Try Handmade

Shopping blog featuring products made by people not factories.

The Black and White Dress

by 1 Comment

Whether you’re celebrating this Valentine’s Day with your partner or with your friends, do yourself a favor and leave those pink and red outfits in the closet this year. Instead, wear something classic – a black and white dress – and you’ll be sure to stand out in the sea of lovebirds and perhaps even attract cupid’s arrow. This elegant color combination brings back memories of classic starlets, silent movies, and, of course, romance.

For those with modern tendencies, this black and white dress by elbling is simply stunning. With asymmetrical color blocks and sleeves as well as beautiful draping and a comfortable fit, this dress is both elegant and dramatic – a rare combination. Paired with a few brightly colored accessories, it is an instant classic that can be dressed up or down depending on your Valentine’s Day plans.

If you don’t mind showing off a little leg this Valentine’s Day, consider this gorgeous lace dress by LaBronz. The simple 60s-inspired cut compliments the drama of the lace, creating a classic and romantic look that is sure to catch the eye of your loved one or inspire envy in your friends. The short cut is offset by the 3/4 length sleeves and a simple round neckline, making it a classy choice for your night of romance.

Paired with colorful heels, this a-line dress by aliceanna features a full skirt that’s made to be twirled around the dance floor. The bold black and white fabric is both playful and whimsical while the H-strap back adds a touch of sophistication and romance. The thick black band will highlight the smallest part of your waist and ensure that you look good no matter if you’re dancing to swing or salsa.

The gorgeous photo featured at the top of this post was taken by Amelia Kay Photography.

New in the Gallery

by Leave a Comment

  • Pair of mini bright flowered fabric notebooks

    These fun, bright colourful flowery notebooks come as a pair … one for mummy, one for daughter … sisters who like the same thing …Because of the fabric pattern the flowers differ slightly on each cover … for a twist the ribbon has been stitched inside…one has red… → details

  • Clutch purse with peacock feathers

    My new soft shaped clutch is made from super soft suede and accented with peacock feathers, beads,and a black spiral button. The feathers and beaded arrangement are securely stitched and glued to the front of the purse. The suede is a lovely pale green sage color.The shiny silver… → details

  • Brown Sugar Shack Luggage Tag

    I hand carve and tool “Sugar Shack” to look like rustic wooden planks; you can see the nail heads and even the knots in the wood. I have always loved “faux bois”, and this is my tribute to the artists who worked in that style. After I carve each… → details

[Read more…]

Aarrgh Matey! Pirate dresses

by 2 Comments

I have loved all the Pirates of the Caribbean films and I think even Disney were surprised at how popular they were. The absolute gorgeousness of Johnny Depp in them probably has something to do with it in my opinion. Then there is the romantic freedom of the open seas, the girls in the revealing corsets and big skirts, the fit and tanned deckhands, the exotic sunny climes, the swashbuckling sword fights and stretches of sandy beaches…actually it was all round a winning formula! The films, to some extent, have kept alive the popularity of the pirate theme for parties, carnivals and festivals all round the world and of course the opportunities to dress up in such fabulous outfits have increased. I don’t need a fancy dress party – I’d be too tempted by such gorgeous clothes and want to wear them as often as possible. I’m sure it’s fine to do the weekly supermarket shop in a Victorian-esque outfit with frills and ruffles everywhere; English folk would be too polite to ask, and I could fill up my trolley, confident in my pretence that I am on my way home from a pirate party!

I absolutely love the dress above by RomanticThreads. Do you see what I mean? It is far too nice to only bring out from the wardrobe on special occasions once or twice a year if you’re lucky. I have decided to make it my mission to get everyone wearing clothes like these to Tescos (or Walmart if you’re American)! It would make the whole experience much more enjoyable.

This dress by GoGothic genuinely could be worn on a daily basis – it’s simple enough to get away with wearing it to work (depending on what work you do, of course), but it has those extra touches – the gathers at the neckline and the full, but tied in sleeves, that gives it the piratical look.

I’ve actually included a dress I made myself this week. Earlier in the year I made a whole collection based on pirate wear, and this is one of my favourites, kindly modelled by my daughter. I called it the Mary Read Dress, after the famous pirate who I imagined wearing clothes like this when she was on holiday from plundering the high seas!

Aunt Bucky

by Leave a Comment

I just love this amazing toddler dress.

AuntBucky_Dress_BEBT2

Aunt Bucky provides a unique collection of modern Baby Bedding | Apparel | Pillows. The Aunt Bucky line is ever evolving and truly unique. Our collections will always include the same style selections and design sensibility, but the individual fabric prints may vary. This process is therefore somewhat improvisational and produces near one-of-a-kind pieces.