I'm a seamstress not a miliner you goon!

Floral prints are absolutely everywhere at the moment. Although Cath Kidston is never out of fashion, handicraft florals are the rage. In fact, it is a trend that even Wallis are following at the moment, unusual for them to get the right trend at the right time, but they have seemingly nailed it this season.

My point? I love florals and girlishness and lace. It is a trend I can definitely get on board, I just don't have the finances at the moment to splash out on the latest pieces. I figured, being the hoarder that I am, that I am bound to have something appropriate in my wardrobe. I was right. I have numerous dresses with simple flowery designs covering from seam to seam. One River Island dress that I loved in particular, as it was not only bold florals, but it was covered in tastefully placed sequins too. Ooh I love the sparkle! So I tried it on. Here is where I should add that I have recently lost weight. Not a great amount, but enough to mean that some garments from my past no longer suit. This dress was one of them!

Previously the dress looked like this. Like I said, I was bigger then. This time when I tried it on it was frumpy and loose all over, the neckline was far too low so that if I had chosen to wear it everyone would have seen boobage. I was disappointed to say the least, despite the confidence boost from how skinny I've obviously become!

In an attempt to grasp every opportunity by its metaphorical balls, I began to think. I began to think that here was an opportunity for me to use the sewing machine I bought for myself for the first time. That's right, three months after awarding myself with a gift, I will put it to use! This now frumpy dress was going to have a new life as a cushion!

It was an arduous task. Mainly because the dress had an awkward lining that had to be removed. Nothing at all to do with the fact that I have never sewn anything before in my life. Seriously, I ask my dad to sew on missing buttons for me. Well no more.

I cut and pinned and placed and finally sewed! Ok, so it isn't what I would consider "shop ready" but for a first ever attempt I am pretty pleased with it. It is obviously a cushion and it is the first Scarlotte original piece.

Here is where I should announce that I have already devised my own brand. Scarlotte. It makes sense, trust me.

So here it is, in all its glory. My cushion!

I bet you're all pretty impressed right now!

22 and eleven twelfths.

I never thought that turning 23 would be scary. It's not considered old at all. Having said that, I am tired of having to consider what I have already accomplished and what I am yet to.

So what if I still live with my parents? So what if I haven't pinned down my dream job yet? I consider myself to be on the right track. I have my degree and I have my ambition, all I need now is opportunity. Where do you find opportunity? "Some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon 'em".* I must be one of those set to achieve greatness. This is my starting point.

I purchased myself a sewing machine before Christmas. It is humble and inexpensive, but I hope it will teach me tricks of the trade. Yes I know what top must be worn with what skirt and what colour must never ever be worn with another colour, but it means nothing without the practical knowledge behind it.

For years I have influenced the fashion choices of my friends. Just ask Cherry, who would wear an ill fitting t-shirt sporting the face of Winston Churchill, with a plaid, calf length skirt and what can only be described as walking boots threaded with starry laces. I must say, this one was my first challenge! I loved her dearly no matter what she wore, but it was difficult to want to see her in public places. Shopping with her was a nightmare too. She was adamant that she would not wear trousers (except the jodhpurs stored away in her wardrobe from her horse riding days), she was adamant she would not wear colour. So strictly black and white and strictly skirted. Hmm. School uniform anyone?

Enter me. The force to be reckoned with. Now we see a beautiful young woman, allowing all who pass a glimpse of her perfect hour glass figure in a knee skimming Aline dress. And by the way, it is navy blue and covered in flowers of pinks, blues, greens, yellows and reds. Beautiful. What shoes does she where with this strapless party number? Why turquoise stilettos of course. Lesson learnt. Next project.

It is all very well giving fashion advice to your best friends, but I want to be bigger than that. I want to style the models and the celebs. The ones that look fab in everything but need me to transform a little black dress into this seasons must have look with shoes the colour of Quality Streets and clutch bags that contrast yet compliment. That is who I will be.

Now....

...where did I put that opportunity?