So I've been looking at pants patterns, because I'm always out to find the next great pattern.  I love the yellow pants I made, but that pattern took some tweaking.  The fit through the thighs were not as fitted as I'd have liked.  I wanted pants that were fitted through the hips, thighs and flared at the knee.  And that's what I tried to achieve with the alterations I made to that Simplicity pattern.  

I week ago, I was perusing Net-A-Porter.com (my FAVORITE site for retail inspiration) and saw these great Stella McCartney pants:

And I thought, "Wow, I need a pair of grey pants like these!"  And then it clicked:  I already have a pair!  It's sad to forget what you in your own closet.  SMH...

If you've been keeping up with the trends for this Fall, you already know that anything in the berry family is a hot color this season! I guess you can consider this color to be "cranberry". Also, another trend is the "romantic blouse"... I'm killing two birds with one stone!

This pattern was very simple pattern with fairly easy to interpret instructions. I made a small 1/2" FBA and probably should have added additional length for tucking. I really like the pleated neckline... this style is so prevalent right now. The instructions suggested that the neckline be finished with ready-made bias tape. I made my own and this is my result:

Another detail of this top that drew me in were the sleeves. Ruffles and flounces are so hot right now. I decided to use only two of the flounces instead of all three... that look was a bit much to me. The directions were very vague... well, um erra... nonexistent on how the flounces were to be finished. My fabric was not lightweight enough for a narrow hem and I didn't want to leave them unfinished. I decided to use a serged rolled hem.

The back is finished with a single hook and eye closure and the top is finished with a 5/8" hem. I've had this pattern in my collection for around a year. I don't know if I will sew this one again. Let's face it, so many cute top patterns come out with almost every new release. But if the pleating and flouncy sleeves appeal to you... go for it.

The directions were fine. The only time I looked at them was only when I was doing the welt pockets. I didn't have to make a lot of alterations... just my normal lengthening. What I absolutely LOVE about these pants are the wide, contoured waistband. I was kind of leery at first, because there is no CB seam on the waistband. But these pants are so well drafted that there is not the least bit of gappage and I didn't have to do any tweaking. The waistband facing is done with a contrasting fabric. I decided to use the same batiste I used for the pocket bags. In lieu of buttons, three hook and eye closures are used, which leaves a clean front. I really like the welt pockets also. The front pockets are plain and the back ones have a loop button closure. I finished them with a 1 1/2" hem. I really like this one and I will probably use it again for Fall in a heavier fabric.