Moodfabrics.com suck!

I just got off from a phone call with a girl from moodfabrics.com.  I was inquiring about their shipping rates to Australia.  First thing I have noticed was the tone of her voice- well yeah what can I say, BITCHY?  Anyways, putting aside their bad customer service, apparently so as their shipping rate to Australia.  150 USD shipping price for a 105 USD worth of order.  Are you kidding me? I even asked them if they could use USPS instead of UPS.  But heck no, why? She said the shipment will not be insured if they use other carriers like USPS.  Ridiculous eh? 


Take it from someone who loves to shop online and hands down this experience with MOOD FABRICS sucks!

My sewing creation

I have had a productive month since I purchased my toyota sewing machine.  I can't get enough of it.  I am constantly hooked into creating more clothes.  I gather my inspiration with the designs from various designers like Dvf, Rory Beca, Parker, Alice+Olivia, 3.1 Philip Lim, Rebecca Taylor and all the like of contemporary designers.  With regards to the fabric, I shop at Tessuti and Lincraft.  Tessuti has so many great and beautiful fabrics--they are to die for, LOL.

Okay, the first and second left is a tiered floral print dress and cami blouse, made of silk which I got for a bargain at tessuti. The purpled color ones is a cinched waisted dress and a boxy style tee which is really really easy to make..  This is my first creation made of polyester.  I had to use polyester at that time considering it was my time sewing an actual garment...say if I messed it up then I would not felt bad about it because polyester is pretty cheap.  But anyways it came out really pretty.  The next ones after purple (center to right)--those are my favorites.  I used silk crepe de chine and silk twill fabric purchased from Tessuti.  Sewing with silk is kind of not easy at first but if you follow some simple rules to it then you will get the hang of it.  Say for example,  using a smaller number of needle will avoid puckers in the fabric.    

As an advice to those who wanted to start sewing-  start with a very simple pattern ( A boxy blouse for example)  so you wont get disappointed with your first project, instead you will be much encouraged to continue sewing.  I for myself do not use or buy patterns.  I draw my designs, take body measurements and translate my design diretly into the fabric using a tailor's chalk, tape measure and a ruler.    And FYI, it takes an average of 4 hours to make one garment.

So that's it for now..till next time.

Enjoy sewing...I know I will!!!

XOXO..

Home-made fashion

I am glad to say that it has been a wonderful ride since living here in Melbourne.  I would say that living in the inner city has lots of  benefits- everything is in walking distance including grocery stores, shopping malls, restaurants, cinema theaters, church and the most wonderful thing that has been making me busy lately is lincraft and tessuti fabric store.  I bought from lincraft a sewing machine recently and since then I have been hooked into creating more sewing projects.  So far I have made two blouses, one dress and one night shorts.  In fact, I am having a blast.  My love for contemporary fashion has made me sew my own clothes.  In retrospect, my sewing days started when my husband and I were in New York City and then I stopped for lack of experience. Needless to say, I was unproductive back then.  So I splurged into buying clothes from the various boutiques in NYC.  Being used to the retail market in NY where they are comparably less expensive than the ones here in Melbourne, I decided to sew again. I take sewing lessons every now and then from online websites and blogs offering free tutorials.  Take for example, burdastyle.com. As for the designs, I take inspiration from shopping websites like saks.com, niemanmarcus.com and shopbop.com.  

So there you go...I may later post some pictures of the above mentioned finished items.

Till next time---

xoxo..  

2 months in Oz

It has been awhile since my last post here with blogger.  I've been gone and away from New York and is now enjoying the sun and fun in Melbourne, Australia.  It has been an enjoyable experience so far except maybe for the availability of my chic cravings that I was enjoying before in NY.  With a few clothing brands selection available in the area, its not pretty at all.  Compared to the US, online shopping here is a bummer.  Totally.  Or maybe I have not found good sites yet.  But so far, I would say they are far behind in fashion and fashion labels.  In retrospect when in NY, I enjoyed browsing online at bloomingdales, saks, niemanarcus and the like, but now it has been quite boring, but want to make this clear- only with their fashion industry.  Other than that, everything's been super fun.    


So basically, I can count with my fingers right now the brands that are available here, take a look for those who are also new to this beautiful city..


1. Akira Isogawa

Akira Isogawa's collections draw on both his native Japanese heritage and a relaxed Australian influence. Isogawa's work is a subtle mix between the old and the new. He combines traditional Kimono silks with modern fibres to create a contemporary look.


Store: GPO, 350 Bourke Street, Melbourne


2. Alannah Hill
Pretty pink curled flowers are crushed onto pale blue, knee-length skirts, shirts are trimmed with velvet and endearing frills. Sales assistants dress from head to toe like flowers and colourful chaise lounges keep your reclined companion happy. Any shopper can transform into their ideal dream character.


Store: 17 Howey Place, Melbourne


Clearance outlet: 296 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy


3. Bettina Liano
No other cut nor style has been able to match Bettina's sexy jeans. Both Portia Di Rossi and Naomi Campbell travel the distance for the legendary denim. Bettina Liano designs marry sex appeal with attitude.


Store: 269 Little Collins Street, Melbourne


4. Collette Dinnigan
Originally renowned for her handmade lingerie, Collette Dinnigan also creates high-class fashion. Many high-profile clients such as Nicole Kidman and Sarah O'Hare are seen wearing Collette Dinnigan. The use of her vibrant fabrics with exquisite beading and embroidery give a sexy and sensuous feel.


Store: 553 Chapel Street, South Yarra


5. Country Road
Established in 1974, Country Road reflects the attributes and lifestyle of Australian culture. The products cover mens and womens clothing, accessories, homewear, bodycare and fragrances.


Store: Australia on Collins, 260 Collins Street, Melbourne


Clearance outlet: Richmond Plaza, 261 Bridge Road, Richmond


6. Roy Christou
Roy Christou offers structured forms with attitude for men. Zips, studs, and buttons merge to create new designs. Gathered fabrics, cords with matching jackets, and Hawaiian print simple tees are among the favourites.


Store: 192 Little Collins Street, Melbourne


7. Saba
Founded in Melbourne in 1965 Saba is an enduring and influential force within the Australian fashion industry. Saba has grown into a chic fashion label renowned for its contemporary take on women's and men's clothing, and its unique ability to integrate elegant shapes and beautiful fabrics.


Store: 234 Collins Street, Melbourne


8. Wayne Cooper
Wayne Cooper may originally hail from England but his label has worked its way to the top in Australian fashion. Wayne cuts a slimming pant, and sexy evening wear, with an emphasis on a mix of textures.


Store: QV, Albert Coats Lane, Melbourne


9. Zimmerman
Zimmerman is one of Australia's most successful and directional labels. The freshness of the designs reflects a passion for the beach, with eclectic colours and beautiful fabrics. Designer Nicky Zimmermann balances feminine details with sharp tailoring. A talent for colour and prints is reflected in the womenswear, swimwear and soft lingerie.


Store: GPO, 350 Bourke Street, Melbourne


Further Links


www.akira.com.au


www.saba.com.au


www.alannahhill.com.au


www.collettedinnigan.com.au


www.countryroad.com.au


www.waynecooper.com.au


www.bettinaliano.com.au


www.zimmermannwear.com


Enjoy browsing dolls..