Future Goal: Repair Wardrobe Disconnect

I used to keep an actual scrapbook of fashion clippings that I pasted the looks I liked. Of course, I now have Pintrest and Flickr to record my favorites.

Scrapbook images from the Tweeds catalog.

The funny thing is how the items and looks have stayed consistent over the many years even though the items still don't currently exist in my wardrobe. I don't know when I will be sewing again, but my future plans include creating the life where the wardrobe I have always wanted will exist. Believe me, when I reveal the wardrobe you won't be shocked, in fact, you'll probably wonder why I haven't put it together before now. You're not the only one wondering that... Perhaps I didn't think I deserved it yet?! Yes, yes, I DO have issues...

Striped knit tee shirts, crew, boat, and v-necks
Same type shirts put in silkier matte fabrics for dressier occasions
Similar shaped fine-gauge sweaters
Slim flat-front ankle-length pants
Carrot topped pants with fullness at top from gathers or pleats that taper to the ankle.
Long-sleeved shift dresses
Fit and flare dresses, with darted bodices and full skirts
Full skirts in above- and below-knee lengths
Collarless duster jackets and cardigans
Simple beautiful pieces incorporating drapery and unique twists

So when I get back to sewing this is hopefully what you will be seeing. Luckily, the projects currently in my sewing queue fit in this group and I have already taken a step in that direction. My eldest sister gifted me some holiday money and I just happened to check out the Mood Fabrics website and bought myself some striped ponte knit goodies for that top entry on this list in jade and brown and in mustard and jade!

Does anyone know where I can get a wide striped red and white knit like that second example? I can't find any that are not see-through.

WT The Aftermath: The Need to Purge

Well, I started on that closet cleanup and found out something amazing.

In my extremely full bedroom closet, I was only wearing 30% of all the clothes I had hanging in there. All the rest were hanging there waiting for their time in the sun or were never going to see daylight again, at least not on my body. Immediately, I pulled the least likely and placed them temporarily in the living room closet even though it too is bursting at the seams. I seriously need to do something real here, real soon! I hope to bit by bit, day by day, go through this mess and decided what is being donated or what I will try to take to a consignment shop. At this point, any amount of money I can get for a barely worn item will be worth it.

Over the last two weeks, I have worn shoes that I now realize are reaching Velveteen Rabbit-status (how I didn't realize that when doing Wardrobe Therapy is pretty bad. I must have had my blinders on.) I mean, these shoes are not even in a condition to be donated with a good conscious. So why am I still wearing them? Because they are right there whenever I look for shoes. But honestly, if the opportunity or guy of a lifetime showed up while I was wearing them, a part of me (however small) would still be worrying about how bad my shoes look.

So, obviously, these items need to disappear from my sight so that I no longer wear them. I would write out a plan here and now, but many of my plans have fizzled. I will let you know what happens when it happens.

WT Week 6: Accessories

I decided to handle accessories by writing about the pieces that I actually wear instead of tackling the large group of jewelry I've been hoarding for those "oh so special" occasions 'just around the corner.' What I actually have worn in the past six months:

• Silver and moonstone ring (on pincushion) that I bought for $8 or $10 on my first trip to New Orleans in 1997?

• One pair of silver hoops from a VERY cheap group of three varying sizes that I bought on a whim from Target for $5! Real silver? I doubt it. I bought these because I have lost one of every pair of earrings I have ever bought, resulting in wearing NO earrings for the last year. With my short haircut and the fact that I forget to reapply lipstick during the day, I think I need to start wearing them again for the femininity factor. Therefore, cheap earrings.

• Red bead necklace from an Etsy seller. Luckily, I have never failed to wear this when it works with the outfit.

• My Kryptonite-green pendant that I bought cheap from Forever 21, I think.

• My chime bell necklace that I bought on my 1st trip to New York. It was purchased in a New Age shop on Christopher Street.

On occasion or on the weekends when I have time in the morning I might pick out and wear something a little more interesting such as these. I like that these are a bit unusual and stand out when I do wear them.

• A rope of wooden beads a friend brought back from Liberia. I wear it with a knot in it like this for added interest instead of just one long strand.


• A necklace with ruby colored beads and a two-stone drop. I can't remember where I got this from.


• A braided cord necklace I got from New York & Co years ago. Unfortunately, the brown color is coming off the capiz-like discs.


• Silver charm bracelet from the Limited (see a cheap trend developing?) which includes sewing scissors, a Vogue magazine, cats-eye glasses, a high heel shoe, handled mirror. I have no Macro lens on my camera so this is as good as it gets. Trust me, it's beautiful.

• Hopefully you can see the detail of this necklace. They are little Milagros-like charms, horses/dogs, birds and little men. I wear this doubled up like you see and always get a compliment or two. It's very delicate and sometimes comes apart (I have little segments everywhere.) Therefore, I only wear it when I can keep track of the pieces if they fall off. No concerts or street fairs for this piece!

When I have time to think about my outfit, my earrings come from this group. The only ones missing from this photo are a set of rhinestone studs, also from New York & Co.

• Here are two moonstone and silver earrings to go with my moonstone ring. They were bought in New Orleans at the same store as the ring. LOVE these.


• Metallic bronze hanging "chandelier-type" earrings. Again, I wish you could see the detail, lovely.


• Fabulous and fun painted enamel earrings with green Peridot drops.

Update: Lusting after some of these by Krista Peel to add to my collection. YUM! My stash and one still unworn Peridot and silver ring However, just like with my clothes, I still have more jewelry in my possession, waiting for what, I do not know. Just a few worth mentioning: Bracelets: A antique white enamel floral one that I really like but never think of wearing. A silver hinged one that was my moms. Jewelry sets: A topaz and gold set and a lavender and pink iridescent bridesmaid set that I actually picked out and the bride bought for us.

Take a cleansing breath...

Well, after getting this far with Wardrobe Therapy, I realize that I have far more clothes in my closet than I need or wear. I have so many "one day I might wear that" and "if A happens, I will need to wear B" outfits, it is ridiculous. Because, for years, A has not happened and B just sits around and mocks me. Or more correctly, A's have not been filling up my social calendar and those many, many B's are hanging in my closet taking up space.

I have lived on so little money for so many years that I think I am now scared to give away all of my "make-do" clothes (and furniture) for fear that I will ever be able to afford nicer replacements.

Yes, I know that may come off as sad and pathetic. However, if I were really o.k. with living on less (and with less) that would not be a problem, would it?

So, over this summer, I am really going to use the outbox concept of the original Cure and items like these are going to come out of my closest. I had been putting them to the side but it still makes my wardrobe look vast. I will now deal with just looking at the clothes that I deem wearable and that I actually wear. Everything else will go into the outbox (which I hope to hide this time) and await judgment at a later date.

Any thoughts?

WT: A Peek Into My Closet

See my new shirt in there?

See this? I'm so happy because that's a big swatch of my wardrobe and though dark, there is barely any black in that picture. There are more reds, blues, greens, and browns. I am getting closer to making the color black an accent in my wardrobe instead of the basis.

After I took that picture above, I decided to photograph some of those dresses I wrote about before for Wardrobe Therapy but didn't photograph. I still wasn't feeling up to modeling them but this will no doubt give you a better idea of what they look like.

Here is the linen and lace garden party dress. See how the lace lays in a downward curve on the skirt? Imagine that going to full-length with the skirt getting wider as it gets longer. When the dress fit, it fit wonderfully with no gathers, just a bias sweep to a full swirl-able skirt.

Next, the bronze (faux) velvet dress. This one does have gathers at the empire waist and then tapers down to about twenty inches or so around the ankles. In my choice of fabric, the effect is more pronounced than in the pattern sketch, more like a 1915-18 hobble skirt, in fact.

The green cotton strapless dress. This picture shows how the fabric is woven with two different colors, in this case, blue and yellow in a vintage sharkskin effect to make this almost iridescent green. They now call it shot cotton. I still have two yards of a similar fabric; in a blue and lavender weave, for a sundress I never made.

I probably would not remake this particular dress, but it was constructed very well. Unfortunately, I have no idea what happened to this pattern or which company made it. Update: It was McCall's 9403. Um, by the way, I can no longer keep the bodice up like I was able to in that picture. That was at my heaviest.

Finally, the BCBG satin dress. I think this picture gives you a good idea of the shape. Pretty unusual in the horizontal banded bodice and the vertical gored skirt. It truly does fit like the example I showed in the original dresses post, very tight under the bust and then...whoosh with the tulle underskirt showing from underneath. Oh to have such an occasion to wear this!

Here is something I forgot to include in my Wardrobe Therapy purses round-up. My favorite purse of all...my sparkly beaded Hello Kitty evening purse! A reminder that a wardrobe does not have to be serious all the time, no matter what age the person.

WT Week 4 (Am I done yet?): Purses

1. Torture Devices.
   None.
   
2. Velveteen Rabbits.
   A purse/convertible backpack I love that is fast falling apart (top right). Ideally, I would draft a pattern from it and make a replacement. However, with three tiny zippers involved in its construction...yeah, right.
3. Superstars.
   Liz Claiborne mini-backpack AKA my "concert purse" I can carry a mini-wallet, lipstick, tissues, pen, my keys, and if I push it, my cell phone.
   
4. Stalwart Staples.
   
   Liz Claiborne shoulder bag (right in photo above) The top cinches up and you wear the strap over your shoulder with the bag over your back. Located beneath the strap is a vertical zippered pocket.
   Amanda Smith black textured purse (top left in 1st photo) with dainty handles and detachable shoulder straps.
   
   
5. Same Time, Next Year.
   
   
   Target by Mizrahi ruffled evening purse with chain (in middle of 1st photo)
   
   Handmade:
   Lavender taffeta wrist purse with beaded trim (middle of this photo). This was made to go with my bridesmaid dress.
   Mint green linen tote bag (right) that was made to go with matching strapless dress. This was to be my go-to wedding ensemble. These were worn once, to a Gold Cup steeplechase event, not a wedding.
   A wristlet that I made from a Target tablecloth to go with this dress.
   
6. Sentimental Journeys.
   Patent leather "camera purse," the perfect size to tote any one of my cameras in. (Not shown)
   
7. Mysteries of the Lost Shopping Trip.None.

Misc:

I lot of my purses have come to me as gifts from one of my sisters or my friend Linda. Some were specials from Spiegel (see Velveteen Rabbit, bottom left above, and bottom right in 1st photo) that you receive with a catalog subscription or ones received when the giver bought me the same one that she bought for herself.

My latest tote bag (middle above) came from BooksAMillion.com (BAM) when I signed up for a special discount card. Very good tote bag.

In 2002, I commissioned a felted knit hat and tote bag (top left in 3rd photo) from Another Regan Original in a bright Mediterranean blue yarn.

Sewing Therapy 2008:

• Three bias tape totes from Belle Epoque's instructions since I have the fabric and they seem so easy and cute.

• This Indygo Junction pattern from some barkcloth fabric in my stash that I've been scared to touch for years. I just saw this pattern made up here.

WT Week 5: Outerwear and Underwear

Outerwear

Gap fuchsia raincoat - This one is still cute (especially with dresses), however without a hood I tend to grab my hooded L.L. Bean rain slicker instead.

Eddie Bauer quilted jacket - I had wanted the red one I saw in the catalog, but when the jacket went on sale in the store all they had was the black. Back then I wasn't so anti-black clothing so I went ahead and bought it.

L.L. Bean Weather System jacket - Bought at least five years ago, this was such a great deal. I have no idea why they don't still sell this or something similar anymore. It was a quilted black Primaloft-filled jacket with a red zip-on rain slicker with a detachable hood. Both jackets could convert to fit into their own attached carrying pouches.

In Winter:

Two bargain wool coats, one gray double-breasted and one classic black with a covered button placket that looks great (and expensive) with dresses.

Various scarves, gloves, mittens, Polartec 180s ear warmers (the best!), and some barely-worn purchased and handmade hats.

Underwear

I am not piling my underwear so do not ask.

However, I will talk about something related. Don’t you wish that you knew immediately when you found something that you will want to have it in your life forever? Like the perfect bra, pair of shoes, or jeans? Then you would have been able to stock up on it without feeling guilty about the money. I wish I had known that when I bought some simple tank tops from Urban Outfitters, a stretchy camisole from Banana Republic, and a few bras from Victoria's Secret. I have never been able to find suitable replacements for these.

The Banana Republic underwear line was basic, practical, and cut beautifully. It was not lingerie in my opinion because it did not have a lot of lace or frills. I do know the winning formula for the fit was 94% cotton and 6% Lycra spandex.

The tanks from Urban Outfitters were just simple cotton but had a very flattering neckline. I am keeping one so one day I can copy the squarish scoop neck; however, I can no longer wear it because it lost all of its stretch and gapes now.

Victoria's Secret Bodyflex bras were PERFECT. Why? Their underwire was flexible (duh) and not painful in the least. So flexible in fact that you could wring them dry, they dried fast, and could be rolled up in your luggage, making them perfect for travel. A similarly flattering style is this VS Cotton one, available in 20 colors.

I also have a VS full slip from that same period that I love. No scratchy polyester or stiff lace thing for me. This one was stretchy and slinky, exactly what is needed. It even had a shelf bra. I have not seen this style in their catalog, not even their clearance catalogs, for years. (Have you ever noticed how some things in their clearance catalogs are from four or more years ago? Where do they keep all of this stuff?)

Satin ballet length slip $27

They do however have these with just a little lace and they've consistently been available for the last two years. I'm tempted, but first I have to make two slips from this pattern and I have had the fabric for almost a year.

I will continue to keep buying my bras from the Victoria's Secret clearance sales each year. I still don't see a desire for expensive lingerie; attractive and comfortable are my main criteria right now.

WT Week 4: Shoes!

Yes, it's getting strappy in here!

1. Torture Devices.
   
   Nine West high-heeled boots from ex-boyfriend. I only wear them when more sitting than walking will be involved.
   Mossimo oxblood Mary Jane pumps from Target with cut-out detailing. I bought these when I had a dress that matched in color and feel. I still like these and will try to wear them more.
   Croc Mary Janes in red (I want the aquamarine ones too) even though the current ones have stretched beyond belief and safety outside of the house (the only reason they are in this category.) But because of how they feel I am willing to take another chance and get them a size smaller.
   
   
2. Velveteen Rabbits.
   
   Suede Merrell slips-ons from L.L. Bean. I bought them for my trip to Ireland. I need another pair because these are perfect for walking, light hiking, etc. (also looking at Keens, L.L.Bean, and Ecco for replacements)
   
   
   Jones New York black fabric work pumps – always classy, always look good, on the outside at least. The lining is falling apart, crumbling away, in fact. Ewww. I usually only wear these for the interviews even though they are incredibly comfortable. The outside is a very nice crepe fabric. I would love to find more like these, anyone seen anything similar out there?
   
   
3. Superstars.
   
   
   Nine West brown suede ankle-strap shoes. These remind me of shoes worn by Betty Grable, Rosalind Russell, and Esther Williams in those 1940s musicals. I can see shoes like these being worn playing shuffleboard on one of those cruises their characters always took to Europe. I always wear these with my bronze velvet dress. I now need something new so I can wear these in the fall and winter to come.
   
   
   Miz Mooz brown leather Mary Janes with cut work details. They are such a rich brown; however, these pictures do not do them justice. Extremely comfortable, they will get more use as I replace the black with more brown in my wardrobe. I last wore them out with my new outfit and felt so sassy!
   
   
   Montego Bay Club by Payless orange embroidered espadrilles - eye-catching, they become more of a focal spot than a coordinating element.
   
   
4. Stalwart Staples.
   
   
   Payless "go-go" boots. Sleek, stretchy, comfy, one of my best purchases ever! I just wish I had found more than one pair.
   My L.L. Bean lace-up boots. I also bought these for my Ireland trip, and again, they were perfect. If you want comfortable, durable shoes, checking out L.L. Bean or REI is the way to go.
   Parade of Shoes (now Payless) Mary Janes with rubber soles and Velcro closing. Soooo comfortable.
   Mossimo Mary Janes shown in Torture Devices.
   Another pair of Mary-Janes, unfortunately the name has worn off the insole. These may have been Enzo Angiolini, Aerosole, or Kenneth Cole Reaction, just not sure which.
   
   
5. Same Time, Next Year.
   
   
   Caparros lavender bridesmaid sandals. Unfortunately, I lost one of the shoe ornaments dancing that night and couldn’t get another from the manufacturer. Since I never wore them again I guess it doesn’t matter.
   
   
   Jennifer Moore black ‘witchy’ shoes – the way these looked use to bother me when I thought my feet were big, but not anymore. I got over it. I still would use them for a witch costume in a pinch though.
   
   
6. Sentimental Journeys.
   
   I have two pairs of pink satin toe shoes from when I was fourteen. Of course, I will never wear them again but having them around reminds me of all my hard work. One is the last pair I owned so they are not as beat up as the other pair, therefore you can see exactly how worn out the shoes get with use. Hard and boxlike when new, they turn into floppy slippers after just a few months.
   
   
7. Mysteries of the Lost Shopping Trip.
   
   
   Nine West embroidered kitten heels that I bought a day or two before Gold Cup. I wore them walking through muddy fields for the steeplechase and were never worn again.
   Black chunky suede embroidered “stripper” shoes from (?) I have no idea what I was thinking. I actually debated about buying these; however, neither taste nor practicality was in that debate. (Rats! It seems I already got rid of these before I took a picture! Sorry.)

Oxblood and Chocolate.

Next: I've added brown but I still need more shoes in colors like:

• the new blue Crocs
• maybe these in yellow from Miz Mooz

WT: Meming the meme

Something easy? Yay! 

What accessories do you wear everyday? A silver moonstone ring I bought in New Orleans years ago. 

What is your beauty routine? I use proactiv cleanser and repairing lotion. Yes, it works! However, I mistakenly take a break every once in a while and my skin rebels horribly. I have just started using it before I go to sleep and hopefully will be able to keep this up regularly. The only negative is that washcloths get splotchy and ruined because of the benzoyl peroxide and must be hidden when guests are over. 

What was the last item of clothing (for yourself) that you purchased? This cute outfit which I winningly wore last Friday!  

Do you use a dresser, closet, or both? Both. 

What type of earrings are in your ears right now? None. I used to wear earrings all the time. However, I have a bad habit of losing only one of a pair all the time. Not into the mismatched earring thing, I stopped replacing them. I am currently trying to start up again and bought a cheap set of varying size silver hoops on a whim. With my short hairdo, they go a long way in projecting a feminine look long after the lipstick has faded for the day. 

Do you wear glasses? Yes, unfortunately. I think my eyes are my best feature therefore I resent having to wear them. No, don't suggest contacts, I suffer from dry-eye syndrome and the thought of peeling them off of my eyeballs everyday is just not appealing. Laser surgery...even less so. 

Do you wear makeup? Yes, but not as much as I think I should. I wore more makeup in high school than in the last eight years. The routine has diminished so much that it's lipstick only now, that is if I have time as I run out the door in the morning. Touch-ups during the day are another matter. However, as the years go by it seems my eyelashes* are bailing on me, so eyeliner or mascara might return and also maybe some translucent powder. I am still single and need to make an effort. I guess. 

What is your favorite perfume? I'm allergic to certain components in some perfumes so I don't wear any personally and because I don't know exactly which ones I won't have a problem with, unfortunately, I also hope my co-workers don't wear them either (so far, so good this time). However, years ago I fell in love with Benneton's defunct scent Tribu. I actually bought a small bottle ten or so years ago because it smelled so good, like strong Ethiopian mint tea. I still have the bottle, all washed out now, and displayed in my bathroom.

 

Note: Just found out what was in it: BENETTON created TRIBU perfume in 1993. It is the result of the following top fragrance notes: violet, black currant and rose. The middle notes are: geranium, ylang-ylang and sandalwood and the base of the fragrance is: vetiver, oakmoss and cedarwood.

Sounds yummy, right? 

Is your motto "quality over quantity" when it comes to clothing and accessories? Despite making my own clothes, my idea of quality is highly subjective since I could always reinforce a seam, change the buttons, remove elastic, add elastic, etc. Lack of money takes care of that quantity bit too.

Do you wear rain boots? No, only because changing shoes is not that efficient, though I just got tempted by these! 

Do you wear socks or slippers when your feet get cold? My feet are covered 95% of the time and like Wendy are covered with a blanket when I'm curled up on the sofa. I rarely "sit" on my sofa; curl up, lounge, or lay are better descriptions. 

Do you have a set of travel luggage? Yes, I own a basic set of three in black; small rolling cart, a rolling garment bag, and an overnight bag. However, my goal is to only travel with one of the set at a time. When I traveled for my job, I considered myself a failure if I had to check any luggage. Therefore, when I went to Ireland after 9/11, I read the new guidelines for each of the airlines I would be using and bought my luggage in the smallest size recommended. (I'll probably write a post about that experience later as it worked out so well.) Six days in Ireland: no baggage checked. 

If you are married, did you wear a veil with your wedding dress? Not married. Yet. Probably will not wear a wedding veil. Loving this look with the hair, so this will probably be the way for me.

actress Thandie Newton (w/ Ol Parker) 

Do you wear a watch? I used to, then I kept putting off getting the battery replaced. Do need to fix that at some point, it might fix my tardiness problem. Do you prefer zippers or buttons? I prefer zippers in ready-to-wear and in homemade garments. If I ever buy a new sewing machine, making buttonholes will be a major factor. *The eyelashes that I have left now grow every which way but out and up. I had to buy an eyelash curler just to keep them from poking me in the eye. Does anyone else have this problem?

WT Week 4: The Status Symbol issue

1. What's my Status Symbol? That is, what do you expect people to value and respect about you as a human being?
   I still have a little problem with this phrase as it relates to traits about ones nature and not their wardrobe. I don't expect anyone to value or respect what I wear on my body, but instead to value what I'm about and respect my beliefs.
   
   Example: I might dress in all 1950s-related gear of full skirts with petticoats, pumps, and delicate jewelry, however, that has no relation to how I view the role of women in the 21st century.
   
   I want people to know that I believe in preserving this planet and its resources for future generations, taking care of the things we can in the present in order to succeed in that goal, and instilling these same beliefs in youth so that they start out with the respectful attitude needed to continue the campaign. I also believe in taking responsibility in ones actions and reacting to life's situations and relationships morally and ethically
   
   I'd rather see status symbol as what you want someone to observe about you from your general impression on them. Not everyone needs to have as much information as is needed to actually value and respect you. The majority of the people you deal with day-to-day will not get that involved yet most will probably make some sort of snap mental observation about you in general.
   
   
2. How does my wardrobe relate to my status symbol?
   With my status symbol aspects, I don't see how they could be reflected in clothes unless I was willing to condense my wardrobe to a minimal and purely utilitarian group of basics reflecting thrift, a lack of excess, and the sole use of natural fibers. I'm just not there yet.
   
   However, if I just wanted people's general impression of me to be as a fun, creative, and quirky person, then I think I'm there about 40% of the time. The rest of the time? Sometimes I'm either running late or have lost all imagination and what I wear isn't a good representation of who I think I am. However, since I did buy or make everything in my closet there really shouldn't be that kind of disconnect, should there? I guess I'll have to work on that some more.
   
   
3. Do I want some aspect of my attire to be a conversation starter? If so, what?
   I wouldn't mind someone commenting on the fact that I make my own clothes every once and a while but of course I first have to start wearing more or just plain make more of them for that to happen.

WT Week 4: Coming soon...

Wardrobe Therapy week 4. You know, the one with the shoes.
See all the hard work that I'm doing?



I'm wrangling shoes for ya and this isn't all of them either!

WT (very belated) Week 3: Jackets and Cardigans

1. Torture Devices.
   Dusky blue linen jacket - very elegant, very deconstructed, however, I think I'm more of a "constructed" type of girl now.Black wool vintage-look wool swing jacket from Forever 21. If only it wasn't black since I'm trying to move away from that.
   Ann Taylor brown silk jacket, also part of a suit where the bottom half was given away a long time ago.
   
2. Velveteen Rabbits.
   Oriental silk jacquard jacket with ruby red lining and frog closures - This has actually been too small for years because it can no longer be closed. It is so gorgeous and such a find that it will probably become a Sentimental Journey and stay around for a bit.
   
   
3. Superstars.
   No superstars. Unfortunately, the last superstar (a khaki jacket from Papaya) was lost (and then stolen) before I had a chance to make a copy from it. I have a small picture of it, but it had both an empire seam and princess seams on the bodice; instead of a zipper or buttons it closed with small metallic snaps and had open French cuff-like sleeve bands. It was very cheap and I was really excited to make a copy from it in the near future. Then, very soon after that, it disappeared.
   
   
   
   
4. Stalwart Staples.
   Forever 21 red vintage 'swing' jacket This store really does have some nice jacket and coat designs and their styles are usually retro; very 1950s. Their quality is hit-and-miss, but this one only needed some reinforcement stitching here and there and some work done on the buttonholes.
   A one-button black Lycra cardigan from Target. With this I need to find a similar style in one or two "joyful" colors.
   J. Crew Jackie O-type jacket in green wool. It was part of a cute boxy suit but I outgrew (in all directions!) the short straight skirt and gave it away years ago.
   
5. Same Time, Next Year.
   The same dusky blue jacket from above. This made it to this category because I really don't have anything to "go" with it, except some black and white pieces. In addition, because of its fabric - linen - it only comes out in Summer and because of its style, only for rare occasions.
   
   
   My two rarely worn work suits. I have been lucky that during the years, my work environments have been deemed work-casual. Suits for me have been required only for conference first impressions (followed by the wearing of separates with the suit pieces) and for job interviews.
   
   Therefore, this navy Casual Corner (remember them?) suit is still in my wardrobe despite being more than eight years-old. Underneath the flattering cut of the jacket with its in-seam pockets is a boat-neck sleeveless shift dress.
   
   The olive three-piece suit was purchased from Ann Taylor Loft. The long, mid-thigh length jacket is matched with a pair of creased and cuffed pants and a straight pencil skirt. This suit is a bit dated only because of the non-typical length and the fact that the pockets zipper shut.
   
6. Sentimental Journeys.
   My bebe pale green suede western-style jacket - It was a gift from a past boyfriend but it may be sold for money on consignment. Sentimentality does have a price tag apparently.
   
7. Mysteries of the Lost Shopping Trip.A Tahari navy blue suit that I bought on sale when I truly believed that I was going to have the jacket tailored to fit...SEVEN years ago! It has never been worn. I hope to get this one to a consignment shop because luckily it's a very classic design.
   

What I need now:

• A fitted brown or khaki jacket (but not a blazer type) that will go with at least 50% of my new outfits. This item has been VERY hard to find.
• A sweet cardigan that will look good over dresses, simple but not too boring, and defnitely in colors other than black or brown.
  
  Anyone see anything cute (and affordable) out there?

WT Week 3: Dresses, dresses, dresses....

Guess what?

That wasn't even all of my dresses. Since I've been behind on WT I just decided to go with what I had. I'll probably revisit dresses in Week 7: Leftovers. I have many more of the easy cotton/Lycra pull-on dresses (love these!) I really did want to show actual pictures of my favorites; the BCBG "Audrey" dress, the bronze velour, and the blue brocade; so they may show up then.

The amazing thing is that I still have so many dresses on my sewing to-do list.

In college, there was no dress code so wearing a vintage dress to class was doable and don't forget getting dressed for even the most mundane of college parties. I wore vintage dresses as part of my everyday wardrobe back then and yes, I have even more of them for my Sentimental Journeys column than I showed.

However, even though I still see myself as a DRESS girl, most people who see me nowadays probably think I prefer pants. You see, almost every office I've worked in the last few years have been freezing (no matter what season!) and pants + tights + thermal socks + boots just worked out better for my comfort level. However, the advent of light-weight silk thermal garments have evened the field for me, so dresses year-round here I come!

WT Week 3: Dresses

Torture Devices:

• Black and white mandarin-collared wrap dress from Target, typical wrap dress problem...unexpected peek-a-boo.

Velveteen Rabbits: None.

Superstars:

This in black

This in bronze

• Black satin "Audrey-like" dress with a nipped-in waist and a tulle underskirt from BCBG. This dress was originally $200 during a $100 off a $200+ purchase sale! So, half-price equals...ka-ching!
• Bronze velour tulip dress made from the pattern shown above.
• Black calf-length linen dress from New York & Co.

 Stalwart Staples:

• Black Han Feng silk dress from a designer re-sale store in New Orleans.
• Assorted Lycra wrap and pullover Mossimo dresses from Target.
• Black Lycra knit from Charlotte Russe that looks like this.
• Brown New York & Co. knit dress with crossover top and cap sleeves.
• Spring green linen shift dress, super comfy.

 Same Time, Next Year:

• Green and lavender burned velvet and silk bias-cut bridesmaid dress. A gorgeous dress that I WOULD wear again if I found the occasion.

Sentimental Journeys: (Unfortunately, none of these fit anymore)

• Off-white vintage cotton dress from the 1940s; seems made for a garden party.
• Mint green strapless linen dress for my first Gold Cup steeplechase. Dress does not fit now as I was at my heaviest then. Looking back at pictures, the cleavage still amazes me. Baby blue brocade princess-seamed dress that I made from upholstery fabric.
• Red v-neck slinky dress with a long side slit.
(This one will probably go to a consignment store, it was only worn twice.)

Mysteries of the Lost Shopping Trip:

• None. Well, there were a few that I bought even though they fit strange, but I eventually fixed them.

Their First Season Out:

• My dress made from a Target table cloth.
• A red floral sun dress I started five years ago that I finally finished last year.

All highlighted dresses were made by me.

WT Week 3: Skirts

1. Torture Devices.
   Some of my skirts have the same problem as my pants in that they are too loose but other than that, no torture devices. Above all, skirts do not reflect excess fabric as “droopy crotches." Yea!
   


2. Velveteen Rabbits.
   I have no skirts that will be coming to life anytime soon. I did however make this skirt from some near-to-life velveteen pants.
   


3. Superstars.
   I love full skirts and must admit I only have one right now. But what a skirt it is! I actually bought it at Anthropologie, so you know it had to be a great sale if I not only bought this one but also another skirt. This skirts falls from the waist to a skirt with multiple triangular inserts (godets) that add volume. I have not tried to measure the circumference but maybe one day I will.
   
   
   
   Skirt spread out a bit.
   
   Here is a picture of a slightly similar* skirt to give you an idea of what it looks like worn, except mine isn't tied or bunched up.
   
   
   
   Unfortunately, this skirt is a Superstar without a worthy top to go with it. For a funky look, I might make a Stitch Alabama corset to wear with it but for a classic look, I am stumped. Help?
   
   
   
   


4. Stalwart Staples.
   My black bouclé Isaac Mizrahi (Target) skirt, when I bought it it was a size too large (on sale) so I decided it would be a low-rider skirt. However, now it is two sizes too large and practically spins around my body like a hula-hoop. My red sueded cotton skirt. A brown knit pull-on skirt from where else but New York & Co. A pleated and belted bell-shaped khaki beauty from Anthropologie. I love this skirt but I need more Superstar tops to go with it. Good thing, this year I will definitely wear my brown ones because of my new brown leather Miz Mooz pumps.
   
   
   
   


5. Sentimental Journeys.
   These are the two elastic waist skirts: one brown with mini-polka dots and the other in a great geometric print. I love these skirts and I still marvel at their construction. These are elastic waist skirts that do not look like it when on. They were made years ago from this 1997 Vogue American Designer wardrobe pattern by Marc Jacobs. You can tell from the sketch and picture how short they were originally.
   
   
   
   
   Even though I added an inch to the length, I had to take down the hem later to wear them. Then when my waist grew bigger, I unrolled the skirt waistband a bit. Yes, I was desperate to keep these skirts in rotation. Therefore, I have to redraw this pattern so I can use it many, many times. I already found the fabric to replace the print; it even has the same feel, which had a great body to it. I also made the top, (it was pictured under the purple floral top here.)
   
   


6. Mysteries of the Lost Shopping Trip.
   None, they already went in the Goodwill box last year. Hurrah!

The Plan:

I would like to add skirts in more joyful colors like green, blue, more red, and orange for a particular pair of shoes. I want to use some patterned fabrics also, some modern in both silhouettes and some with a more vintage vibe for the full skirts.

I have a vintage light blue eyelet dress with a full skirt that I keep meaning to cut and make into a stand-alone skirt. If it works, it will be the most pretty and feminine thing I will own. Especially, with my petticoat underneath.

* Funny that I have a necklace like that one too.
Credit: Ad from California Closets. Yeah, strange, they have the best outfits in their ads though.