My DIY | Embroidered Denim Jacket

WhatIWore: Today I’m excited to share a recent little DIY project I took on - an embroidered jacket! I got the idea from a combination of a recent shopping trip and a PInterest binge - especially pieces from recent Gucci garden collection. I like the thicker look of handworked embroidery, so I decided to take on the challenge myself. I also like have a little lap project in the evenings or when I’m re-watching on of Felix’s kid shows for the bajillionith time. 

I initially used an iron transfer pattern (like Aunt Martha’s brand) for the left side, but it didn’t take as well as I would have hoped. I did get a rough idea of how to lay out the design, so then I used an ink pen to free hand the rest based on the printed design.  

On the right, I traced the medium sized rose from another iron on onto tissue paper, pinned it directly to the jacket and stitched an outline through the paper. Once transferred with that method, I removed the paper.  I actually liked this method better! If you chose to do it this way, you could save yourself the cost of the iron on and find something you like online. Tattoo art would make for gorgeous embroidery patterns! 

The rest of the piece - like the small purple flowers, honey bee and some leaves - were either drawn directly onto the jacket or stitched freestyle. 

All in all, I’d estimate I put about 30 hours into this jacket and am very happy with the results. If you have any experience with embroidery work, you might try something similar! Because I did this one for pleasure, I didn’t stop to take photos along the way for a DIY, but I can tell you that Google and YouTube are great resources when you need help figuring out a stitch (the yellow French knots took me a while to master). 

Another tip - embroidery floss is pretty inexpensive - about 40 to 50 cents per skein, and I wish I’d bought double the pinks and greens (or at least written down the exact color numbers) before I started. Matching under the fluorescent lights at the fabric store meant I had to make a couple trips to get extra the exact shades. 

It’s supposed to cool down later this week and if everyone is back to health in my home (we’ve been battling a nasty stomach bug all around. Ick!), we’ll be able to shoot outfit photos. I think it’ll look cute with a black rib knit dress and ankle boots (but because the front is plain, will go with a lot of neutrals!)

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What I Wore | Dark Floral

WhatIWore: While the past few mornings have been cool and crisp, today turned into one of those sweating-through-your-clothes-while-child-throws-a-tatrum type days. Phew. I wore my olive green skinny maternity pants all day, but switched out of the top after walking a mile round trip to and from the library. It was just too hot! 

I do really like how this outfit came together. Feeling a little more into the swing of things by the day and it’s obviously reflected in how I’m getting dressed (and visa versa)

When: August 24, 2016

What:
Shades: Karen Walker ‘Super Duper’
Necklace: Elma Blint
Blouse: Destination Maternity (see similar regular sized options below)
Skinny Pants: A Pea in the Pod (similar regular sizing)
Shoes: gift of Rockport from last spring
Bag: gift of Vera Bradley, also from last spring

Where: Library Date with the kiddo

There’s probably not a fall season that goes by that I’m not into some sort of dark floral print. Lots of non maternity options below (but to be honest, I think I might keep this one in my closet beyond pregnancy - I really like it!)

What I Wore | True Blue

WhatIWore: Hello, everyone! I’m having a really nice day today! This morning we ran errands and took care of things outside of the house and when we got back, my son took a suuupper long nap, so I was able to cook for myself, relax and read a magazine and get a jump on dishes/laundry/etc. 

It didn’t hurt that I finally had a good night’s rest plus some me time this morning to shower and get ready. My friends at Tucker graciously gifted me this beautiful dress to celebrate my new silhouette, and even though it’s not made for maternity, it’s so flattering and fun to wear. All I had to do was remove the self fabric belt from the loops and shimmy it up a few inches! It’s my normal size (medium), so it won’t go to waste after baby is born. I felt so gorgeous for the first time in a long time. And any woman, pregnant or not, deserves to feel good about herself and the way she looks. It’s no secret this pregnancy has been hard on me emotionally, so a little self esteem boost really goes a long way. 

When: August 23, 2016

What:
Shades: Cactus Flower (old)
Necklace: Gift from Adam (he found on etsy)
Dress: gift of Tucker
Booties: LL Bean (older color, best match here)

Where: Out and About

What I Wore | Crisp Morning

WhatIWore: Although it’ll end up being near 80 today, we slept with our windows open and woke up to 60 degrees. I am so desperate to be done with summer clothes - so I got dressed up for fall instead! Later I’ll probably change back into sandals and ditch the jacket (although it’s pretty light weight), but for now, it just feels good to wear dark colors. 

When: August 22, 2016

What:
Shades: Prada (majorly discounted at a second hand store)
Jacket: Old Navy
Necklace: ModCloth (old)
Dress: Target
Booties: Rag + Bone

Where: Where ever the day takes us! (library, park, grocery? woo hoo)

Guess what else? I’m halfway through my pregnancy! We found out the baby’s gender last week and will reveal either this week or next!