Tag Archives: Astratex

I went through my wardrobe this weekend, to determine how easy it was going to be to fulfill my own personal Self-Stitched September challenge of “all handmade with no double-ups”.  I learnt some things; firstly, thirty outfits is a LOT of outfits!!  Secondly, and as I thought, the tops issue is the tricky part.  I’ve realised during the chilly months I practically live in store-bought cardigans and Metalicus tops!  Most of the tops I’ve made are summer weight, so I’m going to have to allow myself the additional clause to wear my trench coat on any day that is a bit chilly!  I’ve also realised that most of my handmade separates have been made to “go with” an existing store-bought item that I’ve had for years. Matching up my handmade separates will be an interesting exercise, please be kind if you think one of my ensembles isn’t up to scratch…!  Of course I have some tops that go with all the skirts and pants, and vice versa, and some separates that are difficult…  Also I’ve got quite a few dresses that haven’t seen the light of day for months… why?  because I don’t like them anymore.  Obviously I’ve got current favourites I’ve been wearing a lot lately and should be mixing up more…  I was debating with myself whether to go ahead and wear some less-than-favourite dresses during September, or to keep some back for reserves, or to ruthlessly evict them from my wardrobe…  no one’s getting evicted just yet, but may have to get together a Salvo’s bag or add to the refashioning pile next month, sigh…
This skirt is part of my standard go-to (seen here) for when we go to live theatre or the ballet… it’s very warm (to survive air-conditioning!) and perhaps a little too luxe for day-wear.  However, put it on for today anyway…  this look is inspired by the latest looks in Australian Vogue; the full skirts with prim blouses, little button up cardigans and “rockabilly” shoes.  This is the fullest skirt I’ve got!

Details:
Skirt; Vogue 8296 view B, (expensive!) cream printed wool from Astratex
Top; Brown Sugar
Cardigan; Allure
Socks; (stolen from husband!) Discoverer
Boots; Francesco Morichetti, from Zomp shoes

Last night managed to have my gorgeous salon-styled hair stretch out just a little bit further for a night at the ballet.  We saw Swan Lake by the Australian Ballet; well,  words fail me.  Just flip open a thesaurus to the entries for “magnificent” and “superb” and apply all the words therein.  Thoroughly enjoyed it… and am quite inspired to make a Dior New Look style suit or dress entirely out of ecru lace with some sort of pastel underlay… may look a bit funny on me as I’m not exactly a petite ballerina… Watch this space…
Anyhoo, this was my ensemble for the event; the skirt is Vogue 8296 view B, made this winter just gone.  The fabric is wool, a sort of winter white, overprinted with lovely brushstroke swirls of olivey taupe.  I bought it from Astratex in Melbourne on a trip with my mother.  The fabric was quite expensive and the pattern called for a lot of it, something for future consideration (ie. use different pattern).  The pattern itself was very simple and went together quickly with no drama, front and back identical to each other.  I love the look of this skirt and the fabric is luxurious and gorgeous to wear so I’m glad I went to the extra expense for an “occasion” garment.  However, the silk lining was, and is, a problem.  The pattern called for it to be cut on the bias, which I did.  However the silk I used is so clingy and is always winding its way around my legs.  It also doesn’t hang quite right when I look at it inside the skirt; and I think this is because of being on the bias.  Or maybe it’s because silk is notorious for being a bit precious and temperamental.  The Lindsay Lohan of fabrics.  
This has been a go-to semi-formal outfit for winter, and even though the weather is warming up considerably I knew the theatre would be air-conditioned to arctic conditions so dressed accordingly.  I’m sure the girl just along from me in a booby little mini dress was freezing.
Speaking of this, there are some does and don’ts when it comes to dressing for the ballet or serious theatre which it would be helpful to print on the ticket or something, for people who have no idea.  Just a short list, easy to remember.
1.  Do not wear jeans
2.  Do not wear an old T-shirt
3.  Do not wear sneakers, in short, if you have recently been gardening or washing your car, do get showered and change into something nice before you go to the theatre.  
That’s all really.  Don’t want to come across as a grumpy old bag, but there are so few events in life you can dress up for.
OK, rant over.

Maybe its just me, I so love looking at (and wearing) beautiful clothes…  

Thanks to my photographer, at right in a self-portrait.
Other details:
Top; Metalicus
Scarf; ?, bought in Paris
Boots; di Sempre, bought on sale from Zomp