Me Made May Recap 2017
I went into Me Made May with a goal: to take items from my wardrobe that didn't get a lot of wear and try to build outfits around them. How did it go? I'd say for the first week, I managed to put together some nice outfits using these neglected pieces, like the two looks below:
I love this tiny stripe linen maxi skirt, but I never know what to wear with with. I like it here with a button down and cropped Geodesic.
The floral Sutton Blouse here is one of my favorites in theory, but it always feels too girly and loud. I think it works well here paired with casual knits in similarly loud colors.
About two weeks in, I was having a lot of trouble choosing items and putting together outfits. I had tons of pieces I really liked but couldn't find them companions. I ended up reverting back to some of my tried and true outfits.
I'm at a point now where I have a wardrobe of primarily me mades, a few vintage pieces, and some thrifted RTW pieces that I love. I tend to repeat a lot of the same outfits. The basis for a great capsule wardrobe, right? So, why do I still have trouble picking out outfits some mornings, especially when trying to include some of the pieces I really love?
This was one of my favorite outfits from the month. I think it's because it pairs a couple of pop colors (green, orange) with more neutral hues (warm grey, tan, and black).
Midway through may, I decided to shift gears and focus on taking mental notes about why it felt weird to put outfits together. I've done a pretty good job of revamping my color palette and silhouettes to be more in line with what I actually want to wear. But when it comes down to it, I have a wardrobe full of great pieces but not necessarily tons of workable outfits. The verdict? My wardrobe is missing basics, both in terms of style and color. I'm somebody who gravitates towards color and print, but I'm realizing that I prefer to pair them with more simple, perhaps even 'neutral' pieces.
Time to fill some holes in my wardrobe! I've broken down my wardrobe needs into a few basic pieces (just in time for the #summerofbasics, right?) and I've listed them below.
Wardrobe needs
Pants
I wear jeans a lot these days. I've never really been a jeans and t-shirt person, but I'm starting to see the appeal. This time of year there's a lot of garden planting, dog walking and errand running involved; I end up throwing on the same pair of jeans. My Levis are getting quite stretched out, there's paint on them, they're fraying at key seams. I'll keep them around for work at home days with some cute mending, but I think it's high time I made myself a new pair of everyday jeans/pants.
My inspiration for the Morgan Jeans: these Sweetwater Trousers from Gamine Workwear
I've been thinking of trying out the Morgan Jeans pattern. I'm not sure if the style will work for my body, but I love the relaxed look on others. I need a good pair of black or brown pants, so perhaps a pair in twill is in order. I may also make another pair of Gingers, since I know I like the look and fit of high-waisted jeans. (I've made a pair before, but they aren't too wearable. They ended up needing some significant alterations and a denim with a higher stretch percentage to be comfortable.)
A 'Neutral' Skirt
For many years, this was a slightly flared navy linen skirt. I still have it and pull it out of the closet now and again, but the navy doesn't really suit my style these days. Plus, it has no pockets.
Also, there's the issue of 'neutral'. I've been trying to figure out what neutral means to me. The basic idea is that it should be a color that goes with my brighter, patterned pieces but blends nicely into the background. I'm not really a black or navy or white gal, which are most people's neutrals. I think my neutrals are grey and brown.
My future neutral skirt will likely be an A-frame straight skirt in either caramel brown or charcoal grey.
Brussels Washer in Khaki from Fancy Tiger Crafts
A Light Colored Cardigan
This one is pretty easy. I have no light colored cardigans. This will be a knit project. I've even chosen the yarn! The hardest part is deciding which pattern to use. Any suggestions?
More Simple Tops
I have a lot of really cool skirts in fun colors and prints and textures. I love to wear them, but skirts like these call for simple tops, of which I have approximately 2. I'm thinking a few Cabin tops and boxy t-shirts in colors like creme, warm grey, and maybe mustard are in order.
I wore this eggplant-y knit top quite a bit, since it goes with a lot of my skirts.
Bonus Items
Here's a few things I don't need but could definitely find a place for in my wardrobe.
A Grey Chambray Button down
I'm thinking of a Grainline Archer. No frills.
A Shirtdress
I've got some great vintage shirtdress patterns I'd like to try, though the Kalle Shirtdress and Named Helmi are calling to me.
A Fall/Spring Jacket for Weather
Perhaps a Kelly Anorak or a Lone Tree Jacket? The key will be tracking down waterproof fabric and deciding if I will add a lining or not. I also may be working on a new pattern that would fit the bill *wink wink, nudge nudge*.
I'm excited to get started making these wardrobe boosters, though I may take breaks occasionally for a few 'frosting' projects I have lined to go with my cake ;)