Training the Eye

Here's a skirt I got recently at Goodwill. It's very cute -- a cotton shirting that is styled to sit just below the waist. I love, love, love pleated skirts and wear them all the time instead of shorts or jeans. They're especially comfy in the hot NC summer.


Unfortunately, after I tried it on, I thought it was a bad choice for me. I looked -- well, dumpy.

See?

Upon closer inspection, I realised why I looked this way. The box pleats were stitched down about 5" below the waistband. Since the waistband sits below the waist and more toward the hip, this created a long sillhouette that flared out at just the wrong spot. I think this would have been the case no matter how short or tall, skinny or fat, young or old one was -- this was probably the reason the skirt was at Goodwill!

But there was an easy fix to this problem. I simply took out the stitching, and released the pleats up to the waistband. I sat and did it just now; it took about 20 minutes.

Voila! Cute skirt!

I've noticed lately a LOT of princess-seamed sheath dresses in the thrift stores. These just look dated -- until you put a ribbon at the empire waist, or a wide belt just above the waist. Try it -- it's amazing how an older, dated piece becomes new and fresh again!



If a piece of clothing you own fits great but just doesn't look right, take the time to really study the mirror. There may be something easy you can do to adjust it and turn it into something adorable.



Let me know if you do!



xoxox