STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

bloomie · Marc Jacobs

changing my style---rambling thoughts

Boots · Gucci

I think style is an always evolving part of life. I saw the dress that you sewed on the DYI board and if that's evidence of what you can do, I say go for it. Mix it up with some cute handmade dresses, but still wear the cardis, tops and skirts.

I wish you lived near me. I can't find a decent tailor since my seamstress retired a few years ago. Have you considered earning extra money by taking in tailor work on the side? The lady I used to go to did jobs out of her house. You might be surprised how many people you know (or friends of friends) who are also looking for somebody to do simple fixes like hemming, taking in garments or patch work.

greendiamond · Marc Jacobs

Changing your style (or at least, aquiring the pieces that make up your style) will take time. Since you are great at sewing, I think making dresses for yourself is a great idea.

As for the cardigan dilemma... I buy most of mine when they go on sale, and most of mine are cashmere from j crew. I try my best to only buy cotton, silk, wool or cashmere (or some blend thereof) and they are lasting very well.

I limit the colors I wear so that things go together easier and it helps cut out some decisions. Personally, I don't buy yellow, pinks, navy or brown, or tans/khaki/camel). Any dress or high quality item I had before I decided on this rule I kept, the rest I got rid of. I haven't bought any since, and it's been about 2-3 years. I also don't buy green or orange, but have kept any items I have in those colors, but will not replace them when their time is up. I seek items that are black, gray, white, red, purple and blue (just not navy because it is too hard to match to other navys and I didn't want another 'neutral' to deal with, even though I love it). This has helped me a lot, but I have a few friends who think it's crazy to omit colors from my closet.

I will say that a cardigan can take some pieces through the seasons, so they are a good investment, for me.

Elle · Hermes

Speaking more specifically to your desire to layer - you can always add interest with accessories, too! Even if you're wearing a dress or a plainer skirt/top combo, you can always add an interesting scarf, belt, and/or pair of tights. The nice thing about that is that it lends itself to so many different combinations without having to have so many clothing pieces, and they generally take up less space to store and money to purchase ...

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

Well, I don't think you should have to choose! Why don't you lay off of the overpriced J Crew tops and cardigans and look for some cheapie alternatives.

Ann Taylor Loft, Banana Republic, H & M and NY&Co often have really pretty satin/silk ruffly feminine tops. Also I've gotten some great cardigans at H & M and Banana. These guys all have crazy sales 30/40% off sale, etc. Also J Crew outlet has some great prices.

I tend to just invest in the basics and wash them with care and after a while you just find ways to reinvent. I'm not opposed to your dress style but I don't think you should have to choose simply because of $!

Suasoria · Chanel

Here are two things I particularly wanted to call out

Boots: "I think style is an always evolving part of life."

I agree...I find it's influenced both by externals (such as what's being pushed by retailers) as well as by internals like lifestyle changes (new job, new kid, financial changes, etc.). I'm personally more influenced by internals because I tend not to pay attention to the mainstream fashion "thing." But the downside is I let myself get into ruts. When I went to work for a very casual office, I allowed myself to almost completely lose my style. Ugh.

GreenDiamond: "I limit the colors I wear so that things go together easier and it helps cut out some decisions."

I totally do this...for about the last four years or so, and have never looked back. SO so SO much easier now that I've standardized on my favorite colors. Getting dressed is easier, shopping is easier, everything is easier.

But back to you...do you follow Marisa Lynch of "New Dress a Day?" Really inspiring and makes me want to sew.
http://www.newdressaday.com

Kari · Dooney & Bourke

Check this blog out.....

http://sewingin-nomansland.blogspot.com/

She posts patterns for you to use and gets a lot of inspiration from anthro.

Kelly · Hermes

XtinaStyles wrote:

Well, I don't think you should have to choose! Why don't you lay off of the overpriced J Crew tops and cardigans and look for some cheapie alternatives.

Ann Taylor Loft, Banana Republic, H & M and NY&Co often have really pretty satin/silk ruffly feminine tops. Also I've gotten some great cardigans at H & M and Banana. These guys all have crazy sales 30/40% off sale, etc. Also J Crew outlet has some great prices.

I tend to just invest in the basics and wash them with care and after a while you just find ways to reinvent. I'm not opposed to your dress style but I don't think you should have to choose simply because of $!

I totally agree. If you just want to change your style in general because you're not feeling it anymore and your style is evolving - then go for it! But if you want to change your style purely because of the cost issue, I don't think you have to.

joy0302 · Kate Spade

Kelly wrote:

XtinaStyles wrote:

Well, I don't think you should have to choose! Why don't you lay off of the overpriced J Crew tops and cardigans and look for some cheapie alternatives.

Ann Taylor Loft, Banana Republic, H & M and NY&Co often have really pretty satin/silk ruffly feminine tops. Also I've gotten some great cardigans at H & M and Banana. These guys all have crazy sales 30/40% off sale, etc. Also J Crew outlet has some great prices.

I tend to just invest in the basics and wash them with care and after a while you just find ways to reinvent. I'm not opposed to your dress style but I don't think you should have to choose simply because of $!

I totally agree. If you just want to change your style in general because you're not feeling it anymore and your style is evolving - then go for it! But if you want to change your style purely because of the cost issue, I don't think you have to.

I agree as well. I have gotten really cute layering pieces from NY&Co and Express and with coupons they are very inexpensive compared to other stores.