This week at The Compound

For the past few days I’ve been lost in the the world created by Suzanne Collins in The Hunger Games trilogy. This is not the kind of fiction I usually read, and combined with medication I’ve been taking for headaches, it’s been a week of crazy dreams. I think my next reading material will be by any author who offers me joy and unicorns.

Speaking of authors, a Fool For Love contributor was in town this week and had dinner at The Compound. You can’t even tell he was brought in under blindfold via armored car.


Josh Helmin of the blog Josh and Josh Are Rich And Famous with Timothy J. Lambert.

We had a great time talking about writing, books, mad-eyed politicians, and a celebrity or two. The dogs gave him a unanimous all-paws-up.

Runway Monday: Sew 70s (PR 9:10)

On the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers were told to look to the past and create a modern design inspired by 1970s fashion. After a trip to Mood and a start on their designs, they were surprised by another challenge: to create a second look.

I don’t have the advantage of going to Mood and selecting fabulous fabrics; however, the PR designers don’t get to dig through my bins and find actual vintage fabrics from the fashion era of this challenge. My designs use silk scarves that once belonged to my mother and were donated to be wrapped and pinned on my Barbie dolls when I originally played with them. If one of the fabrics I used for this challenge seems familiar, it’s because Timothy J. Lambert created a dress from it for the Lipstick Jungle challenge in 2008. It’s a favorite pattern of mine.

However, first up is Alexandria in a subtle copper polka dot.

I created an updated version of the maxi dress using oversized beads to belt it for a sleek silhouette.

I gave the dress a gathered neckline. Her earrings were created by me using gold, copper, and silver sequins and beads.

A final side view of Alexandria’s look with her copper-enhanced Mattel heels peeking out from her hemline.

The second vintage fabric is part of Amelia’s look.

I pulled back Amelia’s curls and banded them with oversized red beads to link her accessories to Alexandria’s.

The wide-legged pants use the patterned vintage fabric. The top is a form-fitting black knit. I accessorized with Mattel’s red belt and shoes.

My updated take on 1970s designs with decades-old silk.

See you next time on the runway!

Previously this season:
9:9 Image Is Everything
9:8 What Women Want
9:7 Can’t We All Just Get Along?
9:6 The Art of the Matter
9:5 Off to the Track
9:4 All About Nina
9:3 Go Big Or Go Home
9:2 My Pet Project
9:1 Come As You Are