the fisherman's wife, basic clothing recipe

Here is the story I've made up in my head for the coming photo-shoot (a parallel to the story of the Fisherman and his Wife):

The fisherman's wife gave up a life of ease because she loved a poor, humble man of a lowly profession. He sails often, leaving her alone to tend to her small household. She dresses in shabby fabrics and worn shoes, but holds on to a few family treasures.

Outfit Recipe:

1 part dark, heavy fabric (wool, tweed, etc.)

1 part light colored, thin fabric (silk, lace, etc.)

Worn, dark shoes

Handmade scarves and other accessories

Treasured Heirloom Jewelry

I riffled through the clothes I had around the house and put together these examples (just imagine how neat it would be to have a whole thrift store full of things to pick from).

#1 worn boots, knitted scarf, gray overcoat, lace dress, decorative broach, and gold chains

#2 Worn leather shoes, dark wool skirt, light green blouse, white knitted poncho, pearl and crystal hairpiece

#3 Worn belt, heavy linen vest, white, floor-length dress, flower corsage

#4 Heavy buttoned sweater, cream-silk dress, patterned scarf, heirloom ring

#5 Heavy-green jacket, cream blouse with worn lining, textured-brown scarf, white-lace necklace, glamourous earings

#6 Dark-velvet jacket, white blouse, cream handkerchief, shabby bows and flowers, etched bone bracelet

Just like any recipe, you start with the basics and add or subtract ingredients to make something to your taste.

I will have most of these things available for you to borrow (depending on what I end up wearing), and we can share accessories and such.

Also see these inspiring photos that Laura collected.