They recently went to a dress-up affair, P. wearing one of K's dresses. They hadn't been there long, when P. heard a rip and felt some air. The dress had split entirely up the back and in public, with P. wearing thong underwear underneath! P.'s significant other came to the rescue and stood close to her for as long as it took K. to go off in search of a t-shirt they could fashion into a skirt, as I did in this post last summer. P. shimmied into and their fun evening carried on, with VERY memorable photos to show for it afterwards. I will not share as the photos are NSFW!
The perils of dressing in clothing that does not fit!
I've been slow to post, having my fingers crossed that I would be accepted into the The Six Items Challenge, which is how I want to kick off the first 40 days of my third year of blogging. Rags published its first post July 7, 2010. The Six Items Challenge is an effort by Labour behind the Label to highlight the working conditions of garment workers in this fast-fashion world. Labour behind the Label is a UK based group that doesn't advocate boycotting brands as that alone can have a negative impact on workers, but it does encourage awareness and encourages slowed consumption, while "the pressure on workers and the constant precariousness of jobs and wage levels" is addressed.
The rules allow unlimited access to underwear, accessories and footwear. I see this as a great way to learn to make far better use of my extensive collection of accessories! And it will give me a chance to clean out my closet.
I won't beleaguer readers with daily photos of this campaign, but I do hope to do updates weekly. Wish me luck!
So sad that the black dress is too small, you look so lovely in it!
ReplyDeleteSusan--It's around the middle that it's too tight. I have that "thickening" problem most women have at our age.
DeleteThat black dress really is gorgeous; it's too bad its too small. And poor P! How mortifying that must have been to have split her dress up the back. And in public!
ReplyDeleteThis Six Items Challenge sounds pretty amazing and very difficult. I can't wait to read your updates.
Gracey--P.'s significant other reported that it was 'hard' for him to stand there like that too!
DeleteAgreed - the black dress is so beautiful on you, but we have to be free to move and stretch. I hope it has a happy life w/your daughter : >
ReplyDeleteI'm fascinated with the six-piece challenge and have read a lot about it, contemplating it myself. Forty days is longer than usual? I think you picked good pieces, and you have a great eye for accessorizing. Best of luck!
Patti--I suspect it will have a happier life with K. All three of my girls have many more occasions to dress up than I do.
Delete40 days has spiritual significance to me.
Oh dear - what a shame about the dress. Good Luck with the challenge, it seems like a great idea.
ReplyDeleteJane--thanks for the good wishes. I think it would bore my readers before it bores me, although my grandson did point out today that I'd been wearing the same thing for several days.
DeleteOnly six items for 40 days? That is truly a challenge! I do think though that you've chosen wisely since every item is easily mixed with everything else.
ReplyDeleteSad about the lovely black dress - I must say that you look absolutely amazing in the top pictures! But I guess one split dress episode in the family is quite enough!
kaffesoester--I was really pleased to find the reversible top, which basically multiplies my tops by four colors. And, yes, I do not want a split dress episode.
DeleteAww too bad about the dress, but you'll always have the gorgeous pictures of it!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your challenge. I'm rooting for you!
Megan--thanks for the support. I'm not gonna wear the new dress until I've completed the challenge.
DeleteThe black dress is gorgeous! I wish it was a good fit for you! Any chance it can be let out a bit?
ReplyDeleteThe story of your daughter's incident is hilarious!
Speaking of clothes ripping in a funny fashion; my former ballroom coach and I were preparing a dance for a showcase performance in which I did the splits from a dance move. I had been working on this for an hour, doing the splits many times and was tired...so the next time we practiced that part, we kind of did some of the moves, but without so much attention to detail. When it got to the split part... I said "split" as he lowered me about halfway...and the moment he lowered and I said "split"..HIS PANTS SPLIT!!!! It was so funny!!!!
Looking forward to seeing your Six Items challenge...what a great cause.
Lisa--It probably could be let out a bit, but daughter K. has more occasions to wear it than I would.
DeleteOh my goodness! Your story is a hoot! It's almost like you commanded the pants to split. You make me wonder if I could still do the splits. I doubt it!
The black dress looks phenomenal on you, but I totally get that there is no point in wearing things that Just. Don't. Fit.
ReplyDeleteLisa--I love the dress, but I really can't breathe comfortably in it.
DeleteVery clever title today. The black dress is beautiful, but why keep it if it's uncomfortable. Good luck with the challenge! I admire your ability to participate in a process which takes focus and creativity on a daily basis, plus photography.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your second anniversary. As I think about it, we started blogging at about the same time.
Judith--really, you've only been blogging for two years? It seems longer to me. I felt I discovered you early on...and then was afraid to comment for a bit, under the circumstances you were walking through.
DeleteOh, I hope you get a chance to do this! I think it's a very exciting challenge, and I would love to see what you come up with. Fingers crossed! (And I think a whole bunch of us started in the Summer of 2010. Guess that was a good year!)
ReplyDeleteAnne--There must have been something in the air that summer of 2010--Adrienne, Judith, Pam, Serene, Paula, and you!
DeleteThe dress certainly doesn't look too small for you in the photo above but I understand when it's time to give it up. This last week I took photos of myself in a vintage top I bought on Etsy but noticed right away that it was just too small. So, I had to delete the photos and post something without me in clothes. ;)
ReplyDeleteYou have a great figure Terri!
Joni--Yes, I have many photos of outfits that did NOT work. From time to time, I post a few on my Tumblr. Too bad about the Etsy top.
DeleteGood luck on the 6 items. I can't believe it's possible for me. In this hot weather, with swelling in the afternoon - I can't get through the whole day wearing the same clothes. Have fun with it!
ReplyDeleteBeryl--the challenge rules did not mention nightwear! And, in order to make my 6 items last, I've been changing into the nightgown much earlier than I normally would.
DeleteIt's nice that although the dress doesn't fit, you can give it to your daughter. My mom and I hand-up and down clothes frequently (less so now that she is in Spain) and it's like getting new clothes.
ReplyDeleteI checked out your t-shirt skirt - it looks so elegant! I am tempted to try it.
Narda--I often swap clothing with my daughters! It usually travels more their direction than it does to me, but I have inherited many jeans that way. It's crazy how well the t-shirt works as a skirt.
DeleteThat dress is just beautiful, it's very classy! What a shame it doesn't fit as you'd like but on the other hand, lucky daughter.;)
ReplyDeleteColleen--I agree that the dress is a beauty. But I need to breathe. Daughter hasn't seen the dress yet, but she'll look fabulous in it.
DeleteThanks for this.
ReplyDeleteLabour Behind The Label.
Absolutely.
Most cheap clothes are made in China. Actually even high-end stuff is outsourced there these days. Just look at the label.
I will NOT buy slave-made garments. Good luck with your challenge.
jaljen--welcome to Rags. Over the course of my posts in the next 40 days, I will reveal the origins of the 6 items I chose.
DeleteTerri,
ReplyDeleteWowza! You're stunning in that black dress!! It looks PERFECT on you! I would not be giving that one up...just my opinion. :)
Good luck with your challenge!
Jeanne--Unless I lose some thickness around the middle, there is no point in keeping the dress. I'm not fat per se, it's just that my middle insists on having space for my internal organs!
DeleteYou look fab in that frock! It's a great challenge and the message behind it is wonderful. I can easily do this for a month in India but with my social life and the British weather I'd struggle.
ReplyDeleteThe only time I'd ever buy fast fashion if it's in a charity shop. x
Vix--Yes, I don't know how I'd do the challenge if I had cooler or wet weather to contend with. Lucky for me that it is many days of sun and heat.
DeleteThe LBD is beautiful, it doesn't look too small for you. Are you sure that with firm foundations and grim determination, it wouldn't be fine? No eating allowed though, and that might spoil a night out!
ReplyDeleteGreat challenge, but as Vix said, the climate here makes 6 items a very big ask... Any campaign which aims to make people think a bit more about what/where/how often they buy is worthwhile. I never shop in the fast fashion stores, as you know, and only rarely pick up any of that stuff secondhand - it's just not well made.
Good luck!xxx
Curtise--It's hard to have a good time when you need to watch every move. Don't think I could comfortably sit down in this dress.
DeleteYes, I doubt I would have taken on this challenge if I didn't already shop ethically.
You rock! What a fun way to register your enjoyment of a look, and then pass it on to someone who will enjoy living in it for more than an hour or two. Good luck with your challenge . . .
ReplyDeleteMater--thank you! I loved the dress too much NOT to try it on, but I know when I'm defeated too.
DeleteVery amusing story about P. Have had a similiar experience myself! Terri you rock sheer dresses so shame this one isn't comfortable for you because you look awesome in it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for alerting us about Labour behing the Label's efforts too - though I have to say - I couldn't do the six items thing myself - hats off to you for rising to the challenge.
Veshoevius--I'd love to hear your story! I have a few major fashion mishaps I could share too. The most memorable happened during an evening out in downtown Atlanta.
DeleteIt remains to be seen how well I will do with the challenge. I'm afraid it will bore my readers.
That dress is gorgeous, you look like a princess and it does not LOOK like its too small... however i will take your word for it- I cannot imagine something like what happened to your daughter happen to me.
ReplyDeleteLorena--I know I would have been mortified to have a dress split on me. I'm not even gonna take a chance.
DeleteIt's a very interesting challenge, I'm trying not to buy cheap-fast stuff, for my own sake!
ReplyDeleteWish you luck!
besos
Senora--Appreciate your good wishes for the challenge.
DeleteIt is really hard to tell that the black dress is too small for you...you look fabulous in it.
ReplyDeleteStepping--thank you! But I really cannot SIT in the dress.
DeleteI agree that you look amazing in it, but only you can tell how it feels!! I love the idea of a few pieces worn a myriad of ways and I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with your selections.
ReplyDeleteJean--I suspect that before the end of the challenge I shall have to resort to a bohemian trick or too.
DeleteWhat a hot Mama! You look simply gorgeous in sequin dress, love your shiny sexy hair.
ReplyDeleteBesotes
LaDama--aw, you're making me blush. Thank you.
DeleteWow! It's a shame this dress does not fit comfortably. You look stunning! But, yeah....you wouldn't want to have to go hunt down a t-shirt in public to cover those private bits. haha You raised a very resourceful daughter who is not about to let a little fashion catastrophe spoil her fun. :)
ReplyDeleteLisa--I was disappointed it didn't fit better too. I was just pleased that my daughters remembered the trick from the blog.
DeleteYou have taken my breath away in that first black dress, ahhhhhhhhhhhhh.
ReplyDeleteXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Sacramento--It's a wonderful dress, isn't it?
DeleteYou look great in the black dress but being comfortable is a priority I think. I look forward to following you on your challenge, it would not bore me to see daily posts. I always get inspiration when seeing limited possibilities and how they work.
ReplyDeleteDarla
Darla--thanks to your encouragement, I'll do my best to post regularly about the challenge looks...perhaps every three days or so.
DeleteToo bad about that gorgeous dress...but if it doesn't fit, you won't want to wear it anyway, right?
ReplyDeleteYou are brave to do the Six Items Challenge - am interested to read about your thoughts during and after.
Adrienne--I think the last time I had such a tiny wardrobe I was a poor college student so it will be interesting to see how I do.
DeleteYou look amazing in the dress! Good luck with the challenge. I haven't participated in any of these types of challenges yet...even though I probably only use a few favorite items in my closet, putting a label on it would be too stressful!
ReplyDeleteoomph--In my mind, this is probably the ultimate challenge and after 40 days, I may never want to do one again.
DeleteOoooh la-la on the dress with the sheer neckline; you are one hot style blogger!
ReplyDeleteEr, the dreaded rip or major spill in public. Sounds like it was handled with the composure of an emergency room doctor :)
I'm interested in this six item challenge and look foward to following you. I'm trying so hard to clean out my little closet and get to a more edited and intentional wardrobe.
Lynne--Well, P.'s significant other reported that remaining "calm" was quite a challenge to him as well. I actually was inspired to clean out my closet on the 6th day of the challenge...looking for a pair of sandals.
DeleteMom - This post made me smile, and giggle; and I think that you should wear this dress to at least one occasion before passing it on to K; trust me, I won't try to wear it. I'm surprised by the surprise/empathy/fear some post of about a split dress(all the way up...) moment... its par for the course in fashion, right? I hope it made you proud knowing your daughters (Give K mad credit here, really!) handled it like we did. Oh - and to share this in with my sisters, my mom, my granny, great aunt .... was a truly special moment, although my significant other just said "Yeah, your ass was being passed around the room via our camera"...I quickly reminded him only my female family truly saw the TRULY memorable pics.
ReplyDeleteILY, and I love this post - P
P.--I'm glad to hear such a positive response to your embarassing moment and you're right that I haven't had such a belly laugh over the photos in a long time. Please tell T. that I've seen that bottom in all it's glory from an early age.
DeleteThat is a killer black dress. It must have felt REALLY uncomfortable to have to give it away. But it's true no matter how much I love something or want to wear it, if it just doesn't feel right, out it goes.
ReplyDeleteBlack, white and red. One of my favorite color combos. Envy your ability to wear a headscarf that way. On me it would look like I should be out in the fields farming.
Those people has some unique sense of style!
ReplyDelete