08 August, 2013

Transitions

Transitioning any wardrobe
is a process requiring creativity and fortitude.

August in Iowa can be tricky.
September, too.
We can face another six weeks of summer temps
while surrounded by examples of new
colors
scarves
jackets
and sweaters.
 
This year I have the added "complication"
of weight loss.
I just need a few things for work,
so the last few weeks have been spent going through
my drawers and closet,
sorting and building piles, as I see
what will get me through the next few weeks.
I don't want to buy anything right now...
 
One pile is on it's way out the door.
Doesn't fit.
Can't be altered.
Other items have had elastic and/or darts added.
A couple pair of lightweight pants
have received new side seams.
Shoulders have been adjusted.
I have a couple skirts that will see more use.
 
Grocery shoppers may see me wearing this:

I have to admit it has been hanging
in my closet for a couple years. 
I picked it up at a thrift store hoping it would fit. 
 It didn't.
But I liked it and I liked the idea of it, so it stayed.
I googled the label the other day when I wore
 it for the first time.
It's a Hilo Hattie, bias cut, 100% silk dress
that cost me $3.00!
 
Inspired by my sister's love for linen and recent
I did pick up a red 3/4 sleeve linen shirt. 
The dreaded D rings were removed, the strap
simply fed through the loop and tied.
 
The slubby texture means it's not an intensely red red.
Princess seaming keeps it trim.
 
So far, so good.
 
 
 
 
 
 

7 comments:

Valerie said...

We should all have such complications...congrats. Are you liking Vivienne's transitioning posts as much as I am? Finally, Hilo Hattie is an icon in Hawaii...entire tours devoted to Hilo Hattie factories and stores. Your dress must be also vintage because HH doesn't produce many silk dresses these days.

ilona said...

Vivienne makes it all seem so simple. And it could be if I had the starter pieces. Sigh. I'm thinking that I will make a conscious effort to build a capsule wardrobe for fall. Any ideas?

Valerie said...

Honey, I am always full of idea. This is a good one. The trick is going to pick your two or three colors on which to build the capsule.

Without thinking about price, size, style, fabric or even thinking about clothes, what is your favorite color (or colors)in your heart of hearts? What is your gut response? What rolls immediately out of your mouth and brings a smile to your face?

ilona said...

Charcoal. Purple. Teal/deep pineygreen. I like them and like the way I look in them.
Good luck...

Valerie said...

Game on.

ilona said...

Aidan will be here next week so this may take a back seat for a few days. I was just told that he's bringing his tennis racket and golf clubs and we have the state fair penciled in for Thursday.
But I will go through my stash and make a list of what I have to work with (maybe even take some pictures)
and keep Vivienne's window open for easy access.

Valerie said...

Good plan.