making it mine

Wearing what is in our closets is the most important element of zero-waste, fair fashion. It can also be the hardest part, because many of us are constantly searching for something new...something that will make us feel more beautiful, more stylish, more worthy, more unique, more like we belong, more...something. 

I don't pretend to have the answer to overcoming all of that...but something that has helped me find connection with some of the pieces in my closet is making them "mine". Of course a piece becomes mine when I purchase or take possession of it. It becomes my responsibility...my responsibility to care for, wear, repair, + pass on thoughtfully. What I mean here by "making it mine" is adapting the piece to my preferences.

Sometimes a piece speaks to me in shape, but not in every detail. Sometimes the proportions are a bit off for my frame, but I can see my way to making it work with a well-placed dart or a raised hem or some volume taken out. Once I have made these changes...picked the stitches + restitched them...looked closely at the craftsmanship + participated in it...I feel a deeper connection with the piece. It is often this connection that can inspire a commitment to increased use + wear.

Connection is a tricky beast. On one hand it can make us hold on to things that we don't need...but on the flip side of minimalism...when we have purged down to the essentials...we need to nurture connection again...so that we can stop the cycle of waste.

So here I am...making a labored decision to invite a pink jumpsuit to be part of my wardrobe. (An essential, no?)  :) This one arrived with long sleeves, upper flap pockets, low narrow pockets, + longer pant legs. Those rolled up long sleeves look best...but as such, the opportunities for wear are narrowed down significantly in my circumstances. It's too hot for long sleeves half of the time + they were too bulky to layer under a sweater the rest of the time. Short-sleeves will allow me to wear this piece during the summer + autumn...as well as layering under a cardigan better. Flaps on the pockets added volume where I don't need it. This jumpsuit seems to have been proportioned for someone taller, especially with the placement of pockets. The lower pair were too low + I prefer square ones, so I was able to use the sleeve fabric for new pockets + placement. The legs were shortened a little + now...this jumpsuit is "me". (I also have a little fabric left over for patching, if needed somewhere down the line.)

A large portion of the pieces in my closet have undergone some sort of alteration or embellishment. I think it enhances my connection. 

Love,
​Jane

P.S. Soundtrack playing in my mind for this post.  :)