Sometimes when I want to educate myself in what’s cool and get inspired, I visit a store called Glasswing. It’s full of small label, high class clothes that have a professional/minimalist “I’m not trying hard (but actually trying very hard)” vibe to them. I love going to this store and looking through the unique shapes and beautiful fabrics.
One thing I really love is seeing the fabric choices that are made in RTW, especially in these smaller labels. They often pick really high quality, durable fabrics, in fiber blends that I wouldn’t necessarily think to choose. I found that the Kamm pants in real life were way thicker than I thought they would be. Some of the dresses were in thicker fabrics than I would think. Many products were cotton/linen blend instead of straight cotton, which I think gives the fabric a nice body. I like to look at these things and take mental note for when I’m choosing fabrics.
Today when I visited, as I was looking through the clothes I was making mental notes of how I could make that with patterns I own or know about. When I shop at this store, I’m generally not willing to spend $200-$300 on an item*, and a lot of the time I have low confidence it will fit me well, so … that’s exactly why I love making clothes! So for me and you, here’s a rundown of the inspiring pieces I saw today.
*Though it’s totally worth it if you don’t sew, want a quality garment made ethically and want to support small, often female-owned businesses!
RTW – Linen Sumo Jacket – Glasswing
Me Made – Wiksten Haori. Draft a cool wide angled pocket.
RTW – First Rite Cargo Trouser – Glasswing
Me Made – Lander Pants by True Bias – switch out button fly for zip fly.
RTW – Ozma Studio Pant – Glasswing
Me Made – Megan Nielsen Flint Pants
RTW – Crop Wide Leg Trouser – Glasswing
Me Made – Made By Rae Rose Pants. At the time of this posting, these are not released yet, but I can’t wait for these professional-looking secret pajamas! #mbrrose!
Me Made – Emerson Crop Pants by True Bias. I never considered making this pattern till now – she added a high waisted option, which looks more proportioned to me and now I really want to make it. 🙂
RTW – Jesse Kamm Sailor Pants – Glasswing.
Me Made – Persephone Pants by Anna Allen. If you haven’t heard of these you’re either hiding under a rock, or don’t follow indie sewing patterns. I’ve made these once but didn’t fit them well, so I never wear them, but I think they opened my eyes to wide leg pants and so many people love them!
RTW – Ace and Jig Wheeler Shirt – Glasswing
Me Made – Archer Button Up by Grainline Studio. Crop sleeves to be 3/4 length, straighten the bottom hem. This top is boxy enough to be sort of a jacket so keep that in mind when you’re selecting your size.
RTW – Signature relaxed Tapering Trouser – Glasswing
Me Made – Seamwork Channing. These are a flat front, elastic back pant and they look super comfortable!
RTW – First Rite Work Jacket – Glasswing
Me Made – Merchant and Mills Ottoline Jacket. Simplify the sleeve by omitting the placket and place your pockets as you will. The Ottoline does not have the front yoke, but I think it gives off a similar vibe.
Catherine Wendland 