More is more is more. Long gone are the days when shying away from "doing the most" was in fashion. Life is too short to not be adding some exuberance to your life. To quote the queen of exuberant dressing, Iris Apfel, "Life is gray and dull, you might as well have a little fun when you dress.” So, I'm having some fun by adding this top that is shiny, metallic, pleated and has plenty of volume to give what could've been an otherwise boring outfit some opulence.
My top is an oldie. It's Vogue 8581, which is out-of-print. I wanted a simple pattern that would quite literally allow my fabric to shine. My fabric is Casa Embellish Pleated High Shine Fabric from Joann. It's super lightweight and a fabric that I could wear all year long. And the drape is amazing.
I cut the size 14 straight from the envelop and it's nice and billowy. The pattern is recommended for knits. But this fabric works perfectly because even though it has "give", the pattern is drafted with so much ease that it fits perfectly and pulls over with no problem.
The pleats run selvage to selvage, so I cut the pattern on the cross grain. 
My pants are the True Bias Lander Pants. 
My fabric is plain, 100% cotton white twill. I think it's this one, but I'm not sure. I grabbed one that looked medium weight and opaque. 
I cut the size 16 and I made my normal full seat adjustment and I added about 1/2" to the crotch length. I'd noticed that they looked a little short in the crotch on a lot of people that had made them. That's typically a problem area for me anyway and I just went ahead and did it. Next time, I'll probably scoop out the back a little more. These are some good everyday pieces to add to my wardrobe. And I know I'll enjoy wearing both. 

It's been a long time since I've been truly interested in a pattern release. Sure, I always see the possibility in one or two. Maybe they're something I can hack into something I actually want. But, I want to sew these straight from the envelope! 

In probably the last decade, it seems as though Vogue Patterns has gotten squeamish about releasing high end designer looks with complicated details. People that don't want to stretch their sewing skills always complain so badly. And then there are the ones that can't see pass a knit top and shapeless pants (nothing wrong with that if that's what you like, but leave other folks alone!), are always like, "OMG! Who's going to wear that?!" Believe it or not, there are a lot of people that love fashion while simultaneously love sewing. Go figure. I grew up loving all of the Vogue American Designer Original and Vogue Couture patterns and the dreamy french designer Vogue Paris Original. Those were the golden days of Vogue Patterns. Back then, sewing a designer pattern felt as though you were taking a couture sewing masterclass. You would learn so much.

Enough of the reminiscing... let's talk about what's current...

 Vogue 1633

I love the full skirt. This will look stunning worn with tall boots.

 Vogue 1638

I've made draped hem skirts before, but I still like this one too.