after last week’s (almost) everything you ever wanted to know about pilgrim post, i thought i’d fill in a bit of that ‘almost’ part: i get asked about my clothes all the time. i have a relatively unique look, so let me share with you the places and the reasons behind what i wear. this post is your one stop for dressing the Pilgrim way (if you wanna)

turquoise birkinstock sandals, white worishofer sandals, american apparel tights, lori marie felt flower brooch, vintage dresses.

what do you wear?

• mostly vintage dresses
• jeans at home and on errands
• cardigans of many sleeve lengths and colors
• vintage smock aprons (sometimes these need a zip or buttons added)
• A line wrap skirts
• trapeze tops/dresses/kaftans and leggings
• colorful flat shoes
• colorful boots
• colorful tights & leg warmers

 

turquoise birkenstock sandals, pink slip on wedges thrifted

that all sounds pretty average.

i suppose its more about the combinations i put together and the fabric patterns i choose. i dress like i compose a design, there is a balance of awesomeness and “white” space (yeah, its not actually ever white in my outfit). for example, if i choose a crazy paisley dress, i will pick a tight color palette to accessories with to let the dress work its paisley magic. or if i’m wearing a solid color dress, i might just go nuts and add in lots of different colored accessories! i also like wearing things in different ways – e.g.: vintage smock aprons as tops, old bikini cover-ups as tunic tops or dresses.

have you always dressed this way?

pretty much since i was 16. i’ve grown into my look more, i’m more ‘put together’ and my wardrobe more cohesive but i’ve always liked color and pattern and vintage. there was a brief lapse in sanity after i had my son where i thought i should dress like a mother… in sweatpants and junk but thankfully i rediscovered my mojo.

green and pink flip flops miss trish for target USA,  turquoise patent leather flats quick brown fox

philosophy? isn’t that a bit precious?

yes it sounds massively pretentious, maybe its not a ‘philosophy’ per se but it helps me to stay focused and not buy all sorts of random trend based things that don’t fit, don’t suit, or won’t last. and that in turn makes getting dressed each day a piece of delicious cake. while i think my style exists outside of trends, its hard not to be swayed sometimes by THIS season’s BLUE or THIS season’s specifc detail e.g.: scalloped hems

so my “philosophy”, my manifesto, my rules, or what have you, are to stick to what i know looks good – the colors that suit, the shapes that flatter and the details that highlight my assets. for me, that includes:

• blues, purples, cool pinks. i’m very pale, with an ‘english rose’ pink complexion
• so that means no yellow, orange or fluorescent colors. i can only just get away with green!
• dresses that have defined waistlines (i’m an hourglass)
• nothing with too high neckline. décolletage is a busty girls best friend: so i flaunt it, just a bit, or i look like nurse ratchett.
• nothing too long – i have pretty cute ‘pins’ (that’s legs)

 

where do you shop?

(vintage)

• etsy
• ebay
• frocks & slacks melbourne
• retro star clothing melbourne

(non vintage)

• mod cloth
• ASOS
• victoria’s secret (jeans & basic tees)
• american apparel (for tights, leggings and tees)
• boden (i also get a lot of boden off ebay too! much cheaper and mostly unworn)

i’m sure i don’t have to tell you that when shopping for clothes online you must know your measurement! bust, waist, hip and inseam. it helps to know a bit about fabric too – a stretch fabric will mean a couple of extra valuable inches, a cotton means that sucker will fit you snug if its too small. busting seams is not ladylike! its incredible hulk-like.

and let me clarify – i’m not continually shopping. i check back often, but i probably only buy something quarterly (unless i find something really special!) a colorful wardrobe is not made in a day! i search for fabric patterns i like, colors that work for me and styles that flatter: when all those factors line-up its perfection.

vintage bikini coverup/tunic and emily green necklace - handmade felt dahlia brooch

don’t forget the accessories

a range of colored tights: when your leg skin tone would be described as “ultra white A4″ or “goose flesh” its important not to share that with the world. i choose american apparel tights over color lovers (for example) because they fit me really well and they last incredibly well.

big enamel flower brooches, or a felt dahlia brooch

beads! plastic one-color treasures or a versatile emily green masterpiece

how do you find these things?!

i shop at the places listed above, but finding exactly what i like on etsy or ebay is often a bit of a hunt. oh and its all in the thrill of the chase!

the internet is a wonderful thing with more than you could ever dream of, but sometimes you have to think outside the search box for what it is you’re after. i shudder at some of the search phrases i’ve used and found fabulous things with…

my most used search phrases (in varying combinations):

• 60s
• 70s
• floral
• psychedelic
• scooter dress
• house dress
• cover-up
• apron/smock
• mod

my most reluctantly used search phrases:

• brady bunch
• hippy/hippie
• crazy (yes, really)

your closet must be never ending, right?

its not, really. i have about 20 dresses and skirts of varying patterns and solid colors. the rest is ‘basics’: plain colored cardigans, long and short sleeved tees, tights, and a assortment of colored shoes and boots. i’m lucky that i live in a climate that doesn’t vary wildly, so in winter i will layer long sleeved tees or thermals under dresses and i have a couple of go to coats and scarves to brave the terrifying 12˚c/53.6˚F winters we have here in melbourne.
did i miss anything? let me know in the comments!

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