The Move, Zebra Dress, and Pattern Review.

1. We are moving.
   We are leaving my beautiful LA and moving to Seattle, near Seattle-ish.
   I mentioned that earlier this year and now it’s finally happening, like in a few weeks.
   The hubs got a job at Microsoft and afters months of living without him, our house has FINALLY sold,
   and we are getting ready to join him.
   YAY.
   My only hesitation..?
   I’m a beach sitting, heat loving, palm tree admiring, desert kind of girl.
   As much as I would like to say that’s my only problem,
   THERE”S MORE,
   that whole making new friends kind of thing.
   I stink at it.
   ah, it’s so painful.
   I’m told it has something to do with my face… it’s weird and I’m so awkward.
   So any friend making types is much appreciated.
2. Okay, let’s talk animal print.
   It’s not too heavily seen on our runways for this season,
   especially when compared to our heavily love affair with lace, fringe, and denim…
   except for this cool Alice & Olivia look,
   and you know me,
   I’m a sucker for a good animal print and this pattern kept calling my name.
   
   
   
3. For my sewers wanting to recreate this look,

• This Vogue Pattern, V1250, is a very simple pattern and quick to sew as there are THREE pieces total to sew up for this look.
  I made it a size smaller than what I would typically use because I wanted a more fitted look.
  I love how simple and elegant it looks, it can easily be paired with a jean jacket and flats for a more casual look.
  Another added bonus, the cowl neck it very flattering as it draws the eye upwards to your face and distracts from an unflattering waistline,
  and gives the illusion that I have a bustline… which I don’t. So yeah, I would make this again and highly recommend it!
• I scored the fabric at the Loft at Michael Levine‘s, the fabric is clearanced and sold by the pound!
  So sadly, I don’t have an exact link for ya…  but this Poly Lycra Zebra might be a great substitute (order a sample first) and it’s most likely the closest fabric type and pattern similar to my own seen here.
• For my non sewers, here are some great substitutes at J McLaughlin and Rachel Zoe.

xo/Riva

Outfit Details:
Hair: Braided Bang tutorial
Pattern: Vogue 1250
Fabric: Michael Levine’s the Loft, similar here
Shoes: Steve Madden (similar, similar)
Earrings: My Shop, here (also seen here)

Spreading the word one link up party at a time, you can visit the full list: HERE.