So fall has finally fallen here in the South.  Anytime the mercury dips below 50 degrees, that means it's chilly weather and time to break out the real outerwear!

Something about wearing a cape makes me feel like a super hero.  And with all I have to do during my daily routine, I need all of the help possible to make me feel like I have super powers.  And my Vogue 8776 cape made in camel wool gives me a classic elegance that will allow me to play the super mom role for many years.

I've had this cape for a while now and I've already worn it quite a few times. For this tailored length, I find that it pairs best with skinny, tapered pants -- preferably these McCall's 6404.  And today I added tall boots.  Underneath I'm wearing my New Look 6083 faux suede top.  And I've really grabbed a hold of the blanket scarf trend with this great tartan find from Target.  And I topped off the look with a hat from my husband's closet.  

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.