Modern Modest Elegance Goes to an Arabian Nights Party

DAFFODIL DREAM

This evening I had the privilege of attending a party in a stunningly beautiful setting. The birthday girl is a skilled decorator. Look what she created for her Arabian Nights theme. 🤩

I didn't have much time to come up with a costume for the occasion. I went with a refit of a #BoutiqueNarelle bridesmaid dress (what a good thing I put some flexi in those seams!), and the simple strategy of 👑Princess Up👑.

It's remarkable that the rose fascinator matches the dress so well, because I created it long before my sister's wedding was in sight. I was delighted to get a chance to wear "la belle fleur" tonight. It's one of my favourite fabric flowers, inspired by a rose in my grandmother's garden which I've never seen anywhere since. 

I was in my early teens when Grandma moved in next-door and planted dozens of rose bushes. As I was walking along her garden path one day, this enormous lemon bloom caught my awed attention, and I moved in for a sniff and a closer look. I've never forgotten it. Maybe one day I'll find out what its name was.

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

Fiat lux!

Narelle

#BoutiqueNarelle

#HappyHattitude 

#ByNarelle

Melon Lace Dress: Smart Fashion Tricks for Modest Women on a Budget

Two Ways to Wear One Short Shift Dress, including Five Tips to Make Your Outfit Smarter

It's Spring and I currently spend much of my time getting grubby amongst plants, so it was nice to have an opportunity recently to dress up a bit.

My parents came to visit on the day the latest lockdown lifted, for which exciting event I planned a special outfit. I woke up to see the sun shining on it...

This thriftshop dress is cotton lace with gold plastic buttons. It came with a matching nylon chemise which the factory had sewn in back-to-front - probably why the previous owner gave up wearing it. It was a simple task to detach it from its moorings with an unpicking tool.

CASUAL DRESSY

The forecast temperature was a bit chilly, so I chose to wear a long-sleeved tee shirt underneath, a white chemise over top of it, and white spandex trousers, keeping all the under layers unobtrusive.

The jacket is a cheap and baggy fleece I've had in my closet for a while and not liked very much other than the colour. To improve the fit and add some class, I pinched a pleat at each side of the back of the jacket, and sewed a pretty button on top. I think I shall like it a lot more now.

My mother liked my outfit so much that she wanted to take photos of me. I'm happy that my clothing choices brought her pleasure. Other people have to look at me far more than I look at myself. I like to know that what they see is a well-groomed and attractive picture, a good representation of a King's daughter.

MAKING IT SMARTER

Here are five fashion secrets that can upgrade the classiness of nearly any dress.

UNDERLAYERS
If underlayers can't be hidden, but without them you feel exposed, you need a change of plan. Here I've ditched the tee shirt, and switched to the matching melon chemise which blends seamlessly with the dress and hides the waistline of the trousers.

OVERLAYERS
Instead of underlayers for warmth, a tailored hip-length jacket or longline coat will maintain warmth as well as style.

TREWS
Choosing a pair of tailored trousers adds a more formal touch to the outfit. The stiff, wide drape of these trews works well with the slimline pencil dress, and the textured stripe is a stylish contrast to the soft lace fabric.

SHOES
Granted, any shoes will look dressier than socks, although dare I say bright pink socks are rather snazzy. Choosing a chic pair of sandals or heels will immediately elevate the smartness of your outfit.

PURSE
Carry a pretty purse and viola! your outfit upgrade is in the bag. It was a simple task to transform this plain gold gift bag by gluing on a strip of craft card, adding an interesting swing tag, and attaching a fabric flower. The flower has a crocodile clip on the back, which slides onto a tab which I glued on the front of the bag.

I hope you've found something beautiful and inspiring here today. Now you know some simple fashion tricks for creating different outfits using the same dress.

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

Fiat lux!
Narelle

Discover the Potential of a Multipurpose Shirt: Smart Fashion Tricks for Modest Women on a Budget

Do you have a solid wardrobe staple that you're tired of wearing? Let these ideas bring fresh inspiration and help you love that garment again.

one shirt or tunic

worn at least three different ways

This Boutique Narelle tunic is made from a quality quilting cotton which has proved durable and held its colour well. I bought the fabric at an Everything Half Price closing down sale, paying an extravagant NZ$13/m when I would normally look for yardage in the $6-$8 range. It has proved worthwhile.

The cotton is soft and breathable, comfortable to the skin, good protection from the harsh southern sun. The dark colour with subtle floral print is feminine without seeming impractical for the outdoor adventures I've worn it on, yet easily adapts to more elegant occasions.

This was one of my early explorations of tunic styles. Princess seams have remained a favourite for the classic streamlined look they give. Other features recommended for a classy look are topstitched seams and lots of buttons. As trouser leg fashion has narrowed, I've lengthened my tunic hems to maintain a balanced silhouette. This length works well with wide-leg trousers.

Recent photos show the tunic with pleats over the shoulders. When an overzealous washing machine tore a hole in the shoulder, I decided that pleats would hide the rip and give me a better fit at the shoulders, which were a bit wider than I needed.

You can increase the styling contrast with:

• different hats
• different shoes
• hairstyle changes
• carrying a purse, wallet, or bag
• rolling up the sleeves
• buttoning up the collar

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

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

Fiat lux!
Narelle 

ANNOUNCEMENT: My Commitment to You

I spent Anzac Weekend at musicprenuer bootcamp. I am not the person I was a week ago.

This week marks the beginning of a new journey for me. I'm choosing to walk into my destiny to live in my true value and make my dream come true.

My commitment to you is that from today, I'm going to do something to work on my dream six days a week. You have my permission to check in with me and say, "How are you doing with your commitment? Are you still working to make your dream come true?"

I don't know yet what the end result will look like, but I do know that today I have to change some things for that to happen. One of those is narrow my focus. Something has got to go.

For thirteen years here on Boutique Narelle I've been giving away my knowledge and expertise for free. I knew I should monetize it, but I didn't know how. Every time I tried, I got bogged down in the systems and technology skill it demanded.

Today I'm saying 🤚THAT'S IT, no more labouring to create value for other people without being rewarded for it.

Feedburner has alerted me that in July their free notification service will cease, which means those of you who receive an email notifying you of a new Boutique Narelle post will no longer receive that. I don't have the technology skills to create an alternative.

I also will not be returning to curating the modesty mall. Thank you to those who have messaged me with requests to explore the modest clothing services you offer. I apologise that I have not been able to accept your invitations due my lack of internet access.

After four years of not having broadband internet, now that I suddenly do (YIPPEE!!! #happydance), I've realized that my focus has switched -- from fulfilling the service that I have enjoyed bestowing through Boutique Narelle, to my song-writing passion which will bring me better reward for the time and energy I put into it. What this will look like on the BN blog, I don't know right now. The monthly Boutique Narelle post on the 1st Friday of the month will be discontinued in its current form following next week's post. If you are subscribed using Feedburner you will not receive notifications from July 2021.

I suggest that you follow me on the social media platform I currently use (www.facebook.com/NarelleWorboys), where you can see and get involved with my music journey, and of course details of my outfits and fashionista fun exploring beautiful modest fashion, because that's still me to the core.

I'm reminded of the quote, 

"BE THE CHANGE THAT YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD." 

I'm making space for me to visualise what that will look like for me. Maybe my doing that will inspire you to keep pursuing your dream, to be the change that you want to see in the world. I would love to hear that you're doing that.

Fiat lux.
Narelle