Monday Morning Inspiration/Put a Stripe In It!

Simple joys, simple gifts.

Last Saturday marked 9 weeks since little Mr. Berkley came to live with us. What a joy he has been. I don't think I've stopped smiling in the last 9 weeks! He has brought so much joy into our home, and without doing anything more than just being himself. 

This morning as I drank my tea, I sat and enjoyed watching he and Gracie race from 1 end of the house to the other. One chased the other, and when they came to the wall, they turned and the other was in the lead. Hilarious! Then they would stop, breathe heavily for a moment, and then off they would go again. Berkley has brought Gracie back to life, warmed my heart, and put a smile back on my face. I'll never know, but I think it's his way of simply saying thank you. 

I call this picture, "Before and After Rhonda" :)
On the left is the picture I saw on the internet prior to adopting Berkley. He's dirty, and now that I know him, I can see that he is afraid. On the right...pure joy!

It's interesting how athletic wear has permeated every aspect of today's fashion. It's no longer relegated to just the gym, you see athletic inspired details in pants, tops, dresses, jackets, and coats. An athletic stripe is a perfect detail to add interest and elongate the body.
         
I recently came across this picture and fell in love! I love the little flounce on the back of the top, the stripe that curves across the back and then radiates into the stripe on the pant. The only change I would make would be to eliminate the stripe around the bottom of the pant. 

Another soft, flowy top with a athlesure inspired pant. 

The stripe that runs down the pant leg is repeated simply in the band on the sleeve. 

This ensemble is from Addias.  

I love how the stripe curves across the back of the jacket and then elongates the body by bringing the eye down to the stripe in the pant.

This piece is just so lovely. The soft ruffle that is sewn into the stripe on the blouse and then brought into the pant. 

This piece makes me long for a cool day. The stripe runs down the sleeve and then down into the pant. Love the play on color blocking too.

Love the echo of the stripe in the duster, and then in the pant.

Here the stripe has been added to a dress. Although it's a rather wide stripe, it blends in so beautifully with the plaid in the main fabric. 

There are so many aspects of our lives that on the surface can seem simple, watching dogs run, a cup of tea on a cool rainy day, or even an outfit that makes us feel great each and every time we slip into it. 
May you find a simple joy, a simple gift in your day :)

Rhonda

Monday Morning Inspiration/Thumb Holes

We have a wonderful store in Chicago called Fleet Feet Sports. Truly an American success story. The owner began with a dream and 1 small store in Chicago. Now he has stores all over the United States. Amazing!

About twice a year, Fleet Feet has an evening fashion show to showcase all the new styles that are coming in for the season. It's a lot of fun. The last show was held the first of December. A design detail that they mentioned quite often and which also stood out to me was thumb holes, in tops as well as jackets. 

I love thumb holes! When I ski, it's a must for me. The thumb hole holds my sleeve in place and gives added warmth to my hands. Same holds true for my morning walks. when I start my walk, I'm cold, but once I warm up, I then just roll the extra length back and it helps to cool my body. As much as I love thumb holes in my athletic wear, I love them in casual t-shirts too.  

I poked around on Pinterest and was surprised to find so many examples, so I thought I would share them with you as well. 

Below is an example they were especially excited about at Fleet Feet. Rather than the hole being in the cuff of the sleeve, it's just an added piece of fabric.

Here's an easy way to add a thumb hole to a sweatshirt cuff. 

Love the styling on this thumb hole extension.

Although there is an opening for the thumb, this one is designed to still keep the cold out if the thumb hole is not being used. 

This added strip is even easier to do than the first example.

This could be added to a purchased or previously made top or sweatshirt. The pop of color would also be fun. 

I thought this one was interesting. The thumb hole is actually hidden in the zippered cuff. What a great design detail!

Another pop of color and a fun detail. A"v" shaped inset was added along with another strip to allow for an opening.

From Lulumon, the cuff with a thumb hole is the perfect place to hide and hold keys, credit cards and identification.

This was an ad for Fossil watches. The added length for the thumb hole was attached with a zipper for easy viewing of the watch.

Another jacket with a thumb hole. Elastic around the hand helps to keep the cold out. There's also a hidden zippered pocket included.  

Hope you found that a little interesting :)

Hope you can find a little time to get out this week and enjoy nature. And if you do...stay warm!

Have a wonderful week!

Rhonda