Monday Morning Inspiration

Good Morning Everyone!! I'm back from a wonderful weekend in Nashville, Tennessee. You may remember that Helen Haughey asked me to help teach a weekend workshop on making the perfect sheath dress. Along with the class, we were treated to a private tour of the new exhibit at the Frist Museum, "Italian Style Since 1945." I'll share a little more about the exhibit in an upcoming post as it was such a treat and of course, I came home with the book!!

Last week I came across a number of collar examples that I thought were especially interesting, so I thought I would share them today. We've had other collar inspiration posts in the past. It seems that when it comes to collars, the possibilities are endless!

Here's a mandarin collar with what looks to be a detachable convertible collar.  

I think I've shared this collar in a previous post, but I think it's worth a second look. A shaped mandarin collar with a cut out detail and the added accent of the tie. Beautiful! 

 A double peter pan collar. Take note of the top collaqr and how it tapers to nothing in the back.

 A convertible collar with a seam. The added insert detail really sets off the collar.

Take a close look at this collar. The tips actually have origami type folds. So interesting. The picket is also quite interesting.

A simple convertible collar made a little more interesting with the staggering detail.

I may have shown this collar in the past, but again, worth another look as it is simply sensational. 

 The next 2 examples are from the same designer. The jacket has 2 collars and the blouse has 3.

 Two collars with the illusion of a third. Such a beautiful use of lace.

The next 2 collars are from the Pattern Magic books. I think these books are well worth the investment.

 Below is a collage of collars with decorative inspiration.

 Take a great piece of fabric, make a collar and wear it with everything from a simple sweater to a dress, or under a jacket.

 Here's another idea of detached collar using interesting details.
So, the next time you pull out that pattern to make a blouse, shirt, or jacket, don't just make the boring collar that's shown, spice it up a bit with a little something unexpected!