This is Exhibit B in my "I have too many beautiful clothes I don't wear" show. I actually really like this dress, even though it's not a knit. The pattern is pretty, the colors are subtle (but do exist) and it's very cool and summery. But I don't wear it often because it's see through-ish and the light color makes me hesitate to wear it in public. The see through parts I usually remedy with nude underthings, but the light colors I haven't figure out yet. With dirty subway seats and my messy table manners, I may have to figure out ways to remix this is as a top with other skirts. Maybe this weekend, as per Style Underdog's suggestions?
Thanks for all the great suggestions for yesterday. Sadly, I've been to a tailor already with that dress. I should reiterate that I don't like wearing fitted woven dresses (at least ones fitted below the waist). I looked over some of my sewing books on alterations to make sure it's not just my tailor being lazy. The top right picture (from The Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing) reconfirms that there isn't much one can do about pulling across hips, except let out more fabric.
And back to the shopping ban: I will still allow sewing new clothes for myself during the new year, mostly because I see sewing as a hobby, not as a means for accumulating clothing. Maybe someday it will be, but I like the creative process more than the wearing. I also like how I am learning more about clothes and fit from trying to make stuff for myself than from buying and wearing off the rack. Taking my measurements and comparing them to ready to wear and pattern measurements has been helpful. I know what parts of my body don't fit standard sizes, and therefore I can avoid certain off the rack styles (usually, many fitted bodices are suspect) and figure out how to adjust things.
Finally, totally unnecessary kitten shot. This little freak is 4 months old (estimated) now and he's getting bigger and stronger everyday. Buster does this when we don't let him eat our dinner.
"Please, can't I have some borscht?"*
Thanks for all the great suggestions for yesterday. Sadly, I've been to a tailor already with that dress. I should reiterate that I don't like wearing fitted woven dresses (at least ones fitted below the waist). I looked over some of my sewing books on alterations to make sure it's not just my tailor being lazy. The top right picture (from The Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing) reconfirms that there isn't much one can do about pulling across hips, except let out more fabric.
And back to the shopping ban: I will still allow sewing new clothes for myself during the new year, mostly because I see sewing as a hobby, not as a means for accumulating clothing. Maybe someday it will be, but I like the creative process more than the wearing. I also like how I am learning more about clothes and fit from trying to make stuff for myself than from buying and wearing off the rack. Taking my measurements and comparing them to ready to wear and pattern measurements has been helpful. I know what parts of my body don't fit standard sizes, and therefore I can avoid certain off the rack styles (usually, many fitted bodices are suspect) and figure out how to adjust things.
Finally, totally unnecessary kitten shot. This little freak is 4 months old (estimated) now and he's getting bigger and stronger everyday. Buster does this when we don't let him eat our dinner.
"Please, can't I have some borscht?"**Part of not shopping is not looking at clothes online, a favorite procrastination hobby of mine. Instead, I am trying to fill my boredom and desire to step away from the office with less spendy activities, like cooking with my CSA veggies. So many local vegetables!
For a dress like that, what you need underneath is a silk knit chemise (or cami and half-slip, depending on length) from Mary Green. That's what's making my unlined white floral dress all happy today. And GAAD, at least, allows underwear.
ReplyDeleteAs for stains/dirt/whatever, just remember Sal's wisdom about wearing all your clothes even if there's a danger you might break them.
So, I would second the idea that a slip of some sort will definitely help here! And one thought for those subway seats--this dress could be a spring and fall number, with ease. Do you have a knee length light weight coat? That would protect the skirt from the subway (as would traveling at rush hour when there are no seats, but after deciding that a suitcase and I would be fine going from Grand Central to Columbia at 5:30 pm, I can't really advise that!)
ReplyDeleteI think the dress is simply gorgeous and should be worn lots because you look fabulous in it!
Also, can I just say "kitten! squeee!"
ReplyDeleteBuster! so sososo cute! He did get bigger!
ReplyDeleteI'd try layering the dress over a slip dress, and I like the suggestion of using it as a top.
ReplyDeleteI look at sewing and knitting as hobbies too. If I spend money on materials it is part of my entertainment budget, and not just money towards clothing. Plus, you can always have fun thrifting cute fabrics.
When I lived in NYC, I wore far fewer light-colored clothes than I do now, for exactly the reasons you mention. I like this dress a lot--you could easily wear it to someone's house for dinner, or out to dinner, exactly as is.
ReplyDeleteI've really been thinking about your shopping ban, Rad, and I think I'm gonna do it. Especially if I can still MAKE clothes.
@Cynthia: The silk slip is brilliant. Do you have one that you can recommend?
ReplyDelete@AftKB: I do have this! It is fall appropriate, because it's lined, but it's made from a light woven stiped cotton. I smell a remix!
@LaFille: Yes, he can jump onto the window ledges now!
@Rebecca: Glad to see we're on the same page with sewing (I still have some friends who are like, "Why would yo do that when you can buy?")
@Charlotte: Ooh, that would be great. I could use all the support I could get, and I'd love to read your thoughts on the ban.
Oh Rad, I've been so lax in commenting of late but I have been reading and I applaud your ban! I will try to support you as best I can but I am not yet in the position to jump in with both feet. I've been taking stock of my closet and, after two years of teaching, I see that my teaching clothes are starting to shabbify, but I am committed to finding ethical/second-hand replacements where possible. I am so impressed with your hard-core-ness though.
ReplyDeleteThis dress is lovely on you. What about a sweatshirt-in-bag for grubby subway seats? When I lived and travelled in London I always had a sweatshirt on hand for sitting on the ground (etc.). Recall Judi Dench in "A Room With A View"; "I never venture forth without my Macintosh squares. One never knows when one has to sit on damp ground. Or cold marble." Anyway, looking forward to your shopping ban outfits, which I think will be extra blog-worthy.
Also, Buster is the cutest! Get that kitty some delicious borscht! (now you know who is the boss in my household)
ReplyDeleteThat dress is a keeper. It is beautiful. A slip would make it wearable. My brain just went into overdrive remixing the possibilities! ooooooh.
ReplyDeleteFor the subway, how about the cardi tied around the waist trick? It's like D-Med's suggestion, just prettier.
Also, I wear white pants all the time. I figure the worst thing that could happen is they might get dirty. Oh well.
Rad, I invested in silk knit chemises from Mary Green. They are a little expensive but they've held up great (I just wash them on cold in my delicates bag and then hang them to dry). Because they are silk and not poly they aren't hot to wear in the summer which is important down here. They are having a 25% off chemise sale right now! The ones I have are these:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.marygreen.com/product/silk-knit-chemise-with-lace-1131.cfm
Really great dress, Rad. And I'm checking out the silk slips, too - here's hoping they're long enough in the body for us, 'cause they're beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I've got a number of synthetic slips that are great in the winter and OK in summer, if worn under something that's loose. But as Cynthia says, silk is probably better because there's less sweatiness.
And finally, Buster is killing me. He is ridiculous and cute, and I think we should see more pictures of him!
Too much synchronicity! I got an email from my cousin tonight, subject line: Buster. And I thought, Is he reading Rad's blog, too? But it was about Buster Keaton, and contained a photo, and made me wonder if you named your kitten after that great comedian. Because he sure is cute.
ReplyDeleteI love that dress! Also, can we just start a blog full of pictures of our respective animals begging for food? It'd be pretty adorable.
ReplyDelete@DMed: Good call! Some kind of in between for me and the seats. Or I guess I could just stand? Thanks for the kitty compliments!
ReplyDelete@SU: Cardigan is a good idea too. I'll see if I have an old cotton one in one of my suitcases. I have a white skirt that I don't mind wearing out because I figure I can always bleach it, but I wouldn't do it on this color.
@Cynthia: They are gorgeous! I love the idea of a knit silk, and I don't think I own anything like that. I am a little bit hesitant because they don't accept returns/refunds on the sale items but I'll keep in my mind for Sunday. Maybe one of my nylon ones could work.
@ADubs, ah, the mixed blessing of a long torso. Sure, we have lovely defined waists and tower over the other fools at the table, but the length problems! If I get one, I'll give you a run down.
@Charlotte: I wish I were the clever! Buster is named after a character from Arrested Development, a clever TV show that's off the air, but Mr. Keaton can be a namesake, too!
@Anne: Thanks, the dress is great. If you started that blog, it could be a reader submitted one, like Passive Aggressive notes or cake wrecks!
That dress is a keeper. It is beautiful. A slip would make it wearable. My brain just went into overdrive remixing the possibilities! ooooooh.
ReplyDeleteFor the subway, how about the cardi tied around the waist trick? It's like D-Med's suggestion, just prettier.
Also, I wear white pants all the time. I figure the worst thing that could happen is they might get dirty. Oh well.
Also, Buster is the cutest! Get that kitty some delicious borscht! (now you know who is the boss in my household)
ReplyDelete@Cynthia: The silk slip is brilliant. Do you have one that you can recommend?
ReplyDelete@AftKB: I do have this! It is fall appropriate, because it's lined, but it's made from a light woven stiped cotton. I smell a remix!
@LaFille: Yes, he can jump onto the window ledges now!
@Rebecca: Glad to see we're on the same page with sewing (I still have some friends who are like, "Why would yo do that when you can buy?")
@Charlotte: Ooh, that would be great. I could use all the support I could get, and I'd love to read your thoughts on the ban.
I'd try layering the dress over a slip dress, and I like the suggestion of using it as a top.
ReplyDeleteI look at sewing and knitting as hobbies too. If I spend money on materials it is part of my entertainment budget, and not just money towards clothing. Plus, you can always have fun thrifting cute fabrics.