Outfit: Coming up Roses

Zara jacket (similar here and here) // top // skirt (sewn, inspiration piece here, fabric available here) // bag // Celine sunnies (similar) //  heels (very comfy!)

I am so excited to share this outfit because it features my very first sewing success - this rose print box-pleated skirt! I basically fell head over heels for all of Kate Spade's most recent release, but I especially loved the abstract rose print. So I decided to make something similar! Once I digitally painted the roses, I created a repeating pattern and uploaded it to Spoonflower. They printed my custom fabric and when it arrived, I immediately got to work.

After watching tons of Youtube tutorials on pleating and skirt pattern making, I settled on a simple, large box pleat design. This skirt was surprisingly easy to make, and despite my first try coming out way to small (measuring is hard), my second skirt was close to perfection! I think I am officially addicted. With the ability to design your own fabric and my new found sewing skills, the sky is the limit! Next I will be tackling a cropped, short-sleeve top and matching full skirt.

The good news is that Spoonflower allows you to publish and sell your fabric designs. So if you're interested, you can purchase this fabric here!

So what do you guys think? I have to admit, I am pretty proud of myself!

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IKEA Sewing Table

table // casters // sewing machine (at Amazon here)

As you might have guessed from my most recent snaps (HinHH on Snapchat, warning there are also a lot of cat snaps), I am finally learning how to sew!

I am so excited. I have always wished I knew how to sew. I actually started learning with a friend just before I left Florence, and my friend Kelly in Tampa has agreed to continue my lessons. I am also supplementing these more formal lessons with a lot of DIY YouTube tutorials. Seriously, you can learn so much with just YouTube.

Now you might be wondering how I have time for this, you know with my dissertation, Etsy store, teaching/grading, and blogging (I am tired just typing all of that). I don't have much free time, but I am trying to replace my mindless TV watching with sewing (and TV watching lol). I think it will be a better outlet for me and exercise the other half of my brain (sewing is actually a lot of engineering and math lol).

I was so lucky and scored this amazing Singer Sewing machine, at Home Goods of all places, for just $129! The hardest part of learning to sew was finding the space I needed to do so in my tiny apartment. Once again, IKEA to the rescue. I saw this folding table and knew it was perfect. All I had to do was assemble. I added some casters to the feet to make it even more small-apartment friendly. It takes up virtually no space when folded down and fits perfectly under my TV in the bedroom. But when I need to work, it folds out into a massive table, which is perfect for placing and cutting out patterns. It even has pretty good storage for its size. So far, I am able to fit all of my sewing accoutrements in the six small draws.

So what do you think of my new sewing table? If you are learning or know how to sewing and looking for a really practical table (or craft table in general) I highly recommend this one!

I will be sharing more on my first successful sewing creation soon (hint: you can see it in these pics)!

Outfit: Leather and Lace

jacket (similar here and here) // dress (and here in cream) // sunnies // bag // booties (similar) // lip (in Heatwave)

One of the easiest ways to add interest to an outfit is to pair opposites - opposite colors, textures, and patterns. This blue dress is absolutely stunning in person, but I was worried it wouldn't be very versatile. Until I paired it with this leather jacket that I snagged on super clearance at Zara. I loved the juxtaposition of leather and lace, and it transformed a summer dress into a great winter look. There is nothing better than finding a dress that is not only gorgeous as is, but is also versatile. 

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Weekend Wishlist

stripe tee // bag // Keds // espadrilles // tie top // clutch // jacket // striped dress // rose pail bag

Why is it that whenever you are trying to restrain from shopping the cutest things come out? Seriously, Kate Spade's latest spring release is just about the cutest thing I have every seen. I thought last year's was incredible, but they have managed to out do themselves. I got the Rose Colored Glasses Rose Pail and rose print Keds for my birthday and I couldn't love them more! The bag is absolutely adorable. Be prepared to see a lot of it lol.

Madewell and Club Monaco are also killing it right now. I need to replace my green Fleet jacket that I somehow lost in Italy. Fortunately, Madewell has released a new version for spring. I also found the perfect navy striped tee from Club Monaco.

Rounding out my wish list are, of course, lots of pastels and stripes. I have had my eye on those flamingo Soludos for ages, but they are always sold out. And this clutch basically sums up my feelings about politics at the moment.

What's on your wish list?

Happy Weekend!

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The Best Work Bag (Ever)

dress (old, similar here and here) // blazer (old, here and here) // glasses via Ditto // shoes (old, similar) // c/o Dagne Dover tote // pencil case

It is no secret that I love Dagne Dover's totes. Simply put, they are bags that work for working women. Never in my life have I had a bag so well made and designed. They have thought about everything - how to secure your electrics, a convenient clip on card case for public transport, and pockets for everything (from your water bottle to your business cards). Even the straps are padded for comfort.

My first Dagne Dover tote was the large 15-Inch Tote (seen here). This was the first generation of Dagne totes. Not only was I impressed by the quality and design of the bag, but the company was incredibly attentive. When they asked for my feedback - my only complaint was that the bag, when filled, was quite heavy - they listened. I swear each new version is lighter than the last.

My next Dagne Tote was the Tiny Tote (seen here and here). I was looking for something small and convenient for my travels in Europe and this little guy certainly did the trick. In Florida the detachable card case was lost on me, but boy did I love it in London and Paris!

I have to admit, however, that this, my most recent Dagne tote, is my all-time favorite. The 13-Inch Tote is slightly smaller and much lighter than my original 15-Inch, yet still holds everything I need for work and travel. The padded straps are the perfect length and saves my shoulder when hauling books. And unlike the 15-Inch, these straps fold down, which makes storing them under the seat on airplanes so much easier. Not to mention this blush color is gorgeous!

Have you tried Dagne Dover yet? I got a sneak peak at some of their spring arrivals and they are gorgeous!

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History in High Heel’s Paris Map

Outside of Italy, Paris will always be my favorite city. I love visiting Paris, and I go whenever I can. I was fortunate enough to visit three times last year, and with each trip I fell even more in love with the city. My last trip in November was especially meaningful, as it was just six days after the terrorist attacks. But Parisians are resilient, and we joined them in their refusal to be terrorized.

Since returning home, I have finally been able to put together a (somewhat) comprehensive custom Google map of Paris. I love creating custom Google maps, it is the best way to share information on a particular place. The best part is that you can save the map and reference it while traveling. I am particularly proud of my efforts to map as many gorgeous Parisian doors as I could, and tracking down some amazing (but often kept secret) photo spots.

Click here to see my map of Paris. Bookmark/save this link to access the map while traveling.

And here is a great blog post that walks you through creating, accessing, and saving custom google maps.

Feel free to comment with suggestions to add to the map, or things I overlooked.


More of my posts from Paris:
Six Things to do on a Rainy Day in Paris
Postcards from Paris
A Stroll Through Montmartre
Lots of Dots in Paris
Where to Find the Best Parisian Doors
Two Gardens in Paris

Outfit: Oh Shift!

dress // sunnies (old, similar) // c/o tote // wedges // necklace

So, this is basically a winter outfit in Florida -- longer sleeves and closed toe shoes lol. We've had a couple of cold fronts come through, but the temps don't drop for more than a day. It is great to live in a place where no matter the weather, you can dress like it's spring!

Shifts like this are my favorite. It's like wearing pjs in public, but still looking cute. This dress is colorful and easy to wear, which makes it perfect for weekend brunches or days where you just want to be comfortable, which let's be honest is all day, every day. Am I the only one who is in her pjs and a top knot as soon as she gets home? This dress is a close second to that.

And how cute is this white coated canvas Tiny Tote? You know I love my Dagne Dover Black Tiny Tote, so when they sent me this gorgeous and fresh white one for spring, I was ecstatic!

Happy Monday!

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