If Monty Don was a woman....

[WeirdArchitecture]

Where would he shop?

I really want some lovely cotton or linen stuff, in my mind I see a loose fitting linen jumpsuit with scrappy straps and a side zip. It wouldn't be 'fashion' or ridiculously wide or show a silly amount of side boob. Simple and not humongous.

I search everywhere and can never find what im after, I can't be fussed with trends, but want some more choice. I used to like toast but they fit me horribly and the colour palettes don't suit me.

Are there any shops I don't know about that can do me a Monty style wardrobe? Natural fabrics that could see me gardening or walking by the lake, etc...

I think the word gansey comes from Guernsey originally
Yes. We use geansaí in Ireland but these days it's mostly used for tops worn for playing Gaelic games rather than jumpers.

The thing about making un-fashion-y clothes is that you're not going to sell in bulk.

They're not going to be replaced quickly, when a micro-fashion changes; you're not going to sell in bulk, to a large audience; you're not going to have an infrastructure that allows for cheap production (factories which laser-cut patterns, and an international base of workers); you're not going to be buying materials cheaply because you're buying/ordering in bulk.

That's part of what pushes the cost up.

And I'm not anti- cheap fashion. It has it's place.

I'm just putting that out there because there's something a little quixotic about these niche clothes-makers and sellers. I'm kind of glad they're there. I hope they can make a living from it (& a good living at that). I'm sure the real fortunes are made by those with big stakes in other kinds of fashion.

🤷‍♀️

@Wbeezer

I'm trying to remember the name of the company that used to sell traditional ethnic /regional clothing in the late eighties early nineties. They used to advertise in Country Living and the Sunday supplements, I had a traditional Hungarian horsemans shirt from them... Why did i get rid of that?

I loved them , then they sold out and were crap, then they closed.

If you look at “linen dress” on etsy there are quite a few Eastern European sellers of beautiful linen clothes. I got a wrap dress last year www.etsy.com/uk/listing/756370639/bella-linen-wrap-dress-midi-
It is good quality linen, not too flimsy. Took ages to come but worth the wait.
There are other sellers doing different styles.

Also think of making things. Merchant and Mills have beautiful fabrics and patterns that are not too difficult.
I have some gorgeous citrus linen to make into a skirt this week 🙂

@SirVixofVixHallrvixo i got in before you with the Merchant & Mills recommendation but it's worth repeating, mind you i havent pressed buy on a pattern yet, im very undecisisive by nature.

Oh I must have missed a page on the thread when clicking forward, sorry to repeat.
I have a nice little stack of fabrics now and intend to get cracking this week. I am going to make this blouse in a couple of different fabrics, and a long skirt that is in their book.

@SirVixofVixHall

Oh I must have missed a page on the thread when clicking forward, sorry to repeat. I have a nice little stack of fabrics now and intend to get cracking this week. I am going to make this blouse in a couple of different fabrics, and a long skirt that is in their book.

beautiful

It looks a pretty simple pattern, I think easy for most people who have done a bit of sewing. The skirt is long with a drawstring waist and pockets, a really good basic shape that would work in different fabrics for all seasons.

I must do it, maybe when gardening season is over, I'm having to teach DS3 to sew because of his fashion student ambitions, not that i would let him loose on nice fabric, so far he's managed a pair of pyjama bottoms made from an old sheet.

Adoring these links. I imagine Monty Don buying second hand or from equestrian stores

Buuuuuut if he was a woman he would be thinking persons crumpet he would jettisoned for a younger more conventionally attractive model or asked when he was getting a hair cut

Sorry *wouldn’t

@MsAnnFrope

Adoring these links. I imagine Monty Don buying second hand or from equestrian stores

Buuuuuut if he was a woman he would be thinking persons crumpet he would jettisoned for a younger more conventionally attractive model or asked when he was getting a hair cut

Hmmm, has anyone seen Alys Fowler on TV lately.

I imagine Monty Don buying second hand

I'm sure most people have the odd pre-loved treasure, and a falling-apart thing, or two, inherited from a parent or favourite uncle - but unless he has a dedicated Second Hand Shopping Assistant I can't imagine when he'd have the time to do enough rummaging to furnish half a wardrobe. Besides which, I know for certain that that charmingly rumpled, oh so haphazard and casual look, affected by many successful creative people, is not achieved on the cheap. It will involve a considerable number of £600 / £700 not-even-cashmere jumpers, which may last for years because the wearer has so many. Plus, of course, the odd $3000 ancient looking coat picked up while filming in Japan ...

@MayIDestroyYou I’m so naive!! Yes when I think about it, looking effortless must take a lot of effort!

The dressing well is other people's effort. So the talent can concentrate on the thing they're talented at.

Speaking of wardrobe assistants - I loved what Michaela Coel had to say about the sourcing and care of the amazing vintage Versace (iirc) knitwear she wore in I May Destroy You. It was apparently a unique piece which they begged her not to get wet - and she walked into the sea in it.

Anyway, sorry, I digress. Although, perhaps one day MC might become a TV gardening guru.

OP I've found this old thread with a few more ideas.

http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/amiibeingunreasonable/3467062-To-want-to-dress-like-Monty-Don

And try www.yarmo.co.uk/collections/smocks

I love his style too and these links are great. I plan to make some clothes. If you are crafty have a look at themodernsewer.com for a great capsule wardrobe.

Excellent find, Coffee! I concur with the poster on that thread who said:

I think the whole point is he is not dressed cheaply. They’re clearly very good quality. That’s why it looks so good.

I agree, I expect it costs a lot to look that cheap, as Dolly Parton says. In this case it costs a lot to look that artfully crumpled.
Lovely thread though bookmarked.

This thread is making me imagine Monty in drag! 😳. I do have a bit of a crush on Monty, especially in corduroy! I have a mild fetish for corduroy.

124 messages and not one suggestion of accessorising with some adorable pooches. A Nigel, a Nell, or a Patty.

artfully crumpled