True Grit

‘True Grit‘ by Charles Portis first appeared as a serial for ‘The Saturday Evening Post’ in 1968. Later that year it was put in book form. A hastily adapted script was written for a western film in 1969 starring John Wayne. He went on to win an Academy Award for his portrayal of Rooster Cogburn. Several remakes and sequels followed. Opening this week in our local theater is the latest one by the Coen brothers starring Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon and rising star Haile Steinfeld.

Fashion Details-

1. Heather tweed overcoat- Ebay

2. Boots- Yuketen

3. Distressed leather belt- J.Crew

4. Rounded felt hat- Rag & Bone

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Fashion Inspiration- Army Green Coats & Leather Belts

Update 1/22/2011- Another gritty western has to be ‘The Naked Spur‘ directed by Anthony Mann. If you haven’t seen it yet…rent it! I’d love to see how the Coen brothers would remake this one.

The Short Wedding Dress Club- December 2010 (#2)

Fashion details- Silk crepe dress has chiffon sleeves with contrasting black back zipper available at Troubadour. White fur ear muffs from Fur Hat World.

(Click image to enlarge)

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The Short Wedding Dress Club- December 2010 (#1)

SWDC

Budget Bride #14

Winter Bride

How Much Is That Doggie In The Window?

I had a surge of creative energy today and decided to decorate our attic guest room for Christmas. Guess who wanted to join the fun? Our dog Jasper isn’t allowed on the furniture or beds in the house but…hey, how could I resist a face like that?!

Update- Several of you asked about the pillow fabric. The winter scene is from a painting done by Artist Grandma Moses. She gave rights to the Riverdale Company to reproduce her work on fabric from 1950 through 1967. Check ebay or etsy for something similar.

(Photos- Martha B.)

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mARTha’s photography #17

The Family Dog

Christmas Craft #10: Dog Ornament

More Modern Brides- 1971

My latest purchases from ebay include a number of old wedding magazines. I find the dresses inspiring- plenty of color, outrageous prints and not a strapless gown in sight!

(Photos- Marc Hispard for Modern Bride Magazine, 1971)

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Modern Bride- 1970

A Page From…

…J.Crew, Holiday Issue 2006.

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A Page From…British Vogue, 1983

Menswear For Women- 1994

Fall Preview- J.Crew 2010

Christmas Donkey

When Curtis was little I would take him to our local plant nursery to see the animals they brought in for the month of December. This consisted of a horse, a llama, a cow, sheep, goats, and our favorite…a donkey. My son is now fourteen- an age where livestock are less of an attraction. I ended up going by myself yesterday. I realize it’s another snippet in my child’s life that I’ll have to accept as a memory of Christmas past.

(Photo- Martha B.)

Katie Brown

“ I love taking the ugliest spaces possible and making them pretty. The more disgusting the space, the more excited I get.” This came from an expert at DIY Katie Brown about her weekend house back in 2003. According to Katie it was bad- pistachio green kitchen, eight sets of sliding glass doors and enough florescent lighting to make your hair stand on end. A friend advised her that she should tear it down. But she thought better and began the task of breathing new life into the place. Buckets of white paint covered walls and beams. French doors  replaced the sliding glass ones. She challenged herself also with finding furniture through thrift stores and the Salvation Army. The same went for Christmas decorating. Katie skipped fancy for “natural, simple and clean“- pinecone ornaments came from Target and the burgundy bows for her tree from Lowe’s home improvement. “They just felt right.” she said.

(Photos- Elle Decor)

Nibs Fashion Photo Shoot #3

Margot and I had been talking for weeks about doing a fashion photo shoot for the holidays. So, last Monday and Thursday…we were able to catch Hope between college classes to model a bunch of fun Christmas party clothing pulled from our two closets.

Click the images to enlarge.

Photographs & Layout- Martha B.

Styling- Martha B., Margot K.

Makeup & Model- Hope G.

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Nibs Fashion Photo Shoot Series

Shop Your Closet Series

Pink Taffeta Party Skirt

Christmas Craft #12: Quilted Star Ornament

I love this simple quilted star ornament. What makes it so special is the history behind it. The stitched fabric pieces came from a quilt made by my great grandmother Amanda. She gave the quilt as a wedding gift to my grandparents. They, in turn, passed it on to my uncle and aunt. Last December, my aunt and cousin noticed that the quilt was falling apart and decided to create ornaments for each member of our extended family.

Here’s how-

1. Make your own star paper pattern (this one is the size of my hand) and cut out two pieces from an old quilt or blanket.

2. Sew twine to connect and outline the two sections. Leave an opening for fiber fill. Once ornament is stuffed, sew shut.

3. Add antique buttons and spools.

(Photo- Martha B.)

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Christmas Crafts:

Papperwhites, Dog Ornament, Book Pages Garland, Wrapping Paper, Oven Mitt Place Setting

Then&Now: House Dresses

Then- Get out the feather duster! The Sears Roebuck catalog c. 1920 provided women with some basic cotton dresses for working at home.

Now- Check out these six versions of the comfortable house dress.

1. Floral house dress designed by Anna Allen. 2. Plaid dress from Makie via Jane. 3. Dress with pull back tie at Cabbages & Roses. 4. Red dress by Saltwater. 5.& 6. Both check dresses with self ties from Modcloth.

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Coat Tales- 1920

Then&Now: Granny Chic, My Fair Ladies, Dior