An altered state:Lagenlook, day one

I thought it would be fun to see what 'Lagenlook' outfits I could create out of my present closet. I am intrigued by the layering effects. In theory I need some volume to balance out my top heavy inverted triangle body shape. I am wondering if the Lagenlook style might do this for me. I like the vertical lines all of the draping creates. So I layered a sleeveless draped vest over a skirt over leggings. I needed a jacket and added a motocross-jacket but didn't like the look. The colors are all muted but not sure the style worked. It was too cold to go without a jacket today. I wore flat shoes in brown textured patent leather. I added a long necklace and some bangles. 
I'm challenging myself to see how many 'looks' I can come up with before I make or buy anything new. I think a cross between classic and Lagenlook-style might work. Feel free to give me feedback good, bad or indifferent is all welcome.

Lagenlook do you like this look?

LAGENLOOK -German for the layered look but it is so much more. I have been inspired by Marcy and Catherine Tiltons wearable art looks. I never knew that this type of look had a name. I always called it the baggie-gypsy-hippie-linen and twisted sweater look. I have been looking with some interest at website Pinterest with examples of these clothes. One person even tells you how to do this look. 
1. start with leggins or pants or a long loose skirt. 
2. add a long sleeve long top usually with an asymmetrical hem. skirt look
3.layer a shorter top over all of the above plus add scarfs 
Its about playing with proportions and volume. Now some volume will make you look more voluminous. 3 piece pant look  Other additions of volume will hide what is underneath. I guess you have to play with this. I have seen plus sized women carry-off this look very well. The tall skinny women can do this to. I am not sure about myself but I think it will be interesting to play with this look and see what I can come up with.

dress look, jumper look What do you think? Would you wear these types of looks? I think I like some of these looks but not sure how they will work on me.

Vogue 1036 update

When I chose this pattern I didn't realize how time consuming top-stitching can be. I also chose to top stitch each line 3 times. It takes a lot of patience to top stitch. It also takes good thread and a good needle. Despite my caution to do everything 'right' the stitching still can go cockeyed in a flash. The thread can also fray and break mid stitch UGH. (I am such a good stitch-ripper. I have had so much practice on this project.)

Did I mention that the pattern sheet is a little vague in  places as well. I almost had to do the sleeve inserts twice. I made a mistake on the muslin and didn't realize it until I went to do the fashion fabric. (Good thing I labeled all of my pattern pieces with painters tape.)
I know that if I ever make this jacket again I will skip all of the top stitching. 
I have the body all sewn together and top stitched. I have the lining sewn together. I am finishing the sleeve assembly and will then set them into the body of the jacket. Then there is putting the lining into the jacket with facings sewn between the lining and the jacket. Never had both facings and lining before. Then there is the bottom band on the jacket and the sleeves. Sandra Betzinger sure put a lot of steps into this design. My new goal is to finish this jacket by Christmas. My old goal was to finish it by Thanksgiving. NOT!
The top stitching is done with gold thread. It is triple sewn and along the seam edges.

jacket front

jacket back

pocket

sleeve insert &upper sleeve

 

Quilted Vest plus dress

Baby it was cold outside yesterday.  I wanted to pose with just the dress and vest and it was way too cold for me. So I popped on a hat and coat.  I am at visible Monday today at Not Dead Yet Style.

The hat is Abhats, the camel hair coat is vintage from a neighbor, the dress is by Wendy Pepper, the vest is by Christopher & Banks and the boots are Vince Camuto.

The third piece,when it is the star

up close detail of coat fabric

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Take a look at this fabric. It is actually made with a cutaway technique. An old table cloth was sandwiched between black fabric on top and a backing. The patterns were stitched and the black fabric was cut away to let the tablecloth fabric show.

 I think this coat is a star and I like wearing it. It is great for 50 degree weather. I contrasted it with my gold sweater which looks sunny yellow in these pictures. YES I am wearing black but not next to my face. I can wear most of my shoes again. Since I have a new knee my gait changed. I now properly distribute my weight along my whole foot;now the shoes don't fall off when I walk. Funny how the surgery for my knee benefited my foot as well.
I got this coat at a boutique in Berkley Springs, W VA about two years ago. Do you have any 'stars' in your wardrobe?

Denim Fur: Peta won't object

Denim and fur two good combinations. I am wearing the denim and my dogs love their fur coats... I am hooking up with visible Monday today. Not Dead Yet Style Hope you are having a great Veterans day.

Score: I finally found something while thrift shopping

I finally found this denim jacket in a thrift store. It only cost  $13.00. What makes it sweet is that it fits really well and has the details I was looking for. It is a Jones New York sport brand. I have a hard time finding stuff in a second hand clothing store that I would be willing to buy. Ephermera just did a post on this very same topic. I totally agree with her. If the quality of the piece is not good then why bother. The price is the icing but it is the item that should be what you really need and have a good quality. Here are some pictures of my new find. Although this jacket is just a basic I do like all of the details it has.  Do you find it difficult to find great stuff at your local thrift store?