Monday, 9 January 2012
Rock Chick Clovers
I have done my second pair of Colette Clovers, this time in the originally intended fabric (the first ones were a wearable muslin). The choice of fabric and the styling on the photos below take me back to my late teens/ early twenties when I was a full on rock chick. Not goth, not rock n'roll, more like good old heavy and trash metal.
I'm still a rock chick, but I don't dress like one anymore. I don't think my employer would appreciate my style. I think the progressing towards vintage inspired is a natural one and definitely more "acceptable" for certain employers.
But on to the trousers! This time I had to take in the side seams in about an inch, the stretch of this material is different from the first one. But there is a huge problem with this fabric that might render these trousers unwearable. Whist adding the invisible zipper (a challenge on it's own, especially in bulky areas) the fabric on that side stretched and has not returned to it's original position. Boohoo!! It's not too visible on the photos but believe me, it is there. I knew from the start the material was not good quality, but it was the only animal print napped fabric I found with stretch.
And now I want to know if I'm alone. So tell me, do you, or did you ever feel restricted in what you can or cannot wear because of work? And if so, as your style changed because go it?
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Those are fabulous, Suzy! I love animal print. Most jobs I've had have had a uniform so I guess that's pretty restrictive. I'm at uni at the moment though so I can wear what I want every day which is great.
ReplyDeleteLove the trousers, and the look!
ReplyDeleteThere's a dress code where I work. It's not a uniform but my work clothes don't reflect what I'd chose to wear.
On the plus side, I enjoy playing with my own style more because I'm forced into work clothes. And I got round the "no jeans" rule by making denim pencil skirts - There's always a way!
You are rawkin Suzy! I love these pics and your trews are fabulous to say the very least. I have a 'creative' job which means I can often wear whatever I like within reason but more often that not I make more effort outside work than in, and revert to jeans and converse!
ReplyDeleteLoooove the trousers. This is a great cut for you and the fabric is awesome. I like the attitude. I used to be an all or nothing rock chick for years and slowly converted to a more feminine and girly look aka vintage inspired. I think those trousers can easily be worn either way. All out metal chick or retro Bettie. Enjoy wearing them. You look great. Loving those shoes too.
ReplyDeleteWow they are fabulous! Where I work we can pretty much wear what we want, which is great. However, I do find that I am restricted by the way I travel to work. Since I moved house and started cycling to work, I have to wear clothes which I can cycle in. So that means trousers or A-line skirts rather than anything fitted, and also my favourite boots are sadly out as well. This does not have a major effect on my style at work, but I am a little disappointed I cannot wear some of my clothes on a regular basis any more!
ReplyDeleteThose are fab, rock on! :) I definitely have had to change my style because of work. I sort of have a work wardrobe and a non-work wardrobe, but it's hard to put equal effort into both.
ReplyDeleteAm loving the attitude! The fit looks perfect - I know from bloggers world wide that these are not easy trousers to fit. What a shame about the zip. I never would have known there was an issue if you hadn't pointed it out. Can you just walk around side-on to the world? Not too much to ask, surely!
ReplyDeleteVery cool! And that´s the new shoes as well? They are the prefect match with these trousers!
ReplyDeleteMy favourite item you made. xx
ReplyDeleteAwesome! And your photos are fantastic, too!
ReplyDeleteFab trousers!
ReplyDeleteI am 'restricted' in that at work I have to wear old jeans and black tops, since I get very dirty.
Outside of work I can wear what I like obviously, it's just that it would be nice to have the opportunity to wear dresses more; they seem a bit 'too much; for shopping at Tesco!
FIERCE! Those are really fab! Sad about the fabric problem - but I am sure you will make another pair when the ideal material crops up, as it surely must!
ReplyDeleteRe clothes and work - I work in a fairly staid office, mostly with men, so I feel restricted to quite conservative clothes. But I refuse to wear M&S / Next grey suits! I seem to get away with most of the clothes I make but I haven't risked anything above the knee!
Love these! So sorry to hear you might no be able to wear them, as they look awesome :)
ReplyDeleteI don't feel too restricted about my wardrobe as I'm kind of okay with a more conservative wardrobe. It has given me pause with regard to piercings and tattoos though. I have a tattoo that i would very much like to put on my wrist and I'm uncertain if that would become a regret later. But, I do live in a rather liberal, laid-back place so I have a feeling my worry is unnecessary.
Awesome pants - even if the fabric didn't cooperate. At least you know, the next time a rocker animal print finds its way to you, you have a go to pattern. Love the styling and the photos, Suzy.
ReplyDeleteI don't feel restricted in terms of what I can wear to work a) because most of my wardrobe is suitable and b) I kind of wear what I want, regardless. But I don't have tattoos, which I know can up the "edgy" factor and which some industries don't really get with. I do wear some animal print - and some dead animal - which believe it or not causes me more challenges than anything else. People feel no compunction to criticize your outfit if it's fur.
Suzy, you rock my world!! Those trousers are awesome!!!! Well done!!!
ReplyDeleteSometimes I do feel restricted with my wardrobe as I favour busy, bright, and bold colours and prints. I think it startles some folks ;P
Yay for attitude!! I really don't have a distinct sytle so I don't think my employers would ever be bothered by what I wear. I wear what I like though, and it really is just what I feel comfortable in.
ReplyDeleteHi, i have been following your blog for a while but not commented before. These look absolutely fantastic on you... the whole look really suits you. I like your hair colour in these too. what a bummer about the fabric letdown :(
ReplyDeletei was into punk/ska when i was a teen/young adult and my jobs have definitely tamed by look but i am still a punk at heart. when i was young and working in a government office environment i wore doc martens, fish nets, etc, but i was a lot more "carefree" then and didn't really care what people thought. i was hardworking though and they seemed to handle it. as i got older i conformed a lot more but still can't bring myself to dress conservatively or mainstream (and avoid working in very conservative environments such as banks, law firms, etc), so have opted for vintage influence in my sewing/dressing. So, to answer your question, you are not alone... i have often felt restricted in what i wear (and how many tattoos i have) because of my job, and my style/look has definitely changed because of it. I guess it depends on how "rebellious" or individual you are to begin with, as to how much your job restricts your style. Of course if we worked in a more creative, less conservative environment maybe we wouldn't be so restricted?
They are fantastic - would have been perfect for the Manics in December!
ReplyDeleteAwesome pants! I'm sorry about the technical issue, because they look great in photos.
ReplyDeleteI'm a rock chick too! But just on the inside, I don't like to dress the part, somehow I like girly clothes.
Kick.Ass! How awesome are these trousers!!!! I really hope that the stretch isn't as bad as you think and you are able to wear them, it would be such a shame otherwise!
ReplyDeleteHi Suzy! You won Pattern 2 on my blog! Congratulations! I'm getting in touch with you through your email adress above for contact info. So check your mail!
ReplyDeletex
WOW! You look amazing! Loving those trousers, I knew they'd look great!
ReplyDeleteWhen I rejoined the real world for a bit last year (so desperate for a job was I) one of the most difficult things I found adjusting to was the restrictions on what I could and could not wear (and having to clock in and out) but then professional office wear isn't something I've ever enjoyed wearing nor owned. It was so nice to get back to telly work where anything goes!
I don't usually go for animal prints, but you rock it! You look totally badass and stylish. It's nice to see how versatile the Clover can be in a different print.
ReplyDeleteSuzeeeee! Woo hoo. Or should I say " grrrrrrr"? These are truly awesome and I love your styling too. It's a pity the fabric isnt behaving itself, but from here they look über lush. Never in a million years could I wear leopard fabric to work. Nor A vest top. I sometimes feel like I have 2 wardrobes, mostly operating in parallel with a bit of a crossover with certain things that I feel I get right for both scenarios. My floral skirt at work? Maybe on a Friday. More likely in summer. Not yet though. Definitely prefer more of a tailored look in the office. I guess that equals more clothes, more sewing. I'm not complaining!!
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your lovely comments! I just re read them all now and they've put a smile on my face (having a gusset sewing drama moment). I think now that not all is bad in having a different dress code at work as it can allow one to re-invent a new self, a different personality, and I love that (I'm a typical Gemini :).
ReplyDeleteThose are super cool clovers! & love your pictures :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Stephanie!!
DeleteThese are awesome! I'm still a rock chick at heart too despite the fact I dress more 50s-inspired now.
ReplyDeleteFantastic! I might be inspired to try making some trousers now that I've seen these. :)
ReplyDelete