My Navy Blue Swing Dress...

Ok, about this navy swing dress, I've made it before (see the same dress in red and white polka dot here, it's the first one in my "handmade" video) I had an event to attend where I wanted to wear the same dress silhouette in blue. This is my latest completed dress to date, having finished it on March 20, 2010. And this navy dress was not without it's challenges. I know. You're shocked. Because I always just blow through all of my sewing projects with such ease, style and unparalleled grace. Then you remembered who you were dealing with, lol. Listen, I've said this before, but I think it bears repeating on occasion. I'm a DESIGNER. And I can sew a little. Period. The end. I "make it work" like Tim Gunn always says. I love, love, love the end result of sewing, but my patience with actually doing it could be a lot better. And shoot, since I'm bringing clarity to my sewing situation, I hold a fashion design degree from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, so no, I'm not a "seamstress." When I think of a seamstress, I think of someone who can sew more than "a little" so again, no, I'm not altering your pants, making prom dresses or sewing brides maid gowns, so not asking me to do these things goes a very, very long way. On my business card, I list myself as a "designer of cute dresses" because making cute dresses is what makes me happiest. It's what I love to do most. Ready-to-wear. Made to size. That custom design that you dreamed up and want made needs to be shown to a seamstress. Not me. And please trust that I'm saying all of this with the utmost love in my heart. Now back to what we were even talking about in this post, which is my completed navy blue swing dress.  Isn't it cute? :)

Creating My "Sasha" Dress...

Wow, I haven't done a sewing post in a while, right? Well I felt it was time to remedy that, and I've been sewing quite a bit so I wanted to show you what I've been up to. For this particular dress, my "Sasha" one shoulder belted mini, I had the fabric long before I knew what I wanted to do with it. It wasn't until I started seeing all of the one-shouldered trends on the runways that I had my "lightbulb moment" and my fabric and design came together... I heart finished sketches. I use templates for all my sketches and just draw my clothes on top. I like to go a little crazy with the hair, makeup and accessories though. Above is my "Sasha" dress coming together... I elasticized the waistline and there's no zipper in my sample dress. But a zipper can easily be added and the elastic waist can be eliminated to make a one shouldered belted sheath without losing the integrity of the dress. And of course, this dress has POCKETS :) And finally, POW! My finished sample dress! I have to say that the "Sasha" dress is one of my faves. I usually make all of my prototypes/samples in my size to fit them on a real body and this dress is quite cute on. The "Sasha" dress is also available to be custom sized in my etsy shop for a fab price! Check it out today.

Creating My "Sophia" Dress...

My "Sophia" necktie sheath dress preceded my "Sasha" dress and the first "Sophia" dress I completed was done in the same tribal printed brown and white fabric. "Sasha" Dress on the left, "Sophia" Dress on the right But as prototypes and first patterns go, the fit isn't always on point the first go round so there was some pattern tweaking that had to take place to get the sizing and the fit right. And on top of that, the pockets on this dress gave me MAD DRAMA. The POCKETS. That I LOVE to put on EVERYTHING. I must have redone the pockets on the purple "Sophia" Dress about 5 times. Sound crazy? Go back and read some of my earlier sewing style entries to see how impatient I am as a sewer. You'd think I'd have more patience with sewing by now, but you'd be wrong. But in the end, I was pleased with the turnout of my "Sophia" dress. Pocket apocolypse and all, lol. The "Sophia" dress is also available to be made in custom sizing in my etsy store. With or WITHOUT *hint hint* the pockets ;) Check it out today.

Hip Links!

I think Tina Fey looks THE HOTNESS inside the new issue of Esquire Magazine. She is workin' it! Kimora's "Life in the Fab Lane" is back in full fabulosity. I can't get enough of this song! Or this one... Love 'em both. Splendora shows off a few great Spring dresses. And their wonderfully wallet-friendly counterparts. Kinda feeling the new Garden Collection at H&M. Wait. Bump that. REALLY feeling the new Garden Collection at H&M. Take $20 Off Only at MaxStudio.com! use SPRING10 at checkout, exp 4/20

Sponsored: Authentic Scentsy Candle Warmers...

Authentic Scentsy Candle Warmers - www.losetheflame.com A wonderful scented candle that you don't have to light. Just plug and enjoy. Fabulous. sponsored like Chanel Ward's profile on MyLikes

Snuggie Who? The "Slanket" Did it First.

Well, it's true. Snuggie is a rip off of a lesser known blanket with sleeves... The "Slanket".

Hip Look of the Day: Jennifer Aniston in Donna Karan...

Jennifer Aniston (who usually favors mini dresses) attended the premiere of "The Bounty Hunter" at the Ziegfeld Theatre on March 16, 2010 in New York, New York City wearing this nude, grecian inspired Donna Karan gown and I think she looks great in it. Well played Jen Aniston. Well played. Actors Gerard Butler and Jennifer Aniston attended the premiere of "The Bounty Hunter" on March 16, 2010 in New York, New York City.

Are You Ready for Stella McCartney's Wool Turtleneck Jumpsuit?

You'll be jumping for joy in your wool knit turtleneck jumpsuit from the one and only Stella McCartney. Check the specs: Color: Purple Lightweight, soft wool knit Rib banded turtleneck Long sleeve with rib banded cuffs Flat front On-seam side pockets Tapered hem with rib banded cuff Exposed rear zip closure; unlined 30'' inseam Approximate measurements taken from a size US 4 (ITA 38), and may vary by size 100% Wool; Dry Clean; Italy And it's currently on sale! Regularly priced at $1,195, you can get your hands on one for only $836! Saving you a whopping 30%. Is that hard to beat or what?! So go ahead and click on over to Bluefly to see if they have one in your size before they sell out.

Tiger Woods Announces His Return to Golf...

Via UsWeekly: On Tuesday, Tiger Woods announced he is returning to golf Apr. 8. In a statement, he said: "The Masters is where I won my first major and I view this tournament with great respect. After a long and necessary time away from the game, I feel like I'm ready to start my season at Augusta. "The major championships have always been a special focus in my career and, as a professional, I think Augusta is where I need to be, even though it's been a while since I last played. "I have undergone almost two months of inpatient therapy and I am continuing my treatment. Although I'm returning to competition, I still have a lot of work to do in my personal life. "When I finally got into a position to think about competitive golf again, it became apparent to me that the Masters would be the earliest I could play. I called both Joe Lewis and Arnold Palmer and expressed my regrets for not attending the Tavistock Cup and the Arnold Palmer Invitational. I again want to thank them both for their support and their understanding. Those are fantastic tournaments and I look forward to competing in them again. "I would also like to thank the Augusta National members and staff for their support. I have deep appreciation for everything that they do to create a wonderful event for the benefit of the game."

Sponsored: Sterling Silver Beaded Lanyard. Pretty.

Click below to check it out... Sterling Silver Beaded Lanyard - www.mycadesigns.com Nice. sponsored like Chanel Ward's profile on MyLikes

Paris Fashion Week Fall 2010 RTW Highlights [VIDEO]...

Fashion in Paris! The two seem to go hand in hand, no? Paris showed a new kind of "power dressing" on the runways. A return to clean minimalism, a blending of "real" and "fake" [fur] and the continued use of REAL women on the runways (you know, more than a size 0, 2 or 4). Check the vid below:

The Transformation of Tyra Banks [LINK]...

Check out supermodel turned media mogul Tyra Banks transformation through the years. Click the pic below to see the slideshow:

Hip Links!

Saw this movie this weekend and thought it was quite entertaining. Much better than the trailer looks. I enjoyed it. [CLICK IT] John Edwards mistress, (her name will not be typed here) is insensitive, irresponsible, shameless and BRAZEN. [CLICK IT] And then, SWSNBNH says that she was "repulsed" by her pics in GQ. After posing for them. Riiiight. [CLICK IT] Pop on the Pop scores an interview with Documentary filmaker Michael Moore! (VIDEO) Check it out and leave your comments. [CLICK IT] Victoria Beckham would love to dress Michelle Obama. [CLICK IT]

Behind the Scenes of BET's "Rip the Runway" [VIDEO]...

Misa Hylton of "True Style" speaks with designers, Gavin Douglas and Tracy Reese before BET's "Rip the Runway" fashion show which airs on March 15th on BET.

Princess Tiana is Inducted into Disney's Royal Court...

Anika Noni Rose attends Princess Tiana's official induction into the Disney Princess Royal Court and "The Princess and the Frog" DVD launch at The New York Palace Hotel on March 14, 2010 in New York City. An actress portraying Princess Tiana attends Princess Tiana's official induction into the Disney Princess Royal Court and "The Princess and the Frog" DVD launch at The New York Palace Hotel on March 14, 2010 in New York City.

Classic: "Lazy Sunday" Performed with The Roots LIVE.

Chris Parnell and Andy Samberg and The Roots performing "Lazy Sunday" LIVE for the first time. The hotness.

Out of Control Frenzied Fashionistas at Sonia Rykiel for H&M...

Pandemonium broke out recently at H&M stores in Paris and London when designer Sonia Rykiel released her collaboration with the store. I love H&M just as much as the next fangirl, but there's NO WAY I'd ever be a part of a completely ridiculous scene like this one: I remember trying to check out Roberto Cavalli at H&M in Chicago a little while ago with no success. via Dogmom's Dish: WWD reported that the "gloves were off" in Paris and London for today's launch of Sonia Rykiel’s knitwear collaboration with H&M. After extended pre-opening waits, crazed, clawing fashionistas cleared the racks quickly in both cities. Read the rest of this article HERE.

Zoe Saldana Covers the April 2010 Issue of Essence Magazine.

"Power can be an amazing tool or a deadly weapon..."--Zoe Saldana She garnered tons of attention with her star turn in the Oscar-nominated blockbuster "Avatar." And sure, she's got a string of hot films coming soon--opposite everyone from Chris Rock to Idris Elba. But who is Zoe Saldana, really? ESSENCE talks to Hollywood's screen gem as she gets real on power, sex and guilty pleasures. Check out Essence Magazine's April Issue to get the goods. EXCERPTS: ON SEX: “Love it, love it, love it---can’t live without it! I love sex. I love skin. I don’t believe the body is something to hide. I think in American society we’re messing up our kids by taking away the education on awareness of sexuality and replacing it with violence, guns, and video games—we’re breeding little criminals. ON LOVE: “Love is a birthright.”

Gabby Sidibe's Audition Tape for "Precious" [VIDEO]

via ONTD: Gabourey Sidibe’s turn as a young, sexually-abused illiterate mother in “Precious” has drawn critical acclaim from some and criticism from others who say that the movie and her performance promote African-American stereotypes. Viewers can get a sense of the roots of the role when “Precious” comes out on DVD tomorrow. One of the extras on the coming disc is Sidibe’s audition tape. You can watch the clip below.

Milan Fashion Week Fall 2010 RTW Highlights [VIDEO]

Technology, curvy girls (yay!) color-blocking, bold prints and sexiness with a twist. There was talk about how coveted the "Made in Italy" label is and a strong return to commercialism. The color black was recognized the most "selling color all over the world."

In Case You Missed: Sandra Bullock's Oscar Acceptance Speech..

I truly enjoyed Sandra Bullock playing Leanne Tuohy in "The Blind Side" I thought she was fabulous in the role. A well deserved win.

In Case You Missed: Monique's Oscar Acceptance Speech...

Mo'Nique won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for "Precious" based on the novel "Push" by Sapphire. Her acceptance speech below:

The 2010 82nd Academy Awards Red Carpet...

Sandra Bullock won her first Best Actress Oscar for "The Blind Side" Hollywood's biggest night, the 82nd Annual Academy Awards took place in Hollywood on March 8, 2010. It was a night of surprises and expected outcomes alike. Check out the photo post below to see what celebs wore on Oscars red carpet. [Click the thumbnails below for a larger pic] Jennifer Lopez in Armani Prive, Helen Mirren in Badgley Mischka. Charlize Theron in Vera Wang, Demi Moore in Atelier Versace, Queen Latifah in Badgley Mischka. Nicole Richie in Reem Acra, Molly Ringwald in Todd Thomas and Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab Couture. Anika Noni Rose, Diane Kruger in CHANEL Couture, Anna Kendrick in Elie Saab Couture. Tina Fey in Michael Kors, Carey Mulligan in Prada, and Virginia Madsen Mo'Nique in Tadashi, Mariah Carey in Valentino and Paula Patton and Robin Thicke. Vera Farmiga in Marchesa, Zoe Saldana in Givenchy and Mariska Hargitay

The 82nd Annual Academy Awards are Upon Us...

This years awards will be hosted by Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin. This is the third time Steve has hosted the Oscars and the first time for Alex. They will be bringing you all the action live from the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles, California. Live in one of the areas where ABC has pulled the Oscar telecast from Cable? Well don't trip, because you can watch the Oscars LIVE ONLINE HERE. Follow Hip Candy on Twitter for red carpet commentary and Oscar updates!