Fashionable Passion

The sad news about the death of the "King of Pop" has been circulating over the Internet for the past 20 hours. We have lost a music legend who reached a global audience and who's music and style inspired a number of generations.

We have also lost a fashion icon. One of my first sewing projects happened while I was in grade school. I was a huge fan of Michael's and decided to create my own matching white sequin glove to match his. It's days like this I wish I still owned it, but I will always remember the impact he had both on my love for music and my love of fashion.

Rest in peace Michael, may God bless your soul. May your legacy live on through the artists and musicians who you have inspired.

See Michael Jackson's style through the years: http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/michael-jackson-1958-2009-a-style-retrospective-480548/#photoViewer=1

One of my favorite seasons is right around the corner. Yes, I know what you're thinking...summer just arrived this past weekend and I'm already thinking about fall. I can't help but be very excited about the fashions for the upcoming Fall 2009 season. I love the idea of layering scarves, accessorizing sweaters, using bright colors in contrast to the earthy tones that fall brings as the leaves change color. Imagine finding that perfect handbag or hat to "cap off" your already favorite sweater and jeans. I will soon have just what you're looking for right here!

I've been super busy making lots & lots of hats just in time for the crisp, cold fall air of Northern Minnesota. Each one is individually created so you won't run into a friend with the same exact one. Plus there will be matching shoulder bags and wristlets to go with it.

And here's the really fun part about my hats & bags...some of them are "green" (meaning I've used recycled fabric from garments I've bought at garage sales and thrift shops). The fabric has been washed prior to creating each hat & bag so you don't have to worry about a thing.

As soon as my tech savvy husband, Brian, finishes the transfer of our new home computer server, I will have my photos and shopping cart ready to roll right here on http://www.kickassfashions.com. Stay tuned for that announcement in the next couple of days.

Summer for me means shorts, cute spaghetti strap tops, sandals, strawhats, sunglasses & sundresses.

My first project this spring was to make a sundress. I officially finished the final touches on it today and was so excited I just had to share some photos with you.







I can't wait to wear this somewhere special with some fun strappy white sandals...or maybe my friend Samantha will let me borrow her Jessica Simpson brand orange gladiator sandals? Hint, hint.

I am also looking forward to pairing this dress with my beautiful frog cocktail ring I bought from Lucid New York. The orange stone is the same color as the embroidery on the sundress. Stunning!

The design of this dress was inspired by one of my favorite actresses, Diane Lane, and her character "Francis" from the movie "Under the Tuscan Sun."

Ladybugs, lots & lots of ladybugs!!!

Here's a list of some of my inspirations for my designs. They include actresses, movies, broadcasters, musicians, etc...

I love making hats! My inspirations have been from two movies. The first is Anne Hathaway's character Andy Sachs from "The Devil Wears Prada" (the scene where Miranda tells Andy she's going to Paris instead of Emily). The second is Hillary Swank's character Holly from P.S. I Love You (the scene where she first meets her hunky Irish husband).

I love the style of Kelly Clarkson...she's got a combination of Texas country and big city rocker chic. She can get away with ripped jeans one day and an evening gown the other. Ever since I saw her on American Idol, I have followed her career, and of course, her style.

Kudos to the stylist who dresses the ladies of Monday Night Football! As a huge fan of Michele Tafoya, I respect the choices of attire she and Suzy Kolber wear on the sidelines. They even make cold weather fashionable.

I better save the rest of my list for another day.

Until then.

Ciao!

When I was eight-years-old my mother taught me to sew. It's been almost three decades since then and I still love to create things to wear and share. My mom used to make such cute clothes for me when I was a little girl...



As I got older I decided I would make cute clothes too...



I even designed and sewed my senior prom dress...



It's amazing how some styles have made a comeback, and even more surprising are the return of harem pants (or MC Hammer pants, as those of us from the class of 1990 called them).

I love fashion and hope to create something fun & beautiful for you too!

Not only am I a fashion designer by day, I'm also a sports play-by-play announcer by night (well, that is, once the puck is dropped, the ball is kicked, or the first pitch is thrown). You can check out my other endeavor at http://listentothebeavers.com.

And you can also follow me on Twitter!

Kelly

Thanks for visiting and giving me the opportunity to share my passion for fashion with you.

I will be sharing what inspires me, photos of my latest creations, and my thoughts on today's fashions.

Please stop back often.

Kelly