I Plead Guilty

I did it.  I wore my levis.

There is the proof.  I had full intentions of wearing dresses the whole time while in San Fransisco, but upon my inspection of the itinerary, I realized that our jaunt out to Alcatraz doing a night tour, might take some real creativity for me to stay warm and stay in a dress.  After Lottie's unplanned surgery only days before our departure and spending one of those days in a hospital room, my foggy brain couldn't or wasn't willing, to try and figure it out, so I caved and threw in a pair of levis just in case I couldn't come up with a warm enough outfit amongst the dresses and leggings I loaded into my suitcase.

Needless to say, our trip was incredible.  We saw some really awesome things:  Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, and the Winchester Mystery House.  All were fabulous.  I got to see the hard work and dedication of teenagers pay off, as they performed well at the Foothills College Heritage Music Festival, but I think what impressed me most were the kids - good kids, fun kids, a diverse group of kids - who all came together to perform, to represent our little high school, and to form friendships that might not have existed at home.  So fun was had by all!

My only disappointment was those damned jeans.

I must confess, I did enjoy the ease and comfort of wearing them while shivering on a beautiful beach for hours (aren't Cali beaches supposed to be warm?).  I was grateful for them during our night tour of Alcatraz (those cement walls hold no heat, I tell you).  I also ended up wearing them our last night at an amusement park where we partied until midnight.  I was happy that I had packed them, but disappointed that I had ruined my streak of dress wearing.

Another confession:  Although grateful to be wearing jeans, I missed my dresses.  In jeans, I felt like one of the masses - not that I am looking to stand out, necessarily.  It just felt, kind of, well, blah.  This was not the emotion I had planned on having once I allowed myself to pull on my pants again.  I had figured I would be elated, relieved, or like a child getting on his/her favorite carnival ride, thrilled, but my surprise reaction was disappointment.  

Although I didn't make it a whole year solely wearing dresses, I think wearing my levis for a day or two was more helpful in my quest than not.  I realized that I like wearing my dresses (for now) more than I thought and that it's fun to not be one of the masses - at least not all the time.  So, the dress wearing continues, maybe not all the time, wholly, but as much as possible.  I feel like I am still learning some things about myself through this process and that wearing pants again isn't the grand prize at the end.  I feel like more of an individual and creative by continuing, so I will carry on while allowing myself a little leeway here and there without feeling guilty.

I also finally got the chance to wear my red and white polyester dress I made over a month ago.  That made me happy!  Doesn't it go well with my dream car? 

Back for More

Yes, I have ignored blogging for awhile and yes, I am still wearing dresses.  I think some thought this craziness was going to end after a month.  My vision was for a much longer period of time, but we'll see.  I have felt trapped by my dresses and that has resulted in me not wanting to blog and pass along my poor attitude.

I had a good talk with my kids the other night.  I was complaining and entertaining the thought of putting this whole thing behind me.  Odd, most of them chastised me for wanting to give up. The dynamic of preteens advising me to stick to it, was enough shame for me to try to adjust my attitude.  

Em did give me some good advice.  You see, I tend to be more left-brained than right and that results in using formulas instead of creativity.  The way I have approached this dress idea has been, dress or skirt + granny blouse + cardigan = outfit for the day.  At the start, this worked well, but now I am bored.  She talked with me about changing up my formula or even throwing it out all together - not that I would abandon my love of vintage, granny blouses, and the like - but to look at things with new eyes and be willing to mix old and new, patterns, and looks.  It did help.  This is what I pulled out of the closet today -

Not sure that the patterns work too well together.  I think it would be better if my gingham print was slightly smaller or if my sweater covered all but the collar.  I tried buttoning up my cardigan, but it looked lumpy and bulky.  Overall, I liked the mix of colors and fabrics.  Bonus - it gave me an excuse to wear my new, bright pink lipstick. 

Over the last few days, I stumbled across a blog that did inspire me.  It's refashionista.net.  This lady takes thrift store finds, adjusts and alters them to make them more fashionable.  I think she tries to do one a day.  I think I wasted over an hour looking at her blog.  Although she is half my size and age, I was inspired to try out some new things and look at some of my existing finds in a new light.  The truth be told, I play well off the genius of others.

I have taken some "before" pictures that I will post along with the "afters" once I have worked my magic.  Actually, it might take some magic......

I did get one dress done.  I posted pics of this on a Thifted Thursday post, but here's a reminder -

I unpicked the collar and removed it - it was a little much. Trust me, with my double chin, I don't need any more bulk in that area!  Then, I simply topstitched it back together.  I did save those beautiful buttons.  I'll use those on another project.  I also took off about 6" off the length.  I like it much better with the changes - they weren't too difficult, but getting a good picture can be!

I really liked it paired with my thrifted red shoes.

I also sported this outfit over my hiatus.  It's about the only picture I ended up taking during that time.  I found my sweater at Forever 21 and the dress was thrifted. I did like the two together, but I love the two people together. :)  We even match....ah....

Last, but not least, I have been wanting a vintage patent leather purse, like I used to play dress up with. I have seen ones in the antique stores for around $15.  That's a little more than I am willing to pay.  My patience paid off.  I found this number at the local thrift store for a mere $1.  Another formula: me - $1 = happy girl!!

So, I will try and move forward with more creativity and a better attitude.  With the sun shining, snow melting, and a fly buzzing, a new season looks possible and I know that will help - out with the wool, in with the cotton!

Oh, My Jeans....

Now - for my real opinion of the last few days.....I WANT MY JEANS!!!

I even walked past some ugly, red skinny jeans at Walmart and felt drawn to them.  Sad.  I haven't even tried on my jeans because I am afraid I would just cave once I felt the joy of wearing them.  

So, is this just getting mundane?  Boring?  Me, blogging about this whole crazy idea?  Is it worth the sacrifice and the separation anxiety I am experiencing?  I am even getting tired of putting outfits together.  At first, it was like playing Barbies, trying new combinations with different accessories.....without the ginormous boobs, of course....but I am just sick of it all right now.  Do I continue???  For now, I guess so.

I was momentarily happy with the outfit I put together on Wednesday.  I have figured out that dresses are more versatile than I once thought.  I liked my red and gray granny blouse under my red dress.  Obviously, I love cardigans and so, I had to wear one.  It is fun to think about layering with dresses.  I never realized this was an option before.  It was "dress, nylons, slip, and shoes"...that's it.  I have learned a few things in this process - no matter how trivial.

*Here's a peak at my messy kitchen.

In between fixing food for 300 (in one of my house coats.  I was too busy to snap a photo.  I am sure you can live without one.), I was able to finish my red and white dress.  I finished it on Valentine's - how fitting.  David and I agreed to celebrate after this whole orchestra dinner is over, so I am looking forward to wearing it out next week.  I like the way it turned out.  Omitting the zipper worked well and saved a ton of time.  I realize that using a different fabric wouldn't afford me the same luxury.

It's kind of hard to see the detail.  I really like the collar and tie.  It was super easy to do and cute.  I will post pics when I get my night out on the town.

Media Monday - Granny Chic

Granny Chic

In the spirit of Media Monday (which I have recently started on my other blog), I have decided to share this glorious book that arrived the other day in the mail.  It was a long three weeks, awaiting this treasure.  It is full of fun, granny chic ideas and projects.  Here's a sampling of what's inside:

fun projects

and dress patterns

and some home decorating tips.  So many fun adventures await me.....within the pages of this little bundle of inspiration!

Now, on to dresses.  I have been squeezing in some sewing time, but have still yet to finish my red and white frock.  In the mean time, this is what I wore yesterday:

my top - consisting of my granny cardigan and my Devil Makes Three concert T.  Nothing wrong with mixing it up a little, right???

my middle,

and my bottom.  This is what happens when you have a 9 year old take your photos.  Thanks, Steve!

  I did, finally, get my pillowcase skirt all sewn up.  It took all of 20 minutes.  I will be on the lookout for more pillowcase pairs, as more of these would make great work skirts in the summer.  We did finally get a photo of me in one piece:

And then, it just got crazy!

I will stop now.  I know it's getting a little obnoxious.

Hope your day is a great one!!

End of Season

In my desperate attempt to find spring, I just had to buy the dress I found in this fabric.  It was bright and cheerful, not at all dreary and depressing.....like the snow that Mother Nature just sent us.

I felt happy wearing my new thrifted find.  Although I didn't venture out much in it, because the roads were a mess and I like living.  Oh how I wish the snow would just go away already....

Saturday was the end Maren's basketball season.  We all agreed that going to watch her play was worthy of the danger we would face traveling on our county roads.  It was worth it.  She played two awesome games.  Although I am looking forward to some down time from basketball, I can't help but feel a little sad about not sitting on those hard plastic benches, every Saturday, watching my kids sweat their little hearts out.  Don't despair, I am sure me and this lovely gym will find each other again someday....

I guess the bright side of our dismal storm, is that I just found this vintage wool jumper the other day and it gave me the perfect opportunity to wear it.  It has great structure and detail - well worth the $4.00 I paid for it.  With the beige blouse and brown sweater, I felt like adding the red belt would give it, at least, a little pop of color.  I am starting to feel the need to add color anywhere possible.  Oh spring....where are you????

Thrifted Thursday - Accessories

It's Thrifted Thursdsay!!

So for your viewing pleasure, I decided to share some thrifted accessories.

I have wanted some vintage spectacles for awhile now.  I actually checked out a store in Portland last fall that had hundreds, HUNDREDS of vintage frames for sale.  A pair I really liked, cost a mere $220.  I would assume that anyone who follows this blog at all or knows me, could tell you that even as I admired them, I had them placed back in the case for some other granny chic lover to purchase. I actually questioned my decision for days after, telling myself, what better souvenir to remember such a lovely time with friends than something I put on my face everyday?

Last week, I put to rest those doubting thoughts when I ran across this pair for $14...case included. They are a lovely rose color with little flowers etched in the side.  I really couldn't tell how I looked in them, because the lenses made it impossible to see much of anything while on my face.  It was a gamble I was willing to wage.  Now to get the lenses switched out and on my face!

I also picked up this lovely umbrella.  It seems like I never have one when I need one.  For years, I would just use one of the kids' that resembled a monkey or dog.  I think it's time I had a grownup umbrella.  I picked this one up for $3.  I love the traditional handle.  I know it's more cumbersome than a compact, newer version, but this has character!  Plus, I love the vintage fabric.  It does need a little TLC, but I'm willing to invest.  Look out spring showers, here I come!

So look around.  Maybe you have some of these vintage treasures hiding in your closets and drawers.  If so, get them out and use them proudly!!

Okay - so dresses for the past couple of days.  This might not be too pretty.  Just a fair warning.

I actually blogged about this skirt last week, as I found it when I was out thrifting.  I thought I would have to shorten it to get the length I wanted, but I was...wrong.  I found it was a high waisted skirt, so the length was perfect once I got it on.  It paired perfectly with my short waisted sweater.  I was pretty happy with this outfit.

Here's where it might get ugly.....

It's not that I found my outfit to be ugly, but my whole day was a bust.  I went to Logan to run errands and barely made it home before losing some of my vision because of my throbbing migraine.  Good thing my dress was a comfy one, because I just laid there for the rest of the day with this lovely pillow on my head.  In an effort to be authentic.....

And there you have it - me showing you the good, the bad, and the ugly.  My life isn't perfect so my blog shouldn't be either, right?  Just keepin' it real, my friends.  (I am a little creeped out by this picture.  It reminds me of those taken at funerals.)

I forgot to mention that I thrifted this dress because I love the funky retro print.  It isn't vintage, but I liked the easy A line form and stretch of the fabric.

Go PHS - my dress said it all!

With the weekend past and the big game over, I finally took a breath and realized that I hadn't blogged in a few days.  The end of last week was filled with the basketball games of four of our children.  Two of them ended their seasons and one of those two ended her career (can you only call it that if they are getting paid?)  So proud of Hannah and the grace and determination she has shown over the past four years.

So here is the run down of my dresses over the past couple of days.  Friday I was hoping to get in quite a bit of sewing.  I had three projects to work on - one big, two small.  I only accomplished one small task.  What a disappointment.  Here's what I did:

I picked up this lovely vintage dress from a friend.  The only problem, is that I am not quite as blessed in some areas as other women.  This is my sad face about the droopiness in the chest area of this dress.  Other than being too big there, it was a perfect fit and length.

This is my happy face after taking in the side seams.  It's hard to tell a real difference from the pictures, but it was exactly what the dress needed to fit like a glove.  Lesson:  never turn down a cute dress that is close to fitting.  Alterations cans be simple.

The next day was basketball games.  At Hannah's last home game, I made the mistake of wearing a dress in the colors of the opposing team.  She lovingly reminded me that I shouldn't do that again.  So I chose to wear the most Preston outfit I could find.  I think it might be a bit obnoxious.

I thrifted the blue jumper and had the gold blouse.  I knew I needed something over it because of the cold, so I just threw on my trusty black cardigan, tights, and a belt.  I think this might be color blocking gone bad.  Can you tell we took this picture at midnight when we got home?  I look a little haggered.  That's what a day of basketball will do to you.

Sunday was the big game and I had no intention of wearing team colors.  I just wanted to be comfy, so I put on one of my favorite house dresses, a sweater, and leggings.  Truth be told - I put it back on today since all I did yesterday was sit around and that's about all I've done today.

Aside from blogging and straightening the house, I did get my granny squares laid out.  I got them all finished up yesterday while I "watched" the game.  Now I just have to stitch them together.  Gigi will be so thrilled with her new afghan!

Thrifted Thursday.....even though it's Friday.

Yesterday was quite busy.  I was running around town in a last minute effort to gather all the props needed for Steven's wax museum project at school.  Of course, coming up with what he needed made a trip to the thrift store a necessity.  After finding what he needed, I found a few treasures of my own.  Now for show and tell...

I found this cute skirt and zippers.  The skirt is a little longer than I would like, so some altering is in order.  The material has a little stretch to it, so it should be super comfy and easy to work in.  I am sure the zippers will come in handy later.  Here's a closeup of the print on the skirt.  I love flowers!

 I also love that I picked up some funky and fun polyester fabric.  There's got to be at least 2 1/2 yards.

I couldn't pass up this fabric for two reasons.  One, the fabric has stretch which makes any dress made out of it easy to wear and easy to get on and off.  Also, retro designs and  this bright tangerine color are everywhere.  It makes it a little less scary to make a vintage dress in a design/color that are "in" right now.  Here's the dress pattern I plan to use.

Not sure if you can see it too good, but I think I will do the straighter silhouette of the sleeveless dress, but add the sleeves and the collar of the belted one.  I also think that with the stretch of the fabric, I might be able to eliminate the zipper in the back, saving me time and a trip to town.  I think with the fabric and the pattern, the grand total for this dress will be around $4.  Now that makes me happy!

You know what else makes me happy?  Finding and using items in a new way.  I found a set of pillow cases for a couple bucks.  I love the brightness of the print and once again, FLOWERS!!  I am hoping to piece them together, using the cuff of the case as the hem.  Then I just have to stitch a casing for some elastic.  Wha-la.....I have a cute and comfy skirt.

  Finally, I picked up this formal dress for $10.  I wasn't sure if it was fancy enough to really wear to a formal dance, but I think it would be awful cute shortened and worn with a cardigan.  It could be worn out to dinner or some other special event.  I just wish it would fit me.  It will have to be for one of the girls.

I love the bow at the waist and the rich gold color.

Sorry this is so long, but I couldn't finish without mentioning my encounter with greatness.

It's Bing Crosby....well, Steven was Bing for his wax museum project at school yesterday.  There was too much congestion at the school to snap a picture and by the time we got home, he'd already changed in the car.  I still needed a picture with such a handsome guy in a cool hat.  

The dress I wore yesterday, I bought at Forever 21.  I picked it up the day before on my shopping spree to SLC.  My blouse was thrifted.  So many of the blouses at Forever 21 are very similar to ones found at second hand stores.  I love Forever 21, but would check out thrift stores first before buying any retro blouses there.  The cost is only about 20% of a new one.

Well, I'm off to work on the various projects I have lined out for today.  After a day of chasing, a day of sewing will be therapeutic for sure!

Feminine vs. Feminist

I saw a meme posted to facebook with the saying "Feminine is not anti-Feminist".

I immediately loved it!

Part of this weird experiment of mine is to examine if being/dressing more feminine influences the stereotypical idea that dressing more like a woman promotes misogyny.  In the relatively small time I've spent in a dress, I have found that in many ways it has been empowering.  I think that is why the above saying resonates with me, and I am not alone in this assessment.  While talking with a school teacher and me explaining why I have been so dressed up lately, she also said that she feels more powerful when she is in a dress.  Curious.

Could it be that accentuating the differences that define us from our male counterparts, is one of the things that can be used to gain favor?  And, is that anti-feminist?  I don't know exactly.  I do know that there are inherent physical differences between males and females, and I also know that women are every bit as capable as and should be afforded every opportunity that a man is.  Does ignoring those differences have to be a prerequisite to being a feminist?  Choices placed before women should be every bit as broad and available and we, as women, need to celebrate every opportunity to choose - even if that choice is made while wearing a dress!!

This was my dress for Monday.  It's actually a jumper that I have worn before.  I just added a vintage sweater over the top.  Either the dress was a little too bulky or the sweater a little too small.  I just ended up looking a little frumpy.  I do like the idea of throwing a sweater over the top of a dress.  It's a nice way to stretch your wardrobe.  Don't you love how the plaid and it's placement makes me look like I am expecting?  No worries, it's just a food baby.

I've also worn this gray jumper before.  I just switched out the blouse underneath.  I love this thrifted, orange, polka-dot, tie at the neck blouse.  It's everything I love all in one piece.

This is a dress that I made a few months back and today was the first time I've worn it.  It was made from a vintage pattern that I found.  I, personally, love it, but it is a little outside the norm - even by today's standards.  I spent the day with my friend, Wendi, and my oldest daughter, Emilee.  As we walked around City Creek, I couldn't help but feel out of place.  I think maybe this dress is better suited for another place/time. 

Choosing

Let's just start off by getting dresses for the past couple of days out of the way.  Thursday was Hannah's senior night for basketball.  I was aware that I somewhat had to look more "normal" in my dress so that when we stood in front of the crowd, I wouldn't embarrass Hannah.  

I am not sure that this qualifies as a dress.  It is meant to be a dress, but at my age, I think this would be categorized as a long shirt.  Thank goodness for leggings.  This whole outfit I bought new at Forever 21 in Vegas.  I first spotted the dress with a bow at the collar and once again, had to buy it.  I also have a weakness for polka dots and well, it seemed to pair nicely, so I just had to purchase them both.  I do like this outfit a lot.  It might be a little young for me, but my inside is much younger than I appear.  Did I just admit to being immature????

*FYI - Hannah had an awesome senior night.  She was high point man for the game.  What a way to end her high school basketball career at home.

Friday was mostly spent doing the mundane.  I have been longing to go see the Hobbit and suggested that we catch the early movie that evening.  It is a rare thing not to have somewhere we HAVE to be.  My offer was met with mixed emotion.  After being gone so much, it's hard to be motivated to do anything but sit at home.  I was a little disappointed by the reaction I received.  David went out to chore and I shortly got a call to "Go get ready.  You deserve a night out."  So that is exactly what I/we did!  It was nice to spend the night together as a family having fun.  Truth be told, I was actually disappointed in the movie, but never in my man's willingness to go out of his way to make me happy.  Love ya, David.

 Aside from my cardigan and leggings, the rest of my outfit was all thrifted.  Even the boots were a hand-me-down from my daughter's friend.  Are you ever too old for hand-me-downs?

Now, in the spirit of being truthful, Saturday was super hard for me.  It sounds apocalyptic, doesn't it?  It kind of felt that way.  I have to admit it was the first day that I've truly HATED wearing a dress.  I didn't love what I was wearing - maybe that is why it slipped my mind to take a picture - and as I sat and looked at all of the normal ladies around me in their cute levis, I felt frumpy, dumpy, and like the rotten apple in the basket. This feeling hit me mid-afternoon during Herman's basketball game.  It would have been okay if after the game I was headed home and could hide, but we had a reception to go to and then out to dinner.  I hated being seen in public.  It probably sounds superficial, but it overshadowed the nice events that I was attending and I couldn't wait to go home and get into my pajamas.

I am pretty determined to try and wear a dress everyday for as long as possible, but I can still choose to be done whenever I want.  Part of this experiment for me, is to try and understand those ladies that by religious or cultural beliefs are made to wear a dress everyday.  I understand that it is still ultimately their own choice whether or not to wear a dress, but is it really more a consequence of a much bigger choice......or possibly a lack of choice, just by being born into the circumstances that they are?  It takes a very strong person to change that in which they were born into and define it for themselves.  To choose something that is beyond the scope of what is expected can be brutally painful and isolating.  I spent a lot of time thinking of  these ladies and wondering what I would do if I were in the same situation.  Would it be worth the social backlash to own that decision or would it be easier to just work through the confinement felt by certain aspects of belief?  Then, I was at least grateful for the freedom of expression that I have through my own dress wearing.  I can wear a long dress, a short dress,  or a very colorful dress.  I am not held back by religious or cultural constraints in any way.  Although I do realize that my age can be a barrier in some forms of expression when it comes to attire.

Just my thoughts for today.  As I sit in my house coat and watch the snow come down, I am happy to know that whatever attire I CHOOSE to wear, I am at least free to do so.  It is my choice and I am grateful for that.  Choosing to continue this crazy psycho-social experiment is not always going to be easy but trying to understand and examine something new usually isn't.  So for now, I am going to press on, regardless of how frumpy and dumpy I look.

Thrifted Thursday

Over the last week, I picked up a few treasures at my local thrift store, so as promised, I will share.  My first find was this red geometric print dress.

The fabric is pretty light weight, so I won't be wearing this anytime soon.  It's just too cold.  I am thinking about adjusting the length a little and pairing it with a white belt just for fun.  We'll see.

Here's a photo of the collar.  I love it just because it is so different.  I also fell in love with the retro buttons.

I also picked up this sunny yellow dress.  

It has this really cool cut work down the front.  Once I got it home, I tried it on with a wide red belt and was really happy with how the belt transformed the look.  I just need to find something to put under it or.....oh my, so scary!!

The last dress I picked up, I found at an antique store.  I paid $20 for it, but I really love it.  Still, twenty dollars is not expensive for a dress with a matching jacket.

Cute, with or without the jacket.

I adore the bow at the waist and the vintage ornate buttons on the jacket.  Plus, lately I am really drawn to green and blue together.

This picture isn't quite so dark, so you can see the color and detail better.  I think I will wear this one soon because of it's heavier fabric and it is most definitely jacket weather.  I can see it paired with some vintage pearls.