Silk top, altered (sleeves cut off) $4;
striped silk skirt, altered (made into elastic waist) $6 - both Salvation Army
Black sandals, Payless $7
Brown bag, Target $4
Green stone necklace (old)
Brown leather belt, vintage
I felt really proud to wear this outfit out. Both pieces were altered quite a bit, which I'm sure is pretty evident upon close inspection, but since I'm the only one wearing them I don't mind the multitude of imperfections. When most people hear for the first time that I sew and alter most of my clothing they often suggest that I open a sort of upcycled thrifted clothing shop. Truthfully, my sewing skills aren't nearly as honed as they need to be in the case I decide I want to sell these customized pieces. On the other hand I'm the resident seamstress in my house, so everyone comes to me when they lose a button, find a hole, or occasionally need something hemmed. I don't mind lending a helping hand, I'm just not confident enough to have someone else walk around in a garment that's so haphazardly sewn!
When I mentioned to my brother how proud I was that this entire outfit turned out wearable, he tried to call me "superficial" because "clothes aren't that important." I'll admit that a special attachment to one's clothing is often a sign of materialism, with brands and styles being used to emulate a certain lifestyle or social status. But for me, someone who has a strong affection for the creative process, getting dressed for the day is like sketching out a composition for a painting. Creating something visual for me is simply fulfilling. It's not that clothes take priority in my life, I just really, really like getting dressed. There's nothing wrong with that, is there?
There's nothing wrong with that! I frequently debate the superficiality of clothing and fashion with myself. Valuing material possessions more than the necessities, experiences, people, etc. by default is materialistic, right? With this logic, how is it any different than anything else - I don't know your brother, but many guys that criticize fashion for being superficial often have hobbies that aren't much more worthy. Video games? Sports, even? Someone could argue that nothing, besides the basic requirements to live, is important. In our society, once people get past the basics, they end up enjoying "things." For some of us, that's things that are aesthetically pleasing!
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