Brielle's Notions

Lincoln Lee: Cool vs Geeky

Greetings,

This is really random, but it 'twas a fleeting image I was pondering upon while watching Fringe last week.

So I thought why not share it with you my fellow costume obsessed readers?

I really do appreciate each and everyone of you who visit the blog and/or leave comments. Totally makes my day! Thank you.

 

Ok, back to the topic. Lincoln's Morph-Ability in Fringe.

The Costume Designer Jenni Gullett (from x-files!) did a great job with the wardrobe.  As well as the makeup artists...they used very subtle changes with his makeup/hair, but just enough to create a new look.

In the Alternate Universe Lincoln is rocking a cool slightly "sci-fi action hero look" complete with military inspired jacket, combat boots, spiked hair and that awesome cuff/earbud thing.

In our Universe Lincoln shows up a bit later in the show. He completes his look in a bit more geeky way with a classic fitted gray suit, those glasses and more polished hair.

I just find it interesting that with just a few changes you can completely alter someones look. Or your own style for that matter.

Makes me want to go buy a new outfit of some kind...rock some "alternate universe" Olivia fashion..hmm....

The Power of Clothes is pretty cool....(and hair gel apparently) 

So what Agent Lee do you prefer?

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*Spoiler Alert* if you watch Fringe and aren't caught up....well, then. opps! Erase your memory from this point on.

I was kind of shocked with the last Fringe Episode, totally didn't see that coming! How could Lincoln die????? Anyway......it is Fringe so anything could happen.

...but maybe, just maybe...it will all work out for everyone.....

Have an awesome day!

Twilight Zone.....inspired fashion?

Greetings,

This is going to be a rather random post.

However, there is some reason behind it...kind of. When I am sewing (and not listening to movies) I am usually listening to TV shows.

Those are almost always X-Files, Fringe or the Twilight Zone.....etc...

I was listening to the first episode of season 3 of Twilight Zone the other day and for some reason I really liked the outfits! Lol, I know weird right?

Well anyway...the story line was short. Typical Twilight Zone etc...but the outfits were "end of the world" cool....

The Woman in the show puts on this fancy dress she found in an old shop. Then straps on her guns and very large knife. Love it!

Kind of reminded me of Ella's Dress from Cowboys and Aliens. read that here

Soft/Lady Like + End of the World Tough....

 

I like that style, but I like weird sci-fi stuff.

Especially when it involves a worn down dress that used to be stunning.

Aka, Tia Dalma's Costume, Colleen Atwood's costume designs for Mrs. Lovett etc... There is just something I am drawn to about worn down pretty dresses with the lady holding a good weapon. Love it.

Oh! Side Note: I like her makeup as well.

I know it is in black and white, but the tones and style are still cool.

It is kind of interesting because the "smokey eye" she is wearing in this episode didn't come into real day to day fashion for quite a few years. Now it is the normal look. You see it everywhere. It is one of my favorites eye makeups to do.

I think you could achieve a similar look with this tutorial. Or try copying one of Amanda Seyfried's eye makeup styles...

This Costume could really be a starting point for all kinds of fashion/costume ideas. I might just go draw something up inspired by this....oh, the possibilities!

Anyway, have an awesome day!

Thanks for stopping by my little blog.

 

P.S. Recognize the actress in the photos above?

....she actually only says a few words in the Twilight Zone episode, but makes up for it later in her tv show Bewitched.

*cue the theme song music...*

 

Krma Jacket Review

Greetings,

Today I have a review to share.

I am not getting paid for this by any means. I am simply wanting to share a review online. This way if someone is looking for a review on this jacket brand you can kind find it!

So I have been eyeing these jackets for about a year now.

The styles are very sleek, but still classic.

I was lucky to find a great sale. So I treated myself to something new.

As a seamstress I can certainly say these are VERY well made jackets. Perfect. The leather is high quality as well as the lining. The sleeves were actually long enough for me. Loved that.

Nice metal zipper and perfectly placed welt pockets.

It makes me really happy that these are made in the USA.

This is the style I have... Crinkle Jacket Black in a size M. (36 bust, 27 waist)

I would suggest reading the size charts closely and getting the one that fits your measurements...not your standard clothing size. 

What I like best about the fit is that the bottom of the jacket features a ribbing fabric. It fits a more hourglass shape perfectly. Sometimes I have found that if a jacket fits at the hips the waist is too big, or the other way around.

So if you have a bit of a curvy figure this fits extremely well.

The collar detail is very nice. Simple, but elegant as well.

It is actually designed for a ladies neck. Sometimes store bought jackets have these big clunky collars that don't work if you have slim neck. This one is flattering.

*Necklace was from an etsy shop in London. (Her store isn't open any more, sorry)

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It is very similar to the one that the alternate Olivia wears on Fringe...thus the reason I like this jacket so much. The pockets are the only difference.. (and it is another brand, but you get the idea) 

Acording to Krma's website this is the same jacket worn by Nina Dobrev. I hear this is the exact jacket style that was worn by Katherine/Elena in the Vampire Daires TV show? Not sure. 

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I just liked the style! It is a great piece to dress up or down.

Makes your basic jeans and skirts look so much better.

I can't wait for the weather to warm up a bit so I can wear it! It is still snowy outside so it might be a while.

If you have any questions about this jacket please leave a comment and I would be happy to answer them if I can.

Thanks for reading!

 

Have a magical day,

 

Cat Woman Style...

Greetings,

Batman is my favorite Super Hero. So I am very much looking forward to the 3rd installment in Christopher Nolan's epic batman trilogy. Not to mention the costumes are always spot on perfect.

View the movie trailer here....

If you want to catch my first "Cat Woman" post, please visit it here.

"I love the costume because everything has a purpose, nothing is in place for fantasy’s sake, and that’s the case with everything in Christopher Nolan’s Gotham City." 

- Anne Hathaway, Talks Catwoman Interview

The costumes were designed by Lindy Hemming.

You may have seen her amazing work in movies such as Casino Royale, Clash of the Titans, Tomb Raider: Lara Croft (1&2), etc...

She also did the costumes for Batman Begins and the Dark Knight of course. Might as well do the whole trilogy if you can.

Selina Kyle/Cat Woman Fashion

Her "under cover" look appears to be very elegant and almost Audrey Hepburn inspired. With a modern edge..not quite 60's, but definitely a retro feel.

The black leather gloves are hot and those shoes are awesome. Wonder what designer did those. hmmm....

I am lovin' her lace mask and red lips look. This combination isn't exactly unique, but that is ok. It works very nicely with her whole style and color scheme.

Classic pearl earrings and red nails complete the look. I do like the shape of the mask...rather pretty. I would have expected the "cat eye" pointed lace mask, but I like this too.

The Cat Suit!

ok, I have noticed lots of hate and lots of love for her cat suit on the blog world.

I personally really like it. It actually looks practical. (well other than those shoes...but hey, she has to have heels...it is Catwoman) The over all design is sleek and elegant.

The design of the suit plays with elements from the classic "cat woman look" but still keeps her covered enough to fly about roof tops at night without being seen.

I do like that she has long hair. That looks great with the contrast of the all black costume.

Are those ears I see as well? She had to have some kind of cat accent. 

It appears that the heels on her boots are steel. Nice touch. Maybe they are sharp...that would be super cool. Knife blade heels?

Oh, here is a shot of the gown she is most likely wearing with that lace mask. At least that is my guess. Sort of goes with the rest of the outfit. Maybe?

So what are your thoughts?

Yay or Nay on the New Catwoman look?

I am working on a cat woman mask/makeup look so keep an eye out for that if you like that kind of thing.....

 

Thanks for reading!

Mystique's Leather Jacket: Construction part 2

Greetings,

Well here I am with the second update on my Mystique inspired leather jacket.

If you didn't read the first update... click this link...to be taken to the first section. 

The jacket I am taking inspiration from is the one Mystique is wearing in the middle there.

Alrighty...so you want to see what I got for supplies?

My leather arrived and it is very pretty,...

....but I must admit it is far lighter then I was expecting.

The website had it pictured a few shades darker. Meh.

However, I am still going to keep it and just go with the lighter color. So yeah...all good, just not as movie accurate as I was thinking.

Over all the color is a pretty shade of gray and it will do nicely for this time of year and spring...and make a good contrast against my hair I suppose.

The leather is the color of a shark actually.

For the lining....I picked up this electric blue shade. Going for that Mystique color, you know? No one will see it, but me....none the less I wanted something more fun than gray lining. 

Here is a quick concept sketch of the jacket style I am going to create.

Oh, the buttons!

What do you think? I wanted a style that was very "xmen-ish", x-men inspired I should say. So after scanning all the button racks I decided upon these.

Aren't they cool? I really wanted metal ones with a big X on them, but I couldn't find anything like that...thus, these were the next best thing. They are full metal with lots of details.

 Well that is all I have for updates at the moment...

...Once I start sewing I shall get some pictures.

My Dress Form named Jean Grey will be modeling the coat for me...thought that was rather ironic, but she does such a nice job. All the Dress Forms are named in the studio...makes life easier.

I really like Jean Grey's wardrobe in the X-Men movies as well...I might have to make a dress inspired by her or something. Any ideas?

 

Thanks for reading!

Any questions or comments just let me know.

 

Star Style inspired by Wonderland...

Greetings!

If you didn't know it already Colleen Atwood is one of my (many) favorite costume designer. She does amazing work. So fun and whimsical...

However, this post was inspired completely by the picture below. 

The picture is from an Alice in Wonderland Movie Event....

You have Anne on one side...looking very classic modern hollywood in a high end designer gown...and Helena. Well, looking like her self. No fancy free designer dress for her. She even accented her look with Queen of Hearts accessories! Love it.

Helena Bonham Carter always takes "risks" in the fashion world and most "high-end fashion experts" dis her and say her style is ridicules....

I personally admire the fact that she wears what SHE LIKES! and even if that means calling her friend Colleen Atwood to whip up a custom created gown for a red carpet event.

She wears what makes her happy.

Who else could carry around a sparkly sequined clutch with the Queen of Hearts on it while wearing a corseted puffy gown on the red carpet? Not many. It suits her style very nicely though.

She was quoted to say..."I don't care what people think. I wear what I like, it is just clothing. Red Carpets are supposed to be about the movies."- Helena Bonham Carter

That is exactly the reason she wore a custom designed dress from Colleen Atwood for the 2011 Oscars. She wanted it to be about the movies...and the costume designer. Wow. very cool.

I actually really like her dress. It is so...Sophisticated Wonderland.

Her style for another "Alice in Wonderland Event" in the photo below was clearly inspired by the "tim burton look". I wonder if Colleen had anything to do with this outfit? Certainly looks that way...

I actually really like Anne's outfit. I would wear that. However Helena's mad hatter-esq look is so fun. Look at the lace fingerless gloves!

"For red carpet events I think of myself like a Christmas Tree."

- Helena Bonham Carter

Now, dressing like Mrs. Lovett everyday might not be for everyone....but she makes it work.

I hope this inspires you to wear what you like and just remember to have fun with clothes.

Life is too short to worry ever second about what other people think...be yourself! 

Thanks for reading.

 

 

Navy Blue Day Dress: Vampire Style....

Greetings,

Here is another dress I made just for wearing around during the day. I like it because it is easy to wear and you can dress it up or down. Or you could wear it for night time events as well.

For these pictures I styled it in a way I would most likely wear it.

A classic black belt accents the waist while a silver cross pendant hangs from a chain around the neck.

The boots reminded me of a Victorian Boot with modern touches...thus, I thought it looked kind of Vampire Style...with a cross necklace and all that.  Don't ya think?

I would wear my hair down in waves.

• Boots are from Macy's. (bought back in November)
• Necklace was thrifted and re-painted tarnished silver
• Black Leather Belt is just a basic piece
• Blue Dress was made from this awesome pattern

*Seamstress notes: The fabric I used is a poly wool blend of some kind. I found it on an awesome sale, so this whole dress only cost me $9!! (including the zipper) I highly recommend trying out this pattern if you like a simple and elegant style.

You can see my brown version of the same dress here is the link
I have actually worn the brown version many times. It is very comfortable and fits like a glove. So this navy version should be just the same...hopefully. Same exact fabric anyway.

I also wanted to make a navy dress to go with my Retro X-Men jacket. (once I get it done!) So this sort of fits that I think. I'll just change the boots and necklace of course.

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Before I go, I had to share these pictures!

Check out the full moon we had tonight... Isn't it pretty?

The moon was so bright you can't see all the trees around it in the forest, but you get the general idea. I love full moons, they look so pretty...and it lights up the entire woods! A bit spooky if you are walking around that night, but totally worth it. Just be careful for werewolves....hehheh. ;)

 

Thanks for reading.

Have a magical day!

Mystique's Leather Jacket: Construction part 1

*Heads up, this post is full of "sewing talk".....if you aren't into that this might be rather long for you*

Greetings,

So. I have been on the hunt for a good leather jacket for a while.

Everything I wanted was too expensive ($600 and up....) apparently I have good taste. lol. I just can't justify that kind of money on a jacket right now.

I love black leather.

However, I wear black....very often. So the black clothes + black jacket might be a bit harsh. (Not that I would mind looking like someone from the Matrix)...I just wanted something a little less harsh, for wearing with my "normal" clothes.

~ The Inspiration ~

Thus, I decided on Mystique's Gray Leather Jacket from X-men First Class.

This jacket had everything I wanted. A bit of a retro vibe with a sophisticated "Super Hero Chic" twist. The trench style is perfect with a fitted waist and shorter length.

This way I can wear my black skirts and boots...with a jacket that has a bit more "color".  Actually I would copy her whole look...but with a longer skirt of course....and dark brown hair, but whatever. You get the idea.

* side note: I really liked the fact that the Jennifer Lawrence who plays Raven/Mystique isn't some skin and bones little thing. She actually is shaped like a real girl! She is even the same height as me...kind of fun. Anyway...back on topic.

~ The Construction ~

Pattern Design....

ok, I got a bit lazy on this one.

I didn't want to start from scratch! lol. I would rather just find a similar pattern and alter it. (it isn't like I am making a pirate dress or something...) I figured there would be some kind of pattern out there to use as a starting point.

After a really long search I found this pattern. (apparently Trench Coat patterns are harder to find than I thought!)

• I am going to use Marfy Trench Coat F1751 see it here

•  (these are designer patterns that come with no instructions or pictures...and you can only buy 1 size at a time) Being this was a European pattern you have to do everything by centimeters. I was in between size 42 and 44 so I decided to go with the 44 (which is USA 36 in) I figured I can make it fit me just how I want anyway. I just bought the pattern so it isn't here yet. :) 

Alterations for Design:

What I need to change on the pattern....

• Shorten the length to be like Mystique's
• Make the collar a bit smaller.
• Adjust the button placement.
• Add a back "yoke" maybe....(the movie one has that, but I need to test it to see if I even want that added to my coat)
• Add Belt loops right on my waist.
• add a coat "pleat" to the back.
• Possibly adjust the shoulders as well.
• add some secret pockets to the lining!....so much fun.

You might be wondering...."why would use that pattern if you are going to change it so much?"

Well...the base of the pattern is perfect. I haven't used that company before and I wanted to try something new. The reviews on this pattern company look really good.

I can also use this pattern for a lot more coats! The length would be pretty for a new winter coat.

I will be working on a drawing of the coat, but I haven't finished that yet. I will post it on my next update of this project.

 At least this jacket will match my school shirt too.....

 

 ~ The Leather and Fabric ~

Yeah! Leather...I love sewing with leather. I know...it is a dead animal, but it makes an awesome jacket. I have used it a number of times, but not on anything that wasn't "historical" or "pirate-ish".

So this will my first "modern" leather jacket. Exciting isn't it?

The leather hide I am going to use is called Slat. You can see it here...

The leather company I really like...and highly recommend is over here Great service and really nice leather.

I need to get some buttons, but that shall be the easy part. Maybe some cool metal ones with an "X" like design? Not sure yet....

For the lining...I think I want to use a dark gray silk of some kind. I shall just have to go and feel all the silky linings until I find one I like.

I shall post pictures once the leather arrives!

Thanks for reading!

Any questions or comments just let me know.

Fall Fashion Inspired by Costumes: Fringe Edition

Greetings!

This is going to be my first post in my new fall series. 

My plan is to put together some outfits that are inspired by various looks and costumes worn in movies/tv shows that I enjoy. Perhaps some tips as well as to how to incorporate these looks into your fall wardrobe.

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Fall Fashion Inspired by Costumes: Fringe Edition

ok... if you don't know me in real life you might not know about my sci-fi obssession side.

Well I really like the fashion style that the costume designer Jenni Gullett and Marie Abma created for Olivia Dunham's look in the Fox tv show Fringe. They did a good job as a team putting together the costumes.

*on a side note, Jenni Gullett was also the Costume Designer for X-files!!! I thought that was pretty cool that she did Fringe and X-files. Scully always had nice outfits and perfect hair.*

This post is much better if you read it while listening to this.

I know most people probably don't notice these things , but I have a habit of looking at costume details...even in modern looks.

 
I thought it would be fun to create a couple fashion looks inspired by Fringe that you can recreate in your own fall wardrobe.

So I have put together 2 outfits from my own closet. I didn't have a budget to buy anything so I thought I would be creative! :)

 The first look is for our side of the universe, and the second outfit is for the alternate universe.

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Outfit 1: Our Universe Fashion

 

Olivia's outfits for "Our Side" of the universe are classic and simple.

Her usual look is a white , light blue shirt or gray shirt.  Nice gray pants, a fitted  black blazer and simple black heeled boots. If it is a colder day it appears that she wears either a black trench or a gray wool double breasted trench. Accessories with the colder weather coats are her gray scarf and black hat. Simple, yes and still elegant.

Hairstyle is straight and a nice shade of blonde. If she is not wearing it down it appears that she is always wearing a ponytail or a french braid.

I don't have a white or light blue button up shirt so I went for a more "inspired by look" of her outfits. Here is what I came up with...

From my closet...

 

Black Belted Trench: old navy

• Dove Gray Shirt: Target
• Black Pants: old navy, not pictured.
• Black Boots:  pictured in the second look below.

For this look I would style my hair straight or put it in a simple braid or updo.

 

Sorry, my dress form can't model pants well. So I just left those out of the picture, but you get the idea.

All I need now is an F.B.I badge and a good gun.

 

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 Outfit 2: Alternate Universe Fashion

 
 

For Olivia's Alternation Universe outfits she has a bit more color and an edgier look.

She usually wears one of her leather jackets, a colored long sleeved t-shirt , gray pants and of course her signature black leather belt.

Her hair style for this Universe is a lovely shade of red and cut in a layered style with a blunt bang. She appears to mostly wear it down, or in a low pony tail.

my closet items...

 
 
 
Black Vegan Leather Jacket: free people

• Teal T-shirt: long sleeved with bronze button details. (not sure of the brand)
• Dark Wash Jeans: old navy
• Black Boots: double h brand
• Black Pearl Earrings: a gift
• Black Leather belt: thrift shop

 This look would be best accessorised with a gun, but I figured we can leave it plain for now. ;) I would also add some smokey eye liner to my makeup as well for "the other universe" outfit.

 Ready to add a touch of Fringe Fashion to your everyday look?

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P.S.

For the guys out there who read my blog, Peter has a cool style too! His jackets are awesome actually. I know his jacket from Season 2 (episode 1, etc...) was from the Triumph company.

 

They don't carry the same one that Peter wore (why I don't know!) but this is pretty close.

 
A classic fitting black leather motorcycle jacket would also work for his look. Just keep it simple with a simple gray shirt and dark wash jeans. Don't forget to grab a weapon to hunt down shapeshifters though.

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The new season (Season 4) for Fringe will start the 23rd on Fox!

 

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More Fashion inspired by costumes coming soon!

Have a request? Leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts...I would be happy to take custom requests for fashion looks.

Thanks for Reading!