Wardrobe Architect

I am starting this year with the Colette-Blog`s "Wardrobe Architect". Many of you might already know it, it has been quite popular as far as I can tell. But if you do not, here is a summary from Colette:

"You and I are builders. We love to construct things and to use our hands. We enjoy the focus and the flow of creation. And most of all, we like the sense of accomplishment we feel when our sewing projects are finished.

But one thing I’ve learned from many aspects of my life is that design is just as important as implementation. But lately, I’ve been feeling that my wardrobe – the thing I spend so much time building for the sheer fun of it – is created a bit haphazardly. Yes, I definitely think about what my style is, whether I need something, and whether I’ll wear it. I know generally what colors I like and what shapes suit me.

But just as often, I sew something just because I like it or the fabric is pretty. And that’s fine. But when the majority of what you’re sewing (or buying) isn’t really planned in the context of a wardrobe, you do end up with a few problems."

Problems like having style that is all over the place - or just having a couple of items I actually wear whilst my wardrobe is full... I came to realise this after I had started sewing and had made a couple of things out of interestingly printed fabrics that were fun to sew with but weren't really as wearable as would have been nice for an adult woman. I have done a good job in the past (and past few days after Christmas) culling my wardrobe and donating a lot of bags full of clothing I did no longer wear. Seriously - they filled the entire car and I still have three big bags left in the garage that still have to be taken away (admittedly, there are shoes in there too...).

Now, after the bulk of unwanted garments has left the house I want to make sure that the new items that enter the wardrobe are well suited to my real-life style. I had been eyeing the "Wardrobe Architect" for a while and am ready to enter the project!

"This isn’t about minimalism. But it is about personalizing your sewing even more than you already are and thinking about your aesthetics a bit more deeply."

Sounds fun, doesn't it?