Susan's fashion and home decor: February 2018

Saturday, February 10, 2018

Favorite Summer Black Dress

When it comes to putting together outfits for summer I always look for casual and easy-care black dresses. I shop for cotton blends that are wash and wear and for styles that can be worn casually or can be dressed up, Warm-season black dresses are a must-have for every woman’s wardrobe because the color coordinates well with other colors and the little black dress never goes out of style.

Basic tank dress with yellow sunflower accessories

My favorite styles are the tank because you can wear it with sneakers or flip flops or dress it up with your jewelry and a fashion bag.

This style of dress is perfect when the days are hot. Add a fashion tote bag and you are ready for shopping, going to the beach, or sightseeing while on vacation

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Black Beach Tank Dress - Palm Tree Print

Retro Style Sunflower Home Decor

When it is time to decorate for the spring and summer season I tend to decorate with flowers that I grow in my cutting garden. The home always feels warm and cozy when there is a vase of black-eyed Susans and sunflowers on the table. I also like to accent my home's décor with yellow and white sunflower accessories; tablecloths, coffee mugs, plates, and throw pillows are a few decorations that will add ambiance to the home.

This week while going through a trunk in the attic I came across a sunflower cluster bouquet that was painted 35 years ago. The paper was discolored due to the age and the floral still life had not been completed. It was one of those paint-by-number drawings that I enjoyed doing when I was younger.

The still-life picture was not completed, the vase and table had no color, but I thought the flower cluster would look nice on home décor products.

The arrangement in the painting had yellow sunflowers with green leaves, orange coneflowers, and touches of blue. I thought I would scan it to make it digital then edit it on Photoshop to restore it. After hours of editing, I decided it was ready to be uploaded to Zazzle where I could design a few of the home products.

The retro-style home decor turned out better than I had hoped. I like the look of the unfinished sunflower bouquet. I also like the areas where the paint bled.

If you like retro-style floral patterns that will look fabulous in a Country or Cottage style home then you will love the sunflower throw pillows, tablecloth, and bathroom accessories (see below)

This tablecloth is so pretty for a special occasion or every day. I can visualize the kitchen table with this yellow floral and white cloth and a centerpiece of flowers.

White Table Cloth with Yellow Sunflowers - Floral

This paper plate was designed to go with the tablecloth. The text is for Mother’s Day however you can personalize the text or remove it.

Paper Plate with Retro Yellow Flowers

Yellow Sunflowers and Polka dot Paper Plate

by Susang6

Accent your sofa or your bed with pretty yellow and white sunflower throw pillows. Personalize with your own text or edit this template to remove the text. The choice is yours. Add a few solid color pillows to your pillow décor.

Yellow Polka Dot and Sunflowers Love Nana Throw Pillow

Pretty Yellow Sunflowers - Floral Throw Pillow

Accent Pillows that will go with Sunflowers

Moss Green Linen Like Throw Pillow

Yellow Linen-Like Throw Pillow

Do you decorate your home with the color yellow?

Thursday, February 1, 2018

Cottage Style Floral Print Bath Towels

Recently I designed bath towels with a vintage-style floral print for a customer's cottage-style bathroom. The bathroom color scheme was light gray with white trim, and the décor was shabby chic so the feminine floral print was complimentary.

Cottage Style bath soap and a sprig of lavender

My customer informed me that when she shopped locally or at online stores but all she could find were solid gray bath towels and she wanted bath towels with a delicate vintage-style flower pattern.

Know that when I get customer requests I tend to work on the design diligently. Many times I will work straight through until the design is completed and links are sent to the customer. I am happy to say that the customer did buy one of my bath towel set designs.

I am grateful to my customer because she gave me the opportunity to create a design for her cottage theme bathroom and she made me realize that gray was a color that is in demand. I learned that most shops in town offer solid color gray towels and it is really hard to find a gray pattern and impossible to find pastel flowers on gray towels.

Know that specialty towels that allow you to personalize with a monogram are a thoughtful bridal shower or housewarming gift for that special someone.

Here are a few towels that would complement the Shabby Chic, cottage, or Victorian bathroom theme. Towels are shown as a set of three, however, you may buy them separately.

Many towels are customizable, you can change the background color, and add your own design, and monogram.