Yesterday I went shopping for a grey tank top. It was to replace one I bought at R.E.I. where I am frequently disappointed in their products. They give you a dividend to spend if you are a member, so I found this tank. Look at it for a moment:

After washing it and wearing it a few times, I became aware that when I put it on, it sort of pulls on the straps and rolls forward. I am sure this is caused by a fitting issue in the armhole area, being too tight. I am not particularly bulky in this area. Anyhow, I wore it for a while, because it IS a wardrobe staple and it was comfortable elsewhere in the garment. I kinda thought it was a cool thing that it was bias cut, although when you think about it from a design standpoint, it does waste more fabric. Well, there goes the green, low-waste concept in making clothes...ah well...

Here is the tank that made a world of difference in so many ways. I liked the darker color and that it had a wash (not completely solid). I immediately loved the looser fit. I don't want the clothes to be tight in hot weather, ugh. I liked a flattering fit. The back scoops lower than the front, but not in a super obvious way. The other design element that I love is the consideration of the width and shape of the straps. There isn't all THAT much difference in Tank Top #1 and #2 in strap width, but Tank Top #2 angles the strap at a wider angle to fit the looseness of the tank overall.

Hey, it's the German/Austrian/Hungarian in me, taking into account all these really picky differences. But differences they do make, because the Tank Top #1 is the one heading for the curb and Tank #2 is ready to be the new star of my wardrobe.

Leave me any comments, please! I like to hear what my astute readers would like to see in designs for clothing!!!

We had so much fun at the pop up at Saviours Salon this past Saturday.

Working on some fall designs right now!

This week, I'm putting finishing touches on some garments to bring to our pop up. I plan to show some fall previews. Later in the week, I'm going to be making BITTERSWEET FUDGE WITH SEA SALT and will post pictures of that! And I'm also going to have fun picking out some cava to serve...

Lo these many years ago, when I was in fashion school, we were given an assignment to pick one designer who inspires us. I kept this collage in my archives and found it one day while looking through some artwork. Suddenly I realized I've come full circle because I know this fantastic use of color and shape is STILL relevant. This inspires me to create design that aside from being classic, holds the energy of its original inspiration and allows who wears it to put forth their best self.

These are photographs I took of the gorgeous re-created rooms and the Salon Dore in the museum. I didn't make the effort to read the short descriptions, so captivated was I by the handiwork and reliefs inside the rooms. I did, however, learn later by going to the Legion of Honor website, that the Salon Dore itself was done to show not only the artwork and decorative elements. The lighting was the element recreated to show the visitor the experience one might have had in the early part of last century. In fact it was probably so dark one would have trouble finding their way on a dark Paris night. Innaresting.