Wardrobe Resolution

 (cue sound of angels singing) Yesterday we broke 50 degrees F! I was able to take a walk and remove my gloves by the end of it!It's been about a week and a half since we climbed out of the 40's, so you can imagine my excitement. Mr. E took my picture in Carmel, CA last Saturday - we drove down a couple of hours the coast to see if we could escape the cold, wind, and rain. Many weather systems that come down from the north blow out by the time you get to Monterey Bay, so it's a strategy that's paid off for us in the past. But not this time. We wimped out and came back Saturday nite, instead of finding a cheap room and staying over. But i did get a nice remark from a lady winding up her day on Cannery Row who deemed my outfit 'the best i've seen all day!' (I'm wearing my grey ruffle skirt and Bass Lamont Boots).

Sunday had important wardrobe ramifications. I put my resolutions from this post into action, and bought material for three new bottoms at Joann's. They're having a great sale until January 26, if at all possible i plan to stock up on some more linen and linen blends before it ends (60% off). I'm halfway through a black linen/rayon blend full knee-length skirt, and have material for a slim silhouette tobacco linen skirt, and some cotton/poly interlock to copy these pants.

In the comments to my 'resolution' post Terri shared with us that she has dupes for four of her wardrobe basics: "You are absolutely right about the mainstays--which is why I have two black pencil skirts, two pair of black slacks, two pair of greys, two denim skirts." I appreciated her being so specific. It helps me to see a general idea along with a concrete plan someone uses to put that plan into action. I could juggle her selections around in my mind to see how they would work in my wardrobe and typical week, what would be involved in acquiring these items (or my equivalents), and how much of a 'buffer' they would offer me in terms of flexibility - for different types of occasions, in case of accidents, those busy times where it's hard to keep up with laundry, etc. I'm working on coming up with a similar list for my own use. Thank you Terri!

Just a knock-around-the-house, layer 'em up so you can stay warm, throw some stuff on kind of outfit. The beauty of this outfit for me is how easy it was to put together, because of the thought i've put into what gets into my wardrobe to begin with. It's comfy, warm, me, and has a certain amount of funk and style. It's days like this one, where i've made it so much easier for myself to dress how i want and like to, that give me the inspiration to make my mainstay's list and create the clothes on the list.

And you know where i get so many of the ideas for how to make my clothes work better for me - the finger's pointing right back at you! I hope i return the favor at least every now and then. Thank you!

Waste Not, Want Not

Friday, November 19, 2010.  10:47am

same day, 1:22 pm

uh oh.

later that afternoon (1:48 pm)

 

on edit: i wore these crochet socks about once a week for over 4 years. so they had TOTALLY EARNED that hole! in fact, i bought a white pair at the same time that are still going strong. Definitely recommended.

Cropped Jacket, Skirt, Scarf: own design
Grey Long Sleeve Sweater: Mossimo for Target
Black Wrap Sweater: Nine West (i've been throwing this sweater on top of EVERYTHING this winter - it adds warmth without impeding movement, it's a newt, it doesn't add bulk to the silhouette...)
Capri Leggings: Target - that whole appeared on this, their second wearing. NOT recommended.
Crochet Cuffs nee Socks: lost in the mists of time (similar here)
Oxfords: Bass Lacey
Sandals: Naturalizer

Busy Busy Days...

As a very dear and long gone friend of mine used to day, 'Good NIGHT!' I found out late Tuesday afternoon that i would have to run around like crazy on Wednesday morning, and i spent Tuesday night trying to prepare. I don't 'get going' easily in the mornings, so the more i can plan and pack up in advance the better my chances of having what i need and getting out the door in time.

When i returned home mid-morning, family matters required my immediate attention. My e-mail program, central to the whole operation, kept crashing. Matters resolved themselves, and all is well. But shortly thereafter i had to drive to pick up Mr. E at work (driving makes my leg very unhappy). On top of it all, we've been having the coldest two November weeks in the history of the San Fransisco Bay Area.  Temps have been dropping to the low 30's (F) at night and then rising into the 40's - low 50's during the day. Which isn't outrageous, except if you live in Walnut Creek and you have about 2.5 outfits suitable for those conditions....

Today's outfit was worn about 3 weeks ago, during a happy, milder time. Beautiful light shining through the trees, no need to bundle up like the Homme Michelin. A cotton skirt and lacy stocking provide the only 'protection from the elements' required. It's all just decoration!

I think i'll tie myself up with a ribbon like a little present!  And look, this picture shows my delicate little romantic birdie earrings. I love the birdies singing in the trees.  Tra la la......

aw heck, who do i think i am kidding. The outfit in this post started out like this:

Hope all of us have smoother days today!  Happy Thursday!

Jean Jacket: Royal Robbins
Blouse: own design, inspired by some girls wander
Skirt: own design
Stockings: Betsey Johnson (but the neon pink dye of the waistband runs & stains)
Shoes: Bass Lacey Oxfords
Scarf, Earrings: gifts
Hoodie: Aeropostale

Stormy Skies

So, as promised, a view of my new skirt -

It's the 'mlle. pointy hem' skirt with some alterations.  I got this fabric months ago, intending to make a top of it.  But then, as i pondered on it, i realized it's a little heavy for a blouse.  Then, i thought i'd make a skirt - but couldn't decide on the cut. Finally, i noticed how often i was reaching for the mlle pointy hem and it occurred to me that the same cut in a darker fabric would be just the ticket. Especially with winter coming on..... (Honestly, it's a wonder i ever accomplish a flippin' thing, as long as it takes me to get a move on.)  

I took these pictures on a day with scattered showers. We had clouds scudding across the sky, and strong sunlight moving in and out of the clouds, with showers now and then (and here and there). I've found the best lighting for showing off the colors and details of clothes is a uniformly overcast sky, so these pictures have some 'blasted out', overexposed areas. But i like the way the weather mirrored the look of the skirt's print - it shows some of how i feel about this skirt, not just how it would look to any old passerby.

Eeek!  The sun snuck up on me on that one! 

A couple of weeks ago, I got three yards of this velvet-striped black ribbon, planning to use most of it to make roses for a neckpiece. I whipped up this bow on the spur of the moment and like the general idea of how this bow turned out. After wearing it i've decided to tweak it to get a better shape. & i loved the way the two necklaces look draped together! However, it was a total pain in the ass to keep looking the way i wanted it to. I need to come up with a better system - do any of you have any words of wisdom?

 A couple of close-ups so you can see the fabric, the lace on my half slip, and my 'sanctified' tights ; )  The hole is far enough above the knee that the G.P. has no idea, and the tights keep me just as warm as before the hole.

Jacket: Yak Magic (thanks, mom!)
Tunic (worn as Blouse): Converse One at Target
Tank: Jockey
Skirt: own design
Tights: Hanna Andersson (thanks, mom!)
Belt: vintage Coach
Shoes: Maine Woods
Necklace, Earrings: own design