A Flannel Shirt – Tucked in formalwear
GailAnn
| Posted in Gather For A Chat on
On another thread is much disscussion about how we are all dressing much more cassually, today.
How do you feel about that?
I assume not many of us miss pantyhose! Perhaps even fewer of us would be willing to wear a girdle and stockings with seams up the back, every day. Even 45 years ago “Proper foundation garments” were required to work at our local department store. Imagine!
I still have a box of cloth dress gloves, just in case they ever come back………
So, I wonder, are you all happy with the changes?
Gail
Edited 1/18/2008 9:44 am ET by GailAnn
Replies
Yes, yes and yes! I hated the seamed stockings with the garter belts or girdles. Actually, the girdles that I wore (high school....no fat to push in) were the lightweight stretchy things that still allowed breathing! I can remember my mom having a rubber girdle that she had to powder and roll on and off.................. it wasn't a panty girdle so once on, it stayed for the day.........bathroom procedures were somehow managed with it on. We lived on a farm so she saved that for weddings, funerals and other occasions when 'sucking it in' was a must!
Hats and gloves can stay gone as far as I'm concerned........seamless pantyhose are o.k. for dressup occasions.
I do hate to see how far the 'casual' mode has gone with some of the younger generation. Muffin top is not pretty IMHO.........I don't care how young a thing is!!
As for me........... nicely fitting jeans, sweaters, sweatshirts or knit tops serve me well and I do have a nice suit and a couple of dresses and skirts for those 'special' occasions!
Kay, those "rubber girdles" were Playtex & they worked great! They were full of holes, supposedly for your skin breathing, but you were right - we had to use baby powder inside & carefully roll them on (they would tear from a too-sharp fingernail). Taking them off was a scream, as they'd be so damp inside (the baby powder didn't keep them dry all day) that they had to be rolled off carefully (preferrably in seclusion), as they made an embarrassing sound :) As you can see, I remember them well :) They even came in panti-girdle styles, but I don't know ANYONE who could get into or out of those - toiletting would definitely be a problem.
You're right, though, that 'casual' today is sometimes too casual, as you've probably seen on What Not To Wear. I wear sweat pants & T-shirts around the house, but, if I'm going out, I change to jeans or slacks, & I wear make-up every day - one must have SOME standards :)
Gloria
Hi GailAnn:
I applaud comfortable and casual. I remember even in grade 3, all bones and skin with hardly any flesh never mind fat wearing a girdle and lyle stockings. We just never left the house in anything but what we would now call good clothes and the undergarments were killers. I could never get to the bus stop without my gloves being dirty never mind downtown and back with them clean. I could not figure out how anyone kept them clean. I was forever scrubbing the fingertips. When I had money of my own, I tried the fine kid gloves thinking they wouldn't pick up the dirt the same. They did and were a lot harder to clean.
The thing I think about with current dressing trends is the exposing of body parts which are often not pleasing to my eye. When I see others clothing choices I think more about whether it suits a person's shape. I am amazed how many folks will wear a fashion because it is in, even when it is totally wrong for that person's shape.
I go out to work so I have a working wardrobe. Wool skirts and pants, cashmere or silk turtlenecks, silk or cotton blouses, some wool suits and a couple of dresses and for summer all of this in cottons and rayons. Most of my skirts are on the long side so I don't need to worry about pulling at the hems when I sit down. I like getting dressed for work as I enjoy these lovely clothes. Most of these I have made myself or bought in second hand sources and altered. For the quality I like my budget would never extend to new purchased outfits and my sewing time is limited. I lament I have fewer casual clothes than I would like as I find the need to put my $ into my working wardrobe.
Reitrement is just around the corner and I have been eyeing my fabric stash with a new perspective. What casual clothes can I make that I will enjoy regularly as a retired person from my wools and silks in my stash? I look at my crossover clothes - ones that I wear for work and for casual - which is giving me some direction. I am thinking I will make more rayon knit long 8 gored skirts as I love the way they hang and they are more comfortable for me than pants. I also love velvet jeans which I buy second hand mainly from ebay and alter. (I read with interest a recent thread on altering jeans as my sway back requires extensive reworking at the back.) I am sure cotton and silk turtlenecks will continue to be a mainstay as I love them. BUT I am not sure what I am going to do with my silks and woolens. I would love suggestions as I don't want to part with these friends as each as a story attached to it.
I think I want to continue to look good for doing my errands, answering the door and being with my husband. The temptation to slouch about in my "snugglies" (fleece pyjamas which I don't sleep in but wear like a housecoat) is great some weekends. I hope I avoid that trap. However, it does make me realize that I need to discover the clothes that are super comfortable and look good as I suspect given choice I will head for comfort on "at home" days.
One thought that has circulated here recently, is the joy of spending more time making exquisitely constructed outfits. Amber also talks about that in the recent Threads editorial. Maybe that is the direction I will go. Making really lovely, creative jackets that I can wear around the house and for causal outings. I would love suggestions from folks who are at home either reitried or working from home. What do you find yourself wishing for or gravitating towards?
Thanks for this Thread. Scrubble4
I used to work in an office, but am at home now.
Right this minute, I have on tennis shoes, white socks, jeans, a flannel shirt, with a huge 4X sweatshirt pulled on over the whole thing. This is my favorite Winter outfit, comfortable in the house, but layered and warm enought to run out to the mailbox.
I find that I miss getting dressed up, except for weddings and, well, even funerals are pretty casual arround here.
I'm not 60 yet, so I still do quite a bit of volunteer work. If I go to a meeting (or even church) dressed in something I would have worn to work, I'm way overdressed.
New Years Eve, we went to a very nice restaurant with a sign posted that said, "Nothing Sleeveless, No Tank Tops Allowed" That's the closest thing to a dress code, I've seen in years!
I just miss dressing up, that's all. Gail
That nice restaurant you went to for New Years - the sign really surprises me! No sleeveless? So many dress-up dresses are sleeveless. Here, the better restaurants say "No shirt, no shoes, no service." Guess it depends upon where you live & how everyone else dresses, eh?
Gloria
You're right about wondering what to wear when you're retired. It all depends on what you'll be doing then. If you're at home a lot, comfort is the mainstay. I thought that, when I retired, I'd continue to wear my slacks, blouses & sweaters that I'd worn to work - NOT! Some items I haven't worn for 2 years! I wear them when I'm going out for lunch or visiting or for appointments, but that's not often. I just don't feel comfortable doing housework with them on (not like the 50s ladies who wore dresses, jewelry, high heels when they did their housework). I hardly ever wear jewelry anymore, either, except when I'm going out. I'm still trying to decide what my retirement wardrobe should be, as I don't want to look sloppy, which is very easy to become. I wear jeans when I'm shopping or going to classes, as that's what everyone else is wearing here. I did get Pamela's Perfect T-shirt & makeover patterns, so I intend to make some better-fitting T-shirts that look a bit dressy - I NEVER wear Ts that have any writing on them, at least, & I do match up my colours every day.
Gloria
There's a difference between casual and slovenly. I often dress slovenly at home--shoot that's where it SHOULD be allowed. And on occasion I'll have to run into town in the middle of a building or gardening project or something and I won't bother to change, even if I'm covered in paint or mud--but that's because I have to get something to finish the job and it would take longer to change twice than to run the errand to the garden center.
I don't at all mind seeing folks, even in a professional business setting, dressed comfortably casual as long as they are neat and tidy. After all, haven't we all seen someone who's wearing the 'right' outfit, but they still look a mess?
Studies have shown that in office settings people are more productive if comfortably dressed, which is why dress codes in many businesses here in the midwest have been relaxed. When my SIL worked in the bank, she had to wear a uniform suit complete with high-necked blouse and big bow. That same bank today has a general dress code ( black or grey slacks or skirt, buttoned blouse or shirts (no polos except on Friday), cardigan sweaters or jackets acceptable, black, heeled shoes) but allows their employees to wear their own clothes.
I think everyone looks much nicer, since they can wear clothing that's suitable for their body types, not something that looks great on the tall, thin lady who picked the uniform suit, but awful on almost everyone else!
Like you, I don't get many chances to dress up, so sometimes I will dress snazzier than I need to for an event just to treat myself. Fortunately, we have a lot of weddings in the future (dozens of nieces and nephews) so I've been able to splurge on some nicer outfits and shoes lately.
Annie
Just yesterday I was at the hairdresser's, and he's encouraging me to grow my hair a little, but I was expressing my opinion that most women of a 'certain age' (I'm 50) really can't get away with long hair. This led into a discussion on dress and he commented that those same women of a certain age might do well to keep the jeans and trainers for walking the dog. I'm inclined to agree, but still I like to dress fairly casually all the time. I have three daughters all graduating DV this summer, and feel a bit scared of having to get a formal outfit. Being quite busty, I rarely if ever actually feel 'nice' in what I wear. I so don't want to look 'mumsy'!
I've always worn my hair very short -- that is until menopause hit and it started to grow like wildfire!! I couldn't keep up with it. Now at 57 it's half way down my back. I usually wear it up in a bun, but I'm practicing to put it up in what some call Heidi Braids and others call Dutch braids. My grandmother called hers "Crowne of Braids". My hair is long enough, but I still need a little more practice to get the braids neet and even. Gail
I wish I had your problem. I'm pre-menopausal and far from growing faster, mine's starting to thin. I've gone from long hair to short again.Annie
Gail Ann, I envy your hair. Mine has been thinning steadily since the onset of the big M. How does one dress in retirement? Well, I have never been really good at casual but here is what I do. It's either jeans or preferably khakis, a tailored shirt, collar up, dangly earrings or pearls, makeup and hair. I do this every day whether I go out or not or cleaning house or whatever. The only time I personally "pig out" is when I am gardening. Then it is dirt and sweat everywhere. I just have a problem doing plain old casual. I have never felt comfortable that way. And years of making up for work have just embedded the process in me so that's how this retired woman dresses each day. Its what you make it. solo
I think you'll look fine. The key is just being happy and having a smile.... : )
The girdles & seamed stockings I don't miss. I do have a problem with everyone wearing high heels without stockings, though, even in semi-formal wear (I can't stand wearing heels without stockings, because my feet stick to the insole & it gets all crumpled & it also rubs against my heels - yuck), so I still wear panti-hose for dress-up occasions, but take them off as soon as I get home :)
Our undergarments are much less structured, too, & more comfortable.
You know, a lot of fashion photos lately have been showing gloves, so you may have to put your back in service (or were they just to the wrist)?
Gloria
Eww, I agree about the dress shoes with no hose! I can't stand the feeling of sticking to the insides of my shoes and it will rub blisters. I think the women wearing evening gowns that I see on the Red Carpet at Hollywood events look ridiculous in bare legs and dressy heels. I assume they are panty-less also, and this is all about having a smooth line under their clingy dresses. Personally, I see no shame in having others know that I AM wearing undergarments, even if they are panty hose. When did it get to be such a shame that people know you are wearing underwear????
I have seen in my office, young women wearing WHITE trousers with thongs. Okay, I get that they don't want panty lines, but then we are sewing pink buttock flesh through the white fabric (linen types.) When did THAT get to be okay for the office???? I couldn't believe they didn't get sent home to change. We have a dress code that says we have to wear appropriate slips or camisoles if we are wearing blouses or dresses that can be seen through. Our dress code is 6-7 years old, so I guess it hasn't caught up with thongs yet. :-(
Our office had a dress code, too (as most offices do) - but it fell by the wayside & became more & more casual (especially to the sweatshirts with pictures & sayings on them - ugh! & not very professional). As for slips, many young women don't even own one - & wouldn't think of wearing one. I've seen the light rayon summer dresses with no slips underneath (granted, if they are not cotton, & where can you get cotton slips anymore? - they are too hot to wear) - but when you can see through the dresses, it IS interesting :). I honestly think that the girls who wear thongs don't believe that they may need any body control (& they don't like the restriction of panty hose - & they ARE hot to wear in the summer), & they don't seem to mind what shows when they bend over, either, as they are usually wearing short tops with their pierced belly button showing - too much skin in the office, as far as I'm concerned - it's more than I wanted to see. Too bad. On the other hand, styles will change again one of these days and who knows? Maybe they'll be all covered up again! You know how cyclical fashion is.
Gloria
I've ranted about this before, but I blame a lot of the unflattering/revealing clothes on the fact that stores don't have 3-way mirrors. There are gobs of young women out there who have never seen what they look like from behind! Maybe I'm delusional but I think many people would make other choices if they saw what we see when following them.
Welcome back, Ralphetta - you've been quiet lately :) Yes, you're absolutely right about the mirrors - too bad dressing rooms aren't equipped with the 360 degree mirrors as on What Not To Wear, eh? I'm sure that people don't check how they look from behind, & here's another peeve: I've seen so many girls wear horribly wrinkled sweaters & blouses - looks awful - obviously they don't iron, either.
Gloria
Three way mirrors would help, as would a straight-backed chair to sit in, in front of the mirror. BUT The problem is also the limited selection of poorly constructed clothes, sold to grown women, but manufactured for young adolencents.
A young mother, I know, whose son had an unexpected growth spurt, went shopping for some size 2T clothes. She complained about the Jeans or Pants with the tummy gap between the bottoms and tops, unless she uses a 'onesie' for the top. When I said that I liked overalls for active children to cover the tummy, she said there weren't any in the stores. Yesterday I went out shopping for baby overalls. FOUND NONE! This afternoon, I'm going to try looking in our local FarmStore.
Who is it who decides what foolish things are available in the stores? Gail
Edited 1/29/2008 12:00 pm ET by GailAnn
Outdoor Warehouse has bib overalls for babies and children and men. Target and the Army Surplus Stores have them. Possibly Sears and JC Penny's. They are harder to find these days. My son had them in denim, corduroy, and twill when he was little.
My favorites were engineer stipes with a matching engineers hat he loved to wear to the zoo and ride the train. The conducor often let him sit up front, noticing they were dressed the same. It was a big thrill for him. Mary
Thanks! I found one pair at the Farm Store. I'll be watching more closely from now on, and buy overalls when I find them. I like overalls on both little boys and girls. Keeps their tummies covered. Gail
Yes, WAaaayyy too much skin in the office. One young woman wears low rise pants at least a size too small. It's already unsightly and then she bends over and we get to see her tattoo which is below her waist. I have at least once seen butt crack and I'm just not wanting to see that on anyone except babies, thanks--especially at work.
I've seen a lot of bust cleavage at work in the last couple of years, also. Why don't their supervisors send them home, is what I wonder, and before anyone asks, no, their supervisors DON'T dress the same way.
Some of the new tops are at least longer and looser in the waist with the empire-type waists, so I'm hopeful that the cycle is beginning to slowly turn the other way. Maybe in a year or two we'll get back to some semblance of propriety, at least in the office. Let's save the flesh flashing for weekend date nights and such. I'm no prude; I just don't want to see it in the workplace.
Yah - I know what you mean. Even though we don't want to see so much, it's hard to NOT look, eh? O well, they must be very proud of their bodies & want to share :).
I was even surprised at a couple of very low-cut gowns on the Miss America pageant the other night. Maybe I'm just getting old . . . but I did enjoy the Reality Check episodes prior to the pageant.
Gloria
The newest issue of Vogue Home Pattern Magazine, (or whatever it is called now) featured a lovely, lovely, extreamlly modest wedding dress. What a refreshing change from the current crop of "Boobs on a White Plate" Bridal gowns. Gail
Edited 1/29/2008 12:00 pm ET by GailAnn
I'll have to look for that. I've noticed, too, that some brides are going to simpler styles made of cotton. Guess they'll wear whatever they want, no matter how revealing. But imagine the difference in cost between the high-fashion, sometimes barely there dresses & the cotton ones! I've seen beautiful gowns of cotton eyelet, trimmed with ribbons & ribbon roses & they're gorgeous. I'm not crazy about the barely there dresses, either - they just seem appropriate in a church.
Gloria
When they have to get jobs, those girls learn to cover up!My lovely, lithe daughter who loves those skimpy fashions now shops for tailored shirts and slacks because she is teaching college science labs and she wants the male students to pay attention to what she is saying. Still, I'm grateful that I can teach my classes nowadays wearing slacks and flat shoes rather than the dressy heels, hose, and skirted suits required in the early days!
You're right - it is nice to be able to wear pant suits or slacks at work - a lot more comfortable. Yah, the teachers of old always wore suits or dark longish dresses - guess that was the uniform of the time (& sensible shoes - usually old-lady laced shoes with heels about 2" high - never flats). Times have changed - for the better in most cases. Your daughter is probably finding that the proper attire does make a difference in the respect she receives.
Gloria
Hi just was at a a banquatean the young lady that was singing didnot have nylons on and her dimples on her behind was showing because her skirt was tight and I was so embarassed for her or for all the women in there
We sewists do tend to look closely at how clothing fits everyone (& mentally make alterations :) - but it's difficult to feel embarrassed for so many people, when they think they look great (or at least acceptable). It's sad. As Ralphetta says, we all need 360 degree mirrors. On the other hand, the singer may have wanted to look like that - some people want to look "sexy", therefore they are noticed, not realizing they sometimes look trashy instead. It's still sad.
Gloria
I would like to see tight jeans go bye-bye! Don't these gals realize that guys like to see a little "jiggle in the wiggle"?
I bet these gals would raise a ruckus if they had to wear a panty girdle!
PS: Those housewives who wore heels and jewelry while taking care of the house were on TV. I do not recall anyone dressing like this when I was growing up in the fifties.....
Edited 1/18/2008 8:29 pm ET by spicegirl1
I had to consult my photo albums to remind myself how I dressed when I was younger. I was never a fashion follower, as a teenager I was an Art student and paints, inks, plaster of Paris and modelling clay never really went well with pencil skirts and stilettoes. Yep I did wear those but at weekends, make up was de rigour and I would never venture outdoors without it then. When I got married and had a family, casual was a blouse, cardigan and skirt or ladies silk shirt and slacks. I never wore jeans, I disliked the fabric and still do, I don't own a single item of clothing made of denim. Denim was for work pants that men wore, I wore shirt dresses, stockings suspenders or girdles, not the rubbery things, the fabric roll ons, then tights when they arrived on the scene. It wasn't until I was in my mid 50s I started wearing Tee shirts, but they were tailored not the sloppy joe type. I still like structured garments for those days when I want to feel really good, gypsy skirts entered my wardrobe when I hit 60, and short fitted jackets followed them. I wear stockings again but the hold up type which don't require suspenders. Handbags which I had abandoned in my 20s reappeared in my 40s, weird wonderful and just plain gaudy. Butterfly pants replaced my tailored slacks when my shape became too rotund as I can't bear to see huge bottoms in tight jeans or slacks. Crop tops never entered my wardrobe, unless you are pencil thin with no visible motherhood scars, you shouldn't bare a wobbly midriff. Makeup no longer figures at all in my life, I had Bells Palsy which left me slightly disfigured in my 50s, and even though I had gone bare faced since my mid 30s except for formal occasions, I decided it was a waste of time gilding the lily. How could I improve on perfection ( gulp) nature had been kind to me, and I have nice skin, wrinkled, but then lots of laughter does that. My hair which had been a yellow blonde is now ash blonde and short, long hair on me now isn't an option, I'd have to wear it in a bun or French pleat as I did for years until I cut it in my 30s and I don't want to experience the tyranny of having to insert half a pound of metal clips in my head to keep it off my neck and face again. So all in all I would have to say I still enjoy dressing up every day. Smart casual for in the house, and smart formal for going out. I still wear courts, don't own a pair of trainers or sneakers, have one pair of suede mules with a heel which I wear in the house.
I don't wear leather skirts any more for the same reason as not wearing the tailored slacks, I do wear my skirts much longer, ankle length, and I'm partial to bias cut garments. Eighty percent of my tops and dresses have long sleeves, as my upper arms have expanded somewhat and I'm still vain enough not to want to parade them. The other twenty percent have short or cap sleeves, and those are worn with jackets, cardigans, shirt blouses, and I wear at least one bit of jewellery every day. Either a necklace or bracelet or brooch, and change my ear rings and ring to suit the outfit I'm wearing. I did own a pair of loose jogging pants but felt dreadful in them, so they ended up as dusters, I love Galabeyas and Djebellas, the embroidered ones, as they are so comfortable in warm weather, but they have to have some shaping to them, not the night shirt type.
I'm a widow, but I still wear silk nightgowns to bed and a silk negliges before I go to bed and after I get up. I like the feel of silk. Eye brow tweezers which had never figured in my life till recently as my brows were fine, are now part of my monthly routine, I now have chin hair. I never saw myself having to pluck hair when I was young. I'd never shaved body hair being so fair, and underarm hair was never a problem, I never had any. So chin hair came as a shock. You know reading this to myself I sound like I'm quite vain, I'm not, but I do enjoy being a woman and looking like one.I think that's why I stuck with the smart casual rather than the casual casual.
Edited 1/18/2008 9:43 pm ET by maggiecoops
Miss Maggie == I adore your posts. Gail
You look very nice, Maggie! But what are butterfly pants?
As for the chin hair, you're doing well if you only have to pluck once a month - I must be ever vigilant - I'm checking every day &, sure enough, another has popped up! Aagh! (Guess you gave up on tying the blue ribbons on them, eh)? :)
Gloria
I tried to find a link to some, but failed. Imagine a pair of slacks with an attached over skirt, the skirt seams are closed down to hip level and then the panels are free to float or fall. They're like the ao dia of Viet namh, but where the ao dia 4 panels come from an overdress, the butterfly pants panels are part of the pants. I wear a long 4 panel split over shirt I suppose you would call it, over a tunic top, it's an European interpretation of the very flattering ao dia Asian costume. It hides a multitude of sins. I love them as I feel quite dressy or casual depending on the fabrics used.
I decided blue ribbons were old hat and I'd go with chin braids, grow them long enough and I could wear them like beads or long scarf wrapped loosely around my shoulders. At the moment a good pluck will last me between 4 and 6 weeks, if they grow more rapidly I might think about electrolisis or laser removal. It's not just vanity, I do hate having to do things like pluck, dollop moisturiser on, I coloured my hair for a few years, (12) but stopped as it was a royal pain having to do it regularly. Now it's natural and my friends think I colour it. No justice is there. I no longer wear nail varnish constantly, I tell you, Dallas ladies had nothing on me, me and my painted tallons could weed the garden, sandpaper paint down, lay floor tiles and be up to my elbows in mud, etc, but my nails would never chip or split. Put em in washing up water though and the darn things would go ping, straight across. Perfect excuse to buy a dishwasher. If we were going out, indeed even now, if I'm going out, I'm always first ready, no messing in front of a mirror, I don't need to check I'm fantastic, no hours in the bathroom, shower, hair washed and blow dried, teeth cleaned and dressed in less than 20 minutes. Mind you thats years of grabbing my slot in the bathroom or dressing table before the hubby or kids monopolised everything.
Just had a thought I could always have a Toni Perm on my chin hair couldn't I, and colour them to match my outfits.
Maggie, those butterfly pants sound interesting & graceful, eh? Maybe Folkwear has a pattern like them - I'll look. Did you make yours?
As for your chin hairs, you are becoming ever creative! But you are happy with yourself & your image, so that's the main thing.
As for me, I haven't quite nailed down my retirement style. I do wear djellabas or loungewear when I have company, but I mainly live in pants. I have some cotton summer dresses for when it's hot & I have to go out, but I don't wear them around the house (if it's that hot, I wear shorts in the house, but change to go outside). I do colour my hair, but don't bother with manicures anymore - just clip my nails short. Because our air is so dry (& cold in the winter), I have to lotion myself every day right after my shower & I use moisturizer on my face at night.
Gloria
Hi Gloria, my first outfit was purchased for me by my daughter. As soon as I saw them on, I fell in love with them. Since then I have made several more, I've made them in cotton lawn, georgette, silk, crepe, and very fine wool. Always with the longer matching shirt or duster. The pants and shirt can be heavier abric but the overskirt needs to a softer one to allow it to swing as you walk.
At the moment I'm just a touch too big to feel good in them, I got lazy over the last 12 months, and it shows. My son is getting married in May so I decided I have to go walking at least 3 times a week, nothing major. I've been spending too much time in my sewing room or sitting in front of this machine. Like my daughter put it, "I don't want to go the wedding looking like heiffer" or in my case, a dumpling with arms and legs
Oh, Maggie - we all have gained over Christmas! You have only a couple of months to 'get in shape' & it's hard to do. Good luck! Do you have an outfit in mind to wear to your son's wedding or will you make something?
Gloria
Oh, how exciting, a wedding in the family! My daughter in law chose my dress for my only son's wedding. I had never worn a strapless in my life, it was well structured, floor length, and had a matching jacket in a soft pinky beige with chocolate brown satin trim. I was doubtful and afraid to even try it on as I was thinking a suit more appropriate. I'm so glad I listened to her! I hadn't received so many compliments in my life. So don't be shy about trying out a variety of styles. Mary
Mary I have at this moment two outfits, both strapless full length dresses, one with a jacket the other with a georgette duster, hanging in my wardrobe. My daughter decided her mum has nice shoulders (huge upper arms) and should show them off. Pity she didnt check with me first, They wont go round me, she bought them to fit the 2006 model not the 2008. Still they'll fit someone somewhere one day. One thing is certain, I wont be wearing a shapeless shift, I'm too short for that, I have to wear something structured so I don't look wider than I am tall. I wear ankle length skirts so long isnt a problem. It's the Boa Constricter look that's a nuisance. the big bulge in the middle.
I understand completely as I am under 5' tall, it wasn't as difficult being vertically challenged until the horizontal challenges came along as well. I feel your pain! What a shame those two outfits don't fit, they sound so lovely. I also have two beautiful outfits that I am saving for "someone/someday". They are both so flattering and feminine that I just can't let them go to a stranger.
I'd love to have a professional copy the "perfect for me" gown and jacket and make me a pattern for it in the right size. I did get to wear it once to an awards banquet in Phoenix, it was so comfortable too. It's an A-line, black princess style A-line with a V neck front and back, floor length, fabric covered buttons down the front, 6 subtle "dance/twirl" slits to the lower thigh. The jacket has satin lapels, cuff, and a matching small fabric rose on it, slit at the center back seam, all topstitched. Alot of work went into the design yet it looks so simple yet elegant. It felt as if it were made just for me.
(If I had the pattern, I think I would make 5-7 summer dresses out of it!). I wonder what it would cost and how I could find the right person to make a pattern? Any suggestions?
There is a book that goes step by step through making a pattern from a ready made garment. http://www.amazon.com/Patterns-Finished-Clothes-Re-Creating-Love/dp/0806948752 As for having a pattern made,do you have a college near you that has a textile department, if so you might find they offer a pattern drafting service for the fashion students to gain experience. I have no idea how much it would cost. We used to have a dressmaker live by us who only had to see a garment once and she could whip up the style for you using the basic block for your figure she'd made. I know they're very thin on the ground now as there arent the custom garment making firms there used to be any more.
Now the dress, a straight forward princess line dress like this one http://www.sewingpatterns.com/index-burda.html every short plump lady should own a princess line dress, youd need to shorten the back neck waist length and check bust high point measurement from waist. You insert Godets in the seam lines. Then for the jacket look up Vogues V2919 only the jacket, ignore the rest of the contents. you do the collar top in satin, the jacket body in the same fabric as the dress. See mission accomplished and it's not noon yet!
Lol if only.
Thanks for the recommendations, I will consider it. My grandmother made her daughters beautiful extremely complex clothes that fit like a glove. She didn't use patterns either. All the boys had white dress shirts and dress pants that she made for thier school uniforms. What a shame that none of us learned this art from her. Eight children, no money to spare, yet they all dressed "to the nines". Mary
Hopefully, Maggie will read your comments - I think they were meant for her :) But your dress sounds lovely. It's funny how, sometimes, other people can choose an outfit for you that you'd have never chosen for yourself, & it looks great. My husband used to buy me things like that (not gowns, but dress clothes) - they always fit perfectly & looked great, yet I wouldn't have chosen them myself (probably because they were more expensive than I would have paid :).
Gloria
Shopping and creating clothing was so easy when I was a size 3-5 Petite! That's what I get for wishing for bigger boobs, hah! I do have some luck with J Jill, Chico's, Speigels, and Newport News, but it takes alot of effort. I have three items to mail back because of fitting issues, such a hassel. Mary
You're so right about RTW - so, back to sewing, eh? It's so amazing that so many of us had no trouble fitting ourselves when we were young (& thin) - I made most of my clothes then - and now, it's a challenge, but guess it's a good think to keep our minds active as we age :)
Gloria
Last year I was so frustrated with sewing clothing for myself. I took a break and made quilts and home dec. I now love quiltmaking. I bought the Vogue fitting pattern and it was my big year long goal for 2008. I was going to make slopers and repad my mannequin or buy a new one.
Recently I bought new embroidery software so that is my new priority for this year. As you said, it's good to keep our minds active....this should do it.
A little voice in my head is asking me if this is avoidance behavior as I find fitting tedious. I would love to find a professional to tackle my fitting issues and make my slopers for me. I have a favorite long gown that is so flattering but too small. I'd love to have a patternmaker create a pattern from it for me. It would make pretty sundresses for summer. I found a website for Professional Custom Clothiers but haven't contacted anyone yet. I hope I can afford it.
You're not necessarily avoiding the fitting pattern, it's just that the embroidery is SO much more exciting, eh? We KNOW that the fitting pattern will be tedious & possibly frustrating.
As for the long gown that is too small, can you not do like I suggested to Maggie - adding panels (maybe lace or embroidery or a contrasting or complementary colour if you don't have the same fabric) down the front, sides, back & length of the sleeve in the middle or adding a wider trim, thereby creating a new gown, as these would look like a design feature (as well as appearing slimmer)? These panels wouldn't have to be very wide to add a few inches all around (depends how much you have to add, of course), but, if they're narrow, they shouldn't affect the fit.
We tend to gravitate to what makes us happy - like quilting, needlework, etc. Besides, you're doing the mental work while you're doing other things, anyway, which should help in the end. :)
Gloria
You are so right! Fitting is tedious and frustrating for me! Since I am no longer physically able to do much, I try to save my energy for things that bring me joy.
The software is to keep my mind active and challenge me. The machine embroidery is relaxing and brings fairly immediate gratification. But I miss creating and wearing interesting clothing, as that was always my favorite aspect of sewing.
Thanks for the suggestions, but this is the most perfect outfit I have owned in my life. It's one of those rare jewels that would work for any formal occassion. So I think I'll see if I can lose enough weight to fit into it again. I'm also going to look for someone to make a sloper for me. My weight gain is mostly in the torso due to inablility to exercise much, especially in the winter.
Thanks so much for your encouragement. Mary
It sounds like you have everything under control, Mary. Good luck with the diet!
As for the winter exercise, I have the same problem. We are in the middle of a bad blizzard right now (it's -22C with a wind chill of -45C) - so you can imagine there is NO WAY I'm going out into that! Even in the summer, when I started a walking program (very slowly & not a long walk to start), my knees became so sore that I had to stop. I do try to move around in the house & up & down stairs a few times in the day. We do what we can, eh? Whatever helps.
Gloria
Oh brrrrrrrrr! Forget fashion when it's that cold out. I'd be wearing long underwear and a sweatsuit, and still be covered in quilts. I agree, forget going outside in a blizzard! I took the dog for a walk today, in fact, I wore a velour knit pants and hoodie, warm coat, the works and then came home and took a nap.
I set a timer so I remember to move around alot when sewing. I need to start doing that with the computer too.
Still beastly cold today - brrr is right! But it's sunny, at least, so that helps - but the wind is still fierce (-45C wind chill) so there isn't much activity outside - even the usual dog walkers aren't out. Now we have to shovel the sidewalk again, too - but at least it's sunny!!!! :) Love these prairie winters - you KNOW it's winter! The schools weren't even closed today, but public transit was running 1/2 hour late. We're such HARDY souls, eh? And, yes, I'm at my most glamourous today - fleece top, fleecy sweat pants & socks - & the furnace just a-going.
Gloria
http://www.nitya-paris.com/index_home.htm When you get there select "enter" and then select collections on the bottom ribbon scroll across the outfits slowly , you'll see they come toward you. Click on the fourth one from the left, that's what I'd like to wear. The first set was from this designer and I have a few other thiings from his label courtesy of my daughter. However I'll probably be going in one of the styles in the next link.
http://www.summits.co.uk/acatalog/2_Man_Tents.html
http://www.bargello.com/detailed_view.asp?image=http://www.bargello.com/images/products/women/607-l.jpg don't know if the link will work, but this is something I would have worn a few years ago, I do wear salwar kameez, they're an easy style to wear.
I have the fabrics all ready to make an outfit, just have remove the rose coloured glasses for 5 minutes as I view my shape in the mirror and decide what will be the best style to disguise the mass.
Oh, Maggie - what a hoot! You will NOT wear the 2-man tent! The other styles (not of the tents, but of the clothing) were very interesting, especially the layering of the Nitya line (but they look more wintry than spring/summer). The Bargello dress was gorgeous - but where would you wear it again? With your creativity, you'll decide on something lovely & flattering & comfortable, I'm sure. How about a dress with a sheet coat over? It would be floaty & hide what you want hidden. Do let us know what it is, or, better yet, show a picture if you can.
Gloria
Gloria, Indian clothing is worn quite widely here in England, and it is so lovely to wear. I have a few outfits, not so onate as the link I gave you, but I could wear that several times for different events,or rather I could have. Not any more, too plump now. I might make the green and mustard Niya outfit but with an 8 gored skirt instead of pants.
Yes, you could make that outfit & it would be quite striking! As an aside, is there no way you can expand the 2 outfits you love? Like adding trim, panels, etc. so they look like they were designed that way?
Gloria
I couldn't manage without my nails polished, but the OPI brand last a long time. Usually use unscented products but love natural lavender soaps, lotion, and candles. For special occassions I wear Bare Minerals make up, pencil liner, and mascara. No chin hairs yet but now I'll be keeping a vigil, I don't need to shave my legs as often, I tried to let the gray come in but it doesn't look good next to auburn so I'm coloring it myself with Loreal again. I tried the hairdresser route with foils and such and short styled locks, just didn't feel like myself.
I enjoyed reading your comments. You don't sound vain at all, but you do sound very feminine and lady like. My mother and sister are too so so I can appreciate that. I was always more the sporty type, much to mother's chagrin. I looked tiny and feminine, but was very athletic until my forties and dressed accordingly. As an RN, I wore uniforms most of the time or office appropriate clothing.
Now, in my fifties with a softer/rounder/ and bustier figure, I love feminine undergarments and sleepwear, but no one would guess as I wear jeans and nice T-shirts during cool weather most days. I love to wear long skirts or dresses in the summer. I probably own more shoes and boots and jackets than anything else. Love to wear silver southwest or Native American style earrings, bracelets, and rings. My hair is growing back out as the short hair was just too fussy for me. When I go out, I often wear black or white jeans or kaki's with matching vest or jean jacket. I do own several dressy outfits and even one basic black pantsuit, but I'm sure they get quite lonely in my closet! This past year I've discovered that I love scarves and shawls. Most of us are very casual here in the West.
Mary, I had my own gang of ragamuffin boys when I was a child. I could climb higher, run faster, score more goals and hit a rounders ball further, plus I could whup any boy in our area. My mother was convinced I'd never be a girl as I was too big a tom boy. I hated dresses, dolls, curly hair, being forced to go to ballet classes, LOL the teacher told my mother I had a dozen left feet. I loved swimming, climbing, getting my very long hair full of knots, brambles and spiky things. No I was definitely not a young lady. Then suddenly at 16 and it was overnight, I discovered I loved being a female, not the helpless fluffy type, they annoyed me and still do, but a full blown I'm a female and it's great. I didn't like the women's lib movement, they sneered at enjoying being a woman, stay at home mums, females who liked being females, they were too strident and frankly tried to ape men. Why, woman has always complemented man, and vice versa. I'm delighted there's a return to vive La difference.
I agree! I'm not and have never been a "girly-girl" but I like to dress up and do my nails and wear pearls and heels now and again. My mom and dad raised me to believe that I could do anything I put my mind to, and I chose to stay home and raise my kids. Not necessarily a better choice than anyone else's, just the right one for me. It gave me the time and opportunity to pursue my artist interests and now I'm a full-time quilter. Maybe someday it will even generate enough income to qualify as a "real" job, but for now I'm just enjoying it. I feel plenty "liberated"--much more than I would if I had to go work for someone else every day. Annie
I was all for females being afforded the same options that men had recieved, as long as they took some of the disadvantages as well, but womens lib wanted to be selective, and if female equality was to exist , it had to allow male equality as well.
I didnt choose to be a stay at home mum, I wasn't given an option. Married women with children were seen as unsuitable for career advancement, and so were discriminated against in the job market. I stayed at home as my earning power once I'd become a parent became negligible, near poverty disclosed a side I never knew existed in me. I was a trained artist, print maker, art teacher, who had also had voice training for years and had been succesful in landing a wonderful singng offer, (never taken up) so I knew I was artistic, what I didnt know was I was creative. Having kids and a poor husband showed me that. For the next 20 years untill my youngest children were in their early teens, I worked as a volunteer in schools educating children in what the possibilities were in their futures. Most of all I changed staff room attitudes, here was a poised, self assured , stylish female so confident in her own worth, and not a strident womans liberationist, so maybe there were choices, and parents attitudes to their childrens roles could be altered. What they also saw was someone who showed the children it was ok to enjoy cooking if you were a boy, or playing football if you were a girl, and it was ok to have aspirations that werent the same as your mums or dads. That sewing, embroidery, knitting werent girly, in fact historically they were in the male domain. Best of all I could it in high heels, stylish cloths and make up. Once my twins were old enough and we had settled, I returned to the class room full time after returning to uni and getting a B-ed to teach in the primary sector, not the senior , giving my husband at long last the chance to choose what he wanted to do, because like myself, his future had been shaped by what we as a society expected of our young people.
I love your story and I agree that true equality includes liberating men from stereotypical roles as well, something that is simply not addressed by the most radical women's rights activists. For my family, including my husband, daughters, and son, what I want is for them all to have the freedom to do what they love as much as possible. For my husband, that meant years of struggling as he built a business for himself and then having the sense to only let it grow big enough to give us a comfortable living, not to the point where it enslaved him. We live very simply, with few of the luxuries that our friends and family consider necessities, but that means that we can also afford to take time off and do the things we love. We are aren't held prisoner by a mortgage, a car payment or credit card debt. Instead, we save up for the occasional trip, go golfing when the weather's nice, go out for supper once a week at a local, inexpensive tavern, spend a day now and then in the antique shops doing more looking than buying and enjoying our time together. If he wants to go hunting or fishing with our son, I have a free day to sew. THAT's being truly liberated! Annie
What a great example of truly living "the good life". Too many get caught up in making a living instead of living a life with those they love.
What a wonderful gift you gave to all those who you mentored! And as a volunteer! God bless You!!! It sounds as if you have reaped many rewards in the long run.
As an RN, I saw the male nurses receive both discrimination and preferential treatment, like a two sided coin.
As societies struggle to evolve, there's a fine line between fairness and equality and losing sight of our personal ethics and morals. Often the end goal doesn't justify the means we use to get there.
It's obvious we are not ready for "globalization" until we learn to be humanitarians at home.
You asked if we were happy with the change to more casual wear. Until a few years ago I'd never owned anything with an elastic waist. I definitely think there is a direct correlation between elastic waistbands, spandex and my weight gain. It's just too easy to keep munching when the garment keeps stretching. I didn't eat as much and I stood taller when wearing clothes that didn't "give."
I love nearly all of the changes; there are just so many more options nowadays!
In the past, we had to conform, even if the current style was completely wrong with our body type or lifestyle. Those tent dresses or dirndls were horrid on me; my friend look equally awful in slim knit wrap dresses. Straight-leg, narrow, and flare jeans and pants look better or worse on different figure types, too.
Now, we can pick and choose from a wide spectrum of choices to find the best for our particular situation--that's so much better! I like to pick one new style option each year to freshen up my classic wardrobe. Last year, it was knee-length flared cotton print skirts with strappy sandals; this winter, I'm having fun with long yarn or large silk fabric scarves and fitted jackets. I don't know what this spring's will be....any ideas?
I'm seeing a lot of leggings or skinny jeans with long, tunics--either sweaters or blouses-- in the catalogs this winter. Works for me--I love over-sized, snuggly sweaters and leggings are sooo comfy. It's like getting permission to wear your jammies all day! Thank goodness crop tops are a thing of the past. Nothing nastier than going to a diner and sitting at eye level with your waitress's navel piercing! I do like the fitted blouses that have been around for a few years and hope that they stick around. It's a clean classic look that's flattering on most bodies as long as you get the right size. Unfortunately, in the junior sizes that I can wear again, tops seem to be sized too small. I take a large in juniors and a small in misses. This means that so many young women look just awful because they aren't buying the size that looks best, but the one that they think they should be able to wear. Even my daughter at 5', 110 pounds has to wear a large in most blouses or sweaters or she looks poured into them. For summer I wear a lot of golf/tennis skorts. I like skirts but the convenience of the built-in shorts is great. I wear them for golfing. Ditto capris--nice for those of us whose thighs aren't as firm as they once were. With a polo or sleeveless blouse, it's a cool, comfortable look. Annie
this has been interesting to read all of the input on this idea. I like dressy, and casual when it's practical. I dress, never anything less than a dress for church. I like hats and gloves, and hope they'd come into fashion but not as long as denim is the daily wear it's not going to happen. I am making a formal for my 9 year old nieces first formal (mentioned on another thread) and I was thinking, wouldn't gloves be nice, but I know that it would be almost impossible to find them and she'd probably be the only one with them. Other kids would think she's trying to imitate Michael Jackson. I love vintage clothes (40's 50's) I never wore them, not that old! Well, I'll tell you in the 50's my daily fashion statement was diapers (and my mom kept a real diaper pin that was mine.) Even diaper pins were fancier!
I don't know about girdles and rubber girdles??? That does not sound fun, but I have seen and like the seamed hose. Even not wearing pantyhose with dresses is perfectly "appropriate" NOT! I can't do it. I have in the summertime but I can't feel dressed without them. I wear slacks most days to work, but I wear dresses and on casual days we're allowed to wear jean, I do, with a dressy top and never wear athletic shoes, unless I'm doing something athletic, which is rarely.
It bothers me for us too go too far in the casual direction, although like I said, I like it to a degree. Then if you go too far you know what you have??? You have people running around in public in there pajamas! I see it all the time and I am appauled!
Like my friend maggiecoops, I'm a girl and like to look like one.
Yes, gloves whether you wear them or carry them. Definitely wear them if you ride the subway. You forgot hats -- the executive type and high level secretaries wore them, but not us little peons. Those were the days when you dressed up to get on a plane.
"Those were the days you dressed up to get on a plane."
Funny you should mention that. I always dress to get on a plane, or even to go shopping. I get treated like royalty when I do, and it doesn't take any extra time to put on something nice. This past Christmas I wore a proper hat that matched my coat, boots and gloves, and a nice dress on the plane. I was more comfortable and warmer than the people wearing pants and sloppy shirts. The dress had no waistband to dig in, or crotch to get uncomfortable while I sat on the plane. Also, I had three complete strangers walk up to me and tell me how elegant I looked. It had me sold on always looking nice when I travel.
Berna
Edited 1/25/2008 6:11 pm ET by BernaWeaves
BernaWeaves: I am with you on dressing up and the treatment you get. Strangers (mostly women) do tell me how nice I look. I think it is partly a response to the contrast of the jeans/sweats uniform seen everywhere on many people. I also think when we fit/sew/design for our own body shape/size things just look good and right. We, of course, are seldom completely satisfied with the result and continue to reach for the "perfect outfit". I learn from every outfit things to do a bit differently next time. However, I don't need everyone else to dress up. I am comfortable with everyone doing what works for them. Scrubble4
Dressing nice: Even a pair of jeans can be dressed up so that you don't look slovenly. I have a new figure due to dropping 40 pounds and my favorite outfit for a casual winter evening now is a pair of straight leg jeans over mid-heeled boots (an extra inch to my 5'2" is always good), with a classic turtleneck and a short, fitted jacket or cardigan. I add some snazzy accessories--I collect Native American silver and artisan jewelry--and I look and feel great, but not over-dressed. I know I laugh about living in Flannel Heaven, but even though our standards are very casual, there's a difference between casual and sloppy. I wouldn't necessarily feel "comfortable" just because my clothes are loose, it's as much mental as physical, I think. Even when I was bit more matronly in shape, I still liked to wear nice, well-fitting clothes. I wore more dresses and skirts then. The reason I don't now is because since having to completely replace my wardrobe since last May, I haven't taken the time and money to get casual skirts and dresses yet. I had to get three dressy ones to wear to weddings--EVERYONE got married last year!-- but I still need to get some casual dresses like my favorite pinwale corduroys. I love a long skirt or dress over riding boots. Annie
Annie: First WAY TO GO on dropping those pounds. 40 WOW it would take me a whole year to get that many pounds off as my metabolism is pretty slow. Everyone thinks I am lucky because they seem me as slim. In reality I am diligent about being careful to exercise regularly and not to over eat as it takes forever for me to shed even 2 pounds. I congratulate you because I know this is often minute by minute work to get them off and to keep them off. Its not just keeping the mouth zipped when it hungers to savour a tasty morsel, it is also shoe horning regular exercise time into your daily schedule. Both are constant temptations for me not to do.
I think I must have sounded like a clothes snob and I am sorry as I truly am not. I do have one pair of denim jeans, and I absolutely did not mean to suggest there is anything wrong with denim. I just enjoy wearing other things as well. I have a pair of black velvet jeans that I love because they dress up or down so well.
I think whatever makes you feel good is a great outfit. I have said before on different Gatherings, that I lament not having more casual clothes as I have needed to put most of my time and dollars into work clothes. Maybe when I can focus more on informal clothes I will find more denim in my wardrobe.
Thanks Scrubble4
Oh, I didn't think you sounded snobby about the jeans--I knew exactly what you meant! I saw an example of it last night when we went bowling. It wasn't that the one young woman was wearing jeans and layered tee's, it was that the tees were simply too small for her. She wasn't overweight, but had a healthy build and unfortunately this just made her look fat. Even worse than this is girls shopping in their pjs and slippers! Did this catch on anywhere else, or is it just here in Wisconsin? I couldn't believe it the first time I saw it. I totally agree about the weight loss and then keeping it off. I had to make major lifestyle changes, eating healthier, portion control, regular exercise. (I walk on my treadmill in the evening when we watch TV in the winter, golf or walk/jog in the summer.) It wasn't easy and I'm always sort of puzzled by the people who ask what I did to take off the pounds and then seem so disappointed when they find out that it was determination and hard work. Do they really think that all that weight just disappeared miraculously or that I found some sort of magic pill? I wish!Annie
Your description of how you dress to go out, reminds me of the elegant ladies in San Francisco who still dress to the nines complete with hat and gloves when they go out.
I've always enjoyed seeing nicely dressed people and you feel good for them as well.None of this strapless tops, short shorts and flipflops for flying!!!
I LOVED dressing up to get on a plane. Now the plane are so dirty, I take a shower and change clothes when I get to my destination. And often a spoon full of Silver Biotics (a wellness elixer from the health food store), just for good measure. Gail
I loved evey thiing about dressing up it made people more polite and considerate now it does not matter where you are the men don`t open the doors unles you are dressed up
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