Friday, 10 February 2012

Feeling the love for black lace

I always used to associate black lace with cocktail dresses or gothic Victoriana finery. However, this decadent fabric seems to be shaking itself free of any preconceptions and turning up in the most surprisingly elegant combinations lately!

I love a white lining under black lace, and this pretty Monique Lhuillier dress (below) illustrates how a light base colour can really freshen up a dark lace.




'Pretty' not your thing? Then how about a cut-out back detail, like the Reem Acra dress (below)? The lace adds coverage for those not wanting to flash too much flesh!




And speaking of flashing flesh, how about the bodice of this elegant Elie Saab gown(below)? A skin-toned lining gives the illusion of nudity whilst protecting your modesty.




Incidentally, Mr Saab's Pre-Fall 2012 collection had a few black lace touches, check them out at style.com and prepare to fall in love with lace!

~Debbie <3

Tuesday, 20 September 2011





I made this wrap-over dress as a sample a few months ago, and have been meaning to make one for myself ever since! I really love this style, it's so feminine and flattering!
This wrap-over style bodice creates a curvy illusion, whilst the matching belt draws in the waist - instant chic! Finally, the ruffled hem creates volume below the hip, which also helps to make the waist look smaller.

Well, this morning I've finally cut out one for myself! I've got a sweet black and cream print which I think will work perfectly. I'll hopefully get it sewn before the end of the week - wish me luck!

- Debbie <3

Location:Liverpool,United Kingdom

Friday, 16 September 2011

The Parisien

This is an easy-to-wear, flattering little dress. Shown here in a cute Eiffel Tower print, but it can be made in any fabric that takes your fancy. I'd love to make it in a polka dot print!
The gathered skirt creates a focal point at the waist, it's so flattering! The tie shoulders finish off the simple bodice perfectly. What fabric do you think would work well?

Thursday, 15 September 2011

A little slice of awesome





I recently made this dress especially for a new Liverpool boutique, Love & Robots. I had to import the fabric, but, as you can probably imagine I couldn't resist it!

It's now in pride of place in the shop's window - check it out at Love & Robots, 236 Smithdown Road, Liverpool, L15 5AH


- Debbie <3

Location:Liverpool,United Kingdom

Wednesday, 14 September 2011

An overdue update!




I've been a busy little bee over the past few months, practically chained to my sewing machine, so apologies for the lack of posts. I'm going to make up for it over the next few weeks, with lots of lovely pictures of completed projects. Watch this space <3

Saturday, 12 June 2010

Well, it's been a while since I posted on here! Hard to belive that my last post was typed whilst the roads were packed with snow! That nasty weather seems a lifetime ago - now we're enjoying blue skies and sunny days - ok, with just the occasional hint of wind or a cheeky shower...

Which leads me to thinking about what to wear in this 'transitional' time of year. Personally, the sun instantly lifts my spirits and makes me want to cast aside my chunky jumper dresses and knee-high boots in favour of floral tunics, floaty maxi dresses and funky gladiator sandals.

Of course, the main problem is that unpredictable temperature! The weather is so changeable it can be hard to dress for it. Especially when wearing a maxi dress - which, despite the name, actually flashes quite a bit of flesh!

Well, I reckon the answer is (drum-roll...) cropped cardigans! Ok, so cardigans aren't the sexiest item of clothing in the world. Nor are they the first choice for a Summer wardrobe! But don't think chunky and snuggly - think fine knits, bracelet-length sleeves and cropped waists. How about this cute little number? The little floral details adds a bit of interest, and would match any floral-print maxi. If sleeves ain't really your thing, why not go for a cropped waistcoat? Just right for that relaxed, Summery boho vibe.

Or perhaps you prefer something a bit edgier? This cardi ticks all the right boxes - check out that shoulder detail! Or to really vamp it up, this studded jacket really makes a statement over any abstract or animal print maxi. Throw an oversized clutch into the mix and you're done.

I'm currently working on a small range of ready-to-wear, one-off maxi dresses - just in time for Summer! All dresses are handmade by my own fair hands and are completely unique. So watch this space if you want to grab yourself something a bit different to the mass-produced High Street selection...

Thanks for reading!

~Deborah

Friday, 8 January 2010

Wnter Wonderland

So... I've decided to heed those crazy weather warnings and work from home. Although I'm missing my design studio, it's nice to spend some time with the cat!

I managed to dig the car out yesterday, and head up to the studio. I was able to collect together my pens, pads, fabric samples and scissors, so now I have everything I need to design some new styles for 2010.

I've already uploaded images of three new styles to my Facebook page - why not check them out here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shameless-Originals/30672214592

Each dress can be made-to-measure, in your choice of colours and fabrics. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this - what colours are you excited about for 2010?