Old Soul Works

That time of year when small green buds magically sprout on the dead grey trees of winter…

When the rains come, the air gradually becoming warm and moist, and flowers are budding with their delicate colours and the promise of beauty to come; when the streets are more and more dotted with the colorful mosaic of people…

In other words… that time of year when my anxiety ramps up.

Don’t get me wrong; I love all of the above. I love life, this precious, delicate, all-too-brief gift or burden that we all – human, animal, plant – are given…

But now, in Spring, everything is so New. So Young. So Fresh. So BRIGHT.

Being an old soul who is drawn to all things old and imperfect, in their various stages of decay, I thrive in Autumn… the darker skies, the shades of grey, the atmosphere of decay, the aching beauty of the dying leaves – brown-crusted brilliant yellows, oranges and reds – haphazardly, chaotically, spiralling down to their end, the wind-whipped days of wonder. One can think. There is less distraction.

So for this half of the year, I am out of my element. I will go bravely forth – yes, even outdoors, out of the studio! – to enjoy the new life awakening. However, I will do it armed with my darkest sunglasses, mandatory visor, and trusty sunscreen, braced for the passive-aggressive looks and comments from a few, directed my way, which always spring forth as naturally as… well… Spring.

 

In the meantime, I will solace myself with frequent trips to thrift shops and the like, soothing my scorched eyes with the sights of old and wondrous things, surrounding myself in their smells and tactile glory, working with them in my studio. I’ll be likely indoors on the brightest, hottest days, and venture happily outdoors on cloudy or rainy days…

Here are a few photos of my current work stash – glorious Japanese silks and kimonos, and Indian Kanthas – I’ll post the finished pieces once they’re done. I’m including a few shots of some of my designer finds from the Nordstrom and other Warehouse Sales; I rarely buy full price retail, and love the thrill of the hunt – similar to thrifting – and of finding beautifully made designer wear at 80-90% off! Most need altering or enlarging.

 

This Dries Van Noten brocade skirt was originally over $1000! At 80-90% off, this was a steal. The quality is unbelievable. I’ll transform this thrifted ($3.00) size 0 Bebe top into a kimono style top to match the golden Dries skirt. It has a liner (which you can see in the mirror), so I can use it for sleeves. The amazing black kimonos match it as well. Maybe they will become a top and a skirt…?

These Dries Van Noten brocade pants below are a size 2. I am a size 10. With the help of my sharp shears and the co-ordinating thrifted finds below, they will soon be wearable.

 

 

Dries Van Noten Skirt, a Soklanda metallic knit skirt, Black Patent AGL Italy boots, and fabulous and comfy denim + faux pony fur Marques Almeida sneakers.

I love love love love this amazing Dries Van Noten fabric – the blue demin background in combination with the red metallic pattern is so cool. The skirt is SOOOOO full, you wouldn’t believe how it flares out…there are literally folds and folds of fabric…enough for two skirts if I took it apart…which is exactly what I’ll have to do to make it wearable. The top is too long, and this fabric is extremely stiff and thick so the top can’t be tucked in. It will have to be cropped.

I absolutely love this. If the words you spoke suddenly appeared permanently on your skin, would you still be beautiful? In some future, dystopian society (or ours?… suddenly…tomorrow…?), this could be very useful, but also scary.

What about you? Do you love Spring and Summer?

Thanks for stopping by.