Hi Darlings, I am always on the go but unless I am headed to an event or a meeting I don’t always dress up…it’s just not practical for everyday life to run around town in heels, lol so when I am out running errands, shopping or hanging with friends chances are you will catch me in casual (yet stylish) gear. My favorite thing to wear is a pair of jeans and a t-shirt but since I started wearing ATHLETA after one of my campaigns with them I became obsessed with their casual dresses. I can put one of these babies on with some dope sneakers and be super cute and comfy, lol. THIS dress I got in October but it wasn’t cool enough here to wear but now that I can feel the chill the long sleeves with thumb inserts and the collar are perfect!! I wore it with my ASOS Leopard Print Back Adidas and my Marc by Marc Jacob bag (similar HERE)

Hi Darlings, I am traveling today but just had to post my latest DIY dress. This is going to be a TNT (Tried and True) M6886 pattern to go to when I don’t feel like drafting. The t-shirt style dress is so super simple to make and easy to wear dressed up or down with some cool sneakers. I love my DIY’s and when I come across a winner it stays in the front of my pattern cabinet. I plan to make it again but when I picked this fabric up from The Fabric Store on LaBrea (136 S. La Brea Ave, LA California 90036 – Ph: 323-931-8300 or email la@thefabricstoreusa.com) I knew it was going to be perfect for this DIY style, I also cut my band out and folded it to make sure the V-neck would be navy to add to the contrast. The fabric is AMAZING and feels so good, it’s not thin so I don’t have to worry about it being to sheer when fitted. You can contact the store for this fabric but hurry because it will go fast! I talked about this fabric and a few more in yesterday’s FABRIC HAUL video post HERE. I wore my DIY dress with my Forever 21 heels from years ago and my navy MK bag. HERE are some shoes options and some bag options HERE #sewing #fabric #m6886 #DIY #stripes

Hi Darlings! I had a little fun recently picking fabrics at THE FABRIC STORE in Los Angeles. The fabric haul video below has all my picks and what I plan to do with them. I have posted about this little shop of gorgeousness before but in case you missed my awesome DIY Skirt from their plaid fabric check out THIS POST. If you are local feel free to drop in and tell em Mimi G sent you 😉 if you are not local, no worries…email or call them and refer to this post and they will help you with your order and shipping. *Individual fabric info at the end of this post* “The Fabric Store” 136 S. La Brea Ave, LA California 90036 – Ph: (323) 931-8300 la@thefabricstoreusa.com

Hi Darlings! I hope you had a tummy filled Thanksgiving with family and friends. I am still stuffed and planning on enjoying the time off 😉 I am leaving you with a  SUPER MASSIVE SALE on my STEP-BY-STEP SEWING TUTORIALS! ONLY $5.00 FOR THE NEXT 48HRS!

Hi Darlings, Before I get on to this amazing dress pattern don’t forget that my BLOGGING 101 COURSE is on SALE for only $15!!! For the next 48 HOURS ONLY…don’t miss this special price. OKAY…..I am so excited about to share my NEW DRESS PATTERN as part of my collaboration with STYLEARC! This dress is so fabulous and of course just in time for all of those holiday parties. In true Mimi G Style I have also filmed a full step-by-step video tutorial so that you can sew-along with me. The fabric is a knit and the dress comes together perfectly with easy fitting on the side seams. The video is below or you can access it on my YOUTUBE CHANNEL. The pattern is downloadable so you can print right at home or at your local print shop and get started asap! I am so excited about this sassy little number. xoxo PURCHASE HERE #sewing #pattern #DIY #STYLEARC #mimig

Hi Darlings, I am so ready to eat! yes I am talking about Thanksgiving, lol! I am only posting today and tomorrow and then of course we will be having a MASSIVE BLACK PRE-BLACK FRIDAY SALE! and a BLACK FRIDAY SALE! check back tomorrow at 9am! Okay now let’s talk about this awesome winter white look! I love this skirt and top. I saw a very similar skirt at Dolce & Gabbana for about $750 lol so I thought I would make my own version for about $48. The fabric is a great quilted knit I got a Michael Levine Fabrics HERE (use code MIMI85). The buttons (also from ML) really make this skirt, they are not online but HERE are some options. The pattern is Simplicity 8019 and I love this pattern so much…it’s quick to sew up, easy to follow and so flattering. The top is from Butterick 5562 which I am so sorry to say is out of print. I kept my look simple and wore some nude heels, pearls and a my favorite Kate Spade earrings.

Hi Darlings, I can’t even begin to tell you how amazing it has been to be part of the Living Proof #YourBestHair campaign. Last month I flew down to Boston to visit the Living Proof Headquarters and get a tour of the lab to really learn about the science behind the products. Aside from learning so much about the brand I learned a lot about my hair and more importantly how I could improve it. Spending time with Chris McMillan was a highlight and as I posted HERE he prescribed The Curl Collection for me. Since using the collection my hair has been AHHMAZING! I know a lot of times when you read reviews online (I am guilty of it too) you wonder if it’s really as great as they are saying and in this case IT IS! My hair, although healthy, didn’t have the curl pattern I wanted. It just wouldn’t fully curl. Since using the Curl Collection my curls have been so bouncy and are getting better the longer my hair gets. I also noticed the texture of my hair is softer and shiner. My favorite product of the Curl Collection is the Curl Defining Styling Cream and the Leave-In Conditioner. As if this opportunity had not been great enough already I got a chance to hang out with their Brand Ambassador Jennifer Aniston * INSERT SCREAM HERE*. Seriously who gets to say they got to hang out with Jennifer Aniston, LOL ME!!!! First of all, SHE IS SO NICE, gorgeous and of course looked AMAZEBALLS! She had on a mini leather skirt with black opaque tights, an oversized black sweater and tall boots. I was a little nervous because come on people it’s RACHEL from Friends… exactly. You know I had to wear something I made on the off chance that she asked if I had made my outfit and SHE DID! As soon as I walked in the room and she hugged me she asked “Did you make your whole outfit?”. I literally died! After I collected myself we sat down and chatted for a bit and I got to ask her all those random questions you wish you could ask your celebrity girl crush. Here is how some of our conversation went… I asked her a ton of questions but here are my favorites and certainly the one that surprised me the most! So of course I had to ask her what the theme song to her life would be if she could pick one song and she said “Let’s Party Like It’s 1999… Why not just have some fun with it”. For the record I think I laughed way too much out of nervousness and she probably thought I was nuts, LOL. I then had to know what she carries in her purse… don’t you want to know that? Lol… she was great about it and said she has a “Mary Poppins bag and finding things is impossible”. She said she usually carries a lip balm and lip gloss, hand cream and of course her wallet. Then I asked her the most important question of all… Are you crafty and do you DIY? I expected her to say no, LOL but she surprised me and said YES! She did some beading, she painted watercolors, carved some animals out of wood and during her 20’s she knitted scarfs and hats and said the only reason she thinks she is not as crafty now is because she just doesn’t have the time. So basically what I learned from my time with Jen is that we were possibly split at birth… I mean I am just saying… we both had on black opaque tights and black boots, we both love the movie Terms of Endearment, we also have the same guilty pleasure foods…Mexican, Pizza, Pasta and we are both crafty! I told you, SPLIT AT BIRTH! The last question I had to know was what life lesson she would share with her 18 year old self if she could. Jen said exactly what I would tell me 18 year old self… “Don’t take yourself or anything too serious except trying to be the best person you can possibly be” WORDS TO LIVE BY. I have truly enjoyed this collaboration so much and will continue to use my Living Proof products religiously. #interview #JenniferAniston

Hi Darlings! I remember my mother telling me that when I turned thirty things would start to change in my body…I thought she was nuts but it’s amazing how many things really have changed! For example, I hated tomatoes, avocados and brussels sprouts and then a few years ago I simply started eating them…now I cant get enough. However some things have changed in not so great ways like my skin and how sensitive I have become to fragrance and chemicals. When I partnered with the Honest Company I received an awesome bundle of the items I wanted to try. The subscription is a convenient and worry-free way to make sure that I am always stocked with my favorite Honest products. Here are some of the products I have been using over the last several weeks. I wanted to try the detergent because my skin is so sensitive that I have been really trying to get all products that are not natural and organic out of my shelves. The detergent was safe for everyone in the family and was tough on dirt! The clothes were clean and smelled really fresh. I have been using the Honest Deodorant in the Lavender Vanilla scent and it smells fantastic. I can’t say I have done any heavy lifting or working out since I have been using it so I can’t speak to how well it holds up after my Zumba class but so far it has been really nice. It’s also refreshing to spritz this cool mist under my arms, LOL! This is probably my favorite product from my bundle. I love the way shaving feels so much more now that I have been using The Shave Oil. It’s fantastic! The next two products I have been using are the Face and Body Lotion and the Hand Soap. The lotion is nice; it soaks into my skin quickly and keeps my skin feeling moisturized. Honest’s goal is to provide you with a little relief by delivering family essentials to your doorstep but aside from the convenience the products are created to be safe, beautiful and convenient. The hand wash has been in heavy use! I am always washing my hands and the one thing I did notice is that my hands don’t feel dry and tight after washing. The Honest Company lets you choose the products you need or want and also how often you want them shipped right to your doorstep. You also only pay when your bundle ships and you can cancel anytime. You didn’t think I was gonna sign off without something awesome for you did you? Get 25% OFF your first time bundle! CLICK HERE and make sure to use discount code: MIMIG25OFF Terms: Offer valid only for first-time bundle buyers at Honest.com, now through November 30th, 2015, 11:59pm PT. This offer can only be redeemed once per customer and cannot be applied to International Surcharge, taxes, shipping, previous purchases, current Bundles, the purchase of gift cards or gift Bundles. Offer cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with any other coupons or promotions. Terms of offer are subject to change. Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by The Honest Company who provided products and payment. All opinions are my own. #honestco #lifestyle #natural #pure

Hi Darlings, It’s that time again…time for my monthly DIY SEW-ALONG courtesy of Michael Levine Fabrics. Buttonholes are optional and I even show you how to make a one piece facing. Below is the easy to follow sew-along video and diagram.

Hi Darlings! You all should be totally familiar with my love affair with Blue Apron. I have shared some family meals and videos, some tips on cooking with the kids and my entire family LOVES it. We are big on cooking so this has been really great for us. This time I wanted to show other ways that Blue Apron could fit into your life. If you want to show off to your friends or even a special someone Blue Apron can make that super easy for you! I wanted to really thank my girlfriends for all of the amazing support they show me and also for all the hard work they put into our crazy business. I will also mention that Tieko does not cook so I always end up being the designated chef when we work late trying to meet deadlines. I wanted to show off how fabulous of a cook I am and how easy Blue Apron is so maybe she would be inspired to try the service and get in that kitchen. I mean seriously! It doesn’t get any easier than chef-designed recipes, farm fresh ingredients, proportioned so there are no unused ingredients and you get to pick if you want a family pan or a 2-Person plan! It’s perfect for everyone. There are always so many recipes you don’t have to eat the same things over and over again. My family and I are constantly traveling from LA to Omaha having the ability to cancel or skip a week at anytime is a great option. If you are dying to try Blue Apron (and you should be after this post) make sure to click on THIS LINK because the First 50 readers will get TWO FREE MEALS on their first Blue Apron order! I made the girls this DELICIOUS Stir-Fried Beef & Udon Noodles and we had a great time, eating, drinking and of course looking through fashion magazines! Here is a look at how quick and easy this recipe was: I also really appreciate that I can create these yummy recipes in 40 minutes or less and each recipe is about 500-700 calories per person. If you are dying to try Blue Apron (and you should be after this post) make sure to click on THIS LINK because the First 50 readers will get TWO FREE MEALS on their first Blue Apron order! The girls and I had a great time enjoying a really delicious meal that made me look like a pro, lol! Although the spirit of giving should be all year round during the holidays it just feels a little extra special so I have joined Blue Apron on their amazing Thanksgiving Drive. They will deliver the dinners and will also match the proceeds of every donated delivery! Last year, they donated 35,000 meals and this year they are striving to deliver over 75,000 meals! Join me by visiting THIS LINK before noon on Friday 11/20 to donate a Blue Apron Thanksgiving Dinner to a family in need.  It’s an amazing feast with enough food for a family of six. Here are some other yummy recipes I can’t wait to try! Fall Vegetable & Goat Cheese Quiche Butternut Squash & Kale Rigatoni Mixed Mushroom Risotto

Hi Darlings, I hope you all had a great weekend and are already planning your Thanksgiving spread, lol. I have been spending a lot of time on the road this year and although my family and I enjoy traveling we also look forward to this time of the year because I slow down all business around Thanksgiving and we spend the rest of the year enjoying the time off together. I don’t ever stop planning, creating or working really because every year we have some really new and great things for you guys but we do manage to SLOW IT DOWN! I got a meeting next month that I am so EXCITED about…I cant tell you of course (don’t you hate that) lol but when it happens (always say when and never say IF) you will know it! Today I am going to leave you with some of my most recent sewing book purchases... I love buying books and I still buy and review sewing books so that I can share them and or refer books to those who ask. One of these books I had a while ago but I seem to have misplaced it so I bought it again and remembered how great it was! Links to the books and some of my other PICKS are below… xoxo PERFECT FITTING: Great photos, clear and easy to understand. HOW TO: The title says it all, explained well, easy to understand for newbies. SEW & STOW: I love this book, lol I don’t do a whole of “Crafty” project but when I do this is the book I go to, fun useful projects. TAILORING: This is really great illustrated book, clear to understand. (book I misplaced) BOUNDLESS STYLE: Perfect mix and match patterns to create the look you want, nicely done. OTHER PICKS: For my picks on SEWING MACHINES click HERE, PATTERNMAKING & FITTING click HERE, SPECIAL TECHNIQUES click HERE. Did you miss last weeks posts on my NEW Simplicity Patterns? If so click HERE and HERE 😉

Hi Darlings, I am posting this case as my #TBT post because I was just at Michael Levine’s and was so excited when I saw it was back! When I posted this cape the first time it was sold out but now if you want to make it you can find it HERE use code MIMI82 for 10% off your purchase (online only) original pattern review below. Note: This cape pattern is out of stock on the Vogue website but many times you will still find them in the pattern drawers at Joann or Hobby Lobby and also I use Ebay and Easy to look for out of print patterns. If you don’t already have this pattern those would be good places to start 😉 CAPE REVIEW Pattern Description: V8776 Semi-fitted, unlined cape has convertible collar, lower side front seams with pockets and stitched hems. No provisions provided for above waist adjustments. Pattern Sizing: I cut the small but could have cut the x-small. I wanted to make sure I could move my arms so I went for the small but now that I am wearing it I think I could have gotten away with the x-small. Did it look like the drawing on the pattern once you were done sewing with it? Yep with the exception of the visible buttons. Were the instructions easy to follow? This is actually a pretty easy cape to make, it is unlined but has some self facings in the front of the cape with needed some hand sewing but all in all it is an easy to follow pattern with clear instructions. What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Like I mentioned above I loved the cape from the Giambattista collection when I saw Victoria Beckham wearing it and then my friend Erica B made it in camel and I knew I had to have one. Fabric Used: Red Textured Wool/Poly Blend found HERE Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I only omitted the button holes per the pattern instructions. Would you sew it again? Yes SHIRT REVIEW Pattern Description:  Burda 7136  Misses Shirt Pattern Sizing: I cut the 10 and made adjustments Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing it? Yes Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions for this shirt are clear (as most Burda instructions are) and very easy to follow. I however make my shirts differently so I followed my own construction methods. What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the classic style of the pattern with the cuffs and plackets. Fabric/Interfacing Used: Striped Shirting. You can also find amazing shirtings HERE &  HERE Interfacing is SO IMPORTANT when making a shirt like this because the collar and cuffs are key to making this shirt a success. I use a medium fusible for my collar and cuffs because I like a crisp collar but don’t like it too stiff. Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I did not make any design changes but I did take the measurements from my ready wear shirt and used those numbers to adjust my pattern before cutting. I ended up taking out 2″ of ease in the body and 1.5″ of ease in the sleeve. I talk about how to do that in THIS post Would you sew it again? Yes because since I made the fitting changes to the pattern and not the garment I now have a pattern that is fitted for me and can be replicated over and over without any further fitting issues. Would you recommend it to others? Yes along with my modifications