Erica Bunker | DIY Style! The Art of Cultivating a Stylish Wardrobe

2015 Sewing Review

Review: Simplicity 8045 (Modified) | Giving 2015 The Cold Shoulder!

6:21 PM

cold shoulder

Casual Holiday Dressing and Some Happiness!

8:15 PM

McCall's 6404

A Fabulous Cardigan as a Perfect Topper!

8:30 AM

Baste + Gather

So, I'm continuing on my jeans roll. As you know, I'm all about wardrobe-building. And everyone woman needs substantial basics in her closet. In mine, I'm filling the hole of denim. Almost all of my jeans are too big. I've been altering like crazy and I hate altering anything. I'd rather make it from scratch. There is only so much space in the back for darting and taking in. So it was time for new ones. Sure, I can buy jeans... I've never had a problem fitting RTW jeans. The GAP has always been my go to sources for jeans, because I can always order tall lengths from their website. But I enjoy sewing. It's my time and it relaxes me. So why not make a couple of pairs? I'm going to sew anyway, so I may as well make something that I truly need and will wear plenty.

This is a revised edition of the Kendall Skinnies from Baste + Gather's test pattern. On the previous pair, I took in the leg opening. On her revised pattern, she contoured the entire leg, and the leg opening is still my preferred 11.25". And as you can see, it's pretty fitted. I've also been testing out different weights of denim, to see which ones work for me and will be easily accessible for purchase. This is a 7oz Poly Cotton Denim from Joanns. I love the weight of this denim, but it would've been perfect had it had more lycra. So, I feel like I'm on the right track for MY perfect denim weight.

I cut the same size 31, but this time I added 3 inches to the length. I like a little bit of "pooling" around the ankle of skinny and straight leg jeans. Jean making is cool. And I'm looking to "perfect" a pattern for ME. Let's pause... see, my version of what's perfect for ME does NOT have to align with what you think is perfect. "Perfect fit" is subjective and completely personal. It's synonymous with how one seasons their food. I don't have to wear it or eat it! Moving right along... I'll probably make a couple of more pairs in the next months. I definitely want to make a pair of white skinny jeans.

Styling tips: I love a denim-on-denim look. Also known as a "Canadian Tuxedo". My favorite denim shirt seemed to have accidentally been packed in Mikaela's bags and now lives in her college suite. So, I decided to just replace mine with this awesome one from Shein.com. The Blue Lapel Pockets Buttons Denim Blouse is a perfect RTW wardrobe addition. It's such a versatile piece that practically goes with everything, and it shall be worn to shreds!

I also love leopard print and I added my J. Crew ponyhair leopard print belt. Because in my world, leopard print is a neutral. And since it's the holiday season, why not look festive with a pair of gold Steve Madden glitter pumps.

Baste + Gather

Kendall Skinnies from Baste + Gather!

12:00 PM

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!

Styling tip; To complete my "classic look", I paired my new dark denim skinnies with my favorite white shirt - Butterick 5526. What's more classic than a camel coat! Mine is Simplicity 1756. And I added a brown studded Michael Kors belt and a pair of ponyhair leopard print slingback pumps.

Fall 2015

"Talk of Alabama", The Season of Giving & Another Vogue 1460!

6:30 PM

Erica Bunker DIY Style on Talk of Alabama

This morning, I did local morning talk tv - Talk of Alabama on our ABC affiliate 33/40.

It was to discuss an event I'm co-hosting on December 12th, with another Birmingham-based Blogger Boss Style 9-to-5.

In the Spirit of Giving, we are asking the public to come out and donate gently used business attire for women in need. Each donor will receive a gift card from the Aveda Institute, who also is providing a venue for this event. The gift card can be used for a facial, cut/style, OR manicure/pedicure. Donations will benefit My Sister's Closet at the YWCA of Central Alabama.

So for a tv appearance, a new frock was necessary! I wanted to be comfortable, and not wear anything that would be fussy. And I needed to look morning tv appropriate. I found out I was going to be on Tuesday. I said I would just pull something from my closet and rock it. LIES! LOL Mikaela and I ran through pictures on the blog and Instagram and I thought I'd settled on something to wear. But in my sleep that night, (all great visions come to me in my sleep!) I decided to make Vogue 1460 again because it was so easy.

The last time I made it, it was to wear to a same day event, so I knew it was the one. I ran to Hancock to buy fabric yesterday morning. Being that we're in the holiday season, I wanted to look holiday-ish, so I decided on velvet. I wanted a rich hunter green velvet but there wasn't enough on the bolt. So blue it was. I still want something in that hunter green velvet though! I'm glad I went with the blue, because I didn't know if I would be sitting or standing and the green may have blended in with the sofa.

Vogue 1460 in stretch blue velvet - Erica Bunker DIY Style!

I didn't get awesome pics today because Michael was at work. So here are my break out the tripod pics! The only change I made was to eliminate the back vent.

Sewing Tip: If you need it in a hurry, sew something you've made before! You know it's going to fit and there will be no deciphering new pattern instructions!