Friday, February 4, 2011

Then, There Was A Breakdown

This week has been a frustrating one. Mainly due to the lack of Internet and my having to bum off of our sweet neighbor to do anything online but also from my crazy anxiety over the Retro Week theme on Project Run and Play.
raibowretrowbootsproof
When we first got the theme I was thrilled because I LOVE doing retro clothes. But I feel like lately my toned down style is not cutting it for the competition and I need to be more over the top. The problem is this really goes against the grain for me and I am the first to admit I am not good at it.
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So, this week I had a bit of a mini melt down. I had finished my project before this sea of self-doubt hit and it had taken a lot of time and a wonderful effort by my friends with little cuties here. I absolutely love the little outfits but once again they are pretty I dunno... "simple"? Compound that by my friend (who I demanded to be brutally honest) letting me know that they are super cute... but maybe not cute enough to win a contest. Ugh a mugha. I have actually begun working on a retro boys suit as a back up but in the middle of that I realized once again I was doing a more classic look not an over the top look. I guess what I am saying is if you have any fabulous over the top ideas and can send me a link to a picture, I would LOVE it. Or should I just go with what I already made? Oh this is totally giving me an ulcer. Maybe I should just be grateful I will get eliminated this week and just end the stress ha! I am planning on catching up with my Tricks and Trades Thursday post and announcing the winner of the Couture Cutie dress this afternoon (Oz time) I just had to get my anxiety out. Hope you lovely friends are having a more stress free day!

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21 comments:

  1. UnknownFebruary 4, 2011 at 11:26 AM

    I SO hear you on this! I'm in Project Toddler Runway and this week I just don't know about my outfit. I like all my pieces seperately, but I don't think they'll stand up to the competition. I guess I'll find out tomorrow... I've LOVED all your projects and my eye is always drawn to the simpler things but with a twist or special detail, which is what I think your style is.

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  2. Jayna RaeFebruary 4, 2011 at 11:27 AM

    I am sure whatever you made is WONDERFUL! I discovered you over there. You routinely surprise and awe me. Plus, if it's those little knickers in the top photo I want a tute. I have been wanting to make some for my boys out of some old mens dress pants or something.

    Also, I think that too over the top (like some I've seen in the competition) can also be a turn off.

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  3. CloverFebruary 4, 2011 at 11:30 AM

    even though you havent been "winning" you are doing great. I dont love the over the top stuff b/c I know if I made it it would be worn a couple times then never again. Simple and realistic with a little flair is awesome.

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  4. Michelle {Daydream Believers}February 4, 2011 at 11:34 AM

    Stay true to your aesthetic! :) When I think "retro" I think sweet, simple, clean... not over the top couture. I'm lovin' the pictures in this post! :) Good luck! M*

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  5. ErinFebruary 4, 2011 at 12:28 PM

    I agree with what you said ... it's the classic stuff that comes back and is worth revisiting in a retro theme. The over the top stuff is too trendy and should be left in the history books. Also - stay true to yourself, we want to see YOUR take on retro!

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  6. TerraFebruary 4, 2011 at 1:18 PM

    I really love your style. That's why I follow your blog! I am totally going to be making dresses with bustles for my little girls like you did with the sweet dress pattern.

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  7. Carrie Mc WFebruary 4, 2011 at 1:27 PM

    Over-the-top ain't always where it's at-

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  8. Deborah RaymondFebruary 4, 2011 at 1:56 PM

    I think it's more important to be who you are, which is why you were chosen to participate in this adventure. Don't worry about competing, just have fun and it will show.

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  9. Shauna@shwinandshwinFebruary 4, 2011 at 2:26 PM

    Oh Kelly, I hear you on this one. It was always my biggest struggle, going over the top or making something I love? You are one of the most talented bloggers I know, and have been a daily read of mine for a while now, the voting and judging over at project run and play seems to be really unpredictable and all over the place, so I say make what you love, you always do a stellar job and your pictures are always fantastic. You will do great!

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  10. Jess@craftiness is not optionalFebruary 4, 2011 at 3:05 PM

    in a way I am glad I was booted off first, cause the competition is fierce! and not quite the right fir for my simple style. I say go with what you love.

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  11. EstherFebruary 4, 2011 at 4:34 PM

    You are a very talented designer. I look forward at the end of busy day to checking your blog and seeing your new creations. Please don't second-guess yourself and try to cater to the audience, or you might lose a little of what makes you so unique and awesome. Good luck. I'm rooting for you.

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  12. CherylynFebruary 4, 2011 at 4:35 PM

    Do what you like, not what you think they will like at the expense of your own style. If you are stressed, it means it isn't fun anymore, and that would be a shame. Do what YOU love and what is fun for YOU. I agree with the above comment that over the top ain't always where it's at.
    P.S. I like the boots ;-)

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  13. HeatherFebruary 4, 2011 at 4:37 PM

    Kelly dear your submissions have been amazing! They have not been boring or toned down. I am always excited to see your contributions! You should always do what you love because your love will show through. Do not stress or second guess yourself and go with your heart!

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  14. HeatherFebruary 4, 2011 at 4:38 PM

    PS If you don't use this outfit you BETTER do a post about it because I am LOVING the colors!

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  15. BecFebruary 4, 2011 at 7:44 PM

    I have loved everything you have done so far and you have had my vote 90% of the time. And also wouldn't you rather win knowing you stayed true to your real style? I dont envy your position, but I am so excited to see your designs every week :)

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  16. RhondaFebruary 4, 2011 at 9:03 PM

    I agree with everyone else. Being the overall winner of the competition would be great but it won't define you as a person/designer......you've already done that & I say stick with what you've done & who you are. It looks adorable!

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  17. Bless by ToneFebruary 4, 2011 at 9:22 PM

    I vote by what I would like to make myself, what I want shown in a tutorial, not the most astonishing piece, that I can't use anyway

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  18. hollyFebruary 4, 2011 at 9:33 PM

    I love your stuff, I say go with what you have. I love how you make stuff that I would actually make and put on my kids!! Thank you so much for all the time you put into it. I really appreciate all the patterns and tutorials.

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  19. Jessica at Me Sew CrazyFebruary 4, 2011 at 9:37 PM

    You have to be true to yourself, and you have submitted some AMAZING projects! That ruffle dress was to die for!!! But be yourself, if you don't then you won't be the designer God made you! And after the competition your new followers won't recognize your normal designs because they will ALWAYS be expecting over the top couture from you...

    Don't doubt yourself, there is a reason you were chosen - its because you are fabulous!!!

    I know I am only playing along a as a reader submission, but I stumbled this week for retro week as well - and just did a simple 50's housewife dress. It may not be over the top, but it is classic with clean lines, and looks great. Sometimes that is what the judges want!

    http://www.mesewcrazy.com/2011/02/retro-project-run-play.html

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  20. MilicaFebruary 4, 2011 at 9:38 PM

    I love the stuff you do just the way it is!
    Make what inspires you, whatever that may be. The best things come naturally. If you do have a crazy idea that you think is fun, go for it. If you are trying to create something "over the top" without the inspiration part driving you, chances are you'll end up with a hot mess.

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  21. A.B. CakesFebruary 5, 2011 at 4:37 AM

    I have to say that I LOVE your designs! I followed No Big Dill and through the contest I found you and I'm SSSOOOO glad I did. You have inspired me to make more clothes for my daughter. I am working on the mullet dress right now. Thank you for being who you are! : )

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