One Week, One Pattern – Renfrew

I’ve been quietly playing along with Tilly’s One Week, One Pattern (OWOP), but couldn’t commit to posting about it each day because of my surprisingly time-consuming, yet incredibly fun Mad Men style files. Instead, I’ve gone for the overkill approach of posting a week’s worth of Renfrew outfits in one go - don’t worry, I washed the repeats mid-week! It's the first time I’ve taken part in anything like this and it’s been a really interesting experience.

Before bombarding you with my photos I must admit that on the Monday and Tuesday I had to change out of my cowl Renfrews due to the freakishly warm weather we’ve been having in the UK. Oh, and I couldn’t resist including a snippet of my boyfriend’s thoughts for each outfit because they were so amusing...you’ll see what I mean as the week progressed! Just to clarify, he’s pretty awesome - as long as I’m happy with what I’m wearing he’s happy - but it was so entertaining to force his honest opinion out of him.








Day 1: Saturday 24 March 

TopFloral Renfrew 
Jeans – ASOS
Shoes – Office
Necklace – Primark

Boyfriend's opinion: This is his favourite of my Renfrews, so the outfit got a big thumbs up.









Day 2: Sunday 25 March

TopPurple Renfrew 
Cardigan – Primark
Jeans – Topshop
Shoes - Office

Boyfriend's opinion: Another thumbs up! He's a fan of colourful outfits.









Day 3: Monday 26 March

SkirtAubergine Ginger 
Tights – Primark
Shoes – Miss Selfridge

Boyfriend's opinion: Not his favourite outfit ever, but not for any specific reason.









Day 4: Tuesday 27 March

Dress – Topshop
Tights – H&M
Shoes – Office
Belt - Primark

Boyfriend's opinion: He was unsure of the summery dress layered over the wintry top.








Day 5: Wednesday 28 March

Cardigan - Primark
SkirtWestern Ginger 
Tights – Primark
Shoes – Topshop

Boyfriend's opinion: “It's like you're a 50 year old in the 1940s about to call the kids in for dinner.”







Day 6: Thursday 29 March

Skirt – Primark
Tights – Primark
Shoes – Primark
Necklace – Primark

Boyfriend's opinion: “It looks like you're wearing a fat girl's school skirt high up on your waist.”








Day 7: Friday 30 March

Cardigan – Primark
Jeans – ASOS
Shoes – River Island

Boyfriend's opinion: “Hmm, it looks like you're off to the gym, but not when you've got your cardigan on.”





Six things I learned from taking part in OWOP:
  • I adore the Renfrew pattern and my mind is overflowing with future versions. I’m not so keen on the cowl detail for myself though, so these are likely to be scoop and V-neck from now on.
  • I would love to have more me-made clothes that match. Instead of always being drawn to prints, it would be good to sew with some plainer fabrics now and again or to even sew a capsule wardrobe...although I wouldn’t know where to begin with the latter! 
  • I like to ‘pose’ with my hand on my hip...a lot! Maybe it’s an insecurity thing, but I don’t have a quick remedy for this I’m afraid, so you’ll have to learn to deal with it ;o)
  • I’m lazy when it comes to accessorising – I must work on this.
  • I really, really need to do more with my hair! I’ve been growing it out for that precise reason, but I’m still as rubbish with it as ever. 
Did you take part in OWOP and if so, was it as fun and educational for you too? 

If you're joining Karen for end-of-OWOP-cocktails tonight, I hope you have a blast!

43 comments:

  1. Marie, I really love all the different looks you've pulled off with just one pattern! Funnily enough, I *really* love the ones your boyf described as 50s mama and school girl skirt. I think this is an inherent difference between the sexes in our approach to fashion - what we consider to be elegant and stylish they often think is prim or just plain 'odd'. It's very funny indeed - plus ça change plus c'est la même chose! Your Renfrews make me want to rip open my pattern and get started! Well done indeed! :)

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    1. Yes, I totally I agree that what men and women class as a good outfit can be worlds apart! Hehe!

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  2. Wow Marie! What a fantastic selection of outfits...I cannot wait to get started on Renfrews myself. I think my favourite is the floral print jersey, and I must say I have to disagree with Ben...I am loving the cowl-dress combo! Also, I'm not sure I have ever paid much attention to your shoes before but you do have some super cute pairs...am loving today's light green ones :)

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    1. Hehe, thanks for the shoe comment Kat! Most of them don't get much of an outing as I'm dreadful in heels, but I do love them so!

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  3. The boyfriend comments are HILARIOUS. You gotta love a man who says exactly what's going through his head. Actually, the '50-year-old' outfit is probably my favourite. The floral renfrew is so pretty. We'll raise a glass to you tonight - wish you could be there.

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    1. I know, it's why I couldn't resist sharing them! To be fair, he didn't just come out with them, I did have to force him to tell me the truth!

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  4. I definitely love the floral renfrew! Looks great. I love the boyfriend commentary... my husband always has the most... interesting input on my outfits and designs. Thanks for sharing :) they all look great!

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    1. Hehe, thanks! I'm glad I'm not the only one with an opinionated man in my life ;o)

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  5. What's even funnier is the look of momentary rabbit-in-the-headlights panic on his face when I ask my husband what he thinks - so the fact that you got opinions from your boyfriend is great!

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  6. Yes, well done Marie, you've really made the Renfrew top work for you this week. I must have missed the earlier post on the floral one, so gasped out loud when I just saw it now - it's beautiful!
    My favourite outfit is the 50 year old from the 1940's (calling the kids in)! I've enjoyed this week, but like you, my plans had to be rethought with the sunny weather. Lovely to see all your tops in one post. x

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  7. The floral renfrew is awesome. Love your boyfriend's comments about day 6, not because it's true, i like the skirt, just because boys can be so cutting when you ask for their "honest" opinion!

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  8. Haha your boyfriend is such a lil turd with those comments - his least favorites are my favorites, of course :) Haha, oh, men and the less fashionably-inclined... gotta love 'em.

    I like your round-up; I think all your outfits look great & they don't look at all like the same pattern used over and over. Win!

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  9. Love all your renfews, also I have that very same primark cardi!

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  10. OMG Men are impossible sometimes! "A fat girl's school skirt"?! Wow. He can cook his own meals for a week after that!
    I love them all, but the floral with striped edges is my favourite. I really really need to get some stretch fabric so I can play too!

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    1. Yes indeed, I need to teach him a lesson ;o)

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  11. I love your outfits! They're so cute, and the Renfrew looks so different in each one! I agree with Lauren-- some of your bf's least favorite outfits are my favorites! What do boys know anyway? ;)

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  12. Incredible! Look at you and your crazy wonderful knit sewing ability. My favourites are 1, 2, 4, 5, 6. Yes, I know that's over half. I had to cut it down. And I LOVE the dress over the renfrew (day 4). Beautiful x

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    1. Hehe, I love that you cut them down to just over half ;o)

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  13. Haha ur BF is funny :) I love your Rendrews! I want!! I also did OWOP and posted in one blog because it IS time consuming to blog everyday hey! I wore a dress all week!!! I blogged it this morning:)

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    1. Oooh, a dress all week...how lovely! Off to check out your blog now ;p

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  14. I think your Renfrew's look great. Don't you just love a pattern that can be fashioned so many ways! Tasia is a great designer, very current and intuitive for today's lifestyle. Your photo's look wonderful.

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    1. I agree Corinne, Tasia is one super-talented lady!!!

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  15. Your BF is hilarious! The first and last outfits are my favourites - I love the necklace in the first. Does Primark have a website? I'd have to try and find one similar in a vintage store or op shop here.

    I reckon you'd look awesome with a long bob - you've definitely got the face for it :-)

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    1. He really is, I love that about him! Sadly, Primark has a (website) but they don't sell online :o( What a bummer!!!

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  16. Gorgeous, Marie! I particularly love your floral Renfrew. Day 1's outfit is perfect for putting it centre stage. Oh and you've got me seething with jealousy over your Gingers again. That denim one is just too perfect.

    I have the same problem with my hair. For ages (before I started blogging) my hair was in a short crop and I promised myself that if I grew it out I had to do lots of hairstyles with it. In three years this list of amazing hairstyles has comprised "down" or the incredibly exciting "pony tail". Must try harder! Gonna have a look through Pinterest for inspiration...

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    1. Thank you Tilly, especially for organising such a great challenge/project! I've seriously enjoyed it!!!

      Oh dear, I think we're quite similar in the hair stakes then, so we both must try harder!!!

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  17. They look Great on you!

    LOL! I just WISH I was still 50 years old...
    (those were the good old days)
    :-)

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    1. Thanks Chris! You look wonderful, regardless of your age anyway!

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  18. Marie, what a great styling week. Loved all the outfits and agree with the boyfriend on the tubs up for the colourful ones..
    about posing.. I'm too guilty of 'one pose' and my hands are also on the hips.. and my boyfriend calls it the 'hubby pose' because i curve my shoulders forwards.. lol ohh well..

    I just named yours as the "marie cute' pose. xx

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    1. Thanks for naming my pose, it's good to have something to call it by ;o) I've loved seeing your week in skirts too!

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  19. The floral one is to die for.

    I am so impressed that you managed to bang out a bunch of knit shirts in so little time! Nice!

    The added boyfriend commentary was quite funny but I give you a thumbs up for all of the them.

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    1. Thanks so much! Once you try out the Renfrew, you'll see just how easy it is ;o)

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  20. Aww Marie they all look lovely, I do like the floral one best though.
    My favourite outfit has to be day 5 despite your boyfriend's comment, it made
    me laugh though- men what do they know haha!

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  21. Of all the OWOP project posts I've seen, I think you've done it best! Your many versions of this top are so versatile! I would never even speculate these were all variations of the same! Fantastic job!

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    1. Oh wow, thanks so much, you're too kind!

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  22. Some great outfits! I'm totally in love with your flowery Renfrew! Also, congrats on your feature over at Tilly's! :)

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    1. Thanks Alessa! I really wasn't expecting to feature at all, so I was really pleased!

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  23. You made some very cool and wearable tops Marie! The Renfrew is like a basic top. It was a cool challenge and I wish I hadn't missed it! I love your Western Ginger too.

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    1. Don't worry Justine, you can actually participate in OWOP any time you like. Just drop Tilly an email when you blog about it, as I'm sure she'd love to know about it ;o)

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  24. all your outfits look great! I especially love day 5!
    And you boyfriend's comments on each outfit are hilarious! =)

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  25. I'm convinced now....I've just ordered the Renfrew pattern!

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