WIW - a couple of cool days - YouLookFab Forum

#1 and 2 - to church yesterday. Sorry for the crazy angle on #2. I will eventually get the hang of this.My rescued grey jacket, which is alas, starting to get a bit baggy, so I will have to wear it as much as I can; my favourite scarf, full of memories of Venice; a drop-shoulder black sweater with button detailing on the back which was totally covered this time; and grey slacks, which now fit me fine at the waist, but bag at the thighs. My eternal problem. I am wondering if I can just take in the side seams from about mid-hip down to solve the problem, or will it be more complicated. The clothes are all cheapies from Reitman's and Smart Set.

#3, hanging around the house on an even cooler day. For going out, I would need to add a warmer topper than this very light cardigan. Black draped cardigan from Fashion Bug; white scoop-neck 3/4 sleeve Tshirt, striped silk scarf for a little extra warmth and colour; rust pants, which are really a much more vivid colour. The light in my bedroom just isn't good enough.

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13 years ago

JulieJohn

Veteran

JR, these are good, especially #1-2. I really like the proportions of that outfit on you, and the pants don't look baggy to me.

Love that scarf and the memories sound fantastic. I wish you could post those memories as well!

Thanks Julie. If you look in photo #2, you can see the line down the side of my hip and leg where the pants bulge out rather strangely. It's either that or muffin top for me. It doesn't matter what size I am, it's always the same thing. Stretch jeans do work a bit better, both because of the heavier fabric and the stretch.

Next time I'm down in the States, I'm going to check out Fashion Bug. They used to carry their basic pants in three silhouettes, including one for rectangles. I bought two pairs, thrilled to finally find pants that fit.

And promptly started losing weight after that, which was a little unplanned. I have saved one of those pairs, as an encouragement. In any event, if I can find properly fitting pants there, it will be worth stocking up.

jayne

I really like 2...you can do black! the pop of cool color helps also

Carole

Great outfits! Isn't it the best to have a scarf or similar item to wear that reminds us of a special time? And I don't see why you can't take in some of the seams. Doesn't seem like it would be complicated at all. I sew a little bit and would certainly give it a go.

Suz

(website)

There she is with her gorgeous scarves again. #1 looks great! I see the pants issue in #2. Why not try taking in the seams on those? You really have nothing to lose.

I am just wondering if I also need to take in the inseams or the seam down the middle of the back. I know so little about tailoring, and it is obviously something I should learn if I want to have clothes that fit me. If it's just the outside seams, then even I can handle it. ;o)

pil

#1 and #2 are really flattering on you JR. As far as taking in the pants, you could always try pinning (ouch) or hand basting those side seams and see what you think about the fit. Do the pants have pockets? That would probaby complicate things.

Nadya

Good outfits! I especially like the scarf in 1/2 and the rust slacks in 3.

I don't see why you couldn't have slacks altered in the thighs if that's bugging you. Definitely worth investigating.

Pil, no, the pockets are all fakes. These are pants to look skinny in, LOL, although I am the type who likes hitching her thumbs in her pockets. Fortunately the jacket filled in for that purpose. ;o)

I guess now I need to get off my butt and see if I still know how to sew.

Anonymous

The blazer in #1 fits really well. I don't think it looks loose at all IMHO. As far as the pants, I think a DIY is a great idea. I would not spend money on professional tailoring, however. I think you can manage to find a killer pair of updated trousers, for the cost of alteration.
Looking great!!!

Zap, when I button it up, the bags become noticeable, although they're not to the point that I won't wear it anymore. And I totally agree on the alterations. The only way I would pay for that is if the piece was a top-quality, timeless classic, and the alterations themselves were tricky. Then it would be worth it. In this case, I just want to make them last a little longer and make myself feel a little better wearing them. If I can do that with a couple of quick seams up the side, what's not to love?

Except, of course, for the fact that I'll have to take my sewing machine out of storage and perhaps in to the shop for a tune-up...

JR, you look so good! I love your scarves too, and the jacket in the first picture is divine. I have the same problem with pants, and those look like they are actually a *curvy girls* cut. I never have enough curves to fill them out either, and my waist seems to be my (proportionally) biggest measurement. I was just wondering the other day if pants need to be taken in from each side seam, or if just one will do. Hopefully an experienced seamstress will chime in!

Caro in Oz

I used to make a lot of clothes & found trying to remodel was often harder than making from scratch. The problem with taking pants in at the sides is you can still have poor fit around the crotch & rear. I'd pin & then baste/tack them & see how they look. I have the same problem with fit - if the pants fit on the waist they are too big in the thighs.

Thanks Caro. I do so appreciate input from someone who has tried it. That was my concern, that the simple side seams would not be enough. I've actually ordered a number of patterns in sheer frustration (it was such a good sale that I got 8 or 10 of them for the price of two). But I am going to have to learn how to adjust patterns if it's to do me any good.

There's a place called "The Muffin Top Bakery" in Riverside, CA. I often wonder if that's what they serve, or what happens if you visit too much. LOL!

Kiwichik

JR you have a wicked way wth a scarf.

ramya

I love how you use scarf JR

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