Featherstitch Avenue

Bohemian Tea Dress

03.01.2015 by Tracey //

Bohemian Tea Dress by Tracey

Pattern, Burda 112

Liberty wool/cotton blend, B&J Fabrics

Can I be honest about this dress? I’m kind of on the fence about it. Throughout the process of making it, I felt like everything was on track and it was shaping up to be exactly what I wanted. But when I finished and put it on, I was underwhelmed. It isn’t an obvious miss, but something is not quite right. I think the issues might be in the waist area. The center front panel is supposed to lie flat while the side panels are gathered. The gathers pull the front in a weird way that looks a little off. The belt helps with the overall look, but I had hoped to wear this dress without a belt too, and there is just no way. (To see the dress without a belt, click here.) If I had been buying this dress, I would have been in the fitting room a long time trying to make up my mind about it. And I am someone who makes up my mind FAST. We’ve all been there. If you buy it, it ends up sitting in your closet unworn. But if you don’t, you regret it, and it becomes a better dress in your mind. You have those days when you think, “I should have gotten that dress, it would have been perfect today”. But if you really had the dress, you would put it on, and then take it right back off again. You see where I am with this thing. Well, I made it, and it will be in my closet. We’ll have to wait and see if it gets worn. I sure do love the photographs, though! Very trippy! Obviously, Santiago can make anything look good.

Next Sunday, The Joy of Silk. Have a great week, and stay warm!!

Lockets

02.22.2015 by Tracey //

Photography by Tracey Hogan

All necklaces by Jewels by Piper

I love contrasts. These necklaces feature a beautiful antique locket with old fashioned appeal, but they are presented in a modern setting. They are feminine without being too sweet. They are precious and a little bit tough. And I have to confess that I have always had a soft spot for lockets. It’s like wearing a little secret around your neck.

Piper Dano makes these incredible necklaces that I’ve been slowly collecting over the years. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting her a few times at her trunk shows and she is such a cool person.

Next week, Featherstitch Avenue goes psychedelic! It’s gonna get weird.

I hope everyone enjoys the Oscars tonight. I’ll be watching for the dresses. I have not seen a single Best Picture nomination. Not one!! You know kids have happened to you when you’ve seen NOTHING in the Best Picture category and EVERYTHING in the Best Animated Feature category. Go Big Hero 6!!!

The Joy of Vintage Pumps

02.08.2015 by Courtney //

Seychelles dove grey suede pumps

J. Peterman black suede pumps

plenty by tracy reese grey ruffle pumps

Anne Klein rust colored suede pumps

Miss Albright blue and lavender satin pumps

Photography by Santiago Vanegas, Art Direction by Tracey Hogan

Post written by Courtney

I love high heels, although I rarely wear them. I’m already tall so when I put on a pair of 3 inch heels (my favorite height), I’m taller than most everyone in the room. But there’s something about the way a substantial heel shifts the posture and creates a long line that it sometimes makes it worth towering over everyone (including most men). And the feet look prettier too! When I work up the nerve to go with a heel, vintage inspired pumps are my preferred style. They tend to have a more rounded toe, a chunkier heel and more foot coverage. Suggesting sexy, not screaming sexy. Feminine. Quirky. Fun.

See you again in two weeks, Sunday, February 22