Act of Creation…

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© Joan Currie

I design thinking about the kind of woman that I would be: intelligent, powerful, and eccentric. – Zac Posen

There is nothing like an old fashioned dress form to help create an innovative fashion design.

My first overly-ambitious sewing project was a gown for my grade twelve prom. I chose a sky blue velvet fabric and a Butterick pattern with an Empire waist. Since the fabric was so delicate, I decided to sew the full-length back zipper in by hand. I was terribly pleased with my creation and imagined all the lovely gowns that I would make in the future.

My date, stunningly handsome in his tuxedo, liked the dress so much, he insisted that we stop at his house to take some photographs before the event. Unfortunately, when I extended my hand to greet his parents, the zipper ripped out from the back seam and his mother and I spent a good part of the evening trying to sew it back into place. My humiliation was so great that I have no memory of the prom itself.

Hero’s Journey…

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© Lauren DiMarco

We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us. – Joseph Campbell

At some point in the hero’s journey, the protagonist comes to the realization that what he has been searching for is not what he desires after all – it is not the holy grail but the love of the fair maiden that matters most. And, he would never have come to that understanding without having made the journey – traveled to distant lands, fought foes, and slain dragons. In the climb up the ladder of success, take some time not only to reassess your priorities but to decide if you want to be on that path in the first place.

Model – Lauren DiMarco

5 Beautiful Ways to Beat the Winter Blues…

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© Joan Currie

Perhaps when we find ourselves wanting everything, it is because we are dangerously close to wanting nothing. Sylvia Plath

It has not stopped raining for days and more rain is predicted for the next week (ditto for snow). Here are some ways to combat the winter blues, especially if you are alone:

1. Connect with others – phone, G-chat, IM, send an e-card, comment on a blog, go to a coffee shop.
2. Complete one task, no matter how small – organize a desk drawer, bake chocolate chip cookies, read a magazine, fix your bike tire, sew on a button.
3. Embrace the weather – if it is safe, don your rain (or snow) gear and head outside for a walk around the block, hike, ski, snowshoe, skate.
4. Play upbeat music – rediscover 70s disco favorites, cheesy wedding songs, check out YouTube videos of bands reunited.
5. Take a trip down memory lane and look at old family photographs, it really helps you appreciate who you are and where you have come from. If you have gotten off track, looking at a photograph of you as a child can help you reset your compass and resolve to do better.

Ten Beautiful Things I Use Every Day…

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© Studio La Donna

Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union.
Frank Lloyd Wright

In addition to my umbrella (it is raining heavily today), below is a list of my favorite things:

1.   iPhone (a friendship that has turned to love)
2.   Eiderdown comforter (800 fill count)
3.   Chronicle Books Journal by Julia Rothman
4.   2001 BMW X5 (nothing beats driving it on mountain roads)
5.   Swiss Army knife (Boy Scout Explorer model)
6.   Coach black high heel shoes
7.   Elna sewing machine (I have replaced the motor twice and will not part with it)
8.   Vintage Beaver Canoe sweatshirt (very cozy)
9.   KitchenAid countertop commercial mixer
10. Lululemon yoga pants (very slimming)

Model – Lauren DiMarco

Polka Dot Dress…

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© Joan Currie

Clothing should not mask a person, but enhance one.
Richard Bengtsson & Edward Pavlick

What do you do when you find the perfect dress and your mother (or sister or friend) tells you it is nice but impractical and so you pass on it, but spend the rest of the season regretting your decision?