A Story...

Once upon a time there was a red knit dress hanging cheerfully in a boutique, waiting to be purchased. This red dress dreamed about all of the fun events it would attend, envisioning itself out on the town for a night with girlfriends, or on a first date at a fancy restaurant. It passed the days waiting in earnest until finally--one day--a shopper waltzed into the store, plucked the dress from its rack and finding it a perfect fit (naturally), the shopper purchased the dress and carried it home.


And for a long time the dress and the girl lived happily together, attending events and parties and taking warm summer night strolls. But then eventually the girl grew tired of the red dress, and one day stuffed it into a bag and donated it to a local used-clothing store.

The dress was crushed. What do I have to look forward to now? it wondered. Day by day it hung sadly from the rack, sandwiched between remnants of proms gone by and polyester shift dresses that had fallen out of fashion.

Then one day another girl walked into the store looking for a red dress. A Montenegro red dress to be exact. And this girl came across the old knit dress hanging so sadly and had an idea.


She tried on the dress and found that it was too worn and tattered to be of much use for dates and parties. But the fit was right, and the style was timeless, so she bought the dress anyway and carted it home. The dress was so excited, thinking that it was receiving a second chance to live out on the town again.

Unfortunately, much to the alarm of the knit dress, the girl immediately grabbed her fabric shears and mercilessly cut the dress into pieces. This is it, the dress thought. I've been murdered.


But then something unexpected happened. Suddenly the pieces were laid across new fabric and used as a pattern for other dresses. Months passed by, and this happened again. And again.


Before the dress knew it, she had inspired four new dresses, each with it's own unique details. Like a proud mama, the red knit dress admired her daughters, seeing pieces of herself in each one of them.


And so now she lays contentedly in pieces, folded away for future patterns--reborn again and again for nights on the town and parties with girlfriends and warm summer night strolls.

The End.

Five Things I'm Loving this Friday

It is a cloudy Friday, so my end-of-the-summer plans to lounge by the pool soaking up rays while reading books suddenly looks a little gray.

But I'm not worried. I have other things to tickle my fancy. Here are five things I'm loving on this cloudy Friday afternoon:


These earrings, which I'm raffling off today. I love the fresh green color, don't you? They'll be a reminder of summer during the whole year!


These strawberry cupcakes With strawberry frosting. I had a hankering for them when I saw a photo of a similar sugary delight on a blog last week. So I consulted Martha, and found a recipe. After a few modifications and a lot of licking the frosting beaters, I now have strawberry goodness to last all week!


These vintage fashions. Oh how I wish I was born in a bygone era... (for more info and links on these dresses, click here.)


This cardigan I'm knitting with fervor. Yes, it is probably the fifth cardigan I've tried, and yes, all of the others were disasters. But what can I say? I'm shamelessly hopeful that this is the The One that will turn out.


And these socks, which I just finished. Didn't I tell you that summer was a great time to knit--if not wear--socks? They're complete in plenty of time for fall weather!

Hope you enjoy your Friday!

Previous Related Posts:
Creative Hour: Wool Socks in Summer
Crave
Box Store Boycott

Dress Me Up!

I live in Northern Colorado, which means that we have about eight more weeks of warm weather, and even less time for hot weather.

In other words, the days for wearing fun summer dresses are rapidly coming to an end. So, in honor of cute, flirty skirts and vintage patterns, I've collected a few items I'd certainly like to add to my summer wardrobe.


This first dress is perhaps a bit too bohemian for me, but I can't help but be drawn to pink florals. What can I say--I'm a girly girl. This Folk Hawaiian vintage dress by Violet Folklore is indeed short--perfect for hot days. And I'd certainly ditch the leggings and boots in favor of sandals or wedges!


This handmade creation from Modaspia is the Fiji Dress, and I love it. The designer has the pattern in several fabrics, and I confess that I want them all. Every single one of them. Simple, summery, perfect with a red necklace.... It even has pockets. What more you could ask?


This Sweet Jane dress by Econica is made from bamboo jersey. Now, I've never worn bamboo jersey, but it sounds soft and lovely. And stretchy, which is always good for summer. I'm also fond of this fresh blue color, and the band of white just under the bust would flatter almost anyone!

The Sahara Dress pictured at the top of this post is also a creation by Econica. Don't you love the ruffled detail at the top? And of course I couldn't pass up a chance to highlight my favorite color this summer: yellow. It makes me happy just looking at it.


Speaking of yellow, this Chick strapless dress by Bird Apparel is perhaps a bit too short for my confidence, but I was immediately drawn to it the first time I saw it. The interplay between colors is fun and fresh, and I love the bubble hem at the bottom. Perhaps the less daring could match it with some leggings for the fall!


I couldn't resist adding a party dress to the list. This Powdered Sugar dress by Sarah Seven is way too fancy for walking to mailbox (although don't think I wouldn't try--my neighbors see me in all kinds of wacky duds!), but I'm dying for a party to wear this style. I love everything about it--the teasing length, the layers, the sweatheart neck. Does anyone have a gala they'd like to invite me to?...


Finally, no post on summer dresses could be complete without at least a couple wedding dresses! Even though I've already walked my way down the aisle, I can't help but dream a bit about what I'd wear if I were doing it again. Perhaps I'd choose something fun like this Fancy Formal by Ouma. The length is perfect for a summer wedding, and I'd bet the sash at the waist could be customized in a variety of colors.


I also fell in love with this lacy tiered creation by KT Jean Designs.


Pictured in both shots above, I'm crazy about the ruffled dress, and the silohette is perfectly whimsical for an outdoor wedding.

Can I get married again? Probably not.... I'll just have to settle for wearing fun dresses while I still can!

As an aside, I can't help but be impressed by all of these handmade designers out there! Isn't their creativity inspiring? Maybe their talent will rub off on me!

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