Monday, August 4, 2014

A Thoughtful Process: Wardrobe Architect Project



Unless you are an avid reader of sewing blogs like I am, it is possible that you missed this great series on Colette earlier this year, the Wardrobe Architect. I read it every week inspired, yet wasn't able to find the time or the steam to actually see the project through. Then this happened this morning:

I woke up. Showered. Went to my closet. I stood there looking at the clothes that hung and even though there are lots of choices hanging, nothing made me excited to wear it. Lots of options but nothing that I wanted to wear.

This has happened to me almost every day for...a long time. I have finally hit my breaking point and need to act. The series that Sarai from Colette created is a slew of worksheets and exercises that help define your style, how to edit and pull from what you have, how it relates to your sewing/purchases, and lets your build your prefect wardrobe.  The sewing angle is what intrigues me the most since other wardrobe overhaul websites that I have seen are much harder to fit in my sewing lifestyle.

When it was originally published it was done as weekly exercises. If any of you have been reading this blog for a while you know that I like to give myself crazy deadlines and goals and then end up landing flat on my face with nothing done at the end except a feeling of stress and failure. This is not fun, nor helpful. So, for this new personal challenge I am going to try to make this at least a monthly check in for each exercise as I really want to do this and document my process. I am in my mid thirties and still can not describe my style. This problem seeps into my fabric and retail purchases. And when I say "seeps" into my fabric stash and sewing it is really more drenched. I clearly need some well defined guidelines for choosing fabric and patterns. Retail purchases? It is the same sad story. I want a change. I need a change.

Examples of some possible missteps — I need to explore color, shape, flattering fit and personal style

Some really big things are happening in my life in the next month and I feel like this is a great opportunity to really get to the bottom of...well...ME! I want to open my closet door and not feel hesitant or frustrated. And I want my sewing queue to match what I really need as opposed to what is shiny and new. I want my clothes to reflect who I am and I need to figure out who that is.

Wow, this post turned into a pretty sappy self-motivating post, huh? Haha! If you want to join me that would be awesome, it is much better to do these big changes with friends. Either way I will try to do these posts to least once a month. Also, I am hoping to get back on track with a normal sewing posting schedule. We will completely disregard the fact that I have been absent (again! Gah!!) for the past four months. You hopefully should be seeing a lot more of me... soon :)

Did you read or participate in the Wardrobe Architect when it was released? Have you ever overhauled your wardrobe? Did it work? Anyone want in with me?!?!

Have a great Monday!

6 comments:

  1. I remember seeing this series, but I'm not much of a planner so I didn't attempt it. I'm sure it's super helpful though so good luck with it! Looking forward to seeing what you come up with. Even though it was a misstep I really love that plum-colored dress. I actually just bought yarn in that colorway for Andi's Miette cardigan! Did you finish Myrna? I made it in time for the deadline, and now I just need to blog about it.

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    1. I am, perhaps, an over-panner in almost every other area of my life so this intrigues me on many levels :) That plum colored dress--god, I loved that color, it will be perfect for the Miette! I think it is the neckline on the dress that I don't love on my shape. Since I think I am broad shouldered that straight neckline is not super flattering on me.

      I saw your picture of your finished Myrna on your recent post and I am SO jealous! It looks awesome! I am still on the second sleeve and I am nervous that I might run out of yarn!! I am hoping that I can finish it soon and get it out there. The OAL has come and gone, but I loved the idea and am still going to finish it!

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  2. Hi Maggie, welcome back! I haven't read the 'wardrobe architect' blog, but sounds interesting. I have been dealing with style for a while now, and for me, I'm starting with fabric choice as dictating the style. So I'm going through my fabric stash and selecting the style - so far it has worked. I've decluttered my wardrobe which helps too. It feels great to start again. Good luck and look forward to reading your progress - no pressure!

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  3. Hi Maggie, I too found inspiration in reading the Wardrobe Architect series--it gave me a lot to think about, though I haven't put it into action. I look forward to following your progress. All the best!

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  4. Maggie, Somehow I missed it, so thank you for guiding me to it. I'll go through it with you now. This is perfect timing, with a fall season coming on. My wardrobe is all over the place, and needs to be edited and replenished with pieces i love and feel comfortable in. I'm a sewer and a fabricholic, so the journey should be fun. Let's start the journey, with no pressure or deadlines. just progress steadily, keeping Sarai's suggestions and guidelines in mind.

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  5. Maggie, I know you've got lots going on and I have the impression there are still more new developments in your life taking up your time, but just in case you have the leisure to consider fabric acquisition: take a look at my blog to see some vintage-friendly cherry-print chiffon I'm hoping to pass on to someone else's stash. Would you or anyone you know like to have it? All the best.

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