The Feminine Waist

One thing that separates men and women, aside from their brains and how they work, is the shape of the waist.

As a designer and lover of clothing and history,  I know that the feminine shape of the nipped in waist is very important. It is immediately obvious and so appealing in it's pure depiction of the female form.

If you are one of those fortunate women who were born to have a narrow torso and/or shapely waist, you get to wear a corset with reckless aplomb....or a trench coat with the belt tied snugly to evoke femininity at work in a most charming way.

I personally have never experienced that due to a wide rib cage. But since this was my Mother's shape, I can live with that because I carry her around with me everywhere I go.

Besides, I get to live vicariously through my designs and vision for the shop (Tattered Rose) by showing the most feminine clothing silhouettes. 

I adore  that look of the shapely, nipped in waist that flows out to a full skirted whatever. Reminiscent of Dior's 1947 New Look, which is one of my all time favourite shapes for women's clothing and perhaps why I love dress forms so much, especially the Victorian ones with the tiny waists.

For those of us who never had or no longer have that small waist, don't fret....there are ways of giving the illusion of a smaller waist and ultra feminine shape. Seaming details do wonders for the feminine form and are always part of our repertoire.

♥

Time for Growth and Change.....again♥

Tattered Rose is my baby, so to speak. It was an idea that came out of my head back in 1998, when there was no Internet shopping to speak of and no other stores were carrying the Parisian and vintage influenced clothing we were about to be selling in our new shop. We were different (the store, that is) so it took a while for people to understand the aesthetic we were trying to share with our potential customers. 

We had to answer so many questions from those who dared to peruse our shop.....Yes, people DO wear this stuff. No, we don't get our clothing from dead people. Sorry, we only have one of that item....etc.

Since Tattered Rose was a spin off store from my romantic western store, Way Out West, there was still a hint of western influence amidst the feminine, lacy, ruffled, velvet clothing Tattered Rose was selling.  

Throughout the years, we have changed with the times and styles slightly but we have never really veered from our romantic sensibility. Even our Sympli the Best line, with all of their practical, wearable clothing, was chosen for the more romantic styles that blended well with the rest of our clothing.

The owner of Tattered Rose (that would be moi) in the last few years, has had some major changes in her (my) personal life. It took a while to adjust and to get some things out of my system, which meant that my designing took a back seat. It was difficult for my brain to even think about new ideas and sit down and design them while I was out all the time with friends enjoying my new found freedom.

But, as with most things, my life settled down again. I began to dream about clothing designs once again and imagine the endless possibilities of what could be.

Which brings us to this past week. After talking with a few of my customers, who are also dear friends, I had an epiphany. One morning, as I couldn't go back to sleep, the design ideas came flooding into my head so I got up and began sketching these clothing designs. It is a really new perspective. It is modern, urban but still romantic in a way. There are fewer ruffles...sometimes none, even. Great silhouettes and fabrics.....items that a modern woman would want in her wardrobe. From tops, to jackets to dresses and bags.....a cohesive, urban, feminine take on fashion....from my designer brain to the cutting/sewing tables to Tattered Rose.

I truly am inspired. I feel like I have (finally) gotten the wind back in my sails. The ideas won't shut off and I cannot make them fast enough. Everything I make is made by my hands...one garment or accessory at a time. No mass production.

Over the next few weeks, new items will be trickling into the store and live right alongside our existing romantic and urban wear.

God didn't make me a genius. But he sure gave me the love of creating. I am a clothing designer and I am putting my education and experience to good use. Oh sure, I have made and sold a ton of clothing over the years but this time, it seems so much more clearly defined. 

We are even considering having a website.........finally!

Stay tuned for more urban romantic clothing from Tattered Rose. 

Labour Day Weekend Store Hours

Tattered Rose will be open on Saturday, August 31st from 
11 am to 2 pm.

Have a safe and happy long weekend!

The Bustle Skirts are Here (Again)

NEW ARRIVALS!
The Bustle Skirt is one of our favourites here at Tattered Rose. Multiple ruffled hem gives the skirt an amazing drape as you walk and swish....reminiscent of the Victorians and Edwardians.

We think they look awesome paired with one of our tailored vintage blazers...like blending the old world with the new. A beautiful juxtaposition.

The BLAZER for Fall 2019 and Beyond....

The Tailored Blazer!

We are very excited about jackets this Fall!

Near and dear to my own heart, the tailored jacket or blazer has always been one of my favourite items to wear. When worn in a business meeting with a pencil skirt or trousers, you are definitely in charge.  With a dress, it looks charmingly romantic. Worn with a pair of jeans and a pretty top, you are ready for anything.

We have a nice collection of tailored jackets for Fall 2019. Yes, we still have plenty of other jacket styles too.....from cropped to leather motorcycle to romantic lace or linen...and a whole lot more BUT the blazer is (finally) on trend for Fall and we had to speak of it in it's own story.

OK, so we were a few years early when we brought in those gorgeous tailored blazers back in the Fall of 2017, but this fall they are a must as well as a major hit!

The Last Days of Summer.....

Even though some may feel cheated out of summer due to the weather we've had (mostly cool, rainy) we are approaching that season again. The one where the air has a crispness to it and the leaves start changing colour.....and we can wear our layers of clothing with artful expression.

We have new Grizas in the shop right now...textured, natural, garment dyed clothing from Europe that is artisan but very wearable too.

We also have an eclectic collection of vintage items that blend so well with our romantic style.

Sympli the Best sweaters and drapey cardigans are on the way along with a myriad of romantic clothing, new leather jackets, artisan wear in shades of gorgeous. 

Looking ahead...we hope you can stop by for a look.♥

The "F" Season.....

We dare not mention it by name....that season that is just around the corner....for fear of offending anyone who thinks that we haven't even had summer yet. But, the fact is, it's sneaking up on us.

Which means that Tattered Rose will be receiving our new goods really soon.

Romance is in the air...unexpected new romantics.

We love Fall.