Fashion and style have only recently become an interesting subject to me. My first glimpse into the world of style was back in 2007 (or maybe 2008) when I began measuring vintage clothing for Lauren of Dear Golden. Every week I would sort through giant bins full of the most well made clothing with timeless silhouettes made out of interesting fabrics. Up until that point, I shopped like most girls/women – unaware of how and where clothing was made, operating under the idea that more was better, and mostly adopting others looks. Dear Golden was my gateway into thrifting and buying used clothing. And that habit began to reshape my relationship with style. Four years of sewing, and now patternmaking have turned getting dressed into a form of self expression paired with more thoughtful consumption.
Although I feel like I have a pretty good understanding of my style, I occasional thrift some things and make some thing that aren’t worn often, or just aren’t as loved as other garments. I also want to be as thoughtful as possible when I do need to buy items. So, I’m going to try to participate in Slow Fashion October this year, but seeing as this first prompt took me hours to answer, it might not all happen within the month of October (and I guess it’s not supposed to either!).
Do you have a color palette? I sure do and I’m lumping in textures with this too. Give me natural fibers, woven textures, and block printed shapes in neutrals, grays, blacks and whites. If it isn’t a neutral, it needs to be muted and the weirder the brown, the better.
Whose style inspires you; do you have a muse or icon? The most influential folks for me have been other makers (like the women featured below).
Top left: @bayronhandmade | Top right: @threadsnips
Bottom left: @ebonyh | Bottom right: @threadfox
What showed up in your mood board that surprised you? Skirts and dresses are garments I just don’t wear that often. I feel uncomfortable wearing them at my job and when I’m not there, I’m usually doing something that requires a full-range of movement and clothes that don’t get in the way.
As much as I hate to admit, it’s clear living in California is influencing my taste. Warmer weather and constant sunshine are making things cropped, lighter in hue, and the substrates drapey and unstructured.
Accessories Mood Board
Is there a brand you’re always drawn to, for their clothes and/or how they put them together? Why? The ladies of Block Shop Textiles are masters of bold, graphic prints and yummy colors. I love how Lily and Hopie play with color combinations, layers, and statement jewelry.
Elizabeth Suzann not only makes the silhouettes I’m most comfortable in, it’s also just a bad-ass company doing right by its employees, its customers, the industry, and the earth.
What shapes and styles of garments work best for you, your life and your body? Pants must be high waisted! I suffered through enough plumber’s crack during my teens and 20’s for a lifetime. Never again! My three go-to pant silhouettes are wide leg (both fitted and elastic waist), skinny jeans, and slightly fitted / tapered ankle length pants. I do love a paper bag waist too.
Tops must be boxy. Sleeveless, cap to above elbow length, and 3/4 length sleeves. I don’t like a long sleeve – they get in the way. If wearing wide leg pants, I like to balance the volume out with a more fitted, and sometimes cropped shirt.
What are your clothing pet peeves? (lengths, necklines, sleeve types …) Low rise pants. Ruffles. Synthetic fibers. Really bright colors. Fast Fashion brands – they fill thrift stores in CA. Anything that makes me feel uncomfortable (itchy, not full-coverage).
What is your favorite garment or outfit (right now or always) and why? I’ve got mad love for a jumpsuit. Jumpsuits are effortless full outfits, almost like a dress, but with more, uh, coverage. They do make going to the restroom interesting, but are totally worth it in my opinion.
What is the image you would like to project with your clothing? I enjoy that a decent number of people I interact with routinely ask “what are you wearing that you made?” Since learning to sew, I’ve identified more and more as an artist and I like that my style has started to project that image.
Can you describe your style in five adjectives? Comfortable. Handmade. Neutral. Functional. This question is hard.
What’s an example of something you own and love (had to have!) but never wear, and why not? I want to be a clog person. I’ve owned a lot of clogs over the years, but really only one pair has every been worn with some regularity. All others have been awful and Swedish Hasbeens are THE WORST. I purchased a pair of Bryr clogs for my wedding with the intention of them fitting into my regular closet – and they are actually comfortable – but I just don’t want to wear high heels as a teacher.
I’m capturing more mood boards and inspiration on Pinterest. Are you participating in Slow Fashion October?