Resurrecting the Love Blues: modest summer wedding outfit gets tweaked

Dress Upcycling Technique #4

Modesty Challenge:

Create a modest outfit for a laidback summer wedding in the park. It needed to protect from the sun, receive layers for evening chill, and be casually elegant to accommodate both my sense of occasion and the outdoor theme.

Cost Challenge:

Try not to spend any money on it because I just spent the year's clothing budget on underwear.

My Solutions:

Fourteen years ago, I attended a summer wedding in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, known as the Mediterranean of the South. The season can get very warm despite the southern latitude, and the sun is fierce. For the occasion, I found at SaveMart a viscose button-front dress with a lovely swish to the hem for NZ$8, and set about improving its style and usefulness.

I removed the short sleeves and replaced them with long sleeves (no sunburn for this fair skin, thank you). I replaced the boring shell buttons with shiny silver anchors (all twenty of them), and where the button placket still gaped, I added invisible plastic domes. I sewed matching loose trousers. And I decorated a navy hat to match.

Some ladies look at the trousers and long sleeves and think the outfit looks hot. Actually, it's very comfortable. The fit of the dress is so good no underwear is required, yet it's loose enough to allow air to flow. The fabric soaks up sweat which, with air flowing over it, turns the outfit into a personal cooling tent. The colour, design, and type of fabric make wet patches invisible. Wins all round.

That labour of love got worn once and has been hanging in my closet since. I pulled it out this Spring to inspect its state of wellbeing.

There was a little rust on the collar, which a scrubbing session with soap and finger soon made more or less invisible.

I'd put on weight so the trousers no longer fit. I removed the side zip, dropped the fitted waist to hip level, and inserted a soft elastic waistband.

All that remained to be done was redecorate the hat and decide what shoes to wear. (The ivory roses are tied to the jandal thongs with white thread.) Add a fan for the heat, an umbrella for the rain (yes, you can expect both in one afternoon), and I was ready to enjoy my friend's wedding in the park!

I hope you've found something beautiful and inspiring here today.

Fiat lux!

Narelle

Modestly Seeing Red: 5 ways to tweak a top to get the coverage you need

Dress Upcycling Technique #3

Modesty Challenge

Even in an enormous shop with a huge range of stock, it can be difficult to find a garment that has modest coverage and meets all of your needs for fit, colour, and style. I'm currently blessed with easy access to such a store, but it is rare that I find a garment perfectly ready to wear.

Cost Challenge

When they're not perfect but MIGHT be made better, the trick is in assessing whether the items you're looking at are worth the time and effort to adapt them.

I spotted a mid-calf length cotton sateen coat-dress with three-quarter sleeves at SaveMart recycled clothing shop.

It was in beautiful condition, but I shook my head over the neckline, the hem, and the sleeve length. At NZ$14 ("branded" price level), it was pricey. There was nothing else on the racks that day that demonstrated potential for winter warmth and modest coverage. I decided to take the risk.

Figuring Out How to Do Shorter Well

First round of remodelling, I shortened the mid-calf hem to just above the knee (I thought) so the dress silhouette would work with wide-leg trousers. This combination meant I could cycle in the outfit, provided the trouser cuffs were clamped at the ankle for safety.

As an early starter in my exploration of tunic lengths suitable for cycling in a breezy environment, in hindsight this one is shorter than necessary. I had to learn, by testing how different fabrics respond to diverse air movements, what is too long to be safe and what is too short for best coverage.

I also forgot that what looks covered in the mirror isn't so covered when you perch or sit down.

Placket, Button, and Dome

The double lapel took a deep plunge, and gaped at my narrow collarbones, so I folded half of one lapel back on itself to create an extended placket, installed a gold feature button with buttonhole, and secured the rest of the new placket with large domes.

Shorter Again

After a winter's wear, I'd had enough of trying to slide a fleece jacket over the three-quarter sleeves, so the second round of remodelling took the sleeves up to a flattering (and practical) quarter length.

The dress is occassion-adaptible. I've worn it for everyday activities like cycling and shopping, to meetings, and to a birthday party. I recently found out it goes well with red poppies and the New Zealand flag. I clipped a corsage (designer BN) on the dress collar while filming an ANZAC Day music video.

Click here to view music video
HEAL OUR BROKEN LAND
https://youtu.be/JcsfeB8LHXc

I hope you've seen something beautiful and inspiring here today.

Look out for more Boutique Narelle posts detailing frugalista dressmaking and liberating modest fashion techniques.

Fiat lux!
Narelle

African Dress: Thrifty Tricks for Modest Sporty Women

Low-budget fashion tips to keep you stylish, safe, and covered while active outdoors

Dress Upcycling Technique #2

After

Modesty Challenge:

What to wear for outdoor cycling and gardening activities? I want modest garments covering me from neck to knees while allowing easy, safe movement, with expectation of getting grubby and sweaty.

Dollar Challenge:

Try not to spend money on it, because my income doesn't include a clothing budget. 🤔😬

My Solutions:

Before

This is my Ghanaian dress, a gift from Africa, originally made with sleeves. I removed the patch pockets and sleeves, let out the massive side seam allowance and shortened the hem for ease of movement, and turned the exterior patch pocket and sleeves into an internal side pocket. Yay for dress pockets!

Learning the clothing tricks defined in this post has vastly increased the quantity of secondhand garments that are useful to me. I no longer feel so limited or frustrated by my clothing options.

Look out for more Boutique Narelle posts detailing liberating modest fashion techniques.

Fiat lux!
Narelle

Swinging into Art Deco Style

Designed-My-Own Modest Bridesmaid Dress

The Yellow Rose

December 3rd, 2018 -- a very special occasion. My sister got married, and I was well enough to be one of her bridesmaids.

Sarah is Kiwi through and through. She married a Fijian who'd never left his native land until the day he arrived to wed my sister in Rotorua, New Zealand. Max brought to our family and to the wedding day a splendour of Fijian cultural traditions that created a vibrant richness and depth of meaning.

Mr and Mrs Tuinanuya

Sarah began designing her wedding gown four years before she married, and three years before she even met Max. She's a lady of faith, vision, and tenacity. The wedding budget was almost non-existent, but God provided in many, many ways. A friend, working from Sarah's drawings, created the dress for her as a wedding gift. Sarah made the wreath herself. In my view, she looks like an Island Princess.

Island Princess on her throne

The bride was very generous toward her bridesmaids. Her desire was that we be dressed in a colour and style that suited us individually, so she did not require matching outfits in her favourite colour. The goal was to look like roses surrounding her.

Wedding service in The Redwoods forest, Rotorua, New Zealand

Finding the fabric to materialize the concept was a huge hurdle. Between the bride and two maids, I reckon we spent five months hunting, with fabric samples being mailed up and down the country between our three cities. I eventually ordered the "daffodil" yellow satin from China (I used www.JJsHouse.com, and I recommend using their fabric sample option before purchasing yardage).

Bible instead of Bouquet

We bridesmaids each sewed our own dress (actually two dresses each because of the layering), which was a challenge for both of us. I paid a professional seamstress to coach me and help me with fittings.

The paid photographer of the day hasn't yet returned the photos he took, so all we have are these snaps provided by friends and family.

Sisters

And a video, courtesy of my other sister, of my original "Wedding Song" I performed during the signing of the register.

 "Wedding Song" by Narelle Worboys

Click this link to view video:
https://youtu.be/lJl4R-p9UHg

Notice the lantern perched on the end of the keyboard? Handmade by the bride, that's what the bridesmaids carried instead of flowers.

I hope you've been inspired today by something modest and beautiful.

Fiat lux.
Narelle

Family

Shamrock Dress: Thrifty Tricks for Modest Sporty Women

Low-budget fashion tips to keep you stylish, safe, and covered while active outdoors

Dress Upcycling Technique #1

Modesty Challenge:

What to wear for outdoor cycling and gardening activities? I want modest garments covering me from neck to knees while allowing easy, safe movement, with expectation of getting grubby and sweaty.

Dollar Challenge:

Try not to spend money on it, because my income doesn't include a clothing budget. 🤔😬

My Solutions:

I found a lined cotton voile tunic dress at nearby SaveMart recycled clothing shop. (NZ$8)

It was too tight, too short, too revealing. But I could fix all those.

For improved fit, I cut two button holes centrefront and hand-edged them with buttonhole stitch. I snipped the tight elastic waistband and pulled it out, and replaced this with a longer elastic with cord ties stitched to the ends. I pulled the ties to a comfortable width, and secured with an elegant knot. (Notions sourced from my haberdashery stash.)

Next, I stitched the gaping bodice-front closed, and made it look intentional with a decorative button. (Purpose-bought, about 50 cents.)

I sewed a simple dome-front blouse to wear under the dress, covering back and shoulders and filling in the low neckline. (Cotton voile from my fabric stash.) For cooler temperatures, I can wear layers of long-sleeved knit tops under the dress.

If I had found suitable fabric, I would have lengthened the dress to just below my knees, but I wasn't able to fix this dress in that manner. Instead...

I sewed wide-leg trousers to wear under the dress. (Calico from my fabric stash.) These are perfect for gardening, but the wide cuffs are dangerous on the bike. The legs don't have enough length to clamp around my ankles, so for cycling, I bought a pair of green chinos with close-fitting ankles. ($8 from SaveMart.)

Above are the calico wide-leg pants worn with a different tunic. The outfit got a sartorial upgrade for the photo with floral hat, hair ribbon, and leather sandals. In the garden, I'd be wearing rubber jandals and a sturdy, easy-to-launder hat.

The blue tunic ($8 from SaveMart) might look dainty, but it's been fabulous for gardening. I love that I can look feminine even when I'm sweating in the dirt.

Learning the clothing tricks defined in this post has vastly increased the quantity of secondhand garments that are useful to me. I no longer feel so limited or frustrated by my clothing options.

Look out for more Boutique Narelle posts detailing liberating modest fashion techniques.

Fiat lux!
Narelle

Green Yoked Tunic Dress: Smart Fashion Tricks for Modest Women on a Budget

Following on from my post about the Speedy Tank Dress

Cotton knit doesn't hold its shape very long. Last year I looked at a favourite cami dress with its saggy top end and pondered how could I upcycle the bottom end, which still looked fresh and pretty.

Skirt Upcycling Technique #2: 

Yoked Tunic Dress

I came up with a new technique, turning a skirt into a tunic dress by setting the skirt's waist under the armpits and sewing a bodice yoke to the skirt waist band.

The old skirt's pockets are still present and useful, just set a little higher than you'd expect. The skirt is lined. The yoke is lined and interfaced. The dress is extremely comfortable to wear. The only quibble I have with this silhouette is the knowledge I'd better maintain good posture or I'll look pregnant, lol.

Now you know a fabulous trick for upcycling a secondhand skirt into a new and gorgeous dress for very little cost.

Look out for more Boutique Narelle posts detailing liberating modest fashion techniques.

Fiat lux!

Narelle

Speedy Tank Dress: Smart Fashion Tricks for Modest Women on a Budget

Some of my clothing has gone through multiple makeovers. If part of the garment has got tired, stained, or no longer fits, but I like the rest of the fabric, I look for a way to upcycle it.

Skirt Upcycling Technique #1:

Speedy Tank Dress

Five years ago, I suddenly needed new modest dresses, and I hit upon a quick way to get them. I bought a cotton knit tank top or camisole, prepared a skirt to match, and sewed the two together at the waist.

I call it the Tank Dress or Cami Dress. Using this technique, I made three new dresses in a week. 😮

Four Things I Learned

1. Use a sturdy knit. Very stretchy knit can't support the weight of the skirt hanging from it.

2. Layering a knit camisole over the skirt waist or sewing tucks to shorten it creates too much fabric movement. (Ladies, fequent twitching of your clothes is to be avoided.)

3. In contrast, layering or sewing tucks in a woven tank to shorten it does work if the lines are evenly arranged and kept below belly button level.

4. Cut the bottom off the camisole so the skirt waist sits at your natural waist. This gives the best coverage for you, the best support for the skirt, and allows a blouse to be worn over top without the camisole hem showing.

Now you know a fabulous trick for upcycling a secondhand skirt into a new and gorgeous dress for very little cost.

Look out for more Boutique Narelle posts detailing liberating modest fashion techniques.

Fiat lux!
Narelle

Your Lifestyle, and Modest Clothing Choices

Your lifestyle strongly impacts the kind of clothing you wear.

Blast from a Long-Hemmed Past

Sample of my 2019 Outdoor Lifestyle

In 2015, my lifestyle changed dramatically. In the space of four months I went from being a clean, intellectual indoors lady to an grubby, active outdoors lady who needed to be able to jump on a bicycle with five minutes' notice. My clothing style had to change to accommodate this.

Upcycling

I didn't have any clothing budget to speak of, so I mostly adapted the dresses I had, with the addition of fabric from my stash and thrifted trousers from SaveMart. In the next few posts I will share some of the upcycled outfits I created to allow me an active outdoor lifestyle and yet still feel like a lady and be modest.

Adapting

I tried very hard to find a way to stay with my ankle-length dresses, but they simply weren't safe when working with tools, moving up and down steps with my hands full, or on the bicycle available to me.

Modest Cucumber, Summer 2019

Modest Cucumber, Summer 2018

I found that ankle-fitting trousers and an A-line dress hemmed just below the knee work best for cycling. Wide-legged trousers and a shirt-dress (tunic) hemmed just above the knee work best when I'm in the garden.

Climbing a steep and slippery hillside...

 ...on a frigid day in the New Zealand bush

Another problem was that my preferred light tints couldn't elegantly sustain exposure to dirty environments. Even my dress-nicely social outing spaces weren't safe.

I remember how heartbroken I was when my ivory cashmere coat warmly embraced a large piece of chocolate cake in my sit-upon area. Not a good look for a well-groomed lady. Nothing I tried would remove the stain. Light-coloured, sensitive fabrics have been retired until my life has more clean places in it.

Touring a Medical Flight Facility

Climbing around in that small space is challenging!

Assessing

I encourage you to assess your individual lifestyle and the activities you're involved with, and have the courage to make clothing choices that are best suited to your preferences AND your needs in those situations.

Don't limit your options to what everybody else wears or says is acceptable or expected. Give yourself space to adapt. (My style transition took a couple of years.) Be creative. Be you.

Fiat lux.
Narelle

Explore your world!