What I'm Wearing | Serving Up Leftovers!

I still had fabric lying about from the last couple of projects.  And while I was about to fold and shelve the pieces, I decided to just use it instead.

This is the patent leather from Mood Fabrics that I used for this skirt.  I liked it so much that I decided to make a patent leather t-shirt.  I used Vogue 8840, view A. 

This top went together really easy.  The only alteration I made was a FBA... didn't want to have that "smushed uniboob" look!  I really love this designs welt seams.  They scream, "Let me be leather or suede!"

It's a simple pullover top with a cute little neck slit opening with a hook and eye closure.  I fused the hems for a cleaner look.

***Sidenote:  When ironing leather/faux leather, I always use a pressing cloth with no steam.

For my simple, single-seam pencil skirt (fabric cut on the fold, based on the your waist measurement with negative ease, with an elastic waist), I used the last yard of leftover red ponte knit from Mood Fabrics that I used for these pants.

I layered my top over a black long-sleeve knit top, added opaque tights and patent leather booties and my pea coat.  

What I'm Wearing: Weekend Wear | The New Classics!

While following street style trends, I for the colder months I always see pea coats, leather leggings and booties paired together.  And it's the perfect uniform for fall and winter. 

I'm calling leather legging a "new classic" because they're not going anywhere anytime soon.  They've become a wardrobe staple.  And they're actually pants whereas lycra legging are not.

"LOVE"

And they look great with pea coats.  I'm quite partial to my pea coat.  I think it's one of the greatest things I've made.  And everytime I wear it, I always receive compliments.  And I'm beaming with pride as people gag when I tell them that I made it!  It goes without saying that I LOVE this coat!

I've been contemplating making another one this year in a bright color.  Maybe after the first of the year.

Wearing:  pea coat: Vogue 2873 (OOP); blouse: McCall's 6651; leather leggings: McCall's 6404; booties: Just Fab.com 'Leander'.

Vogue 8672 | Shiny, Glossy, Patent-y Pencil Skirt!

Everything leather and leather-ish is very popular this season.  Leather is not only the new black, but the new everything and it's everywhere.  And I've been playing with all forms of it.  While searching Mood Fabric's index, I discovered this great Donna Karan Black Solid Faux Leather which is a black patent vinyl with a black fleece back and I had to have it!

When I bought it, it said heavy weight, so I wasn't sure what I would make.  I just knew that it looked interesting and I bought several yards.  When I pulled it from the box, it was indeed pretty heavy.  And it had a dull, matte finish.  I was just about to feel disappointed...  But then as I rubbed my hand across the fabric, there came the glossy shine.  So I started mentally planning and perusing my Pinterest boards.

Inspiration:

From Pinterest... Super glossy skirts paired with sweaters and sweatshirts for Fall 2013.

So I decided a pencil skirt it would be.  I was initially uncertain about the weight of the fabric and whether or not the skirt would look too stiff.  But once I started working with the fabric and applying heat to the back side, it became more supple and super glossy.  I used my teflon foot and a leather needle with a looser tension setting and a 3.0 mm stitch.  While practicing on the fabric, I noticed that shorter, tighter stitches looked like they were cutting into the fabric.  I took great caution to make sure I'm wasn't going to cause ripping at the seams.  

I used Vogue 8672 (OOP) because I like the princess seams and it was available in my pattern cabinet. Sidenote:  Vogue 8603 and 8697 would be great too.  Not to mention the fabulous lines of Vogue 1324.

The fabric behaved just fine while I was sewing it on the wrong side.  But once I began edge and top stitching, even with the teflon foot it seemed to want to stick a bit.  So I had to lengthen my stitch, adjust my presser foot and take my time.  And just to zhuzh up the skirt, I added an exposed metal zipper from waist to hem.  The skirt is unlined.  And I debated on what type of hem to use.  I settled upon a machine sewn hem, which I had to pay special care in order for it not to wave.  

I'm really pleased with how my fun and trendy skirt turned out.  I decided to pair it with a casual faux suede three-quarter sleeve top, my army green utility jacket, a pair of black boots and a yellow bag.  I love the different play on textures and a little pop of color.

Wearing:  Jacket: Vogue 1762 (OOP) YSL; top: New Look 6083; skirt: Vogue 8672; boots: Justfab.com 'Nikola';  bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim x Target.

What I'm Wearing: Weekend Wear | An Autumn Remix!

Since it's officially fall in the Deep South, that means it's officially boot season!  

I love a flat over-the-knee boot.  It's a wardrobe staple for cold days when I have a lot of moving and shaking to do.

And they are perfect to pair with skirts.  This time I remixed the look of my pleated leather skirt and sleeveless white collared shirt with a pullover v-neck sweater.  I believe in getting mileage out of the things I make!

I put this look together because I had a lot of errands to run and I wouldn't have time to change for date night.  This look took me from daytime to movie night.  (BTW, The Best Man Holiday was worth the 14 year wait!) 

Wearing: sweater: Ann Taylor; top: Vogue 1248; skirt:  Butterick 5285; boots: Shoedazzle 'Darci'; bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim x Target.

DIY - The Purple Lantern-Sleeve Dress!

For over a year, I've been lusting after Roksanda Ilincic Margot Lantern Dress.  It's in my Pinterest and I've also kept pictures of it on my hard drive, in all of the beautiful jeweltones and sherbet hues.  And since I had a purple wool gabardine in my stash, purple it is!

Inspiration:

Roksanda Ilincic Margot Lantern Dress

This dress is completely self-drafted.  Trust me when I say, if there had been anything similar I would've saved myself a lot of work!

First, I started with the pattern pieces from this dress.  The sleeves were already perfect and were the least of my concerns.  I first had to figure the right amount of ease to create the off-centered neckline pleats.  And I used the same method to create the ones at the waist.  Which was pretty much much measuring, slicing and spreading.  

And based on my inspiration garment, for the back -- they used pleats on the bodice and skirt instead of darts.  I initially didn't know how I'd feel about this detail, but I went for it.  Personally, I prefer the smoother look of darts, but you never know until you try it.  And the inspiration garment has an exposed zipper that runs from neckline to hemline.  I wasn't sure how this dress was going to turn out and even if I was going to like it.  So I decided to just omit that detail from the original -- as much as I love an exposed zipper!

I fully lined the dress with a matching purple Ambiance bemberg lining.  And I added a 1 1/4" hem at the knee.  The sleeve is lined up until the lantern part.  I thought it would drape better without being lined.  And I finished the sleeves with 5/8" hem.

Overall, I'm pretty pleased with the outcome.  Since I'm self-educating myself on drafting, I thought this was a great project with cool details to teach myself how to do.

Review: New Look 6231 | A Lurex Woven Peplum Blazer!

This peplum blazer is made from this gorgeous Carolina Herrera "woven fabric. Stone-colored, it combines black threads with graphite, gray with soft silvery strands, in a textured weave that can scarcely be described as medium-weight with the prettiest subtle sheen", from Mood Fabrics.  And it was perfect for this collarless jacket!

When I think Carolina Herrera, my first thoughts are elegance and sophistication.  So I wanted to create something that would do this beautiful fabric justice.  I chose New Look 6231. Even with the pleated peplum, the lines of this jacket are simple and uncomplicated.  A perfect way to highlight the fabric.

But in order to get a garment that I would be thrilled about, I had to make some alterations and modifications.  First, I lengthened the body of the jacket by an inch.  I made a 1 inch FBA.

The shoulders are drafted really wide in my opinion.  I had to shave an inch off of them.  

And since I'm not a fan of one-piece sleeves on tailored structured jackets, I swapped them out for a two-piece sleeve in a full-length.  Here's a post I did previously regarding sleeves:  "One-piece Sleeves vs. Two-Piece Sleeves".

And I added 7" exposed zippers at the cuff.  I like the bit of "edge" this detail gives this style.

Show me yours, and I'll show you mine:  Don't you love seeing the inside of a garment?  I do!  It reveals A LOT about one's construction skills!

I also lightly tailored this jacket by block fusing nylon tricot fusible interfacing to the fabric.  I added a back-stay made from muslin and I stabilized the neckline with a strip of silk organza.  And I added a full lining.  The jacket is held closed with a hook and eye closure.

Note:  Here are previous tailoring projects with lots of pictures and descriptions.

As lovely as this fabric is, it does not take kindly to having seams ripped from it.  You can easily catch those loosely woven threads.  I learned that the hard way!  So try to get it right the first time!

I'm already planning additional outfits in my head incorporating this jacket.  This is going to be such a fun piece to dress up or down this season!

What I'm Wearing: Weekend Wear | Nighttime Sparkle!

So, I made another pair of slouchy track pants.  This time, I used sequined fabric.  And I can assure you that I'm officially over this trend.  I had planned to make a third pair in leather.  But two pairs are enough for me.  And plus, I'd feel like I'm wasting perfectly good AND expensive leather hides on something so trendy.  

For this pair, I used this sequined fabric from Mood Fabrics.  I omitted the pockets and used black rib knit for the waistband and cuffs.

"Before I Die" in Birmingham, AL

I was sent this great great necklace from Onecklace.

Mine is the 18", 24K Gold Plated Alegro Name Necklace.

I use to have a necklace like this back in the 80s, when I was in high school.  I've not a clue as to what ever happened to it.  In later years, I fell in love with Carrie Bradshaw's necklace and always said I was going to get another one.  And I've finally had the opportunity through Onecklace to make that happen.  And I think I'll probably be getting my daughters one as a stocking stuffer this year.

Wearing:  Vogue 8815 - long-sleeve peplum top; Vogue 8909 pants; Prabal Gurung x Target sandals; 3.1 Phillip Lim x Target bag; Markus Lupfer initial brooch.

Shifting into Minimalism

When it comes to dresses, I usually have a preference for a fitted sheath.  That's been my go to style for years.  But lately, I've been noticing how effortlessly adorable shift dresses are.  On me, I find shift dresses to be a flattering and forgiving garment.  And what better form than a LBD!

One I can wear and not be encumbered by foundation/shapewear garments and I can feel free to actually eat while I'm wearing it... and still look chic!  And I've decided this season, they are a welcomed addition to my wardrobe.

This dress is self-drafted.  It's based on the same pattern I used for this dress.  With only minor adjustments.  But for this one, I added lantern sleeves (with a 1/4" elastic hem) and an invisible zipper.  And also, instead of using a jersey fabric, I use a black viscose crepe that I've had in my stash for many years. 

I wanted a low back, but I wanted it to be "bra-friendly".  Not too low this time.  

It's amazing what the camera flash will reveal.  Notice the sheen of my black interfacing for my zipper showing through.  It reminds me of when celebrities are caught braless on the red carpet and all of their "bits" are shown on paparazzi pictures.  I guess the next time I wear this, I'll have to avoid step and repeats and flash bulbs!

I'm pretty pleased with the way this dressed turned.  I wanted something with a simple shape, that looked just interesting from the front and the back; and with dramatic sleeves.  And that's just what I created.  I plan to make a couple more of these dresses  since they're so easy to wear.