Funemployment fashion
In case you didn’t know it already, jobhunting sucks. Don’t let my smile fool you, it really sucks. But it does at least serve to make me aware of how important it is to go through my old clothes and op shop finds RIGHT NOW to work out how I can remake them so I will actually wear them. That sort of thing is CRUCIAL in landing oneself a job. Take a look at this kaftan, for instance (I got it for $1 at an op shop a few months ago).
In order for me to gain any sort of employment, it was crucial that this garment be transformed into something slightly less 70s. Kind of like this…
It was also crucial to go and stand in the garden with the dog to try to capture my creation in crappy photos for an audience who I’ve largely never met (but who are very supportive all the same!!).
Is that a laugh of cynicism I hear? You think I am remodelling my dresses just to procrastinate, don’t you! And I bet you think that I made these earrings (which you can’t even see that well, sorry!) just so I wouldn’t have to address key selection criteria for the zillionth time!
*Sigh*… you’d be spot on. Oh well. At least you get a free insight into how I remade this dress, which, if I were employed, would probably not be happening. I cut off a very large section of hem (which I will use as a headscarf) to make the dress mini-length, then also removed much of the sleeves. I neatened up the resulting cap sleeves, then used strips cut from the excess material to make ruffles over the shoulders. It’s a bit hard to see, because everything’s patterned, and because of my bad photos, but what do you think? I’m still not sure if I should leave this mandarin collar as-is or change the neckline, so suggestions are welcome.
Meanwhile, here are two other projects that are on hold because despite all my making light of the situation (yes, that’s what I was trying to do earlier in the post, for those of you who aren’t familiar with my zany sense of humour), I really MUST step up the job hunt. But feel free to let me know your ideas for what I could do with these skirts.
This one I made from scratch about 14 years ago from some fabric I got in the Indian section of Kuala Lumpur (at least I think that’s where I got it!). You can’t really tell from the photos but it’s very bright pink with yellowy-gold paisley patterns on it. It’s also very wonky so I’d have to rejig things a bit. I also have a false obi made from this material so, combined, I think I could make a fitted dress .. if I could be bothered…
This one I’m not so sure if I should fiddle with at all. I’m kind of liking how it looks when the wind’s blowing! A friend bought it for me at an op shop for $1, it’s a French designer label with the initials LS, which also happen to be my initials, which is slightly freaky. It’s pure silk and very well made, but the in-between length is a problem. I’m thinking of turning it into a mini dress but don’t know if I have the courage/cruelty to hack into it with scissors… advice, anyone?
Hey, you're swapping joblessness for creativity. Sounds good to me. Nonetheless… All the best for the job hunt!
My, my, this post is just too fabulous. I think the neckline on the dress you made (gorgeous btw) looks very nice.I also think you should hack the black skirt, but since it does have that beautiful wave to it, why not keep it near the knee length instead of making it a mini?
CUTE! Loving the transformations! 😀http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/
You did wonders with that kaftan! I especially like the ruffled bits on the sleeves. I pulled out a bunch of long sleeved 70's & 80's dresses the other day with the intention of shortening the sleeves but I couldn't figure out the best way to do it! I might turn the baggier sleeves into sweet little 'puff' sleeves, and the more fitted sleeves into a cap sort of shape. Any suggestions would be appreciated!I love the black skirt too, and a mini dress would be sweet! Can you do it up under your armpits? You might be able to get away with not cutting it! Thank you for your excited comment on my FTG Salvos scores! I never have any luck their either! I don't know anything about camera equiptment, but the tripod is holding up very well so it must be good :)Keep your chin up on the employment front! Embrace that creativity while you have time!xx
I really like what you did with the kaftan, especially the shoulders. With the other two skirts, I actually really like the pink skirt as it is! The black skirt, I agree with Miss Claire – you could perhaps make it into a dress; move up to your armpits, make some straps maybe, or leave strapless, and match with a nice belt?Best of luck with job hunting, hoping you find something to keep the cashflow coming in soon.
You're amazing! I sometimes can't quite believe the creations you come up with … I'm keeping all my fingers and toes crossed that such a fashion superstar as yourself (and seriously witty writer) can land an amazing job very soon.I know the 'selection criteria' pain well … those things are almost the first (and biggest) barrier to bothering with any application.Best of luck! 😀
Thanks ladies, I did think of making the black skirt into a mini dress just by bringing it up around my armpits and adding straps or a halter neck but it's not elasticised and I would have to do something to the waistband… I'll put up pics of my ideas if I get around to it!
I'm still out of work too… it really is so much more stressful than any work stress but it's all temporary – we'll be ok! I loved what you did with the kaftan, no opinions on the pink skirt but do think that black skirt should be hacked into and made into something less Amish. It does look lovely in the wind though!
Your photography is just fine….and I have no trouble seeing the awesome transformation this kaftan went through……I look forward to seeing what happens to the black skirt…it is so beautiful on it's own….only god knows what can happen with your magic touch. :)Look forward to hearing from you LoveTashrin – A Toronto based personal style blog