Skirts on Friday - Skirts Abroad!

I don't know where to begin. I have so much to say and so many adventures to report. As it is Friday, I will fall back on my skirts. (One of the things I have learned from this 4skirts project is that it may be boring to wear the same things every day, but it is a bonus when I don't have the energy, desire, or time to put into creative dressing).

I packed a light suitcase and dug through it repeatedly over the course of the month away. The weather ranged from dripping hot to blustery, misty, chill. The scenes went from concrete, urban, chic to country lakes and gardens. With the exception of some shoe problems (of course), I think that, overall, I looked acceptable. My skirts served me well.

I realized on the way home that my year of skirts was about to come to a close - I had almost achieved my goal, I had almost gone a whole year wearing the same 4 skirts (with a few exceptions). I was excited to chuck (maybe burn) the whole pile of skirts and most of my other clothes along with them. I looked at my blog and realized that I still have 16 days left - aaaahhhhhggg!!! Well, I washed everything and got some new tops out of my closet so I don't have to feel so road weary.

I guess I have a few more weeks to figure out who the new me is. Right now, after a month of viewing fashion all over Europe, I have NO idea. More on this later.

(The photos are, from top to bottom: the gothic cathedral in Barcelona, Guell Park in Barcelona; Edinburgh; Lormes France; Bath, England; London, England)

Skirts Project - Vive La France!

It seems that France, and all things French are once again in style. I love the idea of the romantic charm and the classy chic of French style. From Marie Antoinette (I know she was not French but she came into the height of her style in France) to Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, French fashion has always been at the forefront of trends.

This sense of style carries over into the esthetic of the day to day look of the women of France. This is typically true of fashion all over Europe but especially in France and especially in Paris. Women always look good. They don't go out in athletic shoes and polar fleece jackets. They look glamourous even when they think they look a mess. Part of this is that their fashion staple, rather than jeans, is probably a skirt.

Check out the blog from Mireille Guiliano, the author of French Women Don't Get Fat. Or, read this article from the Huffington Post for a ponder or a laugh.

The photos are of skirts from ETSY. They are: wild roses from BoMode; frenchy from MiniRex ; and vintage simplicite from LaBoheme.

When my 4skirts project is up next month, I think I will invest in a few fresh skirts and try to keep up some idea of feminine chic.

Skirts Project

Is it Friday again already??!! Time seems to be going by so quickly and with no school schedule, I hardly know what day it is. This has been a long year in some ways but it is winding up now and I have almost completed a full 12 months of my Skirts Project!

I am pretty pleased with myself and feel that the last several weeks will be a piece of cake. I will be in Europe and England for the month of July and I will be happy to pack lightly and never have to fuss over my wardrobe! I'll give an update on this later but for now I'll just say that my skirts and my discipline are holding up nicely!

The photo is of me at my daughter's birthday party on an uncommonly freezing evening last week. My red skirt went straight into the wash afterward to get rid of the BBQ smell.

4 SKIRTS

I match the trees.

4 SKIRTS

Today was kind of a break out day for me. In fact, the last several weeks have been moving that way. In January and February I felt that there was a wall in front of my nose and all doors were locked. Now, like the season, my life seems to be springing up and out and forward!

In honor of the warmer weather and the more liberating feeling I have, I am going to start dressing more freely and more light! I am turning back to Zara, my thin, rayon chiffon skirt. In honor of my first time in the ETSY voter, I am wearing my own advertisement t-shirt!

Hope you are enjoying warmer weather and I hope you will vote for me!! Here is the link: http://www.etsy.com/voter_list.php?ref=voter&room_id=103

4 SKIRTS: Update - March

I've been thinking about the success, or effectiveness of my 4 skirts project. Has it accomplished what I wanted, have I learned anything from it, has it made any difference at all?

I originally wanted to streamline my wardrobe, minimize my consumption, and challenge myself to stick to a project for the sake of discipline.

I have definitely streamlined my wardrobe. I'm just not sure if this is a good thing. I was overwhelmed with too many clothing choices. I was hoarding clothes and feeling like I needed more in order to be stylish. So I have stopped doing that. I have made better use of some of my clothes but I have almost forgotten about others. I like having my daily outfit predictable. It is less of a bother. But I have gotten boring and sloppy. I pick things that go together too well and lack imagination or style. On the other hand, I sometimes throw on anything together with one of my skirts even if they clash (and not in a good way).

I have definitely minimized my consumption and I even lust after things much less. I don't really shop as much as I used to and when I do, I am much more likely to pick something that is quality over quantity. I am starting to think about my birthday and some new duds that I would love from handmade sellers on ETSY.

I mentioned before that I adopted a new skirt so that really, now, I have 5 skirts - even though I really only wear 4 of them. I did also slip a couple of times but I did not let that dissuade me. I am realizing that I am not a disciplined person and I don't really like following strict rules. So I think I am doing a pretty good job with this, but I don't think it is really going to have any long term effect on me.

With winter being so long and cold it is hard to think about any fashion other than flannel pajamas and down coats and boots. I think I have managed this aspect of it pretty well with leggings, leg warmers, scarves and sweaters. But, I have to say that I am itching for summer (I think our Spring is just going to be more snow and wind)! I think my skirts wardrobe will be revitalized when I can shed all the bulky layers.

My 12 year old daughter informed me that I need to pay better attention to my total look - accessories, jewelry, shoes, and hair style must go with the skirt and top. I knew this but I have gotten lazy and sloppy.

I am going to try harder over the next 3 months. I will even consult her when I am in doubt. I am glad I chose 4 skirts because I do love the skirt.

Wrap Around Joy! (Skirts Project)

Does anyone remember the wrap around hippie skirts of the '60s and '70s? Whether it is an Indian tapestry hippie skirt with the hem down to the ankles, or a short tennis skirt, or a stylish classic length kilt, the wrap around skirt always seems to have staying power.

I saw these little girl skirts by Rare Birds Clothing, on Etsy and it reminded me of how fun they can be. They are easy on and off, and they can be adjusted to whatever feels comfortable on the waist or hips. There is something really free, sporty, and a little sassy about a wrap around skirt.

My Mary Jane skirt (the brown hemp one) is a wrap and it is a pretty good substitute for pants. With the extra bit of fabric I can sit on the ground, I can move around easily in it, and I always get compliments on it.

Here are some fun examples from a google search and from Etsy - starting at the bottom going up:

I love this vintage pattern from Cemetarian Vintage.

How about this fun dotted one from Elle et Lui Indian Exports.

Are these not the coolest from Fantasy World Heroes? They are meant to be worn as an outer layer to keep warm and dry when you only have a short coat!

My absolute favorite is this retro looking one from Katinkapinka.

And this is on my wish list for my birthday this year - Made With Love by Hannah.
Reversible little girls' skirt by Rare Birds Clothing.

Check out all these great shops and remember, you don't have to be a hippie to wear a wrap around skirt!

Yes You Can Shovel Snow in a Skirt

It seems the only thing to write about is how much snow we are having and how it is effecting our lives. The girls have another snow day and we are unable to go anywhere. Under these circumstances, it might seem more practical to put on some long pants, but my warm boots, thick tights, and wool skirt are just as good.

I think I'm starting to get a little boring and unfashionable with my outfits. This is partly because I have run out of cute things to wear, and partly because my imagination is weakening. I got a dose of inspiration on Friday when I met a friend in Sedona and was asked to help organize her closet and revitalize her look. I was telling her that you have to have a look or a theme in mind when you put things together. For example, a glamorous top can go with old jeans if you are going for a rock star look. The point is to be deliberate.

So I am going to try to take my own advice and see if I can get back to a stylish 4/5 skirts project. I am already thinking about my summer vacation and how little I will need to pack!