix in a sewing project and I probably have .05 seconds to myself. Mind you, it takes me about 5-10 minutes to set up my “work station” and another 5-10 minutes to break it down. I really only get to work on any projects for about 30 minutes, that includes interruptions. Forget working on projects on the weekends right now. I’d much rather spend my time with my family doing anything but that. I know I’d be more productive if I managed my time better but we all have things to improve upon. Moral of the story: It doesn't matter how long it takes to finish a project as long as it gets done. Although, that might only apply to projects not funded by other people. Regardless, I’m all done and ready for another project. I'm uber happy to have made chic lounge pants for Amelia.

WHERE'S BLABLA?!

Amelia & "bwaahbwaah"

Amelia just can't brush her teeth without the help of her blabla doll, Prudence the Owl, or as Amelia calls her, "bwaahbwaah." I actually can't thank Prudence enough. She's made brushing Amelia's teeth so much easier night after night! Right before bed we ask her, "Where's blabla?" and Amelia jumps on her feet, points to her bedroom and replies, "bwaahbwaah?!" That question is her cue to find "bwaahbwaah"-- who happens to still be "sleeping" in her crib-- and brush their teeth. She just LOVES taking turns brushing her teeth with Prudence. Before we introduced the blabla doll to Amelia it was such a challenge trying to get her to brush those little pearly whites of hers. And to think, poor little Prudence the Owl sat around in Amelia's playpen for over three months collecting dust before we realized this soft and cuddly doll needs to befriend our daughter! Now, "bwaahbwaah" sleeps with Amelia after they brush their teeth. Of course, "bwaahbwaah" doesn't have any teeth but as for now, what she doesn't know...


**The blabla doll was a gift from Amelia's hip Auntie Lily. We can't thank her enough for giving Prudence the Owl to Amelia. If you're interested in owning a blabla doll, check out their website at: www.blablakids.com.