Journal

I love working with clients who have a vision, and upon meeting Erin, I knew she had a singular vision for her wedding. Wearing something special that is uniquely you... Read more...

Runway and Rhythm — An Interview with Sarah

I was recently interviewed by Fashion Group International about the collaboration with DelBrenna Jewelry for our Fall 2025 Collection presented at Runway + Rhythm. About the Collection & Creative Direction... Read more...

The Art of Couture

Couture commissions are the ultimate expression of the complexity and beauty of garment creation. Each couture piece starts as a blank canvas — the client’s ideas and imagination are supplemented... Read more...

Summer '25 Looks

Hello friends,The Summer micro collection is here! With this mini collection, I wanted to create some colorful, sensual pieces that can carry you from the summer heat to early fall. There... Read more...

Classy gifts for Father's Day

NEW — Signature Bow Ties These make special gifts for Father's Day Our newest accessory is the classic bow tie. Each is unique and made of remnant silks in a variety of... Read more...

New Butterflies for Spring

Butterflies hold so much meaning throughout our world. They are a symbol of transformation, hope and rebirth. Each butterfly is unique and brings joy whenever it is seen. These Butterfly... Read more...

We are Strong Women

Toni Dress RTW Release No. 16 A beautiful, minimal wardrobe staple perfect for all seasons. The Toni Dress in a classic turtleneck style is cut from a luxurious semi-transparent ribbed... Read more...

The Letterman Coat: A KC Collaboration

If you fell in love with Alana’s unique coat in Hallmark Channel’s Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, we have great news: You can buy one. Read more...

Summer Reflections

Hello dear friends! I can hardly believe fall is just around the corner. It's been a whirlwind of a summer, both in business and in my personal life. I hope... Read more...

Crop it!

The crop top trend is here to stay — but how do you wear this style with sophistication for an elevated look? Pairing it with a high-waisted skirt or pant... Read more...

Jo Marie's Exquisite Caftan

A Custom Summer Look Jo Marie's Exquisite Caftan Here’s a look at Jo Marie’s party dress to celebrate the Summer Solstice at her hacienda! During a visit to the studio, Jo Marie selected her... Read more...

Inspired by the Sonoran Desert

A couple of years ago, I had the pleasure of visiting Arizona for the first time to celebrate the wedding of my dear friends Erica and Kevin. I also had... Read more...

Slip into Something Beautiful

Slinky and sexy, the Aubrey Slip Dress has minimal details and fluidity that brings that sophisticated allure. Read more...

Oh my, a butterfly!

Butterflies hold so much meaning throughout our world. They are a symbol of transformation, hope and rebirth. Each butterfly is unique and brings joy whenever it is seen. Read more...

Red Carpet Ready

Silver is having a major moment. From award shows to Beyoncé’s Renaissance, silver is splashing the fashion world in all its metallic glory. Read more...

Save 20% on RTW Releases!

This year, we have something special for you. Each Ready-to-Wear Release will be 20% OFF. (discount valid for 4 weeks following release) Read more...

The First Annual Winter SALE

Something exciting is coming. The First Annual Winter SALE! Save 24% off all Ready-to-Wear. Sale Ends 1/31/24. Read more...

2023 Wrap Up

I hope you can take a moment to reflect on your achievements, whether big or small that you've had this year. Here's to new growth, peace, friendships and fulfillment in... Read more...

Fashion Arts Fund Mentorship Announcement

I’m thrilled to announce that I will be mentoring an up-and-coming designer, Briana Miller, as part of the FASHION ARTS FUND year-long mentorship program. The following is the announcement from... Read more...

A New Vision

For me, this year has been a time for reflection and focusing on health — both in body and mind. Priorities have shifted from a hectic, fast paced existence to... Read more...

Golden Hour

Each season brings something new to discover. Whether that is seen or felt, I have found that going with the flow brings the most peace and success. Embracing what the... Read more...

The BEST Silk Face Mask

Friends, I've been working on something special for you. I want to encourage everyone to be safe and stylish this season as the world and our social lives spark back... Read more...

The Collaboration Behind the Denaro Caftan

This Caftan was brought to life from a collaboration between SARAH NELSEN and luxury consignment shop, BORN INTO MONEY. Fittingly named, Denaro, (that’s Money in Italian) this piece was inspired... Read more...

A Season for New Beginnings

Special Announcements on this First Day of Spring. Read more...

Gabrielle Kaniger in "Dancing with the Kansas City Stars"

Featuring hometown heroes, Dancing with the Kansas City Stars provides scholarship assistance for more than 350 students of Cristo Rey. Here's a look at the making of Gabrielle's custom dance... Read more...

Danielle Nicole Wears Sarah Nelsen at the 2019 GRAMMYs

To say collaborating with Danielle Nicole to design her custom Grammy look was an honor and highlight of my year is a major understatement. Every moment of this project was exhilarating and... Read more...

OLIVIA FOX and Sarah Nelsen

Music and fashion are perfect compliments and to find three like-minded, passionate, strong and inspiring musicians to work with has been a beautiful harmony. Read more...

A Golden Gala

Rightfully Sewn’s inaugural Fashion Biennale event, titled the GOLDEN GALA, was a celebration of the culmination of the first Fashion Designer Residency Program and a fundraiser to bring in the necessary... Read more...

HerLife Magazine Feature

HerLife Magazine's cover story for September 2017 spotlights Jennifer Lapka, founder of Rightfully Sewn. It was such an honor to be featured in the article as well as dress Jennifer in my black... Read more...

Solanoir at the Gown Gallery

On Friday August 18th, The Gown Gallery opened their doors to their newly renovated 7 East Event space for an Intergalactic Fashion Exhibition of Design and Photography. Read more...

Muse Fashion Show at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

The Young Friends of Art at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art hosts a monthly Second Friday Happy Hour in the Bloch Lobby. The June 9th event spotlighted local designers from Kansas City... Read more...

KCPT's "Show-Me" | Rightfully Sewn

Kansas City’s identity is changing from flyover to fly-to. Meet passionate influencers with tons of local pride and almost crazy national ambition. Are these the movers and shakers that, 10... Read more...

Kansas City Design Week

On April 13, 2017, as part of Kansas City Design Week Rightfully Sewn founder and president, Jennifer Lapka Pfeifer, spoke about how her organization is working to bring opportunity and jobs... Read more...

A Colombian Getaway

I've just returned from the most exotic and inspiring getaway to Colombia, South America! It was my dear friend Claudia's wedding and I will treasure these days with good friends for... Read more...

Refreshed and Recharged for 2017

Dear Friends, Happy New Year to you! I hope this note finds you happy, healthy, recharged and making plans for the year ahead. Looking back on 2016, I realize I have not... Read more...

Rightfully Sewn Celebration at Anaphora

Rightfully Sewn, in partnership with Women’s Business Center, announced its inaugural Kauffman FastTrac® NewVenture scholarship program in January 2016. A group of 11 credentialed panelists of Kansas City’s community leaders... Read more...

KC Magazine Feature: Spring 2016

Thank you KC Magazine for the double page feature in the Spring 2016 issue! Read more...

Asiatica | Kansas City

I'm so inspired and excited to have joined the team at Asiatica | Kansas City. I started in August 2015 as a cutter – making for an extremely busy fall season. Asiatica... Read more...

A Colorful Evening at the Kemper Museum's "Bright Nights" Gala

Wear it Bright at the Kemper Gala was a lovely success. Several patrons were seen donning their favorite local designer. The evening was a colorful tribute to our creative Kansas... Read more...

Judging Color + Couture 2015

COLOR+COUTURE is an International Interior Design Associaiton (IIDA) event. Models strut the runway wearing fashions made from carpet, tile, wall coverings and more created by local architecture and interior design... Read more...

Kemper Gala "Wear it Bright" Video

FASHION that's fit for a MUSEUM. ‪"Wear it Bright" to the ‪Kemper Gala and support your local designers and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Commission your favorite designer to create your... Read more...

September Press

Fall Forecast: Kansas City fashion experts tell us what they're loving for fall. Read more...

Studio Opening + Trunk Show

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the Trunk Show + Studio Opening last night. Special thanks to Ami Beck & Dolyn Bags who stepped in and made a great design... Read more...

Kemper Gala | Wear it Bright

I am happy to share with you a new opportunity for fashion and art to come together. This summer I've been working with the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art to introduce a... Read more...

Runway Report Feature in KC Weddings

I am so flattered to have a featured spread in the latest issue of KC Weddings (Summer / Fall 2015). In every issue, KC Weddings spotlights a local designer in... Read more...

West 18th Street Fashion Show 2015: Invitational Summer Runway

Clothing: Sarah NelsenJewelry: TrajetModels: Voices& Model and Talent AgencyNails: OMG! who does your Nails? ~ Studio 117.Hair + Makeup: Blush Co.Thank you for the photos Landon Vonderschmidt & Tom Foley ... Read more...

West 18th Street Fashion Show: 2015 Behind-the-scenes

A photo journal of the prep for Invitational Summer Read more...

Fashion For A Cause Recap

Fashion For A Cause is Kansas City’s favorite see-and-be-seen fashion show supporting Women's Health at Truman Medical Centers. This special 10th Anniversary event was hosted by actor and entertainer Mario Lopez. I was... Read more...

Jana Style Blog Feature + Sarah Nelsen Giveaway!

Last week, Jana Meister of Jana Style Blog and I got to sit down at my studio and talk design, Fashion For A Cause and being an entrepreneur in KC. Check... Read more...