Saturday 10 January 2015

Uniform Stripes


I started out with just the one. But, as with all addictions I guess, it has crept up on me, and now I'm tight in its grip. An intervention might be necessary.

That first one was the classic: navy with white stripes, not too long, not too short, not baggy, not tight, just right. Satisfied, but not quite replete, I bought the inverted classic: white with narrow little navy stripes. Close fitting, this one, nice, neat sleeves which never get in the way, works well under a dress.

Wonderful Stripes by Sian Fair


Moving on I got more daring. I bought two at once in an end of season sale. One is grey, one, mustard. Love the colour, not so sure about the shape. Some days it works, other days I want to throw them both in the back of the wardrobe. But they know I'd never do that. Not really. One you are in my collection, you are in.

So that would be four. I went to Copenhagen - all those amazing interiors shops and boutiques and what did I buy? White, grey stripes, washes (as my mother would say) like a ribbon. One of the best.

A year later, last summer, and I was still doing it. Couldn't seem to shake the urge. I went bigger, bolder with a tunic dress instead of a t shirt. Navy - again - but, you know, different. Maybe not to the untrained eye, but we stripologists (no, that can't be right. Must be stripeologists, cos once I've got mine on, I'm not taking it off), we know what matters. I was wearing my tunic the day I ended up at the outlet village. Oooh, yes. Scored twice there. Three, if you count the fact that when I tried them on at home they were longer trhan I'd been expecting. More stripe for my sterling. Result.

I folded them carefully and stacked them in my wardrobe; and that's when I realised I had a problem. No more room on the shelf. So I tried hard all autumn. I took desperate measures. I went cold turkey - closely supervised, (almost) completely safe - I bought no clothes at all. 

Until last week. The sales, the sales. I was weak. It was wrong. But it fits just right. Deep blue, peacock coloured stripes. It's a perfect colour for January. Transitional, Before spring arrives and I have to start thinking bright and light. Mmm..pink? Maybe?


ps I recorded my webinar yesterday and very much enjoyed talking to Debbie Hodge and looking at layouts. Thanks for the good luck wishes. Much appreciated! 


29 comments:

Cheri said...

Sounds like a serious addiction if you are already dreaming of your next fix! But hey, you wear them well.

Linda said...

LOL! You certainly do wear stripes well Sian:) LOL at stripeologists!!

Fiona@Staring at the Sea said...

Me and my girl are stripe lovers too. One that works under a dress as well as alone. Now that's the holy grail of striped tops.

debs14 said...

It's good to have a signature style, and you do suit a stripe! Funny how these things creep up on you isn't it? One minute you're buying your first stripey top and the next, you have a whole wardrobe full of them!

Anonymous said...

Lovely LO! And stripes never go out of fashion...and ones that fit like gloves? You *have* to buy them! It's an obligation!

Jennifer Shaw said...

Glad to hear that your recording went well! LOL about your addition. Stripes are in so it is okay... you are just being stylish! I see amazing striped t-shirts which I love but I'd need to lose about 40 pounds to carry them off. ;) A beautiful page!

doris sander said...

sigh. i knew you were a girl after my own heart. stripes forever.

alexa said...

You can never have too many of 'em, can you? Always stylish. I think, judging from the reactions on here, you could start a stripeologists' sorority :). There's my go-to on a scrapbook layout too.

Missus Wookie said...

I like the idea of stripeologists :) I was so miffed clients/work got in the way and I didn't make it to your live event :( Shall enjoy the recording tho'.

Lizzy Hill said...

Doily, doily, folded doily....LOOOVE!!! And stripes. Yes. Of COURSE!!!! BTW....is that white paper [bg] patterned or is there texture paste in there? Can't quite make it out, even with the closie? Nice effect, either way:)

Sandra said...

This made me giggle out loud. Personally, I can't see a problem with your addiction xx

Ruth said...

Fun post! I'm not one for stripes, but you may be about to convert me. I've always fancied a grown-up version of the Breton tops in Petit Bateau ...

Sandie said...

I have the same affliction Sian! I used to blame work, needing smart but casual clothes. Stripes were easy to match and I like myself in them.
But now I can wear what ever I choose - big colourful flowers, spots, crazy patterns - I still buy stripes! Mostly black and white. You could be mistaken for thinking I wear the same top all the time, but look close and you'll spot a button detail on the shoulder of one, different length or slight change in neck line. Once hooked, that's it!
So glad to hear your webinar was a success, as if it could be anything else!

Julie Kirk said...

Well you know you've got a kindred spirit here don't you. Striped curtains, carpet, clothes, zebras ...

Love the layout, all the stripy matts under the photos work so well.

More power to your striped elbow! x

Barbara Eads said...

You can totally wear stripes! Me, not so much---you know what they say about horizontal stripes. For me, I'd say my clothing addiction would have to be white tops. I have way too many. I'm just about ready to tackle my annual closet clean out. I intend to do a major purge. Come to think of it, I do have a couple of striped tops. I need to get those out! Love the layout. I always love your attention to the details!

Karen said...

My two most recent purchases were striped tops, one with a thin metallic stripe (a tee), and one long tunic (gray and black). I don't tire of them. I love the layout, especially that wonderful focal point---four squares making a square! (You might see that design element on a card soon.)

scrappyjacky said...

They'll never go out of fashion!!

KraftyKaren said...

You look fab in stripes. I must admit I avoid them a) I can still hear my Mum saying that ladies over a certain size should not wear stripes as they will look even larger and b) the one time I did wear stripes a lad at school asked me if I had to come to the mufti day as a deckchair!! Great layout!!

Mel said...

Great layout and I love how you have matted it on polka dot paper. I am a big fan of stripes too and my wardrobe reflects this!

Jo said...

I think you might need help :)

Maria Ontiveros said...

What a fun reflection! I often buy multiples of things I like - just in different colors. Looking forward to waving hi tomorrow.
Rinda

Alison said...

Another one who has always avoided stripes ....but you really do wear them well...I do buy things I like in multiples though! Xx

Susanne said...

I say if it suits you, go for it. We all have our faves!

Lou said...

a fun layout to record your stripes.. I love how you've made up your title. We all have something..i have a thing for cardi's

Melissa said...

What a FUN post & great layout! It does seem as if there's some sort of addictive behavior here! LOL

Lesley G said...

A stunning layout and great insight!
I have a clothing, shoe, bag, scarf issue - I MUST get rid of one item every time I bring something new into the house.
Does that happen?

Carmen said...

I consider myself partial to the odd stripe or two and thought I had a thing for them. But then. THEN. Devvie started buying her own clothes. OMG! Talk about obsession. Stripes, stripes everywhere and in every shade of grey, navy, charcoal (it's different to the grey, Mum!)you can imagine. She would be considered struck down with stripeology for sure.

Love this page :) Sharing this with her so she knows she is not alone in her affliction ;)

Rachel Brett said...

Gorgeous layout Sian and yes, the stripes really do suit you. I'm drawn to grey rather than black when it comes to skirts etc :)

Anonymous said...

I used to have a lot of striped tops but somehow I've changed over to solids but mainly in blue - yep my thing is loads of shades of blue. That's a great looking layout. I love how you come up with ideas of what to scrap.

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