Welcome to my interpretation of this round of Style Imitating Art.
A Little Background
Style Imitating Art is hosted by Salazar of 14 Shades of Grey, Daenel of Living Outside the Stacks and me. Style Imitating Art challenges us to draw style inspiration from pieces of art. Every other Monday one of us selects an inspiration image and we each post the image on our blogs. The following Monday we share our art-inspired outfits. The following Wednesday, the curator shares all of the submissions on her blog.
My challenge for this painting was to take a winter looking image (it probably can get pretty cold up there, I’m guessing) and make it springtime ready. I decided to do this by concentrating on the turquoise and still giving due to the dark, which for me was using my beloved basic black.
The first thing that went into the mix was my 2nd hand turquoise Juliana Collezione blazer. Everything else was kept simple, which is what I do most of the time when I have something bright. The black cotton Caslon jeans and white Halogen Modal T-shirt are both Nordstrum in-house brands.
Accessories
My two main accessories are black also. My vegan crossbody bag is the Zola by Jules Kae. I just received it in a new adventure I’m trying ,which is a subscription box (I will probably do a post about all the how and whys on that one someday). I usually don’t go for anything but leather in my bags, but this design is pretty cool and the material is so scrumptiously soft, I’m really liking (and wearing) it a lot. It hugs the body in a way that I really appreciate.
My sandals are Rana’s by Mark Fisher, which I found at DSW. I had to replace a very old but beloved pair of Clark black wedge sandals last summer and these were the only ones I half way liked. Nothing will ever really replace my first pair. But, after sixteen years, they were falling apart.
I’m adding the hat, well, just because I wanted to wear my hat. It also came in my subscription box. This hat makes any outfit look very up to date. It’s adjustable and I can wear it with my wigs, if I want. However, here, I just went with my regular hair (which I do occasionally) and there is Fred photo bombing.
I did add some orange and more turquoise with a beaded bracelet that I picked up on eBay years ago. This photo also let me zero in on one very cool button. Buttons are always important.
Will You Join In the Fun?
I hope this art inspires you to create a look and that you will join us. Send a photo of your SIA inspired outfit along with a small blurb on how you were inspired to Salazar whose email is 14shadesofgreyblog.com by April 20th (tomorrow). She share the submissions on her blog on Wednesday April 21st.
Anyone can participate and you certainly do not have to have a blog.
If you do share your inspirations on Instagram use the hashtag #StyleImitatingArt so we know you are there. You can also tag us in the images. Our Instagram names are: @terrigardner_meadowtree, @daenelt and @14shadesofgrey.
That wraps this SIA up for me. Take care and stay creative!
Some Background on Juliana Collezione
I’ve collected quite a few pieces of this older in-home sale brand and in the past have done a bit of research about it because it isn’t around anymore.
Juliana Collezione was started in 1994 and was a bridge between lower cost and luxury brands. Pieces ran between $300-$1000 and were sold at in home private viewings by about 350 nation wide representatives. In January, 2008, the brand was bought out by Worth. Then, it eventually just disappeared. My gut feeling is that the recession that year just wiped it out.
Everything I have by JC has high quality construction and excellent fabric selections. All the jackets are lined and have inside pockets. Also, many of my items are made in the USA. I mainly have jackets but also have a silk blouse and a silk/linen skirt. I found all my pieces on eBay but bet Poshmark and other second hand sites have quite a few too. These pieces can still be pricey, even second hand, so I recommend taking your time and really looking around. Gems can still be found for decent prices. OK, now I’m really done!
I thought it was about time to get around to my second dolman sleeve article. When I left you, as far as history, I had gotten up to the 19th century and only covered sweaters. If you have not read it yet, it can be found HERE.
I’m going to start out with a low key dolman. This is a top I made this summer and a very subtle dolman look. The original post describing my sewing experience with this Paco Peralta design can be found HERE. The post is really two sewing articles rolled into one, with the dolman top being the second part. I now wish I had divided them into two separate posts, but a bit late for that.
These dolman sleeves are very closely cut to the arm but still has that flattering look. Being as subtle as it is, I’m pretty sure this type of stye can be worn under a jacket quite successfully. After making this top, I have worn it a lot. I find that it’s classic and simple shape is easy to wear.
I’ve chosen black and tan which for me is a four season color combination. As my trousers are a very fine wool, this particular ensemble would be a go to for fall, winter and spring.
Around 2009, I was always looking for Macy’s Katherine Fit pants (probably long discontinued) on eBay and this is one of the pairs I found. I’ve haven’t worn them much since retiring but I’ve been reawakened to wearing wider legged pants occasionally. I love my skinnies, but decided that once in a while, I just need a change. I admit, they look a bit more formal but do add some polish that skinnies just can’t. Has anyone else found themselves wearing wider legged pants too?
I tied the two pieces together with a simple brown leather belt by Marni which I found second hand on The RealReal. My pendent is something I put together myself using elements that I found at Joannes. My cuff is something that my daughter Rachelle made for me using her 3-D pen.
Catching Up on the History
Let’s get to the 20th century. Dolman popularity grew after the turn of the century. This was mainly led by Paul Poiret out of Paris, who made a large impact on modern fashion. This was mainly to his successful dismissal of the corset. He put women into freeing, imaginative and beautiful clothes. Many times the dolman was included in his designs.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute has a large collection of Paul Poiret’s creations. To view more go HERE.
Boho Dolman
I found out that Anthropologie had a back clearance room last month. I had no idea! But it was only the second time I had been in the store. Looking for a piece of furniture that I saw on line, I walked into what I thought was a hall way and it was a jam packed clearance room! I found this dark red dolman for $20 that was originally $100. Now, I think their clothes are way over priced but Still thought this was a fine. It is 100% batwing and I love it. I reminded me of a pattern that I had back in the 70/80’s and I loved that shirt! Oh, and they they didn’t have the table I was hunting for.
This called for something that you don’t usually see me in-huge earrings. I’ve had these for quite a while. The were $2 in some clearance basket somewhere, and I thought, “some day.” That day has arrived. I also have my American Eagle skinnies on, an older ostrich embossed leather tote that is years old and my Heidi Lifestride wedges that found last summer at DSW. These aren’t available anymore but DSW has a pretty large collection of other blush pink wedges.
When we think of the 20’s, the over the top beaded and fringed flapper dresses spring to mind. When there are parties along that theme, that’s what we mainly wear isn’t it?
However, for day and work wear, it was a different story. Women still would sport dolman sleeves, although I think they lost a lot of their popularity.
In this early 20’s dress we have some gorgeous draped dolman sleeves but we see the long waistline and longer necklaces starting to appear.
Next are a couple of later 20’s everyday dresses that label the dolman as Troubadour sleeves. This is from Butterick’s Delineator magazine. This photo from the magazine was found at Witness2Fashion’s blog. If you want to read and see more about these styles, read the post HERE.
That finishes this edition out. Part three will probably come along sometime next month. Here’s to the 40’s and beyond!
One last thing-Finally we can go out with our friends and I just happened to wear my deep red top. Along with it this time, however, I mixed in a pair of Nic + Zoe mules that I found on sale in September ’19. I didn’t get to wear them last summer because I didn’t go anywhere. Finally, they are on my feet. The are called “Padma” and you can actually find these 2nd hand in quite a few places. I love their round heels.
Style Imitating Art is hosted by Salazar of 14 Shades of Grey, Daenel of Living Outside the Stacks and me. Style Imitating Art challenges us to draw style inspiration from pieces of art. Every other Monday one of us selects an inspiration image and we each post the image on our blogs. The following Monday we share our art-inspired outfits. The following Wednesday, the curator shares all of the submissions on her blog.
Salazar picked this painting because it reminded her of her own experience seeing the aurora in Russia last year, and the dark and muted color scheme with the luminescence of the aurora can make for an interesting inspiration.
Will You Join the Fun?
I hope this art inspires you to create a look and that you will join us. Send a photo of your SIA-inspired outfit along with a small blurb on how you were inspired to Salazar whose email is 14shadesofgreyblog.com by April 20th. She will share the submissions on her blog on Wednesday, April 11th.
Anyone can participate and you certainly do not have to have a blog.
If you do share your inspirations on Instagram use the hashtag #StyleImitatingArt so we know you are there. You can also tag us in the images. Our Instagram names are: @terrigardner_meadowtree, @daenelt and @14shadesofgrey.
Hello and welcome to a Style Imitating Art roundup featuring all of you who submitted ideas for this round’s art inspiration. Right at the beginning I want to give a shout out for all of you who participated. I knew this one was going to be a challenge but was so compelled to present it.
The styles rocked! I was amazed as they came in. This is such a wonderful eclectic collection.
What Is Style Imitating Art?
Style Imitating Art is hosted by Salazar of 14 Shades of Grey, Daenel of Living Outside the Stacks and me. Style Imitating Art challenges us to draw style inspiration from pieces of art. Every other Monday one of us selects an inspiration image and we each post the image on our blogs. The following Monday we share our art-inspired outfits. The following Wednesday, the curator shares all of the submissions on her blog.
This Week’s Presenter
That would be me.
This Week’s Inspirational Image–a Soundsuit by Nick Cave
First up is Kezzie, who I must apologize that I first missed her email yesterday evening. Her gorgeous embroidered blouse fits the art work perfectly. She also got a touch of crochet in!
Kezzie wrote, “confess that I found this one hard and it was only whilst I was searching my wardrobe for my question mark blouse for today’s TARDIS Tuesday post that I found this embroidered blouse on the same hanger and realized it would work for the inspiration. I added my Indian wrap around skirt, added jewellery and wore my crocheted slippers!!!
This is the first time Reni has participated. Welcome and thank you for deciding to join the fun. She chose a dramatic flower pattern and contrasting it with a shawl with sequins as symbolism for the birds.
Reni wrote, “Nick Cave’s Soundsuit has crochet, it has patchwork, something like a net on the top with birds and flowers. The colours are warm with a bit of black. My interpretation is this dress, which has a pattern that looks like patchwork with flowers. The colours of the dress are warm, and it has black as well. I’m wearing a triangular crochet scarf with it, which looks like a net. It has big sequins, which could serve as a relation to Nick Cave’s birds.”
Shelbee has done an incredible study of textures contrasting lace with crochet. She even found a patch of trees to carry off her theme.
Shelbee wrote, “I was super focused on colors and textures, mostly the crochet and lacy parts. So I basically added as much texture and color as I could and then I added all these little braids in my hair because they reminded me of the branchy part of the soundsuit. I ended up finding a cluster of barren trees that made a perfect backdrop to complete my interpretation.”
This is also Emma’s first time. I’ve followed Emma for a while and always try to link up with her Style With a Smile on Tuesdays. She has used a granny square vest and birds (in more ways than her pin!).
Emma wrote, “I’ve incorporated one of my crocheted vests along with a bird brooch – both bought on eBay. I added a pair of owl earrings that I’ve had for years as there are lots of birds in the Soundsuit. There was actually a real bird in the bush next to me sitting on eggs in her nest!”
What can I say? It’s hand knitted Intarsia! I’ve done my share of Intarsia knitting and know how long and tedious this knitting technique is (a different small yarn bobbin for every color used).
Jodie told me, ” the hand knit floral top is one that I knit and even submitted for one of Daenel’s SIA inspirations awhile back. Considering how long it took to knit, it’s only fair that it gets lots of attention, haha!! ” And I agree!
Leslie chose a blue crocheted poncho with yellow accessories-more yellow!
My Co-Hosts
Salazar’s
Salazar titled her submission, Parliament of Owls which adorn her wonderful plaid top.
Salazar noted that, “It took me some thinking, but eventually, I just picked my most colorful and “wild” piece (the top) and relied on the accessories (my owl brooches, since I notice that the piece features some owl and bird figurines) to bring some of the colors and textures of the soundsuit.”
Daenel ‘s
Daenel also chose yellow to relate to the Soundsuit. Grey and yellow happens to be one of my favorite color combinations and I love how she styled this one. This makes me want to get a new long grey sweater.
Daenel told me, “There were so many ways to go with all the colors and textures, but I chose to stay on the neutral side with a pop of color in my red clogs.”
And then, there is me dancing my way into Spring.
That rounds out this round up!
A big thank you to all of you who sent in inspirations. See you all next week when it will be Salazar’s turn to challenge us.
Style Imitating Art is hosted by Salazar of 14 Shades of Grey,Daenel of Living Outside the Stacks and me. Style Imitating Art challenges us to draw style inspiration from pieces of art. Every other Monday one of us selects an inspirational work and we each post the image on our blogs. The following Monday we share our art-inspired outfits. The following Wednesday, the curator shares all of the submissions on her blog.
This Week’s Inspirational Work
I picked one of Nick Cave’s Soundsuits. Over the years, he has created many of these works. Although, they are meant to be used as art in motion, I’ve seen these as static works of art in museums and find that even without movement, they are captivating.
This particular piece is created from found objects which includes, twigs, crochet doilies, ceramic birds and flowers.
How the Soundsuit Inspired
Usually, some of my first considerations for styling a SIA are the subject matter, design (any obvious motifs used?), and color palette of the work. That is how this one began too. I knew I wanted crochet but I don’t crochet and don’t own any crochet garments.
My oldest daughter does and crocheted a broomstick lace tunic a few years ago that I really liked. Mom went begging and she said, “sure”.
Next came the flowers; those on my vintage Elaine Gold scarf and the Daffodils that I planted about thirty years ago in the bottom half of our front yard so they could naturalize.
The Soundsuits influenced in indirect ways also. They can be seen as armor and security.
Do we use items in our wardrobe as protective items? It’s obvious that we use them to shield us from the cold, wind, sun and rain. But do they offer us some kind of emotional protection? I think for sometimes that can be true.
Are sunglasses sometimes hidden behind?
I remember Jackie Kennedy-Onassis and her oversize sunglasses. They were part of her mystique. Did the public truly ever know her? I don’t think so.
The Use of Dance
Soundsuits are used for dance. Nick Cave trained as a dancer with the Alvin Ailey Modern Dance Company and they have also used his creations in their dances.
I’m not a trained dancer but have always loved dancing to some good rock music. I find that SIA frees up my imagination so why not add some movement to my photos? I’ll admit, it’s not real dance but I did have fun.
That wraps up my ideas that I had when it came to my interpretation of the Soundsuits.
It’s now your turn. How have you interpreted this wonderful work of art? If you have not already sent me your design, (along with a small blurb on how the work influenced you choices) please do so at meadowtreestyle@gmail.com by tomorrow. I will do a roundup this Wednesday featuring all your designs. There are no wrong answers and I’m looking forward to your style ideas.
Take care everyone and stay creative!
Gotta To Go
A Little Extra
I mentioned in my introduction of Nick Cave last week that he is also a multimedia artist. In fall of 2018, Kansas City, Missouri sponsored Open Spaces, a massive event to celebrate the arts, culture and creativity. One of the works presented was an installation by Nick Cave at the Hope Center (formerly a church). I have a short video that I took, which is the second. The first listed is a more complete experience. It was an incredible experience and we stayed for a few cycles. Of course, I realize that seeing it virtually cannot compare to experience it in real time. Still, I wanted to share it.
Style Imitating Art is hosted by Salazar of 14 Shades of Grey,Daenel of Living Outside the Stacks and me. Style Imitating Art challenges us to draw style inspiration from pieces of art. Every other Monday one of us selects an inspiration image and we each post the image on our blogs. The following Monday we share our art-inspired outfits. The following Wednesday, the curator shares all of the submissions on her blog.
This Weeks Curator
That would be me.
This Week’s Inspirational Art
I picked one of Nick Cave’s Soundsuits. Over the years, he has created many of these works. Although, they are meant to be used as art in motion, I’ve seen these as static works of art in museums and find that even without movement, they are captivating.
This particular piece is created from found objects which includes, twigs, crochet doilies, ceramic birds and flowers.
Who Is Nick Cave?
Nick Cave was born in Fulton, Missouri, my home state. He also attended The Kansas City Art Institute. Presently, he resides in Chicago, Illinois and is currently the director of the graduate fashion program at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He still continues to work on Soundsuits as well as works completed as a sculptor, dancer and multimedia artist.
The Background of the Original Soundsuit–Joyful Creation From Tragedy
Nick Cave’s first “Soundsuit was created in 1992, as a reaction to the beating of Rodney King. He collected a large number of sticks and twigs from the ground and fashioned them into a suit that, to his surprise, made sounds when worn. These suits represent a protective armor, completely obscuring the wearers ethnicity, gender and sociology-economic background.
His suits are most often presented for public viewing as static sculptures, but they are also observed through live performance, video and photography.
I hope this art inspires you to create a look and that you will join us. Send me your picture of your SIA inspired outfit along with a small blurb on how you were inspired to meadowtreestyle@gmail.com April 6th. I’ll share the submissions on my blog on Wednesday April 7th.
Anyone can participate and you certainly do not have to have a blog.
If you do share your inspirations on Instagram use the hashtag #StyleImitatingArt so we know you are there. You can also tag us in the images. Our Instagram names are: terrigardner_meadowtree, daenelt and 14shadesofgrey.
Hello everyone and welcome! Today, I’m going to talk about my latest make, which is a pair of grey Paperbag pants. I didn’t have a pair of dark grey pants of any sort and decided it was time to make some. Pantone’s 2021 colors of the year spurred me on to get it done.
I’ve been wanting to try them for a while. I had concerns if they would work for me because of my figure attributes: larger than normal bust, no real waist and a normal length torso. But with all that, I just still the look of Paperbags; there’s just something about that self fabric bow that most of them have.
Probably, making a pair before I actually knew how I was going to look in them was not the wisest. Oh well, Covid has turned a lot of things upside down. I decided to take my chances!
I used a pattern by Ellie & Mac, an Indie pattern company. Their patterns don’t have numbers, just names. This pattern is appropriately named Adult Paperbag Pants. The pattern comes sizes in XXS to 5XL. This pattern is for all body types and sizes.
Ellie and Mac’s patterns are in a PDF format. I printed my pattern home and taped the different pages together to make a complete pattern. It does take time, but I really don’t mind. I can think through my project as I am taping. I then trace my size onto freezer paper with all my adjustments. There’s probably better paper to use but freezer paper is easy to get and I like it’s sturdiness.
These patterns also come in what is called an AO pdf format, which you can send out to be printed if you don’t want to take the time to assemble and tape. I think most sewists use PDF Plotting . I’ve never bothered because as I mentioned, I like the taping process; just put some music on and start putting the pieces together. The pages are numbered for easy work.
What I Liked about Ellie & Mac’s Pattern and What I Wanted for My Pair.
Let’s start out with a comparison shot of me in my finished pair and the pattern model. Foremost, I wanted those pockets. I haven’t seen front pockets on normal pants for a while (maybe I’ve been looking in the wrong places)? I also like how they used the elastic with the waistband making the pants easy and comfortable to wear.
After that, I had other wants which, the pattern just didn’t have. First of all, was the type of fabric used. Ellie & Mac calls for 4-way stretch knit fabric with a 30-50% stretch. That’s a lot of stretch! I had a grey woven poly rayon twill for Joanne’s which was soft with a slightly brushed nap. It’s fabric had 1% spandex which gave it about a 5% two-way stretch. That was the biggest problem (but easy) to solve and I did it by just cutting the sides of the legs one size larger. This was enough to give me the ease in the pants which I preferred.
There are other smaller changes I made for my pants but I will discuss them later. Let’s get on to the fun part of how I styled them once I got them off the sewing machine. Because, well, this is a hybrid blog. I like talking about it all; sewing and styling. Being a good dark neutral, they have a lot of possibilities of coordinating with a lot of colors and are a nice departure from black pants.
Using Over Layers to Camouflage
In my side by side photo, I’m just wearing a simple white knit top. Truthfully, it’s more than likely that I would not wear this look. It’s goes back to what I talked about in the beginning: not really thinking my particular figure is flattered by this style (although, again, I love this style of pants). My first three style show adding a jacket of some sort but still letting my bow shine and fringe waistband top shine through.
Pantone Grey and Yellow
My newly made pants let me experiment with Pantone’s new colors of year for 2021; grey and yellow. My cardi, although not bright yellow counts (IMO) because it is a very happy yellow. It also adds the vertical line that I like but also lets the waist details of my pants shine through.
The butter yellow cardi is relatively new (I bought it from Macy’s last summer). It’s a Macy’s essential but gets color tweaks each season (same cardi but in a brighter yellow). However for everything else, I’ve gone deep back into my closet, using some old but beloved accessories.
My grey suede and stud smoking loafers are by Rebecca Minkoff. I think she has closed the chapter on making shoes because they have disappeared from her website.
The bag, by Coach, has been hard to pair because of the yellow and grey color combination. I think it’s one of the most unique Coach bags I own and am always on the look out with things to wear it with. It’s right in for this year!
This knit top is an older Chico model (similar) that I wear a lot but usually untucked. You can’t have enough white tops!
Finally, the Bumblebee Jasper and Black Tourmaline necklace and earring set was created by Laura of Modern Sage Designs. I featured an interview with her three years ago HERE. I love Laura’s fresh but simple take on jewelry design and have quite a few pieces of hers.
Adding a Back Jacketor a Long Vest
Next up is one of my favorite looks of all that I’m doing today.
I added my black swing jacket by Norma Kamali which I found on Poshmark a couple of years ago.
Now, I am of the opinion that exciting textures are just as good as adding some color. For this take, I added a pair of snake printed leather mules (similar by Dolce Vita) by Rebecca Minkoff and a vintage Carlos Falchi hand-painted and appliquéd bag that I love to pull out once in a while for its artistic effect.
A longer vest would work too.
I added my black vest by Covered Perfectly, which now seems to be back under new ownership. I featured this vest twice on my blog HERE and HERE. It’s the only long vest I have and it keeps popping up on here. I think it is becoming an essential piece for me. Unfortunately, the style is discontinued but there are so many out there to consider.
I also brought out some dark grey metallic smoking loafers by Nine West (I REALLY like this pair from Macy’s) and a clutch by Religion that I picked up on eBay a couple of years ago.
My necklace is another one of my home made ones from a pendant that I picked up at Joanne’s Fabric.
Adding a Black Top and Accents of Color
One of the reasons that I like black is because bright colors look great contrasting against it.
I paired my Vogue 1567 top that I made this summer with my new pants. If you missed it, you can read about that sewing experience here. For color, I added a vintage Perry Ellis scarf (eBay) and a fun bag by Izak. Shoes are kept simple; a pair of Marc Fisher’s Sunny D’orsay Flats. For me, a good pair of black flats is a necessity and this pair has been a staple in my closet (I even found a back up pair on Poshmark last year).
This finishes out my first ideas on ways to wear my new Paperbags so……
More About the Sewing
Just a Few Other Pattern Changes…
If you have followed my sewing stories, you know that I can’t resist a good selvage fringe. This twill had such a great one that I decided it had to be a focal point for the top of the waistband. I also carried out the fringed theme with the tied belt. Having the tie belt a single thickness also solved something else that I was worried about; that the tied bow would stick out too much. I wanted it to lay down flat and this woven twill was so easy and quick to fringe.
After fringing, I sewed a stay stitch around the whole belt so it wouldn’t fringe anymore on its own.
Another change was that the pattern called for the elastic casing to be in the waistband. I decided to keep it in the pants area.
Wanting the fringe to be on the top of the waistband and wanting the casing to be in the pants rather than the waistband presented the problem of how to line the waistband and casing area. I hope that’s clear. Well, here’s a picture showing what I’m trying to explain.
This was solved by cutting a piece of black cotton that was wide enough to back the waistband and serve as the back for the elastic casing. I cut it on the selvage, alleviating any need to hem it at the bottom. This also made for less bulk around my middle which needs all the help it can get!
A very small change was my placement of the belt loops. Rather than having them 100% below the waistband as the pattern called for, I balanced them between the pant and waistband. I thought this might look better on me. As I said, minor adjustment.
Finally, because of my flat derriere, I added two darts in the back to take out fabric there.
Ellie & Mac Patterns
Ellie & Mac patterns have very easy and well documented instructions. Unlike printed traditional instructions, they come in full color using actual fashion fabric in the photos. I really like this.
The instructions and the pattern comes in one document. You can print off the instructions, but for me, it’s easier to read them off my most convenient device.
Every week they have a “Wacky Pattern” sale where they offer a few of their patterns for only $1 each! Needless to say, I’ve collected a lot. You have to be on their mailing list to get the notifications. It’s worth signing up for.
This is my second make using an Ellie & Mac, the first being a hoodie for Dylan, our Mountain Fiest Dog found HERE.
They also have some cute embroideries for embroidery machines and I’ve picked up a few of those.
I think that wraps this story up. Tomorrow, we will be at our two week mark after our second vaccine and will soon have a bit more freedom (still wearing our masks, of course), and these pants are going to see some wear!
So What Do I Think?
I don’t think I look great in them. For some reason, the long vest makes me look the best. This wants me to sew a long cardigan to go with them for the fall. I will probably always wear this pair with a jacket or cardigan and, of course, the long vest.
I have one more Vogue pattern I want to try in this style…so stay tuned.
So, until next time-Take care and stay creative!
Once last indulgence-everything second hand here except the top and pants that I made-just wanted to do it. The vintage second hand collection includes a Kate Spade bag (thrift shop in Florida), Silk Vera scarf (eBay), made in USA Juliana Collezione jacket (eBay), gold/black Liz Claiborne leopard pin, (eBay) and a pair of Manolo Blannik pointy toes sling back kitten heels (also eBay). Throughout the years, eBay has been essential to me when I have gone hunting for specific vintage brands and items, especially in the early 2000’s when there was no else to go.
Hello and welcome to my interpretation of this edition of the SIA challenge.
About Style Imitating Art
Style Imitating Art is hosted by Salazar of 14 Shades of Grey, Daenel of Living Outside the Stacks and me. Style Imitating Art challenges us to draw style inspiration from pieces of art. Every other Monday one of us selects an inspiration image and we each post the image on our blogs. The following Monday we share our art-inspired outfits. The following Wednesday, the curator shares all of the submissions on her blog.
This Week’s Inspirational Image-A Woman with a Coffeepot by Paul Cèzanne
My Take
There were a few things I considered when I looked at this painting. It’s hard not to notice that the woman is dress in all blue. Cèzanne painted this work in 1895 and there are two things that I am pretty sure about 1895. Fabrics at this time were constructed from natural fibers such as wool, cotton and linen. Rayon had been invented by this time but wasn’t really used in garment manufacturing until a while after the turn of the century (the US didn’t even try to make rayon until 1910).
The second thing is that synthetic indigo (the main source of blue in fiber back then) wasn’t discovered until 1897. Therefore, it seems to me that the top and dress are both natural in their fiber and dye. I know, this is a very fiber geek kind of thing. But I am who I am.
He also contrasted the cool blue against the warm tablecloth. The white and the silver of the coffeepot and cup are balanced out with the flowers on the left side of the canvas.
With those in mind, I set about putting together my scene. I went in for the whole coffee thing because we love coffee. Once upon a time I even had a pot like the one in the painting but must have got rid of it. I looked and looked but couldn’t find it. I subbed the next best thing which was our French press.
My Personal Style for this SIA
I very much embraced the natural fibers. Although my tunic is linen, I’m sure it was probably dyed with synthetic Indigo. My American Eagle jeans are cotton.
I made my tunic back in the summer of 2018 and wrote of that experience HERE, complete with the insanity of adding all over decorative stitches which took a few hours longer than I ever anticipated.
I carried the blue out in my shoes, which are a pair of Candies that I picked up for a blog post back in July 2017. The thrifted dress I bought them for as long been ripped up to repurpose, but I still pull out these suede flats once in a while.
Setting the Stage
I had fun again setting the stage for this take. Probably most art curated for SIA won’t lend itself to this, but these last two have.
Our front porch/deck serves as the backdrop. I used a 50’s vintage tablecloth that I got from my mom. There’s no orange but there’s every other color in the rainbow woven into it!
This is Kendall by Henry Margu in 626H. I wore it in the original post about making my linen tunic and thought to do the same here.
I think that about wraps it up for me.
Will You Join the Fun?
I hope this art inspires you to create a look and that you will join us. Send a photo of your SIA inspired outfit along with a small blurb on how you were inspired to Daenel whose email is livingoutsidethestack@gmail.com by March 23rd. She will share the submissions on her blog on Wednesday March 24 th.
Anyone can participate and you certainly do not have to have a blog.
If you do share your inspirations on Instagram use the hashtag #StyleImitatingArt so we know you are there. You can also tag us in the images. Our Instagram names are: terrigardner_meadowtree, daenelt and 14shadesofgrey.
Welcome to the third Style Imitating Art challenge for 2021.
About Style Imitating Art
Style Imitating Art is hosted by Salazar of 14 Shades of Grey, Daenel of Living Outside the Stacks and me. Style Imitating Art challenges us to draw style inspiration from pieces of art. Every other Monday one of us selects an inspiration image and we each post the image on our blogs. The following Monday we share our art-inspired outfits. The following Wednesday, the curator shares all of the submissions on her blog.
Daenel chose this painting because it reminded her of her grandma and her love of coffee {which she inherited}. The painting is very much how she remembers seeing her.
Will You Join In the Fun?
I hope this art inspires you to create a look and that you will join us. Send a photo of your SIA inspired outfit along with a small blurb on how you were inspired to Daenel whose email is livingoutsidethestacks@gmail.com by Tuesday, March 23. She share the submissions on her blog on Wednesday, March 24th.
Anyone can participate and you certainly do not have to have a blog.
If you do share your inspirations on Instagram use the hashtag #StyleImitatingArt so we know you are there. You can also tag us in the images. Our Instagram names are: terrigardner_meadowtree, daenelt and 14shadesofgrey.
Welcome to my interpretation of this round of Style Imitating Art.
A Little Background
Style Imitating Art is hosted by Salazar of 14 Shades of Grey, Daenel of Living Outside the Stacks and me. Style Imitating Art challenges us to draw style inspiration from pieces of art. Every other Monday one of us selects an inspiration image and we each post the image on our blogs. The following Monday we share our art-inspired outfits. The following Wednesday, the curator shares all of the submissions on her blog.
For me, the dominate object in the painting was the dog, followed by the blue-grey gingham checks and the scarf around one of the lady’s neck.
My Beatrice (a.k.a. Bea, Miss Bea or Busy Bea) is helping me out for this one. I invented a story about the painting in which the ladies were on a picnic with their furry friend. Also, it was a way to get gingham checks into my interpretation, using an old tablecloth that I made back in my 20’s and have hung onto.
The top can be tied at the side if I want a change. I chose neutrals to balance out the blue with my top-light tan stretch jeans (also, no longer available from Macy’s). Open toed heeled sandals by Madeline Shoes and a second hand Furla bag in darker tan finished my look.
Bea, also is contributing to the gingham for today’s interpretation. She is wearing a collar, harness and leash set inPicnic Basket, a MicroBatch edition by Lupine. I love Lupine. They have a forever guarantee*, even if you pup chews something up. Just send it in and you will be sent a new one. With a happy chewer (our veterinarian says Bea is only eight months), I will spend the extra coins to get something that will last a lifetime.
If you are guessing what mix Bea is, we did have a DNA blood-work scan done. Michelle, our daughter/veterinarian likes Royal Canon and sent one in when she spayed Bea. One parent was a Pug/Min Pin mix and the other parent was a Husky/Samoyed mix. At 20 pounds (she might fill out a little but won’t get bigger), I sort of have a miniature Husky, which is very different than any dog I’ve ever had.
Beatrice just showed up on our doorstep on December 19th. I did put her in our local Lost and Found Pet registry, but no one wanted her. She seemed to be a wanderer in another rural neighborhood and walked about six miles to our house. Beatrice is now our girl.
Will You Join In the Fun?
I hope this art inspires you to create a look and that you will join us. Send a photo of your SIA inspired outfit along with a small blurb on how you were inspired to Salazar whose email is 14shadesofgreyblog.com by March 9th (tomorrow). She share the submissions on her blog on Wednesday March 10th.
Anyone can participate and you certainly do not have to have a blog.
If you do share your inspirations on Instagram use the hashtag #StyleImitatingArt so we know you are there. You can also tag us in the images. Our Instagram names are: @terrigardner_meadowtree, @daenelt and @14shadesofgrey.
That wraps this SIA up for me. Take care and stay creative!
About the lifetime guarantee-there is one thing that isn’t; cat collars with safety catches. Sorry cat lovers. Taz and Victor Hugo both have Lupine and so far I’ve been lucky, they’re still on their necks (fingers crossed).
MeadowTree Perspectives 