What's the Oldest Thing in YOUR Closet?

We just finished my closet makeover--well, paint and carpet.  In going through all my stuff, I got to thinking what was the oldest item in my closet?  Most of us who are older, will have our own clothes that could be as old as 50 years old--maybe even older!   

This may be one of the older items in my closet.  Its a vintage piece--probably from the 20's or 30's, which I bought at a vintage store in the 70's.  It is starting to fall apart, so I can't wear it anymore, yet, I will keep it.  It's so pretty, don't you think?

The sequins are starting to fall off and loose their color.  The threads are starting to break.  Clothing is very hard to keep~it is very effected by heat and humidity.  The best thing I can do is keep it in a box, with tissue to help absorb any moisture, and hope for the best.    From my work at a local historical society, clothing is one of the costliest items in a collection to keep and the costliest to display.

What is your oldest clothing item in your closet and how do you keep it?

Construction Friendly?

Have you ever seen one of those bulldogs that are sort of a patchwork of other dogs?  Short legs in front, taller legs in back, legs pointing in on the front, and regular in back.  Well, that's the way I feel today.  Just sort of a patchwork.



shrug~Bluefly
blouse~tj's
skirt~made



In keeping with this week's theme of digging in my closet, these pieces are ones I don't wear often.  I'm always trying to find friends for this blue, silk blouse.  And the skirt?  I made it a few years ago, and every year it gets a little tighter.  The boots, now there is a whole story behind them.  I've been feeling a little over-dressed at work.  I don't want to make the guys uncomfortable, so I had to tone it down a bit.  I went for the long, leg look with the monochromatic colors on the bottom--was that enough to bring it down to a "construction" level?  Hmmmmmm

Blurry, Swirly Skirt

Well, its snowing AGAIN.  Fla. can't come quick enough! 

Oh yeah, the outfit.  I have been closet digging--finding things tossed aside for some reason.  Today I wanted to try this swirly skirt that I had bought it at Nordstom Rack, much to the dismay of my girlfriend.  She was horrified at this print.

sweater~Bluefly
skirt~Nordstrom Rack
tights~Peabody-Essex Museum
boots~Santana

I attempted a swirl-- I am a blurry, swirl.  The skirt is working--I fell in love with it all over again!  It was comfortable, it has a lot of detail on its gored panels, and the soft knit material is very stretchy and comfortable.  It's a good length and I did feel girly all day.

In talking about how we get ready lately (see Friend Friday's subject last week on Modlychic), things hardly ever turn out the way you plan.  I did these sketches on Sunday, and in the sketch this outfit shows green tights, body suit and my white cowboy boots. Well, the green didn't look as good as I thought it might, and the cowboy boots have a leather sole that would have been way too slippery in the ice.  (although I have my "Bear Claws"--you may see them later) I made adjustments. 

Does that happen to you?

Packing is never Simple

I wish it could be simple and as much as I tried, I just can't get below 3 suitcases.  Thank God we are driving, otherwise I'd have to pay thousands of dollars in luggage costs.  Does this mean I won't be blogging, you are wondering?  Fear not, I will be blogging from Sunny Florida beginning the first of February.



View from my bedroom window.  See the woodpile?  (from hats and the woodpile)



Too bad I have to leave this winter wonderland behind.  I have one more week to pack, and then hubby and I are driving down to Florida for the month of February.  I will be blogging RESORT WEAR for that month, and hopefully, LOTS of bathing suits.  (Last year it was cool, so I am hoping for warmer weather this year.) 

Strangely enough, how do I pack?  With sketches (not in color).  I'm such a visual person, I plan out my outfits and my needs, via a sketchbook.  See those circles?  Those are GAPS in my wardrobe that should be filled.  Does that mean shopping??????  Yup!   

Designer Dresses and Outfit Planning

I'm feeling a little dismayed that I haven't taken part in Friend Friday this week.  I just didn't have it together enough--it happens.  I really liked the questions--so I'll sort of answer one. First, my outfit. 

This is a Tbags designer dress that I got for my class reunion a few years ago.  It was way overpriced and the quality is poor--small seam allowances, polyester material, and the hem is shorter in back.  Why did I buy it then?  It is the perfect shaped  dress for me (empire waist), it fit well and I loved the bright print.



dress~Tbags--boutique locally
leggings~Nordstom Rack
boots~Dollhouse; TJ Maxx
fur vest~ Marshall's



The dress is showing signs of wear now--white fuzz on the material--hem has gone way up in back--so I will relegate this to more casual wear.  Hence the leggings.  It may be a tad too long for a tunic and maybe I'll take up the hem to match the one in the back.

And on the subject of outfit planning?  I like to sketch my outfits beforehand--I have been doing it my whole life--since about the 6th grade.  In my head, or sometimes in my closet, I'll think up/look for new combinations to stretch my wardrobe. It helps me to remember.  And as an added benefit, the sketches can be my dreamed ideal.



Silk Bias Cut Skirt--Oh My!

I am thoroughly in denial.  I walked into my closet this morning defying the weather, and put on some summer clothes.  Minimal layers.  I would have worn shoes, but there is 2 feet of snow out there--besides this skirt doesn't go well with shoes.



sweater~Victorias Secret
skirt and scarf~too long ago to remember
boots~Santana of Canada

The skirt is a silk bias cut (bit tricky to wear).  For many summers now, I haven't been able to find the right top to wear with it--hence it has been neglected.  This troublesome slouchy sweater works great with it though!   Grabbed this cotton scarf  (texture) and pulled out my wooden earrings (summer). 

I'm in denial.  Can that explain the surprised look on my face tho?  Don't think so.

Silk bias cuts--does anyone else dare?

  

Winter Hats at the Woodpile

I am a hat person.  Not everyone is.  This is really only part of my winter collection--I just picked out my favorites.  In the back row I have the hat-hats, in front the berets and then the headbands on the right.

This is one of my favorites; my cloche bargain from TJ Maxx about 3 years ago.  One draw back tho--it rates high on hat-hair.  I wear this when my hair won't really matter.

 This is my next favorite--my beret.  At least I only get half hat-hair with this one.  I always feel like I am working for the french resistance when I wear it.

This is my new hat for this year--pimping, super-fly, Bootsy Collins or totally old lady--I guess it depends on how I accessorize.  Today, I'm Bootsy.

My fuzzy headband is what I wear most of the time--it does the least amount of hair damage.  The trade off is, my head does get cold.

Who else is a hat person, and what is YOUR favorite hat?

Red and Purple

When I went into my closet this morning, I was thinking red and purple.  Yup.  Red and Purple.  Hey, no biggy--I'm not the only one--Fashion for Nerds wore it the other day.  Although mine is a little more subdued.  (This jacket always comes out blue, but its really purple.)  And those ARE purple stockings.  I had trouble finding a neutral top.



boots~Santana (Canada)
jacket~Marshall's
skirt~thrifted and hemmed twice
stockings~Peabody Museum Store



I love it when little threads of color unite an outfit--like the little bits of purple in my skirt.  Oh, and if you have a chance to go for BAMBOO--do it!  My stockings are made from bamboo.  I am loving this new fabric and works wonderful as stockings with a little lycra.

Anyone else tried bamboo?

Motorcycle Type Boots--My Old/New Treasure

First of all, I am just so thrilled and excited that Sheila over at Ephemera named me (and others) as one of her favorite sites in 2010!  Thanks so much Sheila--it came at a perfect time!

As most of you know by now, this is the skirt length that makes me feel like an old lady.  I know, but it's just the association that I have.  But because of that, I try and youthen up the rest.  (is that a word?)  Like the jean jacket. 



skirt~wool tweed, Banana Republic
jean jacket~ Kohl's
sweater~J. Crew
scarf~Marshall's
boots~Santana



Whole lotta scarf going on--love the color BUT it was a little too much.  I ended up taking it off at work.  The scarf has a great story;  got it at Marshall's for $9.99, then went to a small local boutique.  The same scarf was $50.00.  Don't you just love a bargain?

The boots, though, are the best story here.  They have been taking a back seat in my closet for a few years now.  The shape was passe.  Well, now this motorcycle type is back, and they got a second life!  My new treasure of the season.  Waterproof, warm, rubber soles, low heels.  Can't get any better than that!



Profound Thought--Levity



santa claus snugglie

 Hey, we all know sometimes that we are not outfit posting worthy.  This just makes me laugh. 

Friend Friday--Do I Measure Up?

Happy New Year Everyone!  I bet most of you were thinking of improvements or changes to your blog over the holiday and I am right there with you.  Thanks to Katy over at Modlychic for asking these pertinent questions~



1.  Have you ever looked at someone's blog and thought yours will never measure up?


Everyday! I am envious (ugh!) of people who can write. I know I will never measure up to some of the other better writers out there, so I know I have to use MY own talents/specialties to compete.


2.  Do you (did you) feel pressure to meet some kind of undefined standard for fashion bloggers?


I guess it’s the pressure I put upon myself— I want my blog to accomplish particular things and have a certain look. That standard is in my mind’s eye—and comes from a conglomeration of certain blogs that have inspired me.   


3.  Many established fashion bloggers are also extraordinary DIYers, bakers, and crafty people. Do you think you need to combine all of these things to be successful at blogging?


Not at all! I’m crafty and artistic and I still think that writing is one of the most important skills for a blog. Photographic skills are key too. And some of the blogs I like the best are the ones that are funny! So throw in humor too!


4.  The most successful blogs are the ones that have their own personal voice - how are you developing your voice or how did you find yours?


Right now, I am finding that my “voice” disappears when I write. I am using other tools to try and bring out my personality, like taping my thoughts rather than writing them. And I am thinking of video….although that brings out a whole NEW set of problems….


5.  Toot your own horn... what's one thing you do that is unique to you and your blog? What gives your blog an edge?

It’s hard to have an edge in the fashion world when you are over 45—have I mentioned that before? Nonetheless, I am hoping that my artistic know-how and my creativity will give me an edge. Hope springs eternal~

Green, Turquoise, Brown and Red--oh, and Black



jacket~Emanual Ungaro; Building 19
tunic~thrifted
leggings~Nordtrom Rack
boots~Nine West

 Call me crazy, but I love the color combo of the bright green jacket contrasting with the brown and turquoise tunic.  And did I go with brown leggings?  Nope.  Too matchy-matchy.   But I did go with the black boots and the black leggings--for the line.

It's tough weathering the cold to take pictures!  I will go outside in my coat, set up the camera and then disrobe....burrrrr.  Just one pose today without a coat!



coat~Ann Klein, cashmere, Marshall's

 And have I told you what a key winter item this longer coat is for your wardrobe?  It hides any outfit if you are just dashing out for an errand--one advantage of winter--you can hide all types of sins underneath a coat.  Better to have a beautifully tailored one, rather than a big puff--gives you more of a put together look.  Oh, and a head's up:  my friend said she can't find a longer coat anywhere this year.  If you do see one, grab it! 

Shearling Details

Where do I begin?  I had been thinking about this outfit since I sketched it on Sunday.

I knew I wanted to wear my black, pleated full skirt, with my tweed, fitted jacket to give that real girly curve.  The question was what color stockings I would wear?  I could go for the purple--but I would have to go neutral on top--I thought grey or white but not matchy, matchy purple.  I could do what was expected, black or dark brown stockings, but before high school I have been trying to be different, so why stop now?

So when I decided to do the oatmeal colored stockings, it made it easier to go with the fuchsia colored tee on top.  The shearling tops on my boots?  They are a DIY, and a real work in progress.  At first, I was going to sew the shearling onto the tops of socks--and still may do so.  But as it was, I just cut them off my slippers and tucked them in my boots.

Stay tuned for more prototypes on the shearling tops~

Think Summer

I thought about this outfit last night, and believe it or not I WAS THINKING SUMMER!!!  I thought about light colors, my summer jeans and a florescent colored sweater.

These jeans are tricky to wear in the summer---my body type (skinny ankles) does not lend itself well to the cropped pant style.  I look very unbalanced; like I was walking on toothpicks.  With boots, the problem is solved.  These boots are great because they have a kitten heel and a rubber sole so I don't go  skidding off everywhere.  I can't help but feel like a pirate in costume though.....



jacket~Calvin Klein, Marshall's
boots~Newport News



The sweater underneath my jacket is shrinking each time it is washed.  It was a really long cardigan; now it hardly covers my butt.  Debated whether to belt or not to belt--decided TO  belt with a teal silk sash. 

Happy summer......

Do you find cropped pants hard to wear?