Feminine favorites: Ivory crochet + nautical stripes

lace crochet and stripes3

Ann Taylor Factory dress (from 2011), H&M; blazer (may still be in stores, item # 067391 $34.95)
Ann Taylor patent pumps, DIY skirt (last worn here), Stella & Dot “ever after” necklace c/o

This dress was part of a duplicate purchase that I have no regrets about. Whether worn alone or layered, the girly crochet and scallop details brighten up my morning. My office is an A/C ice box this month, so blazers and layers have been essential. It doesn’t look like Ann Taylor brought this style dress back for a 3rd year, but you never know…lace crochet and stripes1I was just thinking of stowing away leftover fabric from this skirt, when I learned about “Skirting the Issue” via Sew Petite Gal. This is a month-long initiative started by two ladies to sew items for charity. They accept your homemade donations and help distribute them (this year it’s girls skirts for foster home closets, pillowcases for children’s hospitals, blankets, and more), provide clear tutorials, and encourage participants to look for local organizations in need. The ladies also happen to be excellent writers and had me drawn in to an evening of reading.

Simple Simon and Co

My skills are nowhere near the level to be making serious garments for others, but an elastic-waist skirt I think I can do! I’ll be sitting down on Sunday to attempt some using their provided girls size chart. I love the feeling of wearing garments hand-made with care (have been spoiled by several talented, gracious friends who sew), and hope that some of the recipients will too.
lace crochet and stripesLooking at these photos, the skirt in this outfit was actually too short for work – office standard is no higher than 2″ above the knees. Mental note to wear it a little lower on the waist next time (benefits of an elastic band), and fill up any elongated waist space with a wide belt. lace crochet and stripes2 To keep this dress looking white, my typically lazy self has been diligent about washing it after every 2 wears in the summer. Even though the tag says dry clean only, I gently hand wash cold in the sink (focusing on neckline and armholes, where perspiration is more likely to develop into stains) then air-dry. Deviating from care tag instructions is always at your own risk, but since several readers also own this dress, I just wanted to share that hand washing vs. costly dry cleaning has worked so far for me.

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56 Comments

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  3. knightleyemma.com wrote:

    Hey Jean, your blog (& you as well)- GORGEOUS!!! I'm petite (5'2" and btwn a 10 & 12), but I LOVE your ideas. Maybe some will work for me… Keep up the GREAT blog, EMMA

    Posted 10.3.13 Reply
  4. Jessica wrote:

    hey Jean! You always look so polished and your outfits are so sophisticated.

    Would you ever wear Doc Martens? Is it possible to wear them and still look dressed-up, or are they not your style?

    Posted 7.22.13 Reply
  5. Anonymous wrote:

    Jean,

    I'm looking to buy the prada saffiano bag online. Can you tell me how much your bag currently costs? (the prices are no longer the same as your Prada Saffiano review) and I find the sizing very confusing.

    Thanks,

    B

    Posted 7.21.13 Reply
  6. Anonymous wrote:

    I have an obsession with navy-striped clothes but would have never thought that pairing up with lace would look so amazing. Can't wait to try it myself and pair it up with my brand new pair of Andres Machado shoes!

    Posted 7.17.13 Reply

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