#and embroider lines on top to give it volume and definition

[givemethedamnflowers]

Brand new craft project starting tomorrow : an aftg pillowcase, with all the covers embroidered

[fulgurbugs]

Doll review time!

today I received via target the Sunny and Luna Madison two-pack, which i had had my eye on for a while but decided i would wait on a sale for them. and they went on sale recently for 50% off! they were 25 dollars (plus shipping, as my target was unable to let me reserve one for in-store pickup so i had to order them shipped) but in my opinion a very good price for both of them!

i really appreciate that RH always has the color-coordinated stands. saves me from having to get cheap generic stands every two seconds like with mh LMAO. also, Sunny is actually my first Rainbow high doll, since all my other girls are shadow high! i also noticed that shadow high has slightly different stands with spikes on them as compared to the RH ones.

here's the back of their hair.

Sunny's hair is CRUNCHY. i'm talking rock solid. for this elaborate hairstyle she has though, i understand why. Even though i could probbaly at least get the four dangling curls looking nicer with a wash and re-curl, for now at least i'm content to leave her as-is. Luna's hair is significantly less crunchy and more in line with the typical amount of gel for this curl pattern. out of the box it is in two distinct halves, but i separted the curls a bit to give her some more volume.

now, for some individual details.

I'll start with Sunny! In my opinion, she's the clear winner of the pack, and one of the cutest RH designs ever. the reason i was interested in this pack was for her adorable outfit, as well as the fact I like this Luna outfit more than her basic doll.

first up, her face! Sunny's very cute, but what struck me the most with this doll is her hair clips! she has 5, and theyre all different colors. combined with her shooting star earrings, there's a lot to love. I'm very fond of the yellow and rainbow color scheme of this doll.

Her shoes! yep, heel crocs. and leg warmers. it's so ridiculous and over the top, just like everything about this outfit. they're perfect.

I took her jacket off to kook at what she's wearing under it. the little decal on the shirt is surrounded with embroidered safety pins. cute!

the skirt is two layers. the pain white skirt, and the clear plastic with stickers layer over that. i love the pocket details, though they aren't seen much with the shirt and jacket over them. i do like to see that they're there though!

one thing that struck me with this doll is without the jacket, her outfit is actually not very yellow at all! it's mostly white

as for that tiny jacket, it's as pretty and detailed for its size as i'd espect out of rainbow high. tiny ruffle details, pockets, and drawstrings. on the back is a little cartoon sunny with some more rainbows, and a sun and moon that match her hairclips. also, a little cameo of the bear bag.

I love the decora (i think, correct me if im wrong im not super knowledgeable about jfashion cultures) influences on her. everything has a cute and childish vibe, but while altogether its definitely something i could see one of my more fashionable friends wearing around our college campus. a 10/10 sunny (i think she's definitely the designer's favorite)

next up, Luna!

Luna is quite pretty as well, and im a sucker for the series one grayscale dolls. they're such a unique concept! however, I feel like she just lacks that last bit of punch that sunny has. maybe because she doesn't have quite as many acccesories? maybe some hairclips for her too, or a necklace.

here's her face! I love her face in this doll, I'm pretty sure the mold is identical to sunny's (they are twins, after all) but their makeup makes them look really different to me imo. epectually from a distance, Luna looks a bit more mature. in person as well, her eyes are quite clearly a lovely shade of purple, (that isn't too intense as to ruint the grayscale effect) though it seems like it doesn't come off well in the pictures.

not as many details to show off for Luna, but here's a close-up on the shoes. my roommate said she recognized them so im sure theyre in referece to some designer shoes (as RH/SH often does) that i'm not familiar with.

nothing particularlt special from the back. but you can see the little attachement loops on the belt to the skirt a bit better.

he'res her bag, though it's not as fun as sunny's bear bag, it's quite cute, and light enough that it can be held up by Luna with the small handle, or worn on the shoulder instead. it also opens, which i always like to see.

of course, the customary .5 shots

Final thoughts: This is my favorite of the twin 2-packs out of RH/SH so far, I think they're gorgeous and well worth the sale price. Sunny in particular is once again proving to be of the most consistently well-designed characters of the whole line (i love her Fantastic Fashion look as well, and while yellow + rainbows is basically always sunny's thing, I think this is the best execution of it out of all her dolls. I also really prefer this luna to her series 1 doll, where the chrome is more contained and it looks more like an actual outfit you might see in a high school. happy to add both of them to my collection!

Thanks for reading, if you stuck around for this whole long long post lol!

[apparellover86]

The comprehensive manual for selecting the ideal salwar kameez for your body type

The comprehensive manual for selecting the ideal salwar kameez for your body type. A timeless and adaptable ethnic ensemble, the salwar kameez combines comfort, style, and grace. Given the range of styles available, it's critical to select a salwar kameez that not only suits your body type but also your own preferences. This thorough advice from Sapienstyle will assist you in selecting the ideal salwar kameez for your body type so that you always look your best.

For Body Types With Pear Shapes

Women with pear-shaped bodies tend to have slimmer upper bodies and wider hips. By highlighting the upper body, the proportions are intended to be balanced.

Top style:

Fabric Selections:

Necklines:

For Body Types Shaped Like Apples

If you have a fuller bust, broader shoulders, and a rounder middle, it’s important to choose Salwar Kameez styles that create a slimming effect and draw attention away from the midsection.

Best styles:

To extend the physique, choose long, flowing styles like the Kalidar Anarkali or straight-cut kameez. For a sleek profile, go for darker hues for the kameez.

Fabric Options:

To prevent creating excessive bulk, choose drapey fabrics like silk and chiffon. Steer clear of rigid materials like brocade.

Necklines:

V-necks and U-necks lengthen the body and give the impression that you are thinner. Steer clear of high necklines, which might give the impression that the upper body is larger.

Regarding Hourglass Body Type

Hourglass figures have a well-defined waist, a curved hip and bust, and a balanced body shape. Emphasizing the curves without overpowering them is crucial.

Best Styles:

Hourglass bodies look great in fitted styles like churidar suits or Anarkali suits that tighten at the waist. Additionally, patiala suits can be attractive, highlighting the body's inherent curves.

Fabric Selections:

Luxurious materials that drape wonderfully on this body type, such as satin, silk, or chiffon, enhance the entire appearance.

Necklines:

To highlight the proportions that are in balance, deep V-necks or sweetheart necklines look great.

Regarding Rectangular Body Type

Regarding rectangular Body Type The objective is to impart structure and shape to a rectangular shape that has a straight profile and little definition in order to give the impression of curves.

Best Styles:

Opt for looks that add volume, such as layered kameez or flared Anarkali suits. For a more defined silhouette, try experimenting with side slits or asymmetrical hemlines.

Fabric Selections:

Structured materials, such as jacquard or brocade, give the ensemble depth and form.

Necklines:

To draw attention to the upper body, go for boat necks, halter necks, or embroidered necklines.

Regarding Small Body Types

Avoiding styles that overpower your body and creating the appearance of height are crucial if you are small.

Best Styles:

Choose Salwar Kameez designs that are slim-fitting or straight-cut. Steer clear of outfits with too much embroidery or flare as they may dominate your body.

Fabric Selections:

To maintain the style's simplicity and elegance, lightweight materials like cotton, georgette, and chiffon are ideal.

Necklines:

U-neck and deep V-neck designs lengthen the neck and enhance your overall look.

For People with Plus-Size Bodies

The goal for plus-size women is to develop a look that is both stylish and comfortable, while also highlighting their curves.

Best Styles:

Straight-cut or A-line suits that fall loosely over the body are ideal. Flaring out from the waist is another effective way to add flair to anarkali styles.

Fabric Selections:

Select flowing materials with a lovely drape, such as crepe, chiffon, and georgette. Steer clear of bulky, rigid fabrics like brocade.

Necklines:

To balance the style and highlight the upper body, use medium or deep necklines like scoop or V-necks.

[latexclothesprincess]

Experience Comfort and Glamour in Latex Apparel

Fashion has always offered a unique blend of comfort with a splash of sassy glam in various latex articles of clothing. Whether you are out for a night on the town or looking to pull off an awesome everyday look, some flexible latex options are bead-hanging in any group. Let's look at why latex is not just fashion but a basic piece of clothing in the modern wardrobe.

Latex Fashion Appeal

Dancing very popularly along the sidewalk, embroidered by both perplexed and sadistic glares, fashionably unfettered and dressed in chic fashion on runaways and red-carpet events, the very definition of latex fashion has long been based on splashing endorsements of being bold. Aside from runway glitz, today's latex clothing is not built under thicknesses and pounds of mysterious woe and whimsy but is made for a welcome hug of comfort; they provide one with the delicately tantalizing touches of soft material without ever needing to limit oneself in wearability. Unlike most other natural and synthetic fibers, latex captures his or her form: hugging close to the figure, wherein the underlying curves are greatly revealed and allow motion freedom.

An Unrivalled Variety

One of the truly splendid aspects of latex clothing is its versatility. All girls love to dress up, and it becomes so easy with the all-rounders like latex. It could be anything from ringlet dresses to cut skirts, fitted tops, and outerwear that speaks volumes. You can either wear a latex skirt with a nice blushed blouse and heels for going to dinner or pull on a casual latex top with your beloved jeans for a chic day look. As such, there are no limits but rather means by which to express one's very style.

Fashion Model Offsetting

Many would normally think that latex would be tough to wear, with successive advancements in design and production pushing the bar high. Well, luckily, other lines of latex clothing are lined by manufacturers, making sure they can breathe easily and give up to all-day wear. Besides, there are so many thicknesses and finishes available these days that range from matte all the way through to shiny.

Maintenance

Considering that all latex clothing, the care and maintenance of them are so complicated and tedious, it isn't such. Although there are exceptions, the majority of the latex items can be cleaned with little trouble using mild soap and water. To maintain shine and elasticity, use some silicone-based lubricant just thereafter. A good way of storing latex items is in a way that keeps them out of sunlight.

Also, this could last for years. Wearing latex is all about confidence. When one slips into a latex outfit, he is not putting on clothing: he is making a bold appearance. This bold aesthetic turns heads, so if you want to be the cynosure of all eyes where you want to stand out, this is perfect! From parties to festivals, wearing this represents individuality and expresses personal creativity.

Join the Latex Movement

Latex apparel is undoubtedly one of the most comfortable and luxurious materials you will ever wear. This trend is here to stay, and for the most part, it's appealed to anybody. Whether you are a seasoned latex lover or you are new to this scene, countless styles exist to accommodate any style. Experiment with colors, patterns, and cuts to find whichever pieces possess an essence of respectability to you.

Conclusion

This is simple: wearing latex is the ultimate union of comfort and elegant glamour. Latex clothing works versatilely and retains a contemporary feel with admirable maintenance. So why not just make it out of your comfort zone and in the state of latex apparel? Get in the mode for modern fashion and prepare for the big bold statement that will turn many a head! Find the chic inspiration latex has to bring and change your style today!

[leal-5]

Tomb of Time and Destiny: Chapter 20

Erza POV

Much to our surprise, and relief, no one came barging in for the rest of the day. It wasn’t till several hours later that Mira returned with four servants each lugging a large trunk. They each set the trunks down on the edge of the room and left, never looking in our direction. Mira stood there grinning as she began to open the trunks. “Gifts, for you and your sisters.”

Lucy and Levy, who had been braiding our hair out of boredom, stopped and leaned over to see what it could possibly be. Mira flipped the brass latch on the first two trunks and opened it. She pulled from the first one a magnificent orange gown, embroidered with what looked like a silver thread. From the next trunk, she pulled out a majestic pink gown that was embroidered with gold thread. “For you, Miss Levy and Miss Lucy,” she said, dragging it across her arms and carrying it across the room.

“Oh, my word,” I breathed as I stared at it in awe. It was amazing. And it was literally their favorite colors. “With your hair… my goodness.” Juvia’s eyes sparkled, imagining them in the dresses.

“No one will be able to keep their eyes off of you.” I finished, mirroring her expression. Both Lucy and Levy were practically drooling as they ogled the dresses like little girls.

“I can’t argue with that, but they���ll have firm competitors in their sisters,” Mira said, going to the third and fourth trunks. From them, she pulled a ruby red silk gown, this one embedded with tiny rubies all across the bodice and the hem of the dress. Juvia gasped when she opened the last trunk and saw a blue dress that literally looked like flowing water that started light at the top then darkened as it neared the floor and was embroidered at the bodice and hem with- are those DIAMONDS?!

I gaped at her. “I can’t wear such a thing. It is way too beautiful.”

Juvia, Levy, and Lucy nodded frantically in agreement.

“It is only fitting for them to honor you so,” Mira said with a dismissive snort, “If not for you four, Phantom Lord would have never been destroyed.”

“But Juvia’s wound,” Juvia said, pouting, “She’ll never be able to wear that gown.”

“Nonsense,” Mira said. “ Gray has seen to every detail. He had the seamstresses cut it a couple of inches wider so that there will be plenty of room to bind your wound so it won’t chafe.”

Juvia stayed in shocked silence, her mouth hanging open at the announcement that Gray had been the one to order the dress for her.

I looked her in the eye. “This is a gift from Gray?”

“Juvia’s dress? Yes,” Mira said, smiling at me quizzically as if to say ‘Who else?’ “Your dress was from Jellal.”

I joined Juvia in her shocked expression.

Lucy and Levy turned to Mira. “Are our gowns from Jellal and Gray as well?”

“Actually, I think that was more of Natsu and Gajeel's doing,” she said with a tap to her chin and with that, she went out the door, closing it softly behind her. The silence stretched on before Lucy spoke up.

“Okay, I so wanna wear that gown.”

Levy immediately jumped a little on the bed, “Ha! I knew I wasn’t the only one! I’ve never seen anything so pretty. It’s like something out of a dream.” She went over to it, lifted it into her hands, and then draped it across her body.

I smiled and shook my head. “You’ll both look amazing in those.”

“You and Juvia be gorgeous in yours, too.”

Juvia looked giddy with excitement. I looked at my own and then back to her, hope lifting my heart. We don’t have to go. Yet. “So…we’ll try to get to the tomb after the feast?”

They didn’t answer me for a moment.

“What’s one or two more days?”  Lucy finally said, cracking a smile. “We don’t have to stay for the entire feast, right? And Juvia still needs a few more days to heal. Gildarts would freak if he saw those sinew stitches.”

Levy didn’t seem to disagree and Juvia squealed in excitement, begging us to show her the dress again. A knocked at the door interrupts our little dress up party

Lucy walks to the door and opens it a crack, Juvia whispers, “Who is it?”

“Simon,” she responds, opening the door a bit wider so we can see him at the doorway, leaning heavily on the arm of his servant.

“Simon,” I scolded while getting up to help him to a chair. “You shouldn’t have gone through the trouble of climbing all the way up here.”

His eyes, beneath concerned brows, he grinned and said: “I thought I’d come to save you from boredom and read you a book.”

This immediately got Levy’s attention. “Yes, please!”

Her eagerness made Simon laugh. “You must be Levy, your sisters have told me about you. You are quite smaller than I imagined though.”

Levy pouted at that.

“Juvia is so happy, you seem better than last time we saw you,” Juvia said.

He gave her a rueful smile. “I bear no wound of battle like you, just the ones I bear in my lungs.”

Juvia reached out and put a hand on his arm. “It is enough.”

He patted her hand and looked at all of us fondly. “You all have done so much for me, for Fairy Tail, for the town. We are eternally grateful to all of you.”

I smiled. “We only did what we could. Although honestly, we were mostly fighting to get Lucy and Levy free more than anything. ”

He raised the golden volume. “Shall we?”

We nodded and Juvia scooted over on the bed so Lucy, Levy, and I could all snuggle beside her, careful not to touch her wound. Simon sat at the foot of the bed and began to read. His voice was surprisingly strong, but he still paused often to catch his breath. About thirty minutes to the reading Levy jumped a bit, startling us since we were just a few pages from conking out.

“Please. Read that last line again.” She almost yelled while shaking Lucy and me.

“ 'To get back up to the shining world from there,’ ” Simon read again, “ 'They must go into that hidden tunnel; Where they will come forth, and once more see the stars.’ ” He lowered the book as we looked at each other with startled eyes. “What caught your attention?” He asked with a frown.

“May...May I see the cover of that book?” Lucy asked. Simon closed the book and turned it so we could see the old, worn hardback cover. It was so old that if you hadn’t seen the image before it would just look like a blob of dark patches. But we had seen the image before. It was four handprints, exactly like in the tombs.

“Who wrote this Simon?” Levy pressed, trying to hide just how visibly shaken she was.

“I don’t know, it was given to my late aunt from an old friend of hers. She cherished it greatly.” Simon stroked the worn cover of the book gently. “Oddly enough, she kept it in a wooden box hidden in the library, but my cousins followed her one day and saw where she hid it. My cousins have already read it but I’ve never read it until now, it's quite a remarkable story.”

“This friend,” I continued. “Are they still alive?”

Simon gave us a sad smile, “Unfortunately, she disappeared many months before my aunt's death.” He gave us a confused look. “Why the sudden interest?”

“Oh, umm, just curious if the author was one I had heard of in Bellum.” Levy stuttered. He didn’t seem all too convinced but he let the matter drop. He left about an hour later, leaving us more confused than ever before.

#################

Levy and Lucy insisted that I get some rest and they would take turns watching over Juvia at night. I had little strength to argue with so I let them have their way this time. Imagine my surprise when I wake up the next morning and find Jellal seated right beside my bed, staring down at me with such a soft expression that I panic and bolt upright and put as much distance between us as possible.

“Erza-”

“I’m sorry!” I repeated over and over again. “I’m sorry I lied! I’m sorry I almost got you and our brothers killed! I’m sorry that I’m one of the vile creatures that are responsible for your mothe-”

Jellal silenced me by reaching over and sealing his lips over mine. I made a surprised gasping noise and Jellal took that opportunity to deepen the kiss for a moment. Two seconds before I pass out- from shock or lack of air, whichever came first- he pulls away and gathers me in his arms. “You are nothing like the monster that killed my mother.” He said strongly.

“B-but-”

“Listen to me, Erza.” He said, absentmindedly stroking my hair. “The witch that killed my mother inherited dark magic. For as long as magic has existed in women, it has always been dark magic. But you,” He gently pushed me away and held me at arm’s length and stared at me with an intense look in his eye. “Your magic is unheard of, and it most definitely is not dark magic. You used your magic to protect your sisters and to protect us. I’ll admit, I did doubt you for a minute when I recognized the spell you had cast.” He gave me a guilty look. “But when you formed the protection field around us I lost all doubts. You are not a witch. You are a wizard, like me. The first female wizard.”

A wizard….

“I apologize for not visiting you sooner, Erza.” He drew me back into his arms and began to stroke my hair again and I was so relieved that he didn’t hate me that I let him. “I constantly thought of you, but there is so much to do with the feast happening so soon. My father wasn’t prepared for such a task so our days”- I assumed he was talking about him and his brothers- “have been spent with cooks, bakers, vintners, falconers, and dignitaries, all swirling in plans for the grand meals and festivities over the next days.”

I nodded, but I lifted my eyes to meet his. “‘Is all of this really necessary? Couldn’t Fairy Tail have this party in town?”

He smiled and shook his head. “This is a great deal to Fairy Tail, where better to celebrate it than here.”

He had me there. “Jellal, what happened to Jose?”

“He was captured by the town knights and is currently waiting to be transported to the Grand Council for judgment.” His eyes flicked away, to the window. “Given his actions, they won’t give him a light punishment.”

I nodded, silently mulling over that information. I’ll admit, I was a bit disappointed to hear he was still alive. A man like that could quickly gather a mini army and raise havoc against Fairy Tail. Not that I thought Fairy Tail could lose to him, but he could take innocent lives down with him. Also, if he was still alive that meant Juvia, Levy, Lucy and I were still in danger.

“Erza, we must speak of something else.”

My eyes moved to his.

“Carmen and Ava are arriving tomorrow. With their families.”

I studied him, waiting. Knowing I should tell him the truth, tell him I was on my way out and that it couldn’t work between the two of us.

“I’ll break our pledge, make it clear to both Carmen and her father that no union will be formed between our families.”

I frowned, even though my heart pounded with hope. It was not good for Jellal to end his plans with Carmen. She wouldn’t go down without a fight; she’d try to bring me down with her. She definitely had a ‘If I can’t have him, neither can you.’ vibe. We’d all suffer her wrath and her father’s wrath.

Jellal was feeling strong, invincible even, with the capture of Phantom Lord, their main threat. But didn’t Fairy Tail need every protection possible? I mean, they were on the border, if someone else was to attack, Fairy Tail needed to know they could rely on reinforcements from a family as powerful as Carmen’s.

Jellal was studying me. “Erza, do you doubt me? Doubt my feelings for you?” He leaned down and placed his forehead on mine, stroking my cheek as he stared into my eyes with such love, it set my heart pounding. “‘It’s not simply what I owe you as a man loyal to Fairy Tail, it’s what I owe you as a man. Erza,” he said, looking intensely into my eyes, “You own my heart. My life, and all I have in it. You have captured me, like no one else. My hours are spent absorbed in thoughts of you, dreams of you. I can’t imagine a life without you in it. Might I dare believe that you would leave Bellum for good? To remain here in Fairy Tail, with me?”

A/N: MAYDAY MAYDAY!!! ELLY HAS COLLAPSED FROM FANGIRLING!!!! CALL THE FANBULANCE!!!! I KID YOU NOT I WOKE UP PASSED OUT ON THE GROUND FROM THIS SCENE.

My heart pounded so hard I swear it was gonna break my ribs. For a moment I was filled with excitement and happiness but then my mind started working. Would his father approve of this? When there was not a single thing to gain from it? Unlikely. The only thing we had going for us was that his father seemed pretty out of it since Simons asthma attack- I doubt he’s even fully absorbed the victory over Phantom Lord- but if he comes to his senses, this news of Jellal breaking his marriage to Carmen to pursue me would truly send him over the edge.

“I don’t know, Jellal,” I said, pulling back a little. Stick to the truth, Erza. “I can’t deny that there is something here, between us.” I looked at him for a long moment. “But both your family looks to you and your brothers to sustain them into the future. They rely on you. Promises between us cannot yet be made.”

He frowned and looked at me as if he had not heard me right. “Are you saying… Erza, are you saying that you don’t want me to break my pledge to Carmen?”

It took me a long time, but I finally found the words to say it. “Honestly, no. I want you to break your pledge, but I cannot ask it of you. You and your brothers are a future of Fairy Tail and I do not know where my sisters and I belong, here or Bellum.”

“Here,” he said, squeezing my hands, “you belong here.”

I shook my head miserably. “I don’t know that. I wish I did. But I don’t. We have so many things tying us to Bellum, it’s all so different here in ways I can’t even explain.”

The sad look that settled in his eyes made my heart wrench painfully in my chest. “How can I prove it to you that you belong here?”

“It’s not up to you, Jellal,” I said, reaching up to cradle his cheek this time. “I understand your feelings for me, I have them too, but I need to know if what we are doing is right or not. I need more time.”

“We have no more time,” he said in desperation. “She arrives tomorrow.”

“Then you must carry on as before,” I said. “For the sake of your family, for the sake of Fairy Tail.” I shook my head. “I can’t break such a union. Not yet.”

“Not yet?” he asked, broken hopefulness in his voice.

“Not yet,” I said.

[mygrandmathinksimsassy]

Maddie, I need kindergarten/daycare teacher Ben Solo in my life like I need Adam in a brocade dinner jacket.

(This was initially going to be a prompt fill and now it’s a whole thing that I’ll be posting to AO3)

“You’re a teacher?”

Ben doesn’t look like a teacher. At least not like any teacher Rey has ever had.

Finn covered her halfof rent last month.

Rey thought she’d havegot a research job by now, or at the very least, an internship she could dopart-time while working somewhere else for what would hopefully be more thanminimum wage. She doesn’t need a career just yet, just something that looksdecent enough to talk about if she ends up getting any interviews for any ofthe schools that have asked for secondary applications, but apparently that isasking too much. 

It’s taking a bit toolong to get hired.

Finn might have tohelp with the next month too.

–

She owes him one. Sheowes him thousands of times for everything he’s done for her since they satnext to each other in that physics class he ended up dropping when he decidedpre-med was not for him, but she definitely owes him at least one. 

Finn has been teachingfor about a month now, at the ritzy elementary school on the other side oftown, the one that looks like something out of a movie. It’s the sort of placeshe would have killed to go to as a kid, a place where they send thesixth-graders to a wilderness camp every year and the textbooks were written inthe past decade.

It’s the kind ofschool that has enough money to throw a carnival to welcome back theirstudents.

The kind of carnivalthat apparently needs volunteers.

–

It’s eight on a Fridaynight. Finn has been passing out by nine every night since he’s started, wornout from keeping up with a class of thirty third graders, but he’s wide awakeright now.

Apparently, it’s timeto collect.

“I don’t think I’mqualified to run a first aid tent.“

The Great British Bake-Off drones on in the background when Finn asks herto fill in for a parent volunteer who dropped out the night before. If shemisses Mary Berry complain about a “soggy bottom,” then that defeats the entirepoint of the drinking game she found when drafting cover letters got a bit toooverwhelming.

“It’s not like you’regoing to have to operate on anyone,” Finn says. “We just need a warm body tohand out band-aids. You can say it’s clinical experience. It’ll look good onyour resume.” 

Someone ends updropping their cake, a confection that looks nothing like the tastefulillustration they had been shown at the beginning of the episode. and they bothreach for their glasses of the cheapest wine she could find at Target.

“I will pay you infriendship- “

“We’re already friends.”

“Then I will also payyou in takeout afterward,” Finn tells her. “Whatever you want. My treat.”

“Indian food or I’ll quit.”

“Whatever you want.”

She was always going to say yes. Finn knows that. She knows that.

That doesn’t mean she doesn’t appreciate the bribe.

“Fine,” she says. “I’ll do it.”

“Thank god.” Finn letsout a sigh and sinks back against the couch they found on the side of the roadwhen the college kids moved out of their apartments at the end of the schoolyear. 

It’s still a prettydecent couch. It hardly looks like it came from the street.

“I already signedyou up.”

–

The school Finnteaches at is nice. 

Like really nice.

Nice enough where shefeels bad for showing up in jeans and a t-shirt that she got from doing a 10k afew years back.

The moms are allwearing Lilly Pulitzer in shades that run the gamut from aqua to lavender. Afew of the more daring ones are in green. All of them have blow outs and roundsunglasses perched on their heads complete with iced coffees that seemed gluedto the inside of their hands. 

The dads are all inthe same light blue button down tucked into the same pair of khakis. It’s likethey all agreed on a uniform beforehand and she pities any kids who get losttoday because they are going to have a hell of a time.

She follows Finn througha balloon archway toward a makeshift fairground covered in orange and bluedecorations. A handful of kids wave to him when Finn makes it onto the campus,calling out his name like he’s a rock star trying to make it out of an airport.They are all thrilled when he waves back at them and it’s worth it to volunteereven if it’s just to see how happy Finn is now that he’s in his element.

There are roughly ahundred different booths with different carnival games and kids already liningup to win stuffed animals and way too much candy.

It might be the bestparty she’s ever been to.

–

The first aid tent ison the corner of the makeshift fair grounds, just across from a ring toss gameand right by where someone is setting up a popcorn maker.

The department chairFinn works with, a swanlike woman named Amilyn, is already waiting. She’s got ahead of pink hair with a matching pink stud in her nose and a maxi dressunderneath a flowy rust-colored cardigan. There are Birkenstocks peeking outunderneath the hem of her dress with pink leather straps, ones that lookwell-worn like she’s been holding onto them since Lilith fair.

There was a car in theteacher’s parking lot covered in political bumper stickers urging passersby to“Coexist.”

One guess as to whoseit was.

 "You must beRey,” she says. There’s a unicorn already painted onto her face, but somehow,she makes it work. “Finn has told me so much about you. I feel like I knowyou already.”

She must look panickedat the notoriety because Amilyn smiles in an almost maternal way.

“Only good things,”she tells her. “Let’s get you set up.”

Rey is given a firstaid kit with plenty of band-aids and a cooler filled with water bottles andjuice. There are two folding chairs with “Chandrila Elementary” embroidered inblue fabric on the back and a little trash can just behind the table.

“If you need anything,I’ll be at the face painting booth pretending I know how to draw.” Amilyn givesthe tent a once-over. “Seriously, don’t hesitate to let me know if you needanything.”

“It’s ok,” Rey tellsher. “I’ll be fine.”

When Amilyn leaves thetent, it looks like she’s gliding.

The DJ- the schoolseriously hired a DJ-is playing a “Hey Ya!” at a volume so loud that Rey canbarely hear herself think. There is no chance any of these kids know whatsong is playing, but that doesn’t stop them from dancing. They’re all too youngto care about how they look, dancing just because there is music and because itseems fun, and she lets herself focus on something other than waiting for anyof the places she’s applied to call her back.

It’ll be ok.

If it’s not, there’sonly six hours to go.

–

Running the first aidtent isn’t that bad. Definitely worth the promise of as much takeout Finn iswilling to put on his credit card.

A handful of kids comein with banged up knees from falling on the black top, in need of bandages andjuice boxes before they’re ready to get back to the fun. They’re allsurprisingly well-behaved, all saying please and thank you without anyprompting from the parents who all seem way more worried than they do.

One of the moms stopsby and asks if she has anything for a migraine. When she offers up an Advil- byfar the strongest thing she has- the mom reluctantly accepts.

It’s pleasant. Boring.

Until one of the dadsstops by.

He definitely doesn’tlook the other dads.

For one thing, he’ssoaking wet. His dark hair is dripping, but still long enough to reach where acollar would be and the shirt he’s wearing- a bright orange monstrosity withthe words “Chandrila Coyotes” emblazoned on the front- sticks to his chest. Hischest is broad- big in a way that makes her think he must spend every freemoment in the gym- and she can pretty much see all of it with just how wet heis. His arms look like they might burst through the fabric. She can only hopeshe’s there when they do.

Instead of khakis,he’s in black swim trunks that cling to his thighs. His surprisingly muscularthighs.

The swim trunks clingto other parts too. They are doing an excellent job.

The only thing thatmakes him seem remotely mortal, is just how horrible the color contrast is. Helooks like he’s some sort of walking billboard for Halloween who wanted tostart the ad campaign about two months early, but she finds it in herself toforgive him for the misstep.

He’s definitelydifferent from the other dads.

She tries not tostare, but she must be staring, because it’s like she’s forgotten how to speakuntil he clears his throat.

“I cut my arm onsomething.“ 

He has a nice voice.Deep. The sort of voice people would pay good money to have narrate a naturedocumentary.

She remembers just howwords work and then promptly embarrasses herself.

“Is that how you gotcovered in water?”

“It was my shift inthe dunk tank.” He says this like a dunk tank was the obvious answer, but she’snever really spent much time around kids, so it might very well be. “Someasshole sixth grader spent ten dollars trying to knock me in.”

“I thought that wasthe whole point of a dunk tank.”

He looks at her withexasperation, practically rolling his eyes, and she shrugs her shouldersbecause it’s the only thing she can think to do.

“Can you just look atmy cut?”

She motions to thefree chair and her mystery patient takes a seat. He is too big for the chair,the same way he’s too big for his shirt, and when he holds up his forearm forher to inspect, it’s a wonder she can actually focus on the cut.

He is wet, but whenshe takes his arm, he’s warm.

The cut isn’t too bad-nothing that won’t heal in a couple of days so long as he doesn’t pick at it-but it’s the most blood she’s seen all day, so she can’t really fault him forcoming by. She lets the evaluation take longer than it needs to be, studyingthe muscle in his arm before glancing down at his hands.

He has nice hands,this mystery DILF, big hands that might be larger than her face. There isn’t aring on his finger and she didn’t think she was at that point yet, to ogle strangemen and wonder if they’re married, but apparently, she is. It’s a realizationthat makes her feel a little old, but she doesn’t have enough time to dwell onit when he speaks again.

“What’s the prognosis,doc?”

“I’m not entirelysure,” she says. She’s still holding onto his arm, but he doesn’t pull away, soshe keeps holding on. “But I think it’ll have to come off.”

He smiles at that,revealing teeth that are big and white and imperfect. His eyes crinkle up allsmall and she is so pleased with herself, so pleased to have earned this smile,that she can barely stand it.

“I figured as much.”His voice is completely dead pan when his face fades back into an exasperatedneutrality. “Just give me some whiskey and a stick to bite on and we’re good toamputate.” 

“I don’t have anybooze with me.” 

“That’s a shame.”Mystery DILF lets out a melodramatic sigh, but his lips still curl up at theends, the ghost of a smile. “I’ll just settle for gangrene.”

She smiles before shereaches into the first-aid kit and pulls out a fresh baby wipe to mop up theblood.

Mystery DILF watchesher when she cleans his cut, in a way that makes her acutely aware ofeverything that she’s doing, every brush of the wipe against his muscularforearm, every time she sucks in a breath. The way he looks at her makes timeslow down somehow, until the dulcet tones of “Gangnam Style” blaring in thebackground fade completely away.

It’s overwhelming, notin a bad way, just overwhelming and so she tries to make conversation becauseit feels like she might float off the ground.

“How old are yourkids?”

“I don’t have any kids,”he scoffs. “I work here.” 

“You’re a teacher?” 

He doesn’t look like ateacher. At least not like any teacher she’s ever had.

“Would I be at anelementary school carnival if I weren’t?” Mystery not-DILF says. “I’m herebecause I have to be. Trust me, I have better things to do.”

He hasn’t beenbleeding for a few minutes now, but she can’t stop touching his arm.

“Most people likecarnivals.”

“Most people don’thave to deal with parents bugging them the entire time,” he says. “We’ve onlyhad two weeks of classes and I already have at least five different peopleasking about their kid’s college readiness. It just starts earlier eachyear.“

“What grade do youteach?”

She’s thinking sixthgrade. It’s a nice image, the thought of him unraveling the mysteries of theancient world, using his deep voice to introduce kids to the classics.

“Kindergarten.”

“Bullshit.”

She snorts, and helooks like she slapped him.

“It’s notbullshit,” he says. “I promise.”

“You don’t seem like akindergarten teacher.” She struggles to find the right word for what she’strying to convey, to reconcile the thought of this man with his broad shouldersand deadpan expression surrounded by screaming kids that just barely come uppast his knee. “Kindergarten teachers are supposed to be…”

“Supposed to bewomen?” He says with a smug expression. “I get that a lot.”

“That’s not what I wasgoing to say.” 

“What was it then?” Heraises his eyebrows expectantly. “Enlighten me, doctor.”

“They are supposed tobe nice.”

“I happen to bevery nice.” 

“I don’t know,” shesays with a shrug. “You just called a kid an asshole like five minutes ago.”

“I’ve known that kidsince he was five. I know for a fact that he is an asshole,” he tells her.“That doesn’t mean I’m not nice.”

He doesn’t seem like amean person, but she doubts that this man is nice.

Nice men don’t wearshirts that cling to every muscle. Nice men don’t look like him.

“How did you end upworking the first aid tent in the first place?” He asks. “You just decided tobe a Good Samaritan for the day?”

“My roommate just startedworking here last month,” Rey tells him. “He guilted me into volunteeringbecause he knew that I didn’t have anything better to do.” 

“Who’s your roommate?”

“Finn Abejide,” shetells him. “He’s teaching third grade.”

“I know who he is,”the guys says. “I didn’t know he had a roommate.” 

He says this likehaving a roommate is some grand revelation. Which is bullshit.

Lots of people have roommates.

“Well now youdo.”

She lifts the secondbaby wipe from his arm and reluctantly lets go.

“What type of band-aid do you want?”

“Surprise me.”

She chooses two of thebandages from the most sparkly of the boxes she’s been provided.

Not because she thinkshe’ll be embarrassed. If he chose to wear that shirt, then he’s definitely pastthe point of embarrassment. But because it amuses her. Because the quickershe picks out a band-aid, the quicker she can get back to touching him.

She gently adheres theband-aids- purple ones with horses printed all over- and he smirks when helooks down.

“Twilight Sparkle,” hesays. “Excellent choice” 

“How do you know MyLittle Pony?” She zips up the first-aid kit. “They’re a little after your time.”

“I spend most of myweek with five-year olds,” he says. “I have forgotten more about My Little Ponythan most people will ever know.” 

He leans back in hischair and there’s no real reason for him to stay- he’s no longer bleeding andhe’s all patched up, so she uses the only tool left at her disposal.

“Do you want ajuice box?” She reaches into the cooler, fishing for what’s left of herhaul. “I’ve been giving them to every patient.”

"Sure,” he says. “Whynot?”

She hands one to him.When he takes it, his fingers brush against hers.

His hands are way toobig for the juice box-it’s meant for someone tiny and everything about him ishuge- and when he jams the straw in, a few droplets splatter on her shirt.

“Sorry about that,” hesays sheepishly. “I didn’t mean to get you wet.” 

He realizes what he’sjust said just about when she realizes it.

His mouth gets allsmall like he just sucked on a lemon and she is not blushing, why would she beblushing. That would be stupid. 

The silence that hangsbetween them is almost painful. The conversation that follows is even worse.

"This is good juice.”

"It came with thetent.”

“Still goodthough.” 

He finishes the juicebox in another lengthy sip. When he’s done, he crumples it into a ball and aimsfor the little recycling bin in the corner. The crumpled juice box landswith a thud.

When he stands up fromhis chair, she has to crane her neck up just to take him all in.

"I’ll see youaround.”

He leaves her with anod, the sort of stilted one guys use to greet each other on the street, andshe nods right back.

It’s only after he’sgone that she realizes she never got his name 

–

The booth is prettymuch dead for the rest of the day and so she watches the ring toss game sinceher phone is essentially dead.

A little boy, probablykindergarten age but there’s no way she really can tell has spent the lastthirty minutes trying to win a stuffed animal. His aim is terrible, bad enoughwhere half the rings land on the ground, and she can hear the beginnings of atantrum when her Patient Zero swoops in.

He’s basically tallerthan the booth so it doesn’t take him that long to land all three rings on thebottles set up behind the partition. The woman behind the booth hands him astuffed animal alligator and then he crouches down so he’s eye level to thekid.

He hands the alligatorto the kid- a dark haired little boy with skinned knees- and the boy sweeps himinto a hug. Her patient hugs right back and she looks away when he catches herwatching.

–

She looks for him whenthey walk back to Finn’s car, hoping to get a name or maybe even another smile.

But Patient Zero isalready gone when they leave 

–

Finn buys enoughtakeout to last them through the weekend.

"I promise Ididn’t mean to abandon you-“ Finn opens one of the containers and the smell ofsamosas fills the air. Her stomach rumbles like she’s just remembering thatshe’s hungry and she looks forward to the food coma that is sure to come. “-Ihad to convince like twenty of my kids to ask for balloon animal snakes becauseI couldn’t figure out how to make anything else.”

"It’s alright.”She spoons half the Chana Masala onto her plate. It might the happiest she’sever been to see a chickpea. "One of the teachers got hurt so we hung outfor a bit.

"Who wasit?”

“I don’t know,” shesays. “A guy teacher.”

“Was it Mr. Yoda?”Finn asks hopefully “Because I want him to be my grandpa. I will give him theadoption papers to sign if I ever figure out his first name.“

"This guy wasn’treally grandpa age.” Her mouth is still half full. "I didn’t get his name.He was a kindergarten teacher. Tall.”

“Are you talkingabout Ben Solo?" 

“You know I don’t knowwho that is.” 

"You would knowwho he is. He’s a dick.” She studies each portion of the last samosa beforefinally taking the one that’s about three millimeters thicker. Finn pops theother half in his mouth but that doesn’t stop him from ranting. “He’s the onlyguy even close to our age and I think he’s said like three words to me since Istarted. I literally have not seen him talking to another adult.  It’slike he’s made it his mission in life not to make any friends.”

 "I don’t know.”

She reaches for thelast samosa and thinks about the man who won a crying kid a toy.

“Heseemed nice.”

[doctortdesigns]

Burda has announced it’s semi-annual catalog collection for Spring/Summer!  Burda tends to be my favorite pattern brand, both in terms of style and fit, but because I have an extensive magazine collection, I find I can often limit my envelope purchases.  But for some reason my first impression of this collection was that I wanted all the things!  My pattern acquisition had slowed somewhat last year, and I was hoping to keep it at a more minimal rate, but Burda is making it tough on me.  Once the initial squee of new Burda excitement died down I was able to be a bit more objective, but, there’s still a lot of good stuff here, so let’s take a look:

6442 – Love this!  Both the evening gown and the day-midi dresses are beautiful.  The neckline looks quite low, so I’ll likely have to pay attention to that if I make this style, but I’m a sucker for a good twist dress, so I’ll definitely add this to my stash.

6441 –  Another dress that is winning me over with the oooooh, pretty factor.  I’m not sure I love the pockets on the strapless gown – it’s an interesting feature, but I don’t love the button choice Burda went with.  However, I’m in love with the simple, chic style lines of the long gown!  It’s so simple, but it’s also so elegant.  I’ve got yet more weddings to go to this year, so I’m sort of in a gown phase at the moment.

6423 – Another dress that is pretty simple, but is still on my sewing radar.  I love the neckline and straps of the sleeveless version.

6438 – I like the color blocking on this dress, but I do feel that it is quite similar to other Burda patterns we’ve seen in the past.

6440 – I love all the details on this shirt dress.  The simpler version in the print fabric is definitely something I’d love to add to my wardrobe.

6411 – Another twist dress that I’m rather excited with.  I think it looks great in both the solid and the print; I also love how the details can make it more or less formal so easily.

6421 – This is a nice halter dress, and I really like both versions.  Fabric choice can definitely make this style feel more or less formal too, which is great.

6439 – This dress is pretty simple, but is great to showcase a large print, as shown on the model.  I’m not sure I’d love a dress with so many buttons down the back, but the overall silhouette is pretty cute.

6412 – This is definitely more of a summer resort vibe, but I do like the idea of having it as a beach cover-up, as shown on the right.

6414 – Another simple style, but it looks comfortable and easy to make.  Another great pattern for large-scale print fabrics you might have in the stash.

6419 – The red variation is bold, but not my favorite.  The shorter version of the dress is pretty cute; looks like the sort of thing that would be a great workhorse sort of piece for a spring/summer wardrobe.

6420 – Another dress that is simple, great for a larger print, but with enough details to also look great in a solid as well.

6418 – I love the look of this dress in the denim.  It’s sort of unexpected, but rather fun.

6413 – Another fairly simple dress that would be very comfortable to wear during summer.

6413 – I’m not in love with this dress; I do enjoy the use of the border print, but the silhouette and ruffles are definitely not my style.  It does follow the recent trends though; I saw many people wearing similar styles of dress this past summer.

6401 – I’m happy to see that Burda has kept the ruffles to something of a minimum.  This dress reads pretty young to me, so it’s not something I’d add to my personal collection, but I do live the way they’ve used the embroidered denim here.

6422 – Another dress I’m leaving off my list.  Yes, it can be belted, but I think I have enough of this type of silhouette from the magazines that I wouldn’t need to add this to my collection.

6403 – Another style that seems pretty youthful.  I’m not the biggest fan of these prairie style dresses, yet there always seems to be at least one in every spring release.

6431 – This pencil skirt is pretty fabulous though.  I love all the seam lines – great details that are very subtle in the solid or tweed fabrics pictured.

6417 – Another skirt I’m going to add to my list.  Yes, Burda has many similar versions in their magazines, but I really love the way that red skirt looks on the model.  Something about the placement of these pleats seems particularly flattering.

6416 – A pretty simple skirt pattern.  Nice that it includes pockets.

6410 – This basic skirt seems geared towards the younger crowd; I’d definitely feel selfconcious in something this short.

6430 – I’m surprised by how much I enjoy the look of this pleated skirt on the models; Burda chose excellent fabrics to showcase this design.

6432 – I love these pants!  I’m really impressed with the angled front pockets, and the in-seam back pockets are a very cool feature.  Definitely putting this one on the wishlist.

6436 – I’m usually a sucker for a wide-legged trouser, but these seems just slightly over-voluminous.

6433 – I really enjoy the look of the navy jumpsuit; the contrast collar gives it a nice punch, but the overall look is very effortless and easy for summer.

6408 – This overall/romper/jumpsuit pattern is somehow oddly appealing.  It isn’t the sort of thing I’d normally be drawn to, but I’m enjoying Burda’s take on elevating overalls into the long suited trousers.  I’m not sure it’s something I’d be daring enough to try to pull off, but I find I’m far more appreciative of this pattern that I thought I would be at first glance.

6409 – These are pretty basic shorts, but I think they could be a good piece for a summer wardrobe.

6425 – I like the style lines of this blouse.  The ruffles at the sleeve cuffs are a nice proportion, and a nice nod to the trend without being too overdone.

6428 – The neckline on this top looks super wide, but I do think the version with the ruffle is pretty cute.

6424 – I like the look of this top, but I know the choker neckline would drive me nuts.  The black version with the lace insert is pretty though.

6415 – This is one of those patterns that looks sort of weird in the line drawing, but really cool on a person.  I’d probably wear the heck out of this, because it is a nice simple top with just a bit of interest.

6429 – Another top that I think gets the ruffled sleeve proportion right.  I actually really enjoy the way this looks in the photo, and I think the sleeves  have just enough volume without being too much.

6435 – I’m sort of obsessed with this top.  Apparently it’s challenging to sew, but that isn’t a detractor for me.  I love the way it looks – it’s a nice top for those sorts of events where you don’t want to be too dressed up, but you can’t just wear a basic t-shirt either.

6426 – I prefer my button-up shirts to be a bit more fitted, but I do think these look great on the models.

6427 – I like the top with the simple waistband tie; cute, but not fussy.

6405 – And this is where the ruffles have taken over.  At least it’s contained to a few looks, and not on every look in the entire collection.  I think it’s a bit much here, especially on the solid blue version.

6404 – I don’t think I’d need a simple tank like this in my pattern stash, but it does look like a comfortable addition to a summer wardrobe.

6437 – I’m not in love with this jacket – it just seems too bulky.  I see the vibe they are going for, but I prefer a slimmer cut.

6407 – The vest is a bit much with the trim, and I’m not a huge fan of the ruffle on the jacket, but I do appreciate the attempt to add interest to a fairly typical jean jacket style.

6406 – Obviously the last line drawing is an error on Burda’s part, and should be for the v-ruffled version in the lower left.  The hooded versions and simple crew neck versions look great though; the is definitely a pattern that has a lot of versatility, and could be really popular with the younger crowd.

6443 – This petite dress and top are super cute!  Love the collar and simple wrap style here.

6448 – This Burda Plus dress looks like it would be simple to make and rather comfortable in the summer.

6449 – I really like this Burda Plus dress too!  The style is super cute, and the sleeve options are nice.  It’s definitely a style I could see my sister wearing, so I might have to pick this one up as well.

6446 – This top/dress combo is the ruffle/trendy option for the Burda Plus it seems.  I think the tunic is actually rather pretty in the border print Burda used, and with a belt I’d actually rather like the dress as well.

6447 – This wrap dress and top are super cute!  Love the pleating details that give such a flattering waistline to the look.

6445 – This basic t-shirt is one of those patterns that isn’t exciting in terms of detail, but I know I’d wear a top like the black and white version obsessively.

6444 – I love the way Burda has styled the tan jumpsuit, they’ve totally sold me on the look from that photo.

6400 – These are some rather practical bags; large and well suited to carrying books, laptops, or tablets.

9338 – I don’t have much to say about the baby stuff, but it is nice to see such a range of ages available.

9342 – I’m not a fan of the drop crotch, regardless of what age you are.

9341 – This style reminds me very much of dresses I wore in the early 90s.

9344 – Simple, but cute.

9337 – The baby overalls are pretty cute.

9339 – More baby dresses.

9343 – Seems like the kids jumpsuit is popular in the Burda offerings this year.

9345 – It’s cute how they used different fabrics in the jumpsuit on the left.

9346 – This seems like a rather practical pattern, and the raglan sleeve top should be pretty quit to throw together.

9340 – This tunic has lots of cute details, and looks really easy to sew.

And that’s it!  After sorting through everything, it seems as though this release is rather dress heavy – not many new bottoms, and very few lightweight summer coats and jackets.  It also feels like many of the styles are somewhat repetitive; there are a lot of simple straight dresses and tops with ruffles, though, certainly more toned down than what we’ve been seeing from the Big 4 of late.  There will definitely be several of these patterns that make it onto my wishlist (I particularly like the fancier gown patterns), but I definitely think that I will be able to make a smaller, more curated selection from this release.  What do you all think?  Has Burda made you want to sew all the things?  Or is this new collection somewhat disappointing and narrow in its offerings?  Feel free to discuss in the comments!

Burda Spring/Summer 2018 Catalog Collection #sewing #burda #patterns #obsession Burda has announced it's semi-annual catalog collection for Spring/Summer!  Burda tends to be my favorite pattern brand, both in terms of style and fit, but because I have an extensive magazine collection, I find I can often limit my envelope purchases. 

[wizzard890]

Hey guys! This is @watroillustration‘s fashion consult. Here’s a link to the masterpost of what I offer.

Things you like:

Sheer with a touch of mystery: you don’t need me to tell you that you like sheer clothing, but you bend in a sophisticated direction with it. Rather than go for mesh or a jewel tone you can see through, you seem to gravitate towards sheer garments that have complicated themselves. Someone gets a sense of the body beneath, but the cut or the movement or even just the riotous detail of the garment obscures a direct view. It’s sensual, and adds mystique to even the simplest outfit. I was especially struck by the high-necked white blouse under the black blazer in the picture you sent. There’s so much to catch the eye, jacquard and velvet and lace, that you don’t notice her naked skin until you’ve looked for a good long time. I love that. I wanted to hunt you up a similar blouse, and settled on this one from Free People. There’s volume/movement in the sleeve, which I’ve noticed you like, and two options of color, although I think the pink makes the feathered lace more interesting.

Embroidery: wow we have really similar taste when it comes to embroidery! Beautiful, intricate, and lots of it. your chosen shapes and silhouettes are super varied, but you do seem to like a midi or maxi skirt, which is a solid instinct vis a vis intricate embroidery. Not a hard and fast rule of course, but it’s much easier for shorter dresses to become overwhelmed by detail, and that doesn’t do anyone any favors. We’re going for “arresting”, not “attacked by hummingbirds”. That said, I’ve found a few shorter options that I think land really boldly. I’ll drop them in the “pieces” section below. Now, there is a specific kind of embroidered maxi dress that ticks all your boxes: it’s trendy, sheer, delicately detailed, and has a beautiful raised element to it. Unfortunately it’s also a dress that everyone has. Like, fashion instagram went wild for this dress in the spring and it’s all over the place. I don’t want you walking around looking like everybody else, so I found you a maxi dress that has the same elements, just applied in what I think is a more unique way. Now, these are on the more expensive side, but I feel comfortable including them as some of your “splurge” options. Sheer garments always veer into cheap-looking faster than others of the same quality, so I’ve found they’re worth saving up for. There’s this beautiful cream option with a line of flowers that follows your curves, and then its sister in blue and red. I liked that the colors of the second one echo the ones in the pull-over coat you included.

Clothing in 3D!!!: yeah I know all clothes are technically in 3D, but a lot of details you sent are raised. They don’t just look touchable, you could literally run your hand over them and feel the change in height and texture. As a result, I really like jacquard for you. It’s such a lovely, arresting material, and it adds dimension to any garment. This blush blazer is fantastic, and it has those nice notched lapels that featured in some of your pictures. You could wear this over lace or more silk, or even over an embroidered dress. The goal here is to place different fabrics side by side, or on top of one another, it’s playful and about the most visually appealing thing I can think of. A fun game: stick with one color family and try to see how many textures you can use to break up the viewer’s eye.

Sample outfits + pieces + advice!

You have such a cohesive style that pulling outfits for you was the most natural thing in the world; I think most of the photos you sent have elements that mix and match beautifully. Take for example that amazing striped pink and black dress. I wanted to find some pieces to help replicate the feeling of that outfit without copying it entirely; like, you could wear that out, but let’s be real, even leaving money aside, we need to get as much work out of individual garments as possible. So. This black satin high-necked top (I own it in green, it’s such a good basic), layered under this pink sequined pleated dress. The pleats mimic the printed shapes on the designer dress, and the whole outfit would have that slightly loose, silken look too. Toss on these dope blue embroidered mules, and add some shimmery green eyeliner, and you are off.

Like I said up top, I’ve snagged you a couple options for short embroidered dresses, since they’re usually much cheaper than maxis. These picks have a ton of texture and detail, you could wear either of them with strappy sandals or booties, depending on what look you were going for. I adore the rich crimson of this one, and the bell sleeves look so elegant in motion. Some spare gold jewelry and a brown lip would really sell this. Here’s another one, in black sequins. I think it’s a great dress to wear on a night out; it would positively glitter under low bar lighting. The key to super detailed mini dresses is to let the garment do the talking; accessories should take a back seat or risk becoming overwhelming.

Aaaaaand miscellaneous pieces:

These are mostly accessories, because they can be hard to select for statement outfits. First, one more pair of shoes: I think these spider mules are just the coolest, and I want to give you the opportunity to think so too.

Also, actually, I don’t usually do jewelry in these, but for you I’d definitely like to! The textures and layers you’ve given me to play with are so fun, I want to round out your looks with pieces that are understated but not forgettable. I guess what I want is to match the details of your style with a more graphic, streamlined accessory, like these yellow chime-looking earrings, or these pink mismatched ones, which I think are just the coolest, and have actually been eyeing for myself. These last hinged ones would look great with that pink ensemble we put together in the outfits section too. I like the clean shapes against the baroque shoes. Moving towards the look you want is all about balance, and I think you’re off to a great start. Happy dressing!

ALL ITEM RECS

Black sequinned dress with floral embroidery (zara, $50)

Red velvet embroidered flare sleeve dress (asos, $111)

Navy and red sequin maxi dress (frock and frill, $214) // Sheer cream embroidered maxi dress frock and frill, $269)

Feathered lace top (free people, $48)

Blush jacquard silk blazer (free people, $128)

Pink sequin pleated dress (zara, $80)

Black satin high-necked top (zara, $70)

Blue embroidered mules (jeffrey campbell, $100)

Spider mules, spider mules, uses all those spider tools (zara, $40)

Yellow fringe earrings (asos, $13) // circular mismatched earrings (zara, $20) // hinged earrings (asos, $10)

[plussizetealengthweddingdresses]

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[naiveheartedeloisa]

How to wear your tights with style and femininity?

Your legs deserve all your attention and their enhancement goes through an ally of choice: the tights. How to wear tights with style is a good question to ask yourself if you want to feminize your looks . 

Buy the best  gray camo joggers from online store.

But be careful, don't limit yourself to traditional black tights. There are other options to give you allure and bring a touch of originality to your outfits. 

However, you don't always know which tights to choose, what to wear them with, how to pair them well and which are the most elegant models . I give you all my tips to never go wrong in your choice of tights again! 

1) What are the different types of tights? Definition Leotard is a tight piece of clothing or undergarment that covers your legs from the feet to the waist. It is worn under your skirts, your dresses and your shorts. It brings you warmth and comfort, it highlights your legs. Different types of tights exist: in 100% poly amide for low-end models ; in elastane, silk and microfiber for the highest of the range  (and the most comfortable thanks to the mixture of different fibers).

The famous deniers, how does it work? Did you know that it takes around 14 kilometres of thread to make a pantyhose?! Rather incredible isn't it?

The denier is a unit of measurement that will tell you the level of opacity of your tights . More exactly, it is a unit of weight. In short & to keep it simple:

A 10 denier tights are tights with 9000 meters of fiber equivalent to 10 gr. It will therefore be composed of a very fine and very light fiber. The tights will be thin and transparent .

A 100 denier pantyhose is on the contrary a pantyhose of which 9000 meters of fibers are equivalent to 100 gr. It will therefore be composed of a thicker and heavier fiber. The pantyhose will be thick and opaque .

Types of deniers 10 or 15 denier tights  : these are ultra thin and completely transparent tights . They are very fragile and are often worn flesh-colored or skin-colored to go unnoticed.

20 and 30 denier  : this model is also transparent but to a lesser extent. It is a semi-opaque tights that we often wear black . He is rather fragile but very feminine.

50 denier  : it is half opaque half transparent tights . From 50 denier, you can consider the tights as opaque. 50 denier tights are stronger. You often find them in a plain colored or patterned model. They are both thin and opaque .

Over 60 - 80 - 100 denier  : these are completely opaque and thick tights . Since the fiber is heavy and thick, it is less stretchable and comfortable. To provide comfort, choose 60-80-100 denier tights that contain elastane to provide elasticity. You will be much more comfortable all day long in the company of your tights.

2) Why are tights at the heart of your style? As I told you above, tights help enhance a feminine part of your body : your legs. These deserve your full attention. It would be a shame to spend all winter in pants or jeans just because you are cold. The tights will allow you to protect your legs, to keep them warm but also to sublimate them. 

Don't automatically camouflage them! Your choice of tights can really become a morning game (or evening if you get your outfit ready the night before). Sometimes I even compose an outfit from a pair of tights! Wearing them on a daily basis is adopting them! 

For a long time, I rarely wore dresses and skirts in winter. Today, it's a pleasure to wear these feminine pieces thanks to my (limited!) Set of tights. I explain below how to balance your outfit between your tights and your clothes to avoid stylistic missteps.

3) What are the best tights to show off? Plumetis tights The satin or weighted tights are chic, original and feminine at the same time . It's easy to wear, the weighty print being stylish without overdoing it.

Fancy tights The fancy tights are chosen according to your personal tastes but I advise you to opt for a certain sobriety in order to avoid the 'Christmas tree' effect. When it comes to fancy tights, opt instead for pretty lace, fishnet tights or a beautiful embroidered effect . Feminine and efficient !

Plain colored tights To get out of the automatism of black, you can choose plain colored tights in a burgundy, dark gray or even pine green tone . Either basic or halftone colors. I will advise you to wear it with a sober outfit.

Black tights The black tights remain a wardrobe staple that will save you with any outfit. Easy, practical and elegant ! Vary the pleasures but don't hesitate to wear black tights. Then opt for an outfit that comes out of the total black look, unless it is for a particular occasion such as the end of the year holidays for example. Choose its opacity according to the temperatures and the context.

The tights to avoid The flesh-colored tights remain a tights to avoid so as not to fall into effect. It is supposed to go unnoticed and sublimate your legs naturally but more often than not, the effect.

4) How to wear tights with style and femininity? Now that you know all about the different types of tights, let's take a look at how to wear them well with your clothes . The right combinations will give you more control over your personal style. And you will see that it is your whole appearance that will be highlighted.

The rule of balance A first rule is to balance your outfit between your tights and your clothes . Let me explain.

If you choose plain and sober tights, you can afford a more colorful and / or printed outfit.

On the contrary, if you opt for a more fancy pair of tights, combine it with a plain and sober outfit.

When it comes to style, I often remind you that everything is a question of correctness and proportion . This is also true for your tights and their association with your clothes.

The balance will also be expressed through the tights itself: I clearly prefer a pretty finely embroidered tights or a simple transparent black tights embellished with a sober and sexy vertical black line to a tights that are too worked or multi colored. You will feel it, you will know where the line of good taste lies and the right balance between sexy and elegant.

In pictures, do this instead : a very feminine daring fishnet tights well balanced with a gray midi dress and an elegant black coat as well as plain pumps with straps. Conversely, this type of tights should not be worn with a short dress, otherwise it will create a too sexy look.

And don't do that : brown geometric print tights paired with a short leopard print skirt and camel + leopard bi-material ankle boots. There are too many different prints on this outfit, it blurs the message and the silhouette is not elegant.

The rule of length If your bottom is short (like a short skirt), opt for opaque to semi-opaque tights . Not only will you be warmer, but you will also be more elegant because you will not show your legs too much. On a daily basis & for work, it is in my opinion more chic to stay in the subtlety.

If your skirt or dress is long or knee / midi length, you can choose any type of tights . Whether they are opaque or thinner.

With your skirts Here's what it looks like with a skirt to inspire you with style and femininity. Remember, if your skirt is short, pair it with opaque or semi-opaque tights. If your skirt is longer, do as you like.

With your dresses Here is an inspiring outfit idea with a dress. In the same vein, if your dress is short, cover your legs with a high denier and if your dress is longer (knee length, midi or long).

With your shorts The tights also go very well with shorts in winter. It shows off your legs without overdoing it and remaining stylish. The shorts being short, I suggest you opt for opaque tights.

According to your morphology In my opinion, you can wear any pair of tights, regardless of your figure type. Tights are like a second skin and the most important thing is to match them well with your clothes . 

Note, however, that black tights will tend to slim your legs when lighter tights tend to thicken them . If you read me regularly, this is something you are already aware of. As I recommend that you wear tights rather dark and basic shades, I have no contraindication to give you. 

For fancy tights and lace, you can also choose them according to your personal taste. Note, however, that the print and the textured have the effect of giving volume to the silhouette .

According to the number of deniers The method is simple: refer to the explanation of the deniers earlier in the article. Opt for small deniers in summer, medium deniers in fall and spring; the money raised in winter . The denier is indeed an indicator of opacity but not only. It also tells you the thickness and therefore the heat. In winter, I therefore advise you to choose a denier of 70 or 80.

With your shoes Best of all, it is also particularly pleasant to choose your tights well according to your shoes. In this little game, the main principles of color associations remain the same as for your clothes: associate basic or halftone colors together . 

For example, a burgundy or black lace tights with a nice pair of low boots / ankle boots / camel or brown boots . The total look of black tights + black ankle boots on the lower part of your silhouette is also allowed to get you going. Then brighten up your outfit with a lighter or more colorful top.

Your tights also go very well with your sneakers for a winning mix & match .

5) 4 tips to keep your tights for longer A separate storage I recommend that you store your tights in a chest of drawers or open shoe boxes , set aside from your socks and other clothes. You can store them by rolling them up. Tights remain pieces to be handled with care to keep them for several seasons and avoid being slipped at the slightest opportunity.

The rule of alternation Try not to always wear the same pair of tights. Give priority to 4 models: an opaque black, a semi-opaque or transparent black satin, a solid color, a lace fantasy . Alternate between these models and compose your outfits around. You will see that they are easy to associate, it is for this reason that I recommend them to you.

The magic varnish! When wearing your tights, be careful to put them on with your hands hydrated and devoid of jewelry to avoid spinning or puncturing them. If you have dry hands like me in winter, consider your moisturizer!

In case of light spinning, do not panic. To stop the bleeding ', simply put a little clear varnish on the end of the spinning to stop it from advancing . Your tights won't be perfect, but neither will they be completely ruined. And if your dress / skirt is long enough, it will not be seen or known for another time! Be careful that you will still have to think about replacing it.

The fabric pouch When washing, don't forget to slip your pair of tights into a fabric pouch or pouch to protect them well. I recommend washing at 30 °.

You are now unbeatable on tights. How to wear tights no longer holds any secrets for you . You no longer have an excuse to choose them carefully and wear them in style. 

Take action now: sort your wardrobe and keep only your tights that are in great condition . Exit the rest! Now choose the pair of tights you want to wear tomorrow and compose your next outfit around using the advice in the article. Do not hesitate to tell me in the comments how it goes.

[jessicakehoe]

An American In Paris: An Interview with Michael Kors circa the Céline Era

Since its launch in 1977, FASHION magazine has been giving Canadian readers in-depth reports on the industry’s most influential figures and expert takes on the worlds of fashion, beauty and style. In this series, we explore the depths of our archive to bring you some of the best fashion features we’ve ever published. This story, originally titled “Michael, Michael Everywhere” by Tim Blanks, was initially published in FASHION’s October 2000 issue.

Americans in Paris have been one of the just-won’t-quit stories in fashion over the past few years, a state of affairs that Tom Ford’s debut at Yves Saint Laurent isn’t likely to change. But Texan Tom’s trail had already been well and truly blazed by hypercool New Yorkers. Marc Jacobs had possibly the easier job. Louis Vuitton’s fashion identity was a vacuum he could fill as he chose. Michael Kors, the blond, blue-eyed favourite of Park Avenue princesses, had to contend with Céline, the immutable essence of Parisian bourgeois chic. That he has succeeded so well is the purest testament to the ongoing globalization of fashion. Oh, and it also speaks volumes about his own charming way with the world and his immaculate sense of timing. Playful luxury? What more could an IPO baby want?

Michael Kors: A lot of people talk about finding the heritage, but there are a lot of houses that have no heritage-so you have to create one. Céline has an amazing history of luxury and quality and a very French sort of indulgence, so it’s fun for me to take the iconic things from the house and blow the dust off them.

Tim Blanks: Such as?

What could be more Parisian than the chain-link fence round the Arc de Triomphe? It was the inspiration for the Céline chain, which is our insignia. So I’ve played with it, turning it into sandals, threading it round the waist of jeans, modernizing it as buckles. It’s interesting to mix, say, corduroy with the most extravagant French couture jacket with a chain closure.

You’ve always got a definite character in mind when you create a collection, like that Jackie O-Jennifer Lopez combo from your own Palm Bitch collection. This time, you’re talking about a little, French girl straight out of boarding school and readying herself for a life of jet-set glamour. That sounds kind of perverse to me.

I think there is something interesting about things always being a bit of a contradiction. I look at someone like Chloë Sevigny and she’s got really amazing style—she wears very sophisticated clothes in an offhand way and that’s the kind of girl we’re talking about. It’s the attitude that a woman brings to how she gets dressed. The clothes are very polished and luxurious, so it’s not like we’re suddenly doing schoolgirl clothes. They’re very indulgent, in fact, but it’s how the woman wears her indulgence that counts.

But the house of Céline is much more the notion of stealth luxury than your own show in New York, which was very over the top.

New Yorkers as a whole really have a strictness to how they dress—a real neatness. They look very turned out, and this season that was what New York was about for me. The French like to play with their clothes; they have fun with fashion. This is really about mixing the two extremes—the very casual and the very luxe. Céline you can wear top to toe, or you can take a piece and inject it into your existing wardrobe.

But now you’ve been exploring the outer limits of excess, what can you possibly conceive of as the next move?

The workmanship in Paris means it’s limitless what we can do. We’ve sliced fur up this season to make it look like herringbone and plaids. We can do incredible details with embroideries and feathers. Again, it’s how you wear it. Even if the clothes are super extravagant, I never want them to feel heavy or old-fashioned. I want them to wink at the glamour of the past, but I want them to stay modern. And a lot of that has to do with the fabrics we have now. If you put on a stretch-cashmere, embroidered cocktail dress, you might feel as though you’re going to a fabulous party at Regine’s in 1981. But the reality is, the dress feels like a T-shirt. It wouldn’t have been possible to make that dress back in 1981, because back then it would have been weighed down with structure and lining.

You often invoke the past. What does nostalgia mean to you?

For someone who’s a real modernist, I’m the ultimate nostalgist. You can’t have the future without the past. It’s just that I like streamlined things. No matter how extravagant the clothes might be, they’re still based on the idea that these clothes are here to make people look tall and thin, make them feel good about themselves. You know we’re never going to add a third sleeve to a jacket for novelty’s sake! So I’m actually very much a traditionalist in my own way. I love old movies; I love traditional restaurants. I’m very happy at the “21” Club [in New York], I’m not going to be the first person to run to Pastis. At the same time, I sit around with my eyes and ears open, looking for whatever is fresh, because if you blend old and new you’re going to have the best of it all.

The post An American In Paris: An Interview with Michael Kors circa the Céline Era appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

An American In Paris: An Interview with Michael Kors circa the Céline Era published first on https://borboletabags.tumblr.com/

[superfluousculture]

Get a Distinctive Style Statement with Tops!

Tops for women are their second skin, for all seasons. This is because of their versatility and comfort factor. Two diametrically opposite looks can often be sported with the same top. However that is not to say that your wardrobe should be devoid of an overwhelming range of tops. By restricting yourself to particular styles, you would be depriving yourself of an ocean of new designs that are now available in the market.

Experiment with new styles!

A girl can never have enough of off shoulder tops. Whether she’s plus size or petite, she would love to flaunt her collarbones. Off shoulder tops look great with both denims and skirts. Make off shoulder tops your one-shoulder tops by giving them a slight tilt. And who said t-shirts can’t be chic? Slogan tees are 100 percent out there, and you’ll be seeing a lot more of them, whether you like it or not. Layer them with a formal jacket and add a dose of heels and it’ll be magic. Or give your outfit that edge with crop tops. You can sport a look that is equally risqué and feminine with the help of crop tops. Ruffles and pleats are totally in so make the most of these.

Sheer chiffon and satin tops look extremely elegant and help a woman highlight her class. It’s not that difficult to play such fashion games with the help of women tops. Long line maxi tops are going to be great weapons to help you to do so. Go for the all-time blacks and whites, highlight your midriff or choose to strut around at the workplace with maxi tops. If you are looking for statement making tops, then cold shoulder tops in textured styles would be good. Even bell sleeves would help in adding flair and volume. Whatever be your personal style, subtle or fancy, you can make it more pronounced with stylish tops for women!

Make these styles a part of your life!

A special set of work wear blouses are now available which you could team with a pair of jeans, skirt or palazzos to make a mark at office. You don’t have to follow convention anymore, whether it’s at work or outside.  All you have to do is carry whatever you’re wearing as if you were meant for it, and the job is half done. Take oversized girls tops for example. Some metallic jewelry and slim fit pants would help to balance out the volume. The flowy cotton tops could also fall in this category. They are no more just meant for the beach! Floral tops, embroidered tops, lace tops, pompom tops – these are all to strike a quintessentially feminine appeal. Choose from myriad fabrics and designs. For more official events, a wrap top or sequin top in sumptuous fabrics would help to highlight the alluring fashion quotient!

Be a smart girl and shop for women tops online!

You will find some of the trendiest and most daring styles in online tops. If you had been in the search for Gingham tops, then search online. Or if rummaging among huge options in brands is your thing, then you’re at the right place too. Make a selection from layered cutwork in peasant tops, or go for something as classic as a striped top. You won’t be going too far from what your personal definition in style is, yet experimentation would be the key element. Set yourself apart from the crowd by choosing among a wide variety without draining your wallet. It’s time to get to the ‘top’ of the trend ladder!

What are you waiting for? Now you can easily find latest or trendy women tops online at http://www.stalkbuylove.com/women-tops/ with latest deals and offers.

[itsworn]

First Drive: 757 Horsepower Callaway Corvette Z06 SC757

For sane, rational people, the C7 Corvette Z06 offers more than enough performance right out of the box. Chevrolet’s current top-spec sports car rolls out of the Bowling Green assembly plant boasting 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque from its supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 V8, enough grunt go toe-to-toe with the most capable exotics from around the world, many of which costing multitudes more.

Chevrolet pegs the Corvette Z06’s straight-line performance at 3.2 seconds to get to 60 mph from a standstill when equipped with a manual gearbox (2.95 seconds with the automatic), and 11.2 seconds to complete the quarter mile (10.95 with the automatic). Actually achieving those numbers in the real world is a feat in and of itself, since all of that twist is all getting sent exclusively to rear wheels all too happy to go up in smoke if you’re a bit overzealous on the throttle.

For some, too much is never enough. For those who seek performance above and beyond the standard Z06, Callaway Cars offers a solution: the Callaway Corvette Z06 SC757. As the name suggests, the SC757 treatment takes the LT4’s output above and beyond what the car delivers from the factory, dishing out a Hellcat-besting 757 horsepower and 777 lb-ft of torque.

Does Callaway’s tuning make a great sports car even better, or is this a case study in the law of diminishing returns? We grabbed the keys to this manual-gearbox-equipped example while Pete Callaway wasn’t looking and embarked on a tire-melting discovery mission through the back roads around Los Angeles to find out ––purely in the name of science, of course.

Beyond Bragging Rights

It’s easy to dismiss the SC757 as an exercise in excess. After all, adding 107 horsepower and 127 lb-ft to a car that already incinerates the rear tires should, by all logic, be a recipe for more of the same. But Callaway’s modifications to the Z06 prove to be more substantive than sheer horsepower one-upmanship, and much of it has to do with how that additional grunt is generated.

It’s no secret that the C7 Z06 has struggled with heat management since its debut in 2015, particularly when being pushed hard on a racetrack. While the issue has several facets, a significant contributor to the problem was GM’s decision to move to a smaller 1.7-liter supercharger for the LT4 versus the 2.3-liter unit they had used previously with the C6 Corvette ZR1’s LS9 V8. Using a smaller blower meant that the LT4’s supercharger would have to spin faster in order to generate a similar amount of boost, and that in turn creates more heat.

Callaway’s SC757 treatment ditches the stock 1.7-liter unit and swaps in the company’s GenThree supercharger system. The package consists of a 2.3-liter TVS2300 roots-style blower with three discrete intercooler elements and a larger capacity coolant pump to keep air inlet temperatures down. It’s paired with a new intake manifold with a runner configuration tweaked to increase mid-range torque. Exposing the supercharger housing through the hood isn’t just for aesthetics, either – it also allows for better air flow and heat transfer through the engine bay versus the stock hood, another aspect of the heat management equation that the standard Z06 has struggled with in the past.

Aesthetically, Callaway opts for subtlety rather than bravado with the SC757 package. Aside from the hood extractor and the factory-style badging that adorns the rear fenders and rear fascia, there isn’t much to tip off onlookers to the fact that Callaway has had a hand in enhancing the car’s performance. It’s a similar story inside the car as well, with a center console badge, sill plates, and a pair of embroidered floor mats serving as the Callaway identifiers. While the package may be visually low key, once we got this Callaway-tuned Z06 out on the road, the SC757 treatment proved to be far less subtle in practice.

Behind The Wheel

Callaway’s testing shows that the Z06 SC757 is capable of sprinting to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds on its way to a quarter mile time of 10.5 seconds–– on stock rubber. This puts the SC757 Corvette roughly on par with a McLaren 675LT for straight-line pull –– a car which weighs less than 3000 pounds, has a dual-clutch transmission, and costs about $400,000. Like the Mclaren, or any car with this level of performance capability, pilots must be respectful with their use of the throttle at any remotely legal speed. Watching the traction control light come on as the speedometer rapidly approaches triple digits is simultaneously amusing and unnerving, but its intervention is surprisingly measured and unintrusive, much the same way it is with a stock Z06.

And that theme is maintained throughout – despite the additional power on tap, the SC757 behaves much like a factory-stock Z06 during normal driving. It’s happy to lope along in traffic when required, and the throttle doesn’t function like some sort of on-off switch (as is the case with some aftermarket performance packages).

But find an open stretch of road, put it in second gear and drop the hammer, and the Callaway-tuned Z06 pulls like very few warrantied vehicles can. A few tenths may seem trivial in the grand scheme of things, especially when you’re talking about a sports car that’s as fast as a stock Z06 is. But trust us, the difference is noticeable, and under the right circumstances, the additional performance is indeed usable.

Perhaps even more importantly, Callaway’s efforts to address the Z06’s heat management woes appear to have paid off – extended spirited sessions on roads which saw a stock Z06’s temperature climb unnervingly high seemed to have little effect on the SC757, though repeated lapping sessions on a road course would admittedly be a more conclusive test. Nevertheless, the system definitely shows promise in that regard, and Callaway is currently developing an optional heavy duty cooling system for would-be customers that plan to do serious track work. That package will add a reshaped front fascia and a higher capacity cooling system to the mix, among other tweaks.

Speaking of additional options, this tester has a few. Callaway’s sport exhaust system is a low restriction design that does away with the factory dual-mode system in favor of a non-active system that’s tuned to eliminate cabin resonance while giving the SC757’s bark a little more character. While it didn’t sound dramatically different from the stock system in “loud” mode to us, we appreciated the improved sound at idle and low revs, and the lack of sudden jumps in volume that are all too common with the factory setup. Similarly, Callaway’s short throw shifter feels like a tangible improvement over the stock unit as well, eliminating the rubbery feel and reducing the fear of missed shifts – particularly from second to third.

By The Numbers

The SC757 package starts at $17,995 and can be applied to a factory-stock Corvette Z06 from the current or previous model year. Alternatively, the package can be optioned onto a new Corvette Z06 when the car is ordered through one of the Chevrolet dealerships in Callaway’s network. It’s also important to note that Callaway’s package doesn’t void the existing GM warranty, and Callaway provides an additional three-year, 36,000 mile warranty of their own, which can optionally be extended to five years and 60,000 miles.

While there’s an argument to be made that there’re cheaper ways to make a Z06 faster, there’s certainly something to be said for the notion of not being left holding the bag if those mods cause issues down the road, and GM’s willingness to work directly with Callaway to provide coverage to their customers speaks volumes for engineering behind the SC757 package.

Even if you’re in the camp of folks who’d consider the LT4’s output to be stout as is, Callaway’s efforts to address the heat management issue are probably reason enough to give the SC757 treatment some consideration if the car is going to see any significant track time. After all, all the power in the world isn’t worth much if you have limp back to the pits after a handful of laps. Think of the additional 100 horsepower as a nice bonus.

The post First Drive: 757 Horsepower Callaway Corvette Z06 SC757 appeared first on Hot Rod Network.

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