Inspired Wearing

Since the second grade I've approached dressing thematically. I would wake up and think "today I want to be pretty" and put on my twirliest dress, with a slip, tights, matching hair accoutrement and let's not forget the clicking shoes! (Did anyone else beg Mom for shoes that made the loudest click-clack?) Then the next day would be totally different, perhaps "funky." I would conjure my inner Punky Brewster and bust out the acid wash skit, blue shirt & yellow suspenders. I LOVE that my mom supplied me with such ensembles. I could always tell the 'new outfit' shaped boxes under the Christmas tree and ignored the groans and eye rolls of my family as I absconded to try on outfit number 4. What a lucky, lucky girl I was! Stretch pants, vests, feather hair clips, tights, hot pink spandex, jeans patched with leather... these clothes would make today's hipster swoon, I swear.

Obviously, the outer shell has been a concern my entire life. On numerous occasions, my little eight or nine year old mind even considered making a chart to keep from wearing the same outfit more than once a month. I often wonder if this kind of vanity is a weakness and grapple with whether to admit that or not. It can often take me a really long time to get dressed. It's SO important and what if I just don't know what to wear that day!? I wish I could roll out of bed and put on the first shirt I touch... but I just can't. We're taught that it's the inner beauty that counts, which I get and am cool with, but that's not my problem. I can wear messy clothes with holes that are baggy, unflattering, mis-matching, what have you... I just have to decide to and make a "look" out of it. (I'm somewhat comforted by the fact that there are people, stylists, who do this as a career!) It's not like I'm some high fashion slave who needs the next BIG thing. I know my worth as a human being has nothing to do with what I decide to wear, I just need to feel like myself.

Some days this is easier said than done, depending on how much breakfast I've had ( I'm a terrible dresser when I'm hungry) and what my closet is filled with. If I haven't done laundry... it's gets harder. I start to pull out rarely worn items, and then feel weird all day.

One of my resolutions for this new year is to get rid of clothes that don't fit, don't feel right, or aren't unique enough. Life is too short to wear a boring collar, I think, for me at least. I'm so excited for this one, I can't even wait for 2009 to start! The other day I tossed some undies that were too small, then later, a pair that was too big . From now on, if some article of clothing bugs me... I'm getting rid of it or making it better somehow.

Inspired by my friend Cal's crochet tutorials and mission to wear something handmade everyday, I decided to do my first fix up job. Now, it's just and old JCrew 'normal' sweater I've had it since I moved to NY in 2003. Despite it's being super warm and functional, it's not really that cute. Yet, I still find myself wearing it again and again all winter and it never feels quite right.





The answer to your question is..... "Yes"
I did just cut some new "Lego Bangs."

As for your other question, Yes.
I am aware that my room is one doily away from a the "Granny Chachka Museum" award.
Thanks for noticing. It's been hard work.

Obama everywhere...

I've been taking for granted the fact that I pretty much live in a triple pro-Obama town, have quadruple-pro-Obama pals and practically see his face on every surface from fenders to fanny packs. (ok I didn't see a fanny pack, but how cool would that be?)

I love this DIY verson! Use what you've got people!!

Regardless of your political leanings, you have to admit it's pretty phenomenal to have a Presidential candidate inspire such a wide demographic. My fashion designer roommate had an Obama themed show for fashion week while the grandmother of the child I babysit, who also happens to be a retired judge, is leaving town to go campaign at age 70.

Here's a candidate who is more than just the lesser of two evils, he's someone I'd really like to see become president! So what am I doing now to ensure I can throw some fancy State of The Union Address parties over the next four years? Well, with all the supporters doing work around me, I've sort of forgotten how important it is to represent, but now it's time to get in the game!!!

My suggestion, this necklace from Brookadelphia:
And if you prefer to stay neutral in your advertising... at least choose this sentiment:

I'm a big fan of Brookadelphia. We made a nice trade last Christmas at the Bust craft fair, when I got these rad antler earrings:


This year, at Renegade, I got this awesome "Post Post Modern necklace." It's always is quite a conversation starter.
This jewelry kind of doesn't fit with my usually, pretty old fashioned, girly girl look (is that what it is???) but that's why I love it. This will be my next purchase I think:


Oh, I almost forgot. $10 of the "08ama" necklace goes to his campaign! Go team!!!

What's new...

Books:

Thanks Garth for not liking Walt Whitman and giving yours to me!

Yarns:


These Blue Sky yarns will become Spring 09 projects/patterns! 35 skeins by the end of August... do you think I can do it? That's a lot of knitting, which leads to new thing #3:

Yup, I've broken down and gotten a wrist brace. My poor wrist is getting more action than ever and it's feeling it big time. I've also switched to using my mouse more than my trackpad. That means my favorite activity, snuggling in bed with the computer perched on my chest, is not allowed :( (we'll see how long that lasts!)

Being a sailor:

I got this lovely number at the Flea Market yesterday! Remember the "What about Bob" line?
"I'm a sailor. I sail." or something like that. The tag on th inside says...Wearing socks:


The other morning it was chilly enough with the breeze to warrant the wearing of socks. I took a picture because the first pair I grabbed just happened to match my pajamas perfectly. It probably wasn't all that accidental, knowing me, however.

*Update*
Another exciting thing:
That GIANT pile of laundry you can kind of see in the background of my sock photo, has since been done! I now have a 'normal' person sized pile of laundry in the works and I plan to keep it that way!

I survived Renegade 2008!

Someone make the tee shirt already! I survived Renegade 2008!

Scheduling a craft fair in a drained pool is an awesome idea...until... the thunderstorms come and the pool fills up to your ankles! Well, that might be an exaggeration but not for my corner at least. I'm telling you, by the end of the first day, the Brooklyn Renegade Craft Fair had turned into one of the most fashionable wet tee shirt contests imaginable. Picture it, insanely cute gals in their summer frocks and high waisted shorts bearded boys in their shortest shorts, all running around soaked to the bone. I'm just saying, nothing like giant rain storms to bring people *ahem* together! My friend Anne told about how she and a bunch of kids gathered in the small, drizzle free entrance to wait it out, when all of a sudden one dude says, "Ok... townspeople!" and he spontaneously inspires them all to play Mafia. Way to make lemonade, Mr. and by the way, are you single?

But we survived! All and all, it was a blast! I made new friends and found some sweet new things, which I'll post soon.

Our booth on Saturday before the rain:




The cute kids across the way weren't scared by a little rain, they set up camp like pros!

Love the rolled up jeans and sneaks on dudes, btw...

The rain begins and NEVER ends!!

Slightly freezing...

The next day was a little less rainy. We decided to condense to one table, just in case it rained again. I think it made things cuter! There were many reactions to my Fathers Day sign... the most common being "oh crap! I forgot to call my dad!" Followed by immediate dialing.



I made this tie last minute Sunday morning and it sold right away. I'm glad I grabbed a shot of it. More cattails on the way I think.

Jammin

Ummmmmmmmm... in case you didn't know this album is pretty good. Houses of the Holy by Led Zeppelin. Yup. Every song is my favorite.

I've pumped it up in here kids to do some sewing this evening. This photo is from last night, when I was listening to something else, but I did re-wear this outfit again today, so it's cool right?

Ah the truth is I actually look like a big dorky green bean right now in all green jams and my glasses! Tee hee...

New Coat!!!

It's like a brand new coat folks! Laney J, in my small home town in Maine, managed to revamp my coat into this!

Look out because I'll probably be doing these kick moves a lot to show off the new lining if ever we walk together.

I've wanted to re-line this coat ever since I got it at a thrift store about three years ago for $15. Right away the pockets started disintegrating. I noticed that fact during my first nanny job when I went searching for the missing pacifier trapped in the hem of my coat. Ever since the inside has been ripping and ripping, buttons falling off and nary a functioning pocket could be found. Most of November & December was spent with a jacket wide open (like I couldn't sew on a couple buttons right???)
But now look!

I'm sorry Garth, but the genius behind my coat lives in Maine... so unless you want to take a trip (which would be rad!!!) you might be outta luck! But we should research and find a good one in the city! It would be a great thing for all of us! Any suggestions out there??



Looking like a Mainer

So I took my swanky New York gal herringbone coat to the cleaners today. The local seamstress is going to re-line it for me with a slippery lime fabric I picked out and it's going to be lovely. In the meantime though I'm left scrounging for warm outer garments! I found this little quilted flannel jobby in the basement. I think the paint smear really adds to it's appeal. It's not all that warm, but will do for quick in and outs from the cah.

On Christmas day Mom and I took a trip to L.L. Bean to do some exchanges and late night shopping. For those of you who don't know, L.L. Bean is open 24/7 no matter what so my mom and I often take advantage of that. It's always the last stop on our list since it's open so late, but in this case we were looking for a little Christmas adventure and it was the only place open. I picked up a ham italian (pronouced eye-talion) at the gas station (glamorous I know but this gal needs constant sustenance people!) and we hit the road. The employees were super helpful and full of cheer. I had taken in my old pair of boots to see if they could fix the zipper that is always falling down. But instead of repairing them they just let me return them. It's the Bean way. You can exchange stuff, even really used stuff if it does not live up to the standard. So I was able to get these RAD, knee high boots from my buddy Gregory in the fishing and hunting section. He taught me how to lace my boots so I can pull them really tight, like he learned in the military. I couldn't quite place his accent but we think he might be German. I totally gave him a high ten when I walked away pleased as punch in my new babies!

I was cooking in the kitchen the other day when I noticed this band of visitors. We live right in town but we always have creatures coming to visit. I like how the turkeys keep right in line as they travel. They really reminded me of dinosaurs loping about out there. Every now and then, one leg would sink into the snow and the guy would just pick himself up without missing a step. It was quite comical.

MIA



The truth is, I have not abandoned Inspired Living!! But between Craft fairs, artistic collaborations, phone calls from abroad and hosting out of town guests... I've had little time for updates!! So quickly, here's a mish mash of what I've been up to the past week or so...

Dinah & Louis helping me get ready for the Craftacular!

So helpful these guys...really.

The Craftacular crowd and my outfit which includes the cool antler earrings I traded for! Yeah for trading!!


The 'virus' cap I'm making for my friend Caitlin.
Check out her website! It's going to evolve into a much larger garment, but for now it's just a cap. More pentagons to be knit...

But right now I'm making more things for

The Gift On Grand
Saturday, December 15th 11-7pm
Secret Project Robot
210 Kent St. (@Metropolitan)

Zombeeeees

The sky was perfectly spooky...A pretty bee, before becoming undead...

head trauma

With my crew (sans Garth... he was really spooky but I didn't get a photo of him!)







Thanks Moe!

My friend Moe suggested these two skirts for my last post and I thought people might to see them.

I love the shape of the plaid one, but am not sure if the color is for me. I really need to see it in person to decide. I also really like the other skirt and would wear it regardless. Love the piping.

I was just thinking about knitting a skirt, actually. What do people think about this? If I made a thick band of ribbing at the top that the shirt could tuck into and then it could be a nice structured stitch pattern, shaped a lot like that first skirt. Maybe even the ruffle!

New clothes


Over the past couple of weeks I've been working some shifts at the treehouse. In case you were wondering, no, I haven't been able to come home empty handed. I found the loveliest old fashioned under things to wear!!! The first is this beautiful Edwardian piece...



I love the perfect tatting on it's sleeve/collar and the tiny eyelets!
so much detail!!!

The one thing I worry about is the number of hook and eye clousures. The eyes are just wrapped thread, so I'm afraid with even a little force might rip them. I was thinking about replacing them with snaps... but the original work is so beautiful! Upon wearing it now, I'm able to dress without undoing them, which will reduce the strain. Pheeeewww!

My thought was to wear it with a high skirt. This is another vintage piece, some sort of petticoat that I already have. It's definitely too costumey and white to wear, but gives an idea of the line. I'm going to keep my eye out for more modern skirts with a high waist, or one I could adapt. Not to long or I'll like look an old fashioned school teacher, which, while hot, is not quite what I want to go for. I think a simple wool a line would be nice. No black or grey. Perhaps plaid. I would also consider something I could crochet some straps too. Maybe a looser piece. I'll keep you posted!

The next item is this corset

I was trying it over the blouse, but don't think it works. I've worn it out alone (!!!) on a hot summer like day and then with a cutie polka dot shirt underneath. Both were ok. Still looking for more under- options.

Laundry Day

For me laundry-day often also means clean-out-my-drawers-and-closet-day which pretty much morphs into crazy-outfits-day as I try to decide if I want to really keep that dress I haven't worn in two years, that funny beach hat or the tall boots I just bought on a whim kind of hurt my toes a bit. Does this happen to anyone else??

Usually, I reach a point in this process where I'm happy to part with old clothes or more accurately, put them in a bag to take to Salvation Army sometime in the next six months. And sometimes I come up with new outfits which may or may not work for all occasions.

The one on the right is a perfect example. I got the dress part at century 21 and while cute, the top kinda hangs open, requiring some sort of extra coverage underneath. It's also Britney Spears short. So I was breaking in the new boots, slipped on the dress to see if I should even keep it and spotted the little vintage corset top I just got a Treehouse last weekend. I wondered how it would look on top. It certainly takes care of the 'extra coverage' part and looks a little cute, right?

Now that the weather's starting to hint at Fall, it seemed as good a time as any to pull out those skinny jeans. The only problem is, my skinny jeans are a little more skinny than my legs seem to be right now. I remember my mom telling stories about how she and her girlfriends in college would sit in their jeans in the tub to make them fit. I wasn't quite ready to do that just yet, mostly because I didn't want to have to walk around in drippy britches. I did, however, give my legs a good squirt down with the spray bottle and then did a bunch of stretching. I also tried this with my pink fredflare shoes, that are a bit too tight. I figured, "Why not while I'm at it?"

Skirt + Ribbon =

HINT: Hide an elastic band under the ribbon to keep "things" in place a bit better. I took a length of sewing elastic, enough to be snug under my bust, tied it and cut the excess. The ribbon appears to be holding up the dress, but it's actually the elastic, which is a lot more secure!

There is also another white skirt underneath that's acting like a slip, so no worries mom!

Outfits

My friend Anne, who just posted her first comment yesterday, has the cutest way of saying things. Whenever we're planning to get together she'll say, "ok, I just to have to put on an outfit..." so, in honor of you Anne, a new blog label: Outfits

Just your average wrap skirt

This was probably one of the most comfortable outfits I've ever worn, especially in 100 degree heat! Perhaps it worked because I was in an exceptionally good mood today... but sometimes a good outfit will do that to ya. I like the one layer tank with bra included (what a brilliant invention) and one layer of skirt. Because I tied the skirt just below my bust, it flared out nicely giving my mid section room to breathe. For some reason, in the heat especially, I get super annoyed by waist constrictions and I really don't like my mid section to show!! Tying the skirt this high also left more of my leg exposed, which sometimes has it's faults, but today felt so much cooler. It's amazing to me that I can feel ten degrees cooler just by wearing a tank top vs. a tee shirt. Having certain key areas uncovered, like the underarms, really makes a difference.