Classic Inspiration

Classic Inspiration by brimalotke

As a new year starts many people would claim to want to become a "new you" but not me. I'd really just want to be a better me, I am perfectly content with how I am and I really just want to improve. For example, make a little more me time to relax and do things like painting my nails and making time to hang out with friends. Also just making myself go to the gym and get back into boxing. But fashion wise I love where I am in my sense of style and where I'm progressing. I'm not hanging on to things like I used to, when it's torn and all messed up I get rid of it. I do want to get all my stuff together and get organized and try to scale down my wardrobe. I don't know where I'll be after graduation so I want to have the essentials and the classics, like a little black dress and a suit that fits perfectly. I'll be drawing inspiration from timeless pieces and figures like Audrey Hepburn and her characters in some of my favorite movies. I figure once I'm settled and have a job I can alter my wardrobe accordingly. Let's see how this goes- the whole cleaning out my closet for REAL and getting rid of things I've had forever but don't wear.

2015 in Review

This year has been a whirlwind of amazing times for me. Of course there's been some not so wonderful times, but I've done so much this year it's hard to believe it.
In January I headed off to London for a semester abroad at the London College of Fashion. I made some friends and got to travel to other great places like Scotland and Paris. When I came home I got to see my school's fashion show and my friend model my sustainability piece. 

A collar I patterned, sewed, and stitched
on an apron for "Hay Fever."

Then I was off for the summer to Illinois where I interned with the Champaign Urbana Theatre Company and got to help out on a few shows for my boss and her freelance costume design jobs. I was also lucky enough to land an internship for Fashion A Magazine and have been writing for them and doing social media posts since June.

In August I started my last year at Purdue and began working on my senior collection that will be shown on April2nd, 2016. I interned with the Purdue Costume Shop again this fall and was even lucky enough t be he costume designer for a small production. It was wonderful! I've finished the year with seeing John Oliver in Chicago and getting to spend some quality time with family. I'm really looking forward to this coming year, mainly the whole graduating college part but who knows what will happen after that!

 

Goodbye 2015 & Hello 2016!

 

Enjoying tea time in London at Sketch.

 



"As You Like It" Show Pictures

I'm pretty happy that I finally got some show pictures of the dress I made in action. If you want to read about the construction of the dress I made for "As You Like It" then check out my earlier pieces "Costume Update!," "Costume Bodice Progress," "Costumes: Bodice Details," and "Costume: Bodice & Skirt." 

I got to create the dress using the designer's sketch to drape a mock up and then after a fitting I was able to finalize the plans and edit the patterns. I made the skirt with box pleats and the boned bodice has piping around all the edges that I also made. I didn't make the bloomers, the petticoat did happen to be the one I had made the previous year int he costume shop but both the petticoat and bloomers were pulled for the look. I did however make a new hip pad specifically for the actress. 

It was pretty neat to actually make so much for the show. I love that I got to make a whole look as well, it was a great experience and I learned a lot. I've also added some of the show pictures to my online portfolio: Malotke Designs.

"Herschel: Make Yourself Useful"

Caroline Introducing herself.

Finally some pictures from "The Hoes Progress" where I was the costume designer for the half "Herschel: Make Yourself Useful."

Caroline & William on their way to Bath, England.

William transforming into
himself from a stage hand.

Discovering stars and more!

Celebrate the New Year in Style

Celebrate the New Year in Style by brimalotke 

How to celebrate the new year with an androgynous style!

First Look for the Show

All of my looks were due this past Monday and I managed to finish everything on time. I decided to do a little post about each one.

For my first look I made a pair of plaid trouser pants that have 2 front tucks and a plain black zipper. The shirt is a long sleeve white button down with a black collar and cuffs. I chose to make the buttonholes black as well to make the overall look more interesting. I am in love with my black and white buttons and chose to use them for everything except the shirt has a small white button up by the collar.

Overall I love the look and I am really looking forward to making the blazer for it next semester. It will be a lot of work but my goal is to create the perfect tailored blazer.

How to Keep Your Androgynous Style Over the Holidays

Holiday Style by brimalotke

It’s hard not to feel festive when there’s a variety of holidays happening this season. If you’re going home to visit family you might be expected to alter your appearance slightly or not. Either way, if you love your style to be more on the androgynous side of fashion, then this look is for you.
To read more check out the full article on Fashion A.

Holiday Date: Androgyny Style

Holiday Date: Androgyny Style by brimalotke

For the holiday season it might get tricky trying to figure out what to wear when it’s freezing or you need to be prepared for different types of weather. I chose to focus on comfort, layers, and a classic look for this androgynous holiday date look.

To read the full piece then check out Fashion A.