The New Vintage Wardrobe

Here is the first complete outfit from my SWAP.  I ended up changing the skirt for jeans as the only brown shoes I have have a heel that is not good for walking.  I must get new shoes!

My SWAP is not going as planned. I’ve already had to trash 2 tops and might be trashing another. The first top I trashed was the blue knit. The tester garment has become my favorite top, but it did not look nearly as flattering in a solid color. In the solid, the ruching just called attention to my belly. Not a good look. The second top I trashed was a bonus top. After cutting out my circle skirt and blouse, I had enough left over for a second blouse. I wasn’t too concerned about testing, since by the measurements it should have fit and the reviewers at patternreview.com gave it glowing reviews. It fit perfectly when I tried it on without the sleeves. However, the sleeves and armhole were really funky. I could not raise my arms above waist level. Now, we’re up to today. My blue linen washed up much softer than I was expecting. I was hoping it would be ok, but it’s turning out to be a problem. Even though I used my tester as my pattern, it doesn’t look anything like the tester. It drapes completely different. It looks pretty bad. I really should have used a stiff cotton. I’ll put it aside for a while and take another look at it in a few days.

My goal is to start the actual work March 1.  We’re coming up to the deadline and I think I’ll be ready to go.  I did hit a couple snags, though.

1.The light blue linen I ordered was slightly off the blue in the flowers.  However, after driving all over the county, I think it’s the closest I’m going to get.

2.I’ve decided I would never wear a solid brown top.  This takes me down to 5 tops in my SWAP.

3. I can not find cream or ecru matte jersey or jersey with lycra.  I’m really surprised, considering that it’s a basic color.  I found it online, so I guess it will have to wait.

Other than those things, I’m ready to go.  Everything will go in the wash today and I should be ready to start cutting on March 1.

So, after 2 weeks of testing garments, I think I’ve come to a conclusion.  I need to let go of the need to be “historically accurate”.  Back when I was involved in historical reenactment, this was a HUGE deal for me.  It has remained with me as I started to get into vintage clothing.  However, after seeing all the various garments on me, I’ve come to see that the best garments for my figure don’t always come from the same era.  Part of the beauty of choosing vintage styled garments is that I can pick what best suits me.  From what I can see, what seems to suit me best is the 40’s A-line skirt and 50’s fitted blouse.

This picture shows 40’s A-line skirt with a 40’s blouse

Oh, my word!  My chest looks GINORMOUS

However, with a T&T (tried and true) 50’s blouse, the girls don’t look quite so big and you can actually see a waistline.

I think these will be the two garments that form the basis of my complete wardrobe.