What exactly is Paris Chic???

Paris chic vs. California casual.  How and where do the two meet?  It's a tough sell to be a chic fashionista in sunny Southern California where blue jeans, flip flops and beachy comfort reign.  Where I live it's very nice, but my world is not Beverly Hills.  Old and young alike, the majority of us tend to slap on crappy jeans and tees and out the door we go; size and shape don't matter.  I have to say, we do clean up well...you know what I mean; however, for everyday living, no no no!!  Now here's a handful of examples I pulled, searching Paris Chic/Paris Style on the Internet.  Since I'm also in search of age-appropriateness and I'm no pencil twig (more a sturdy tree trunk), I have to tweak everything just a bit; but these styles work, blending Paris chic with beachy chic...or something along that line.  I'm thinkin' on it.

Dotty Dress - Grandma's Homesewn

Here's a simple sundress for Chloe, which I sewed using Kwik Sew #3864.  Love the cotton fabric, love the facing and button contrast; all from my fabric stash.  I used Size 1T to match Chloe's measurements, but sized the dress length to a Size 3T; Chloe is petite for her age, but tall.  I'll send this Dotty Dress by mail today.

Polka Dot Shorts

Here are the matching shorts to Chloe's plumeria/polka dot top.  Fast, fun and easy to sew.

Chloe's Summer Wardrobe...in the making

Chloe is my 2-1/2 year old granddaughter, one of two grandchildren, with one on the way, all girls.  Chloe has fitting problems because she's at a size 1T in body measurements, but 3T in height.  Good that grandma sews!  After getting used to sewing teeny tiny versus Size Women's Large (these arthritic fingers don't help), I am delighted to be sewing for my little girlies.  The pink top was meant to be a dress (Chloe loves dresses) but the body of the dress got caught in the serger at the hem so not it's a top.  The knit set with tiny citrus fruits and flowers is adorable.  Both were made with Kiwk Sew children's patterns.  These outfits are first attempts, based on Chloe's measurements which her mama sent to me from Boise, ID.  Once I know they fit well, I'll be making bunches of summer outfits for this little girlie.

Age Appropriate Wardrobe

I love fashion trends and I love to sew but, these days comfort is a must.  I want a wardrobe that suits my aging body, retired lifestyle and hair color (yes hair color...I've gone au natural and it's now a soft snowy white).  Since I stopped coloring my hair which was a sacred ritual of mine for many years, my whole color palette has changed.  It's been a challenge to re-think what colors flatter, what colors drain and those which make me look like a flaming peacock.  I don't want to give in to leisure,cruise-style colors or matching cropped pant outfits.  You are what you wear after all and I want my wardrobe to be current, sophisticated but casual, comfortable but not frumpy, easy to wear, easy to maintain and stylish.  Not too big of a wish list, right?  I am no longer girlish, but I love girlish things.  I don't wear sleek tailored suits, stylish dresses or high heels that flatter, but I love the look.  Alas, today I lean toward comfortable shoes and accommodating waistbands.  I wish there was a fashion/beauty magazine that specifically feature fashion styles, health/beauty tips, and articles specifically designed for women like me (the 50+, 60+ crowd).  With all of this wishful thinking, I have an idea...I am going to take a young, fashionable look and create a comparative style...an age-appropriate re-make!  It might be a dress, jacket or total outfit.  Accessories and shoes will be an important part of the makeover, of course.  In the end, I hope to have a closet-full of delicious outfits that make sense for my particular life and style.  I plan to document my progress and see where we land...that's what I'm up to.  I'll be working on this project and posting my progress soon.

Indygo Junction Top - Pattern IJ-867

Here's Indygo Junction Pattern #IJ-867.  I used a stretch cotton print which I purchased on sale from Gorgeous Fabrics...very mod, very nice to work with!  I love the feel of good quality fabric (it's addictive).  The pattern was an easy one to sew; I put this top together in one afternoon.  I did have to round off the front and back hem at each side to create a nicer finish (got rid of those pointy sides which I didn't care for).  The collar did not call for interfacing, and I was concerned that it might flop...but it didn't.   The wide neck opening with its soft stand-up collar gave me some concern, but the overall effect is flattering.  I'll wear this crop top with a nice pair of fitted pants.  CHRIS' CRITIQUE:  Looking at the photo of this completed garment, next time when cutting out a print fabric such as this, I will pay attention when laying out my pattern pieces on the fabric, to make sure the design of the print is placed to its best advantage, in order to give symmetry and balance to the sewn garment as a whole.  Lesson learned!

Oh No! Apricot Crinkle!

 I've been sewing...trying out patterns and fabrics from my stash. So important to match the right fabric to the right pattern; otherwise, potential disaster. Think I'll go back to signature pieces to mix and match with ready-to-wear. Need to start posting pics of recent garments sewn; here's one. I think folks like me need wardrobe inspiration for the 60+ crowd...age appropriate but not stuffy. See the plain button-down blouse (BUTTERICK 5034) out of a crinkled polyester (dusty apricot color though it looks orange in the photo) and a pair of matching pull-on pants (PETITE PLUS Tapered Pull-on Pant 603). The pants are a fabulous fit but the blouse? Not so good...well-sewn, nice buttons, but somehow frumpy looking...on me anyway. I will definitely make more pants from this PETITE PLUS-603 pattern; however, I would have to shorten the sleeve length on this BUTTERICK 5034 blouse pattern.  I normally do not need to adjust patterns as I am generally true to size.  I have to believe the fit problem on the blouse is because of the crinkly polyester fabric?  Perhaps it stretched?  As for wearing the outfit, when at home it's no holds barred. I can wear what I want; just hope there are no callers when I'm running around the house in my I-don't-care creations. CHRIS' CRITIQUE: This fabric is scratchy to the skin and snags easily.  Not keen on dusty apricot color on the whole of me.  In summary, disappointed with the fit of the blouse pattern and the fabric as a whole.  Another lesson learned about fit and fabric as I journey toward that wishful wearable wardrobe. 

Off the Cuff

Find Off the Cuff and get more Sewing Crafts at Seamingly.com.

Closet Update

Recently loaded pics of garments I have sewn. Been sewing quite a bit...working on that wishful artsy wardrobe that I talk about sewing for myself. Some patterns have sewn up, well...not so good; others a success. Will be posting pictures..."Calico Quilter's Closet" (aka: Chris' Wearables). Gardening season is coming up quickly so sewing may slow down.