Erica Bunker | DIY Style! The Art of Cultivating a Stylish Wardrobe: High-low hem

Review: McCall's 7351 | Black Poplin Handkerchief Hem Shirt Dress!

11:30 AM

There's something about shirt dresses that just represent spring to me. Even though our weather is going back and forth, this past weekend was perfect for this black poplin shirt dress.

A good shirt dress is a classic wardrobe staple. And based on how many shirt dresses I've sewn over the years and a couple are still in my current wardrobe, they're a favorite of mine.

I wanted something this time that put a different spin on the classic dress. This one is McCall's 7351, view C. And my fabric is Jet Black Stretch Cotton Poplin from Mood Fabrics.com. I prewashed my fabric and pulled it straight from the dryer and smoothed it out with the iron prior to cutting. The fabric cuts, sews and presses beautifully.

This is one of those great patterns that has cup sizing -- meaning no FBA for me. I cut a straight size 14, with the D cup.

I lengthened the bodice by an inch, which is an alteration that I make to practically every single pattern I sew. And anyone with a substantial sized bust knows the feeling of getting a great bodice fit on a button up top with no gaping and pulling. So kudos to the cup sized pattern and this amazing poplin with it's slight give. I plan to make this again in a bright white, and when I do I'll lower those pockets probably about .5"-.75" inches.

Since my fabric is lightweight, I needed a comparable interfacing. I used Black Weft Fusible Interfacing. It is the perfect weight for the front bands and the collar.

I sewed the skirt straight from the envelope. I like the length as it is.

This poplin drapes beautifully. And just like with any bias cut, I allowed the dress to hang for 24 hours. Even though stretching can still occur in bias cuts, this handkerchief hem will hide any unevenness.

I am pretty impressed with this fabric. There was minimal wrinkling even after riding in a car.

I can tell you now, this dress will be in high rotation this season. I love the simple and quick style and the versatility. Shoe options are endless and all I have to do is add a great belt for waist-cinching style!

Fall 2015

A Silk Tunic and Faux Leather Leggings for Fall!

12:00 AM

Fall 2015

Review: Vogue 1465 Scuba Knit Top and Another Vogue 8956 Skirt!

12:00 AM

Fall is most definitely in the air. I can't even express how much I love this seaon. So maybe this outfit can successfully portray Alabama in Autumn.

As you all can see, I'm completely in love Vogue 8956. When I made my first version, I bought the black and the brown leather buckle tabs. So I knew I'd be making a brown version. I don't know what it is about this style that has captured me, but it most definitely has for now. This skirt is very Ralph Lauren. I've been a fan of the designer and his equestrian style for many, many years. And the houndstooth fabric and leather buckle tab details is pretty much a signature of his.

I found this brown houndstooth suiting fabric at Hancock and I knew that it would be perfect for the skirt I'd envisioned. I made it exactly the same way as the black one. But this time, I wondered how it would look wrapped in the opposite direction? Well, voila! It looks fine to me! I quickly researched a few RTW versions of this kind of skirt just to make sure I wasn't on some brand of crazy.

Here's a closeup of the fabric and the buckles. I tried to find the fabric on Hancock's website, but I had no luck. I can't say whether or not I'm done with this style. But time will tell!

I love basics. Basics are the foundation of any great wardrobe. If you don't have good basics, well... you may need to focus on that for a while.

Back when Vogue 1465 was released, a few people that reviewed the new batch of patterns "assumed" that the armholes were low. So what. Even if they are, that's no reason (for me) to write off a pattern. All you have to do is measure and raise the armscye if necessary. It wasn't necessary on this one at all. And I'm so glad I made this pattern. It's another soon-to-be favorite. I want it a basic black, white/ivory, and I even think I'll lengthen it into a dress. I like it just that much.

I cut the size 12 straight from the envelope. I didn't have to make a single adjustment. My fabric is a great scuba knit or neoprene -- I guess it depends on who you ask. It didn't require any finishing. I treat my scuba/neoprene that same way it's done in high-end RTW. Other than the beautiful topstitching, this pattern can almost be completed within an hour's time.

I wore it Saturday for the talk I did on "Fall Fashion's Do's and Don'ts".

It was a great turn out. Everytime I do one of these, I feel like I get more and more comfortable being at the podium discussing something I'm so passionate about. My friend Shundra Davis aka Mrs Crafty Chick Periscoped for me. Unfortunately a Periscope broadcast only last 24 hours and this was my first time doing one and I'm just not familiar at all with how to make it link with Katch.me (the site that saves the the broadcast). But now, I really love the idea of Periscope, so I'll be playing with it a lot more. I'll probably being doing quick sewing technique videos and maybe some shopping stuff.

All in all, I had a great weekend and a great outfit was the icing on the cake!

Fall 2015

Review: Vogue 8956 | The Asymmetrical Wrap Skirt!

12:00 AM

So, my head is completely wrapped up in Fall sewing! It's all I can think about. This is the latest addition to my fall closet!

I'm going to start by saying that I love this skirt - Vogue 8956 and I already forsee it being a major player in my fall wardrobe. And I have no idea how it escaped me for so long, but I'm glad it finally hit my radar.

I ran across this skirt from 3.1 Phillip Lim and I decided then that I had to have something like this. And I vaguely remembered seeing the Vogue pattern.

I cut the size 14 to make sure that it would hang right through the hips and there would be no pulling. I used view B, because I could tell that it would sew perfectly straight from the envelope and I wouldn't have to alter the length. This skirt is unlined with facings. My fabric is a poly/blend crepe suiting from Hancock Fabrics.

My seams are serged and pressed open. The waistband is cut in a single piece and instead of slipstitching it, I "ditch-stitched". And it has hook closures only.

I felt the waistband was super plain. And instead of having to worry about what belt I'm going to wear, I decided to add some interest by using these faux leather tab closures.

I love the kilt style of this skirt. Anytime I see skirts with interest that are pinstripe or plaid, I naturally think Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood.

Worn with the Closet Case Nettie Bodysuit

My fabric has really good drape. Had I made this in say a wool flannel, I would've tapered down the right side of the skirt. I'd want it to be more of a pencil skirt on that side. It's actually cut more a-line and a heavier fabric would cause it to flare more. Will I make this again? Definitely yes!

Still enjoying my gorgeous handmade Maasai necklace!

This is such a simple statement skirt with the added benefit of being easy to make. I recommend this one to anyone who loves a skirt with interest.

Styling tip: This is a great skirt that's extremely versatile. With my pinstripe fabric, this skirt could easily go into a business/professional setting by simply pairing with a conservative top and a basic single sole "lady pump". Or it will also look great with a turtleneck and boots, topped with a leather jacket. That's how I see myself also wearing this in the next few months.