It sure has been fun to organize the closets again. I've certainly paid more attention to MrBP's during this past round, getting him ready for a busy new year and all that.
As far as my own closet goes, I've embarked on a new project which we can only name FROCK REHAB.
 |
| Lexa Dress in Silk Taffeta J.Crew |
Why do they need to go to Frock Rehab? The linings are a slippery acetate, I'll never wear these dresses in humid spring and summer weather at this rate. I'm going to have them re-lined with either cotton or silk.
A trip to the Louvre keeps on giving, I like to take pictures of the pictures my eye is attracted to, then I can look over them again and again.
I'm sure you'll agree that it's a soothing activity.
Everyone learns in Art History 101 that many painters have used the trick of RED to draw in the eye.
 |
| Pieta Giovanni Battista di Jacopo, Florence 1530 |
 |
| Les Deux Soeurs Theodore Chasseriau Paris 1843 |
The colour I'll be attracted to today will be the french blue of my Le Creuset pot.
I'm definitely watching the Presidential Inauguration, how about you?
xoDani
Will be watching following a dentist appointment! Is it very expensive to have the linings replaced? I love a touch of red to warm things up... It definitely draws your eye.
ReplyDeleteJill I'll let you know, I'm actually starting Frock Rehab with a different dress, I haven't found linings for these particular frocks quite yet. I have set aside some money in my budget this year (I have a "list" to shop from) just for this project. Based on having a jacket of MrBP's re-lined I'm guessing it will be around $30-$40 to re-line a dress. I'll keep you posted. I'm planning before and after pictures of the first Frock Rehab (it's another silk taffeta dress, but sleeveless and a champagne colour.
DeleteOh good luck at the dentist!
Dani, do you shop for the fabric and then bring it in to the tailor? How do you know how much to buy?
DeleteYou have given me an idea, as I have a trench whose lining needs rehabilitation. Now, finding a tailor is another story.
Abby I sort of guess at the fabric but I have some experience sewing simple things so I just sort of eyeball the fabric and take the width into account.
DeleteWe have a really great tailor here just downtown. She's European and has all of the old techniques. She worked for a men's shop that closed up and is now on her own, I like giving her business as she has a big family and really likes having her own shop. I hope you can find someone similarly excellent!
It is so nice to have a tailor that you trust, and to feel like you are making a contribution to something you believe in with your dollars!
DeleteI admire your organisational skills, Dani. Good idea to have those dresses relined - I think they're lovely, beautiful shades. I love flashes of red, you've just made me realise how many little splashes of it I have around my home. I've developed a real craving for roast veg at the moment. That's my favourite shape in the Le Creuset and the one I use the most.
ReplyDeleteSulky it's an unusual shape for a pot was my thinking when I bought it but I use it all the time as well, really every night I'm cooking up something in it.
DeleteLittle splashes of red are key to engage the eye, aren't they. Roasted vegetables are indeed delicious. I need to eat lots of those this week, I'm dismayed to report that yesterday it was potato chips and wine with football, not very healthy and certainly calorific!
Hi Dani! You know, I don't notice the difference with linings, so all the discussion about acetate and poly linings is a bit lost on me. Or maybe it's just that all my dresses that I wear in warm weather are cotton lined or not lined at all? Would it help to wear a slip? I feel like I don't wear any specific dress enough to make it worthwhile to change a lining -- that seems such a big alteration. But $30 or $40 seems much more reasonable than I would have expected.
ReplyDeleteI live just outside DC and my parents came from Maui to attend the inauguration, as they did four years ago. My husband with with them last time, but once was enough for us. (I guess I should say, "for him", since I didn't even want to go last time!) I remember when I first moved to DC I was amazed just by the sight of the capitol -- "oh look, it's just like on tv!" -- but now I guess we just take everything for granted! Have a great day!
audreys I've only visited Washington once and I loved it. I want to go again quite badly and the sight of the crowd there today just took my breath away!
DeleteI have to put my frocks into rehab, I put them on and then take them off because they irritate me. Then I have "nothing to wear" and I'm standing in front of a full closet, it's entirely stupid! I am very sensitive, my skin is getting worse as I get older and of course I'm crabbier too.
Your observation about red is a good one. We've tried to do this in our apartment, actually. Mostly white plus some red is a look that we can agree on. Though, currently, I want more light wood and plants - the winter is getting to me.
ReplyDeleteI will not be watching the inauguration. I was thinking this morning, why does somebody who gets re-elected get to have a second inauguration? I know that sounds awfully party-pooper-ish of me, but I guess I'm just not in the mood for such lavishness. And I voted for the guy!
Your dinner sounds delish.
I would like to apologize for being grumpy - I do think that celebrations are nice!
DeleteSome White House aide was saying on the TV last night that it (the inauguration and attendant celebrations) were greatly pared down this time as the Administration were acutely aware of the straits a lot of people were in. Unlike George W second time around.
DeleteAbby and Anon, I agree the celebrations seem lavish considering the circumstances of many Americans. I thought it was well done however, and I did hear that there was a paring down so good for them. It's so uplifting which is always a good thing. I missed Beyonce though! Apparently she was amazing! Ah well I was making lunch.
DeleteAnd Abby it's okay to be a little grumpy, I'm all for Grumptastic! Your apartment sounds so nice. I always like flowers or plants in the house this time of year, they don't last long with the indoor heat but they are so cheering.
Ah, thank you for tolerating my grumpiness! I am just political spectacle weary after the extraordinary expense of the election, etc. I am glad to hear it was a pared down event.
DeleteThe indoor heat is hard on plants, Dani, I agree. I try to buy hard to kill plants as I am a terrible plant parent! I choose not to believe that whole, first you have to keep a plant alive, then a pet, and then you can have a kid, logic :)
Frock rehab - loving this! I just saw Michelle Obama's new fringe she really suits it, I don't know if it will be on here but we'll see snippets.
ReplyDeleteHi Tabs, Michelle Obama and the girls looked amazing. I hope you see all the good snippets!
DeleteThis is a great idea, Dani. Putting in silk linings will make a huge difference and you will get so much wear from the dresses after rehab. I do a lot of tailoring, of the minor "nip this in" variety and the larger projects like relining. My tailor is amazing and I've been seeing her for so long that she knows exactly how things should fit me.
ReplyDeleteHi DF, I also have a good tailor who isn't too expensive, and I have to say I like giving her the business as well. These frocks will be very comfortable with a silk lining, I like my silk-lined dresses the best.
DeleteI never put any thought into why certain linings in my clothes drove me nuts with discomfort before reading your blog. Now I know that acetate is my friend!
ReplyDeletePresident Obama will be sworn in on the bibles belonging to both Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. which I find so profound and overwhelmingly beautiful today, on Martin Luther King Jr. day.
On the fashion side of the inauguration, the first family, as always, is dressed to perfection. It looks like Malia is wearing the J Crew Lady Day coat in Magenta. What a beautiful, young lady she is in it! Michelle's new haircut is very modern-love it. She has such style,beauty and a warm, approachable attitude that is a rare and winning combination in my book.
Hi AmW, I used to like acetate very much and now nope, I can't stand to wear it. But I have skin sensitivity issues, hives etc. I hope it calms down but in the meantime I'm going to make my clothes more comfortable.
DeleteThe family looked great! I thought it was beautiful, we've just turned it on again and wow what a gorgeous day it is there too.
Hi Dani-I just love those dresses on you and they will be perfect once you get the lining changed out, my vote is for silk. You are such a housekeeper, mercy me. For supper, I am thinking homemade chicken and dumplings.The forecast is calling for another wicked cold snap-yuck!
ReplyDeleteHi David, yes it's freezing here too. Your dinner will be just the thing.
DeleteMy housekeeping today didn't go as planned due to all of the distractions! There's always so much to do as you know.
both of your dresses are so pretty - i can't wait to see them after they've gone through rehab!
ReplyDeletexox P
Hi Phiphi, I'm anxious to get those frocks into rehab too. I'll let you know how it goes!
DeleteHi Dani,
ReplyDeleteI am doing the same cleaning as you - was just our purchasing more supplies this morning! And I am loving the inauguration! I thhought the President's address was wonderful!
Good for your on your frock rehab! My favourite linings are a lovely thin, wispy cotton. I just love that.
I am rehabbing jewellry - took a necklace and an antique pin in for repair this morning as well.
I love the colour of your le creuset. I see the orange all the time at winners, but I only want the blue or red so i have none! Oh well, it's time will come!
Have a fabulous day!
Hi WMM, I have a couple of pieces of the orange that I don't use very often, the blue is my absolute favourite. I bought mine in Florida, they have an amazing outlet there!
DeleteEveryone should have a Le Creuset or two. I swear mine make me a better cook. Love the red in those paintings. I didn't know that. Have a great week, Dani :)
ReplyDeleteHi Gigi, yes agreed they make me a better cook too! Or at least a more enthusiastic one which might be the same thing. ;)
DeleteIt's the same reason decorators use red in interiors.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, you should line silk with silk. Cotton drags on your stockings unless you wear a slip and that defeats the purpose!
Anon, agreed and good point! I'd line a frock with cotton if I wasn't planning stockings. I have to say I'm a fan of bare legs though I sure don't have the climate for it.
DeleteI loved the sight of all those people filling the screen, it would make a wonderful commemorative poster!
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about having my camel hair coat relined for a long time, hard to find someone who'll take that on. I agree about silk/silk brw
Hi Fred, we're watching the parade now, the crowds are going wild!
DeleteYes have your camel coat relined, that would be so worthwhile. How about in a Liberty silk!
What a parade! Wasn't her blue coat lovely?
ReplyDeleteI have the blue - purple Lexa ( I think on your recommendation) for about 60 bucks. the lining does not bother me too much as I would not be wearing it for a long period at one time.
Lane I'm super fussy about this, I don't think it bothers most people thank goodness.
DeleteI never thought about dress linings until I started following your blog. Just checked my closet - my "good" dresses are lined in silk. My cotton, summer dresses are unlined. I think some of J.Crew's clothing would fit better if it were unlined, or just partially lined. The linings never seem to match up properly with clothing, and I think it affects the drape or hang of many of their pieces. I love Seventh Generation products. Will watch highlights tonight. Love Michele's bangs!
ReplyDeleteHi Kathy, see you have the lining-thing too!
DeleteSeventh Generation products are great. I wish they were as readily available here as they are in the US. I stock up when I visit, if I have to buy them here they cost the fortune.
Hi Dani, I watched the inauguration on and off all day. Loved the coats and dresses! I especially loved Michelle Obama's coat - I preferred it without the belt, but loved it with the boots. Did you get to see your stepbrother's band? I watched a little bit of the parade - very impressive!
ReplyDeleteWe have two pieces of Le Creuset which we got through our Aeroplan points, so we didn't have any choice of colours. However, I'm happy with the large red pot that we got - there's a Thai chicken curry simmering away in it right now. We also have something similar to your blue pot pictured, but perhaps a little smaller/shallower. It's perfect for risotto and for mac and cheese. What I also love for baking, roasting etc. are a couple of Polish pottery dishes that I bought in Budapest. I wish I had bought more - they are so easy to clean, no matter what gets baked on! I believe that there's a store in Waterloo that sells Polish pottery - we want to take a trip there sometime.
Hi Patricia, I did not see my young step-brother, oh well. I also missed part of the parade, but really the place was mobbed!
DeleteI also love Polish pottery. We had two mugs that we bought several years ago on holiday in Nova Scotia. Then MrBP broke one in the new bathroom on the marble tiles. Yes he should not have brought his coffee in the bathroom! I'm still fuming about it.
I'd love to find some more, please let me know where that store is!
Hi again Dani - here's the link to the store:
Deletehttp://www.byhandandfire.com/index.htm It's a bit out of the way for us, but we plan to make it a day trip sometime. Look like they have a good selection.
Hi Dani,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful colors, those dresses look beautiful. I remember reading that Georgia O'Keefe lined her black skirts in silk. I always thought that was such a great idea. Will look forward to see your results. My Le Creuset was used for soup making this evening. Work kept me away from the television today. Will have to catch up.
Penny
Hi Penny, soup is the best thing right now. I'm making a big stew for tonight. Is cold, must eat!
DeleteI always enjoy Inauguration Day no matter who is elected. It's an important occasion for our country and of course a re-elected President should have an inauguration. It's a great day for our country---always.
ReplyDeleteHi Susan, I was thinking that it is a really unifying experience for the US, especially important after the divisive election periods!
DeleteI agree, it's a great day.
I'm always drawn to blue but my husband loves red so I need to have some red in my wardrobe too, albeit sparingly. When I find just the right piece it makes all the difference.
ReplyDeleteThe caveat with cotton or silk lining is that it can wrinkle severely whereas acetate will usually resist heavy wrinkles, especially if there is any humidity. Silk linings can also lack body so they are best used in garments that have body of their own like your taffeta dresses, which would be perfect.
Hi xoxo, yes as you know this silk taffeta is quite heavy and will actually feel much better with a soft silk lining.
DeleteMen do like red, don't they! It is hard to find the right shade, especially for fair skin.
You gave me your obsession with silk or cotton lining. So much that now I am looking at labels for lining before buying a skirt or a dress. And I think you are so right... It is so better to be able to be in natural fabrics... Good decision to have yours redone... I love this blue Le Creuset... My kitchen is mainly in red/cream and wood... I am considering adding some touch of blue in this, what do you think?
ReplyDeleteHi Steph, blue would be a nice touch. I have to say though I have always loved a red kitchen. I used to dream of having a kitchen with lots of wood and red painted cupboards, it would be so festive at Christmas time too!
DeleteI'm happy I've got you looking at lining labels! It makes a difference doesn't it!
Oh, I agree. It's such a waste to make a pretty dress in lustrous silk and then throw in a crappy cheap lining. Yuck. I have a beautiful McGinn boiled wool coat that has the absolute worst, cheapest quality lining. That's the project I'm saving up to take to a good tailor!
ReplyDeleteHi tdgd, You know even very expensive designers are using cheaper linings these days, all for cost-cutting. I read about the sleeve length thing too, apparently shaving off a centimetre or so makes a difference with cost, no wonder fit and function are such a problem with clothing these days!
DeleteYes have your wool coat relined, you have such a creative eye I'll bet you find a beautiful fabric for the project!