The first time I wore this oversized skirt, to Sheila's birthday party linkup HERE, I cinched in its hugeness with a belt. After that, I decided to make the skirt into a poncho, so I ripped out the existing dodgy zipper and sewed up the gap, intending to install a new full-length zipper in another spot. But then this happened:
I couldn't turn this into a poncho without arm holes; that would be like, um, a straight-jacket. But really, arm holes, zippers, where does it all end!? Do I look like friggin' Julia Child with a sewing machine?! That's when I discovered that the skirt goes over my shoulders without a zipper at all and my uni-suspender could hold it up. And it looks even better lopsided and backwards. Hurrah!
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| Glamour shot outdoors in the loading bay |
As for my man-repeller supposition, people were drawn to my quilt like moths to moldering wool.
The first woman to comment: "You look so elegant." No, she was serious and was sporting advanced style herself. I know, I know - elegant isn't the first word that springs to mind, especially with the vest, but I was seriously working my serene I-own-this-city 'tude. I replied: "Oh, thank you. It's a lovely day for a stroll, isn't it?"(!) True. What I was thinking was: "Hell, yeee-ah, baby. I'm gettin' my quilt on!"
Next, a woman shouted out her car window, "That's fantaaaastic!" She startled me. Then, three boisterous construction workers went silent and bowed their heads shy-like as I glided past. One of them spluttered, "That's a beautiful dress."(!) And so the morning progressed to my astonishment.
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| Did I hear garbage trucks? I better hurry. |
Details:
- thrifted vintage crimplene patchwork skirt upcycled into a sack
- ivory long-sleeved cotton top, retail
- uni-suspender, I made it in slacking fashion, couldn't be bothered with two straps
- DIY mantis pendant, plastic bug on a Liz Claiborne Christmas ornament
- thrifted D&G pony shoes
- thrifted faux fur vest
- colourful Harlequin socks, retail
- thrifted vintage sunglasses, gifted magic loupe, gifted vintage beads
The sunny skies, my happy patchwork mood, tax back, the phase of the moon, peaky hair - who knows what it was that turned a mere sack into pot of gold, but for this wonderful morning I was Queen of Quilt. It was delightful. It was completely unexpected.
Has it ever happened to you? Do you ever walk like a queen? An elf? A cat? Do people notice? What's the impact?
And, May 10 is Mother's Day in North America, so I raise a glass to mothers. It's a hard job (and one I turned down flat, heh).
PS: Awesome Kezzie says that this reminds her of Colin Baker's Doctor Who coat. So I shall link this up with TARDIS Tuesday on My Closet Catalogue. Hee.
