Number One ~
This interview suit...I slaved over this suit and never wore it. Not once. You can read all about it's construction here. It's still in the closet because who knows when or if I will need another one but as of right now...I don't see wearing it in the foreseeable future.
Number Two ~
I regret using my black embroidered border fabric for this outfit. I've never worn the two pieces together and only recently wore the top over a pair of jeans...and wasn't really happy with it that way. Also the pants fit so-so, my pants pattern still needs some adjustments made to it and I've just been too lazy to get it done.
Number Three ~
This yellow ponte skirt. Why? Well I know why I made it - to match the sweater it's pictured with but this outfit just doesn't work in my new job. I've worn the complete outfit just once - to church this summer. The cardigan of course works with jeans and/or leggings so it's been worn a couple of times.
Number Four ~
The fruit fabric top and skirt. I've never worn the two pieces together. I've worn the skirt alone several times but the two pieces together just feel to dressed up for this job. Which is sad because I really like this outfit!
Number Five ~
Finishing McCalls 6506 - what a waste of time! I put that dress in the giveaway bag with a quickness because I hated how I looked in it. It was never worn besides the pics on the blog. The only good thing is that I finished a UFO! And the lesson I learned - if I DON'T like a silhouette on me, don't listen to outside voices that tell me I would look good in it! There will be no more dresses with waists and flared skirts appearing on this blog! *LOL*
The best part of this pic is that I can wear those white wedges again!
Conclusion ~
Most of these looks ended up on this list because I made them prior to starting my new job. If I had waited a minute and scoped out the lay of the land better, several of these pieces would still be in the collection waiting for their time to shine.
I know at the time I was discussing these changes that many people suggested that I "be me." However, one of the things that was said about me in a review recently was that I adapted to the culture of the company so quickly that it seemed like I fit in from day one. That was huge! Because the relaxed dress code is a big part of the company's culture!
Can I share something else? I rarely wear my hair down now. It's either pulled back in a ponytail or up in an updo. Wearing my hair down adds to a dressed up feel in my clothing and when I say my office is casual I mean CASUAL! Another huge change for me because in my last job, I wore my hair down and styled 90% of the time!
All of those changes will be a huge part of my next post on Reflections of 2015 and Goals for 2016. It will also be my last post prior to Christmas.
...as always more later!
I think we all end with with things that don't fit us one way or another. Thankfully it's not too many items.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love that suit and I'm thinking you could wear it to funerals or to church which is wear I wear the black suit I made for my 2009 SWAP. It's a shame you can't wear the fruit outfit because it's gorgeous but we all have pieces in our closets that hardly ever see the light of day. Happy Holidays, Carolyn.
ReplyDeleteI find it really interesting that you say that some of these looks are too dressed up for your job. I work in a new place where the other two people in the department wear jeans and t-shirts. I... don't wear jeans. I wear skirts and sweaters or cardigans. I might be too dressed up for work, but I'm comfortable, and that really is what's most important - that you're comfortable in your clothing choices.
ReplyDeleteThe fruit outfit is cute. I would dress it down with flat sandals and minimal jewelry. I agree with dotted lines. Don't let any environment or people change your comfort level. People stopped telling me "I'm dressed up" because they relize that's my personal style. I dress according to how I feel and want to look. Sometimes I feel dressy and sometimes I feel casual. Besides the nature of NY (at least when I lived there) was all about fashion.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I've gone through a complete style change over the last couple of years but it's been interesting for me to learn that I'm best served by sewing in similar silhouettes. Just because my lifestyle has changed I still need to stick to shapes that suit my figure. I made a couple garments this year that just "didn't work" and it was due to their silhouette. Yes, garment sewing is always a work in progress. I've so enjoyed your blogging journey through 2015! Karen
ReplyDeleteI see what you mean about the last dress with the full skirt. It just looks wrong on you somehow even though it is beautifully made as usual.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite is your fruit fabric outfit it looks lovely on you.You must start wearing it :)
ReplyDeleteKnow what you mean by wanting to fit in at work. Something to think about though - now that you are seen as someone "who really fits in", you can now branch out a bit and wear things other than the office uniform and still be seen as fitting in. The first impression has been made and it will stick. You will still be the person who fits in, but now you can be the interesting person who makes cool stuff and fits in. I'm looking forward to see what you make in 2016. :)
ReplyDeleteOh I hope you wear the fruit fabric duo when you get a chance! I love that fabric!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Leigh - can't wait to see 2016's sewing! That said, I love, love outfit #2 on you. It does look "dressy", I guess. But it's so pretty. Thanks for sharing so much with us - you're a true inspiration for me.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Leigh - can't wait to see 2016's sewing! That said, I love, love outfit #2 on you. It does look "dressy", I guess. But it's so pretty. Thanks for sharing so much with us - you're a true inspiration for me.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the way you look in the last dress! You look Amazing!
ReplyDeleteI like the last dress too, but you have to feel good in clothes and not just go with what other people think. I have to congratulate you on your adaptation to your new job, and the weight loss. You look 20 years younger, and so much happier! Even your clothes reflect the new outlook. Here's to an even better 2016! ~Martina
ReplyDeleteI think your misses are misses from your point of view fashion but they are great pieces of work worth to be kept. What a shame you did not like the McCall's dressent. It was such a fresh look and causal. I don't think that dress code counts that much in France at least it does not for me.
ReplyDeleteSo interesting. I was looking at my closet this weekend and realized I'm going to need an interview in (I'm going to start looking in the spring). And, my office is SO CASUAL now that I don't have anything but jeans and sweatshirt dresses to wear. I'll have to learn from you and plan carefully.
ReplyDeleteThis has been a very "thought provoking" post for me! Especially when it came to your ''interview suit"...I understand adapting to the "corporate environment" because that's been my life for over the last 40 years as an Executive Assistant. Newly retired this September, there will be a change in my clothing creations for 2016 too. It will be very interesting to see your new creations this coming year, as I may be using you as an inspiration!! Merry Christmas Ms. Carolyn!!
ReplyDeleteThat first black top with the pretty white embroidery reminds me of a similar thing I did with that kind of fabric -- made it too short. I think these beautiful bordered fabrics look spectacular when the top is more of a tunic length and ends at least mid hip or, for a more slimming effect, even longer. I'm not an hourglass type of girl and, for me, something that draws the eye down away from my waist turns out to be a better look. Love all these garments -- it's always so hard to part with anything you've put a lot of time, craftsmanship and love into, even those that don't entirely work out when finished. But the flip side is more room in the closet for future creations! Cindy C., Creative Hormone Rush
ReplyDeleteI think maybe lots of people have to adjust, and it takes a bit of time. I cut out two wool skirts (Scotland) when I had already retired and didn't need them any more. My husband bought me a lovely executive type handbag, not needed any more, and so these things were never used. My most frequent mistake is to make things I want to wear, but have no place to wear them to. Skirts and jackets are not much needed at home!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your "misses", Carolyn. You have been my sewing idol for a few years now (as I once told you in Elliot Berman). If only my own misses were as gorgeous as yours! I too have recently undergone a lifestyle/fashion renovation, With the birth of my children, but the challenge of a new wardrobe is fun to wrestle with, and certainly does get those creative juices flowing. For me it's been about looking stylish while still being able to breastfeed. Not easy! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm loving these post, Carolyn! You know, you look really good in all those makes, but I'm with you - if you don't feel it yourself, then you can't wear it! How many outfits have I made that feel weird on me, or uncomfortable, or not my colour (in my opinion) that other people have loved on me? I figure I have to be the one who wears it, so I have to enjoy it!
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