fashion, Kansas City Jewelry Designer, Kimono, sewing

Black & White Kimono

by terrigardner1

Hello everyone, I have one more kimono before the summer ends!  Today is just one style that I’ve put together using my new piece. This could have been a pretty short post with just the one look, but it also gave me an opportunity to talk about some things I’ve been wanting to mention for a while.  The end result is that this story is still a pretty long one so I better get started.

Earlier this summer, I was window shopping on eBay and was immediately drawn to this kimono. The first thing I noticed was the black to white pattern it had. For some reason, it reminded me of M.C. Escher’s drawings.

bWintro
Again, I’m carrying what seems to be my favorite bag for this summer season-a metallic silver cross-body Michael Kors that I found on The RealReal in June. Why not add a little color? My wedge sandals are some old Italian Shoemakers from DSW (actually, they belong to my youngest daughter.) This company makes some of the most comfortable summer sandals around.
echer
Sky and Water by M.C, Escher, 1938-Probably most of you have seen this print. It’s just one of his many amazing works. Anyway, I thought of this particular art work when I saw my kimono.
Diamonds, Squares & Rectangles

I was also fascinated by what seemed to be some very interesting use of geometrical shapes in the  piece. Of course, I couldn’t really be sure of this unless I bought the thing. So for $15, I got a new kimono. My eyes did not deceive me. This piece is made up of various geometrical shapes put together like a puzzle. rectangles

               The front extensions are rectangles.
backbwkimono
The back is the most complicated shape-based on a diamond but with some refining. It’s just sewn on top of the sleeves creating an opening which I think is also one of the interesting features-back ventilation.
sleeves                               And Squares For Sleeves
One Sewing Mistake=New Black Cami

cami I’m sneaking a little sewing in here. Earlier this summer I made a black knit dolmen sleeve top. Although, it hasn’t been on here yet, I’ve been wearing it a lot.  Unfortunately, I made a mistake with the fitting and had to trash the first attempt and was really grateful that I had enough fabric to cut another top. However, I was left with a useless, half sewn piece of fabric. What to do? Well, one can always use another black cami.

toppatternronata

Using an old summer Vogue pattern from 1976, inspired by Yves St. Laurent’s famous Russian collection, I was able to salvage most of the fabric. I also used this pattern in the 80’s for the base of a summer dress and like then, I widen the straps. During the 90’s I made a skirt from this pattern. Some patterns you just hang on to.

trimdetail

And why just have a plain cami? I took advantage of this sew to use some vintage black sari silk strips that I had and a bit of black trim that was in my stash. That’s it, the sewing part of my post  is over!

A New Necklace from Ressa’s Artistic Design

Ressa
“Meditation” by Clarissa Knighten-multi hues of turquoise and blue glass crocheted together with silver wire.

I have a new necklace. This is a pretty rare event. It seems lately, that most of my jewelry  is second hand. However, I made an exception for Clarissa Knighten, an artist that I really like.

Years ago, I found Clarissa at a craft show and was fascinated that she used  crochet to turn buttons, beads and wire into jewelry. All those years ago, it was pretty rare, or at least I had never seen anything like it.

In the ensuing years, she has built up quite a repertoire and stature in the design community. Lately, she was a participant in the Kansas City Fashion week and will be again as soon as they can safely hold one. But Clarissa is also very comfortable hanging around and showing with fine artists, which is something, I especially love.

artshowgreen
Here we all were last summer at a group show that both Rachelle, my daughter and Clarissa were showing in at the InterUrban ArtHouse. From left to right, me, Clarissa and Rachelle. It’s hard to see them, but I have a pair of her earrings on.

For style impact, Clarissa’s jewelry is very reasonably priced and it’s fun to window shop her designs. There are three places you can find her on the web. It’s a treat just to peruse her collection. I hope you check her out.

Ressa’s Artistic Design’s Web Page & Shop

Ressa’s Artistic Design’s Instagram

Rissa’s Artistic Design’s Facebook Page

My Hair Affair

One last thing to talk about. I know this is a lot of topics today but quite a few of you over the past couple of years have asked me to talk about my love of wigs and why I wear them. Yes, I will eventually create a whole post about this (I keep saying this, I know) but decided to get my toes wet today. For today’s styling I picked quite a different hair style then I usually have. I felt that this edgy cut and color would really complement what I as going for.

That’s the main attraction that I have for “alternative hair,” (aka wigs). I can change my hair style without going to the hairdresser and maybe doing something to my hair that I will have to live with for a long time.

During Covid, I haven’t had to worry about how my hair looks when I go out ( the beauty shops not being open thing.) In two minutes, I’m perfectly coiffed and ready to be out the door. Sometimes, on Instagram, you can see my bio hair, especially when I want to wear a hat (although some of my hats do fit over my ladies).

4viewsrop
I made this collage soon after getting Aria. The basic style and color suited me fine but I didn’t like the length so I took her to my hair dresser and she did a great job trimming the length. The asymmetrical look is still there, just shorter.

Today’s style is Aria by Rene of Paris in color Illumina-R (hint-R always means that it is a rooted color) from Cysterwigs.com. I’ve had her her for a while (for some reason, everyone calls their wigs “her”). Always waiting for a good deal, I picked Aria up during a 40% sale; most sales run at 30%. Unfortunately, Rene of Paris has discontinued Aria but their sister company offers the same style in the same color but more expensive because it has more bells and whistles: Faith by Noriko. 

silverwigcollage
Just a few times when I’ve chosen Aria to complement what I was wearing. I picked her for an edgy look but think she does elegant pretty well too.
Taz
Taz, one of my favorite YouTube reviewers just came out with a vidio that explains my faithfullness of having a few good hair styles ready to go.

That’s all about my “Hair Affair” for the moment. I hope this explains a bit about my devotion to my ladies.

Introducing Darcy Gardner

There’s probably going to be a new scene stealer in my photo’s from now on. We adopted Darcy on July 10th from The Joplin Humane Society. Michael had just missed our old Black Lab that passed away during January of 2019 and it was wanting a new dog. Our old crew (and mean old; ages 15, 11, and 9) aren’t to thrilled. Being part Border Collie and only eight months old, Darcy is a bundle of energy.

IMG_0532
Darcy has an interesting approach to bring back a frisbee and is making more work for me trying to keep the deck clean. Oh well, all in a day, as we say.

That pretty much is it for today and thank you for making it to the end. There was so much to talk about today!

Take care everyone and stay safe.

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30 thoughts on “Black & White Kimono”

  1. First that kimono is fabulous Terri. The back cutouts really give it so much flair.
    And you’re just like my mom using up the remaining fabric. It’s so smart to do that.
    Darcy is adorable. I’m hoping for a dog soon, but Rob has other ideas.
    XOOX
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

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    1. Hello, Jodie-

      Thank you for coming and seeing me.

      Yep, I’m always trying to figure out what to do with left over fabric-scraps is a seamstress’s plight. You don’t want to throw it away but sometimes there’s not much you can do with it. I got lucky this time.
      Darcy is his Daddy’s boy. They trekked around the place and Darcy found out he could swim. Michael couldn’t keep him out of the pond.
      How could Rob say no to a cute little something? They are a lot of work, a lot more than cats-that’s for sure.
      I thought it would be fun to make a pattern from this Kimono-and share it-if I could figure out how to do that because I think it would be pretty easy to make.
      Take care and stay safe
      XOXO
      Terri

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    1. Thank you, Michelle. Darcy is 10 months old and has way to much energy but he’s a hoot to be around.

      I think, with Covid, a lot more people are taking up sewing or at least that’s what I think I’m seeing on Instagram and with all the independent pattern companies popping up-someone has to be buying them.

      I’m was worried that the kimono would be a bust when it finally got here, but was pleasantly surprised.

      Thanks for dropping by-I’ll come over and see what you are up to.
      Take care and stay safe
      Terri

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  3. That kimono is stunning and I’m looking forward to hearing more about your wig affair! As for Darcy – what can I say? Adorable and looks very similar to a Borderline Collie we had, many years ago. My next blog post is going to be an update on my bundle of fluff!

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    1. Hello June, Thank you and you know that I’m going to keep up with your little guy. That was such a joy to see that you got a new puppy. We went a different route, neither of us wanted a puppy but someone who had a few months. Darcy is ten months old and a handful but wonderful for spending time with Michael on the place. Take care…Terri

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  4. You really have an artist’s heart and soul (which I’m sure you know!). The kimono is so intriquing, no wonder you had to have it. // I really like your salvaged camisole, that’s such a nice pattern, I can see why you hung onto it. // Clarissa’s designs are amazing–I have my eye on a pair of earrings, now!

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    1. Hi KIm, thanks for coming by. I was pretty mad at myself with that botched top and was determined to have something good happen out of it. I’m going to talk about that whole episode on my next post, which is going to be sewing.

      I’m so happy you checked out Clarissa. She such a nice human being and so talented. She always supports other artists, she even has come to talks that Rachelle has had. I just love her.

      Don’t know if I mentioned it, but I did teach K-12 art for 32 years so at this point there’s no escaping the creative thing. Take care. Terri

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    1. Good heavens, Javier-Did you ever imagine that you would be commenting on a fashion blog? LOL. I’m learning a lot about basketball and never thought I would be doing that. And thank you, what’s a retired art teacher to do? Take care and stay safe Terri

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  6. Hi Terry,
    I just stopped working on my blogpost about my kimono look and then had a quick look into my reader.What did I see? Your latest post with this lovely black and white kimono! Isn’t that amazing?! I also love your green and blue necklace.
    As for your new wig: I’m absolutely thrilled!!! You look fabulous with this hair style.
    And Darcy is such a cute fellow!
    Enjoy your week and keep staying safe.
    XOXO Reni

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    1. We wrote about the same thing on the same week-heavens! When I saw your kimono on Instagram I should have known it was for your blog-I’ll be looking forward to that one. I’m not surprised that we would do something like that, however. Take care and you stay safe also. XOXO Terri

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    1. HI, Carmen-we agree on turquoise with black and white. That has been one of my favorite combinations for quite a long time. I think you have to be a little more careful with eBay than say Poshmark, but I’ve been shopping on there since Oct. ’02 and hope I know when a deal is good.

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    1. Thank you Mireille. Yes, the wigs can throw you off because I can change styles quickly and radically. I will admit, that it was the back that I was actually drawn too when I first saw this piece. Thank you for dropping by and seeing me. I really appreciate it. Take care, Terri

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    1. HI Jess, thank you-this style usually does get a reaction. It’s so different than what I usually do and that color is so striking, which, of course, is why I fell in love with it. Darby is a goof ball, that’s for sure. He’s only 10 months old and full of it but perfect for going around with Michael on the place. Thank you for dropping by and having such a great linkup. Take care, Terri

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    1. Hello Iris, nothing can be more frustrating than a sewing machine that doesn’t work. I‘be been through that. I rarely throw away a pattern-even have the ones I made in the 60’s. They look worse for wear but I could still use them. This kimono jacket is one of the most interesting ones I’ve seen. Take care and stay safe-Terri

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  12. Hi Terri,
    First let me just say I love your forward fashion style. The combinations you put together make me happy. You wear kimonos well. 🙂

    Wigs: Wig give you a new identity! Who do I want to be today. 🙂

    Keep being incredibly fashion forward.

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    1. Hello Clarissa, thank you for coming by. This, honestly, is a first. Of all the designers I’ve have featured from, this is the first time one has commented on it. And yes, you know I like my wigs and I think for many reasons.

      It will be so nice to get to visit artists’ studios again!
      Take care and stay safe-Terri

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    1. Hello Fonda-thank you for coming by and leaving such a nice comment. I t’s a very unique kimono and was fun to work with. Wigs, these days are very natural. They were quite an eye opener for me as far as what I could do with my style. Take care, Terri

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    1. Hello Jenna, thank you for coming over to the blog. I really loved the black and white pattern reversal. I agree with you about black and white and gravitate towards it a lot with my style. Terri

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