Annie Hall meets Island Girl

I don't know why, but I almost never blog about clothing. Actual clothing, the outfits that are almost like an extension of my journal.

For at least six years, probably more, I have not purchased any new clothing with the exception of socks and under garments. If I can't find what I want used or vintage, then I sew what I need. It isn't about money or the consumerism thing, for me it is a sport, a hobby. I have alwasy admired people who can put together outfits that are thrifted or vintage.

I LOVE vintage clothing stores and have taken vacations based on favorties stores across the US. One time, I went from Delaware all the way to Los Angeles planning my driving stops to visit favorite vintage clothing stores. 

This year's fall outfits are starting to take form and I am inspired by lots of texture and dark muted colors.

Here is what I am working with so far. Just found, these tiny size 5 men's shoes, a perfect fit. I think these shoes will look cute with some chunky socks. When it comes to hunting for clothing, I never pay attention to who the item is intended for. If it fits and it's cute and works into an outfit and the price is right, that's all it has to be - men's or women's wear.


This light weight upholstery fabric was found at the thrift store. What I am showing in this picture is the back side which I think is more interesting than the front of the fabric.  This fabric should work well with the Marcy Tilton pant pattern.  I think I will make view C, the longer cropped pants.

Another piece of thrift store fabric in a hard to describe color in a puckery (is that a word?) knit that will be made into a Marcy Tilton top. I think I will alter the pattern just a bit so that it's not quite so fitted because of the bulky fabric.

A large men's sweater that I am going to chop down into a sweater jacket.  I have some thin soft leather from a vintage coat that I want to add to this sweater, either as a collar, sleeves or waistband.  Still thinking about how I want to remake it but I know I will add leather and maybe some vintage chunky lace.

Then this summer, I found this vintage 1940's mens hunting jacket complete with original leather buttons. This is a project I can not wait to start on and may have to start this afternoon.  I want to crop the length, add new lining and move the pockets around. I love the wool in this jacket but with a wet tropical summer, I haven't been too interested in working with wool,

And to keep it all from being to serious, I found a crazy calavera belt, beach shell necklace that I will most likely re-work and some of my own bangle stacks in neons and darks.  Also in the very first photo is a woven leather bag in a fishing creel style.

Lots of texture this fall.

Comments

[Dawn]

Awesome post! I hope you will share the finished garments with us. I love the textures and colors.

[Julia]

I love your hunting jacket! For the last two winters, I have worn a 1940's men's overcoat. It's a black and white tweed with flecks of red and a zip-out red plaid liner. Unfortunately, I had to replace the original leather buttons (although I saved what remained of the originals), so I am envious of your pristine buttons! Besides looking fantastic (in my opinion) and being so warm and comfortable, my favorite part of my coat is the original labeling - especially the union label. I'm looking forward to wearing it again this winter (along with my blue, 1970's "church lady" coat).

[Janet]

I loved it too!

[Debra]

I'm not sure what you consider 'old' -but I bet I'm older! (57, and loving it!) I am on the same fashion page as you-I have a nice stash of vintage and interesting fabric purchased at different local thrift shops-and those shoes-I had some like that, only they were low pumps-I could cry that I donated them-I LOVE finding cool used shoes, and who cares if the item was for a man-if it fits! I'm looking forward to seeing the results of your clothing changes-I have some projects like that, but I've been a little chicken to get started. I loved this post!!!