Sarong Styles

Lately I've been experimenting with sarong /pareau wrap style dresses. I wish I wasn't so lumpy, but I suppose part of self-acceptance is wearing what I like and that is comfortable, even if I can't look svelte in it. The last one I did was too short and wouldn't quite go around me. This one goes around me, but the fabric doesn't breathe, so it's hot, and it's too clingy so it's horribly unflattering. So try try again.

I like the backless look, but I wish I'd had the strap parallel to the ground.

I like my body from my head to my ribs, and from my knees down, but that's about it.

Yes it makes me cringe to see myself like this.

My friend gave me a pedicure yesterday.

Time to Alter Clothing

I was really amazed and blessed when a friend dropped by with garment bags full of clothes for me. Her mom was downsizing, and it's practically a miracle because her mom's clothes are slightly too big for me and that never happens. I might even have to take the seams in. I can't remember the last time I got hand-me-downs that were my size or bigger. Even if I were to go to a thrift store right now, I doubt I'd find more than 2 things that fit me that I liked. So I'm excited about putting together some Fatshionista outfits for autumn! I almost wish I was going back to college or had a new job to wear all these outfits to. I don't think the quail are going to appreciate my new looks very much.

Dancing the night away.

Updo

Dressing up is fun.

My shoes make me feel like Cinderella

Silver sparkly heels

Romantic Blouse

Last week my daughter and I got to go thrifting. We had a fantastic time.  She got some skirts she could wear over her pregnant baby bump.

I found the blouse I'm wearing today. I also got a gold shrug that I'll show you later. After packing and moving all week long, it was nice to put on something pretty and stop feeling so grungy.

Stocking Up on Sewing Supplies

Happy to report that I just bought 2 Ziplock bags full of sewing notions, trim and tools and another bag of ribbons at the Goodwill in Atascadero, CA for about $13. That should keep me busy until I go home from my trip. I'll have to add the photos when I get home.

Fashion Collages Coming Soon

I'm out of town right now so I can't post photos, but I'm putting together a bunch of fashion collages with different themes like pattern mixing, frontier looks, textures, and so on. On the train ride up here I cut out a bunch of fashion photos from magazines and then once I got here I bought a tablet of 8x12" drawing paper to glue them all down. Then I'll do some DIY project to go with each collage board, so this is a long term project and I'll have exciting things to share in this blog if you want to follow along. I know I'm not the first person to have ever done this, but it will be fun all the same. And hopefully someone new to the game will find the information beneficial.

Once I got here I glued everything to the appropriate page.  Most of them were big photos so now I need to find smaller photos to fill in all the gaps. My friend gave me a big stack of fashion magazines to help me out but I only brought one with me on the train, because weight is a factor. I always buy stuff when I'm up here, so I always have more weight on the way home to carry.

I also realized that the size of the paper that was best for the collages won't fit on my scanner, so I'll have to take the photos with my digital camera and hope for the best.

Giving Up Off the Rack Clothing

Today I was thinking I bet I could live another five years without buying another off the rack garment. I have a fabric stash, tons of patterns, tons of clothes I could redesign. I like the freedom of designing my own wardrobe. Very few things off the rack fit me anyway. I'm bigger than average. I have broad shoulders and long arms. I have wide calves. Many of us, maybe even most of us, can't wear off the rack clothing without some alterations. Plus people tend to give me clothes. Yardsellr just sent me a free t-shirt for example. Or I can knit or crochet vests and scarves and hats. This is good news since I don't like to shop. I really don't. It's tiring, nothing fits right, it's overpriced and never seems to come in the colors or prints that I want, and salesclerks are well known for being rude to fatter older women. There are so many things I'd rather do with my time than shop. Years ago I made my own wedding dress. I figure if I can do that, I can sew just about anything.

I'd rather spend time in nature than shop.

Nude, Blush, Turquoise

Today I was on Pinterest and got swept away looking at fashions in the color nude, which lead to fashions in the color blush, and then on to turquoise. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I'll post the screen captures. to see the entire collection, click on the links on 'nude' and 'turquoise' above.
I think turquoise and blush/nude would look very nice together.