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Monday, February 26, 2018

Monday Morning Inspiration/Power Dressing

Good Morning, and Surprise!!! I'm back :)

For those of us who lived through the 1980's, we well remember the humongous shoulder pads, and extremely oversized jackets, coats, pants... just about everything we wore. I can remember thinking that I would never, ever wear a garment without shoulder pads. And then the day came that the shoulder pads were suddenly all gone, except for the tailored coat, or jacket that needs a bit of structure in the shoulders. I don't even remember the day that the shoulder pads actually went away. It's like one day I bought shoulder pads, and the next day, they were no longer on my shopping list.

I love garments from the 1940's. When I do my next Sewbussted's Closet Tour, I 'll share a few of my vintage pieces as they are really quite pretty. If we think back to that era and what was happening, it makes a lot of since that women would want the look of a power shoulder. Husbands went to war, and for the first time, women went to work in droves, and because of the type of work that so many did, they began to wear pants. When the war was over, and the men came home, it was expected that women would return to the home, and once again embrace their dresses. Think about the "New Look" that Christian Dior made so very popular, extremely cinched waists, and big flowing skirts. While women of that period did embrace the look, they never totally gave up their pants, or their jobs. 

In light of the #MeToo movement, women are once again taking a stand. There is more equality in the workplace, and no one is saying that women must wear a dress, unless it's our choice. But, what is still so very prevalent are men who feel that they can manipulate women and abuse their positions. And sadly, it happens everywhere, from the boardroom to the church. I am extremely happy that women are saying, "enough!"

I recently came across an article about the new 2018 Fall Collection from Marc Jacobs. Shockingly, the coats are extremely oversized, and incorporate those huge shoulder pads. As I looked at the collection, I wondered, is this a reflection on women of this time, or just one person's thoughts on what we should be wearing, or how fashion should be evolving? Keep in mind that collections are decided 2 years in advance. I've attached the video below. The music is beautiful, although somewhat sad, which I find interesting. For those of us who have seen fashions come and go, you'll see very strong influences of Yves St. Laurence, Ungaro, Montana, and Mugler. It's just a little over 13 minutes long, and in my opinion, well worth watching. The clothes are much more interesting as they move rather than just still pictures.  



I pulled out a few of the pieces that I especially liked. Take note that the knit and draped pieces have a Donna Karan feel to them, feminine, and beautifully draped. Power dressing that Donna Karan embraced.  




So, I wonder, how you feel? Are you ready to embrace oversized garments and huge shoulder pads? Do you feel that in order for women to appear powerful that we need to drape our bodies in an overabundance of fabrics? Can we embrace our femininity and still be taken seriously? 

What a topic to choose as I make my way back :)
Have a fabulous day!!!
Rhonda



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Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Seeing With New Eyes


For someone who loves to write, words sometimes seem not to exist. 

First and foremost, I want to thank all of you who have sent such lovely, heartfelt notes. I can assure you that they have been read, and greatly appreciated.

It's interesting how the events of life can affect us. Over the last 5 months, I have come to realize that events that may have happened 40 years ago, can come back and teach us very important lessons about who we really are.  

Over the last 5 months, I have been confronted with things I could never have imagined. I have been shocked, brokenhearted, afraid, tormented, and angry. Just to give you an idea of what happened, back in November, I spoke with a friend who is an attorney, an attorney who felt he had heard everything, that is, until I told him my story. It was he who told me that I MUST report this person. He has since told me that in all his years, he has never been as shocked. 

When I made the report, I felt as though I was David going up against Goliath. Actually, that story gave me the mental strength I needed  to stand up. After the report was made, I had a sense of relief, like it was all over, but I really didn't expect what came later. As the weeks went on, and seemingly nothing being done, I grew all the more angry. But finally, just a little over a week ago, I learned that the situation was being handled as it should be. Without thinking, I told my husband that for the first time in months, I felt that I could breathe. When I said those words, I realized just how paralyzed, just how devastated I have felt. 

Life can be like an angry ocean, disturbed by a storm. One wave comes crashing in, and before you can pick yourself up, another comes crashing in on top of you, and then another, and another. Finally, I knew that I just had to be quiet for some time. 

A few weeks back, I spoke with a friend and told her that I had nothing to give. I was tired. In her very sweet manner, she encouraged me, softly, gently. She reminded me that my blog is entitled Rhonda's Creative Life. It's not just a sewing blog, or a cooking blog, or a writing blog, it's a blog about living a creative life. She said that while at the time, my naming the blog as I did may have seemed like a declaration, stepping out from the shadows and declaring that yes, my life is creative, she said that it was no accident. "Take it one step at a time, just post what is on your heart, one post at a time, and in time, your strength will return." She went on to tell me that from the messages she has read, she feels that I have no idea of the lives that I have touched. I hope that is true. 

Many of you may know that I am an early riser, usually up between 5 and 5:30 every morning. I love the early morning hours. I make a cup of tea, then make my way to my favorite spot in the house, and begin to write. What began years ago as a task has now become an integral part of my day. Without those early morning moments, when I am alone, where I can think, where I can cry, where I can find joy, my day is just not the same. And, it is there that I have found comfort, rest, and healing. It's there that I have begun to see myself with new eyes, or maybe...just a little more clearly. 

I love the mental image of a phoenix rising from the ashes. It's how I feel at the moment, burned wings, struggling to fly. Thank you again to all of you who stop by, who encourage. I know my wings will heal and that in time, I will fly again. 



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Sunday, February 11, 2018

Sunday Night Reflections





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