PFMs Do It Better: A Denim DIY (How To Hem Jeans)

I bit the bullet and tried what I never thought possible. I hemmed my jeans while...(wait for it)...still keeping the original hem. And they were flare-legs with a 36" inseam! Let me walk you through how to do it.
First off before doing anything else- if they are new, wash and dry your jeans. This is key, we don't want any surprises due to shrinkage. Try on your jeans with the pair of shoes that you would be wearing. Fold the hem up to the appropriate length. Now you should have cuffs.

1. Carefully take off the jeans and measure how much you cuffed (from fold to bottom of the original hem.)


2. Divide that measurement in half. For instance: I folded my jeans up 2.5" in step 1. So, I divided that by 2 to get 1.25". 


3. Take that new measurement, refold the hem up accordingly and pin in place. We are not including the original hem in that measurement!   


4. Pay extra attention to lining up the seams at the sides while pinning. Especially crucial if you are hemming flares or wide-legs. Continue pinning until both legs are done. 


Using your sewing machine, stitch around the jean legs as close to the original hem as possible. Do not stitch on the original hem, and don't sew your pant legs shut by accident!

 Turn the folded edges inside of your jean legs. Break out the iron, and press the folds flat inside the jean legs. The steam setting was very helpful for this. I also pressed them from the outside to get them nicely crisp with a clean hemline. You will notice that if you had more than 2" of material to sew and press it will be bulky...remedy this by trimming the folded edge and zig zag the edges.

Try them on and get excited that you are finished, and that you can actually wear your jeans without tripping over them. No mad dash to the tailor necessary!

PFM Confessional: sesheta speaks - going with the flow

...time out of time

one with the sublime

Beauty of this place

time flows past

yet leaves not a trace...
poem & painting
©2005 Mara Berendt Friedman

today i was reminded of an important lesson:  though you have a plan for yourself in life, life sometimes has a different (sometimes conflicting) plan for you.  though the reminder was very minor (and not too traumatic), the message was still strong.  

i wear a lot of hats in my life - designer, mother, wife, daughter, employee, sister, friend (any of these roles sound familiar to you?).  i usually wear two or more hats at once.  then there are the occasional times when situations dictate what hat has to be worn  today the "Mom" hat took precedence.  i had my mind wrapped around getting through my day one way and then when i got that call, everything else had to be pushed aside.  the call about my son came in and because he wasn't ill (he just needed support from his mom), honestly, i was annoyed that i had to leave work to go tend to him.  leaving meant missing a fun event that was happening! do i wonder if that makes me a bad parent? no... because i know i did the right thing.  as i arrived at my son's school and had a chance to help him, he turned to me and said, "Thanks, Mom".  those are the words you drill in them so that children learn to be grateful but when the words come back at you with genuine earnest and appreciation... there is nothing better in the world.  

 my angst at changing up my routine to be by my son's side quickly subsided.  it definitely didn't hurt that he had melted any ounce of annoyance that may have been lingering by being grateful. either way, i had time for reflection and it only takes a little reevaluation to realize that being there for your loved ones is the only thing that life is really truly about.  i am thankful that i was able to be aware of that and able to get to him when he needed me.  

Daily Outfit: Marrakesh Is Calling

 A couple of months ago I entered an online contest sponsored by Shopbop.com to show your best 1970's inspired style and my look was chosen as the winner; check it out here!!! What did I win? This fabulous pair of MiH Marrakesh Kick Flare Jeans, much thanks to Sweet Caroline! I do love me some boho style, and there's nothing better than a soft, slim fitting pair of high-rise jeans to make you feel taller and enhance your curves. I was so excited when I put on these jeans and they fit like a dream...but there were a few inches to spare on the legs due to a 36 inch inseam. And then there's the fact that I'm just about 5'5. I hemmed the jeans myself in no time (keeping the original hem.) The DIY details will be coming at you on Wednesday! 

The amazing embroidery detail at the waist had to be shown off... subtly peeking out from underneath the many layers. It was the perfect weather for a light jacket and faux fur vest. Subconsciously I must have been influenced by Caroline in her vest, but wide-leg flares and fur just bring out the inner hippie in everyone. These jeans will be a wardrobe staple for sure...all the way through summer!

(Fur Vest- RACHEL Rachel Roy, Downtown Field Jacket- J.Crew, Cable Sweater- Gap, Jeans- thanks to Shopbop, High-Heeled Booties- Zara, Scarf- Anthropologie, Mandalas Mini Earrings- MavenFresh)

Ask the PFMs: A Dress Worthy of a Castle Wedding

White by Vera Wang

White by Vera Wang

when my good friend, Jeanmarie (aka Jean),  told me she was getting married, i immediately told her how excited i was to go dress shopping.  it didn't matter if she had me as one of the people accompanying her on this venture (which she was not ready to think about just yet).  either way, i was gonna be there lol.  well, luckily, she was totally cool with me going.  in fact, she seemed downright relieved!!  yayayyyy - a-dress-shopping we go!! :)  ...but first we needed to prep.  the only way i was going to be of much help was to get her thinking of what style dresses she liked and ideas she had.  of course, she had no idea lol.  

the first step Jean had to do was start collecting wedding magazines.  she started looking and searching and ripping out tear sheets for  inspiration.  she got a binder and then i helped her by organizing dresses by designer, then by style similarities.  surprisingly, her style was easily narrowed down.  then came the consultation.  after discussing my findings, we coined the phrase "hippie mermaid"  or "wood nymph" (we both are novices when it comes to wedding dress lingo so we made up our own,  ha ha :), and agreed that these were the concepts to keep in mind when trying on dresses.  now that we had some designer names and styles pinpointed, we needed to find out where to go for trying on dresses.  we also needed to discuss budget.  Jean's wedding is a destination event so she wasn't trying to break the bank on a dress.  we decided that it was best to start at a modest bridal salon and then work our way up to the more expensive places (if necessary).  i realized that it didn't make sense for her to try on dresses that would make her stretch her budget.  as a final step in preparation, Jean spent time searching through store websites and highlighted dresses that she would like to try on.  time to play dress up!!

today was day one and we had two places on the schedule - David's Bridal and Nordstrom's Bridal Salon.  we started at the David's Bridal - the highest priced dresses in the store were well within her range plus they had White by Vera Wang, which fit right into her style esthetic.  the funny thing is she found her dress on the fourth try.  she tried on dresses by Vera Wang White, Oleg Cassini,  and Galina and though she tried on at least 6 more beautiful dresses, she tried on her number one choice 4 times.  she was confident that she had found her dress.  it was so great that she was able to find her dress at the first place and on the first day.    i felt like our prep work really helped to make it go smoothly and, as her advocate, it was easy to help her express what she wanted. as a result, Jean found her dress - a dress worthy of a castle wedding - and something could be checked off the list.

i had a lot of fun helping Jean find her dress.  i hope to see her wear it in her wedding.  thank goodness working with her was really easy (what if she had been a bridezilla?? lol).  my goal was to make this an easy process so that it would be one less area that she would have to worry about getting through and i'm so glad to say that that mission can be considered accomplished!! hooray!! :) 

Daily Outfit: She's Got Lace

 Probably not the best idea to go outside and take off your coat when you're getting over a cold, but I did it for the love of lace! Had to show off these cream lace shorts with a rose pink underlay...swoon-worthy. The vintage-inspired high waist and skirt-like shape had me putting them in my online shopping cart in no time. I layered on the sweetness with plum silk ruffles and creamy puff sleeves. My vintage navy peacoat has been a real staple, especially in this unpredictable winter we are having. The hip length is perfect to ward off any chill...no one wants a cold bum!

 In unrelated news, I went for it and ordered the previously mentioned Vanilla Star Leopard Jeans. By that time they had a size 3 left, and I knew in my heart they would be too small. My loss can be your gain because I've listed them on eBay. The jeans are now sold out in every size...they were definitely a hot commodity.

(Peacoat-Vintage, Cardigan- H&M, Silk Shirt- J.Crew, Tineke Rose Shorts- Anthropologie, Navy Tights- Hue, Mini-Wedge Ankle Boot- Zara, Gold Shoulder Strands- MavenFresh, Taupe Loop de Loop Scarf- MavenFresh; available upon request)

Daily Outfit: Tied with a Bow

i luv these cowrie shells with the neon orange pop!!

this vintage broken-in tee is one of my favorite shirts.  it's from Bitten, Sarah Jessica Parker's collaboration with the now closed Steve and Barry's (i have three shirts total in my collection).  i'm not sure what i love about it... maybe it's the color combination or the simple but cute graphics.  either way, i still love putting it on - under blazers, sweaters or by itself in the summer.  i especially love the way i wore it this day because i had fun creating my own turban using my favorite scarf (it was a combo of faves lol).  i rocked it ala Hello Kitty or Minnie Mouse and tied it with a bow!  i was looking for a way to brighten up my cocoa colorway and this totally did the trick!!  i threw on my studs and my neon cowrie shell cuff/necklace and i was good to go!  

p.s.   i've updated The Ellie post with the cutest pics of my nephew rockin his namesake hat.  everything is cuter in small packages!!

(Luz Tee - Bitten, Brown cardigan - Old Navy, Studded pocket jeans - Blank NYC, Scarf - unknown, Slouchy boots - Nine West, Cowrie  Necklace (worn as a cuff) - MavenFresh)

Fresh Out of the Workshop: the Bow Skull Cloche

 I undeniably have a love for things that are a blend of vintage and modern...and you already know all about my ongoing hat love...these two loves inspired me to create this new crocheted accessory. I'm obsessed with 1920s fashion and all you have to do is turn on an episode of Boardwalk Empire to see why. The glitz and the glam!!! Gorgeous glittery drop-waist dresses and detailed beaded headbands...and a classic cloche was often the best bet. Sesheta and I are always rocking a bit of glitz 'n glam, yes- even for daytime. Embrace your girly side with this vintage-inspired twist on the traditional skull cap. The Bow Skull Cloche is lightweight enough that you can wear it indoors, and the oversized bow can be worn in the back or on the side...it's your call.


PS the rich color combo of bright red & royal purple is a favorite of mine!

PFMs Do It Better: Pinterest

http://pinterest.com/mavenfresh/

we've discovered Pinterest!!! how fun!!! follow us as we create our boards influenced by our style,  inspiration and creations.  

Daily Outfit: Sequins Make Everything Better

I knew after scoping out these tweed shorts for a post of Ask the PFMs, they would eventually be mine. Especially when they hit the sale section. 

I wasn't feeling too well but what got me out of bed this particular day was the thrill of wearing something sparkly. As I put together my outfit, I felt better and better. Good even. Until about 30 minutes of being at work and then I realized- nope I was still sick. Being the trooper that I am, we took our pics and had a good laugh realizing how perfectly my nails matched my shirt. Even under the weather, this girl is still on her fashion game. Ha!

(Wintertide Shorts- Anthropologie, Drapey Sequin Tank- J.Crew, Herringbone Workshirt- J.Crew, Spanx Tights- eBay, High Heel Booties- Zara, Nails- Essie Au Natural, Leopard Belt & Hairclip- Anthropologie, Copper Twigs & Berries Earrings- MavenFresh)

Fresh out of the Workshop: MavenMini - The Ellie

swoon...William Ellington "Ellie" Jones 

the dapper don lol

i just love this removable decoration!

here is the first creation that resulted from my latest inspiration.  this little hat was made and named for my brother's son, who is celebrating his first birthday this week.  when i was creating the design for it, i really channeled the warrior spirit of this little man.  i knew that whatever the design, this crown had to be worthy for a prince.  the result is this ode to a bowler/trilby/fedora.  the colors are reminiscent of nature and camoflauge to represent the strength of a warrior (he is growing up in brooklyn after all lol).  orange is a regular contrast color that i use with camo.  i love this burnt orange for its pop of brightness and i think it's perfect for a little boy.  to make it officially stylin', i added the fun decoration above of "leaves" and feather, drawing again from my inspiration source.  ...and there you have The Ellie!  

when The Ellie made its debut at the party, it got such a great reaction that you can now order it directly from our store! love it!!!

PFM Obsession: Leopard Print Jeans...For Less?

the Look

 I just stumbled on something that has my finger hovering in the air over my mouse...do I click or do I not click? I have an excessive love for printed denim, in particular for the Current Elliott Leopard Jeans. I wrote about them here. I've been coveting them for some time now, searching eBay for a pair in my size and in my price range. They retail for $200, and I just don't have that money sitting around right now. The neutral grey version would be perfect for transitioning into spring...think about all the solid pastel or neon color sweaters and shirts that you can just throw on and be looking so chic!

And now...the dilemma. These Vanilla Star leopard print jeans are being sold by Target, under $30, they also come in grey and are available online (not in-stores, unfortunately.) I am tempted to go for them and abandon my search for the higher-priced version. What do you think, has anyone tried the Vanilla Stars on? Are you embracing the animal-print denim trend for Spring? 

for Less- Vanilla Star

PFM Confessional: sesheta speaks... inspiration

if one picture is worth a thousand words, then five pictures are worth five thousand.  i've borrowed some images to share my inspiration for the pieces i've been designing and creating.  i'll be sure to post the finished products! enjoy and hope they serve as inspiration to you too...

nature

sparkle

love

neon

wild

Daily Outfit: They Go Together Like...

...peanut butter & jelly, chinese food & chocolate pudding (thank you Talladega Nights!), cheddar cheese & Pinot noir...ok now I'm just making myself hungry. Why do all these casual separates work together so well? Let's break it down: a slouchy sweater in a bright color, a pleated maxi skirt, layered with your go-to piece all year round- the denim jacket. Fancy it up with a furry collar for warmth and instant chic, add some ladylike pearls, and top it off with an animal print. Could have gone with my leopard booties, but instead I beat the bad-hair-day-blues with a vintage cheetah print scarf. Perfect outfit for the workday and then maybe a glass of Pinot after all!

(Sweater- Anthropologie, Denim Jacket- J. Crew similar here, Skirt- Vintage similar here, Boots- Frye, Silk Scarf- Vintage, Pearl Pendant Necklace & Lush Loops Collar- MavenFresh, Nails- Sally Hansen Salon Effects in Laced Up)