Sizing a blouse

Who could resist the dramatic collar on this blouse? 

Certainly not I, which is why I snatched it up when shopping my friend's closet. The detail is outstanding. Look at the ruching, the zipper, and the 5-button cuffs. Alas, it is too large. But does that ever stop me?

You too can alter a blouse with these simple directions. 

Start by turning your blouse inside out, and putting it on.
Pinch in the sides where you feel the blouse would fit best, then pin.

Begin at the top seam, and sew down to the hem in an arc. A sewing machine makes quick work of this, but hand-stitching achieves the same result. 

(I've seen many nice sewing machines recently in the Goodwill and thrift stores for quite reasonable prices. Joann's has in-store classes, and there is always YouTube for learning a new skill. That machine will pay for itself in a matter of weeks.)

Trim excess fabric, so the sides aren't bulky.

Press open the seams.

Let's bring back evening gloves

They are elegant. They are functional. They're stylish and fun.

Grace Kelly, 1954 Rear Window

Where is one likely to wear gloves, you may ask? Weddings, lunch, theatre, a coronation, an inauguration, and of course the opera.

As a general rule, the more formal the event, the longer the glove.

Wrist-length  8"– 9" day wear
Above the wrist 10" – 11" day wear

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Mid forearm, or gauntlet, for wearing over sleeves

Doris Day

Three quarter length, over the elbow 14" – 15" 

Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany's

Opera gloves: mid bicep 

Today, I received five pair of stunning vintage gloves as a gift from my friend Joelle. They belonged to her Aunt Val, a spunky lady with impeccable taste. I was over the moon when I opened the box to find this lovely surprise. It is an honor to have these family heirlooms passed along to me.

Each pair of gloves is still in the original bag.

They fit my tiny hands.

To read more about glove etiquette …

https://www.inesgloves.com/pages/gloves-etiquette

The Lone Wolf Spy Hunt

Every vintage lover finds inspiration in classic movies. 

My holiday movie binge includes The Lone Wolf Spy Hunt I found on YouTube. Released in 1939, just months before the U.S. entered World War II, the action surrounds a plot to steal the plans for an anti-aircraft gun.

Well that's one way to make sure your date doesn't leave with another woman. Handcuff him. 
Warren William, Rita Hayworth, and Ida Lupino.

Rita Hayworth in a gold lame gown. Or was it silver?
Impossible to tell in black and white, but timeless nevertheless.

Not only are the clothes to die for, the women play very strong roles in this film. They might be dressed in furs and evening gowns, but they drive the plot as: a femme fatale spy, a Senator's daughter who climbs through a second story window to save her man, and a little girl who calls herself G 7. When her father, whom she calls by his first name, arrives home with a gift, she opens the box to exclaim, "Oh boy a regular G man's outfit and real handcuffs!"

Virginia Weidler and Ida Lupino

Furs and fedoras abound. All the men's suits are three-piece.

Filled with lots of fun vernacular of the time, including:
"That slinky dame." 
"You Cassanova."
"That dame's dizzy."
"I'll eat my hat."
"OK, you smart guy; this is the end of the line. I'm going to rub you out."

There's even a Surrealist party.

Did you ever feel like you could just climb right in a movie and live there? 

Shop My Closet

Another way to ReStyle is to shop your friends' closets. 

My Hat Sister, Brenda invited me to her house to shop her closets. This was the most fun I ever had shopping. Shoes were kicked off, cocktails were poured, and Brenda led me on a tour of her clothes, shoes, accessories, and of course, hats.

Brenda reminisced and I tried on dress after dress, after sweater, after blouse, after skirt, after cape.  For each outfit I tried on, Brenda had a story of where she wore it. A cruise. A dance competition. A gala. 

I love Brenda's taste, so I tried on LOTS of her clothes. Most everything fit like a glove. There were a couple of pieces that need some alterations, and I will be showing tutorials on them in future posts. 

Brenda styled me with her keen eye. "That blouse looks great on you. I've got just the thing to go with it." Brenda would go sailing out of the room, to return moments later with a skirt or a belt that matched perfectly. She put together complete outfits for me. "Wait! You need a hat with that!"

I pulled out of Brenda's driveway with a trunk full of clothes, sweet memories to share, and a heart full of love for an evening sharing stories and building a friendship.

All in the family

Yeah, I'm schmaltzy and sentimental. Here's the family Christmas photo 2017. My son has quite the sartorial flair, don't you think? 

Somewhat fond of him

The holidays are extraordinarily fun for people like me who love getting dressed up. The thought of attending two or three events on the same day may seem exhausting to the average person. For me, it's exhilarating. I get to visit with old friends and make new ones. And wear more outfits!

I never met a sequin I didn't like. And these are square!

And your little doggie, too.

Thrifted head to toe
Velvet jacket: Atelier, when did I buy this? What did I pay?
Sequin sweater: $3.99 Goodwill
Velvet jeans: White House Black Market, $5 Community Thrift
Suede strappy heels with silk flowers: Banana Republic, $3.99 Community Thrift

No-sew technique to make drawstring pants

I do so adore faffing about the house in silk pajamas and kimonos – evoking that old Hollywood vibe.

Absolutely. I look just like this, working from home.

And by "silk", I mean silk-ish. If it's pretty, and in good condition, I don't really care if it's not actually silk. Some of the polyesters are stunning and machine washable. Not one to resist a fabulous find just because it is the wrong size, here is one of my tricks to convert a great deal into a great outfit.

You will need:

scissors (sewing preferably) or a razor

large safety pin

ribbon

Virtually all pajama bottoms have an elastic waist. Slit the fabric in the front, inside. 

Attach a large safety pin to the end of a fabric ribbon that is narrower than the elastic band.

Thread through the waistband. When all the way through, remove the safety pin, and knot both ends of the ribbon.

Voila! Pants that don't fall down.

Pajamas: Limited Too, $3.99 Goodwill

Satin ribbon: tied around a set of sheets I recently purchased, $0

A Stroll Down King Street

On the second Sunday of the month in Charleston, King Street closes to traffic. Stores open their doors and place racks on the sidewalk. Restaurants put up stands and tables in the street. People bring their dates and their dogs and stroll down the pedestrian-packed streets. 

This week, the 2nd Sunday organizers asked The Hat Ladies of Charleston if we would put on an impromptu promenade, in the spirit our Easter Parade. 

Of course! We'd be delighted. 

Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas

Who is under that hat?

Darling Jackie, of course.

The Hat Ladies of Charleston provide great material for The ReStylist because so many of us build our wardrobe by thrift, consignment, and legacy. We inherit from our mothers and trade hats among ourselves. We repurpose and restyle with elegant results.

My wardrobe
Hat: Velvet and brocade, handmade by New York milliner, Wendy Carrington
Sweater: Angora, The Limited, $4 Salvation Army
Jacket: Faux lambswool, $10 Goodwill 
Purse: funky furry little thing, $2 Community Thrift

The Spine Ball

Who ever heard of a wool evening gown? Ralph Lauren, that's who. 

The weather outside was frightful, but I was toasty in my wool and fur gown.

Last night was particularly raw for Charleston. Temps in the low 40s with a steady rain all night did not stop the the revelers who showed up for The Southeastern Spine Institute 27th Annual Holiday Gathering. What we affectionately refer to it as The Spine Ball.

Festivities spill into the chilly courtyard. I am ready with my snuggly velvet and silk wrap.

1950s velvet, satin-lined duster. 

Another fun night on the town. Feeling like a million bucks, but spending under $100.

Dress: Ralph Lauren, so old I don't remember where I bought it or how much I paid. About 15 years ago. Definitely thrifted, though.

Wrap: Velvet and silk, Waist Not Want Not, $12

Coat: Vintage Velvet, Venus on the Half Shell

Shoes: Banana Republic, Community Thrift, $3.99

Clutch: Patent leather, Community Thrift, $1.50

Tuxedo: Jos. A. Bank