Like most American moms, I spend a fair amount of time reading Dr. Seuss books to my children. A particular quote from And To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street comes to mind when I think of last night's Golden Globes fashions, "Did nothing excite you or make your heart beat?"

No. Nothing did. Most everyone looked fine, but the gowns were structurally boring in generally bland colors. So, I decided to play a little game I will call "Fantasy Hollywood Stylist". Here are some picks I would have loved to see at the Globes.

This bronze Armani Prive says "I'm confident enough to leave a little something to the imagination". In an evening over-full with body-skimming gowns, this would have been a refreshing variation and would have looked stunning on Jennifer Lopez.

In this Marchesa gown, Halle Berry would have looked less like she forgot to put on a dress and left the house in her lingerie.

This Marchesa gown would have been an exciting addition to the mermaid silhouette that was popular at this year's show.

January Jones would have been more glamorous but equally daring in this Dior gown.

This gorgeously constructed Steven Colucci sky-blue gown would have been a breath of fresh air in an evening of ho-hum fashion choices and a more fitting choice for Julia Stiles.

Both of these Krikor Jabotian gowns fit in with the night's theme of nudish-neutrals, but are far more exciting from a design and construction point of view than what the stars donned last night on the likes of Scarlett Johansen and Sandra Bullock.

I could definitely see the fashion-forward Tilda Swinton in this Dior gown.

Here's hoping that the Academy Awards have a little more eye candy to offer us fashionistas!

Ninety years

Before 1920, women could not vote in every state in the United States. Women have only claimed their right to full citizenship in this country for ninety short years. I hope that all who are reading this did not take that right and privilege for granted this year!

In this image, Alice Paul is sewing a final star to a banner. Each star represents a state that ratified the Nineteenth Amendment to our Constitution, finally granting women the right to vote across the nation. I know that this doesn't have much to do with the subject matter of this blog, but I figured that since this picture depicts historical costume and has sewing in it, you all would forgive me.

To learn more about women's suffrage, I recommend checking out the film Iron Jawed Angels.

Sewing, in miniature

I have just learned that it is National Blog Posting Month. They are even kind enough to offer prompts to get your creative juices flowing. Granted, it is likely that most of the prompts won't exactly fit the subject matter of this blog, I might be able to adapt them as needed. For example, the first prompt is:

What toy from your childhood do you still have in your possession?

So, in that vein...

When I was five years old, I received my first sewing machine. It was a real, working sewing machine on a small scale, intended for small repairs, quick hems, etc. I loved it and used it all the time, mostly for sewing little purses. I've always had a thing about hand bags. My family even (affectionately?) referred to me as "the bag lady".

I no longer have that sewing machine, but the gift of that sewing machine has lived with me throughout my life and I have always remembered it and have always been grateful for it.

Recently, I bought a sewing machine as a present for a little five-year-old friend of mine. I hope it is a fraction as useful, fun, and inspiring to her as mine was to me!

Singer makes a few real, working machines in miniature... here are just a few to check out for the little ones in your life:
Totally Me!
Deluxe Child's Machine
It might be tempting to get a less expensive machine for a young person, but the better machines will stand up to more abuse from unskilled hands and last them longer until they are ready for a full-size machine. I've never met anyone who regretted learning to sew and met many who did regret never learning! This is truly a gift that lasts a lifetime.

The greatest Halloween costume ever.

That is the phrase I typed into my Google search field. And the response I got was actually an illustrated version of a story told by an old friend of mine from high school, drawn by Doctor Popular. I think this Google is a little too smart. Hope you enjoy and Happy Halloween to you all!!!

Cutie pies

So I'm not sure if it is the circles I run in, the time of life I am in or if there is something in the air, but it seems that everywhere I turn, one of my friends or acquaintances is having a baby. I think this is wonderful! I love being a mom, I loved being pregnant, and it is so exciting to see others experiencing it, too. And I am hugely excited that I am becoming an aunt soon!! My brother and his fiancé are expecting twins any time now. They are having two boys, my own twin boys have just turned four... it is so thrilling that I will be able to share my journey of twin parenthood with my own brother!

To recognize all the new and expectant parents out there and perhaps because we've been having a cold rainy spell here in Los Angeles, I wanted to share one of the coolest pieces of baby wear I have seen... baby legwarmers. These are ingenious. First of all, they are a sure-fire way to make sure your baby is looking hip and stylish. Secondly, and most importantly, they are incredibly convenient because they keep those precious baby legs warm like pants do but they make diaper changes a breeze because you don't have to wrestle your little one in and out of pants or fuss with tons of snaps. If you're expecting, put these on your wish list and if you know someone who is expecting they make a fantastic baby shower gift!

You can find them at BabyLegs and Agoo and a search for "baby legwarmers" on Etsy will turn up tons of hand made options. You'll get big time bonus points if you know how to knit and make your own (check out the free patterns here)!

Dedicated Follower of Fashion

I very much enjoy this song by The Kinks. Have a great weekend!

Sorry, no Emmy post tonight! I am up to my bustier in home renovation! Hope you guys enjoy the show!