pgsFEBRUARY 2 015 | RO M A N CE + PA S SIO N

fashionDate Night blog favorites // All in the Details

sewingSuch a Lady: Oh LuLu Lingerie // THREADS of Knowledge: Tips and Tricks // Sexy Fabric Picks

trendsSummer/Spring 2015 with Marsha of

Marshbar’s Closet Fashion Blog.

diyDIYs from Redpants Designs

and Sequins and Pearls

magazine

lifestyleWords to Sew by... // My Mirrored Self by Emily

M. our resident licensed therapist

ad

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THREADS Tips and tricks just for you by

Tabitha and Nell

Such a Lady Introducting:

Ohhh Lulu Lingerie

Spring into Summer Marsha of Marshbars’s

Closet. Get ready for the season

Meet our FavoriteBloggers at 7: Date

Night Sew the Looks!By Yetunde

With Love,Cortnie Elizabeth

Amazing DIY tutorialsfrom ReDpant Design

and Sequin and Pearls

P G S M A G A Z I N E azine www.prettygirlssew.com

@prettygirlssew

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jenell Gilyard

The Brwn Fox

thebrwnfox.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tabitha Sewer

Cheap but Chic DIY Blog

cheapbutchicblog.com

COPY EDITOR

Miesha Mosby

Semi-Southern

semi-southern.com

FASHION TREND EXPERT

Marsha Badger

Marshbar’s Closet

marshbarscloset.com

BUSINESS & AD MANAGEMENT

Tess Porter

Im Just Tess

imjusttess.com

FEATURE BLOGGER

Cortnie Elizabeth

lovecortnie.com

WRITERS

Yetunde Sarumi

Sew Urbane

sewurabne.com

--

Tess Porter

Im Just Tess

imjusttess.com

There is no greater gift you can give or receive than to

honor your calling. It’s why you were born. And how

you become most truly alive.-Oprah

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PassionA word from the Editor.

As I reflect on my life there are a few things that I am deeply passionate about. Passion in my humble opinion is reserved for things that have deep meaning. The first word that comes to mind when passion is mentioned is love. Can you truly say that you are passionate about something and not love it? There is a direct correlation between the two.

Passion is a feeling that burns from within. Either it is there or it is not. However, if passion is lost, it is not impossible to reignite the burn. When I think about sewing I cannot help but to feel extreme passion and adoration. I fell quickly for my machine and the love affair continues! This passion allows me to give my all without hesitation.

I encourage you to explore all of the things that you are passionate about. You may tap into a love affair that you never knew existed. Your passions could actually be your purpose in life.

Explore freely, love openly. - Miesha

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threadsTips and Tricks to make your sewing

journey easy breezy

knotty by natureTiP ONE: LIGHT FABRIC? HAND KNOT.

When sewing with chiffon or any other lightweight fabrics do not backstitch. Instead, make sure you leave enough hanging thread at the beginning and end of your seam to hand knot.

luxe dustTiP TWO: VELVET

Dull needles make sewing difficult and bothersome! With When your serger gets dusty (or if you are like me and only clean it every few weeks) instead of using a piece of cotton fabric or a Swifer duster, try using a scrap piece of velvet to clean your machine.

of knowledge

threadsWritten by Tabitha + N

ell

Whether you are a beginner or an expert, tips and tricks that aid in making sewing easier are always helpful and welcome! We’ve decided to put together a few quick tips and tricks to start you off on the right foot. If you are a beginner, intermediate or an expert, these tips can be added to your immense repetoire! Happy Sewing!

leave your markTiP THREE: MARK IT WITH SOAP

Marking dark fabric with dark colored markers never works! Using chalk is the next best thing, but should you run out of your tailor’s chalk, try using small slivers of soap. It will be highly visible so that you can finish your project. Guess what? The best part is that it washes away!

size mattersTiP FOUR: HEM SIZE

Ironing the correct hem size can be a bit tricky. Try using the measurements on the plate of your sewing machine as a guide. Simply place the raw edge under the needle and align it with the suggested hem length. Once you put down your presser foot, change your needle length to the longest stitch. This will be your ironing guide. Begin sewing from one side seam (just to have an obvious start/end point) all the way around your garment and back to that seam. Now all you have to do is iron, using the thread line as the fold line. Sew down your hem and done!

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Supplies:

Your favorite stationary or the FreePrintable Letterhead created by me just for this DIY

Your favorite pen

Envelopes

Patience

An open and honest heart

30 Days (start when you are ready)

A recipeient(Yourself, Your Significant Other, Your Child etc.)supplies

love30 Days of c h a l l e n g e

Show your love the old fashioned way!

There is no right or wrong way to do this DIY Challenge, so don’t over think this one.

Once you choose a recipient and a date to start, gather your remaining supplies and begin. Your goal is to simply write as many positive things or positive accomplishments about the person who will be receivng these amazing, handwritten letters.

I don’t care how big or how small the achievement, whether you went to the gym that day and kicked butt or you met a deadline at work, maybe tried and new recipe that turned out amazing! Give yourself some praise, show yourself some love. Do the same for others!

Did your significant other do something random that meant the world to you! Let them know how awesome they were. Did your daughter or son clean the kitchen without being told? Let them know how much that meant to you. Be as specific or as vague as possible, it’s your choice! Just show some love! It could be novel length or just a sentence. Show your love, your positive energy and your appreciation. A little goes a long way soemtimes.

Once you are done with your letter, date it, sign it and seal it away in an envelope. On that envelope, address it like you would a letter you are mailing, and tuck it away. Repeat this step, everyday for 30 days!

At the beginning of the next month, hand over all of the letters to your recipeints and let them read them at their own speed. If you are your own recipient, read a letter a day, and feel a little self-love!

Love and positivity,J

love This month the PGS DIY is all about love. I think it’s so weird that we have a holiday for this emotion, we even have emojis for this emotion but there’s a huge shortage

of love in the world. Not only for others but for our individual selves. PGS would like to put a little love back in the world, for others, for yourself, or you may choose to

do both! Either way, let’s get started.

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a hseim & c o

e m a i l m i e s h a @ p r e t t y g i r l s s e w. c o m f o r i n q u i r e s

m a k e a s tat e m e n t

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Learn something new, and brush up on the oldWe all know the worst thing to happen while working on a pattern is coming across a word that you don’t know or worse, can’t remember! Here is this volume’s vocabulary!

Backstitch: A Strong stitch that doubles back on the last stitch —perfect for securing seams and mending.

Bias: A true bias is a cut made on an angle 45 degrees to the selvage. This direction allows for the most stretch. Bias refers to any line diagonal to the crosswise and lengthwise grains. Most bias pattern pieces are laid on the true bias; the grainline arrow and the pattern’s layout instructions will help you align your pattern pieces. Hem: Finished bottom edge of a garment.

Seam: Result of two pieces of fabric stitched together. Seamline is the line that you sew along, usually 5⁄8 inch in from the cutting line (outermost edge of the pattern piece that you cut along). Seam allowance is the distance between the cutting line and the seamline. This allowance is usually hidden inside the garment once it is sewn.

Pattern Description:

Loose-fitting, unlined, double-breasted

jacket has collar variations, front and back

tucks, shaped front hemline and snap closing

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the

pattern envelope once you were done

sewing with it?

Yes, I believe so.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

The instructions were extremely easy

to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike

about the pattern?

I love that the pattern was very easy to put

together. And that there were not a lot of

pattern pieces to cut out. And I actually like

that it wasn’t lined. It was the quickest jacket

I’ve ever made.

Fabric Used:

I used an Ankara fabric / Wax print I

purchased while in New York, from AKN

fabrics and Textiles.

Pattern alterations or any design changes

you made:

I made view A of the pattern, but made the

sleeves longer.

Would you sew it again? Would you

recommend it to others?

Most definitely, I actually enjoyed making

this jacket. I can’t wait to make it using Knit

fabric and other Ankara fabric. I thought

working with this fabric print would be a

bit challenging but it wasn’t at all. And the

whole thing came out better than I thought

it would!vogue 9037 pattern reviewby Yetunde

Learn something new, and brush up on the oldWe all know the worst thing to happen while working on a pattern is coming across a word that you don’t know or worse, can’t remember! Here is this volume’s vocabulary!

coat check

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such a ladyintroducing...

Pretty Girls Sew can not get enough of Oh Lu Lu’s Etsy shop. As you all know our February Sew-Along is one of their patterns, well we are back with another feature from Ohhh Lu Lu.

Ohhh Lu Lu also has a handmade lingerie shop with amazing pieces. If you are not ready to sew with delicate fabrics or PDF patterns, her shop has the most amazing delicates. In my personal opinion, it rivals you know whose secret. You can see some pieces featured in this article, but definitely visit the shop and take a look!

Click here to visit!

Blush and Black Lace ‘Anastasia’ Modern Romantic Lingerie Set Bralette and Bikini Cut Panties

High Waist Nautical Stripe Lingerie Bra & Panties Set ‘Bon Voyage’

Dandipsam

saessin

cusdaeped

molesse qua-

tibu sdantia

errovid quam

estet utem.

Apicilibusam,

sima volecta.

2 0 1 6

such a lady

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sexy

tab’s Picks:4. Black Satin Mood Fabric

5. Lilac Guiperie Lace LacenTrim (Etsy)

Lovely fabric finds from Tab + Nell

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2

Nell’s Picks:1. Italian Floral and Paisley Cotton Mood Fabric2. Tango Red Wide Chiffon Mood Fabric

fabric finds

3

4

PGS’ Top Love Songs

fabric finds

MieshaEndless Love - Diana Ross & Lionel RichieYou and I - Stevie WonderHere and Now - Luther VandrossYou Are My Lady - Freddie JacksonMade To Love You - Gerlad LevertBy Your Side- SadeOn The Ocean- J’ShonHeaven- KemFor Lovers Only- MaxwellDon’t Say Goodnight- Isley Brothers

TessGod Gave Me You-Blake SheltonRocket-BeyonceBeautiful Surprise-India ArieTonight is the night-Betty WrightThat’s how strong my love is-Otis ReddingHow does it feel?-D’Angelo

YeRascal Flatts - Bless the Broken RoadJohn Legend - All of MeAnita Baker - Sweet LoveLTD - Love SongChrisette Michelle - Golden

NellBeautiful - Meshell NdegeocelloThe Panties - Mos DefKissing You - DesireePink Matter - Frank OceanThe Greatest Sex - R. KellyNext to Me- Emeli Sande

You can access all of these songfor free via Spotify

lace+lovePGS’ Top Love Songs

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Fall/Winter 2014with Marsha of Marshbar’s Closet

SP/SU 2015 FASHION

IT’S ALMOST HERE! SOON THE SUN WILL BE SHINING JUST A LITTLE BIT LONGER, SKIRTS WILL GET

SHORTER AND WE WILL BE DITCHING THOSE ANNOYING WINTER COATS AND TRADING THEM IN

FOR A CROP TOP AND SANDALS. WITH SPRINGTIME APPROACHING, IT’S TIME TO PREPARE OUR

CLOSETS WITH 2015 SPRING/SUMMER PREDICTIONS. WITH TONS OF SHOWS ACROSS SEVERAL

CITIES, IT WAS SO EASY TO PICK THE MOST APPEALING TRENDS THAT YOUR CLOSET WILL NEED.

FRINGE + SUEDE

(PHOTO: COLLAGE VINTAGE)

SHEER

(PHOTO: THE DAILEIGH)

GINGHAM

(PHOTO: ATLANTIC-PACIFIC)

FLORAL

(PHOTO: KTR STYLE)

TREND ONE + TWO TREND THREE

TREND FIVE

TREND FOUR

trendsCURATED BY MARSHA B. OF MARSHBARS CLOSET

trois.

01 +02

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03

03

04

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i n s p i r at i o nby marsha b.

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Where the fashionable learn to sew for fun or profit!

The Sassy SEWer is a creative, spacious and relaxing place where seamsters meet to create and learn to sew. The Sassy SEWer offers beginner to advanced sewing instruction for kids, teens and adults. The Sassy SEWer offers group sewing lessons and assistance to sewers of any skill level. The Sassy SEWer is a place to get your feet wet, without making an investment in a sewing machine and sewing equipment. We keep sewing equipment from cluttering your home. The Sassy SEWer is a great place to meet others seamster who share your interest.

Join other sew enthusiasts atwww.SassySewer.com

We are stockists of African prints (Ankara) on various fabrics and textures… Jersey, Silk, Chiffon, Sequin, Guipure Lace, Organza, Velvet, Cotton, Embroidered Lace.

We are able to supply fabrics finished with crystal/Rhinestone designs from our collection.

We can print your custom designs for your fashion collections, runway shows, boutiques, stores, weddings (Asoebi) and special occasions.

We also do garment production.

visit us today at stylemeupnetwork.com

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About the Look: One of my favorite “date night inspire” look for J’s Everyday Fashion is gorgeous cowl neck dress by Hal Rubenstein. The cowl neck can be adjusted to hang

low on your chest or wide to hang off your shoulder. What I love about this dress is how versatile it is. It comes with a ruched belt that you can wear with the buckle in the front of

back. J paired her dress with an open toe bootie and an Michael Kors’s handbag.

This curated display of amazing date night ensembles from our favorite bloggers was put together by Yetunde.

After a week of working your 9-5, it is nice to spend time, quality time with the one you love. I am not sure how many of you still participate in date night or movie night with your significant other, but it is such an important time to play dress up, get great food and spend a good

time with the person you wouldn’t trade for the world...even when they get on your last nerve!

meet me at 7pdate night

J OF J’S EVERDAY FASHION

meet me at 7pdate night

sew this look!

Sew the Look: V1250 or V8873 would be perfect for this look. The both have cowl neck options and are knee length dresses.

V1250 is an easy DKNY pattern and requires a two-way stretch knit to sew this look.

My favorite of of the two is V8873 which has a side pockets and different length options, incase you want a midi dress. This

pattern is designed for Tropical Wool, Crepe, Ponte Knit and Rayon Blends.

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NIKKI OF BEAUTEJADORE

sew this look!

ARACELY OF MAMA FASHION FILESAbout the Look: Talk about mixing prints. Saumya did an excellent job by mixing a grid top with a printed midi skirt. I also love the way she plays with colors. There’s nothing boring about this “date night inspired” look. She extended the color play to her accessories, by pairing her outfit with neon green pump, gray clutch, and purple/red belt. Her look is stylish, modest, and classy. Love it!

Sew the Look: The perfect pattern for the blouse is M6436. This pattern is loose fitting with front and back dart. It has different variations of front pockets and you can choose to sew a sleeveless version. Sew this look with lace to get a sexier date night look. For the skirt, I’d choose M6994, the midi version (view B or C). This pattern is part of McCall’s “Learn To Sew” patterns, so it’s super easy to sew and great for beginners.

About the Look: This dress was why I started following Nikki’s blog. It reminded me of a Nautica dress. Nikki is a sewist, so she made this dress herself. She used a stripe jersey fabric, which was perfect for this style of dress. She also added a hem ruffle and change the direction of the stripes. Genius! This look is a definitely a perfect date night look, because it’s simple yet classy.

Sew the Look: Nikki used M6355 to sew her look. She altered the pattern by adding a back dart and hem ruffle. This pattern also has an option to add sleeves. Another pattern you can use is V1314 for a midi style close-fitting dress. And M6988, which is a semi-fitted dress with flounce hem.

NIKKI OF BEAUTEJADORE

sew this look!

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dir ty details

baublebar.comGOLD TASSEL BRACELET

sew this look!

About the Look: Talk about mixing prints. Saumya did an excellent job by mixing a grid top with a printed midi skirt. I also love the way she plays with colors. There’s nothing boring about this “date night inspired” look. She extended the color play to her accessories, by pairing her outfit with neon green pump, gray clutch, and purple/red belt. Her look is stylish, modest, and classy. Love it!Sew the Look: The perfect pattern for the blouse is M6436. This pattern is loose fitting with front and back dart. It has different variations of front pockets and you can choose to sew a sleeveless version. Sew this look with lace to get a sexier date night look. For the skirt, I’d choose M6994, the midi version (view B or C). This pattern is part of McCall’s “Learn To Sew” patterns, so it’s super easy to sew and great for beginners.

SAUMYA OF MYRIAD MUSINGS

SMASHBOX BE LEGENDARY LONG-WEAR LIP LACQUER

dir ty detailsit’s all in the ...

BEGUILE ANKLETSpeaceimages.bigcartel.com

baublebar.comGOLD TASSEL BRACELET

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Over and Oval Heel modcloth.com

hell on heelsfury and fashion...

Corafront Whitelouboutin.com

Bow Pump aminahabduljillil.com

pursenal

Not Sorry Clutchklosetenvy.com

Over and Oval Heel modcloth.com

Corafront Whitelouboutin.com

Banded Shearling and Leather Foldover Statement Clutch lovecortnie.com

pursenalup close +

Shopper Bag with Chainzara.com

Not Sorry Clutchklosetenvy.com

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w i t h l o v e ,

Cortnie of Style Lust Pages, Owner of Love Cortnie

Tell me a little bit about yourself?

I went to college at the University of MD, College Park and graduated in 2006 with a BS in Kinesiology (the study of movement). I wanted to be a Physical Therapist. I worked in a clinic as a Technician until right before graduation. My Godmother asked me a question that would basically change the course of my life. She asked me if there were anything in the world that I wanted to do, what would it be? I immediately knew that I’d want to work in the fashion industry. That conversation inspired me to apply to fashion school. I was accepted and then moved to the other side of the country all within four months. I attended FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising) in Los Angeles, California. While in California, I learned countless information and experienced things that I’m still grateful for to this day. Working at a retail consulting firm closely with retailers and buyers, assisting with fashion shows, attending the tradeshow MAGIC in Las Vegas (twice), participating in L.A. Fashion Week and just becoming independent. I was only there for a year and a half before I moved back, but I learned a lot. I graduated with my second degree in Merchandise Marketing. Once I got back to Maryland, a couple of years later I found myself in between jobs. I had time on my hands. I had always wanted to learn how to sew and I wanted my grandmother to be the one to teach me. Within a week, I launched my Etsy shop where I sold three clutches. Three years later I’ve made over one hundred different styles! It’s now what I do full time and it keeps me very busy.

Cortnie

My Godmother asked me a question that would basically change the course of my life.

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How did you first get involved with fashion blogging?

I actually started blogging two years before I started making handbags. I started a blog to basically document my escapades as a stylist. As my interest in that dwindled, it quickly became a blog about my personal style. I’d write posts about outfits that I had worn. My blog was and still is a major platform for my business. It was a big reason why I started selling clutches in the first place. I remember reaching out to my readers and asking them what they thought about me creating handbags? They loved the idea and it encouraged me.

What has been your strategy for creating visibility to yourself and your blog?

Consistency is major! No one will take you or your blog seriously if you do a post and then not post again for weeks. I have a blogging schedule. I used to post on Monday’s and Thursday’s and my readers knew that and came to expect it. I now post 1-2 times per week, whatever I have time for. Consistency is key.

How would you describe your blogging style?

As mentioned, I blog about my personal style. In my posts, I speak as though I’m talking to my friends. I’m just myself.

How do you come up with contents for your blog?

I usually focus on one aspect of my outfit and talk about it. It may be a new jacket I got that I had been stalking, or the perfect jeans that I had been looking for that I finally found, or even a dress that’s easy to style and style over again. It’s almost always a short story about what I’m wearing.

What do you find most difficult about fashion blogging?

Lately it has been finding the time. My business has really taken off and that’s where most of my time goes. Finding a balance can be a challenge sometimes depending on the workload.

Visit Cortnie at stylelustpages.com + lovecortnie.com

Are you a full time blogger? If not, what else do you do when you are not blogging?

I wouldn’t say I am a full time blogger. I don’t contact brands or reach out to people in the name of my blog. I don’t take every opportunity that comes my way for money either. My full time job is my handbag business. It just so happens that my blog plays a role in that.

How do you balance life and blogging?

Blogging is the easy part for me since I don’t do it often and it’s full time. It’s more my business that I work on every day. Making sure that I take time for myself helps me to not go crazy! I like being outside, so I try to get out and walk in the evenings for example. Or I’ll grab lunch with a friend. Just some me time. Making time for friends and family is also important. It helps to break things up so that it’s not so intense at times.

Tell me about some of the people you’ve met as a fashion blogger?

I’ve met some lifelong friends through blogging. It’s always great to meet people with similar interests as you. Sometimes your friends don’t understand what it is you do or why you do it, but other bloggers get it.

Name some of the bloggers whom you admire and why?

Karla’s Closet and Sincerely Jules are some of my favorites. Karla’s style is just amazingly unique and she looks great in everything. I love Julie’s laid back chic style and watching how her blog has grown, especially as another female small business owner. I remember when I first spotted her pieces on Shopbop, (that is my favorite website) it was very inspiring.

What are some tips for people who are interested in making money through blogging?

Be yourself and be consistent. I don’t know if there is a formula to having a successful blog, but I know those two factors are important.

Any advice or suggestions you’d like to give someone that’s new to blogging?

Keep at it! Blogging takes a lot of work and it will definitely take some time before you have an actual audience. Network, be personable, and take good photos :)

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We are constantly surrounded by images that evoke feelings of self-hate, self-doubt, and an all around negative view of our body and the person staring back at us in the mirror. I challenge you to find a female who is wholeheartedly happy with her body and does not wish to change a thing (and if you find her, hold on to her dearly, because she can teach you so much.) After many years of being a therapist who primarily works with people struggling with eating disorders and distorted body image, I myself am not immune to noticing my stomach roll when I sit or how my pants are getting a little more snug season to season. I would love to say to you that I can always practice exactly what I preach, but if I am being honest, there are some days where I just do not feel confident about myself, and those days are the days I work hardest at being an example for my clients. I read books and articles, I scour the Internet for novel ways to help boost a low self-esteem. As I research I make notes of how I can tell you to love yourself inside and out, to write positive messages to yourself on your bathroom mirror, to post pictures of strong, intelligent females on your closet door, and to find joy in the things you are truly good at that are not measured by the size of your jeans. I want these little daily things to remind you that beauty is truly not what is seen on the outside, but it is measured by what we do to help others, it is discovered when we stand up for ourselves, it is weighed not in pounds on our bones but by the joy that we find in each day. Sadly, it is much easier to look in the mirror and see frizzy hair, that bit of fat that spills over your bra around your ribcage, and the cellulite on your thighs.

It is much easier and even safer to say, “I hate this about myself,” than to see your reflection and say, “I am so proud of what I did today.” Why is that? Why is it so hard to just love ourselves for who we are and how we look in this moment?

We feel we are not entitled to say positive things. It is safer to be negative about our image because we find camaraderie and comfort in our friends, who share

self selfin our sense of self-loathing. As females, we are raised to say harmful things about the way we look, mostly to receive reinforcement from our friends, who are feeling just as insecure; we have learned since an early age to dance with each other. I make a comment about how I do not like this part of my body, and your step is to ensure I feel better about myself by complimenting on that negative area and then making a worse negative comment about your own body to make me feel better, in turn I then discount your negative comment with a positive one, and our dance continues. It is a cycle that perpetuates itself, for who would not want to hear good things about ourselves, especially when we ourselves cannot see it? We hear comments such as, “No, no, your thighs are not big. No, mine are, I gained two pounds this week,” or “You aren’t fat, last night I ate half a box of cookies and so today I’m wearing my fat pants.” “Fat pants,” yes they exist, everyone has that pair to wear when they are feeling a little heavier than usual. But why must they be given a negative connotation of “fat pants” instead of just “pants?”

On the other end of the spectrum we have another conundrum to face, the moment a female carries herself with confidence, self-esteem, and self-assurance she is blasted with awful labels such as “slut,” “bitch,” and “whore.” These are not said because they are true, they are said out of jealousy and dissatisfaction of our own self.

This cycle is perpetuated from mother to daughter, from father to daughter, from sister to sister. We

my mirrored

by Emily Lee Maschauer, MS, LPCA

by Emily Lee Maschauer, MS, LPCA

see our mothers or older sisters look at themselves in the mirror and even though most of the time she just puts on lipstick and goes about her day, it is the times she stops for just a brief moment, a seemingly insignificant moment, that is the most influential to a daughter. We see her give that one look; cocking her head just ever so slightly to the side, taking a breath in, and slowly letting it out with an inaudible sigh. All those other moments she does not make this gesture are now thrown out in the minds of a daughter or sister. Focusing on that split second, we begin to internalize: “What do I not like about what I see?” This moment stays with us, though we more often than not, will never remember it impacting us so. Then, those tiny minutes add up over the years. They begin to leach into our minds, into our self-esteem, into our ability to just go and play and not care what others think. This leach then slowly starts to live in our brain and grow into a cancer that eats away at our self-esteem as we begin to slowly starve ourselves and allow our body to eat away at itself; it is now our self-inflicted disease.

Our newfound disease, manifesting itself into our relationship to food coupled with over-exercising or purging, is now rewarded by people praising us for looking so “healthy.” Why yes, loosing weight makes you look healthy; but only until you reach skeleton stage and then, only then, is there any cause for concern. It is not when the person starts to lose too much weight too fast or misses meals that causes concern, but when the person is now noticeably too thin or in the bathroom too long that people begin to worry. We are constantly surrounded by images of skin-deep, 105-pound “beauty.” What can we do to take notice when someone starts to loose too much weight too fast and say something before it turns into a body so frail it can no longer warm itself because the fat is gone, the skin is thin, and the blood is starving for iron? Perhaps distorted eating could be prevented early if we take a moment to ask the female who is loosing weight quickly if she is okay, if she needs to talk, or letting her know we have been there as well.

How many times have you watched a television show that has been on for several years and a female character has an incredible body, healthy weight, curves, beautiful, and as the show progresses you see her healthy 5’7’’ 136 pound body one day become this skinny 5’7’’ 108 pound body with no curves, no

definition, just bones and skin- the supposed absolute beauty. I have seen this happen so many times and it saddens me that either the media or the producers have gotten to these marvelous, talented women and shrank them to paper.

Unfortunately, we live in a world of filters and Photoshop. While perfectly posed selfies with the hashtag “no filter” are now becoming popular, they are usually only with distracting items like food or sunsets; not with barefaced makeup-free smiles. Have brassy hair? There is a filter to make it look golden along with your skin tan and your lips pink. Feeling a little frumpy? Not to worry, a little Photoshop and you look thinner than you did years ago. There is no reality when we can distort images as much as we distort our body in our head. Its no wonder that we cannot be satisfied with how we look in person when on a computer we can make ourselves look the way we want to feel.

What can one do to impart change and break the cycle? Myself, I work with people with eating disorders and help them move past the self-hate and into self-reflection. I am a sister to my friends who cry at night when they are having the fourth “fat day” this week and instead of telling them that I have been having a fat day too and they are the beautiful ones (blah blah blah), I remind them that their legs, their stomach, their thighs have gotten them to the magnificent place they are today. Without those body parts, likes, dislikes, and indifferent, she wouldn’t be the resilient woman she is. I read articles and books written by powerful, intelligent, and caring women. I watch movies and documentaries about females who are making a difference and spread their message to others. I cut their pictures out and surround myself with their strength; Jane Fonda, Amelia Earhart, Marie Curie, Oprah, Anne Frank, Jennifer Garner, Melissa MaCarthy, CoCo Chanel, Rosa Parks, the list goes on. There are astonishing females throughout history who have sat when told to stand, spoke when told to be silent, made discoveries in a world that was not yet equal, loved their shape when told that they should have a flat stomach and full lips.

The number one thing I do when I am having an evening like tonight and thinking about something

Continued on page 71

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S h a r p + T i m e l e s sMove in Style

S h a r p + T i m e l e s sMove in Style

S h a r p + T i m e l e s sMove in Style

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Move in Style

S h a r p + T i m e l e s sIMAGE CONSULTANTS

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MIND. BODY + SOUL41

wordsto sew byKeep Moving Forward

tess

I was supposed to write about passion, but err um… Nah. So, the other day I was surfing Instagram, and I came across a company who specialized in repurposing military uniforms into sentimental items, such as teddy bears and purses. I was immediately excited! Being a Navy wife with a hubby overseas I felt connected to the purpose. I did a little recon and reached out to the owner of the company and immediately received a response from the owner Eve, who was just as excited as I was! During our email exchange, I asked her about the company’s background and was referred to the company’s website and during my reading I experienced an epiphany or as Oprah would say an “AH HAH” moment. Eve’s story was so inspiring and it bought tears to my eyes. I won’t dive in too deep, but essentially the lesson is to never give up on your gift. It couldn’t have come at a better time for me; I was doubting myself, and my gift. I’d become complacent and ok with being mediocre and the creator made us all unique, with special talents and gifts. Unfortunately, as artists we have moments of insecurity and frustration that creep in, and attempt to take over our thoughts. Please don’t give up!

Keep moving forward! We all have those valleys, and they are meant to teach us lessons on how to persevere during hard times. You have to remain strong and exhibit resiliency when those thoughts start to take toll. I know sometimes certain patterns or projects are frustrating… TRUST ME!!! Take a step back and look at the projects you have finished in the past. Let those projects be your comfort and reassurance that you are on the right path; a little rocky road never hurt either. (LOL) I would like to thank Eve Baum and Military Apparel for the inspiration to write this article. Take a look at my snazzy keychain I received, I love it!

Creatively yours,

Tess

yetunde sarumiyetundesarumi.com

Instagram: @YetundeSarumi

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PROFIXX (PF) Lip Pigment is a makeup company located in Los Angeles, CA. Like most women, I love make-up. I love the transformation that takes place. I follow so many MUAs on Instagram and Pinterest just to see the great things they come up with. Nik, the creator of PROFIXX, is one of those MUAs.

Nik has created something super special in my eyes! PROFIXX Lip Pigment, which is not only vegan, but comes in an awesome PROFIXX Pod is some of the most vibrant and moisturizing lip pigment I have ever tried. The coolest thing about PF is that it’s handcrafted. That’s right, Nik makes each pod by hand. The care, the detail, the love that goes into it makes it worth every stroke I put on my lip.

Speaking of strokes, you can take the color from sheer to full coverage. So, not only is it luxe for your lips, but it is versatile. You can easily go from work to date night., which is where I wore mine. I had a dinner and a wine tasting date with my partner, and my lip lasted the entire date. My lips didn’t feel dry like they do with R. Woo or R. Red, no shade! I only had to reapply one time, but that is only because I liked the way it felt going on; PF is definitely my new go-to lip.

With a price point the same as MAC, but offering a better quality, it was worth every penny. If you are looking for a new stain please check out PROFIXX asap. Summer is fast-approaching and she has some amazing colors in her SP/SU Collection. Visit profixxpigment.com today!

Nell

ANI & COCOwww.aniandcoco.com

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ROMANCE:

LESLIE

From smokey eyes to bold lips, there are so many ways to express yourself this Fall. These romantic looks are sure to be a hit with that special someone! Take your pick from the looks created to ensure that all eyes are on you!

With Leslie, the focus is on the lips, keeping the eyes neutral while adding a pop,of color to the lips brings this look together perfectly. Here I put a shimmery bronze color on the models lid and blended well with a fluffy crease brush.

Her blush is subtle and blended well, and her bold lip is a gorgeous wine colored lipstick. Items I would recommend to recreate this look is urban decay naked 2 palette (YDK was used here) followed by two coats of L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black. We also used MAC Cosmetics blush in Raisin, and Maybelline Matte Lipstick in Divine Wine.

BY: DENYELLE DUCKETTPHOTOGRAPHY:

JACKIE ARMSTRONG PHOTOGRAPHY

romancein spirng

ROMANCE:

CATHERINE

This look on Catherine is a sexy brown smokey eye paired with a pink natural lip. The eyes are the focus of this look, we kept her lip color naturally pretty.

I placed a dark brown shadow Hustle from the Urban Decay Cosmetics Naked palette on her lid and blended the lines well with a fluffy crease brush, followed by two coats of L’Oreal Cosmetics Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black. Tea Rose blush by Milani Cosmetics was applied for a subtle flushed loo lol. appearance. I then finished the look with NYX Cosmetics gloss in Natural.

Contact: makeupartbydenyelle@yahoo.com

romancein spirng47

Hi there, my name is Shondra! I have been beading for many years and this is the perfect project for diy-ers who have never thought to try beading. These bracelets can be made with many type of beads of different sizes and colors. I’ve made so many of these bracelets that I often wear 2 or 3 with every outfit. This project is very easy and very fun. A good beginner project to try when you’re looking to try something different. Enjoy!

Directions:

Download beading tutorial

by clicking here.

DIYwith Shondra Washington | sequinandpearls.com

Directions:

Download beading tutorial

by clicking here.

beadED babe

Baubles &BeadsBead Suppliers

Ornamentea

Joann Fabrics and Crafts

Etsy, of course!

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ReDpants Designs was created to share my love and passion for sewing. I love constructing couture creations on a limited budget. I talk about everything from fabric, inspirations, patterns, and I show how I “WERK IT” in my completed projects. In this tutorial we will take something complex, and make it RedPants simple. Enjoy.

Helmut Lang inspired AssymetricalSkirt

sexyedgeSupplies:

1-2 yards of Lightweight two-way stretch knit (tissue weight preferably - yardage dependent on the desired length)

Sharp scissors or rotary cutter (rotary cutter will give a cleaner edge as the hem is unfinished)

Elastic 3/4” or 1”

Matching Thread

Stick Pins

Tailors Chalk or Fabric Pencil

Measuring Tape

Sewing Machine (serger optional for elastic application)

Yard Stick (I use a T-Square)

Measure your waist. Divide that measurement by two. Determine your

desired length by measuring from your waist to where you want the

longest part of the skirt to hit your leg (I used 40” and I am 5’6).

STEP ONE - PUT IN WERK!

Fold fabric lengthwise with right sides facing. On the fold of the fabric mark your measurements (width= 1/2 your waist measurement from the fold over; length=from this measurement down. Mark the same width measurement at the bottom to create a rectangle on the fold.). Cut your fabric.

STEP TWO To create the asymmetrical hem, about halfway down the cut edge of the top layer, pull the fabric away from you in one hand. With your other hand take the bottom edge and pull the fabric towards the top corner. The straight edges should align. (see photo on next page)

DIYwith Ruqayyah Davis | redpantdesign.com

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STEP THREETake the top layer (with the folded edges aligned) and align them with the bottom layer’s edge. Pin and hold in place. (if your fabric is sheer, you may consider the next steps. If not, skip to step 8.)

SKIRT LINING INSTRUCTIONS: Please view at the end of tutorial.

STEP FOURNow stitch the unfinished edges with ⅝”- 1” seam allowance. Stitch the pinned side of the skirt from the bottom hem towards the top.

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STEP FIVEDetermine the length of the elastic by putting it around your waist. It should fit close to the waist with slight tension. Overlap the elastic about 2”. Zigzag stitch the overlapped elastic portion.

STEP SIXWith all of the unfinished edges matched at the top of the skirt, pin the elastic to the top of the skirt (pinning to the inside). Zigzag stitch (or serge) the elastic to the skirt waist. (Stitch against the outer edge while pulling taut as you go along.)

STEP SEVENFoldover the waistband and tack in place at the side seam.

No need to finish the hem; now to style it and make it yours!

Underskirt instructions on the next page!

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Underskirt

STEP ONEUsing your waist measurements, follow the same instructions as in cutting the skirt. Measure the length from the folded bottom hem (which has become the short side of the skirt hem). Use that measurement, minus about 1-2 inches to create the length and cut the lining fabric in the same manner as the skirt.

STEP TWO Unfold and lay lining fabric out. Place the pinned skirt against one edge of the lining fabric’s unfinished edges. Wrap the remainder part of the lining around the wrong side of the skirt, matching the unfinished edge. Re-pin to hold in place.

If you run into any trouble, free to contact me!

When you create one, post your finished project and tag #redpantsPGS

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wish I could change about my body, or need to change about my shape, or want to tone this or loose that much weight: I surround myself in an imaginary blanket that my mother gave to me- a piece of advice I use toward myself and others. If I say one negative thing about (my body, another person, a situation) I have to say three positive things about it as well. When you take time to really counteract the negative with several positives, that negative seems to loose its power and it shrinks. So I ask you, what will you do to destroy the leach within you? How will you remove it and what rose will replace it with when you finally are able to rid yourself of mirror hate? And finally, what will you do with all of that new found, freed-up energy you had been wasting for so many years on self-hate that you now have to put to something of much better use? That energy is yours, it always has been, and once you are able to free it, use it wisely.

Article by Emily Lee Maschauer, MS, LPCA

Emily is a psychotherapist in a private practice based in North Carolina specializing in eating disorders and self-harm behavior. She is also an artist who enjoys painting on her home’s walls and reading comic books.

My Mirrored Self (Continued)

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june 2015 | austin, tx