Ballerina Batwoman Yeti...

This girl is trouble:

Especially while wearing her Ballerina Batwoman Yeti outfit.

Gotta get me one of those...

A

Tank Top Sassification Inspiration...

I have three brand new (tags still on!) ribbed tank tops waiting for my time and some sassification inspiration. They are boring and bland, just a plain heather gray, black and navy. I want to just give em a little style and interest oomph...just a notch above humdrum.

We are still setting records of temperature lows and rainfall here in the Pacific NW, but I need some sort of (looking forward to) sunny weather project. So hopefully that means I can complete a few of these by the time sunny weather arrives.

These cascading ruffle embellishments are everywhere. I'm liking the tone-on-tone look:


(Charlotte Russe)

Yes, I realize this one isn't a tank top, it's a tankini swimsuit top. Cute, huh? I'm loving the idea of an off-center knotted sash that helps cinch the smallest part of the ribcage to produce the hourglass effect:


(J. Crew)

Simple rows of casual eyelet lace let this ordinary tank become more delicate and feminine. Perfect for layering:


(J. Crew)

Simple rows of elastic thread detail give this tank a flattering pseudo v-neck:


(Anthropologie)

Lastly, my fave! Just add a simple patterned bow tie to ramp up the style rating of your fave summer tank top:


(Modcloth)

Now, I just need to find a way to entertain my 2 and 4 yr old for hours on end while I play with my sewing stuff. Hmmmm, any ideas?

Hope it's sunny wherever you are!

Amanda

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A Perfect "I'm A Mommy" Swimsuit...with SASS...

Last week I broke an 18 year run and purchased a one piece swimsuit.

Don't get me wrong.

It's not yo mamma's average tank.

It's got some SASS:



I needed a Mommy-suit. You know, a swimsuit that I can wear while performing a herculean life-saving lunge towards my non life vested two year old who is tap dancing at the edge of the 12 foot deep pool and not worrying that lady parts are falling out of place. This is not your "lay out and get as many parts of your body nicely bronzed as possible" suit. This swimswuit needs to FUNCTION folks. It has a JOB.

Job Definition: Let Mommy be attentive to progeny while being appropriately covered.

But I want to look cute.

Remember the Retro swimsuit post from Feb 2010? NO? Ok, read it in full here.

I am a proud new owner of the Jantzen Vamp swimsuit. AWESOME, flattering Mommy suit. Also, very pleased to report that I found it at a great price at our local TJmaxx. About 1/4 of current new prices. (I got a Dutch shopping high!)

I also found this TRULY retro nautical inspired vintage swimsuit/dress that I listed for sale in my Etsy:



It makes me think of beach diva models that were completely covered up but still maintained their femininity. These retro-inspired suits are a welcome silhouette and style in a world where swim suits seem to be getting teenier and having bare skin showing is celebrated.

No, I'm not saying bikinis are evil. I like and own bikinis too, I just don't like inappropriate cuts and styles that are risque.

Goodness gracious I sound prudish! So be it.

OK, off the soapbox now.

So, do you have your swimsuit for the summer season picked out? Do tell:

A

VintageDutchGirl on Facebook.

Pillowcase Dress Photo Shoot...

I finally got around to throwing together a cute lil pillowcase-ish style dress for my spunky Lil Chick. I had a pattern in my head and really needed to see if it would work or not. I had this bright aqua, pink and green adorable fabric found at Walmart (of all places!) and bought a good five yards or so because it just SPOKE to me.

Ever have that? I'll walk through a fabric store and hear a deafening chorus of "Pick ME!!!! Pick ME!!! Take me home! Add me to your stash! I promise I'll behave and be beautiful! You'll LOVE me!"

It's a bit overwhelming.

Anywho. Was thrilled that this was a quick project with a high cuteness factor. That fits two of the requirements to ensure a repeat of a sewing project.

Got Lil Chick, dressed her up, and asked her to just stand and smile for me:

Whoops, kinda blurry and missed the full-on grin.

How bout a close-up?

Hoo boy. Told ya she had some spunk. I think she gets it from Auntie Mimi ;)

You think you're funny, dontcha?


Her response to my "Stop picking your toes!" comment:

The teen years may be rough.

C'mon girl, PLEASE will you smile?

Oy.

OK, last chance!


Close enough.

Have since made another, nautical inspired, pillowcase dress, the next one I make I'll be snapping photos for a tutorial! Go pick out some fabric that's yelling at ya...

A


Vintage Dutch Girl is on the BOOK of FACES.

Girly Floof and Fluff..

FINALLY got bit by the crafting bugs again.

I was thinking about my Lil Chick and there is no reason why I can't come up with some sassy head decor for her. Ya know, hair clips, headbands, the normal floof and fluff that comes with a little girl.

I'm back to rolling flowers! It's a GREAT way to use up your odds and ends just can't quite throw it out fabric stash. So far we have a mini flower garden blooming:

...yet with all those flowers I've only managed to put together ONE lil doodad for Lil Chick:

Goodness gracious, I'd better get back to it!

Sorry for the blah pics. Guess what!? It's dull and overcast and raining! I'm, like, SO surprised, like for sure!! (insert Valley Girl hair toss)

A

C'mon over and CHAT a bit...

Sassy Aprons in the Shop....

First of all, if you are reading this in a reader, c'mon over and see my new blog outfit. I got WAY too sick of boring gray and white and needed some COLOR in my blog life. Check er out.

Alrighty, you asked for em!

First of hopefully many sassified aprons for sale in the Vintage Dutch Girl Etsy Shop:



SUPER fun to make! Not sure I'd get a lot of actual cooking done while wearing this one...probably just stand around with a wooden spoon lookin purty and eating a chocolate lava cake.

Ya know, being a good hostess and all...

Amanda

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Retro Polka Dot Apron...

I have a THING for the red and teal/aqua color combo....and I have a THING for polka dots....and I have a THING for ruffles...and I have a THING for fabric flowers...and I have a THING for retro inspired clothing.

Put all those together and you get:



Yup! Finally finished my apron that I started back on Sassy Apron Sewing Sister (errr) Day!

I am in love. I may have to wear it non stop for the next few weeks. Praise team Sunday will be interesting. Doesn't really help with the whole, "keep attention off yourself" mantra that I try to repeat when choosing my outfit on those Sundays.

But I can wear it when driving to church!

Now THESE are what I call ruffles:



Fabric flowers? Yes please:



Now, to figure out what to actually COOK for dinner while wearing my sassy retro apron...

A


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Sassy Apron Sewing Sister (errr) Day....

My brother and sister-in-law were visiting all last week. The girls decided to get together to do a sewing project.

AKA: Sassy Apron Sewing Sister (errrr)Day! SASSeD! (thanks Amy ;)

Pretty sure the serger was smoking. Lot's of bright coordinating print fabrics and some DELISH margaritas. LOVED it. Not sure I sewed straight lines but loved it nonetheless!

So far what we've come up with is:

One sweetheart neckline mod floral print:



And one super sassy apron with fabric flower detail and tiered ruffles:



And.....that's it so far.

Of course, I have yet to finish my own apron and my Mama's, but I'm really close. Here's a teaser pic of the fabrics that I currently have piled on my sewing table:



Oh yes, there is a retro 50's theme going on!

Can't wait to show you all the finished products! Hopefully I'll escape to my sewing room for a bit today to get them completed. Once my apron is done I'll be able to flit around my kitchen cooking up a storm in my sassy apron. I'm convinced it will make my cooking taste better. Or maybe it will distract people enough they won't even be able to taste what I've made. They'll be too busy looking at the accent colored rolled edges on the ruffles to notice. My evil plan is working!(enter sinister laugh.)

What about you, would you wear a sassy apron in the kitchen?

Amanda

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Jewel Tones...

As a very very dark brunette, my best complimentary colors are those in saturated shades. No light peach for me.

I was browsing online (yes, again. Anything to avoid laundry) and found a few SERIOUSLY drool worthy jewel toned items.

Not a big shock, but I love this deep teal. A great outfit base that you can add funky jewelry, patterned shoes or a sassy cardi or scarf and good to go. I'm thinking tall brown cowboy-esque heeled boots and a wide brown belt - a sexy YEEHAW!!! :

(Modcloth)

A. Dorable and great for those of us are pear shaped. Just needs red high heels:

Yes, you heard what I said. Red and purple? Uh-huh. Be daring.
(Modcloth. Again)

This piece doesn't need an intro:

(Of course, Modcloth)

And lastly, these made me gasp. Out loud. Guess that would be GOL. Yep, I'd wear these sassy red boots to Church, wouldn't you?:

(You should know by now where to find these)

Drooling yet? I am. Cause I can't justify $218.99 on one pair of boots. Y'all know how cheap and thrifty I am. But DANG those boots are cute.

Amanda

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Nautical Stripes...

NY Fashion Week showed Nautical inspired wear is back! I LOVE this type of clothing. Simple, clean cut lines, casual yet preppy dresses, All American colors (Red White and Blue!), and STRIPES. I LOVE me some STRIPES. However, you and I both know how stripes can look on a person.

WIDE horizontal stripes across a (*Ahem*Postpartum x2) belly? Forget it.
TINY horizontal stripes?? A bit better.
Vertical stripes? Acceptable.
Cleverly placed slimming asymmetrical stripes? AWESOME! I would classify it as the optimal clothing optical illusion.

Stripe Example #1:


Hello slenderization! The angles will accent your lower ribcage (smallest part of the torso) and the layers across the (*Ahem*Postpartum x2) belly are pure disguising brilliance. Just add cute jeans, a pop of color in accessories, flower pins, or shoes and good to go.

Example #2:

Tiny ticking-esque vertical stripes? Winner! I don't know about you but I LOVE the bow....which makes this skirt: Winner Winner Chicken Dinner.

Example #3:


As the national spokewoman for Females Who Are Pear Shaped (FWAPS!), I heartily recommend this dress. Emphasize the upper twins, de-emphasize the lower twins. YouknowwhatImean.

Example #4:


Same logic as #3. Hello comfortable. Summer chic anyone?

Not on my recommendations list (Horizontal stripes on small fitted shorts? NO) but I have just one question:



Why do her ta-ta's have wings?

Happy stripes shopping!

Amanda

(All clothing from Modcloth.com)

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Changing Lives, One Flat Iron At A Time...

Raise your hand if you own a flat iron/hair straightener.

Raise you other hand if your flat iron has so much baked on hair stylin' crud you are embarrased to call it yours.

Dont'cha just hate it when your hair straightener shreds and damages your hair? Me too. I have a good four years of hair junk built up on it. So much junk that I was shopping for the best deal on CHI flatirons. Cause they are the best...and I have LOVED my Chi. Until the baked on crud started to affect my mental state.

Girlfriends, I'm about to change your life.

I googled every possible way to safely clean your ceramic flatiron.

So far over the past few months I've tried:

* Washcloth with water and scrubbing flat iron while hot. Lots of steam but no crud-clearing.
* Washcloth with hand soap and water- nada
* Washcloth with shampoo and water-mininal help. My fingers cramped up after a 1/2 hour.
* Qtip with rubbing alcohol- nada
* Qtip with non acetone nail polish remover- nada
* Picking off junk with my fingernail - some help but I put a tiny chip in one section of the ceramic plates - Not good. Not recommended.
* Yelling - nada...but I swear that thing smirked at me.
* Smashing again the counter - once again, not recommended

I'm lying in bed trying to fall asleep and I get one of those bright shiny light bulb AHA! moments. Lay in bed, try to ignore the brilliance of the idea and fall asleep. After all, it IS after midnight and the kids will be up poking my eyeballs at 6 AM.

Doesn't work. Mind is whirling.

Finally sneak outta bed and try my idea out.

Schneikees it WORKS! My going on FOUR year old CHI looks brand-spankin NEW. No joke.

(Well, except for that little aforementioned chip I inflicted.)

Any guesses to what I did?

Two words:

MAGIC ERASER.

Thank you, Mr. Clean, for once again bringing your A game to the VintageDutchGirl household. Extremely pleased with eraser performance and will definitely be using again in the near future. Thank you for not damaging my wonderful Chi flat iron in the cleaning process.

Only problem is, it's 1 AM and no one to call and celebrate with. Ah well, that's what a BLOG is for, right?! To take one simple little thing and turn it into a full blown conversation.

Alrighty ladies, get scrubbin those flat-irons! Let me know if it worked for ya!

Off to find warm milk and maybe some soothing, sleep inducing chocolate chip cookies...

A


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*I have been in no way endorsed or compensated for this post by Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Which is too bad, because I'd make an EXCELLENT spokeswoman. I have LOTS to clean*

Sweet As Sugar...

Quick, Mama's on the phone! She won't hear me sneak a treat!!!



Yup, the sneaked treat of choice is powdered sugar.

Mama said I shouldn't take this saying literally:

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice,
That's what Little Girls are Made
Of!

***Edited to Add****





Uh, turned my back for 14 seconds and found her like this:





That's right, putting away butterscotch chips like a professional.

Goodness gracious...

A

More Infinity Scarfyness...

I've been CA-RAZY busy whipping some delicious scarves together to get the Vintage Dutch Girl Etsy shop ready for the holiday season.

Oh, you wanna see some? OK, here you go:

A funky and fun Argyle Flannel infinity scarf:



A sassy Zebra flannel infinity scarf:



For those who don't like a colorful scarf or loud pattern, a SUPER Cozy ivory infinity scarf made of sweatshirt material. This scarf is C.O.Z. Y. I made one just for me!



A chic Brown and Tan Plaid Infinity scarf:



Ahhh, so much fun! Stay tuned, I've got at least six more coming in the very near future.

And because I love my readers so very stinkin much, you'll get a coupon code for a discount on Black Friday through Cyber Monday!

OK, the snow is really coming down here, I think I'll wrap my cozy sweatshirt scarf around my neck and grab a cup of white peppermint hot chocolate to stay warm!

A

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RePurposing Bubbalu's Button-up Shirt For Lil Chick....

I LOVE little boy button-up collared shirts. I have Bubbalu in one almost every Sunday and a few days of the week too. It never fails to make me smile. They make him look like such a cute lil man!

I'm also digging the whole Women's boyfriend shirt thang:


Urban Outfitters


American Eagle


Nordy's

Being that I have a ton of these button-ups of Bubbalu's and this fun women's wear trend....you can pretty much guess what I did, right?

In order for Lil Chick to wear these hand me down shirts of her older brother, they needed some tweaking and embellishing. Some Sassifying, if you will.

First of all, I wanted them to fit her in a bit more feminine style. Most boy shirts are extremely boxy and unshapely. I could have taken in the sides but really didn't feel like measuring and all that jazz. Because I'm slightly lazy.

Enter elastic thread. LOVE THIS STUFF. Use elastic thread in replacement of your bobbin thread and you will have lovely gathered, flexible, fabric scrunching. It's delicious.

Mark off a centered rectangle section on the back of the shirt at the approximate waist area:



Replace your bobbin thread with elastic thread and start sewing.Making sure you bobbin will sew on the UNDERSIDE of the shirt, start on one corner of your marked rectangle and, backtacking first, sew a straight line the entire long side of the rectangle:



When you reach the end of your marked section you'll need to sew a hairpin turn and then sew across making a second line. CLEAR AS MUD?? OK, I'll draw you a picture to show you what I mean:

Start sewing at the red star, end at the green star. VOILA.

You'll end up with a gathered section that looks like this underneath:



That's ALL I DID. Threw it on Lil Chick and snapped some pics.

See how the gathered section adds a girly touch?



Of course I HAD to give her a flower pin:


(Yes, she DOES have two piggy tails, one is just hiding. I'm not trying a new hair fad on her)

This shirt looks great on her with jeans, or leggings and sparkly flats. Love that I can easily repurpose Bubbalu's old shirts into something fun and sassy for my little lady...without spending a cent.

I'm off to sassify some more button-down shirts...

A

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