So, the pattern testing continues!  This time, it's for the Birkin Flares (which are currently live) sister - the Kendall Skinnies.  This one is is not available yet because it's still in the testing stages.

These jeans are cut from the top up, based on the revised Birkin Flares pattern.  I'll be making another version of the flares soon!  I cut the size 31.  They are high-rise -- mine are 11.25".  I love skinnes with a higher rise.  They hold everything in!  No muffin top and no butt crack, because crack is wack! Sometimes when you put on a tight pair of skinnies, you think the rise is fine and then you sit down! Butt crack!  And I hate when my shirt doesn't stay tucked when I'm sitting or bending.  I didn't find that problem with these.  They're high enough, but without looking like tapered leg "mom jeans".

The pattern is cut with a 30" inseam.  I think this may be standard on all sizes.  You can always add or subtract length.  I plan to wear these with boots.  Even though I don't mind these hitting at the ankles, I will definitely do another pair with a couple of added inches for that "pooling" effect around the ankle for wearing with flats or heels.

For my last pair of jeans, I used that super heavy 12oz Cone Mills stretch denim.  I was really curious about it because I'd heard plenty of others raving over it.  If I try it again, I will definitely downgrade.  To give you an example of what it feels like, it reminds be of back in the day when I use to buy dark denim Levi 501s, and having to break them in.  I don't have time to be breaking in denim that stiff, so I'll stick with denim in a lighter weight.  

I actually found this denim at my Hancock.  It's an 8oz stretch denim with 3% spandex that was a dream to sew and topstitch and it feels wonderful to wear in such a fitted pair of jeans.

My leg opening is 11".  I tapered these down almost an inch.

I love plain back pockets.  They give jeans a classic look.  I can wear these everyday and just switch out tops and shoes, and no one would know the difference.  I can't wait to see what other testers think of these, because I love them.  Jeans are not difficult to sew, but they are most definitely detailed. And I would not be committing my time ESPECIALLY during the Holiday season at that, if I didn't honestly love them.  Because I really need to be finishing up my shopping!

I'm currently participating in the "Build Your Wardrobe Series" hosted by the fabulous sewing blogger Mrs Crafty Chick.  Building a wardrobe with the basis of essential pieces is something that I've always been passionate about.  One of my personal style mantras is: "If you stay ready, you'll always be ready."  I believe in this so strongly that I gave a seminar back in July on this topic and it's the essence of this blog.  So my closet stays on point for each and every occasion.  The only thing that would catch me off guard is if I had a gala to attend on tomorrow.  Sorry, no ballgowns on hand -- yet!  But that's on my list.

I love to look polished and pulled together and a blazer is that perfect piece that will transition a look instantly.  It's the punctuating mark on a casual outfit.  Here I am wearing my Simplicity 1421 blazer.  I made it during the summer in a white twill.  But being my fashion-forward self and residing in The Deep South, I'll be wearing my white blazer year-round.  To hell with those archaic fashion faux pas.

In this first look, I paired my blazer with a black RTW button front blouse and my beautiful wool tweed Vogue 1066 Badgley Mischka pants.  Talk about making something classic with staying power!  These were made for Fall 2008.  And I love them even more now.  And I wore a magenta pump for a fun pop of color.

Nothing is more classic than the white button front shirt and the pencil skirt... two more wardrobe essentials.  My white shirt is Butterick 5526 and my pencil skirt is Vogue 8773.

A blazer is an amazing piece that tops pretty much everything!  Wear it over your LBD, with jeans and a t-shirt and with shorts!

So... I made a skort.  I haven't worn a skort in a few years.  This was a regular part of tennis attire when I actually picked up a racquet and played on the regular.  But I thought this would be a cute addition to my summer wardrobe.  So let's talk about it!

This is Simplicity 1370 and I made view A.  I cut the 16, but I had to take in the waist.  This pattern is cut very narrowly through the hips.  And in honesty, it's probably designed for a "boyish" frame.  

Now this pattern is cut pretty short.  I didn't even realize how short it was until after I put in the 1 1/4" hem.  The inseam probably measures 2".  I would love to make this pattern again because I think it's adorable.  But I would make it in a dressier fabric and a couple of inches longer.  

Let's talk about this fabric.  I picked this fabric because I was drawn to the bright color.  Bright colored bottoms are so prevalent right now and I felt it would be a great wardrobe addition.  

This fabric is Rag & Bone's Ethereal Blue Polyester Woven from Mood Fabrics.com.  And it is indeed polyester and presses as such!  As in -- a nightmare!

When a fabric tells you who it is,  believe it the first time!  The descriptions said it was polyester, 100% polyester at that and has the had of a linen with a crisp drape.  A really crisp drape.  Something should've clicked in my head when I read that, but I was in the midst of a moment over the color.  But hey, you live and you learn.

Shirt: Butterick 5526.  See original review here.

Even though I wish I could've gotten a smoother press on the fabric, I think this pattern is adorable.  And even though I want to add length to it, the pattern company didn't think enough of anyone who wouldn't appreciated the short-short length by addint lengthening lines.  You're pretty much on your own with figuring that one out.  Thanks Simplicity Patterns for that!  But all in all, I really like this pattern and I do plan to make it at least once more in probably a black wool blend suiting fabric (hopefully).

Well, it's "officially" summer!  And what better to wear when it's summer than an all-white ensemble!

Even though I love to wear white year-round, a crisp, bright-white head-to-toe look just really really pops when the mercury rises.

And one of my favorite pieces in that outfit is a great white shirt.

Even in the summertime, a button down shirt can be fabulously pair with shorts, skirts and summer pants.

Wearing: shirt: Butterick 5526; shorts: Old Navy; shoes: Shoedazzle.com; purse: vintage Chanel.