MMM'13: Weekly Round Up

OK! We're on the home straight and to be fair, I'm starting to miss some of my non MM garments. The thing is, if this was a sustainability or thrifty challenge then I'd be laughing. Because anything I have in my wardrobe has either been thrifted (usually for a song. 7 for all Mankind Jeans for 99p peops. Oh yes!), thrifted & refashioned, or made from scratch (mostly from thrifted fabric). So my sustainability and thrift credentials are pretty respectable. But when looking at only MM garments (in my case made from scratch or refashioned) not all of my MM items have MM partners; and for the first time this week I had to really think about the "no repeats" part of my challenge. A couple of times this week I found myself in an outfit combo that I'd already used; so had to rethink and have a quick change. Nonetheless, I am on target for MM tops and bottoms every day so far, with no outfit repeated...

18th May: Sorbetto Tunic & skinnified jeans -  A bit summery for this weather (I did have a cardigan on all day too). The only thing I don't like about this top on me, is that from the side it looks a little tent like as it hangs straight down from my "shelf". Won't stop me wearing it though Mrs C ;)
19th May: Polka Dot Kimono Tee & Skinnified Jeans - Ahhhhh, comfort city! I've yet to find another fabric this soft, light and cool. It was a total bargain from Goldhawk Road. Easy to work with and launders really well without the need for ironing. Is that not the perfect fabric?!
20th May: Nautical Tee & Golf Trousers - Comfort city AGAIN. These trousers have been a great addition.

21st May: Chambray Shirt (under thrifted jumper) & Golf Trousers - I like this kind of "preppy" look. Smart casual and a little tomboyish. It feels like it suits my personality, if that makes sense?
22nd May: Aztec Tee & Skinnified Jeans - This really is a lovely jersey. I had to restitch the neck and hemline the other day. I hadn't used a stretch stitch the first time round (slapped wrist!). Comfy, comfy, comfy!
23rd May: Coffee Dyed Silk Top & Skinnified jeans - Stop Press! Portia wears something tucked in! Ta dah! Actually, I think this works. Probably because it's a very fine crepe silk so doesn't bunch up and drapes well. This is the first time I've actually worn this top because it just doesn't work hanging loose. Guess I just had to pluck up the courage and try something out of my usual comfy zone; and actually, I'm glad I did!

Soooo, this week I have realised....

• The world doesn't end if I tuck something in
• Tartan trousers rock. Must find me some more
• Sometimes a garment that languishes unworn in your wardrobe, need only be worn slightly differently to make it work. The silk top is a case in point. It actually has cuffed long sleeves, and a boxy shape with a cuffed hem. Trust me it does nothing for me. But tucked in and with the sleeves turned up, it's much more wearable.
• I roll up long sleeves unconsciously....seriously, every jumper or cardigan I wear. I've only just noticed looking back at these round ups! They just get in the way when you're busy don't you think? Is that where the phrase "roll up your sleeves and get on with it" comes from? Is it a psychological thing that says "right, I'm rolling my sleeves up now. I mean BUSINESS!" Why don't I just get knitwear with 3/4 length sleeves? Would it be as satisfying as actually rolling them up, or less frustratiing when they keep falling down while you're washing up? So many questions....so little time...because well...I'm busy! Can't you tell from the rolled up sleeves?!

Inspiration: Colour Blocking

One of the things I don't feel very confident with is combining colour. When I saw this collection from Tata Naka I was blown away by their colour palettes and clever use of panelling and seaming. If you can look past the slightly wacky aesthetic, this is really clever stuff. While I don't think could pull off one of these looks myself, there are elements that would be fun to incorporate into future makes....

All images Tata Naka via Calivintage

What say you? Genius? Or the wrong side of whacky?