Sartorial Saviours

I recently completed a 4 week secondement position at a very interesting office. When i was enquiring about the role, I asked the usual questions about what the job would involve, and who I'd be working with...but also I asked 'What's the dress code?'

Now, in my day-to-day job, I am lucky enough not have a dress code (or at least not one that I pay any attention to, and no attention is made to me ignoring it), but this new place was different, and I imagine, much like most regular offices with a dress code of 'business wear'.

Despite often rocking up to my regular workplace in jeans and a pair of Converse, on closer inspection of my wardrobe, I realised I actually had a few things that would work with the code; smart black trousers, white shirt, pencil skirt...and for a few days, exiting and entering Westminster Tube, I looked the part. But I didn't look like me. So, I started to get a little creative - who said business wear needed to be boring?

I realised I had a few great items, often worn casually that, which with a bit of imagination could work within the new restrictions - my sartorial saviours....

This is my amazing blazer; cropped sleeves, draped collar and a relaxed but smart fit. I used it to in place of a standard suit jacket. Much more interesting.

My sequinned cardigan - a vintage shop find. No one said I couldn't wear sequins as part of 'business wear'...they are subtle, I promise.

The red shoes - love these - they make me smile.

I love silk scarves - my collection started with one lovely find in a charity shop. Now I have so many it's silly.

Belts - I have so many of these too, mainly from charity shops; really useful for making a typical 'office' outfit a bit more personalised.

Black ballet pumps - love the idea of high heels, but generally can't be arsed wearing them. And I can't run for my train in heels.

I admit, there were mistakes too - the dress that was too short...way too short...ah, well.

So, by my last day, I felt much better doing the 'smart thing'. Just another day in the office...

I made this! Leopard print tunic dress

Amazingly, I've completed the dress I started on my clothes making course....and here it is...

I'm really pleased with it, not bad for a first attempt, don't you think? I've already signed up for the next semester and have a pattern for a dress that is, admittedly, a lot harder than this one, which was relatively 'easy'.

Nice no?

All the tools, but not a clue...yet

My clothes making course has now started and I'm really enjoying it. Having a sewing machine and all other bits and bobs for making clothes is all well and good, but seeing as though I haven't followed a sewing pattern since school (which is, shockingly, 12 years ago now...), I am definitely ripe for a few lessons to get me started.

Our first class was a good introduction and reminder of a lot of things I'd forgotten. It's a mixed ability class and there are 13 of us on the course this semester. The group is a good mix of ages and stages of ability and everyone is keen to get advice from our amazing teacher Sue who's been teaching since the sixties, and entertains us with her tales of the art scene in South London in the '60's (teaching David Bowie, working with Malcolm McLaren, hanging out with the Small Faces and The Who.....)

After the first class I was really excited, and armed with our list of essentials, went to the huge Wimbledon Sewing Machine centre to get my fabric and a pattern. I'd been a bit disheartened by some of the patterns I'd seen (why are they so crap?), but found these which I'm very excited about:

I bought two patterns by Cynthia Rowley at Simplicity; one that I would love to make (the dress on the right), and one I think I have a hope in hell of making (the tunic on the left), and I think it will look great in this lovely leopard print fabric:

So, I'll keep you posted with how I get one- hopefully I'll get a picture of me in the tunic on the blog soon...

How to have a stylish wedding

I recently went to a wedding of a couple I've been friends with for years - both the bride and groom are amazingly stylish, and I was excited to see how they'd translate their personalities into the biggest days of their lives.






I wasn't disappointed; it was unique, personal and beautiful. No OTT sentiment (not needed), no frou frou (not at all them) but most importantly and significantly, it was fun as well as stylish; I think that was their ambition, and they succeeded. I have been to other weddings (and parties of all sorts) that prioritised how it looked over how it would feel, or perhaps those in charge didn't have the capacity to make the event achieve both. However this wedding had beautiful venues, small individual touches, and cupcakes. And not forgetting a truly breathtaking dress and a ridiculously smart suit.






It only takes a bit of thought (and a good eye, i guess) to make a memorable day. Congratulations Shartyn and Ding.

Girl in a green dress

I saw this picture hanging in a antiques shop in Brighton. I almost wished I hadn't, because it meant parting with a fair bit of money and carting it all the way home. But it is a gorgeous picture, and I'm now a massive fan of Tamara De Lempicka and her work. The only problem is that whilst it worked in my last flat (hung against a dark grey wall), it just doesn't work in my new flat. So now, it resides in a corner of my lounge, leaning a little forlornly against a wall. I can't bear to part with it (and i don't want to), but what do I do? It's no way to treat a lady...