Lessons from Start Close In

Saturday morning I had a virtual styling session with Ella of Start Close In.  I have been looking forward to this since Lynne first posted about her experience with Ella.  You can read about it here.   

One of the things I hoped to come away with was just looking more intentional - more put together with my clothes.  And to feel good.  See - again - I've gained some weight - thanks menopause! 

Ella and I discussed what the difference is between Joan from Mad Men with her little belly being drop dead sexy and if I tried to wear something similar - I would just feel exposed and like my clothes are too tight.  So - what's the difference?  Is it attitude?  Feeling comfortable in your own skin?  what?

The other thing I've known and apply to my sewing - is the rule of threes.  So, normally I would wear this denim pencil skirt with an untucked tee for running errands on the weekend.  Today, I tucked in my tee, added a belted cardigan and the shawl that I recently knit. 

I will tell you - in this second photo - what I notice first is the belly.  While the open, unbuttoned cardigan is comfortable - my mind says it's open because it's too tight.  What do you all think?  Do you like the trend to leave a cardigan unbuttoned?

The skirt is Simplicity 2154 in denim.  This is how I do jeans Friday's at work. 

So - talk to me please.  How do you feel about fitted clothing if your shape isn't model perfect? 

Plaid Pencil Skirt

 

It took me 3 weeks to make this simple, simple skirt. 

The fabric was bought at JoAnn's and most likely won't last long, but it's okay.

It's lined and the lining has a bit of lace on the edge.

I didn't have Jay take photos of the lining, but you can sorta see the lace

peeking out from the bottom of the skirt - so frustrating. 

 

The pattern is simplicity 2154 and I really want to try the cardigan from this pattern.

I added 2" to the length of the skirt and pegged the hem a bit more.

But then I hemmed it 2", so.

 

The dog had to be in the picture.

I have a pink sweater the same color as the pink in the plaid.

Maybe next time, pink would be better than white.

 

Sorbetto and Straight Skirt

Many of you know, I have long wanted a straight skirt tha fits me.  This one still isn't perfect - but it's darn close. 

The skirt while more winter than summer like was perfect for yesterday - the top, not so much.  The skirt is a stretch twill with a tiny white pinstripe.  The pattern is Simplicity 2154.  This version fits much better than the first, as I managed to smooth that crazy hip curve out. 

For some reason - the brown pinstripe told me it needed a floral top to wear with it.  I should start taking pics before I leave for work - the shoes don't really work and the cardi is totally the wrong color - but such is my life apparently.

The top if my first version of Sorbetto.  It's an easy top.  It looks a bit long on me in this picture.  And I did notice that at the end of the day the hem wouldn't lay flat, so I could be just a smidge shorter.

The front fits well .  I sewed the 'pleat' down the entire lenght of the top so there is no pulling.

The back, however, is a mess.  It still needs a sway back adjustment. 

The binding is a pink ginham that I tea died to make it not so white against the floral fabric. 

The maxi still isn't hemmed, but i have been sewing.  So that feels good.  Now if only I could be as comfortable as Carolyn in front of the camera.