What Happens Next

What Stella Wore ~ Chenille and Linen Maxi Skirt

Hey, sweet friends!

We would truly love it if you would take a moment to visit us at our home base www.TheGildedGirls.com, where we continue to share what's happening in our sparkly corner of the world!

The entire month of April, 2018, all website sales will ship with a little extra gift, (Yay!) to show our heartfelt appreciation for your encouragement and support... 

 

xoxo

Debbie, Shea, and Stella

The Gilded Girls

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Fall is bringing with it a flurry of activities. School carnivals, dance recitals, family activities.

What is a tiny girl to do with all those wardrobe changes?? What is the best way to stay comfortable, stylish and drama-free?

 

We love skirts for Stella. Easy to put on, easy to mix and match with other staples in her closet, and there is always something so wonderful and girly about a long skirt...

 

Truth be told, I had something completely different planned for this week...

 

And then we found a bolt of this incredible bedspread chenille. I was smitten and changed plans immediately. I knew right away what I wanted to make with it!

 

On the bolt, this fabric is ivory. So is the ruffled linen. I wanted a soft gray hue, so I used a very weak solution of Rit dye in Pearl Grey, and gave them both a new color! The vintage French velvet ribbon got the same treatment.

This gray dye has a very definite blue tint to it, which I love. We call it French Gray.

 

The chiffon roses are dyed this vintage pink in our studio. The color pulls up around the edges of the flowers, giving them a lovely aged look. They are hand stitched onto the skirt, and the seam binding bow is attached to a pin back, so that it can be removed for laundering.

The wide velvet ribbon is hand gathered, and then stitched around the top of the ruffle. I have mentioned before that I love hand-sewing, although this could all be done by machine as well.

 

Contemplating her favorite pumpkin.

 

Paired with a ruffled tank top and a short jean jacket, this is Fall layering done just right for our climate.

Cozy and comfy for a brisk morning, but not so heavy that she will be uncomfortable in the warm afternoon sunshine.

 

This skirt is going to last her a long time fit-wise, so I am happy that it is made with materials that will hold up and actually improve with age. 

Jean Jacket ~ Cotton On

Pink Tank Top ~ LA Fashion District

Leopard Sandals ~ LA Fashion District

 

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I hoep you are having a fantastic weekend!!

xoxo Debbie

 

 

Ruffled Roses Wreath

 

As the weather cools down, even intermittently as has been the case so far, we find ourselves in full nesting mode. Rearranging furniture, thinking about a new slipcover here and there...

And a wreath. There is just something about heading in to the holiday season that makes you re-think the foyer area... the official greeting point for family and friends, the "Welcome Wall".

 

So, we used our monthly Box of Beautiful, the October Gilded Girls Stash Society kit, and created a new wreath for the season. It may not be everyone's idea of Holiday, but it is rich and complex in color, just perfect for our aesthetic.

There is something so satisfying about making a wreath, so many possibilities and ways to make it your own.

We hope it helps to make our guests feel loved and welcomed and celebrated.

 

What Stella Wore ~ Leaves and Lace Ruffled Boho Top

Hey, sweet friends!

We would truly love it if you would take a moment to visit us at our home base www.TheGildedGirls.com, where we continue to share what's happening in our sparkly corner of the world!

The entire month of April, 2018, all website sales will ship with a little extra gift, (Yay!) to show our heartfelt appreciation for your encouragement and support... 

 

xoxo

Debbie, Shea, and Stella

The Gilded Girls

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Here in coastal Orange County, California, we are teetering daily between seasons. One moment it feels truly Autumnal, and then we are thrust back into record-breaking warm temperatures and a true confusion as to how to dress for the day.

Layers, everyone always says. And that could not be more fitting for this time of year. Layers and short boots. That's what this October Friday looks like!

 

I am still in love with this beautiful vine-and-leaf lace. It was calling my name again, and let's face it... a girl cannot have too much lace and too many ruffles!

 

I drafted a pattern for a little bohemian top, something easy to wear over a tank or t-shirt, with an easy fit and a high comfort factor.

 

A slight dip in the back and a deep ruffle.

 

Allow me to pause here for a gratuitous closeup... :)

 

This top is wonderful over velour leggings, but would also work with jeans or a simple skirt. And because the fit is easy, she will not outgrow it for a long time.

 

Sitting on a stone wall is always a favorite for Stella. 

 

Lots of simple handmade flowers with button centers.

 

Sleeve detail.

 

What is it about the "walking away" shots that always go straight to my heart?

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Velour Leggings ~ Baby Gap

Tank Top ~ H & M

Ruffled Boots ~ Ebay

 

Have a lovely weekend! xoxo Debbie

 

What Stella Wore ~ Ruffled Linen Prairie Skirt

Hey, sweet friends!

We would truly love it if you would take a moment to visit us at our home base www.TheGildedGirls.com, where we continue to share what's happening in our sparkly corner of the world!

The entire month of April, 2018, all website sales will ship with a little extra gift, (Yay!) to show our heartfelt appreciation for your encouragement and support... 

 

xoxo

Debbie, Shea, and Stella

The Gilded Girls

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It is finally feeling a bit like Fall where we live. A crispness in the air in the early hours, and even some overnight rain, which is always noteworthy in it's scarcity!

Stella welcomed the cooler weather with boots, a maxi skirt, and a walk through her favorite park to gather pinecones and wildflowers... 

It all began with a pile of leftover linen fabric. A heavier weight caramel color, and a lighter weight ivory. I made a group of pale flowers in a few different sizes, and a vision of the skirt began to form.

 

Something ruffled and rustic and easy to wear all Fall and Winter.

 

Wide elastic in the waistband, but just barely so that it lays flat when worn. The weight of the linen would not work well with bulk at the waist.

 

Flower details. 

 

Taking a moment between photos. These candid shots are always among my favorites.

 

Laughing with Nana to lighten the mood and stay focused.

 

I love the look of this skirt for a little one. Girly and demure and easy to wear for many different occasions. 

 

Stella always loves ruffles, comfort, and of course an element of twirl!

 

And she dearly loves a walk in the park. 

Although at this moment she is walking back towards the car for a trip to get her favorite treat, a Starbucks Yogurt Parfait. After all, a deal is a deal...

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Boots ~ Baby Gap

Ruffled Tank Top ~ Target

I used leftover linen for this project, but we will be stocking it in the shop sometime next week. Let us know if you would like to be notified when it is available. [email protected]

www.TheGildedGirls.com

Have a lovely, creative weekend!!

xoxo Debbie

 

Stash Society ~ "Ruffles and Roses" October 2012

 

Oh, how we love ruffles and roses! They are truly the staples of our workroom.

This month we offer the perfect soft and slightly moody "transition" elements... in these weeks that hang gently between the seasons, teasing us with the fluctuations of balmy and brisk, and taking us by surprise at every turn.

We have carried much of this month's bounty home from the fields of France, and we are so excited to share it with you!

 

The charcoal gray ruffle is truly the stuff that dreams are made of. A large piece at 18" x 48". There are so many ways to use this stunning fabric! Love.

 

2 Yards Old Stock 1" Wide French Velvet Ribbon. This ribbon has been dyed a gorgeous French gray. It is slightly mottled in finish and there are subtle imperfections here and there, which add to the vintage appeal and do not detract one bit from the gorgeous look and feel of this ribbon!

2 Yards 3/8" Brown Velvet Ribbon

5 Yards Gold Satin Cord

 

Ballet Pink Organza Millinery Spray (3 Roses)

Ivory Organza Millinery Spray (3 Roses)

 

1 Yard Ballet Pink Roses-on-Tulle Trim. There are 10 roses per yard.

 

These are gorgeous!!

8 Fluted Mercury Glass Beads. Very large at approximately 1".

 

16" Crystal Chain

16" Pearl Rosary Chain

3 Antique Bronze Heart Buttons

 

3 Antique Bronze Heraldic Crest Buttons

6 Each of 3 Sizes Glimmery Ivory Buttons.

3 Crystal Shank Buttons

5 14mm Gray Glass Pearls

 

The vendor called this "linen mesh". Like a super-lightweight, soft burlap!

4" x 60" piece.

1 Yard Ivory Beaded Scalloped Trim

 

22" x 22" French Brocade. Beautiful!

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If you would like to add extra ruffled fabric to your order, including Blush Pink, Lavender, or more of the Charcoal Gray, please visit our web-shop www.AGildedLife.com. Thanks!!

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If you need information on joining the Gilded Girls Stash Society, please take a look here. We would love to have you along!!

Still have questions? Feel free to contact Nivia.

xoxo Debbie & Shea

 

Exciting Spellbound News!!

 

Have you been thinking about registering for Spellbound, but just cannot commit to the "full ride"?

Are you only able to attend for portions of the event?

Are you dying to meet Jo Packham and hang out with creative, supportive, like-minded women, if only for one day?

Well, now we have some very exciting news to share with you!!

If you live in the Southern California area (or even if you don't!), and would like to attend for one day only, we now have a Spellbound Day Pass available!!

Choose two classes for the day of your choice, and we will include the meal scheduled for that day!!

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Friday Day Pass includes entrance to the Dreamland Mercantile.

Add an extra class to your chosen day for an additional $95.00.

Buy an "a la carte" ticket to the Dreamland Mercantile for $35.00.

Add the "Up All Night" craft party to your Saturday pass for an additional $50.00.

Buy a trip on a luxury bus to the Rose Bowl Flea Market for $35.00. (Admission to the marketplace is not included.)

Please feel free to ask any questions by emailing us here.

The Spellbound Website has all of the info on teachers, classes, hotel and all of the details!! You can also sign up from that site!

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Simply choose your preferred day, and fill in either the numbers or the names of the classes (and any extra events) you would like to attend. We will build your schedule from our end and email you an itinerary!! Easy peasy!!

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Spellbound Day Pass  (Friday or Saturday) Includes two classes and scheduled meal.

Day

Friday, Nov. 9 $265.00 USD Saturday, Nov. 10 $265.00 USD

Class Code #1

Class Code #2

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Extra Class (Friday or Saturday)

Day

Friday 11-9 Saturday 11-10

Class Code #1

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"Dreamland" Mercantile Ticket  (Friday Evening)

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"Up All Night" Craft Party  (Saturday Evening)

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Rose Bowl Flea Market Luxury Bus Ride  (Sunday) 

Don't forget that Jo and Kaari are co-hosting a private, pre-event party at Kaari's amazing store, French General on Wednesday night. This soiree is only open to Spellbound attendees, and everyone, including day pass attendees are invited! 

We sincerely hope to see you in Pasadena!!

xoxo Debbie & Shea

What Stella Wore ~ Fair Maiden

Hey, sweet friends!

We would truly love it if you would take a moment to visit us at our home base www.TheGildedGirls.com, where we continue to share what's happening in our sparkly corner of the world!

The entire month of April, 2018, all website sales will ship with a little extra gift, (Yay!) to show our heartfelt appreciation for your encouragement and support... 

 

xoxo

Debbie, Shea, and Stella

The Gilded Girls

 ********************************************************************************************

 

Is there anything sweeter in the world than a child in a cape?

A few years ago I made a monogrammed superhero cape for the boy-child, and he zoomed around the house in that thing for months and months before something else eventually caught his fancy. It does, however, still occupy a prominent spot on a hook in his bedroom, and maybe I will be blessed enough that it will stay there throughout most of his childhood.

Stella has been pining for one for quite awhile now, and wistfully asking me when she could get a cape of her very own.

When we came across this very special fabric, I knew it was time...

 

Her mother and I envisioned something other than superhero. Truth be told, she has no idea what a superhero even is!

This tiny one needed something soft and girlie, with a romantic hood and some handmade roses. More of a cloak than a cape.

 

A long sweep in the back, but not too long.

 

Something she would love to twirl in.

Every cloak needs a hood, although this fair maiden was not in the mood to wear it hooded this morning. Maidens can be difficult that way.

 

A cloak to take the edge off of the chilly mornings when she takes a walk in the woods to tend the roses.

 

But not heavy or hot, because this is Southern California after all.

 

Soft velvet ribbon to tie it in the front, and some sweet flower accents.

 

Luckily, Fall is the season for cloaks and capes. I was seriously pressed for time this week, so I drafted my own pattern, but you can find one in any fabric store in the costume section of the pattern books!

This style would be equally gorgeous on big girls, as well! I think I will probably make it for Stella at least once or twice more. It is easy to sew up and the possibilities are endless! Perhaps one in silk velvet for winter, to wear with jeans and boots??? eek!

(It took two yards of 54" lace fabric to create this almost-four-year-old size.)

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Ivory Ruffled Dress ~ Baby Gap

The Gilded Girls™

xoxo Debbie