Comments on: Build your wardrobe in small groups

By: sewingplums

sewingplums — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 11:16:22 +0000

Yes – or a hoodie, sweats and tee – and don’t try to think about it all any more

By: ejvc

ejvc — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 19:04:18 +0000

So today I just want 33 dresses. It seems so simple.

By: M-C

M-C — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 11:55:48 +0000

Still learning is proof positive we aren’t quite dead yet .

By: sewingplums

sewingplums — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 09:08:38 +0000

Thanks Karen. I love planning too – think it has to count as one of my hobbies. . .
Have fun with learning – get to know your learning style and go slowly with low expectations, unless ‘slow and simple’ is not for you. There’s a surprisingly large number of different skills involved in making a garment from a pattern

By: sewingplums

sewingplums — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 09:06:57 +0000

Lots of interesting comments here – Thanks !
(and I’m still learning about my style in my mid-70s )

By: M-C

M-C — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 09:08:31 +0000

I do like Vivienne’s concepts and look at them regularly. But as I am a zero-dress and zero-skirt person too, I have problems with the core 4 . I like your key 3 approach, that works better for me. The monochrome column is an 80s concept, someone thought it made you look less fat. Sigh. I actually think that it’s a bit more formal for work.

What’s actually working best for me is related key3s, like a grey one and a black one, so I can mix them easily without getting too bored with a single one. Or extending that to a Vivienne core 4 by having 2 pairs of pants to vary the formality, wearing the same tops with wool pants for work and corduroys for weekend. Or likewise toning down the wool pants with a soft cardigan or cranking up the formality with a Real Jacket. In any case 4 is about the limit of consistency for me, to be realistic.

I’m trying to keep cores to neutrals, and to introduce color more in a Vivienne way, ie not just an orange top but adding an orange print scarf as well, being more organized about colors coming in more than one item and folding accessories into that scheme.

I know, I know, it’s a good thing I’ve lived this long . But it’s good to see all those different schemes, and interpret them as you do for your own particular style and life. Shoehorning myself into a black dress and blazer plan has just never worked, so I’m happy to realize there are more options.

By: Karen

Karen — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 20:23:37 +0000

I have to tell you that I admire your ability to break all the different plans and systems down. It is an absolute pleasure to read your blog and honestly I don’t even know how to sew !

I am a huge VFiles fan and Nancy Rice-Rix’s book is a treasured oldie! I collect style books but those along the lines of capsule wardrobes are my favorites. It’s the planning that I love!

Oh and I really adore your Eileen Fisher breakdowns and posts. Who knows all this poring over sewing talk made lead me to learn

By: sewingplums

sewingplums — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 14:34:54 +0000

Good and interesting analysis Elizabeth.
Yes, I need different patterns for winter and summer too. In winter – thicker fabrics and more ease for wearing many layers. Example – winter : shirt/ blouse for tucking in, summer : shirt/ blouse for wearing out and covering my hips.
I think these comments about real solutions found by real people will be very helpful to others who are starting this process.

By: sewingplums

sewingplums — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 14:32:21 +0000

Thanks Sonya – and enjoy

By: sewingplums

sewingplums — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 14:31:53 +0000

Thanks for the good comments Sara. You obviously know what you like to wear and what you like to sew. I think these specific wardrobe plans are more helpful for people who are just starting on the path to finding the right wardrobe for them.