Mommy Gets a Makeover, Part 3

I came away from my Personal Pinterest survey with a surprisingly short list of items I needed to add to my closet to revamp my wardrobe:

1. A skinny belt
2. Long Skirts
3. A pair of riding boots

The skinny belt was simple. I went to the thrift store, found a worn-but-genuine-leather belt, and paid a quarter.

Skirts were more of a challenge. I knew I’d have to custom make them to get them floor length — most skirts I find don’t reach the elegant length due to my height. But sewing a full, floor length skirt takes lots of time and cloth — two resources I don‘t have a lot of.

Again, thrift store to the rescue: I found a humongous, button-up, long sleeved dress in a fine-wale, brown corduroy. I cut it off right under the armpits and held the edge to my waist—it reached the floor—perfect! I cut off the buttons and button hole plackets and sewed up the front seam to close up the skirt. Then I just put it on inside out and pinned pleats and darts around the waist narrowed enough to stay up on my hips. I added an invisible zipper in a side seam, bound the waist edge and – viola! A full-length, one-of-a-kind skirt with fascinating detail and flattering flow. Cost: $3 and 2 hours of sewing.

Finally, the boots. Because my feet are a size 11 ½ to 12, shoe stores (much less thrift stores) rarely stock my size. I’d already been looking for boots for several years, but even when I was finally willing to spend a bit more to get a good pair, I couldn’t find a style I liked (no heels or busy details for me) nor a store that sold my size – even online! I faced another winter bootless. But my loving husband, aware of my predicament, was keeping his eye out. We found a brand (Born) who’s sizing was generous (I fit the 11!) and then he found a style he knew I would love and – joy! – ordered them as an early Christmas present.

 

 

The last step was to take what I had learned from my new friend, Pinterest, and create outfits from what I already had in my wardrobe. Hayley has tips for this in her book, too–for getting a fashion plate look from similar elements in your own closet. I was astonished at the possibilities that opened up with the right inspiration and a few, core pieces. Suddenly I found my shorter skirts looked much better when paired with boots. My new belt added definition to a previously frumpy outfits, and when I wear my floor-length brown skirt I feel like I’m finally being true to my personal style. I feel lovely and confident which allows me to take my mind off myself and think of others more.

Another benefit to my newly defined style is that my closet is clean and organized–no longer clogged with things that don’t coordinate or that I never wear anyway. One can create many outfit combinations with a few good pieces, and I’ve found I don’t mind wearing the same ensemble twice because I feel so good in it!

It’s a lovely feeling. I thank God for the simple joy He gave us in clothing ourselves, and the fulfillment we can find as we endeavor to live out the individuality and creativity He instilled in us when He created us.

So, be encouraged—your closet is not hopeless, and your style is in there somewhere! I hope my journey inspires you, and that you can find some real help in “The No-Brainer Wardrobe” eBook, as I did. You may be just a few accessories or one staple piece away from a new era in your own wardrobe!

Coming up…choosing a personal color scheme and favorite wardrobe basics for mommies! All posts in this series are under the tag, Mommy Gets a Makeover.

Have you created a personal Pinterest style board yet? I would love to see it! Share the inspiration by sharing the link to your board in the comments! Remember what I learned–to get realistic inspiration, you need to be pinning photos of actual women who are your same shape, not just those collages of outfits meant for Miss ‘Size 2’!