Wednesday 30 January 2013

Call her green, and the winters cannot fade her




All the snow has been rained away, it's been mild enough to ditch the thermal vest, but I have clung onto my hats, scarves and coats because it's been so bloody windy.

That 30 seconds I spent brushing my hair this morning was time I'll never get back...





The expression is saying to the clouds don't you dare rain on me!



The rain had the good manners to hold off until I had finished my photos, but the wind made all my non-hat-wearing pics hilarious!

And it blew the tripod over.
No camera damage, but a little swearing slipped out...
Hard to credit, I know.



1960s cotton maxi skirt and Clockhouse patchwork suede jacket - Ebay
Cardigan and hat - charity shopped
Scarf - flea market
1980s boot - Second to None (they have more than repaid their £8 price tag)
Green leather gloves - old, gift


This skirt is in my mind's Undecided pile at the moment.
I like it, but haven't worn it enough to warrant keeping it, I think.

It may end up back on Ebay from whence it came.

And I may MAKE a maxi skirt!




I say may, because I am a thoroughly idle bugger who can procrastinate for England, and although I spent all last year saying I was going to start sewing, I made NOTHING. Not one thing.

I have no excuses left. 
I have fabric.
I have a pattern.
I have my Elna.
I have threads, zips, pins, pinking shears, buttons, etc, all stored in 2 lovely vintage sewing boxes.


And now I have a Vogue book of sewing tips to get me out of trouble, courtesy of lovely Norma at rosyragpatch.

Thank you, Norma! I know where to come for help!
(This is a woman who is making a bra! How brilliant is that?)



Here's a quick blast of yesterday's outfit.



1960s Davisella maxi - Ebay
Cardigan and bangles - charity shopped
Boots - retail, sale, old
Turquoise pendant - gift


Yes, the sun was actually shining.

Spring will come, and I'll be ready.

Nothing says Spring like yellow, green and flowers!

Hope you are having a delightful week so far.

xxxx




43 comments:

Anonymous said...

Love your maxi skirt. The colour is fab. That's a lovely dress too.
I'm so looking forward to seeing your "me made" maxi skirt. Have fun!

Anonymous said...

Oh man, that maxi fabric is the best! But I bet you could really sew up some fantastic stuff too. Jeez, you've got all the right materials and equipment. Go for it! I'm anxious to see what you come up with. How about something patchwork with all your snippets of goodies that you don't use/wear?
There's so much inspiration out here in styleland.

Fiona said...

Oh yes, go for it Curtise. I'd love to see what you make and then I might be tempted to have a bash! The last time I made a garment was in Needlework class, 1975.
The Flower Power maxi is splendido and altho I do like the green skirt I think perhaps it's more a summer item of clothing. (but then what do I know)
xx

Vix said...

Two stunning outfits! The print of the bottom maxi is totally wild and makes my heart skip and beat & the turquoise is so pretty and Springlike it makes me forget that the BBC's just said that there's more snow on the way.
Get sewing, you. That book's brilliant, well done Norma, no more excuses.
Love ya! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
PS For anyone who hasn't had the pleasure of meeting Curtise yet (fools!) then the photo of her in the collage under the top picture is exactly as smiley and gorgeous as she is in real life!

freckleface said...

I think Vix has hit the nail on the head, that skirt is really Springlike. Maybe it just doesn't suit winter layers? Bring it out again in a few week's time with a nice little top and a cardi and I bet it will look perfect?

I love the second outfit. That print is great. I can't wait for Spring! xxx

Krista said...

I don't think I have ever seen you wear this color (turquoise) and that has to change because it is scrumptious on you! And then there is look number two with more of that gorgeous blue, LOVE IT! I always lust over your patchwork jacket too, wind or no wind you look great!
xxoo

Kaffesoester said...

I think you should keep the green maxi skirt, at least until after spring. It'll be perfect among those first green leaves. I do think you look lovely in it!

I love the Davisella - it reminds me of Spanish Desigual, brilliant pattern and fantastic colours! That's a keeper!

Ivy Black said...

Gorgeous outfits...look lush, so you do. There is a niff of spring in the air but I can do without being duffed up by this wind every time I go outside. How can I stay polished and poised with a barnet like a haystack?
Get in with the sewing...you can knock up a maxi no probs. You'll lover it.
Big kiss or two.
xxxxxxx

Emma Kate at Paint and Style said...

Love the top photo of you in the hat, the patchwork jacket and yesterdays dress! Oh my! I have a similar psycadelic pattern dress but I'm scared to wear it because I think it might actually be a nightie. :(

Becky said...

That patchwork jacket is sweet!!! The skirt will be a tough call--- should it stay or should it go??? Only you can know! lolzzz I'm a poet :) Love the maxi dress!

Frocktasia said...

Fab outfits! It's gone really mild all of a sudden which is very nice after the chill blitz but the buggering wind makes it nigh-on impossible to take photos. You have to find a sheltering wall and hide behind it, which is what I've been doing for my recent outfit pics.
I absolutely love the vivid pattern & fabulous colours of the maxi dress and may I say that you totally ROCK it!
I see that you are a fellow procrastinator, last year my creativity totally bottlenecked but I'm hoping to dust off the old machine soon too (note to self: must NOT procrastinate). Looking forward to seeing the fruits of your future sewing efforts.
Lot's of love,
Jennie
xXx

Connie said...

I love seeing you all wind blown and laughing. I get a great mental pic of you chasing the tripod around in your long skirt. Oh and that 60's print! Totes fab. I love those 60's prints that were probably created by somebody stoned out of their mind! Groovy.

Anonymous said...

Keep the aqua one for summer and then decide--it's fabulous!!
I ADORE the swirly one!! love how you styled it!!
The weather sucks here, too. I'm ready for spring!!

GO FOR IT--make your maxi!!!

Lakota [Faith Hope and Charity Shopping] said...

Lord I could procrastinate for Olympics about things like that. However, ONCE I finally make a proper decision to do something I tend to get a bit obsessed. I'm sure you'll be making skirts and bras aplenty once you actually get started.

I do love your patchwork jacket, it's fab.

xx

Rose&Bird said...

Ooh, that skirt is gorgeous, keep it (or I'll happily take it off your hands if you really don't want it!). I've yet to venture into the garden for photos, it's seriously windy here too. I can join you on the procrastinating, but I have actually started sewing up a dress I cut out back in October!

Miss Simmonds Says said...

You're a vision in pretty patterns. I love everything here. The cotton maxi skirt is wonderful, such a gorgeous azure shade. You look great... we're hair twins right now. I added to some brown to the red. You look damn good in berets you know? I find it highly annoying. I love the Clockhouse jacket and the other psychedelic maxi, it's wonderful xxxx

Pull Your Socks Up! said...

Oh you darling, gorgeous woman!!!! You've made my morning cuppa all the more delicious you divoooooooon tasty tart you!!!!!!!! How would I ever know it was windy? You look like you could say "stop this nonsense" and the weather would obey, you look so gorgeous and commanding in your suede patchwork and INCREDIBLE green floral maxi! Sigh ... and there's more to drool over ... the pop art maxi has my eyeballs rolling around their sockets with desire - you are Sheffield's High Priestess of Vintage and don't ANYBODY argue with that!!! I have a stack of amazing fabrics beside me ... yes, right here to my right where I can easily reach them, pop out the machine and whip up two curtains in 10 mins. Will I today? Nooooooooo. Will I make another cuppa and pop back for more Curtise? Yeeeeeeeeeeessssssss. xoxoxoxoxo

Patti said...

Oh yes, make a maxi -- I want to live through you : > You really own the style, you know. Love these two, and the glorious patchwork jacket.

Unknown said...

Love both of these gorgeous outfits - especially the maxi in the second ENSEMBLE - THE COLOURS AND THE PRINT ARE spectacular! Darling, as you well know, I can't sew, bake, garden, knit or give a flying fuck. But I am very good at other things - AND SO ARE YOU! But if you are so inclined, I'm sure whatever you sew will be marvellarse. Like you. Supermodel. Wonerwoman. Rockstar.

LOVE! Sarah xxx



joyatri said...

I was going to comment on your lovely smile in the collage photo since I don't recall seeing that smile very often -- and I see that Vix beat me to it.
I adore both outfits, but the print of that 60s maxi is divine.
How sweet of Norma to give you that book. I have dozens of sewing books, tons of patterns, fabric and sewing notions as well and can't get my act together either. I started a dress from a 1970s pattern last year and never finished it. If you stitch something up, I'll finish my dress, is it a deal?

Melanie said...

It's best just to sit down at your Elna with a couple bits of fabric, shut your eyes, and put the pedal to the metal. Open your eyes after about 10 seconds or when the cat starts screeching because you've accidentally sewn its tail onto your new maxi. !!??
You look gorgeous - ready for spring. I would have liked a sound file of you swearing though.

Anonymous said...

That patchwork jacket is to die for! That would be so fun to pair with almost anything. And I love the second dress - great colors. Bring on spring!

As for sewing, well, it's always fun when it's done.

Trees said...

Yah! looking forward to your first sewing project. It's hard to start with, but you can do it. I love the colours of the skirt in the second set of photos, such lovely colours :D

Sheila said...

That patchwork suede jacket has me oohing and ahhing! Love it! Also loving the turquoise/purple combo in that first outfit.

The Small Fabric Of My Life said...

Your outfits are definitely reminding me that springs is just around the windy corner. I think the maxi skirt looks great on you, making you look long, lean and lovely. I would keep it.

Diane said...

Are you old enough to remember the TV series "Houseparty" which was daytime TV for housewives in the late 60's early 1970's? That last outfit reminds me very much of the ladies who presented Houseparty - although we only had a black and white TV then, but I did imagine the colours! Fabulous darling! The wind has been a mare! x

Anonymous said...

I love both these fantastic outfits!!!The maxi dress and the skirt have two wonderful prints, I really like everything that is floral themed and you look amazing!
I'm sure that after you'll start to sew nothing would stop you, sometimes it's just the first step that makes us lazy!Can't wait to see your creations!
Love xxxxx

Kylie said...

And in your case Curtise: "nor age wither her"

(have i got the quote right? Hope so)

x

Señora Allnut said...

It's a great True that nothing says Spring like yellow, green and flowers, and you look fabulous wearing them. Love that patchwork jacket and all that green and floral prints all over your outfits, delightful!
besos & green

Rosemary the Shopper said...

Nothing says spring like yellow and green and flowers? Yes, but if we could have some WARMTH and if that blasted wind would TAKE A HIKE, that would be perfect!

Like your "undecided" skirt.

Cheers,
Rosemary from
www.foreveronthecatwalkoflife.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Ooh, that second maxi is dreamy, Curtise. Hope you do make your maxi, I'm sure it'll be fab. Glad to hear it's somewhat spring-like in your neck of the woods and that the snow has melted. Here's hoping for an early spring! xoxo

Lou said...

Oh my goodness, it's been so windy recently!! I stupidly put vaseline on my lips and then went outside... Not a good look! Amazing maxi, I need to get hold of something equally as good! x

The Style Crone said...

Both maxis are fabulous and sending out 'spring alerts.' Can't wait to see a maxi designed and created by you; with your talent it can't help but be a stunner.

The Goodwill Fangirl said...

Yesterday's maxi may inspire me to write a poem dedicated to you and your fluffy coat. But mainly I just want to know the secret spell to get into your magical clost.

Amber of Butane Anvil said...

Love the pic of you laughing at the wind! What a pretty skirt to be undecided about, especially with those boots and purple cardigan - but know I must divest a greater proportion of my own Undecided pile if I can! On the other hand, that dress is entirely fabulous! You are SO ready! xoxoxo

Jean at www.drossintogold.com said...

Looking cheery and lovely!! The patchwork jacket is outstanding!!! XXOO

bonsaimum said...

I must say that the maxi skirt though nice doesn't do you justice. Maybe its the photo, but it just looks kind of blah! The Davisella maxi, on the other hand is spot on. Strong vibrant colours look great on you. The cardigan is a lovely shade also. I like the patchwork jacket. :)

Unknown said...

Oh Goodness i adore that maxi skirt it looks gorgeous on you the colours and the shape are perfect you should wear it more you can put so many different colours with it. Give sewing a try once you start you wont stop :-) Have a great weekend, dee xxx

bohemian vanity said...

You're so funny dear! And here's the same, the wind is scaring me and it's even colder than in last weeks snow time... So don't waste time on hair brushing:)
The skirt is adorable, i like that bright green and how you combined it!
So keep on crafting i can't wait for the results!!! Have a fab friday!!! XX Tani

Forest City Fashionista said...

I bet you will find that once you whip up that first maxi skirt you'll be hooked! I like the idea of making my own clothes, but the reality is that I don't have the patience. I can't imagine what goes into making a bra - that woman is amazing.

The first skirt does seem more "summer", maybe because the print is smaller and it needs fewer layers? On the other hand, the second maxi with the gold/green/turquoise is too marvy for words!!!

CityScape Skybaby said...

I love this outfit Curtise, especially that jacket. I think that skirt might serve you well this summer so I'd hang onto it for a bit yet. I just saw Krista and Sarah wearing similar coloured dresses during my Saturday morning blogathon and commented on how Springtimey they looked, and this skirt is the same, just what you need for running through fields of flowers as we all do in summer! I have plans to start sewing this year too, I got a big beautiful pair of curtains this week so I have loads of material now, it'll probably be cushion covers all the way though. xx

Helga said...

Fark, missed this one.
O, I love old sewing books, and I think I might have an edition of that one!
The skrit is the prettiest print and colour, and OMG the JACKET! Patchwork!!! Fecking love it.
AND we're treated to TWO outfits! I may faint. The second maxi is such a divine print!!! Love the limey green and the turquoise......MMMMMMMMMM...
Spring will be springing, the lambies will be jumping soon enough.....I am for once rather looking forward to Autumn!!!
Love you like leopard!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Mrs. D said...

I love these two outfits, the mixing and matching is perfect and very unexpected. The colourful jacket is probably my favourite piece!