Domestic Style

Living in a hot sometimes humid climate is somewhat difficult for me. In fact, it is the only reason I would consider moving away from this area. Being a gal who can sweat profusely, I tend to avoid being outdoors when the temperatures reach high numbers. Especially when they reach triple digits, as can often happen in my neck of the woods. It is a rather dry environment, but often rather than not, we get stung with such humidity that it makes those high temperatures reach dangerous heat indexes. I love to be outdoors tending to my plants, but during the Summer, I stay indoors too much. And I don't like that. Another factor that contributes to my staying indoors a lot, is that I really don't like to wear anything but the most comfortable of clothes outside. In my case at least, that translates to looking frumpy and disheveled. Why? Because if I wear the clothes that I ordinarily wear 'in public', as in when I go shopping and running errands, I would be sweating even more. Those would be my 'dressy' clothes: princess line blouses- amply sized, cotton tops, and denim or chinos capris or pants. Sometimes even dresses will do the job of getting me to go out and about. Then again perhaps it's just my perception. I associate those nicer clothes with being only for going out. I'm afraid I have succumbed to the notion that to stay cool and comfortable I must wear flowing breezy tunics, scrubs, and shorts. Housework and gardening can really work up a sweat. So I set forth to sew for myself a whole plethora of tops based on a Simplicity pattern which is now out of print, but is similar to this: http://www.butterick.com/item/B6601.htm??tab=large_sizes&page=3. This Butterick pattern shows a dress style, but the Simplicity version also had a view of a much shorter top, with same exact construction. Note the HUGE pockets! That is the one feature I felt I absolutely needed to carry out my chores around the house. I also included in my domestic wardrobe basic hospital scrubs, both the top and pants. I had a ball selecting bright colorful cotton prints. However, I think the time has come for a change. I need to infuse my style with something more feminine but still comfortable.

Which brings me to this post. I would love to know what types of clothes other women wear to feel comfortable but confident around the house tending to their duties. By confident, I mean that you wouldn't hesitate to answer the doorbell wondering if you looked presentable. I do like to sew for myself, and enjoy using cottons and linens in my fabric selections. I probably should narrow my search for Summer styles. Winters here are very mild and comfortable, so heavier fabrics would be fine. It's never freezing cold, and if so, only for a very short while. I know there is a 'look' for me somewhere. In fact, I'm already leaning to wearing vintage housecoat dresses with a beautiful apron on top. M-U-S-T B-E-G-I-N to cut out and sew my vintage patterns! For now, I am still in search mode.