ENSEMBLE: NEW SHOES AND AN OLD SKIRT

skirt: altered sample, cardigan: Topshop, shoes: new from Aerosoles!

I took home a lot of samples from my old job, most of which were cheap looking yoga pants, but this chiffon-esque pleated skirt was one of the rare tasteful ones. I haven't been able to wear it because the waist elastic was too big, so this week in the vein of mend and make do, I undid the casing and removed three inches of the elastic. It is still a little loose around the waist, which is why I can tuck in a cardigan (is that a terrible fashion faux pas? I feel like my brothers would have a field day!). I love the length of the skirt and have wanted a pleated skirt for a while now so this feels like an achievement  I must have had that cardigan for over eight years, I like it paired with anything and I always feel victorian whenever I wear it. The new shoes are super comfy and I love their retro vibe. I can't wait to wear them out but until then I keep them in plain view so I can enjoy just looking at them!

So far I am living up to my vow to refashion and clear out, last weekend I schlepped a bunch of clothes that were not donation appropriate to Beacon's Closet and got $63 cash in return. Getting rid of stuff is oddly therapeutic and upsetting at the same time. I'm reading Mindy Kaling's book 'Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)' and she talks about her friend being "a hoarder of the cheerful, social, Christmas-lights-year-round variety" I currently harbour no less than three sets of Christmas lights... Hopefully my hoarding behaviour will be stunted by our relocation.

Although this minor skirt alteration doesn't really count as a refashion, I plan to update a navy chiffon blouse I don't really wear as it feels too dark, with a white peter pan collar from the leftover crepe for the black and white challenge. I think my goal to only refashion existing garments and sew new ones is realistic except for the following necessities: 1) jeans for fit and durability 2) underwear for fit, comfort and durability 3: shoes! maybe this won't always be the case, for jeans and underwear, but right now that's where I'm at.

The Joan dress is coming along slowly but surely, I'm researching facings and seam finishes to get it right. I'm really excited to see how it turns out.