I was reminded today how grateful I am to be the creator of my own
clothing destiny!
Instead of sitting in the waiting room on an uncomfortable
chair with a child screaming and running wild, I left my car for its checkup
and walked to the mall [shudder] to kill time.
I had at least two hours to waste, so I started in Macys. Nothing was quite right.
Absolutely nothing tempted me in The Gap. Even the sale prices seem ridiculously overpriced
for the simple designs.
As for Forever 21 and H&M, well, I did not have the
heart to even step through the door.
Any retailer that is known for its disposable, cheap clothing is just
going to make me have a fit, right there in the store.
I used to enjoy shopping for clothes – when did I become such a grump?!
Is it because I now know the incredible difference that an extra bit of
attention and care can make to a finished garment? Or has quality control
disappeared into the sunset for off-the-rack clothing?
Sorry about the rant . . . my bad mood was likely exacerbated by an empty stomach as I shuffled between the racks.
But a quick review of the masters at work (and some dinner) has restored my faith in couture. These pictures have me heading for the sewing room so I
never have to go back to the mall ever again!
[Click on image for source]
I'm sorry shopping put you into such a bad mood. I know what you mean about off the rack clothes though - I hardly buy anything in a shop these days, except items I can't make myself.
ReplyDeleteMe too! I used to think that buying clothing was way cheaper than making something myself, but yesterday was an eye opener - even the sale racks were way over-priced for the quality of merchandise. Other than undergarments and shoes, I hope I never have to go back!
DeleteThank you for sharing this experience with us. While I do buy some modern pieces that are wholly vintage appropriate from retail shops, by and large, I've never been a huge fan of mall clothes shopping either, and completely agree with you regarding the absurdity of some of the prices (even so-called sale prices). If I had a fraction of your talent as a seamstress, I'm sure I'd be even less apt to shop retail, too.
ReplyDelete♥ Jessica
I've been feeling the same way lately. Pretty much the only store that still tempts me at the mall is Sephora! lol.
ReplyDeleteI forgot about make-up! Yes, I love Sephora as well - although some of the young girls who work there intimidate me.
DeleteI know exactly how you feel. I haven't bought anything new in such a long time because I get so frustrated at the poor selection and poor quality of clothing in most store. Nothing seems to fit right and when I do find something I like I look at the price tag and find myself thinking "they want how much for this?!"
ReplyDeleteSometimes its worth buying items I know I can't make but still.... I much rather make something if I can. :)
-Emily
No use spending good money for poor designs, poor fit and cheap labor and cheap fabrics from 3rd world countries with unsafe factories...enough reasons to make clothes at home for sure! Love you photos from bygone eras when clothes had style and were works of art!
ReplyDeleteYou would actually look odd in store bought shlock. Having only seen you in thoughtfully tailored, and beautifully knitted, garments, you have set a personal standard. As part of your public, I can tell you most of us would be in an uproar at the sight of such a compromise.
ReplyDeleteOn an unrelated topic, you haven't mentioned your Bernina lately. Elsewhere (where Cathy Lane is concerned), there is plenty of Bernina chatter. Any new feet, attachments, or the like? Is Laura Mae seeking a serger? A second sewing machine? Splurging on a dress form?
Your life is seldom spent on idle moments or in the midst of modern non-parenting (oh, that waiting room - we've all been there!), any highlights on what's next? Hmmmmmm????
I haven't shopped for clothes at a mall since reading the book _Overdressed_ a couple of months ago. My sewing skills still need some work so I'm not sure what I'll do when I wear out my current supply of jeans (I have one of those screaming, wild toddlers :) so I pretty much live in jeans and t-shirts these days). Perhaps my sewing skills--fitting skills, really, the sewing isn't so complicated--will have improved by then!
ReplyDeleteMost of the clothes are not made for someone my size - that alone make a trip to the mall more of a people watching occasion than a shopping trip.
ReplyDeleteIt's been more than two years since I've bought anything other than shoes or underwear at a store. I do still succumb to the call of the occasional vintage piece at a thrift shop, but most of my wardrobe is me-made now.
ReplyDeleteMalls make me vaguely uncomfortable now, seeing all the stuff there that is poor quality, as you mentioned, but also completely unnecessary.
Those pictures are so lovely! *drool*
ReplyDeleteim not good at the ol shopping thing anymore....i so rarely buy anything. I never buy something that doesnt fit perfectly. I only enjoy going to boutique or handmade shops :)
I never shop in the mall either. i don't like to wear what is "trendy" I was thinking about this the other day when I noticed a lot of people are wearing the same type of clothing and realized, this must be what is at the mall right now. The clothing is baggy and shapeless. The pants are tight on the ankles and look itchy and uncomfortable. I see the way people are completely at the mercy of what is offered at the malls. It makes me sad. But I am glad I can sew my own clothes too! I absolutely love the elegant beautiful clothing you sew. One day I hope to be as talented!
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much, Kathleen!
ReplyDeleteIn Forever 21's defense... As someone in the process of losing weight (and there's only so many times a dress can be taken in), it's nice to spend no more than $12 on a dress you know you'll only wear a few times! (Occasionally, clothes truly * should * be disposable :) )
ReplyDeleteI have two remarkably well-made dresses from H&M, excellent boning in the bodice of one as well, though they're from over ten years ago - perhaps the quality has gone downhill. (No store remotely near where I live now, so I don't know.)
Now I have to go take in a skirt for the third time... and sadly likely last possible (I love that skirt!).