//Review// Brijee Pattern's Linden Lady Palazzo Pants

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Top: Thrifted
Pants: Brijee Pattern's Linden Lady Palazzo Pants
Shoes: Payless
Necklace: Vintage
Sunglasses: Found them on the beach (awesome right!)
Hat: Hand me down
Purse: Goodwill 
**Pictures by Me**

When Brigid of Boyer Family Singers emailed me and asked if I would review her new and improved standard size 0-18 Linden Lady Palazzo Pants pattern I of course responded "OH MY GOSH.....YES!" Needless to say I was over the moon to get my hands on a Brijee Pattern as Brigid is one of the most talented seamstresses I know and her pattern skills have inspired me ever since she first announced the creation of the Linden Lady Palazzo Pants pattern. 

Brijee Patterns are a download which you pull up straight from a PDF file on your computer, print out, and assemble yourself! I must say the whole process of printing and assembling the pattern was such fun for me as this was my first computer download pattern and I was so looking forward to the experience......it's soooooo easy and even more fun!

I think one of my favorite things about the Linden Lady Palazzo Pants pattern, besides their fabulous 1930's style, is that there are only 4 pattern pieces! While I don't mind patterns with multiple detail pieces the fact that there are only 4 simple pieces makes the pattern making and cutting out process a breeze. I assembled and cut out the whole pattern in less than an hour and ended up finishing the pants in about a day (which only added up to be about 2-3 hours or less). 

The Linden Lady Palazzo Pants pattern is designed with three different styles/waistbands in which to choose from. The different views include a faced waistband with a lapped zipper, a high waist with a lapped zipper all the way to to top of the waistband, and a modified version of the high waste with bound button holes. 

I chose to make view #2 which had the high waistband. I decided to go with a light weight denim because I knew that a denim fabric would be a versatile style that would match a number of items in my closet. While I chose a light weight denim the pattern in designed for a variety of fabrics and prints so you can easily customize the pants to fit your style and needs. I also chose to make my pants in a size 6 which according to the size chart was the closest to my measurements, but I should have known that sizing up would have been a better idea because for some reason every time I use a pattern, the exact size I choose ends up being a little snug and I am forced to make adjustments. Therefore, I would say if you are going to stick to the 5/8ths seam allowance and your measurements are close to those on the size chart you might consider sizing up as it is easier to take in than out (however, I have this problem no matter the pattern I use). Also, since I am taller I decided to use the full length of the pants pattern and even added an extra inch to the bottom which turned out to be the perfect length for me. 

Furthermore, when it came to the pattern itself I loved how detailed the instructions were and I even loved the little exerpts of advice you can find from Brigid throughout the pattern that kind of act as encouragement and inspiration. The instructions are very detailed and if you ever get lost on what it is trying to say there are lovely and helpful hand sketched pictures throughout the instructions. I know for me I am very much a visual learner so I tend to skip the written instructions at times and rely on the illustrations. However, no matter if you are a visual or auditory learner the instructions and steps are very well written, thought out, and easy to follow! 

The fit of the pants is absolutely perfection as they are fitted at the waist and stay slightly fitted till they reach your natural hips and then they become free and loose fitting which adds a lovely since of dimension to the style. 

All in all I was thrilled with the finished product! Because of Brigid's attention to detail in her patterns the finished product is skillfully crafted to hide waste seams and unfinished ends which gives you a very professional looking pair of 1930's inspired Palazzo pants at the end. 

I know I will definitely be using this Brijee Pattern again with a different type of fabric and print and I can't wait to see that finished project. 

Have you  heard about or checked out Brijee Patterns before?
Have you made the Linden Lady Palazzo pants?
What do you think of this Palazzo Pants style?

-Madison

DIY Flower Crowns

Monday, June 6, 2016

Apparently when you post a picture on Instagram of the flower crown you are making you must then post a DIY on the blog about it! I wasn't originally planning to write a post on my flower crown making but after the interest on Instagram I thought "Why Not?" and off to taking pictures of my process I went with my sister looking inquisitively at me and my tripod propped up on a kitchen chair beeping with the self timer.....tis a bloggers life:)
This past Saturday, my sister, myself, and my best friend worked a wedding up at my church (which was oh so much fun!) and the reception just happened to have the most lovely and natural looking vertical flower arrangements on the tables. Well, as the obsessed flower girl that I am I asked what was to be done with the flowers after the reception and discovered to my delight that we could take some of them home with us! Thus, the flower arrangements provided me with a huge assortment of flowers and greenery to fill my flower crown making desire and ideas.......
I have never actually watched a tutorial on making a flower crown, I just kind of came up with my own method and it works splendidly! Therefore, you will need a pair of scissors, a roll of copper wire (the kind found in the jewelry making section) and a decent amount of flower buds and greenery to mix in contrast. 
Step #1:
Pick a single flower to start with and either wrap the wire around the stem or gently stick the wire up the flower step so that it sticks out about 3 inches at the top. Do not cut the wire as it will be used at the end. 
Step #2:
Now is the time to let your creative juices flow freely through your brain waves and out your fingers! Now you simply start choosing different flowers and greenery to overlap the previous flower on the crown and you gently wrap the wire around the flower stem 2 to 3 times, securing it on top of the flower in front of it. 
Step #3:
I find that it is easier to leave the flowers a 2 to 3 inch stem until you have secured it onto the crown and then you can trim what sticks out. This way there is more to overlap on the previous flower's stem and thus create a nice support besides the wire. 
Step #4: 
Continue to add flowers, buds, and greenery to the crown that is taking shape as you overlap the stems and wrap the wire around the ends, securing them in place. 
Step #5:
I like to alternate colors of the flowers throughout the crown to create balance and then add touches of greenery every 3-4 flowers as a contrast to the bright colors. Depending on which flowers you have chosen to use your crown might simply be a crown of colorful flowers without greenery, but that is where you have "creative license" and the choice is totally up to you! 
Step #6:
As you near the end of the crown, take a moment to hold what you have created so far around your head, measuring its size and determining whether or not you need to add a few more buds. 
Step #7:
Once you measured the flower crown's size in relation to your own head, snip the wire end leaving 3 inches like the other side. Now all you have to do is overlap the beginning flower with the end of the crown and wrap the wire underneath the buds, securing it out of sight. (be careful to tuck and pointed ends under)

I hope you all enjoyed this DIY......maybe there will be more DIY posts in the future here, but for now enjoy the sheer beauty of flowers and flower crowns! Now it is your turn to put your creativity to work and make your own :) If you try my method or even create your own I would love to see what you come up with so post it on your social media account (if you have one) and tag me!

P.S. The best part about flower crowns is you can always let them dry out and then you will have a dried flower crown forever! 

Do you like my method for making a flower crown?
Have you ever made a flower crown before?

-Madison

//Featured// Links à la Mode

Sunday, June 5, 2016


My little ole blog with the ever lovely post Peonies Please was featured in the Independent Fashion Bloggers Links à la Mode for June 2nd. I love little excuses and opportunities to get my blog out to different readers and writers in the blogsphere so this was the perfect opportunity (check the ifb facebook page for more details if you are interested). Therefore, if you are looking for something to pass the time or want to see what other bloggers have to offer check out the posts below and see what bloggers around the world have been up to! 

**These are not all modest fashion bloggers, nor do they all focus on the same topics I focus on**

Links à la Mode, June 2
SPONSOR: Shopbop Kate Spade New York, Victoria Victoria Beckham Jeans, Ash Shoes, MARCH11, RUKEN, Richmond & Finch, Culottes, Sports Bras, Mirrored Sunglasses, Men's The Tie Bar

- Madison

June Plans

Wednesday, June 1, 2016


Is it really June already??? I can't believe the year is nearly half over....it seems like just yesterday it was the start of 2016, yet somehow life seems to fly by with each passing year and at times that makes me sad. June 1st means I have two months and eight days till I have to move back to school and trust me when I say those days will be filled and busy trying to get in everything I can before life gets crazy again as a college student. 

Well, June is here and summer is also here in Texas with sweltering heat and mosquitos.....not to mention the great downpour of rain that almost threatened to carry us away in the floods this past week! Unfortunately, my first couple of weeks in June are already pretty busy but I am hoping to still get a number of things done. However, for now here is a breakdown of my June Plans:

1) This week, on Thursday morning at 10:00 am is the kickoff day for the weekly summer Bible study, DESTINY, that I am leading at my house for girls 15 and up. If you want to know a little more about it you can visit the website Here!
2) This coming Monday my family is going to the beach for the day which means I will be bringing a book and lathering on the sunscreen...hehe...
3) My mother, brother, sister, and I will be working the nursery part of our Church's Vacation Bible School next week so that will keep me busy for most of the day. 
4) June 11th is the first of four weddings we have this summer so we will be off to my mom's cousins wedding. 
5) The second week in June is the dance camp I teach up at church! This is the third year that we have done dance camp and I love the opportunity because it gives me a change to catch up with all of my dance girls whom I am no longer able to teach during the school year due to college. Therefore, I will be busy choreographing a dance and combos. 
6) June 18th is the second wedding of the summer so off to Dallas we shall go! 
7) The week after dance camp I will be gone for 7 days house sitting for a friend.....fingers crossed I discover some new locations for pictures during those 7 days, 
8) Oh, and most importantly (though I am not entirely thrilled) I am taking an online summer class in June so most of my time will probably be directed towards reading and projects of that. 
9) I am also hoping to cook more this summer as I desperately miss that aspect of college life......and by cooking I mostly mean baking......lol!

June Projects: 
1) Brigee Pattern's "Linden Lady Palazzo Pants" 
2) Nautical themed pink and navy dress
3) Black and white checkered top
4) Denim Jumper dress! 

What are some of your June Plans? 
Do you have any sewing or crafting projects planned for June? 

-Madison

That's Darling

Tuesday, May 31, 2016


 Top: Thrifted (Ralph Lauren)
Skirt: Me Made
Shoes: Charlotte Ruse 
Necklace: Target
Bandanna: Hobby Lobby 
**Pictures by my sister**

You have no clue how "In Love" I am with the crazy combo for this ensemble! I mean, really I am in love with nearly every ensemble I post on the blog but this ensemble is so unique in its mixed prints that I can't help but LOVE it and smile. Besides the fact that this top and skirt are now two of my favorite pieces (honestly I tend to say that about everything) they are also GREATLY inspired by Elana from the blog Room 334 whose simple and classic ensembles have been inspiring me lately and prompted me to make this skirt. 

Truthfully, I have found myself being inspired more and more by fellow bloggers as of late! Just this past weekend, for instance,  I was thrift shopping and the whole time I had flashes of darling ensembles running through my head from a particular blogger I love and nearly every piece of clothing I bought that day was a piece I could see this specific blogger wearing.....it was as if I were shopping her closet! 

Often what we wear is inspired by how we feel and our own personality, but it is intriguing to find other bloggers who have a style similar to your own and who then inspire you with the combinations they themselves put together! Sometimes finding a blogger who shares a fashion style similar to your own can even help you discover new combinations for ensembles or even yield helpful inspiration whenever you are at a lack for what to wear. I have a feeling like this summer will be filled with ensembles inspired by many fabulous bloggers! 

On another note, if you haven't ever heard of DARLING magazine you should totally go check them out right now! Not only is their magazine filled with wonderful articles to fill up the spare moments of your day or weekend, but it is also a magazine cultivated through real life women with inspiring stories. Not to mention that the magazine itself if to just to die for in its construction, cover, photography, and added bonus of being a photo prop:)


Do you have a blogger who shares your same style?
Do you ever find your style being inspired by what you see other bloggers wearing?

-Madison

**This post was not sponsored by DARLING magazine, all thoughts are my own**




The Colors of The Sun

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Skirt: Minnie's Menagerie (vintage)
Shirt: Thrifted (Anthropologie)
Belt: Minnie's Menagerie (Vintage)
Shoes:Thrifted 
Necklace: Icings
**Pictures by me & Betsy my Camera**

I might not venture outside for long periods of time as often as I should because life tends to get a bit crazy and I often sacrifice time being outdoors exploring for homework, To Do lists, and other such busy work. However, there is always a mystery and magic that the outdoors exudes in its rustling trees, sprouting plants, many crisp colors, and wildlife all around. The times I do get a free chance to venture outside (especially into the less populated and wooded areas) my mind immediately becomes a buzz of daydreams and I almost feel transported to a fairytale, or what I would more recognizably consider an "Anne" moment..........because we all know Anne and her imagination, especially with the outdoors. 

Maybe it is the silence with the songs and whispers of the forest, or maybe its the beauty in the life and flowers around me, but being in nature fills me with a since of warmth and inspiration that makes me want to sit down and write a novel or lie down in the grass and bask in the sun's warm rays for a nap (though I would wake up red as a tomato). 

________________________________________________________

I am pretty sure my ankles were scratched up and my shoes filled with grass and seeds by the time I was done snapping these pictures, but it was completely worth it and this ensemble combination made everything even better and vibrant! 

Apparently this shirt is from Anthropologie.....who knew! I thrifted this shirt back around spring break and immediately fell in love with the color, print, and feel of the fabric (what is better than a lemon printed rayon blouse...nothing!). Then, come to find out this same shirt is worn by Riley in the TV show Baby Daddy (for any of you familiar with that show) and then while searching for its origin for this post, I find out its from Anthropoligie! Therefore, I now have one clothing piece from Anthropologie and I thrifted it for $4.....I would call that a steal and a treasure. 

A few years ago I hardly wore any yellow and now my closet has a number of pieces colored like the sun, including four yellow themed sundresses all made out of sheets! I have heard it said that while yellow is supposed to make you feel vibrant and energized it can often make one feel irritated......I however don't hold a negative view towards the color what so ever as it reminds me of the sun and its glistening rays! 

Apparently blue and yellow pair quite nicely together as I quickly threw this outfit together while running late to work, but it turned out fabulous and I think this combo will be on repeat this summer :) 

Do you like the color yellow or do you have any yellow pieces in your closet? 
Ever thrifted anthropologie for a steal? 
What are your feelings towards the outdoors?

-Madison
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