Chic and Cozy Cape and Skinny Pants

I am really excited about this entire outfit.  Maybe because I made the whole fit....but the cape definitely stole the show! .... Well..... and this bag! 

Like a lot of sewers out there, I have a stash of fabric that I've been holding on to forever.  If you are anything like me, you fall in love with the fabric at the store and have absolutely no plans on what you are going to do with it but you buy it anyways and add to your stash.  And then, you go out again and spot some new fabric and the cycle is repeated.  Well, I am so guilty!  The problem?  Since I don't exactly know what I am going to make, I don't know how many yards I should get.  And then what ends up happening is when I finally have an inspired garment in mind, I don't have enough fabric!  So lately I have been challenging myself to design within the limitations in extra yardage.  It sounds easy, but when you have the entire piece figured out and then you find out you don't have enough to add sleeves, it's enough to make you want to throw in the towel and abandon the project.  I can always come up with an excuse to buy more fabric..but until I clear out my stash I have promised to refrain!  To my surprise I've noticed that I'm being a lot more creative!  And not drafting the patterns on paper first is also allowing me to see exactly how I want to use the fabric.  I just hold it up to my dress form- which takes the guesswork out.  It is usually at this point when the light bulb goes off and the design takes shape.
I had this fleece for probably 2 years.  It's so soft I considered just using it as a blanket and curling up on the sofa with some hot tea and a good movie.  But then I realized that I have virtually no outerwear and it's winter!  For some reason I am still being a rebellious....freezing...Californian.  So, I decided on a cape because I only had about 1 1/2 yards to play with.  I wanted to make a whole outfit of it so I also made some skinny pants and styled it with a leather hand-painted brooch and earrings.  To finish off the look, I could resist adding in my favorite bag, "Corners" from my accessories collection in a color combination I like to call Timberland- because of its army green color and cognac details. This look is super comfortable and effortless!  Another new addition into my closet..... CHECK!  To keep up with all of my creations as I sew my new custom wardrobe follow me on Pinterest!

    

To customize and purchase your handbag Corners handbag click HERE.  To view or purchase our hand-painted earrings click HERE.

www.thegreybutton.com

Cropped Denim Jacket

Sometimes you just have to let the fabric speak yo you. It knows what it wants to be. And that's exactly what ended up happening with this denim jacket project. What I set out for in the beginning grew into a completely different product in the end. I originally imagined a loose fitting cropped jacket with flowing sleeves. But when I searched through my fabric stash, I came across some leftover denim from another project.  I didn't have much so this could work out for my cropped jacket. Well..... now that changes everything because the denim is way more stiff than my original design.  Almost immediately- I felt a structured jacket was the way to go!  A couple of snips and tucks and this jacket started coming to life. My goal: keep things simple to allow the eyes to be drawn to the clean style lines and defined sleeves. Descrete pockets, a crisp top stitch and covered buttons finish the garment.

What I love most about this jacket is its versatility. Initially it feels dressy but I can easily dress it down with some jeans and a tee.  Throw in a cute clutch and some earrings and I am good to go! That's the beauty of being an artist! YOU can bring your vision to life!!  

Bella Clutch ~ "Grey and Stripe"
Available at www.thegreybutton.com

"Fanned Out" Leather Hand-Painted Earrings in Silver
Available at www.thegreybutton.com

2015 is off to a great start! What projects will you be working on this month to start off the new year?  You can follow my journey as I sew my way through my portfolio and into a brand new wardrobe! I've created a Pinterest board just for my looks and you can also see what I'm up to on Instagram. I'd love to hear from you!  Bye for now buttons!!

Virtual Handbag Party: WINNER!

We have a winner!!!  Our first Virtual Handbag Party was fun!  Visit the Budding Fashionista's blog to see who won.  

www.buddingfashionista.com

Party!!

Today's post is brought to you by our new fashion partner, Vanessa at the Budding Fashionista.

Head on over to her blog to see what we have to party about!!
www.buddingfashionista.com

http://buddingfashionista.com

Greyaway has Launched!

"Corners"  ~  Red
Available at www.thegreybutton.com

GREYAWAY

  

The holidays are fast approaching whether we like it or not!  For most of us we never quite master the holiday savings plan we promise ourselves each year.  We understand and have added a new option just for you.  Greyaway is our take on layaway and allows you to order that item(s) that you want within a budget that works for you.  We allow up to six months to spread your payments out and once you are paid in full, we will ship your package to you!  That simple and with no additional fees.   CLICK HERE for details.

Check out what's new!

New Style! "Blossom"

Are you bold enough to step out wearing this statement bag? The hand dyed leather straps and closure detail deserve all the attention as they bloom open for access to your goodies. The bag is fully lined in 100% cotton duck canvas and has two pockets. Details

Corners ~ Hand Dyed Chocolate Brown 100% Genuine Leather This bag may have a lot of corners but it is a very spacious leather handbag with details that can handle the "over-sized bag" girl! Get ready for fall with a statement! The leather was hand dyed in house to get the perfect shade of chocolate brown for this unique handbag. It also has one zipper pocket inside of the grey canvas lined bag. And for those who just have to have a strap, we have that for you too. An adjustable, removable shoulder strap has been added to for comfort. Details

Bella Clutch

This is a small and classy clutch is our most popular bag and offered in an  array of colors!  The clutch is made of 100% cotton duck fabric and measures  approximately 12" x 5.5" inches, is fully lined, includes an inside pocket and a  zipper closure.  Check out the complete handbag lineup.

Price $47

HUGS & Hoods

The HUG. A brilliant, new accessory that has style and function. The HUG has comfortable contouring straps that “hug” your body and features a dramatic detachable hood. So not only can you transform your hood-less jacket or sweater, you gain a new and worthy  accessory when the HUG is worn alone. *Hoods sold separately.

Price: $39 and up!

Brrrrrr.....It's cold! Scarves are back!!

The weather is changing.  Don't get caught out with a cold neck.  These unisex scarves make the perfect gift.

Price: $15