Did that grab your attention?
Many, many people tell you to work smarter, not harder. I know, in my head, what that means. But, in reality, that has never worked for me! I usually work harder, stop, then work smarter! And, that means, I didn’t work smarter in the first place.
I don’t really mean you!
I’m actually talking about my clothes! Honestly? I could probably go for a very long time and not repeat an outfit with the exception of white tees. I have several of varying lengths, sleeves, and necklines not to mention those with graphics on them! What I am, in my meandering way, talking about is making your clothing work harder for you.
I’m not reinventing the wheel!
I’m going to be perfectly Frank with you here (as opposed to perfectly Marsha). In the past, I thought of a dress as a dress, a sweater as a sweater, and a sweatshirt as a sweatshirt…you get the picture. Now, I skip past that and think of them as “what shall you be today?” kinds of things. I have a couple of old nightgowns from April Cornell with stunning embroidery on them. They have yellowed and gotten stained…I have no idea where those stains came from, but they are not attractive! I think I’m going to cut them off (but, then I have that leftover stained fabric) and make them tops! So, this idea of making your clothes work for you is nothing new!
Wear what you like…
Too many times, we worry about what others will think of our clothing, accessories, or shoes. You don’t? Huh, it must just be me. I have always worried about these things…not worried as in couldn’t sleep at night…more like worried about whether or not I could wear A with Q and not have someone question my choice. Now, although I really am small potatoes in the blogosphere, I do think twice about going out in my pjs to get the groceries (nah…I don’t think twice about it at all…I do, indeed, go to pick up my groceries in my pjs and animal print fuzzy robe). Since beginning my blog, I have begun to really consider the look I’ve put together. But, the thing is…I still wear what I like.
Don’t worry…
I don’t worry about whether or not my tunic is truly a tunic and shouldn’t be worn as a dress. When you’re 5’1″ you can get away with it (until a good stiff wind comes along)! I also never thought to wear a dress as a duster or a sweater as a dress. And, that brings me back to my title. I have told my clothing to get jobs…earn their keep in other words! Today’s outfit is a perfect example. My duster is a linen dress I got at J Jill a few years ago. With those pesky pandemic pounds (gotta love alliteration) still hanging around, this dress doesn’t even begin to button. But, as a duster, it’s perfect! Do you have a duster that could be a dress? I am guessing you do! See how, once you flip that switch, you’ve just doubled (ok, maybe not exactly doubled but expanded) your wardrobe?
The Lewk!
At first, I wanted to go with an all white column of color under the dress. But, I have this problem with my whites not matching perfectly. And, that makes me uncomfortable in my skin. You may not see it in pictures, but I know. I had thought about this embroidered tank from J Jill (a couple of years ago or last year…who can remember), but I didn’t think it would work. As my eye kept going back to it, I finally gave in and tried it. I like the way the blues don’t really match (I know, I know) but they look good together. Because of that gorgeous embroidery, I didn’t wear a necklace though I probably could have worn something closer to the neck. I found this cute stretchy bead bracelet at the museum shop at Newfields a few weeks ago. The earrings are from J Jill. The other two bracelets are old. The cuff is from eBay; the spiral one is Stella & Dot. The sandals are from 2016…the last time we went to London! They are Jambu (also seen here). I needed a new pair as I’d actually worn another pair out!
A little change…
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Wrap it up, Marsha!
Now, if I could just figure out how to make my jeans do the dishes! Or, maybe my shoes could empty the dryer? I know, I know, my robe could polish the windows! See, the possibilities are endless once you demand your clothing get jobs! What do you think? Have I come across something mind bending and blowing? What are some ways you make your clothing work for you? Please leave a comment, and we can have a conversation! Thanks so much to all of you!!
Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, My Bijou LIfe, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, Being a Wordsmith, and Mummabstylish. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I’m also a co-host on the Weekend Traffic Jam (here).
I really don’t make my clothes do much work. With a closet full of pullovers, jeans, and very basic tee’s I’m not sure there is much more I could get them to do!
I’d say your clothes work very hard as you’re hiking and crafting! You lead a very full and wonderful life!
I’m all for maximizing your closet and making your clothes work for you! Love how you styled your shirtdress as a duster!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thanks, Jill! I cannot believe how many years it took me to realize these kinds of things!!!
I love doing that with my clothes: I have shared a black shirt dress with cap sleeves on the blog as a long vest as it is not flattering buttoned up because it is too tight. That is even where I put it in my closet. I love rewearing things and coming up with new combos. I do love this top! It is very striking!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thanks, Mireille! I need to just start going with my gut reaction…it would save time! I’m hoping I can actually button it by the end of the summer!
I’m with you…get our clothes to do our chores, and that would be the hugest win, haha!!
But it is quite eye opening to figure out that clothes can have so many different style options. It’s like opening up a new wardrobe. And just wait until Thursday…my whites don’t match at all (you might want to hide your eyes, haha)
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Hahaha! Now, I can’t wait to see your outfit! Isn’t it funny whites bother me, but blues don’t? I saw the irony even as I was writing it! And, yes, I do want my clothes to perform some chores, but I don’t think that’s happening any time soon…unless I dried dishes with my cardigan!!!
I really like how you wore this shirtdress as a duster! Great styling!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thank you so much, Lovely! I felt very pretty in it!
Love the casual vibe with your hanging shirt. Looks super cute. Nice to see your post, have a super week. Jacqui x
Thank you, Jacqui! I’m having a pretty good week! I hope you are, too!
Love how you wear that shirt as outerwear, I do that too sometimes! 😀
http://www.couture-case.com/
Thank you so much, Jelena! I’m not sure why it took me so long to figure it out!
I love the pretty layering of this look Marsha. That tunic is so pretty with its blue embroidery!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks so much, Kathrine! I need to just listen to myself when I’m talking to me!
I love this look, Marsha! The embroidered top is so pretty. And the dress as a duster is perfect for Spring. And like you, it drives me crazy if my whites don’t match (and blacks too for that matter). If you figure out how to get your wardrobe to do the dishes, let me know.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
Hahaha! I would also like it to dust, mop, and do the laundry! I’ll let you know if I ever discover how to do that! I always have that problem with black (and navy), but I didn’t realize how much it bugged me when whites don’t match. Sometimes, I’ll do something that definitely doesn’t match, but that’s intentional, right?
You are darling in this outfit! I love the dress worn as a duster!
Thank you so much, Laura! I wouldn’t have done this just a few years ago, but now it just makes so much sense!