I’m now on week 8 of the Wardrobe Architect series: Hair Style, Makeup & Beauty. The questions in this section are the most uncomfortable for me. While I love clothes in spite of a deep distrust of the fashion industry, I feel suspicious about the whole concept of beauty and the products associated with it. I can… Continue reading Wardrobe Architect: Hair Style
I’ve been under the weather this week, which has caused me to fall behind in all my activities. There will be a regular post tomorrow but for today I just want to share one of my fever spring coat dreams. I had a fever earlier this week. I couldn’t focus but I kept dreaming of Spring coats. Turquoise,… Continue reading Spring Coat Fever Dream
Last Friday I rode the top deck of the bus home, along Oxford Street. I looked out at a sea of people in black winter coats. This was our first beautiful Spring day and everyone looked so dreary in their dark colours. Especially, on masse like that. I longed to see someone in colour and decided that I needed a cheerful Spring… Continue reading Spring Coat Fever
I’ve always wanted bigger hair. Maybe the answer is to get some great head scarves and wear them like Tutti Bennett. The glasses are fabulous too! (Advanced Style) I want to try some rose gold Tieks. How comfortable are they? I don’t know if you can get them in the UK. But I’m very happy, because… Continue reading Bits and Bobbins: March 31st Sewing Highlights
The world of stylish looks for older and/or larger women has included a lot of asymmetry for the last 15 years! I guess this is the Lagenlook influence of designers like Miyaki, Yamamoto, Rundholz, and others, who are making interesting clothes that are not about showcasing slim, young bodies, but more about fantastic textiles and joy… Continue reading Asymmetry and Pattern
Let’s talk about trainers with frocks… I think they can be so fabulous! Just look at the model above. She looks both elegant and ready for action. What a super hero! I was scarred and prejudiced by memories of the running shoe with work wear in the ’80s. Melanie Griffiths was never my fashion icon. I… Continue reading How To Wear Trainers with Frocks
My final pattern review for the Spring round-up of tops and tunics is Vogue 9171. This is a Marcy Tilton pattern, recommended for fabrics with drape; stretch wovens, gauze and stable knits. I have to say that I am a little concerned that it looks frumpy on the model. Am I the only one who… Continue reading New Pattern Round Up: Vogue 9171
Yesterday I got excited about combining grey and gold and sewing an Alabama Chanin pattern. The obsession spilled over into another mood board. I love the hems of the two Alabama Chanin skirts on the left. It is such a great idea to use two or more layers of jersey together to create a thicker fabric. Thicker… Continue reading Grey and Gold Spring Mood
I love to wear bold pattern and rich colour combinations but I have days when I want to disguise myself as a quiet person. These aren’t the days where I’m wearing an old sweatshirt and jeans; walking in the rain and cleaning my house. I am talking about the days when I am out amongst the people but I need to… Continue reading Disguised as a Quiet Person
This winter, my go-to-dress is an A-line, long sleeved, velveteen dress, like the one above. The fabric cost under £10 and it takes about an hour to make. It’s cosy, warm and flattering. I’ve made myself two; one in burgundy and the other in taupe. Both look good with a pair of tights and chelsea boots. I dress… Continue reading Sew a Velveteen Dress
I love me some polka dots! I’m having a craving for a Dots Cowl by Hilary Smith Callis, as shown above. I tend not to knit or sew with black. I mean, there’s lots of it available in the shops, why would I knit with it? But I’m feeling the punch of a few black and… Continue reading Polka Dots Rule
I pretend, to myself, that I travel light and don’t carry tote bags. But I do. I need to have my knitting, camera and laptop when I go out to work. I have always used free cotton bags or cheap and cheerful M&S print ones. I thought it was a good economy. Why spend money on tote… Continue reading More Totes Please
