Sunday, August 15, 2021

A Favorite Boho Paisley Skirt and Being My Own DIY Seamstress

 Styling Does Not Need To Be Expensive


Hello everyone!  I'm back today with the promised style post.  If you missed my last post where I shared about a fun Sunday drive to Mars Hill and a relaxing hike, be sure to take a minute to catch up! 

In this post, I'm sharing a favorite skirt and how I am sometimes my own seamstress. I have two outfits to show you and both go together with the seamstress idea. I'll tie it all together for you so don't worry!


You have actually seen this gorgeous paisley skirt on the blog before but that was more of a fall paisley skirt styling and today I'm featuring the skirt styled for summer. I thrifted this boho style skirt at Goodwill and it is my very favorite skirt to wear! I love the colors, the patterning and the lightweight feel of this skirt. And did I mention its "swish" quality? 


Yes, the skirt is very full and swishes around my legs so nicely! This is definitely a girly-girl skirt! This is what I actually wore to tutor a student today. I enjoy dressing a bit more "teacherish" when I tutor so this fit the bill today. This skirt was a bit tight in the waist when I got it so I added some elastic to the waist band to make it more comfortable to wear. I did not do a professional job, so I'm not going to show you the waistband. But hey, it works for me and is always covered by a top anyway so no one is the wiser.....except for all of you I just told! 😇 You all are angels, so I know you won't tell on me!


I'm also sharing some shorts with you that I did a little seamstress job on recently. These were thrifted from Goodwill a couple of years ago and although I liked the material, the fit wasn't quite right. The waist was really comfy but the leg portions were more of a looser style...kind of culottes but not quite if that makes sense. I wore them once or twice this summer and decided that they looked too "old" on me and I was just going to give them away. 


To make a long story short, I got to thinking about the shorts after putting them in the giveaway bag and thought, "Duh! The problem is they are too long and I can hem them up!" So, I got out my sewing machine, took the shorts out of the giveaway bag and hemmed them and I like them so much better now! The proportions just seem better on me. Isn't it interesting how an inch or two can make a difference? 

So the point of today's post is twofold. First of all, fashion doesn't have to be expensive in order to look good and be enjoyed. The skirt and shorts that I shared today were both thrifted, in good condition, at an inexpensive price. And to my second point, with a little DIY seamstress work, both pieces fit much better on my body and can be worn and enjoyed. I am definitely not a professional seamstress, (in fact FAR from it) but I can do a few basics which is all these pieces needed. 


Oh, and I do want to share the necklace I'm wearing. It belonged to my mother. She has been on my mind so much recently. She passed over 25 years ago and I find that I go through periods where I just wish I could talk with her once more. I always miss her but some times are worse than others. I guess that is normal with missing loved ones who are no longer with us. Anyway, I find that wearing a piece of her jewelry helps me feel closer to her somehow. Keepsake jewelry is a wonderful thing to have. 

Hope you enjoyed the post and I would love for you to leave a comment! And, I hope that you don't mind that Garden photo bombed most of these pictures!

Until Next Time,
Debbie

10 comments:

Linda said...

I know what you mean, when you say an inch or 2.
Just Yesterday, I shortened a skirt a bit to make it look better.
And it does look better and it feels more like me.

And I know what you are saying about missing a loved one.
My father died six months ago August 18.
I'm finding the six month mark to bring back certain emotions.
Good memories and a few regrets still stuck in my brain.
Since my father's passing,
I have come to think about both of my parents,
when reflecting on life.
My mother died July 17, 1989.
That's a long time ago and yes,
there are times I too wish I could once again
be in her presence and talk a bit.
Thank you for sharing.
Linda Ziegler

Karen said...

What a good idea to add elastic to the waistband of your skirt. I sew, also far from professional, but can understand how you did that. This is a good tip to extend the life of a favorite garment,, or make one we love a little more comfortable! Great idea to hem the shorts. That's a very flattering length, and you're fortunate to look good in shorts! It's always fun to see the sweet kitties!!

Sharon said...

I enjoyed your post. Yes, indeed, having a sewing machine is handy for those simple fixes to clothing. You did a great job making your garments more wearable and comfortable. Comfort is the key to me with clothing. I think having Garden in your pictures is great! I often watch PBS Newshour, and one reporter's cat is regularly behind her on a couch as she reports from home. I watch her cat as I listen to the news, and that makes tv more fun to watch.

Iris said...

Love your skirt. I'm all about skirts at this stage of my life and I love thrifted ones. I do a LOT of DIL seamstress stuff so I understand it a lot. Good job on both the skirt and shorts.
Iris

Debbie Styles Life said...

Hi Linda: I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. I know that has been difficult for you. I think "anniversaries" like the six month mark can bring thoughts of our loved ones to us. I know you miss your Mom and Dad.

That's great that you are a seamstress and can do alterations. I only do basics, but it does help my clothes fit better.

Debbie Styles Life said...

Thanks, Karen! I don't think I look that good in shorts but sometimes the hot weather calls for shorts!

Debbie Styles Life said...

Thanks,Sharon! Garden was determined to stay on the couch and continue her nap! Glad you enjoyed seeing her in the pics.

Debbie Styles Life said...

Thanks, Iris! I always feel accomplished when I sew something and it looks ok!!

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

You look cute in all the outfits Debbie. My favorite accessory is the black and white kitty behind you in the first photo!

Joy said...

I dearly love a swishy skirt and yours is lovely!
I still miss my Mum too - we always will.
xx