Friday, May 31, 2013

Guest Post | The Boyer Family Singers

I'm so excited to have the Boyer Family Singers as guest posters today! They are a bunch of fun sisters who love vintage, so I think y'all will love them too. *smile* Well, they do a fantastic job introducing themselves, so with out further ado go ahead and read what they have to say!




Hello fabulous readers of Bramblewood Fashion!
We are so very honored to be featured here on this elegant blog! A gigantic thank you to Ashley for allowing us to guest post!! We are so excited!

L-R: Jessica, Charlotte, Brigid
A wee bit about us-
   We are the Boyer Family Singers, Jessica, Brigid and Charlotte; loving, imperfect sisters who are adorers of anything modestly stylish, vintage, and creative!
   We are reformed Christians, who by grace are saved through faith by the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ. We strive day-by-day to be more and more like our loving Heavenly Father; glorifying Him in all that we say, think, and do!
   We sing together in a sister trio (thus the name) very much like the Andrew Sisters, and enjoy performing bluegrass, oldies, and classical pieces!
   We (our Mom most definitely included!) blog over at Boyer Family Singers, where we love to share our endeavors in Fashion, Creativity, Vintage, Life, and (ever-so-occasionally) Cookery, with our devoted readers, to inspire and motivate!

   Today we will be featuring a "Sister Flair" outfit post, which includes we girls dawning outfits set to a certain theme such as "Vintage", "Full-Skirts", "Classy" etc. Today's theme is "Our Favorite Outfits"

   So without further ado....

BRIGID'S OUTFIT
Handmade Skirt // Thrifted Blouse // Payless Nude Flats // Vintage Hats // Gifted Locket //

Brigid– "I like this outfit because it expresses my style of vintage/bohemian/feminine."

JESSICA'S OUTFIT
Hand-me-down Sweater // Kohl's Skirt // Gifted Origami Owl Locket //

Jessica– "I like how wearable, soft-looking, and comfy my outfit is. It looks like it came out of a J.Jill catalog, which is one of my favorite clothing companies."

CHARLOTTE'S OUTFIT
Target Dress // Hand-made Head-band // F21 Earrings // TOMS green Flats //

Charlotte– "This is actually a new favorite for me, as this dress was just recently introduced into my wardrobe as an everyday dress. I'm really loving the simplicity, vintage flair, and classiness of this ensemble!"

   We hope you enjoyed viewing our favorite outfits! Be sure to check out our blog and follow :D

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Vintage Sewing Project ❘❘ 1950s Gingham Sundress

Summertime is just about here (and sometimes the weather feels like it too), which means that I want to wear vintage styled sundresses. I've been planning on making a red gingham sundress for awhile now, but I never took the time to make it. Mostly because I've been busy with other things, and when I did have time to sew I had sewing jobs to do. Which is good. Anyhow, we will be leaving on vacation this weekend and I wanted a cute, vintage-inspired sundress to wear on the trip. It seems that I get most sewing jobs done quicker when I want to wear it on a upcoming trip. Hmm....I need to change that. Of course, I say that every time and I never change my ways. *grin*    

For my sundress I knew I want a full skirt, a strapless styled bodice, the straps I wanted to be on the thicker side (wasn't sure of the style), and I want some cute embellishments too on the dress. Now, I traditionally don't really embellish my sewing projects, mostly because when ever I do so it looks....well....homemade (not really the look I'm going for).

The above collage is of the sundresses (vintage & modern) that I found inspiring when coming up with my sundress design. The bottom middle dress turned out to be main inspiration for the dress, which if I remember correctly, is a vintage dress from the 1950s.
Anyhow, the pattern for my dress was loosely based on the Summer Shade jumper pattern that Marie-Madeline Studio used to sell. I used the jumper bodice pattern pieces as my base, just made some changes for it to fit like a strapless dress, like: making the sides more fitted, raising the neckline, and reshaping the jumper back. The skirt and straps are just rectangles pleated to fit. Oh, and instead of using a facing for the bodice, I just lined the whole bodice front & back with leftover gingham fabric. 
  
Supplies Used
The Summer Shade Jumper Pattern was the base for the bodice. 
Straps are just two rectangles pleated lightly to fit. 
Skirt is just three panels that are 28" long.
Eyelet Lace Trim from L.A.
Invisible Zipper
Thread

I love my new sundress! It kinda looks like something you might find at ModCloth. Which is a good thing. You knows, I might make another sundress just like this one sometime again this summer. 'Cause it is just too cute!

Monday, May 27, 2013

Shabby Apple $50 GC Giveaway!

I have a fun little surprise for y'all today! Shabby Apple is giving one of you lovelies a $50 GC, so you can buy anything your dear heart desires. Aren't you girls lucky? 

If you haven't heard of Shabby Apple let me tell y'all a bit about them. Shabby Apple is an online dress boutique that specializes in vintage and retro dresses.
Their Something Old Something New bridesmaid collection is adorable -- totally the style of dresses I would want my bridesmaids to wear in my wedding, Lord willing, someday.
Blushing Bride Skirt ❘❘ Bachelorette

The giveaway is only open to those with a USA shipping address. (Sorry, Shabby Apple's rules) I will end the giveaway on June 17th at Noon (EST), with the winner being picked either Tuesday (6/18) or Wednesday (6/19). I will be contacting the winner via email. 

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Sunday Style | Forever 21 Floral Tank Styled 2 Ways

::First Outfit::
Wine Red Chiffon Maxi Skirt -- c/o OASAP
Jean Jacket -- Express via Thrift Store
Floral Tank -- Forever 21
Cream Tee -- Hand-me up from Gabby
Nude Flats (for after Church) -- Steve Madden via Sam's Club
Mustard Heels (for during Church) -- Steve Madden via Thrift Store (Gift)
Key Necklace -- Forever 21
Floral Earrings -- JCP

::Second Outfit::
Floral Tank -- Forever 21
Cream Tee -- Hand-me up from Gabby
Army Green Shorts -- H&M
Wedge Sandals -- Steve Madden via Famous Footwear
Key Necklace -- Forever 21
Owl Necklace -- Forever 21
Floral Earrings -- JCP

 Hello everyone! I thought for today's Sunday Style post I would share what I wore to church, and what I wore after church around the house. Typically on Sundays, if I wear a skirt & top to church, I'll just throw on a pair of jeans or shorts (in the summer) with what ever top I wore to church to help save on clothes. Now, if I wear a dress to church, this system doesn't work very well. *grin*

Anyhow, I picked up this floral racerback tank at Forever 21 yesterday on a whim while me & Gabrielle where out shopping picking up some things for our upcoming vacation. I thought the print was adorable & would look amazing with most of my clothes. Besides, I've been wanting a tank like this for awhile, but have never been able to find the perfect one. Now, since the tank is a racerback I will have to layer it over tee shirts, or other tanks to give me the coverage I like. Oh, yes, this tank is also one of those hi-low tops too. 

When typing up everything I wore in both outfits today, I discovered that I wore all of my Steve Madden shoes today. Hehe... I wore my mustard heels to church, and after church when we stopped at Trader Joe's & Starbucks I changed into my flats. This afternoon I decided to wear my Steve madden sandals that I had bought about 3 summers ago. I've been asked where I buy my Steve Madden shoes, because his shoes are not that cheap, and I've been blessed to be able to find all of my Steve Madden shoes for  either $15 or less. The sandals I found on clearance at Famous Footwear for $15. Then last spring/summer (?) I found the nude flats at Sam's Club for $10, which is an awesome deal! While the mustard heels where a Christmas gift from my sisters, Hanne-col & Gabrielle and they found them at a local thrift store for either $10 or $15. If you are wanting some Steve Madden shoes for yourself, I would say hunt the clearance racks at shoes stores, thrift stores (ones that carry more high-end stuff), and perhaps your local Costco or Sam's Club for his shoes.

I'm linking up with Plane Pretty's Sunday Style.

Friday, May 24, 2013

Memorial Day Outfit Ideas

It has been awhile since I've done one of these holiday outfit ideas posts, and since I had some extra time this evening, I thought why not do one for Memorial Day? So yeah...I hope y'all enjoy this. I still don't know what I'll be wearing, which is so typically me, but hopefully some of you will get some outfit ideas for this weekend. *smile*

I adore this first outfit: white jeans, striped tee, red TOMs, red satchel, and adorable accessories. If it is one the cooler side for you this weekend, this might be the outfit for you. As you will be able to stay warm, yet look very summery & cute. I can see this outfit being perfect for a beach bonfire, or something like that. 

Perhaps shorts are more your speed, why not try the above combination this weekend. Instead of the traditional red, white, and blue -- I just stuck with the red/coral shades with shades of brown/tan and a fun touch of animal print on the shoes. This outfit would look adorable for events that you might be just handing out with friends & family at a Memorial Day picnic. 

For the girl who would rather a skirt, why not pull out your jean skirt this weekend and simply add red & nautical themed pieces. You will look cute, stylish, and patriotic. Of course, if will be playing sports/games this weekend, let me recommend that you switch out the wedges for some flats or red TOMs. 

Perhaps you would rather dress-up this weekend, or you have a graduation/wedding to attend. Then pull out a cute colorful dress & add some classic (the sunnies, earrings, handbag) and fun accessories (like the statement necklace & bows for your hair). You could always switch out the flat sandals for some peep-toe pumps, wedges, or heeled sandals if you prefer.

Which of these looks are your favorite? 

Also, be sure to come visit Bramblewood Fashion on Memorial Day for a fun giveaway! 

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Cooking in the Kitchen ❘❘ Susan's Cream Puffs (1956)

Over the past two evening's I've been baking cream puffs. I've been thinking about making these for only about, thirteen years. Tuesday evening I decided to take the plunge and just make them. Boy am I glad I did, as they are amazing! Just make sure to not over beat the batter, otherwise your puffs won't rise and they will be on the tough side. You want your puffs to be light and fluffy. Since my cream puffs were a huge success, I'm thinking about trying out more new recipes this summer, since I've always sticked with the same dessert/snack recipes for way too long. 
Susan's Cream Puffs
Makes 5 - 6 Large Puffs
From: Good Housekeeping Cook Book (1956)
1/2 Cup Water
1/4 Cup Butter
1/8 tsp Salt
1/2 Cup Flour
2 Eggs, Room Temperature

1. Start heating oven to 375 degrees F. Bring water, butter, and salt to a boil in saucepan. Add flour, all at once; then beat with a hand mixer over low heat until mixture leaves sides of pan and starts to forms compact balls.
2. Remove from heat; continue beating to cool mixture slightly -- about 2 minutes.
3. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. After last egg has been added, beat until mixture has satinlike sheen.
4. Onto  greased baking sheet, drop 5 or 6 mounds of batter, 2" apart, swirling top of each mound. 
5. Bake until well browned and puffy -- about 50 minutes. Remove from oven; immediately cut 1 or 2 slits in side of each puff; return to oven for 10 minutes.
6. Cool on cake/cookie rack.
To serve: Split cream puff almost all the way around. Or slice off top of each.
Fill with: Whipped Cream; instant pudding & cool whip folded together; ice-cream; gelato; or/and strawberries. Set tops back on.
Top with powder sugar; hot fudge sauce; hot butterscotch sauce; crushed berries; or sliced peaches. 

Thursday, May 16, 2013

What I'm Wearing | Classic Florals & Stripes for Spring

::What I'm Wearing::
Settee Roses Skirt By Odille -- Anthropologie (purchased in a blog sale
Striped Tee w/ Peter Pan Collar -- T.J.Maxx
Mustard Flats -- Old Navy
Belt -- Forever 21
Bow Drop Earrings -- Betsey Johnson

Hello lovelies! How are y'all doing this fine afternoon? Today I'm wearing a "new" Anthro skirt that I had purchased on Instagram from Chandra @ MoMoMod. The skirt arrived on Monday, but of course since I was still down with the flu, I didn't feel like trying it on or wearing it. I've been living in my sweatpants since Sunday morning, so it is charming to get back into cute clothes. If you know what I mean. *smile* Anyhow, I tried on the skirt last night, only to discovered the skirt as a bit too large in the waistline for me, but that was no problem for me because I could just add a pleat to the back. Easy peasy.

Now, don't be surprised if you see me wearing this skirt an awful lot in the coming days -- as this is one of my new favorite skirts! I also see me bring this skirt on all vacations & trips this year, because it goes with so many things in my wardrobe. 

This post is also going to be linked up with IFB's Project #95: Show Us Your Stripes, and Plane Pretty's Sunday Style.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Tips & Tricks on Refashioning Vintage Blouses from the Thrift Store


It seems that when ever I wear one of my refashioned blouses that I had cut the sleeves off, I always get questions on how I did it. So I thought why not make a whole post/video dedicated to the subject, that way when ever I get asked the question again I can just direct them this. 


Now, I did do a whole step-by-step tutorial complete with pictures on Practically Pink last summer. So if you are the type of person who prefers pictures over video, that will be perfect for you! Of course, you can look at that post for reference after watching the video too. *smile*

  
I suppose that I should mention that, you don't have to use just long sleeved blouses for this tutorial. You can use short sleeves, 3/4 sleeves, half sleeves, etc... What ever you have handy, or can find at your local thrift store will work. If you still have any questions, let me know in the comments below!

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

♥Bramblewood Fashion Questionnaire♥

Hello everyone! Thank you for all of the get well wishes y'all left in my last post! I'm feeling much better now, it turns out I had the 48hour flu and it has simply turned into a cold now. I can't wait to be able to get back to cooking & baking, 'cause when ever I get sick I tend to get the cooking bug and start dreaming about food. It is torture. Of course, I tend to dream about food a lot, I even remember memories & events by food. Anyone else like this?

Well, anyhow....I've put together a questionnaire that I would love for y'all to take. It won't take too long to answer, I promise. You can take it here.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

30 for 30 Remix Challenge ❘❘ Day 29 & 30 (Update)


Hello lovelies! I won't be able to finish the last two days of the 30 for 30 remix challenge, as I came down sick late last night/early this morning with an awful sore throat & cold. It was fun doing the challenge, even if I picked the worst time to host it. What can I say? I seem to have a knack at doing that. Y'all will be able to link up your last two outfits in the linky below.




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