MidWest Inspiration
July 31st 2008 12:22
If you haven't already met her, I'd like to introduce you to one of my greatest sources of style inspiration - Amy Butler. Amy is a fabric designer and produces a wonderful range for use in home decor, dressmaking or craft. Her book Midwest Modern, is one that I constantly refer to remind myself about individual style and how to achieve it. While Midwest Modern has a significant focus on interior design, a huge chunk is also devoted to fashion. Here is a paragraph that I feel encapsulates the essence of her fashion direction and one that I read often:
'Clothing, even in the most utilitarian way, is how we show ourselves to the rest of the world. Sometimes the message is "I don't have time to think about what I'm wearing" or "I don't care right now, thank you very much." Like when your wear your sweats to the grocery. We've all been there. But this is about inspiration! Not in a haute couture way, but with a Midwest Modern attitude. Style is about combining ideas and whims, desires and passions into something that represents you. It's not about how much it cost, who made it, or where you bought it - we all know how easy it is to succumb to the marketing zeitgeist. This book is about finding your own voice, on your own terms. I simply want to give you a few ideas and show you some examples of combining old with new to create unique looks.'
We all have something in our wardrobe that no matter how many years pass or styles evolve, still looks great, makes us feel good and attracts comments whenever we throw it on. I think this is because a colour, cut or fabric is meant for us and no external factors will alter this. Amy talks about repurposing vintage garments, layering basics and choosing unique fabrics to encourage us to create our own outfits that will have that timeless appeal.
A selection of Amy's 'looks' have been created by her own range of dressmaking patterns. If you are a sewing girl, like me, you'll find them great starting points to building your own 'looks'. For those who place sewing in the same category as dental treatment, don't be discouraged. If you know a sewing person, they are simple and fast to construct. Here are the designs I will be having a shot at for Spring/Summer:
The last image is the Lotus Dress and just to give you an idea of how a pattern can be taken and interpreted to create quite a different look, here is the same design (the fabric necklace is also an Amy pattern which is free on her website) in an alternative fabric combo.
Amy also devotes a section to accessories, hats in particular.
This book has been the best $50 I have spent on fashion. I urge you to browse through it also, and use it as a springboard for your own personal style... and of course you must visit Amy's Site.
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