Monday, November 26, 2007

I Listen

Subtly pinstriped vest, H&M. White lace blouse, Newport News. Velvet dress, NY & Co (shortened by me). Patterned tights, Merona. Black patent slingbacks, Audrey Brooke. Circular brooch, thrifted.

I’ll admit that receiving negative, or even constructively critical, comments can sting a little. Unless the feedback is obviously mean-spirited, I try to read them with an open mind. When I wore this dress in October, lisalisa suggested I hem it up. I mulled over her suggestion and, yesterday, chopped over six inches off.











I wouldn’t call myself an accomplished sewer. I did poorly in the sewing section of Home Ec. I’m creative, though, so I bought this machine (secondhand) to do home décor projects (like my roman blinds) and simple clothing alteration. It’s an old sewing machine, but I’m very happy with it.

15 comments:

Londyn said...

It looks great! Really flattering for you. Also, I am in LOVE with those tights :)

Anonymous said...

The shortened version is more flattering!

Like yourself, I performed abysmally in Home Ec. My mum has a sewing machine, that I used quite frequently for small projects as a teenager and I do miss the convenience of having one now. Maybe a secondhand purchase is in order?

Hmmmm..... :-)

xo

Sabina

Tess said...

I'm short and so everything is always long on me. Being lazy and not having a sewing machine or a clue how to actually sew anything, my poor clothes are usually fated to remain whatever length they are.

Seeing the difference in this dress, which I would have thought was fine before, but now looks so much better, has me thinking I'd better learn to hem things.

Your legs look amazing with the dress that length and the tights are indeed fantastic.

Kasmira said...

Tess - if you don't want to invest in a sewing machine, you can use Hem and Trim tape for small, lightweight hems. The tape's glue is activated with an iron. I've used it on pants.

Other people use Stitch Witchery, but it looks harder to use!

Anonymous said...

Yay! The dress looks much better now...that is indeed a flattering skirt length on you. I'm glad you took my comment to heart - I always aim to give constructive feedback, since we all want to look our very best! :-) I am 5'3", so believe me, I am used to hemming just about everything... I have had success with Hem and Trim tape or fabric glue, but for major projects I take items to a tailor and cough up the $10 bucks. Most of the time I buy bottoms in regular sizes and tops in petite sizes, since they are harder to alter.

Anonymous said...

the dress looks great altered! ;)

Nana Erin said...

I like that dress 1000 times more now. It looks fantastic. Also, I love it with that vest!~

- erin dish

Anonymous said...

What a great outfit. I need to get me a manly vest!

Anonymous said...

definetly I like more the stockings, looks more elegant...and by the way congratulations for your new sewing machine! curiosly...what kind of clothes you wear while sewing?

Anonymous said...

Oh yeah, much better! Looks more modern. You've inspired me!!! Off to my closet to see what needs hemming...

TwilaO said...

I'm going to chime in and say, "I agree! Much better!" I like the way you're wearing it in the second picture better too.
Good job!

Anonymous said...

Fantastic outfit! I wasn't sure I liked the vest trend this season but you've managed to make me covet a vest! This is a super look on you.

Sara

Melody said...

Great hem job! You're inspiring me try more wardrobe refashions of my own.

Doris said...

I like the dress in both lenghts. I love all your outfits, they're so inspiring.

Anonymous said...

Love those tights!!