Sew, What's New? (Oh, that's so corny.)

Yesterday, I did something that I have never, ever done in my whole entire life. I made a piece of clothing based on a commercial pattern, and I did it all by myself. It was a long process. I'm unfamiliar with "proper" sewing techniques such as binding seams. The piece in question is the floral tank I'm wearing below. You might recognize the fabric from this project. If you ever see me wearing this in public, please don't examine the craft too closely. It looks good in photos, but the details are sort of rough, kind of like a room makeover on HGTV.

Cardigan - Anthropologie
Tank - Self-Made
Jeans - Anthropologie
Boots - Nurture
Accessories - Vintage

See that twisted neck detail. Fancy. Oh, yeah.






I used a Cynthia Rowley for Simplicity pattern. The tank I made is letter "A". If you watch your local sewing supply store, you can occasionally find these on sale for $1.00. Getting the pattern on sale makes it easier to take the plunge and actually attempt to use it.

Why Save Faves?

Why is it that we feel that we have to "save" clothing we love? Why not break out our favorites more often? I absolutely love this top from Anthropologie. It's We Love Vera, based on the work of textile designer, Vera Neumann. My favorite store, one of my favorite designer, and I've worn it once in the six months I've owned it. Well, today makes two. Crazy. Loco. Bonkers. That's all.

Blouse - We Love Vera (Anthro)
Jeans - James (Anthro)
Heels - Gianni Bini
Bracelet - Simply Vera Vera Wang (Kohl's)


Bananas one day, Veras the next.

Double Dots

Today's outfit is part of Everybody, Everywear's Polka Dot Tuesday. I've had this outfit in mind ever since polka dots were announced as the item of the month. Do you like how I went for a double shot of dots?

Cardi - Gap
Blouse - Banana Republic
Shorts - J.Crew (Thrifted, Altered)
Tights - Target
Boots - Vintage, Thrifted
Belt - Gap
Jewelry - Simply Vera Vera Wang (Kohl's)



Be sure to head over to EbEw to check out everyone else's take on polka dots.

Miracle of Miracles

So while I was on my 30 day shopping hiatus, something exiting happened. My local Goodwill turned into a "Half-Price Center". Everything is half off the regular Goodwill price. Skirts are $2.00 instead of $4.00, etc. I don't know if that means we'll be getting the rejects that don't sale at other stores, but I'm up for the challenge regardless.

My first shopping expedition yielded 6 pieces for $10.50, including a J.Crew striped button up and the silk shirt that I'm sporting today, both for $2.00 a piece.

Blouse - Jones New York (Thrifted)
Jeans - James Jeans (Anthropologie, $20!)
Shoes - Thrifted
Bracelet - Vintage, Mom'd
Belt - Vintage, Thrifted


This is another one of my affordable outfits. I'm pretty sure it rings up at $27.00, including shoes.

Five a Day

After a month of funky, casual outfits, I was ready for a more professional look. How's this for "I'm a responsible yet stylish adjunct professor/intern architect"? Did I hit the right note?

Cardigan - Gap
Blouse - Banana Republic
Slacks - Banana Republic (via consignment, $10 baby!)
Flats - Banana Republic
Necklace - Simply Vera Vera Wang (Kohl's)
Bracelet - Vintage


I'm a little Banana heavy today. I know you're supposed to have 5 pieces of fruit a day, but I'm pretty sure the experts weren't talking about this kind of fruit.

Shopping Secondhand - Vintage Patterns

Ahh. Vintage patterns. One of the few bargains truly left. These little slices of fashion history can be yours for mere pennies. The six patterns in the photo above were all purchased over the weekend at a flea market, all from the same booth. They set me back $0.50 each. I've seen vintage patterns at thrift stores for as low as $0.10. Almost every store has at least a basket of patterns.

With all the revivals of various styles, buying vintage patterns makes sense. The 70s are going to be huge for spring and all these patterns just happen to be from the 70s. Look for whatever decade interests you most.

What to look for in a pattern:

1. Ideally you want one that is uncut (unused). Barring that, having all the pieces would be nice. Chances are you are not going to pull all the pieces out in the store, so if you like it and the price is right, I say go ahead and risk it.

2. Make sure the pattern is your size. Remember, this is vintage sizing, which is similar to modern day pattern sizing. Know your measurements and check them against the back of the pattern. I'm a modern 2/4 and a vintage pattern 14. Talk about 40 plus years of vanity sizing.

3. If you're new to sewing in general, look for patterns marked "How to Sew", "Simple to Sew", "Super Simple", "Learn to Sew for Fun". These phrases indicate that they are for beginning sewers and should theoretically be easy to use.

Also don't forget your family members as a resource, maybe your mom, grandma, or aunt has some patterns stashed away from back in the day.

One of the first pieces I will attempt is the brown dress in this nubby yellow fabric. I'm thinking I'll make it a little shorter though.

I also think that I'll make the flutter sleeve dress in this vintage Hawaiian fabric. Hopefully I can alter this pattern and have a boat neck, not a square neck. I may have to call back up reinforcements (aka Grandma) on this one.

I'm totally obsessed with these pants. They aren't included in the pattern, but they are the exact high-waist, wide leg jeans I want for spring. What goes around truly does come around.

30 for 30 Final Roundup

The Break Down:

How did each piece fare?

- Black Blazer beat out Camel Blazer by one wear (4 to 3)
- Mustard Cardi won with 4, while other sweaters had 2 or 3
- Blue Stripe Button Up won with 4 to the other Button Ups 3
- Green Blouse won 4 to other blouses' 3
- Stripe Tee won (5) just beating out Concert Tee (4)
- Jeans clear winner with 6
- Most skirts worn 3 times except Blue Stripe (2) and Black (1)
- Shoes neck and neck: Frye (10), Flats (9), Black Boots (8), except for Short Boots (3)


What I Would Have Done Differently:

- I could have done without the turtleneck. Who knew it was going to be 70 degrees in February?
- I would have picked less neutrals, probably leaving out the grey silk blouse and the black skirt.
- In place of neutrals, I would have picked one more colorful cardigan, a colorful skirt, and one more printed skirt. More color!

Which are your favorite outfits for the challenge? I like 3, 13, and 23, all the ones with colorful cardigans, of course.

30 of 30 or The End is Here!

See that big smile on my face, I'm sporting it because this is my final outfit of the 30 for 30 Winter Challenge. In honor of my final outfit, I broke out my final unworn piece, my black skirt. Last challenge, a black skirt was my most worn skirt. This time I wore a black skirt once. What gives? Last time, I seemed to have more colorful tops to pair with the black skirt. This time I picked so many neutrals, it wasn't really needed. Oh well, lesson learned. I'm toasting all my fellow remixers with my morning mug of coffee. Here's to being done!

Shirt - J.Crew (via Plato's Closet)
Skirt - Urban Outfitters
Flats - Banana Republic
Necklace - Vintage (Gift from parents)
Belt - Vintage (Flea Market)
Bracelet - Vintage

29 of 30 or The End is Near

I don't know about y'all, but I'm going to be glad to see the end of this 30 for 30 challenge. This time around there has been less revelation and more work it seems. The not shopping part was easier to handle, but my outfits seem less inspired than the first time around. Let's just chalk this one up to a sophomore slump. IF, and a big emphasis on the if, I do the 30 for 30 challenge a third time, I think I will finally be about to make exciting, useful choices in my item selection.

Blouse - Banana Republic (via consignment)
Pants - J.Crew
Flats - Banana Republic
Accessories - Vintage


Be sure to check back tomorrow. It will be a busy day around here on Unusual Form. I'll have my final 30 for 30 outfit, my 30 for 30 Roundup with all the outfits of the challenge, and a new Shopping Secondhand post.

28 of 30 Two More Days!!!

Upon reviewing today's photos, I realized I should have worn a belt. I ran out of my apartment in a hurry this morning. What can I say?

Cardi - Anthro
Blouse - Banana Republic
Pants - Gap
Boots - Thrifted
Necklace - Simply Vera Vera Wang (Kohl's)