Signature Look for Project Run & Play

Last week, I was under the impression that the Sew Along at Home contest for Project Run & Play was over.  It was bittersweet, since I've really been enjoying sewing along at home, but at the same time, I knew that I really needed to get caught up on some things around the house.  THEN, it was announced that there was one more competition, so off I went again, designing, planning, shopping, cutting, sewing, tweaking, fitting, etc.  It was a bit hectic, but I was able to plan well and actually got done earlier than expected.

The challenge: to create a Signature Look.  Without a doubt, my design inspirations can be defined by two words alone: classic & vintage.  I love all things classic and vintage: music, movies, style, architecture, cars, lifestyle and art.  Even our home is vintage (built in 1916).  My husband often tells me I was born in the wrong era, and he may be right, although, then I wouldn't be married to him, and that would be tragic!

The style icon that inspires me more than anyone else is hands-down, the most elegant, timeless lady, the one and only, Audrey Hepburn.  She denied the current style trends of her day, opting to adopt her own style based on what was classic.  This is why she could wear the same style at age 20 or 60, and still look amazingly current, graceful, and sophisticated.

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With the clothes I create,  I try to incorporate that classic style of elegance and simplicity.  Of course, for my children, this includes wearability and bit of fun, too.  I add that with my colour choices and patterns.  I do love my boy looking like a dapper, charming, little man.  And my daughter, an elegant, polished little lady.    

These are quite honestly, the first pair I've made for Tobias that I LOVE.  They look like they have a fly, but they don't.  They have an adjustable waistband, while looking flat and 'grown-up' in the front.  They also fit like a glove!  Thanks to this tutorial, I learned how to make the front slant pockets.

When I posted Tobias in previous photos wearing his fedora hat that I had bought online, I got asked if I had made it.  So, I figured it's time I learned how to make him one so I can make his entire outfit.  Other than his shoes, of course...I will not learn to cobble shoes.  Although, that might be interesting...

I know it's a little weird, but I'm probably more excited about the inside of the hat than the outside. My goal is to make the inside of my garments as tidy and polished as the outside, but it doesn't happen often enough.

I think I lucked out finding some unique looking elastic for the suspenders, rather than the typical black or white.

Incorporating his essential post-photo shoot treats into a shot.

Our little girl just started walking last week, which was an exciting event!  Now we can have a bit more variety in our photos.  

Thank you Dana Made It for this tutorial for Anja's ruched leggings.

I fell in love with this Sarah Jane Wright fabric that is part of a collection called Children at Play.  Anja's room is decorated with several fabrics from this collection.  Truth be told, I cut up her duvet cover to make this top.  Needless to say, I will be ordering more soon.

Coincidently, this year's Pantone Color of the Year 2012, is tangerine.  I had already bought this linen fabric for Anja's jacket when I found that out, and thought it was kind of neat that despite me never really keeping up on trends, this time, I managed to pick a 'hot' colour!

 I tried keeping her hair neat, but that is often not possible!

She spent most of this shoot trying to climb the stairs.  She's loving the freedom her new skill has given her!