The Lure of Red

Vintage Dior

A simple red dress....made of nothing but the finest of fabrics...silk, of course!   Only because it swishes...it crunches....and it has amazing shadows between its folds.  Doesn't get any better than that....except if it's vintage....then it screams!

www.memphisvintage.com

That simple red dress exudes confidence.  It demands attention.  It lures every eye...and begs it to linger.  You know what I'm talking about....the gaze from a guy while his girlfriend is poking his side and pulling his arm....yea, that's the one.  Oh, and the one from the girl sitting at the table next to you who's longing to be in your shoes....uh huh....

www.thefashionlist.com

I can't put my finger on it, but the thought of that simple red dress has gotten me out of many a tearful situation.  I must confess that I tear up way too easily....especially at church (the choir's special music always makes my eyes well) and while watching movies (I totally embarrass my daughters when they are with me!).  But if I must hold back tears for any reason, my mind does this automatic fast forward to my red "dream" dress.  It always gets my mind off of the situation at hand...even if it's only for a few seconds.  Those fleeting moments give me just enough time to regain my composure....works every time....try it!

An Homage to Valentino

I used to think that I could never wear red....that it just wasn't my color.  But now I believe that EVERY woman can wear red.  You just have to find the perfect shade that compliments you.  Through trial and error I have learned that "cherry" red is my perfect shade.  What's yours?  Please do share....and tell me what makes it work for you! 


PS....For those of you who prefer to carry your "pop!" of color in lieu of wearing it.....try one of these:

Valentine

www.suejack.etsy.com

(I know.....audacious of me to add one of my bags among Valentino's beauties!!)

Valentino

Valentino

Champagne Bubbly Evening Clutch

Recently I'm in the mood for heavy satin......you know, the kind from the 60's that those lovely modern evening gowns were designed from.  It lends itself to crisp construction, a luxurious sheen without being shiny, and, in the right design, gives your look a new level of vintage modernism.  

The various sized ivory pearls hint to the special occasion ahead.....

 Champagne Bubble Green Clutch on Etsy

Nod to Elsa Schiaparelli - Second in a Series

In March of this year, I wrote about Elsa Schiaparelli and her wild creations that slapped Paris square in the face, and I explained how Elsa had inspired me to create some unusual evening bags.  Here is my second clutch in this series:

It's casual, but dressy....serious, but whimsical....but most of all, it's an ice breaker!

See more pictures of this "Elsa Inspired" clutch in my Etsy shop!

La Boheme, A Night at the Opera

What's a night at the opera without an opulent evening bag?  Dull indeed.....

Spice up your fav navy blue dress with this little number!

Sapphire Blue Silk Evening Bag by Sue Jack on Etsy 

Haute Handbags

The Spring issue of Haute Handbags has hit the stands and I'm so excited to be included in this issue!
The handbag they asked me to submit to them was my kiwi velvet clutch with white ostrich feathers and vintage brooch.

Beth, their editor, was a doll to work with and I love her choices in all that she creates.  I follow her blog, too.....http://coutureovercoffee.blogspot.com/....check it out.
You'll love the magazines Stampington & Company publishes, too!  Once you begin looking at them....it's difficult to tear yourself away.  Have fun!

A Bride's Bag Green with Envy

While visiting some of my vintage haunts last spring, I ran across a 1960's evening gown with the most beautiful rhinestone piece which was attached at the center front of its empire waist.  The gown itself had many stains on it....evidence of quite a party at its last hoorah!  But the rhinestone accent piece was still sparkly and had promises of a new life.
When I returned to my studio, I removed the rhinestone decor and held it next to many different pieces of vintage fabrics.  Finally, it popped when I laid it on a scrap of 1960's heavyweight satin in lime green.....a piece my mother had picked up for me while shopping at one of her vintage boutiques!  (Having a mother and sister who know me well certainly has its benefits.   My mother sends me a box once a month filled with treasures awaiting a new life, and my sister always finds something special for me at her flea markets!)
I wanted this bag to have a contemporary feel to it, but contemporary to the '50's or '60's.  You know....the old Hollywood look from Joanne Woodward....but something that would be perfect for today, too!   Here are the results.....