I often wonder who this everywoman is, and what her life must be like. I suppose it depends on each magazine's readership.
For example, here's Matchbook's 50 classics:
But my little sister, would have a good laugh at this list. Being a "creative", she has very different ideas of what wardrobe essentials are (super skinny leather trousers; 100 gold bangles; ginormous sunglasses, etc). In fact, we can no longer enjoy shopping together as there have been too many "ugh, hideous - I wouldn't be caught dead in that... but it might look good on you" moments (said by her, I add).
And while I was pondering wardrobe essentials, Kestrel's post on planning your sewing popped up on my reader. And that got me thinking. Why do I sew what I sew? Is it essential? (Probably not - I definitely don't need any more clothes!) Since I've started sewing, I've mostly stopped shopping because what's available in the shops just doesn't seem worth the price (and is usually poorly made/fitting). But blogs seem to have become my new shopping: I must have a Minoru like Karen's; Scruffy Badger will make a top that I simply can't live without; Marie will make a whole bunch of tees that I'm suddenly desperate for; MMM12 will come along and I'll be so inspired by what everyone else has made that I want to make it too!
So, I'm taking a step back. While I might not actually have a formal plan for my sewing (too easily distracted), I'm definitely going to give a lot of thought to what I sew. Here's my new three-stage test for each make (the WWW):
- What? (With the sub-questions "Seriously?" and "Will that even suit me?")
- Why? (Answers such as "because XYZ made one, it's so cute, and I want one too" are not acceptable.)
- What will I wear it with? (Must consider shoes. Answers such as "pffft - I'll think about that later" are not acceptable.)
Sewing is supposed to be fun for me, so I don't want to become too draconian about it. But a little bit of organisation is called for, I think. Let's see how long I keep this up.
What about you? How do you approach your sewing? Do you have a masterplan? A season-plan? (Me-made) Wardrobe essentials? or do you just sew what you fancy?
speak soon!
x
Great post, and thanks for all those awesome links! I tend to over plan (in my head, as in I want that that that and that, and not in any organized fashion). I need to be more realistic about what I really want or need to sew and how long that will actually take.
ReplyDeletethanks Robin! I am the same - I have such a huge pile of "must makes" which is completely unrealistic!
DeleteYou are so right about blogs being the new shopping! I'm the exact same way-- "Oh, look at that, I NEED one!" Hilarious. I'll be thinking of your "WWW" test now before I flip out and buy a pattern because, "Oh, Neeno made this dress and it's SO FAB!"
ReplyDeleteI definitely don't have most of the things on this list, but I wear very casual clothes to work, so I don't have a need for things like cashmere sweaters. It would probably be nice to have a wardrobe stocked with basics, but it definitely skews preppy, so if that's not your vibe (not really mine) you might be kinda bored with them.
ya, I definitely have "versions" of what's on that list, rather than the exact thing the list dictates. I was very fortunate to find a quality cashmere sweater on sale (mega reduced) a couple of years ago and it is the most luxurious thing I own. But I agree - I would definitely get bored if my wardrobe was only made up of things on this list - I need (much) more colour in my life :)
DeleteVery true in so many ways! Your 4 ws remind me of my friend's rule of 3, she is an image and style consultant too, and helped me realise the right colours and styles, but once you know that, the rule of 3:
ReplyDeleteWill you wear it more than 3 times?
Does it go with more than three things
Can you see yourself wearing it in 3 years time?
oo - I like the rule of three! I'm going to use that too. it makes such good sense!
DeleteI think the 'Why' is an interesting on - I've definitely found myself buying patterns that I don't need just because I've seen a gorgeous version on someone's blog. And yes - what will I wear it with? It's easy to get carried away with a project, only to find that it sits unworn in the wardrobe!
ReplyDeleteso true. I have a riduculous number of patterns that just don't relate to my life. Time for a clearout, I think!
DeleteOh it's all true! Blogs have definitely replaced magazines and clothing catalogues in my life, and I "Windows-shop" far too often! My recent decluttering crisis has seen me questioning everything I thought I might make, because like you I feel I probably do have "enough stuff" but I am wondering if it is the "right stuff". That list of 50 items is appealing because it provides "a uniform" and if I adopted it, I wouldn't have to worry about what goes with what else... but I think I would get bored! I am trying to work out what I really like and what is "me" and make more of it, spiced up with the new and shiny thngs I see on other people's blogs (like yours!)
ReplyDeleteI'm so impressed by your recent decluttering - I know I should do the same, but I'm too afraid of the sheer volume of stuff I have - it's safer out of sight! ;)
DeleteFirstly, thanks so much for the mention ;o)
ReplyDeleteThis is a fantastically thought-provoking blog post Shivani! Like you, I can't stick to rigid plans, but I am desperate to have a 'working' wardrobe. At the moment I too impulse sew on the back of seeing other people's gorgeous makes, but that often leaves me with very few makes that I truly love. I also impulse buy patterns and fabric far more than is healthy (except when kind people like you come along and lend me patterns ;o)). I definitely need to give my makes more thought (instead of getting sidetracked so easily) if I ever want to achieve the kind of wardrobe I want to. Perhaps writing down some broad aims may help to focus my mind long term.