Wednesday 30 April 2014

From Technicolour to Black and White


I think it's true to say that wearing colour gets you noticed. 

Perhaps even more than wearing vintage or prints, I suspect it is my usual bright colours which draw the eye of some onlookers. Usually those clad in grey fleece.
 
 
 
So it amuses me to confound expectations, and occasionally wear black (and white); it's even funnier to receive comments about looking different.
 
 

1960s Atlantic lurex maxi skirt - Ebay
Top, sandals and bangles - charity shopped
Hat - flea market
 
 
 
Jumpsuit and bangles - charity shopped
Sandals and sunglasses - retail (sale)
Necklace - vintage market
 
 
Thank you so much for all your very supportive and encouraging comments on my sewing efforts. I must tell you how much I appreciate your kindness. 

The next project is almost finished, and here's a sneaky peek;




Barkcloth Beauty!

I feel that I am learning all the time. I am trying to encourage my ham-fisted, uncooperative hands to be more skilled and precise. It doesn't come easily. 
 
The same process happens when I play the piano; I know where my fingers are supposed to be, I just can't get them there as quickly or as accurately as I would like.

Practice practice practice!
 


I'm taking my hat and mermaid scales over to Judith's Hat Attack tomorrow.

Look, this top has the Knockers Ahoy effect. Mind your eyes.
 


 
Real Life, folks; washing on the line, and scaffolding in the background, complete with lary builders. 
 
I rise above.
 



It's only a supermarket brand (via a charity shop, of course) and I had to take the bodice in a bit, but I like this jumpsuit.

If I had only thought to wear the hat with this outfit instead, I might have achieved a certain 1930s elegance...

 
Oh well, there's always next time.
 
I don't have much luck finding vintage jumpsuits, not which fit anyway; I had to make Giant Pants out of the only one I ever stumbled upon, as the top was much too small.

I can hear all the dressmakers out there saying why don't you make one?

And I might just do that, if I find a pattern!
 



I think I may have had enough of black and white for now...

 
... although Minnie and Charlie beg to differ.


There's a day of vintage shopping, chat, and Wetherspoons cocktails in the company of some gorgeous blogging friends planned for Saturday. 
 
I suspect I'll be wearing something colourful for that!

xxxx

52 comments:

Liesl said...

Fab jumpsuit I love it and yes you should make one x

Patti said...

Oh yes, make one! I love all things barkcloth and cannot wait to see your next sewing creation. And those photos from the 30's = gorgeous (nice looking shirtless fellow too). xox

Unknown said...

I love the look of a jumpsuit, but they can be a pain when it is time to visit the ladies room! Ha! But you look wonderful in it! And you backgrounds are great even with the scaffolding! :)

Jane and Lance Hattatt said...

Hello Curtise,

Well, peering into our wardrobes is the next thing to gazing into a black hole, so this post makes us feel very much at home.

We absolutely love the black and white top. A touch of fun with the cheeky bow but so very figure flattering on you. Fabulous.

And, we can absolutely picture you in a 1930s jumpsuit number where the back is cut away, the boobs held in a halter neck and the legs all wide and sailor like. Yes, yes, this would be perfect and something which you could surely run up in an afternoon....after, of course, you have done the washing, hung it out to dry, dealt with the builders, made endless cups of tea, etc.etc.

Love the touch of red in the shoes....one always needs a little punch of colour to hit the spot!

Emma Kate at Paint and Style said...

Haha! A garden overlooked by lary builders. No wonder you're hiding behind a tree!

Love that maxi skirt. I like you in the narrower ones like this best.

xxxx

thorne garnet said...

is that a beautiful dart in a blue flower? Good work!

Unknown said...

just gorgeous x

Suzanne said...

Oh how I wish I could have a look in that closet of yours. There are so many treasures I want to get my greedy little hands on...this maxi skirt being one of them. The whole outfit in fact. The hat is smashing darling! Just smashing! And I must say it is nice to see your hot curves. When you're built like that you need to show it more often : )

bisous
Suzanne

Shawna McComber said...

These are gorgeous pieces! I love the look on you and yes yes yes to the hat with the jumpsuit! I have tried on many jumpsuits but they all fail to fit me. I am a bit longer in the body due to being taller than average and not tall in the form of being all legs. So although the leg length is usually a bit too short, I often cannot even get the top part of the jumpsuit on at all. This is the long and wordy way of saying I am quite envious!
xo

Sheila said...

Ha, I get a similar reaction when I'm not wearing head-to-toe colour! You look amazing in both outfits, Curtise (as do the kitties). Love that jumpsuit!

Angels have Red Hair said...

Your dressmaking will be so professional soon you won't even need a pattern ... you'll be whipping it up freestyle ;0)
xx

Goody said...

Personally, I love black and white because it gives you free reign with accessories (red, yellow, green silver)that wouldn't otherwise stand out.

The mermaid scales are really great-all of it is, but that's a really lovely pattern.

If you make a jumpsuit you'll be able to adjust all those annoying issues (waist sits too high/low, leg width, etc.)that make them so hard to wear. I don't know about you, but for me, elastic waists on one piece clothing (dresses as well) tend to ride-up unless belted. I blame the boobs, but tailoring probably does account for a lot of it.

I know it is no longer acceptable to wave a cigarette holder around, but if you go for the glam 30's look, you'll need something...I dunno, the only modern equivalent I can think of would be a cheese straw. It could work.

Unknown said...

So you are making moore beatiful dresses ! Wow thats good work , love the jumpsuit and the sandals looks very - me.....
xxxx

Fiona said...

I'm sure you're more than a match for the lairy builders next door and what did you expect with a 'knockers ahoy' top on? Great jumpsuit and alterations. Can't wait for the biog bark cloth reveal...we're all at it.
Have a brilliant time on Saturday, so sorry I won't be there but will be thinking of you downing Porn Stars in Wetherspoons. Can't wait to read all about it. xxxxxxxx

Melancholy and Menace said...

I'm so in love with your mermaid scale skirt....and the top you wore with it...this is how I like to dress:)

Looking forward to seeing your next make...the fabric is lovely.

Also looking forward to seeing all the pics from your outing on Saturday.

Enjoy the rest of your week xx

Anonymous said...

You look most lovely in black and white, and it s rather funny you'd garner such interest and comment by not wearing colour.

Your mermaid skirt is very cool and I'm keen to see your next project, who doesn't like some barkcloth.

Vix said...

You absolute tease, I'm dying to see what you're creating - will it be unveiled on Saturday (with a thermal vest underneath - if the weather forecast is to be believed).
Two fab outfits adoring your smoking hot bod. That knit top is certainly making the most of your assets and is gorgeous with the fish scale skirt. Love the jumpsuit and get you, altering it like a pro!
I'll have to lend you that culotte pattern you gave me - it wasn't too scary at all.
Black and white is fab on you and on cats!
What to wear on Saturday? I woke up in a cold sweat thinking about it!
Love you! xxxxxxx

Anonymous said...

The jumpsuit rocks on you, Curtise! It is slightly odd seeing you in black and white, but as long as you have a spunky pattern as you do here, you'll still be Curtise! Xoxo

Natalia Lialina said...

I am so looking forward to your bloggers meet up, I wish I lived in England to join you, sweet bunch! :) And I for long time thought that Krista lived there, by the way! :)

I am a fan of both - you and black and white, so no wonder I love both outfits on you. The skirt is gorgeous, and the hat is simply divine. I don't even know how you learned to wear hats like that, with such panache - it's a gift, my dear! You remind me one Russian actress a lot - a couple of her roles anyway... She is a tall red head, with same royal attitude I see on your photos.

I adore jumpsuites! Yours is fun, and I can't wait for your hand made one some day. I also adore your bracelet collection - it seems you have a bunch to adorn any outfit you have! Love this black and white combo a lot.

What a gorgeous fabric of your new creation! Can't wait when the secret reveals! :)

Love and hugs!


Kezzie said...

Love the way you pinned the hat back- very piratey!!!! Great fun! That skirt is gorgeous. Scallops= blogger heaven!!! You SHOULD make a jump suit- one in vintage orange 70's bedding!!!!x

Mother of Reinvention said...

Wow, I don't think that there must be a single crap thing in your wardrobe. It is all vintage heaven. I am in love with the lurex maxi skirt. Glitter, 70's, A-line it has it all. The jumpsuit is lovely too. I have a very similar hat but have never worn it as I am too chicken these days. I am so looking forward to see what you are making. That barkcloth is bloody lovely and I bet it is nice to sew with too. If you let me know what size you are I will keep my eyes peeled for a jumpsuit pattern. You never know, I might have one already (too much sewing related junk, erm stuff in my life). Xxxx

Diane said...

You always find the most amazing pieces. You should start a specialist on line vintage store. xx

Val said...

I must have missed your sewing post - I'll have to go back and look. I've been doing some sewing, and wish the inspiration wasn't already fading away. It's fun to have customized clothes. However, your outfits both fit you to a T! The lines of the jumpsuit are fab, but I really love the mermaid scale skirt and the Knockers Ahoy top! Yo ho ho!

Olga Rani said...

Oh, you look no less stunning in these black-and-white outfits than in colourful ones. Love both looks but my favourite is the one with the maxi dress. Amazing print on the lower part or the dress, a few stripes on the upper part, red sandals and a black hat - show stopper!

Trees said...

Oh I love the jumpsuit - I really want one of my own (I have a pattern - that's the most likely way to get one I think!) I can't wait to see your next sewing project!

Sue said...

I must admit I do like black and white, but I do love colour!! And you do both so well. The jumpsuit looks perfect on you, are you tall? You look quite tall in the jumpsuit. I am short, pretty sure I look it too!! Have fun meeting up with your bloggers!!

Connie said...

How beautifully elegant you are! Black and white have been my favorite colors since kindergarten and I am all about big pants and jumpsuits. So bring it on!!! Gorgeous.

Shortbread and Ginger said...

Jumpsuits look great, but would hate to have to strip off just to go to the loo! You look fabulous, as ever!
Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

Krista said...

I can't pick what I adore more on you that jumpsuit or that skirt, I adore them both! I do like to keep people guessing so I think it's cool you threw them off a bit with these B&W outfits. The bark cloth for your new dress is so bright and pretty can't wait to see that! Have a blast on Saturday, I will be missing you guys BIGTIME that day knowing you are all together having fun. Have a BIG ASS drink of something strong for me. LOVE YOU HONEYXXXXXXXXXXX

Forest City Fashionista said...

I've noticed I get way more comments when I'm wearing bright colours, although I still like my black and white or black and grey once in a while. I love the fish scale skirt and the stellar hat, which will look fab with the jumpsuit.

Very curious to see what you make out of the barkcloth, and how easy it is to work with. I purchased a large piece of pineapple-printed barkcloth at a vintage show, and have been waiting to do something with it - maybe a circle skirt?

Jayne H said...

It's good to ring the changes and you look fab in both these outfits - that skirt and jumpsuit are both lovely.
Enjoy the blogger meetup - look forward to the photos. x

Asparagus Pea said...

'Cruisewear!' As my Nan used to say (in a completely un ironic fashion). Can never quite get past the 'have to get totally naked to wee ' thing that goes with playsuits. Bad memories of trying not to drop it all in a puddle on the floor in the toilets at 80's youth club discos. You look fab though obvs! xxx

freckleface said...

You suit a suit you know. In this case, of the jump rather than the birthday variety! Very flattering. I often feel a bit 1930s when I wear one, even when they come from the 60s or 70s. Look at the girls in that jumper! What a charming pair they are. Well, you wouldn't expect anything else from a mermaid. Love the look of that barkcloth surprise. What a great game, guess the outfit for Saturday. Not long now!! Xxxxx

Anonymous said...

I am green with envy over your fishscale lurex maxi, it is divine! Can't wait to see what you conjure up out of that rather colourful piece of barkcloth, I have some pieces myself and am looking for inspiration...

The Small Fabric Of My Life said...

That jumpsuit looks fabulous on you. You look like a supermodel. Have fun at the blogger meet. One of these days I will finally get to one.

Tamera Beardsley said...

As always … you are your inspiring, gorgeous quick witted self! With particular emphasis this week on the gorgeous! You have me wanting to set out on my own jumpsuit quest … although I have a trip in a month to the Palm Springs desert … so i might actually break down and sew a marvelous caftan first … and then onto jumpsuits :))

I just think you are all around wonderful my dear!

xoxo
Tamera

Unknown said...

You knew I'd love this. I DO! You're glorious in technicolor, and black and white just work fully as well. Black is just another hue to me, as is white because of all the subtleties that are possible in their spectra.
Can't decide which I like the best. And yes ... make one ... so easy, I'll be, and I know you have the skills.
You never disappoint, Curtise. Lovely you.

Ivy Black said...

Gorgeous. Yup...knockers ahoy which is no bad thing. Make a jumpsuit..piece of piss for you to do. Oooh will that beauteous fabric be unveiled in a creation tomorrow? I hope so.
Oh yeah SEE YOU TOMORROW! Huzzah!xxx

Señora Allnut said...

you're gorgeous in your glamourous 30's outfits, love your hat, love that lurex printed maxi, and love your jumpsuit, it fits you nicely!!
It's funny to wear some b&w just for fun and receive comments about looking different, mwhaha, many people really doesn't like changes nor variations, they like to know what you're going to look everyday!!
And you give them a new awesome outfit to comment!!, you rock!!
besos

Vintage Bird Girl said...

Oooh that top is just darling on you Curtise! I love the whole outfit with the skirt & hat. Gorgeous. I feel kind of strange in black & white too. Once upon a time I wore a lot of black, but I tend to steer away from it now. Can't wait to hear about your blogger date. Take at least one pic for me! Xx

The Style Crone said...

You are gorgeous in black and white, just as you are in color! I am drawn to the jumpsuit and adore the wide legs.

The floral pattern of the barkcloth in beautiful and can't wait to see the premier of your creation.

You really know how to frame your face with a wide brimmed hat! Thank you for sharing with Hat Attack!

at my dressingtable said...

Curtise a great post, love both the outfits the jumpsuit looks smashing on you !, Have a great bank holiday weekend my dear xxx

Vicky Hayes said...

We've swapped roles today Curtise - you've gone for sophisticated black and white, while I'm featuring a mix of the brightest colours I could find! I love the jumpsuit on you and the knocker-licious top is fab too. (The French have a great expression for this: Il y a du monde au balcone!) Have a fab time tomorrow. Vicky x

Peaches McGinty said...

B&W looks fab! your boobtastic top is ace and your mermaid fish scale maxi, gorgeous! love the jumpsuit! I haven't worn one in decades, feck, I had one at 10 and one at 20, I'm owed at least 2! - very excited about tomorrow! I keep swearing like a bugger!! x x x

Unknown said...

Hey, I just wanted to let you know that I nominated you for a Shine On award: http://happy-as-a-lark-designs.blogspot.com/2014/05/shine-on.html
If you don't want to participate that's okay, just wanted to share your blog! :)

Mrs Bertimus said...

Bark cloth love!
You rock the monochrome my dear! X

bahnwärterin said...

30´s beach pajamas! you even have the perfect haircut! :-)
love both outfits. marine stripes with mermaid scales, what a gorgeous idea!
xxxx

Unknown said...

Gawd I love that skirt! Nothing wrong with the odd shot of black either...! x

Unknown said...

Gawd I love that skirt! Nothing wrong with the odd shot of black either...! x

Helga said...

Schwing a fecking ding ding!!
I do love good old black and white! Can't ever go wrong! Funny what people notice......you look mega hot, most especially in that jumpsuit! O, you'll be making millions of them in no time!!!
You are gloriarse!
Loving you XXXXXXXXXXXX

Jane said...

Very elegant, indeed! :)

Aya said...

Woo hoo, your mermaid scales! Such a fantastic match with your shirt. Rock your awesome figure!