Feature Friday-Wardrobe Essentials and Skin Update

I may be a little excited about writing this this week. I had HOPED to get this done last month. Truly I have been sewing a lot, but it has been for gifts or other people. No fun clothes for me. I also am knee deep in swimsuits. They said it would be EASY. Let me just say it is all a lie! HAHA I am stretching myself and that is all that matters. I can't wait to share that because they are getting done by Monday since it is going to be HOT all weekend. I digress. 

Raise your hand if you struggle finding the right tshirt to wear in the summer?!? Ok maybe it is just me. I have highlighted my struggles many times. I am smaller on top especially in the shoulders and arms and my hips are wide. We won't talk about the Mommy tummy going on. I can't be the only one out there! Consequently tshirts never look that great on me. It is frustrating. I have been on the quest to find the perfect tshirt. I threw out all my ready to wear shirts at the beginning of the season because A they were too big or B I hated them. It has forced me to sew and I am glad, because in the end I actually found a couple! I also am sewing through all my piles of fabric and by piles I literally mean piles. When you throw out your clothes you may get a little panicked and buy all the fabric you love. 

This brings me to my first point. Anybody else sweat profusely in the summer? Maybe that is just me? I think I have found a solution. MODAL It seriously has become my favorite fabric. Before last night I could mostly only get it in solids, which is a great option for your wardrobe. It drapes so nicely and is breezy. It is so soft too. Fabric is of course from So Sew English Fabrics.  They just stocked some gorgeous stripes and floral in this last night. Sadly, I personally banned myself from buying fabric so you get to enjoy it while I admire:)  These shirts are my first drafts and muslins. They are not perfect, but give me a great idea of what I need to do to make the perfect shirts.

First up Mama Ava from Made for Mermaids. This shirt was a risk taker. I wanted to really see how it would do. Some people love it or hate it. It is the shirt that needs the most tweaking. I "should" shorten my patterns, but I don't usually. I make and see how it is and go from there. I should have in this instance. Thankfully it is a forgiving shirt as it is boxy so I could just cut off the hem and not lose the shape.

So how do I feel about this shirt? I need to tweak the actual pattern for me. It is boxy and oh so comfortable. Anthony loved it. It is just loose and airy and the perfect comfy shirt. I think if I make the tweaks I will love it more. If you are bigger in the bust and smaller in the waist it is a perfect shirt for you. I made one for my grandma and she loves it. If you are bigger in the hips it may need a little adjustment, but it is very forgiving. The great thing about this shirt is it can be long sleeve etc. So this can be made any time of year. It has several hem options and neck options. This was my second vneck and it turned out pretty great. I can see this pattern being awesome for a slouchy sweater come winter.

This next shirt is just plain fun. I actually made this two months ago and have worn it a lot. The fit is not the best at the moment. I have lost more in my hips and waist so it is a bit big, but you get the idea. This is the Harbor Knot Tee . They also have an add on to make it a tank. I have not invested that as I do not care for razorback tanks, but it is a great option to have if you don't mind. They also have a second version to lower the knot and a bit slimmer.

I absolutely adore this shirt. I can't wait to make the lower knot version and slimmer version too. I love the neckline on this. It is not low, but the knot adds so much fun to it it makes it feel young and fresh. This can also be 3/4 or long sleeved. It has so many options for year round. I have another cut out ready to make.

The next shirt well, it is plain amazing. It is the Favorite T from Patterns for Pirates .

This shirt is well everything I have ever wanted in a shirt. The options are endless. Vneck, curved hem, tied hem, tunic split side, shirt split side, or just hemmed. Long sleeve, short sleeve, 3/4 sleeve and it can be made into a dress. This is seriously MY FAVORITE SHIRT EVER!! It is absolutely the most comfortable and flattering for me. I adore it. Make sure to look at the pattern hacks for it on the Patterns for Pirates blog. Needless to say this will be my go to pattern for probably years. It really is PERFECT!!

Everybody needs a tank in their wardrobe for under things and also in the warmer months. Store bought tanks are always too tight in the stomach for me. I decided to begin trying patterns. This pattern is another Patterns for Pirates Pattern. This is the Essential Tank made in double brushed poly from scraps from a dress I made Lilliana. This is the perfect scrap busting pattern and sews up so quickly.

I absolutely LOVE this tank top. I at this point have no need to try any other patterns. It also has the option for longer and a curved hem line. Lots of bang for you buck. 

If you are looking to be economical the one shirt you should buy is the Favorite T. It has so many options. I would then add the Essential Tank. After that the Mama Ava or Harborknot would be fun and bonus. These are all such great staples to a wardrobe as they can be made year round. The sleeves can be changed out for lace. You can do different fabrics for the sleeves and even bands to mix it up. The options are endless. I am working on a Part 2 for dresses soon. I need to get past swim suits!

So where are we with skin care. I tagged all the skin care posts with LimeLight or Skin Care. Check back with those to see the progress. This blog post will give you the basic history and back ground and there are two weeks since then. http://reutherfamily.blogspot.com/2017/05/feature-friday-lets-talk-skin-care.html

Today's results. I took them this morning as yesterday I had sick babies.

Lastly my photo showing these are today:)

Every Tuesday I usually take a photo with make up. Unfortunately it was a bit nuts that night so it didn't happen. If you remember from my first post I posted how I purposely photo shopped out my zits. Well, my pictures from above were taken last night. I didn't touch them in the face at all. In fact not much editing was done on those. So there is a big difference. Normally this week is the worst week for skin care during the month for me. I have no new breakouts and my old ones are healing quicker and a lot better.

Here is the weekly video since lighting can be tricky

Obviously I still have some complexion variances and some ways to go, but compared to how I started I am thrilled especially since nothing else was helping.

Here is Chelsea's information again if you need it.

 The Company  is LimeLight By Alcone . The wonderful lady is Chelsea. Her new brand page is The Barefoot Beauty . If you are at all interested at any point she can help you


*Giveaway Closed* I am going to give away a pattern of your choice from the four above. Leave a comment with what pattern you would love to win below and I will pick a winner Next Friday. Comments will close Thursday June 15 @ 12:00 P.M.  Have a wonderful weekend!

Oh and I almost forgot this post would not be made without my wonderful helper last night being my stand in to get focus.