As a sewist, we are often in a better starting place for looking at our own style. We are used choosing fabrics for ourselves etc Watching your vlogs made me look at some other areas of defining style . Kibbe in particular - but it mainly clarified what I know. For example I don’t really like peplums on me, and that does fit in with my body type. It also helped me choose some new glasses! As a sewist I have a lot of clothes so want to create opportunities to wear them, so I do change colours between autumn/winter and spring/summer. I also think we want to dress for those different aspects of our personalities- I love floaty dresses, and rock chic, and powerful woman and and and… so yes I don’t think I ever want to dress in the same style everyday. Well done it’s been a great thought provoking series, I look forward to seeing what you make and wear going forward
I think that's a really good point, that as people who sew, we are making much more conscious decisions already. I certainly didn't think about my clothes as much when I wasn't sewing them all. I'm happy to hear the others also find joy in dressing in a variety of styles and colors. Fashion and getting dressed can be fun. We don't want to lose sight of that!
I starting reading the curated wardrobe and never finished. Though I think my problem is more just getting started. My style has been different depending on my job, where I lived, or what was happening in my life. One thing I can tell you is unless you work a fashion related job or have a dress code, very few people notice what you wear on a day to day basis or even care. So wear what makes you feel good. The immediate reaction I want from people is " gee she looks nice" vs " what an amazing dress" but that is me. Other people might want the latter reaction. The other thing is that like to dress for the occasion but I would rather be slightly overdressed than underdressed.
You are so right that nobody is going to be noticing our clothes as much as we do. Well, maybe other sewists if we get together. 😉 I think it's important to dress for yourself first. I'm with you though on preferring to be more overdressed than underdressed. That also gives me more opportunity to wear some of my fancier me-mades!
Love the idea of a 10 x 10. As a semi retired 70 yr old I do find I wear pretty much the same clothes 90% of the time so 90% of my wardrobe should reflect this( it doesn’t!). The remaining 10% should be the fun things,the elegant things, the floaty things which I might only wear once a year but I still want that choice. I made an impulse buy last week- a bright fuschia pink leather jacket!!! I need to bring it into my regular wear to justify the expense but really not sure how! I’m going to rewatch your videos for more ideas! Thanks for all the work you put into this.
I completely agree that having some special things that you are occasionally will really enhance your wardrobe and the joy that you get from it. A bright fuchsia pink leather jacket sounds like so much fun! It might be worth going on to Pinterest and just doing a search for pink leather jacket. You may get some inspiration!
Yes to everything you said here! I spent all of lockdown “finding my style” by watching every YT video and blog post I could find on the subject. My motivation (besides having a lot of time) was hating everything I was sewing and not understanding why patterns/styles looked good on EVERYONE else, but made me feel frumpy and wrong. This is the problem with following trends. I had a lot of missteps along the way, but I finally learned how to objectively analyze myself. I figured out my Kibbe type by process of elimination. I learned my color season and then quickly abandoned that idea. I absorbed everything I could about all of the processes and rules, which helped me to strategically break the rules. In striving for cohesion I learned that my own contrasting ideas are what makes my style MY style. It’s almost as if the lessons brought me full circle and right back to where I started, but now I was armed with a better understanding and much more confidence. I love listening to other people’s experiences with finding their style and highly recommend that everyone try one or all of the systems to do so. But I also think that figuring out what parts of the systems work for you, and throwing away the parts that don’t, is the way to discovering your UNIQUE style. Isn’t that what we’re all truly looking for? Thank you for sharing your process with us. I thoroughly enjoyed this series, and I loved hearing your takeaways. You got me to play with my current wardrobe and future plans, which is the most fun activity for me! 🎉
Thank you so much for sharing your own experience, Erin. I love that you've been able to "learn the rules" to "break the rules". I really do love the eclectic nature of your wardrobe, and I'm happy to hear that you've been able to do the same. So much of it is about confidence, which really comes across and how we carry ourselves in our clothes. Let's keep playing, and experimenting, until we're too old to dress ourselves. Maybe still even then... 😉
I totally get what you are saying about being free to try different styles. I have done that enough and now I am happy with a smaller closet. I can relate to different moods and especially seasonal changes in my wardrobe. But mainly trying to have a core wardrobe that suits my essence. I found Kibbe helpful because it helped me understand why some things suit me better than others. And curated closet also somewhat helpful though I didn't do it all by the book. I have two different folders for inspiration. One is "inspobutnotquiteme" and there I can save all the pretty things and cool details. The other one is "nailmystyle" and it's only for things that I could throw on any time and feel great.
Oh my gosh, you're two folder names sound so good! This is absolutely inspiring me to think about the mood boards that I've already created. There's the dream and then there's the reality. It sounds like you've gotten to a really good place in your wardrobe where you have a good idea of what will work for you. Of course, it's an ever evolving journey, but it's awesome to hear!
When I got my colors done in the 1980s, it was life changing. I LOVED soft heathered summer colors, but I’m a winter. I’d spent SO much time making and tailoring lined wool blazers, skirts, slacks, and dresses, and realized they weren’t good colors for me. They all washed me out. I started getting lots of compliments when I started wearing black, white and jewel tones.
@@GoingGreenMom yes. They are good, but not yellow. I wore a gray Catholic school uniform for 8 years so when I saw an icy gray silky blouse on the rack, I just had to try it on to prove gray was awful..I bought it!
Well, there you go! Each of us are going to be on our own unique journey and may have to take different routes to get there. I'm glad to hear that you were able to have such a positive experience from getting your colors done. It sounds like you were able to start dressing with a lot more confidence. Black, white and jewel tones are fabulous options. Wear them well!
I am on the brink of retirement. I work at a steel rolling plant. So, I have fallen into the sturdy work clothes habit. While sensible it is boring. I am ready to explore options. As a sewist, I have the opportunity to create whatever I want. The choices are overwhelming. I found this process very useful. I am asking questions that I never even thought to ask myself.
I read most of The Curated Closet several years ago and got through 2/3 of the exercises, but had a hard time putting my style into so few words and such a narrow definition. I felt similar to how you described your desire to play with some different styles in various seasons and moods. But it was helpful to give myself permission to let go of some items that were 'classic' pieces that hardly got any wear because they weren't my style. Since then, I've continued to build different pinterest boards and refine my current style seasonally. I found some through lines: romantic dresses, easy silhouettes, casual elegance, button-up shirts with jeans. I am intrigued by the theory of seasonal colors (my mom had the Color Me Beautiful book back in the 80's) as it was something I hadn't figured out for myself. After watching a lot of YT videos and reading blog posts, I came to my own conclusion that "soft autumn" colors have felt the most harmonious with my natural coloring, and most of my favorite colors are in that palette (some true Autumn colors too). I have been gradually purchasing fabric and clothing in these colors, and it's helpful to have a mix and match wardrobe that I can easily throw together outfits with. Using my chosen palette has helped me come up with style words: creative or colorful, easy, chic, romantic. It's also been useful to look at the kinds of prints and embellishment details that I feel go with my style as it's so easy to be tempted by printed fabric: I like scattered wildflower florals, small-to-mid-sized organic abstract designs, hand-drawn geometric designs, Indian block-print florals, Ikat designs, 20-30's-vintage-style prints with low contrast, subtle embroidery embellishments, a single ruffle or tie detail, vintage buttons. For me, looking at style from the perspective of a sewist is most useful as it helps me create things I'll really love and wear a lot, that express my creative style. Watching your style series of videos has been like a refresh of my process without going through the entire thing again, thank you for that!
It sounds like you have been gradually understanding your own style, in a way that works for you. I love how specific some of your preferences are. I'm still learning myself, why certain prints work well for me and why some don't. Perhaps more time and experimentation will help me to get there. I'm happy to enjoy the process.
Thank you! Yes, it's been a gradual process using some theory and various methods that I've adapted. Looking at it now, I think not rushing to define my style in one moment has been key -- looking at my style in each season and how it's expressed, where the through lines are, has helped create some cohesion while still allowing for play and creativity. Those specific preferences happened naturally over time and will still evolve but are useful guideposts that don't feel restrictive, another key for me. Enjoy!
@@LostMyThreadPrints are tricky! I started leaning into the soft and romantic aspects of my style and looked at what commonalities my favorite printed garments have and found some similarities: lower overall contrast, organic shapes and soft lines, random or scattered patterns, subtle details, floral and botanical motifs, embroidery details and then also tried on clothes in stores with these characteristics (even if I wasn't going to buy them) and that process was helpful and now I can scroll online and kind of tell what would fit within that, and also solid colors that coordinate with those colors and prints. I didn't necessarily think that I could define my style this much but gradually it has happened, and will evolve too.
I definitely agree with not tying yourself down to just one style. i would get so bored with that. i've tried a lot of different methods but when it comes down to it i think for me the simplest approach is best. i have certain things that i know i like, so i wear those frequently. but i'm also open to trying new things knowing that it won't always work but you never know unless you try. i think making occasional mistakes is ok as i've found some really great styles by being more open-minded.
That is such a great point, Sara. I have absolutely surprised myself with certain styles or even types of garments. Of course, it's a lot less pressure to experiment with clothes that don't take hours, days, weeks to sew. But I think you're right in accepting that we have to make some mistakes to be able to learn what we like wearing. That or just wear the same boring basics, but who wants to be boring?
I have not found Kibbe to be helpful since I cannot establish which I actually am and menopause hasn't helped. Now I just go with a style I like on me making any needed adjustments to fit me. If I like what I see in the mirror then I'm good to go. My husband doesn't always like something I'm wearing and usually I discover he was right and it was off. Other times if I like it he just accepts it. I don't always like his clothes either but that's subjective.
I've definitely had the opposite experience where I make something and really like it, but my husband isn't sure about it. Then I find him complimenting it at some other point, so it's clearly grown on him. 😉 Personally, I'm more interested in how I feel in a garment. Your confidence will come across if you are wearing clothes that make you feel good, and I think that will make you look better than clothes that you don't like, no matter how much people think they "look good on you."
Once again, you are articulating feelings I've been having for years! The whole "find your one true style" has haunted me since I was a teen. I've felt everything from uncomfortable to anxious to full-on rage about never being able to narrow things down and just be one thing. Recently it's dawned on me that if I want clothing that reflects my personality, it has to be varied. I'm not one thing! While I can see the appeal of having one cohesive mix-and-match style, I've begun to wonder if that narrative is pushed on women to make us more pallatable. By filing us into archetypes (under the guise of "discovering" ourselves), does it make us easier to manage? We don't have to sit with each other's complexity and inconsistencies if we whittle ourselves down and commit to being one thing. I might be taking things too deep, but it's a pressure I've felt for so long. You granting yorself permission to dismiss that narrative hugely resonates with me. I love your idea of having core styles - plural! I think mine are cottage core witch, extra on that 70's show, queer cheerleader, 90's dream catcher, and sentimental cascade lesbian. Most of my garments could fall into one or more of these styles and I've kind of started thinking of them as mini capsule wardrobes. I also have crossover pieces and accessories that fit multiple vibes, which does lend a bit of cohesion and soften out some of the hard edges. I have to play catch up with your other vides but it's such a cool process! What I love most about sewing is how much it can teach us about ourselves. You really leaned in and learned so much!
Bri, you always manage to take things to another level, and I'm so glad that you do. It's interesting to consider where the 'one style' concept comes from. I honestly hadn't felt particularly drawn to the idea much throughout my life but have often felt like 'too many' of my clothes have nothing to do with each other. It felt like a problem that needed solving. I don't feel like that anymore. My Me Made May videos are really videos of me working through the process and mentioning some of these drawbacks, as I went. I was still committed to try and squeeze looks into categories, even when I realized that I was cool with some being different. It's been a journey. I haven't taken it entirely seriously, but it was fun to play around with the concepts, even if I'm not fully committed to them. It sounds like a hugely positive and freeing place for you, to have realized that you can have multiple core styles. Your names for them are so much fun, and I'm sure the playful names make it even more inviting to tap into them. Thank you for sharing your experience. Keep on playing and evolving!!
The Curated Closet is a lot of work 😂. My main takeaway from Me Made May was to put a little more thought into my makes. It is so easy to get excited about making a piece without thinking outfits or wardrobe.
Haha, so true! If you've been able to take anything away from me made me, I'd say it was a success. Thinking about how pieces will fit into your whole wardrobe sounds easy, but I also know how easy it is to just get excited about a fabric or a pattern and thinking that you'll figure that other part out later. 😉
Hi Theresa, Thank you so much for all your effort in putting these videos together. I've learnt a lot, but also felt I don't want to be restricted to one style and have decided to create small capsule wardrobes for the different activities in my life. Your series has helped me to narrow this down though. Thank you once again, for your interesting, creative content.🤗
Small capsules sound like such a fun way to approach our wardrobes. I hope you have fun figuring out what these are and in creating garments that make you feel great!
I've found this series, and your presentation of it, very inspiring. Nodding that we all have very different styles... and approaches... and can have many different styles within our own styles.... and yes... it's all okay! I didn't follow The Curated Closet completely but did find many of the things in it very useful. I finally got rid of some things that were "good" but I simply NEVER wore. Pinning to Pinterest was fun and I want to continue for a while especially to decide on what to sew for myself which doesn't always mesh with what I want to sew. I enjoyed finding style descriptors for myself, which don't all seem to go together... but... like you said... not everything has to be the same style (and it isn't!) My descriptors include classic timeless elegance, Bohemian folkloric, and tie dyed hippie... I haven't been able to put that into a fun sentence like yours but it was fun to try. Thanks!
What a great set of desriptors. Those resonate with me as well, as I cannot seem to find just 3 words because I love variety so much and the difference between my sporty boho nautical summer life and my classic rocker winter life is so vast
It sounds like you do have a clear vision of what you like, which I think is what it's all about. I can very much see why you would want all of those different elements for different situations. I also completely understand what you mean as far as what you want to sew not necessarily being what you would like to have sewn... Good luck in balancing your conflicting wants! And have fun in the process.
I think I am a dabbler. I have been following along and using the process loosely to examine my me made wardrobe for my current style/uniform but I have not gone into the detail that a lot of people do. I have taken the time to analyze my body shape and the styles I am most drawn to. But variety is the spice of life so sticking to one prescribed style is not my style 😂
Maybe having one style is its own style...? It's not mine, either. 😉 Most of the time I don't think too much about what I'm sewing and just make what I feel like and wear what makes me happy. I wanted to see what happened if I approached it in a different way, and it has been insightful. I'm also really looking forward to ignoring the mood boards and trying things that are completely different!
I just „completed“ my first Me Made May..and found your channel while searching for Me Made May 2024 in hopes to find someone with a somewhat similar vibe or thought process or approach to learn from.. and you DELIVERED! Thank you so much for sharing your journey and subsequently helping me on mine! ☺️ Personally I also don’t get anything from kibbe or color analysis or anything like that, but much rather learned to take a deeper dive into what I already love wearing + what I enjoyed making and looking at for inspiration (from movies and shows, pinterest to traveling and daily life); Then how I can combine that by dedicating a full month to collect some data (daily outfit photos no matter what + taking some time to play dress up with my me-makes to come up with new combinations just for fun at home + taking notes of fitting issues to take into further consideration) and narrowing down at least one fail-proof „comfort outfit formula“, a preferred color range, (sewing-)materials and pattern.. .. all to the realization that I am basically starting to blend in with my home-decor and furniture. Henceforth my 3 style descriptors are: “Comfy - Vintage - Treasure Hunter” 🧐
Hahaha, blending in with your home decor sounds pretty fun. I'm starting to work on my home decor more, and of course I'm gravitating towards the same colors. I may end up in the same boat! 😂 Congratulations on your first me made May. I hope you enjoyed the process and take part again next year. I'm so happy that it worked out that my own journey was so similar to yours this year. Keep on experimenting and having fun, playing in your wardrobe!
I went through part of The Curated Closet last year. I got bogged down with picking my style words and all the homework. I watched some of Ellie Jean Royden's style roots videos and found her descriptions helpful. When I had my colors done years ago (very inexpensive and basic analysis), I was told I was an autumn (warm) and tried to fit into that. When I had a better analysis done recently, I was told I'm a summer who h is cool! I'm going to lean into that because it seems more like me and I want to have a wardrobe with things that go together. This was the first year that I've participated in Me Made May, and I found it super helpful. I like my me mades, but they don't go together very well so I want to work on that. The October date for a 10x 10 is a great goal for me, and I'm really looking forward to it!
It's so interesting to me that people end up being moved from one color category to another. I think going with what feels like you seems to be the right choice, no matter what anyone else says. I'm really glad that you enjoyed your first me made May. I always learned something new each year and find a unique way to take part. I'm excited to hear that you are interested in the 10x10 in October. I think it will be a different kind of challenge, and one that I hope we all enjoy.
I have looked at people doing capsule wardrobes etc and colour analysis but I prefer to go with my instinct. I have found is that as I have fibromyalgia I really need to be realistic about my lifestyle so I now focus more on loungewear and have no fancy clothes. All my clothes need to be comfortable because of my pain level. I’m big on dopamine dressing, especially in winter so I love my squishy, orange pants and jumper loungewear. I’m about to make a petrol one as well. I’ve designed my own pants/trousers that I make in different fabrics so they suit various occasions but are just as comfortable. I love skirts but rarely find myself wearing them so I’m just sticking with pants, tops and dresses.
I think this is really clever and powerful, when you realize it. Sometimes it takes us a while to understand what we really need from our wardrobe. Being able to make things that really suit our lives is such a gift. It sounds like your instincts are bringing you just what you need!
I love how you think and analyze! You articulate your thoughts so well! You are very thorough, too. I agreed with so much of what you said in this video! Personally, I have never put much stock in the color analyses, and to be honest, not much in shape and silhouette advice, either. Why? Because I've lived enough decades that I've seen the "professional" opinions swing back and forth like a pendulum. I like to experiment with my sewing and with the styles I wear, and there are some styles and colors I inherently do not like at all. I've seen some CZcamsrs describe the rules they are following, and I disagree with some of them, but that's because I'm an onlooker with a different set of eyes and different likes and dislikes. I think you look lovely in your wardrobe, but I can also envision you looking just as lovely in a completely different color scheme or style. To me, it's just a matter of personal opinion. Another problem with the color plan is the difficulty in finding fabric in the type and color we want, when we want it. Plus, certain things are more available simply because they're in style, and the opposite is true as well. I love your channel soooo much! Thank you for producing such awesome content! I truly admire you!!
You make some excellent points, Tammy. So many of the style rules conflict each other, which demonstrates how seriously we should take them. It's funny, I have also seen people talk about how great they think they look in something, and I feel like I'm missing what they're seeing. Honestly though, their enthusiasm and confidence are probably the best thing that they can be wearing! Let's all just have fun with this hobby!
Seamwork has a very good method of finding your style. I didn’t think it would work, but it did! I’m trying another approach now. It’s a process. Some people just know what to make. I like to think about my potential makes a lot. ❤
There are definitely different ways to approach sewing, and sometimes I just fly by the seat of my pants. It is fun to take a more planned approach sometimes, too. I like the idea of the group element to the seamwork journey. I'm not a seamwork member, so I couldn't join in with that, but I think there could be a lot to gain from that.
I use Pinterest and any save modes on shopping sites and over a time I will sit down and look carefully at the things I've saved and read any pertinent details on the item and deliberate. From there I remove anything that doesn't really meet my needs. Sometimes I look back at something saved and if it doesn't spark something in me I delete it from my saved items. I don't like to spend money on things that really don't work for my life and often times I think to myself that I have lived this long without it then I probably don't need it. It's just what works for me plus it helps when my husband feels the urge to surprise me with something while he's online shopping he can look at what I have saved and choose from there so he doesn't buy something that I don't like or won't use.
That's such a thoughtful way to go about it. It's all too easy to get excited about something and immediately buy it, when it may just be a passing whim. I tend to make an ongoing list on my phone, which I revisit now and then. How sweet that your husband is aware of your lists and sometimes buys you surprises off of them!
Although I don't generally use Pinterest as an actual shopping list, this is similar to how I use it to collect and consider inspiration. I let it sit and then occasionally go back through my curated closet inspo boards and see if pieces or outfits still resonate with me later (I also have a seasonal section with actual closet and IG images of my me-mades.) and those are the things I'll put at the top of my sewing queue or consider shopping for if they are real needs or fill a gap.
Hi,first time viewer so all new to me. Really interesting thoughts from you, i think you are super organised and know very much what you like, the colours that suit you and how to put them together. I on the other hand open my wardrobe and wear the same things and don’t feel I get the best out of me, or make clothes that will enhance my existing clothes. This is something I want to work on and like the idea of making a pair of trousers and then a top and jacket to go with it and then branch out with other options. Thanks also for two new podcasts to listen too, more homework for me and plenty of food for thought. As an add on I have recently ordered the roscoe and fleur blouse. Two completely different styles for me but can visualise myself wearing them in red mix colours. They will be great additions to a new me style ❤
It's a continuous journey and has taken a long time to get here. I wish you luck on your own style journey. I hope the new patterns take you by surprise (in the best way!).
I have really enjoyed this series, thank you! My colouring and personal style is different to yours but the approach you've discussed here is really interesting and has given me lots of food for thought. I am a brunette Soft Summer ("Sophisticated" in Imogen Lamport's approach) . I really like dark brown, which if its 'cool' enough is fine, but I most enjoy it in Autumn. In summer navy and grey-green are my neutrals, winter I love red (too bright for me). In Spring I suddenly break out my bright printed tops and emerald green....
And doesn't that just make getting dressed so much more fun? I love the sound of the variety in your wardrobe. We are the main ones who will notice what we wear, so we might as well enjoy what we're wearing!
I didn't follow your process, but I am looking at the colors of the clothes in my closet with a more critical eye. I have been gradually weeding out clothes that are too wide for my narrow shoulders, and now I am going to start taking out the clothes that don't really work with my coloring.
Hi Theresa, I absolutely loved this vlog! I too hate the idea of being tied down to one style, although there is some crossover, I have 5 and counting lol. Neon Gnome, Erstwhile Archaeologist, Dress-down Dark Ages, Bright Academia & Off-brand Pin-Up 🤣🤣 I feel colour analysis can hurt as much as it helps, I was incorrectly identified as a Soft Spring in my youth (by a family member who still insists that I'm blond when my hair is actually mid to dark brown, and that colours that wash me out look great on me) and spent years buying everything in colours that did nothing (or very little for me). I do wonder where my personal style would be now if I hadn't been going the wrong direction for so long. I'm actually a clear winter lol. I started trying to revamp my wardrobe during COVID for something to do. Sadly my sewing machine was broken at the time and it wasn't possible to take it to get fixed for an age, so I didn't get to make anything during that time, but now there is nothing in my wardrobe which doesn't suit me - but there might be a few things that don't fit (I blame COVID for that too!). My current challenge is trying to be more sustainable, almost everything I own has stretch and is therefore non biodegradable, but I have a very large bust and struggle to find or make anything that fits properly without stretch (unless it's a tent) K
Okay, your list of styles are freaking fabulous! 😂😂 I feel like I could look at mood boards for each of these for hours and never get bored. 🤣 That sucks that you ended up on the wrong track for so long with the colors that work for you. Realistically though, I think all of us will gradually gravitate toward what works for us as we get older. I'm not sure anyone's going to have it all figured out as a teenager. Our styles and even coloring may also evolve with time. And I do hear you with wanting to wear stretchy clothes and struggling with body changes and clothes no longer fitting. I'm working through this myself, mainly due to lifestyle changes with an injury. At least it gives us plenty of opportunities to sew more things for our evolving selves!
@@LostMyThread Did you get my reply about the shoes on the Ecco comment? I recommend Think! Brand for the fun and comfort. They have some very pretty styles and are a very well made shoe.
As a sewist, we are often in a better starting place for looking at our own style. We are used choosing fabrics for ourselves etc Watching your vlogs made me look at some other areas of defining style . Kibbe in particular - but it mainly clarified what I know. For example I don’t really like peplums on me, and that does fit in with my body type. It also helped me choose some new glasses! As a sewist I have a lot of clothes so want to create opportunities to wear them, so I do change colours between autumn/winter and spring/summer. I also think we want to dress for those different aspects of our personalities- I love floaty dresses, and rock chic, and powerful woman and and and… so yes I don’t think I ever want to dress in the same style everyday. Well done it’s been a great thought provoking series, I look forward to seeing what you make and wear going forward
I think that's a really good point, that as people who sew, we are making much more conscious decisions already. I certainly didn't think about my clothes as much when I wasn't sewing them all. I'm happy to hear the others also find joy in dressing in a variety of styles and colors. Fashion and getting dressed can be fun. We don't want to lose sight of that!
I starting reading the curated wardrobe and never finished. Though I think my problem is more just getting started. My style has been different depending on my job, where I lived, or what was happening in my life.
One thing I can tell you is unless you work a fashion related job or have a dress code, very few people notice what you wear on a day to day basis or even care. So wear what makes you feel good.
The immediate reaction I want from people is " gee she looks nice" vs " what an amazing dress" but that is me. Other people might want the latter reaction.
The other thing is that like to dress for the occasion but I would rather be slightly overdressed than underdressed.
Very well put!
You are so right that nobody is going to be noticing our clothes as much as we do. Well, maybe other sewists if we get together. 😉 I think it's important to dress for yourself first. I'm with you though on preferring to be more overdressed than underdressed. That also gives me more opportunity to wear some of my fancier me-mades!
Love the idea of a 10 x 10. As a semi retired 70 yr old I do find I wear pretty much the same clothes 90% of the time so 90% of my wardrobe should reflect this( it doesn’t!). The remaining 10% should be the fun things,the elegant things, the floaty things which I might only wear once a year but I still want that choice. I made an impulse buy last week- a bright fuschia pink leather jacket!!! I need to bring it into my regular wear to justify the expense but really not sure how! I’m going to rewatch your videos for more ideas! Thanks for all the work you put into this.
I completely agree that having some special things that you are occasionally will really enhance your wardrobe and the joy that you get from it. A bright fuchsia pink leather jacket sounds like so much fun! It might be worth going on to Pinterest and just doing a search for pink leather jacket. You may get some inspiration!
Yes to everything you said here! I spent all of lockdown “finding my style” by watching every YT video and blog post I could find on the subject. My motivation (besides having a lot of time) was hating everything I was sewing and not understanding why patterns/styles looked good on EVERYONE else, but made me feel frumpy and wrong. This is the problem with following trends. I had a lot of missteps along the way, but I finally learned how to objectively analyze myself. I figured out my Kibbe type by process of elimination. I learned my color season and then quickly abandoned that idea. I absorbed everything I could about all of the processes and rules, which helped me to strategically break the rules. In striving for cohesion I learned that my own contrasting ideas are what makes my style MY style. It’s almost as if the lessons brought me full circle and right back to where I started, but now I was armed with a better understanding and much more confidence. I love listening to other people’s experiences with finding their style and highly recommend that everyone try one or all of the systems to do so. But I also think that figuring out what parts of the systems work for you, and throwing away the parts that don’t, is the way to discovering your UNIQUE style. Isn’t that what we’re all truly looking for? Thank you for sharing your process with us. I thoroughly enjoyed this series, and I loved hearing your takeaways. You got me to play with my current wardrobe and future plans, which is the most fun activity for me! 🎉
Thank you so much for sharing your own experience, Erin. I love that you've been able to "learn the rules" to "break the rules". I really do love the eclectic nature of your wardrobe, and I'm happy to hear that you've been able to do the same. So much of it is about confidence, which really comes across and how we carry ourselves in our clothes. Let's keep playing, and experimenting, until we're too old to dress ourselves. Maybe still even then... 😉
I totally get what you are saying about being free to try different styles. I have done that enough and now I am happy with a smaller closet. I can relate to different moods and especially seasonal changes in my wardrobe.
But mainly trying to have a core wardrobe that suits my essence. I found Kibbe helpful because it helped me understand why some things suit me better than others. And curated closet also somewhat helpful though I didn't do it all by the book.
I have two different folders for inspiration. One is "inspobutnotquiteme" and there I can save all the pretty things and cool details. The other one is "nailmystyle" and it's only for things that I could throw on any time and feel great.
Oh my gosh, you're two folder names sound so good! This is absolutely inspiring me to think about the mood boards that I've already created. There's the dream and then there's the reality. It sounds like you've gotten to a really good place in your wardrobe where you have a good idea of what will work for you. Of course, it's an ever evolving journey, but it's awesome to hear!
When I got my colors done in the 1980s, it was life changing. I LOVED soft heathered summer colors, but I’m a winter. I’d spent SO much time making and tailoring lined wool blazers, skirts, slacks, and dresses, and realized they weren’t good colors for me. They all washed me out. I started getting lots of compliments when I started wearing black, white and jewel tones.
Did you ever try the icy pastels? Those did really well for me when I wanted something that was lighter than the jewel tones.
@@GoingGreenMom yes. They are good, but not yellow. I wore a gray Catholic school uniform for 8 years so when I saw an icy gray silky blouse on the rack, I just had to try it on to prove gray was awful..I bought it!
Well, there you go! Each of us are going to be on our own unique journey and may have to take different routes to get there. I'm glad to hear that you were able to have such a positive experience from getting your colors done. It sounds like you were able to start dressing with a lot more confidence. Black, white and jewel tones are fabulous options. Wear them well!
I am on the brink of retirement. I work at a steel rolling plant. So, I have fallen into the sturdy work clothes habit. While sensible it is boring. I am ready to explore options. As a sewist, I have the opportunity to create whatever I want. The choices are overwhelming. I found this process very useful. I am asking questions that I never even thought to ask myself.
I can only imagine how open your wardrobe choices must feel now. Good luck on finding how you want to dress with your new lifestyle, and have fun!
I read most of The Curated Closet several years ago and got through 2/3 of the exercises, but had a hard time putting my style into so few words and such a narrow definition. I felt similar to how you described your desire to play with some different styles in various seasons and moods. But it was helpful to give myself permission to let go of some items that were 'classic' pieces that hardly got any wear because they weren't my style. Since then, I've continued to build different pinterest boards and refine my current style seasonally. I found some through lines: romantic dresses, easy silhouettes, casual elegance, button-up shirts with jeans. I am intrigued by the theory of seasonal colors (my mom had the Color Me Beautiful book back in the 80's) as it was something I hadn't figured out for myself. After watching a lot of YT videos and reading blog posts, I came to my own conclusion that "soft autumn" colors have felt the most harmonious with my natural coloring, and most of my favorite colors are in that palette (some true Autumn colors too). I have been gradually purchasing fabric and clothing in these colors, and it's helpful to have a mix and match wardrobe that I can easily throw together outfits with. Using my chosen palette has helped me come up with style words: creative or colorful, easy, chic, romantic. It's also been useful to look at the kinds of prints and embellishment details that I feel go with my style as it's so easy to be tempted by printed fabric: I like scattered wildflower florals, small-to-mid-sized organic abstract designs, hand-drawn geometric designs, Indian block-print florals, Ikat designs, 20-30's-vintage-style prints with low contrast, subtle embroidery embellishments, a single ruffle or tie detail, vintage buttons. For me, looking at style from the perspective of a sewist is most useful as it helps me create things I'll really love and wear a lot, that express my creative style. Watching your style series of videos has been like a refresh of my process without going through the entire thing again, thank you for that!
It sounds like you have been gradually understanding your own style, in a way that works for you. I love how specific some of your preferences are. I'm still learning myself, why certain prints work well for me and why some don't. Perhaps more time and experimentation will help me to get there. I'm happy to enjoy the process.
Thank you! Yes, it's been a gradual process using some theory and various methods that I've adapted. Looking at it now, I think not rushing to define my style in one moment has been key -- looking at my style in each season and how it's expressed, where the through lines are, has helped create some cohesion while still allowing for play and creativity. Those specific preferences happened naturally over time and will still evolve but are useful guideposts that don't feel restrictive, another key for me. Enjoy!
@@LostMyThreadPrints are tricky! I started leaning into the soft and romantic aspects of my style and looked at what commonalities my favorite printed garments have and found some similarities: lower overall contrast, organic shapes and soft lines, random or scattered patterns, subtle details, floral and botanical motifs, embroidery details and then also tried on clothes in stores with these characteristics (even if I wasn't going to buy them) and that process was helpful and now I can scroll online and kind of tell what would fit within that, and also solid colors that coordinate with those colors and prints. I didn't necessarily think that I could define my style this much but gradually it has happened, and will evolve too.
I definitely agree with not tying yourself down to just one style. i would get so bored with that. i've tried a lot of different methods but when it comes down to it i think for me the simplest approach is best. i have certain things that i know i like, so i wear those frequently. but i'm also open to trying new things knowing that it won't always work but you never know unless you try. i think making occasional mistakes is ok as i've found some really great styles by being more open-minded.
That is such a great point, Sara. I have absolutely surprised myself with certain styles or even types of garments. Of course, it's a lot less pressure to experiment with clothes that don't take hours, days, weeks to sew. But I think you're right in accepting that we have to make some mistakes to be able to learn what we like wearing. That or just wear the same boring basics, but who wants to be boring?
I have not found Kibbe to be helpful since I cannot establish which I actually am and menopause hasn't helped. Now I just go with a style I like on me making any needed adjustments to fit me. If I like what I see in the mirror then I'm good to go. My husband doesn't always like something I'm wearing and usually I discover he was right and it was off. Other times if I like it he just accepts it. I don't always like his clothes either but that's subjective.
I've definitely had the opposite experience where I make something and really like it, but my husband isn't sure about it. Then I find him complimenting it at some other point, so it's clearly grown on him. 😉 Personally, I'm more interested in how I feel in a garment. Your confidence will come across if you are wearing clothes that make you feel good, and I think that will make you look better than clothes that you don't like, no matter how much people think they "look good on you."
Once again, you are articulating feelings I've been having for years! The whole "find your one true style" has haunted me since I was a teen. I've felt everything from uncomfortable to anxious to full-on rage about never being able to narrow things down and just be one thing. Recently it's dawned on me that if I want clothing that reflects my personality, it has to be varied. I'm not one thing!
While I can see the appeal of having one cohesive mix-and-match style, I've begun to wonder if that narrative is pushed on women to make us more pallatable. By filing us into archetypes (under the guise of "discovering" ourselves), does it make us easier to manage? We don't have to sit with each other's complexity and inconsistencies if we whittle ourselves down and commit to being one thing. I might be taking things too deep, but it's a pressure I've felt for so long. You granting yorself permission to dismiss that narrative hugely resonates with me.
I love your idea of having core styles - plural! I think mine are cottage core witch, extra on that 70's show, queer cheerleader, 90's dream catcher, and sentimental cascade lesbian. Most of my garments could fall into one or more of these styles and I've kind of started thinking of them as mini capsule wardrobes. I also have crossover pieces and accessories that fit multiple vibes, which does lend a bit of cohesion and soften out some of the hard edges.
I have to play catch up with your other vides but it's such a cool process! What I love most about sewing is how much it can teach us about ourselves. You really leaned in and learned so much!
Bri, you always manage to take things to another level, and I'm so glad that you do. It's interesting to consider where the 'one style' concept comes from. I honestly hadn't felt particularly drawn to the idea much throughout my life but have often felt like 'too many' of my clothes have nothing to do with each other. It felt like a problem that needed solving. I don't feel like that anymore.
My Me Made May videos are really videos of me working through the process and mentioning some of these drawbacks, as I went. I was still committed to try and squeeze looks into categories, even when I realized that I was cool with some being different. It's been a journey. I haven't taken it entirely seriously, but it was fun to play around with the concepts, even if I'm not fully committed to them.
It sounds like a hugely positive and freeing place for you, to have realized that you can have multiple core styles. Your names for them are so much fun, and I'm sure the playful names make it even more inviting to tap into them. Thank you for sharing your experience. Keep on playing and evolving!!
The Curated Closet is a lot of work 😂. My main takeaway from Me Made May was to put a little more thought into my makes. It is so easy to get excited about making a piece without thinking outfits or wardrobe.
Haha, so true! If you've been able to take anything away from me made me, I'd say it was a success. Thinking about how pieces will fit into your whole wardrobe sounds easy, but I also know how easy it is to just get excited about a fabric or a pattern and thinking that you'll figure that other part out later. 😉
Lol, methodical is not a word I would use to describe myself. My closet is probably “bright artist tomboy”.
I've been referring to my closet as a crayon box. 😂
Well those both just sound delightful to me!
Hi Theresa, Thank you so much for all your effort in putting these videos together. I've learnt a lot, but also felt I don't want to be restricted to one style and have decided to create small capsule wardrobes for the different activities in my life. Your series has helped me to narrow this down though. Thank you once again, for your interesting, creative content.🤗
Small capsules sound like such a fun way to approach our wardrobes. I hope you have fun figuring out what these are and in creating garments that make you feel great!
I've found this series, and your presentation of it, very inspiring. Nodding that we all have very different styles... and approaches... and can have many different styles within our own styles.... and yes... it's all okay! I didn't follow The Curated Closet completely but did find many of the things in it very useful. I finally got rid of some things that were "good" but I simply NEVER wore. Pinning to Pinterest was fun and I want to continue for a while especially to decide on what to sew for myself which doesn't always mesh with what I want to sew. I enjoyed finding style descriptors for myself, which don't all seem to go together... but... like you said... not everything has to be the same style (and it isn't!) My descriptors include classic timeless elegance, Bohemian folkloric, and tie dyed hippie... I haven't been able to put that into a fun sentence like yours but it was fun to try. Thanks!
What a great set of desriptors. Those resonate with me as well, as I cannot seem to find just 3 words because I love variety so much and the difference between my sporty boho nautical summer life and my classic rocker winter life is so vast
It sounds like you do have a clear vision of what you like, which I think is what it's all about. I can very much see why you would want all of those different elements for different situations. I also completely understand what you mean as far as what you want to sew not necessarily being what you would like to have sewn... Good luck in balancing your conflicting wants! And have fun in the process.
I think I am a dabbler. I have been following along and using the process loosely to examine my me made wardrobe for my current style/uniform but I have not gone into the detail that a lot of people do. I have taken the time to analyze my body shape and the styles I am most drawn to. But variety is the spice of life so sticking to one prescribed style is not my style 😂
Maybe having one style is its own style...? It's not mine, either. 😉 Most of the time I don't think too much about what I'm sewing and just make what I feel like and wear what makes me happy. I wanted to see what happened if I approached it in a different way, and it has been insightful. I'm also really looking forward to ignoring the mood boards and trying things that are completely different!
I just „completed“ my first Me Made May..and found your channel while searching for Me Made May 2024 in hopes to find someone with a somewhat similar vibe or thought process or approach to learn from.. and you DELIVERED! Thank you so much for sharing your journey and subsequently helping me on mine! ☺️
Personally I also don’t get anything from kibbe or color analysis or anything like that, but much rather learned to take a deeper dive into what I already love wearing + what I enjoyed making and looking at for inspiration (from movies and shows, pinterest to traveling and daily life); Then how I can combine that by dedicating a full month to collect some data (daily outfit photos no matter what + taking some time to play dress up with my me-makes to come up with new combinations just for fun at home + taking notes of fitting issues to take into further consideration) and narrowing down at least one fail-proof „comfort outfit formula“, a preferred color range, (sewing-)materials and pattern..
..
all to the realization that I am basically starting to blend in with my home-decor and furniture.
Henceforth my 3 style descriptors are: “Comfy - Vintage - Treasure Hunter” 🧐
Hahaha, blending in with your home decor sounds pretty fun. I'm starting to work on my home decor more, and of course I'm gravitating towards the same colors. I may end up in the same boat! 😂
Congratulations on your first me made May. I hope you enjoyed the process and take part again next year. I'm so happy that it worked out that my own journey was so similar to yours this year. Keep on experimenting and having fun, playing in your wardrobe!
P.S. your style descriptor is awesome!!! 😁😁😂
I went through part of The Curated Closet last year. I got bogged down with picking my style words and all the homework. I watched some of Ellie Jean Royden's style roots videos and found her descriptions helpful. When I had my colors done years ago (very inexpensive and basic analysis), I was told I was an autumn (warm) and tried to fit into that. When I had a better analysis done recently, I was told I'm a summer who h is cool! I'm going to lean into that because it seems more like me and I want to have a wardrobe with things that go together.
This was the first year that I've participated in Me Made May, and I found it super helpful. I like my me mades, but they don't go together very well so I want to work on that. The October date for a 10x 10 is a great goal for me, and I'm really looking forward to it!
It's so interesting to me that people end up being moved from one color category to another. I think going with what feels like you seems to be the right choice, no matter what anyone else says. I'm really glad that you enjoyed your first me made May. I always learned something new each year and find a unique way to take part. I'm excited to hear that you are interested in the 10x10 in October. I think it will be a different kind of challenge, and one that I hope we all enjoy.
I have looked at people doing capsule wardrobes etc and colour analysis but I prefer to go with my instinct. I have found is that as I have fibromyalgia I really need to be realistic about my lifestyle so I now focus more on loungewear and have no fancy clothes. All my clothes need to be comfortable because of my pain level. I’m big on dopamine dressing, especially in winter so I love my squishy, orange pants and jumper loungewear. I’m about to make a petrol one as well. I’ve designed my own pants/trousers that I make in different fabrics so they suit various occasions but are just as comfortable. I love skirts but rarely find myself wearing them so I’m just sticking with pants, tops and dresses.
That is so great that you can sew to meet your current needs!
@@downtoearthsewing yes, absolutely 😊
I think this is really clever and powerful, when you realize it. Sometimes it takes us a while to understand what we really need from our wardrobe. Being able to make things that really suit our lives is such a gift. It sounds like your instincts are bringing you just what you need!
I've learned such a lot about myself throughout your process so thank you.
That is so awesome to hear, thank you! Let's all keep learning!
I love how you think and analyze! You articulate your thoughts so well! You are very thorough, too. I agreed with so much of what you said in this video!
Personally, I have never put much stock in the color analyses, and to be honest, not much in shape and silhouette advice, either. Why? Because I've lived enough decades that I've seen the "professional" opinions swing back and forth like a pendulum.
I like to experiment with my sewing and with the styles I wear, and there are some styles and colors I inherently do not like at all.
I've seen some CZcamsrs describe the rules they are following, and I disagree with some of them, but that's because I'm an onlooker with a different set of eyes and different likes and dislikes. I think you look lovely in your wardrobe, but I can also envision you looking just as lovely in a completely different color scheme or style. To me, it's just a matter of personal opinion.
Another problem with the color plan is the difficulty in finding fabric in the type and color we want, when we want it. Plus, certain things are more available simply because they're in style, and the opposite is true as well.
I love your channel soooo much! Thank you for producing such awesome content! I truly admire you!!
You make some excellent points, Tammy. So many of the style rules conflict each other, which demonstrates how seriously we should take them. It's funny, I have also seen people talk about how great they think they look in something, and I feel like I'm missing what they're seeing. Honestly though, their enthusiasm and confidence are probably the best thing that they can be wearing! Let's all just have fun with this hobby!
Seamwork has a very good method of finding your style. I didn’t think it would work, but it did! I’m trying another approach now. It’s a process. Some people just know what to make. I like to think about my potential makes a lot. ❤
There are definitely different ways to approach sewing, and sometimes I just fly by the seat of my pants. It is fun to take a more planned approach sometimes, too. I like the idea of the group element to the seamwork journey. I'm not a seamwork member, so I couldn't join in with that, but I think there could be a lot to gain from that.
Thank you for some great, really helpful information to help me gain more clarity on moving ahead with my wardrobe choices.❤
You're very welcome. I'm so glad to hear that it was helpful!
I use Pinterest and any save modes on shopping sites and over a time I will sit down and look carefully at the things I've saved and read any pertinent details on the item and deliberate. From there I remove anything that doesn't really meet my needs. Sometimes I look back at something saved and if it doesn't spark something in me I delete it from my saved items. I don't like to spend money on things that really don't work for my life and often times I think to myself that I have lived this long without it then I probably don't need it. It's just what works for me plus it helps when my husband feels the urge to surprise me with something while he's online shopping he can look at what I have saved and choose from there so he doesn't buy something that I don't like or won't use.
That's such a thoughtful way to go about it. It's all too easy to get excited about something and immediately buy it, when it may just be a passing whim. I tend to make an ongoing list on my phone, which I revisit now and then. How sweet that your husband is aware of your lists and sometimes buys you surprises off of them!
Although I don't generally use Pinterest as an actual shopping list, this is similar to how I use it to collect and consider inspiration. I let it sit and then occasionally go back through my curated closet inspo boards and see if pieces or outfits still resonate with me later (I also have a seasonal section with actual closet and IG images of my me-mades.) and those are the things I'll put at the top of my sewing queue or consider shopping for if they are real needs or fill a gap.
Hi,first time viewer so all new to me. Really interesting thoughts from you, i think you are super organised and know very much what you like, the colours that suit you and how to put them together. I on the other hand open my wardrobe and wear the same things and don’t feel I get the best out of me, or make clothes that will enhance my existing clothes. This is something I want to work on and like the idea of making a pair of trousers and then a top and jacket to go with it and then branch out with other options. Thanks also for two new podcasts to listen too, more homework for me and plenty of food for thought.
As an add on I have recently ordered the roscoe and fleur blouse. Two completely different styles for me but can visualise myself wearing them in red mix colours. They will be great additions to a new me style ❤
It's a continuous journey and has taken a long time to get here. I wish you luck on your own style journey. I hope the new patterns take you by surprise (in the best way!).
I have really enjoyed this series, thank you! My colouring and personal style is different to yours but the approach you've discussed here is really interesting and has given me lots of food for thought. I am a brunette Soft Summer ("Sophisticated" in Imogen Lamport's approach) . I really like dark brown, which if its 'cool' enough is fine, but I most enjoy it in Autumn. In summer navy and grey-green are my neutrals, winter I love red (too bright for me). In Spring I suddenly break out my bright printed tops and emerald green....
And doesn't that just make getting dressed so much more fun? I love the sound of the variety in your wardrobe. We are the main ones who will notice what we wear, so we might as well enjoy what we're wearing!
Looking forward to the 10 series.
Haha, could be interesting!
I didn't follow your process, but I am looking at the colors of the clothes in my closet with a more critical eye. I have been gradually weeding out clothes that are too wide for my narrow shoulders, and now I am going to start taking out the clothes that don't really work with my coloring.
I don't think that there is one approach, and it sounds like you found what works for you! Good luck making those tough decisions.
Hi Theresa, I absolutely loved this vlog! I too hate the idea of being tied down to one style, although there is some crossover, I have 5 and counting lol. Neon Gnome, Erstwhile Archaeologist, Dress-down Dark Ages, Bright Academia & Off-brand Pin-Up 🤣🤣
I feel colour analysis can hurt as much as it helps, I was incorrectly identified as a Soft Spring in my youth (by a family member who still insists that I'm blond when my hair is actually mid to dark brown, and that colours that wash me out look great on me) and spent years buying everything in colours that did nothing (or very little for me). I do wonder where my personal style would be now if I hadn't been going the wrong direction for so long. I'm actually a clear winter lol. I started trying to revamp my wardrobe during COVID for something to do. Sadly my sewing machine was broken at the time and it wasn't possible to take it to get fixed for an age, so I didn't get to make anything during that time, but now there is nothing in my wardrobe which doesn't suit me - but there might be a few things that don't fit (I blame COVID for that too!).
My current challenge is trying to be more sustainable, almost everything I own has stretch and is therefore non biodegradable, but I have a very large bust and struggle to find or make anything that fits properly without stretch (unless it's a tent) K
Okay, your list of styles are freaking fabulous! 😂😂 I feel like I could look at mood boards for each of these for hours and never get bored. 🤣
That sucks that you ended up on the wrong track for so long with the colors that work for you. Realistically though, I think all of us will gradually gravitate toward what works for us as we get older. I'm not sure anyone's going to have it all figured out as a teenager. Our styles and even coloring may also evolve with time.
And I do hear you with wanting to wear stretchy clothes and struggling with body changes and clothes no longer fitting. I'm working through this myself, mainly due to lifestyle changes with an injury. At least it gives us plenty of opportunities to sew more things for our evolving selves!
Mariah Pattie had a video where she talked about developing multiple styles about two years ago. Might be who you’re thinking of?
It was actually just from a comment that somebody left on one of my previous videos, but I'm curious to hunt this video down!
Just took a look at- I don’t fit into any of those descriptions. 🤷🏻♀️
Few of us fit perfectly into any box!
@@LostMyThread Did you get my reply about the shoes on the Ecco comment? I recommend Think! Brand for the fun and comfort. They have some very pretty styles and are a very well made shoe.
@@Queenread82 yes, I will definitely check them out. Thanks again!