Me Made May: Reviewing & Planning My Office Wardrobe

For Me Made May this year, I decided to share what I was wearing to the office everyday. So today I am reflecting on what I wore in the month of May, what holes in my office waredrobe I noticed, and what up coming sewing plans I have to add to my plus size, vintage-inspired office wardrobe. I would really appreciate some feedback on this one, and I would love to hear what you are sewing to wear to the office down in the comments!
Videos I mentioned:
The Self Drafted Skirt Video: • How to Sew a DIY Pleat...
The 1940's Cashmerette Roseclair hack: • How to Make a 1940's I...
The Twig and Tale Review: • New Plus Size Cottagec...
Things I mentioned:
‪@StephanieCanada‬ 's shop: backroomfinds.com/
Tanya's Instagram: / tanyamaile
See the full list of patterns in visual form on my pinterest board: pin.it/6y0W9ZLR0
Patterns I mentioned:
Ones I made:
‪@GertiesWorld‬ Charm Patterns Stanwyck Skirt: charmpatterns.com/shop/stanwy...
‪@twigandtale‬ Vista Blouse: www.twigandtale.com/collectio...
Future Plans:
‪@Cashmerette‬ Fuller Cardigan: www.cashmerette.com/products/...
Charm Patterns Turner Cardigan: Patreon
‪@Cashmerette‬ Appleton Wrap Dress: www.cashmerette.com/products/...
Cashmerette Vernon: www.cashmerette.com/products/...
‪@FridayPatternCompany‬ Saturday Skirt Set: fridaypatterncompany.com/prod...
‪@SewOverIt‬ Zadie Blouse: sewoverit.com/products/zadie-...
‪@HelensCloset-ut5ul‬ Gilbert Top: helensclosetpatterns.com/prod...
Charm Patterns Honor Roll Top: Patreon
‪@deeranddoepatterns218‬ Myosotis Dress: closetcorepatterns.com/collec...
Charm Scout Dress: Patreon
‪@SewOverIt‬ Nicole Dress: sewoverit.com/products/nicole...
‪@Cashmerette‬ Dartmouth Top: www.cashmerette.com/collectio...
‪@Cashmerette‬ Carlyle T-shirt: (Club pattern) www.cashmerette.com/pages/club
What I'm wearing:
The Charm Patterns Rita Blouse from this video: • Sewing a Cottagecore D...
Support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/ashleymain
Check out my Amazon Shop: www.amazon.ca/shop/ashleymain
Follow me:
Instagram: @ashleymainmakes
Pinterest: pin.it/5TFdlZk
Chapters:
0:00 What am I doing for Me Made May
3:51 Week One of Me Made May
7:32 Week Two of Me Made May
13:59 Week Three of Me Made May
16:34 Office Wardrobe Plans
19:38 Office Sweaters
23:09 Office Shirts & Tops
28:47 Office Dresses
33:00 Dressy T-Shirts
35:23 Skirt Plans
#memademay #VintageFashion #OfficeWardrobe

[@killerkitschvintagelizzie]

I feel this. I rarely go into a clothing store. Occasionally, my husband will give me a gift card for a store that sells vintage reproduction, but otherwise... We really are spoiled by making our own clothing. ❤

[@ashleymainmakes]

So true! Thanks for coming over to watch!

[@annettebroomhall8617]

Have you thought of a wide lapel instead of a traditional collar? This opens up the neck and chest area which is flattering on we curvy lasses with short necks, and looks professional at the same time. A sharp triangle or scallops or just a gentle curve, gives options to introduce a starched look or a contrast colour and a place to wear a statement brooch. After you've settled into your new job, ask to work from home a few days a week then you can get your mental health sewing time back.

[@ashleymainmakes]

I like that idea I think. Like a turn back collar?

[@debbiecook4270]

So nice to see a "real" video from you! Hope you're (mostly) settled in to the new digs and routine. I think the Roseclair as a top looks fantastic on you! Maybe pull that one out again and make it in a solid color. It's already been fitted/tested so shouldn't have the same "baggage" as starting a brand new pattern, which is probably what's holding you back from some of the projects you want to make. Kick start the sewjo with a TNT! Also, have you considered Cashmerette's Lenox shirt dress? You already know how C patterns work for you and this one has skirt options which won't be quite the fabric hog as the Gertie pattern, plus a "flat" collar option. You could also theoretically lengthen the bodice to shirt length to get more bang for the buck. Finally, nothing wrong with more Twig & Tale tops to fill in gaps more quickly. No one really is taking notes on every clothing item we wear - they see an outfit, think "ooo pretty" and that's it. LOL!

[@ashleymainmakes]

All good thoughts! I definitely think that's part of it is getting the sewjo going properly again. Yes to remaking the roseclair, I will have to look at the stash. I totally forgot about the lenox! I think I even have it printed kicking around somewhere so thats a really good thought!

[@vanessajones3508]

I love your skirts. I am also a slow sewist. The things I make I want them to last, so I take my time. I am currently making things for the winter. I have enough clothes for the summer. My goal is to make a coat. Happy sewing.

[@ashleymainmakes]

Taking your time to do a coat well before winter is a good idea. ❤️

[@callitags]

I want to see all the things! If I had to choose between the usual Stanwyck skirt you do vs the other 50s recreation version, I'm going to vote for your usual Stanwyck, since that's the one I'd more likely wear myself. I think your work wardrobe looks pretty good, and is certainly something solid to build from. Then again, I'm not one to be too picky about these things, and I tend toward casual and comfortable, so I'm not sure how helpful that opinion is. I have to agree that the Nicole dress is the perfect example of "work dress" to me.

[@ashleymainmakes]

Thanks for the input! I am leaning to my classic skirt too because I have had a lot of questions on it.

[@luanneedwards8846]

The pi k looked great on u

[@viviennerogers3868]

Love the cashmerette orange blouse. Definitely suits you and it’s nice to see you in a patterned top although it also would be nice in a solid. Definitely enjoyed the longer video rather than the shorts! Good luck with the new job.

[@ashleymainmakes]

Im so glad! Thank you so much

[@annettebroomhall8617]

Any of your fancy tee shirts can easily be made into a dress. I cut two lengths the width of the fabric and roughly pleat each panel to the width of the tee. No fuss, no bother with zips or buttons, just be aware of how much vertical stretch there is in the fabric. Too much? Add clear elastic to the waist seam and you get support and easy on and off over the boobs. Remember to shorten the bodice to allow for the weight of the skirt and you have a very easy dress. I have dozens and get the most complements when wearing them. Ninety minutes start to wearing if I push. Very office friendly with the comfort of pjamas

[@ashleymainmakes]

Thats very true, t shirt dresses are a good option. I just need some knits.

[@NatSews]

I love a good “poof” sleeve since it feels like history bounding a leg of mutton sleeve lol. I would love to see a button down with a sheer bishop sleeve make tho..I personally think they have just the right amount of interest but are professional. Then again, I used to wear much more over the top outfits to the office, so I may not be a good source 😂😂 I feel as long as it is not too ‘cheeky’, it is not off office limits 😏

[@ashleymainmakes]

Right?? Its a bit weird for me to be in a more conservative office environment so I am trying to keep it somewhat reigned in for a bit 😅

[@mythdusterds]

These are nice dresses that you have.

[@ashleymainmakes]

Thank you! 😊

[@stephaniecruz8260]

I love the honor roll top❤

[@Dizzyknitsandcurls]

That skirt is such a great wardrobe staple! Love your makes

[@ashleymainmakes]

Thank you!! 😊

[@Kat-mh5kj]

Do you have a favorite underpants for the skirt? I can't use a skirt without pants under it ☹️

[@ashleymainmakes]

I used to wear the jockey ones all the time but now that I wear dresses and skirts all the time I dont find I really need them anymore