The Elegant Haori

Years ago, I was hunting for a Kimono on eBay. After developing a  Japanese Kimono unit for my 5th grade art students, I thought it would be nice to have a genuine Kimono to show them. It's not that I lacked an abundance of reference materials already: a PowerPoint, handouts of Kimono motifs I had put together, part of an Obi sash and samples of vintage Kimono silk. I tend to go overboard and thought the Kimono would be a nice touch.

After seeing the prices of the Kimonos I liked, I decided that my students were doing just fine with what they had; however, a couple of Haoris caught my eye. I was in love and the prices were right, so I had to have a least one (which over the years has lead to three).

So, what is a Haori? A Haori was worn over the Kimono for extra warmth. Both the Haori and its lining are typically silk. It is used in Western wear as an elegant addition to one's wardrobe. That's me all over and I have worn Haoris to art openings and the ballet.

When I wear a Haori, I try to keep the under layer a single color. In this look, I have added black slim pants from Mango and a black sequin tank top that I picked up at our local farm and home store. Yes, you read it right. You never know where you are going to find style!

A challenge with the Haori is finding a bag that works. With the longer sleeves, I feel cross-over or shoulder bags don't work.  You could wear a small crossover the same color of you pants and top under the Haori, but I think it is easier to just work with a clutch. I have my perfect little clutch in the above photo. It's a wonderful little art deco inspired vintage metal bag from Rodo of Italy. But the obvious snafu is that my smart phone won't fit in it. I have considered hand stitching a pocket to the inside of my Haori to accommodate my phone and will probably add this in the future.

I keep my jewelry simple. This stone piece reminds me of a Japanese brush painting and was a lucky thrift shop find. My earrings are Asian inspired and are some of the pieces that I have picked up at Museum gift shops.

I did a still life because it is hard to see my shoes, which are black textured D'Orsay sandals and face it, I just like doing still-lifes. You can also see that my bag does have a chain so it doesn't always have to be a clutch. I also wanted to point out my Black Onyx bracelet. My daughter Rachelle made it for me as a birthday present and those kinds of things always become my favorites.

Zero Waste

A popular subject on some of the podcasts that I listen to is the Zero Waste movement. Books are written on the subject and a few designers strive to create zero waste designs. There is a good episode from American Fashion Podcast that is a great introduction to this movement. It is 089 Zero Waste Fashion For the Gold. I highly recommend it. 

Where am I going with this? I am trying to make the point that traditional Japanese garments have always been zero waste designs. Every bit of fabric is used in the garment. I have scanned a page from my book Make Your Own Japanese Clothes by John Marshall to demonstrate the point

I've owned this book long before there was eBay. Little did I know when I bought it that in the future I could easily get original garments from Japan. This book is still published and can be purchased through Amazon.
 

The Polish

This part probably should be called "My Life With Zoya," because that seems to be all that I have been wearing lately. This week is no different. I'm wearing one of Zoya's Pixie Dusts, Miranda. Miranda is a deep pink. The Miranda that you are looking at is layered on top of Zoya's Aster and the result is a darker violet leaning pink. That's why I love this polish thing!

This is it for today. I hope you enjoyed my modern take on wearing a traditional piece of clothing. With shipping, a Haori will run you about $25 and takes about two to three weeks to get. I think that price is amazing and I don't mind the wait. It you do the eBay thing, just type in Kimono or Haori and they will pop up. Happy shopping and take care.

Today, I am linking up with Patti's Not Dead Yet Style's Visible Monday HERE, Cherie's  Style Nudge's Shoe and Tell HERE, Catherine's Not Dressed As Lamb's I will Wear What I like HERE, Color and Grace's Link Up Party HERE, Elegantly Dressed and Stylish Turning Heads Tuesday HERE, Shopping My Closet's Style Me Wednesday HERE, Living On Cloud Nine's Style Perspectives HERE, Sydney's Fashion Hunter's Fresh Fashion Forum HERE,   High Altitude Style's Link-Up, Fashion Should Be Fun's Fun Friday Fashion Link Up HERE and Style Diary By Osy's Friday Link Up Party HERE.

P.S. Here's the bag I carried with it last time. It's another Rodo and I can only use it with warmer weather, but I can get everything in it.
Until next time...

It Was A Windy Day In Joplin

We certainly didn't need wind machines on this day. Mother Nature did just fine. January 9th in Joplin probably wasn't the most cooperative day to take a few photos.  But earlier, I made a deal with my Grandson; if he would take some pictures of me I would return the favor and take some shots of him. A deal was struck and Grandmother and Grandson braved the elements (along with my girls, Sophia and Millie) to pursue some photographs. 

Today's post features "Candied Yam", my Tri-Becca velvet hat. Tri-Becca Design is the creative efforts of Rebecca Lawrence. Rebecca lives, works and creates in Kansas City, Missouri. I met her through The Kansas City Fiber Guild and immediately knew I needed one of her hats. As a lover of orange and vintage pins, this chapeau quickly found its way to my head. 

I've already related about my hat, but there are some other things in this photo that I am very fond of.  And here they are....................

• My bag is a vintage Rodo (Ebay). Rodo of Italy has been creating beautiful purses since 1956. If I do many of these "my style" post, Rodos will pop up quite a few times. 
• The jacket is from last year's clearance sale from a little boutique "What To Wear" in Butler, Missouri. It was on 90% clearance and I do love big lapels.
•  The scarf I am wearing is a wonderful mix of cheetah print and lace. You will see more of it below. It was a thrift-shop score and I so love those senior days at Goodwill!
• The shoes are brown and black heeled loafers from Tods (Ebay again). I enjoy wearing brown and black together.
• My slacks are 100% lined silk (again Ebay) Charter Club. I believe that is a Macy's brand. For years, I wore them with a fuller leg. This Fall, I decided I wanted a slimmer look. I pretty much ripped them apart and refashioned them. A sewing machine has been an important part of my life since I have been ten. 
• The gloves came from Marshalls. Marshalls and T.J. Maxx are two stores I occasionally visit.

We first started out in the yard because that was where the girls went. I looked down at my feet (which I found to be covered in snow) and decided it was time to head for the concrete. I'm holding Sophia. And I have to comment on Sophia's attire. It is a gold coat with a leopard fur collar and also line in the same material. Sometimes we just sort of match!

Fashion is fun for me when I can put together things from everywhere. It's like a game and has always been one of my hobbies. Below is just a few things that I used for this look.  I threw in some Tortoiseshell because I love it with brown tones and am always on the lookout for new pieces. 

Oh and that pin. I just love this pin! The burgundy crushed velvet-Love!

I made good on my word and Harrison had a great time demonstrating his skateboard skills for me. Here's a collage of my photographer, Grandson, and skateboard enthusiast. Plus, I can tell you this kid is very fashion savvy and gives his Mom and I fashion critiques quite regularly!

One more thing, I wanted to give the link to Tri-Becca Designs. So that's it. 

Except, I would enjoy any comments. This is only my second "My Style" post and I would love some feedback. 

Take care, Terri

I'm linking up with Patti's Visible Monday HERE,  Catherine's
#iwillwearwhatilike HERE, Cherie's Shoe and Tell HERE and Shopping My Closet HERE.