Another new old dress
Vix commented on my last post that I was undergoing a slight style shift, and I guess I am in some ways – though even saying it makes me feel like I'm being a traitor to myself or letting this blog down, isn't that silly? I haven't bought myself anything new in ages, so it's not like I've suddenly gone and got a load of clothes that are completely different to my old ones, I'm just picking (and photographing) different ones. More casual things. I haven't been paying quite as much attention to my hair and jewellery, either. Terrible slacker.
On which note, here's today's outfit, an exercise in It's Tuesday And I Can't Be Bothered. Like the black shirt in my last post, I wasn't sure whether to keep the patterned blouse. It's one I got from Fat Face for my trip to India last year, loose and lightweight with bracelet sleeves. Yet it's been getting a lot of wear this summer, because it's so casual. Navy miniskirt, navy tights, and possibly the oldest garment I own, a cardigan a friend of my mum knitted for me 30 years ago. It's wearing a little thin at the cuffs, which makes me sad – I'll definitely knit myself a replacement if this one does ever wear out completely.
Making my own clothes is making me think very hard about what I really like – if you're going to spend ages sewing or knitting something, you make certain you like it! I think I will smarten up again as I start making the shift dresses and pencil skirts I've wanted for so long. Making clothes is definitely a good way to step back from fast fashion, because each garment is a reminder of time spent and skills learned, and the process of making a thing is more fulfilling than simply going into a high street store and buying something. (I'd say vintage/secondhand also helps people step back from fast fashion for similar reasons: after you've spent ages looking for something, you're not going to treat the perfect garment casually when you finally find it.) Anyway, here's to three months away from the fast fashion treadmill, and to splendid new old dresses!
I dunno, why bother looking smart if you haven't someplace smart to go? I see people headed to work at the bus stop, and believe me, no one is dressed, particularly not in summer. That said, your work outfit pictured here is miles ahead of anything I see being worn as work clothes.
ReplyDeleteThat blue dress is incredible.
If it's got your approval I've definitely picked a winner!
DeleteWe have no dress code at work, but I do like to look fairly presentable (for Mim values of smart; that could mean men's tweed trousers and a vintage tweed blazer or a bizarre vintage dress and honking great diamante brooch).
Oo, stunning print and colours on that dress! Beautiful choice. Style shifts keep things interesting I feel! X
ReplyDeleteYes, if we didn't change we'd be very boring!
DeleteThat dress is fabulous, what gorgeous colours and such a groovy print.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy you've signed up for Slow Fashion Season. On their Facebook page someone had posed the question about whether buying fabric counted and the answer was that making your own is a great alternative to buying new and buying quality made fabric wasn't breaking the rules. xxx
Oh dear, you've just unleashed a monster! But I have found loads of excellent vintage fabric on Etsy, so even if his nibs has new stuff, I might try to stick to secondhand for my own makes.
DeleteYour new purchase gets my full approval, Mim! So much gorgeousness! I love the 60s shape and stunning print, and I'm sure it will look amazing on you. We don't have a dress code either, but I don't really do casual, so I usually look a bit dressier than most people on my commute. It's great that you signed up after all, Mim. Surely making your own clothes counts as Slow Fashion! xxx
ReplyDeleteIt does! They've said making stuff is okay. But I am thinking of treating myself to more vintage fabric anyhow - it's a guarantee of uniqueness.
DeleteLove that new 'old' dress! Fab pattern and love the simple style. It's very crisp and fresh looking!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful you are able to re knit a replacement if your cardigan wears out....and that you are making yourself new clothes.
It makes sense that buying material and making your own is a far more ethical way to dress yourself and even more so if the fabric is pre- loved, too! Here's to slow fashion...
xxx
I like slow fashion. I don't get those people who only wear things once - where's their sense of style? Where's their consistency? Heck, Grace Kelly didn't have a bag named after her for carrying it once...
DeleteI think that putting your best foot forward and dressing nicely is a form of self-care. I bother because I MATTER. When I look good, I feel good. I think you should wear what you like because you love it, and screw what anyone thinks. I am miles more dressed up than my casual IT office!
ReplyDeleteThat dress is really lovely. I love that you have your old cardi - it looks very cozy! I've been blogging for 11 years now, and my style has shifted hugely over that time, but only one outfit at a time!
Yes, and there have been days when I've woken up feeling awful - my mental health's not been the best this year, I think menopause isn't helping - but putting on nice clothes and making an effort brightened things up amazingly.
DeleteLike you, my style has shifted, but gradually. I think it's altering more now I'm making more of my own clothes - veering back to the more flowing styles I was into when younger.
<3 that dress! Love the colors!
ReplyDeleteYou always look smart! Style is an ever evolving thing.
Thank you!
DeleteSomeone did a post on Twitter the other day 'Here's me at school... here's me now... have you changed as much?' and my response was 'Well duh, after 30 years I'd hope so!' but thinking about it if I took photos from ages 20, 30 and 40 they'd all look different too. We have to evolve, or we'd be very boring.