what i: peacock, loosely

I have finally gotten over the hump of all the hard preparation for my upcoming trip to Alt, like the workbook for my roundtable, my donut pan demo book for perspective publishing houses, my business cards, all the things I've wanted to do for months all crammed into a few weeks. Now I'm into the fun stuff, like making a little headpiece for the Clue-themed party on Thursday night and altering my dresses.

Choosing Mrs. Peacock from the list of Clue characters was a no brainer for me, although I'm bringing along a bright red jumpsuit should I suddenly change my mind and go with Miss Scarlet. No feathers here, just a loose interpretation of the colors. I'm having a hard time picking which shoe to wear; I sort of want to grow a third leg and wear one of each of the silver, blue and green heels.

I made my headpiece (which I am tempted to make even bigger, but keep reminding myself this isn't a burlesque conference) using my crepe paper flower technique. I glued them all together and have attached several fabric straps to the back so I can twist and turn bobby pins through and into my hair.

I really wanted to shop my closet for this conference, but more importantly than the fact I don't fit into much of what is in my closet, this is a no-cleavage sort of situation. That eliminates 75% of what I own right there. So I did some really, really thoughtful shopping and found some amazing deals on Etsy, after scouring the vintage dress categories for the past few months. I am super happy to now own some clothing in my current size (still a ten!). Most of these will make me look like a respectable architect again, when I start taking new clients in the spring. Here are the pieces and links to these great Etsy sellers/makers.

1. kimono romper (in my size!!!), milk & cream vintage shoppe; 2. deco sequined top (a christmas present), tati tati vintage; 3. big bow dress, good karma vintage co.; 4. best dress ever, not telling; 5. neon shawl, spun sugar vintage; 6. woodland striped dress; rusty cuts. 

I have been watching that woodland dress by mega-talented Judith of Rusty Cuts since I first saw it in person at Renegade Craft Fair last summer. I met Judith at her place in San Francisco last week to try it on and it fit very well. She has wonderful handmade pieces made from all sorts of found fabrics, you should check out her shop!

I am a huge Etsy fan. There is so much great stuff out there, and due to sheer volume it's much easier to find items that fit my "sheer volume". If you know your measurements, you can find some great things.

Have a great weekend! xoxo