How to Dress Like Penelope

Ok, I know this movie came out over a year ago but I just watched it again on Netflix instant play and again was enchanted by the set design and wardrobe. It may not be the best movie I've ever seen, but every time I watch it I think "I want to live in that movie." I want those colors all around me, I want those plants in their terrariums, I want that swing in my bedroom for goodness sake. But the thing that enchants me most of all, I think, is Penelope's wardrobe. There's something classy and classic about it, yet at the same time something original and personal. And best of all, the majority of what she wears is modest - tasteful and classic.

The first time I watched this movie, upon arriving home, I immediately jumped on the ol' internet and searched desperately for any pictures I could find that could give me inspiration in recreating this look for myself. (With my own personal touches of course - as much as I love skirts, I just can't give up my jeans.) Nothing. There was like ONE picture of Penelope online - her in that adorable coat. But even though it was adorable, it just wasn't enough. So, after watching Penelope again, I tried again - even harder - to find some pictures and get some ideas of what makes Penelope's wardrobe so enchanting. Finally I found some. Here they are:

Yep, all three screenshots I could find. But, still, I did gain some insight into the style and I wanted to share some major points of what makes Penelope's wardrobe so great, and how to recreate it, or elements of it, for yourself:

a.) Colors - For most of the movie, Penelope dresses in vibrant but muted jewel tones: reds, greens, browns, blues. They have a sort of saturated feel that makes things feel older, classier, somehow.

b.) Skirts - I don't think Penelope wears any pants in this movie. She mostly wears knee-length skirts and dresses with coordinating tights and shoes. In the last scene of the movie she's wearing a blue dress with blue tights and blue shoes. How I love it. In all, her clothing is sweet and very feminine.

c.) Embellishents - Again, with the feminine - many of the shirts Penelope wears are embellished with very feminine elements like beaded flowers, ribbons, ruffles, puffed sleeves, and my personal favorite - buttons.

d.) Shoes - Penelope wears these adorable, solid-colored, heeled Mary Janes throughout the movie. They usually coordinate perfectly with whatever tights she's wearing.

So, while everyone else has moved on, I've finally cracked the code to Penelope's clothes ;) I think we all need to find our style inspiration and wear things that make us feel unique and beautiful in a modest way. Who are your style icons?

Tutorial Tuesday: Muumuu Top

Today's tutorial is another from our friends at Stitch Lounge - this time a refashioning adventure! It's a slightly more complicated project than the ten-minute top, but the results will be worth it. Plus you get to take something that is mostly unwearable, though horribly comfortable - the muumuu (I used to have a real thing for muumuus) - and turn it into a still-comfortable, much more wearable, adorable top! :) Click here for the tutorial.

Mommy Monday: Easy Burp Cloths

Here's another fun and easy project for the beginning sewing enthusiast. Gerbera designs shows us how to fancy up some simple cloth diapers to turn them into some very charming burp cloths.


Click here for the tutorial.

Tutorial Tuesday: Sweatshirt to Flirty Skirt

I think all of us have that sweatshirt - you know, the one you just love for whatever reason (maybe it's super soft or maybe it has sentimental value), but you just never wear it. It's a bit bulky or it's not flattering. Well, Do Stuff (leethal blog) has come to the rescue and created a tutorial for turning that lovable old sweatshirt into a cute new skirt that's totally you. Click here for the tutorial