Introduction to Leggy Jane

Hey everyone! Leggy Jane here... This is my first official blog post :) If you know me, then you know I've mentioned on my Facebook and Instagram that I'd be publishing my blog soon. Well after thirteen long months of web design and setbacks, I can finally say it's ready. And I am so excited to get started! Just a little about me: I started this blog because years ago I started drowning in my own problems and was starting to forget about all the things in my life that used to make me feel good. Like how much I love dressing up and being proud of my body, having something to look forward to each day and actually socializing with others. I won't go much more into it right now but if you'd like to know more, you can always click on the About Me section. Anyhurrz, one day earlier this year I came across this little lady's blog floating around on Pinterest, and it sparked something in my mind, which, for some reason was able to make me experience the excitement and joy I'd been unable to experience for a very long time. And since a few years ago I just happened to buy a sewing machine, which sat in my closet -- unused -- I then made up my mind I'd do whatever it took to learn how to use it. And you know what? I did! It was really frustrating at first, but with the help of muh fellow fashion bloggers like Jillian, the DVD that came with my sewing machine, and my persistence to keep trying, I was finally able to learn the basics on how to alter garments. And that's really all you need for what I'm going to show you. It was a huge accomplishment for me after having a hard time reading in school and then being convinced I would never recover from my psychological diagnosis. But that is precisely what my blog and many other fashion blogs are about: Making the most out of what you have, whether it is very little money, energy, or time. You can still look and feel good without spending too much of any of those things. After discovering the new world of refashioning, I fell in love the fact that buying clothes from a thrift store and altering them yourself, not only saves you money and allows you to wear one-of-a-kind pieces, it also helps save the environment AND it cuts down on buying cheap retail-store clothing that is manufactured in sweatshops. How else did you think they keep their prices so low? Now don't get me wrong. I'm not saying you must always buy from thriftstores. I, of all people (being that I'm tall), understand that there are things you just can't get from places like Goodwill because of the necessity of fit. For example, it's rare to find a well-fitting pair or jeans or shoes unless you're lucky enough to have an average-sized figure. My goal is just to prevent as much slave labor as I humanly can within my means. So, for my blog I've got a whole stack of clothes that I've been saving up. Some are old clothes of mine that either don't fit quite right or are out of season and need an update. I also have a bunch of thrift store and garage sale gems that need altering, as well as accessory and T-shirt DIY ideas that I have plans for. Like me, you may be new to the Refashion scene, so here are some helpful Q & A's: Q: Why are there specific categories in the menu of your blog? A: In my everyday life, my fashion taste tends to waver between four different main styles, Vintage & Pin-Up, Bohemian, and Grunge. There is also a section for Accessories, as well as the last one for Life & Home. This will be for Home Decor Upcycling and Reupholstering, Sewing Basics, and for my personal Life Hacks, which are comprised of little tips I've picked up over the years. And no, I promise I didn't steal them from Buzzfeed videos or Pinterest. :) Q: What is the difference between a "Refashion" and a "DIY"? A: A Refashion, is taking something that used to be another garment of clothing and transforming it into another. A DIY is taking different materials, (e.g. string, paint, beads, plain t-shirts) and combining them to make something new. Q: What is "Upcycling"? A: Upcycling is like Recycling (i.e. breaking something down to its basic elements, such as by cutting, melting or grinding it, to be reformed into the original product for the same use) but the product is instead turned into something new. Phew! Well, I think that about covers my introduction. I've got a lot of work to do, sooooo without further adieu... I hope you enjoy reading about my endeavors and are inspired to create some of your own! With love to all, --Leggy Jane :)