Where to even begin with this task? It is a little daunting to consider a wardrobe transformation and a revolution in the way I go about dressing myself. Since I am voluntarily unemployed and spend a lot of time at home, the focus should be on building up my casual, everyday wardrobe. I can use things that I already have, but most of my casual clothes are, as I mentioned, craptastic. The nicest bits of my current closet are a trench, some dresses, a couple of skirts and a few blouses. All of these things are more in the "special occasion" category. I also have some awesome shoes, but again, these are not "I need to take a trip to the mall" shoes; they are uncomfortable (but gorgeous) stilettos.
The Wardrobe Plan
First up, some basics. Here are some colors I adore. You will recognize them from the Joan-inspired fabric I bought last week. Since I already have this fabric on the way with some ideas about what I am going to do with it (blouses and skirts), this formed the basis of my wardrobe plan, which is actually The Things I Will Sew In The Next Few Months Plan.
Despite what I have been sewing, I usually opt for more subdued colors when leaving the house. I have an aversion to drawing attention to myself, which I think is the genesis for my generally black and white clothing choices. Since this process is about revamping my clothing choices, I opted for some color. What you will not usually see me in are patterns. I will wear stripes and I have a few print dresses, but mostly everything is solid colors. I may try to find a printed silk or two for a couple of blouses, but that will be it.
Second, fabric choices. I have already ordered jerseys and some wool. This was highly impractical given this climate (and the Asian climate, which may be my home sometime next year). But, what's done is done. Future purchases will be mostly centered around cotton and cotton blends. I saw a Radiance Cotton Silk blend at fabric.com which may be great for a few day dresses. Also, since this is about creating quality, long lasting pieces, I will stick to higher end fabrics.
Third, the pieces. This was made with Polyvore and it represents my general idea about what I am thinking about including. These are staple pieces which I can add to with purchases or trendy sewing projects, but will represent the backbone of my clothes.
The components:
- Three day dresses.
- One jacket (either grey or taupe/camel).
- One suit, dark grey.
- Five blouses: purple, lavender, orange, and two white.
- Four/five skirts: purple pencil, grey pencil, grey/black pleated, taupe/camel full, and maybe a dark green full skirt.
- Accessories: Taupe/camel flats, brooch, scarf (I am having a drool fest over this Hermes scarf).
Fourth: the pieces must have a vintage vibe to them.
Next up: patterns!
5 comments:
I'm LOVING this entire concept and I think it's going to re-launch your entire wardrobe! SO fun!!
I think you are smart to tackle the wardrobe plan as a sewing concept. Unfortunately I am too often trapped by a cute pattern that I sew up and then has relationship to anything else in my closet. Looking forward to your further updates.
Oh! I am obsessed with that French Connection skirt! Thanks, I'll be on their website trolling for inspiration all day now!
Awesome. Tropical weight wool is an amazing fabric for warmer climates. I have a skirt made of black wool, inherited from husband's grandmother. The thing wears like nails, has a great drape, never looks dirty, and is cool and comfy. Very excited to see how your wardrobe shapes up.
Wow, Jacki! It's gorgeous. I love all the pieces you've chosen and I'm drooling over that orange blouse and that Hermes scarf!
A cotton silk blend sounds heavenly. How about silk charmeuse or a cotton voile as other options?
Looking forward to seeing your progress. You're keeping me inspired with my own wardrobe. :)
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