What I'm Wearing | Good-bye LBD and Hello to the LBJ!

10:00 AM

The LBJ - Little Black Jumpsuit is now the new LBD - Little Black Dress.
Sometimes when I'm going out for the evening, I really don't want to wear a dress.  But I still want to look chic and evening appropriate.  So for this season, I decided to put the LBD aside and create a dressy little black jumpsuit instead!  So I commenced to creating a look in my head!
I decided to "Frankenpattern" most of my look.  I used black matte jersey that I keep in my stash... it's a staple.  For the front of the bodice, I used Simplicity 2187.  I lengthened it by 2 inches so that I could get some blousing.  
For the back, I drafted a 2-piece yoke and opened-back.  The back is cut similar to the front in an overlapping "wrap-style".
For the pants, I used Vogue 1308.  For my jumpsuit, I wanted a tapered leg.  I lengthened the front and back pieces by 5 inches and tapered the leg to a 13" opening.
When I attached the bodice to the pants, I created a casing.  And I added 1/4" elastic at the waist.  And even though the jumpsuit bloused enough to actually cover the elastic waist, I still added a leather obi-style belt.  I like belts!  I matched it up with a sequin jacket that I found last year at Express while shopping with the girls and pair of killer pumps that I bought from Zara.  This was only my second time wearing these shoes because these are what I call "valet shoes".  Because that's what you'll need when wearing these because they weren't made for walking!
The LBD will always reign supreme as the queen and hold down the throne for date nights and cocktail wear.  But for those occasions when you want to shake things up, try a LBJ!

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65 comments

  1. I love how you frankenpatterned the pieces to get the look you wanted. At work we call your shoes, "taxi shoes" at home my daughters call them "car shoes". BTW, Great look!

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    1. Definitely "car shoes"! Thanks Carolyn!

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  2. Combining those patterns together to get a complete look that is chic and sexy. I love it.

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  3. This is really beautiful. One of the best jumpers I've ever seen. The open back is brave!

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    1. Thanks AriB! I was feeling daring!

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  4. love it! i recently bought a vintage 1980s jumpsuit pattern at a thrift store and had something quite similar in mind. nicely done!

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  5. Anonymous11:23 AM

    valet shoes :-) could I adopt that term too because my closet is FULL of valet shoes! hahaha what a laugh.
    lovely job of the jumpsuit...stunning!

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    1. Yes, that term is yours! Thanks blacklabelblog!

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  6. Looks amazing! I love the pattern combo, and especially love the back!

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  7. Another great Erica B creation that on one else will have. Those shoes are to die for. . .I would call "sit down shoes".

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    1. Thanks My Kurves! They most definitely are that!

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  8. Anonymous12:14 PM

    This is gorgeous, what a beautiful design!!

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  9. This is FANTASTIC!!! Truly awesome frakenpatterning!! With the prefect accessories and hair, as usual!!

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  10. I have a black strapless jumpsuit that I took on a cruise to wear for dinner. It was so comfortable I felt like I was in my pj's! I also got a lot of complements on it too!

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    1. This one feels like pjs too! Thanks Joen!

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  11. I love this, especially the back of it.

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  12. Anonymous2:51 PM

    This is so sassy and cool! Love this look!

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  13. Love this look and I really love the tapered legs on this jumpsuit. I must try this...love it!

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  14. Anonymous4:22 PM

    Positively svelte!

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  15. Valet shoes! Can't help but love them. Beauty is pain. TFS

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  16. I'm not usually big on jumpsuits, but this one is stunning!

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  17. Love,love,love the jumpsuit.

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  18. I love jumpsuits -- and yours is gorgeous! -- but I hate getting them off and on. Love the shoes too although I quit wearing shoes like that years ago.

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  19. Well if anyone can convince me to try an LBJ it's you! You look fabulous from head to your valet ready toes!

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  20. KILLING IT! I had a similar plan this year but it never materialized. Love this so much (but what is your solution to the bra + backless conundrum?)

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    1. Thanks Heather Lou! I talked about a bra in the previous post with the white dress.

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  21. Comment 45...I have to comment...It looks fabulous! You look fabulous. I LOVE the back! Very Cool!

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  22. LOVE the jumpsuit!!!

    --Gaiana (www.trapkeybygaia.blogspot.com)

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  23. That is a great look. The jacket is perfect with the jump suit but the suit is great by itself. Nice drafting!

    Those shoes are gorgeous but my feet hurt just looking at them.

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  24. Simply awesome! And I want that jacket so bad x

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  25. This is beautiful and the back is totally unexpected! Love it and your entire look.

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  26. Fabulous LBJ, it looks great on you.

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  27. the Lady has attitude and the apparel complements it and her...ready to knock 'em dead. thanks for the concise but detailed comments about design and construction. you look fab, as usual...

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  28. Erica, great post :)
    You have such a great blog! I love it!
    I'm checking out your older posts and I'm following you on GFC and Bloglovin,
    If you like, I'd be so honored if you follow back!

    La Dolce Moda
    Francesca<3

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  29. Beautiful. And such a nice alternative for the LBD. It looks like it offers you more freedom to move than a LBD would.

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  30. Love it! That's a bad jumpsuit, I'm new to sewing but you have me dreaming of all the possibilities.

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  31. LOVE IT!!!! That design is gorgeous and looks great on you!!!!! You are truly talented!!! Thanks for sharing your gift!!!!

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  32. Its stunning. *applause*

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