- cardigan: gift, refashioned by me
- blouse: 60s vintage, estate sale
- skirt: made by me (just like this one!)
- bow headband: made by me this weekend
- ballet flats: Baker’s (on clearance!)
- pin: vintage, thrifted
Lest you think my life is full of black eyeliner and carefully arranged hairstyles, this is a rather toned town vintage look that I wore yesterday. Mondays are definitely my “challenging” days every week–I’d much rather pull a Garfield and go back to bed and sleep until Tuesday! And I usually really struggle with staying focused on the tasks at hand, which means that I usually don’t put on much (if any) makeup so I don’t get further distracted! This outfit is fairly simple: just some of my favorite pieces–including a few newish ones–and my hair (which I had curled over the weekend) piled up with a few strategic clips. Makeup was limited to powdering my face (I use a mineral foundation, so it’s super quick), doing my brows and a swipe of mascara. Less than 5 minutes in front of the mirror!
I finished the skirt I’m wearing last week and it’s another version of this pattern which I used to make the little bow blue skirt back in March. I used a grey suiting “mystery” fabric that was in my stash. It’s a mystery because I’m not sure where I bought it or when–I happened to find it in the closet over the summer! I knew it’d be perfect for a pencil skirt; it’s a lovely weight and has a subtle horizontal stripe in the weave to keep it interesting. I actually have just enough left over that I could possibly squeeze a little capelet out of… Which would be too much fun to finally add to my wardrobe!
What I love about this skirt is how it was lined–using a method I read about in Threads issue 150. The “master class” article showed how to create your own lining pattern for a vented skirt, since most commercial patterns do not have a lining. I lined the blue version of this skirt, but just kind of winged it (although it turned out lovely)–and this method was really easy once I got my head around the concept. Basically you attach the skirt and lining hems together before sewing the side seams. Everything is neatly enclosed and the lining has extra ease built in so that it doesn’t strain or rip. I have to admit I’m quite pleased with how it turned out–it’s just as pretty inside as out! (Although I used a printed lining that has a definite geometric pattern, so it’s not perfectly lined up. Note to self: don’t do that again!)
I think this is the third time in the past five days I’ve worn this sweater. Once the weather gets cold, it’s one of my staples–I love the sleeve length and it’s soft and slightly fuzzy–and very warm! Plus I just like red…
I love clothes that are easy to wear and beautiful. Love the sweater. Been looking at our thrift up here for a black one. You are so talented to know how to put a outfit together. I guess you just need an eye for that kind of thing!
you know, i think you should wear less makeup more often. you look very beautiful in these pictures!! you always look good, but i think you should show off your natural beauty more often
as always you can put the most simple items together and make it look like so much more! you look great.
You look very pretty! And I like red, too!
Mom
This look is sooooo adorable. I love the blouse. I think we need a tutorial on how to add all that lovely lace around the Peter Pan collar.
Casey,
What a lovely look! I just adore the blouse. I haven’t had any luck so far finding good vintage blouses (I’m much better with shoes, hats, and dresses!). And, oh, my goodness, Casey’s wearing flats! What a rare sight! They look just perfect with this outfit, though. You really do know how to put together a look.
Cheers,
Christine
I love the frilly 1960s blouse…I too often overlook garments from this era, but it looks adorable paired with the red cardigan.
He he, your “pared down” look is more pristeen and perfect than my smartest look! I’m one of those people that could start out immaculate and within 5mins I’m a total scruff!
I keep meaning to have a go at your cardigan refashion……
Miss P
xxx
You look very pretty, as always. I love this style, I wear it alot myself too. Pencil skirts, soft cardigans, so elegant.
I just love everything about this outfit. ADORABLE ruffling on that blouse and the black, white, red palette couldn’t be chicer in my opinion. Ballet flats in black paired with that hair bow make me think classic Audrey Hepburn. Just fantastic!
That collar is beautiful, and I love the bright red of your cardigan, it really suits you.
From Carys of La Ville Inconnue
You look beautiful with that hairdo, Casey… like the lady on a cameo brooch. Your blouse is pretty amazing, too!
Oh I love the red cardigan!
The DIY is perhaps a bit to difficult for me but I bet my mum can
and I love your haircut by the way!
Wow, you look fantastic even on your ‘toned down’ days! Makes me rethink what I wear when I’m really lazy. And I LOVE how you did you hair.
You know, I just noticed you have me linked twice in your “blogs I read” list. I feel extra special now.
Now about this outfit. It’s incredible and lovely as can be! I adore it! It’s going in the http://rubyeyedokapi.tumblr.com page for sure. I love the bow in your hair too! that estate sale find (the blouse) is beautiful!!!!! I love the details on it.
OMG! Love your hair in this photo…it’s just exactly how I’d like to style my hair today!
I purchased a skirt just like this, in the 90′s…LOL!!! But, it is now way to small. I would love to make one that fits. Can’t find one for sale anywhere…can you help?
Great blog!
Thanks,
Susan
your beautiful collar is the best!
I just adore your hair like that, my dear!
Hi,
Just wanted to comment to say how much I love your site. Have only just found it and will now be following religiously! I love everything vintage, I only wish I could make my own clothes like you, it is all very inspirational and creative!
I’ve just recently started my own blog – http://www.ebagsandgladrags.com – so am always on the lookout for vintage reads. Please take a look if you get a chance.
Sx
Oh it’s just darling! I love the skirt and am most interested in this Threads Issue with the lining for a vented skirt. I much much prefer a vented skirt to a skirt with a slit. They just seem much more stable and professional looking. Fabulous look!
I like both your more “made-up” looks and this more minimal make-up look too. All of the separates are great–I liked the other skirt you made that was similar and really like this one as well. Mystery fabric is the best–like finding cash in a coat pocket! The blouse is gorgeous! It’s nice to not typecast yourself with only one look or style but yet everything looking uniquely “you.”
Aren’t snuggly sweaters the best! The color is perfect for the holidays too!
just found your blog- in love with your outfit and style, you’re so cute! You are inspiring me to learn how to sew, i have two machines and no skills, but a capelet sounds amazing
warm & cozy indeed!
You look lovely as always. So funny, what your wearing on a “lazy Monday” is exactly what I wear to work! Frilly top, Cardigan and pencil skirt hahaha
Very pretty
Cute as always. I need to find a pencil skirt that fits like that. I always have problems finding ones that can fit my odd waist to hip ratio. They always end up fitting in the hip but being huge in the waist. So until I start learning how to sew, it’s going to be an ongoing struggle.
How tall are you? Just curious.
You’re so naturally gorgeous, you hardly need any make-up! A simple black cardigan is a HUGE staple in my wardrobe, I wear one nearly every day…(I have about four…soon to be five different ones.) I really need to make a pencil skirt like this to go with this vintage black and white stripped blouse I found. Nothing else goes with!
- Lauren
simple, pretty, totally classy!
You are so stinkin adorable!
You look gorgeous Casey! And you look really stunning with minimal makeup. Love the red cardi and little brooch too.
you look adorable! and very sweet with minimal make-up.
i have a blouse very similar to yours, also from the ’60s. (looking through my 1930s sears catalog book, it could pass for ’30s as well!) i haven’t worn it yet b/c i wasn’t sure how to pair it. maybe i’ll give it a shot now.
i loveeee this! so christmasy and classic! and it’s so nice to see the refashioned cardi back, that was such a cool project, i keep thinking of doing something similar to an alpaca cardi i have that’s just too big.
Gorgeous outfit Casey – so simple but perfect!
You have reminded me I have a red cardigan in my knitting queue, I might bump it to top of the queue as I think it will be such a versatile wardrobe item to have!
Love this look! You look great in the pictures… keep up the good work, I really enjoy reading your posts!
I loveee this look! You look great, even without makeup. I really admire your vintage looks, but I’m not bold enough to pull them off in public. However, I could do a look like this-it looks modern, yet with a vintage flair! Thanks for the inspiration
This is so perfect because not only is the look so pretty from head to toe, but also I love that you made or refashioned most of the pieces yourself. Very inspiring and fun to keep up with. Thanks.
Very cute look. I think you look great with minimal make up as well as with more.
What did you do to your sweater?
so pretty!
I love that shirt. If only I looked so put together on a Monday morning – even your lazy outfits are gorgeous!
This has to be one of my most favorite outfits you have ever created! What a perfect confection, indeed! Your so lovely!! Happy Holidays to You, Casey!! I hope your Christmas and New Year are filled with everything creative, magical and splendid!!
I am starting to get back into sewing and wondering where you pick up your patterns? Thanks.
This is such a great outfit! The pencil skirt is so flattering on you. I adore the blue one that you made earlier, and this one is lovely as well.
Pretty! I like the pearl buttons on the cardigan. You look so very put-together in your at-home outfit!
Love this ouftit. I have to say that your red sweater cardigan is lovely.
http://mypretaporterblog.blogspot.com/
So pretty and comfortable, Casey! I have envied your capability with vintage-looking make-up application, and you look just as pretty with a little make-up—it gives a softer look. And gosh, I need to find a skirt similar to what you’re wearing—I have several pretty sweaters which would be perfect with a skirt, and yet I’ve been unhappily forced to wear mostly pants this winter because I don’t have a generic black skirt to wear. Also, I’m picky–I don’t want the modern black skirt, but one with a higher waistline. It’s almost impossible to find skirts with high waists!
I haven’t even had time to regularly check all my favourite posts. So forgive my late comments, but this is a gorgeous home outfit! Love it! You look really cute.
Yours, Theresa
I love this look! It is at the same time vintage and modern. I guess that makes it classic! It’s a look I often wear, because it’s my best look and I feel glamorous and comfortable.
You look great and should be proud that three of the items you’re wearing, you either sewed or customised.
I am so glad I saw Quincy and Solanah’s guest blogging on here! I am officially following this blog now. I adore your style! Check out my lil blog and shop:) dethrosevintage.blogspot.com