When I ran across this gorgeous Italian Metallic Gold Abstract Cotton Print fabric at Mood Fabrics, I had to have it.  But typical me, I never stop and just buy a swatch.  Ain't nobody got time for that!  I pull the trigger on the purchase when I see something I like.  I'll make it work for something!

Maybe you guys haven't noticed, but I've been in a sewing funk lately.  Well, it started with a cold and cold meds and I felt like doing NOTHING!  I pretty much vegetated and flipped through all of the March issue magazines. The sewing room collected dust.  And our typical bipolar Southern weather didn't help the situation either.  One day it was 35 degrees, the next day it was 75.  Do I continue making cold weather clothes or do I start sewing for spring?  Well, regardless of the temperature, it is in fact March and almost spring.  So it's about time to pack away the woolens.  Now back to this fabric...  

I was looking for something to get me out of my sewing funk.  You know how it goes, you need that one simple, fulfilling project that gets the sewing juices flowing and what better project than a skirt!  

Sources 1, 2 and 3.

I've fallen in love with the front slit midi length pencil skirts that Michael Kors has done for Spring 2014.  I knew that I needed to make a skirt like that or my sewing world would just not be complete!  This fabric that I bought for a completely different project, fit the bill.  This is a crisp hand medium weight cotton that feels like a lightweight denim.  

I used Simplicity 2257 as my base pattern.  I used view A.  I omitted the kick pleat, belt and loops.  I added 3 inches to the length, created a french vent and drafted a lining (I used Bemberg rayon).  The fabric is 100% cotton, so I treated it like I would any natural fiber -- prewashed and dried on hot!  It sewed and ironed beautiful.

My shoes are from ShoeDazzle.com

Worn with my patent leather top, reviewed here!

Since it's officially fall in the Deep South, that means it's officially boot season!  

I love a flat over-the-knee boot.  It's a wardrobe staple for cold days when I have a lot of moving and shaking to do.

And they are perfect to pair with skirts.  This time I remixed the look of my pleated leather skirt and sleeveless white collared shirt with a pullover v-neck sweater.  I believe in getting mileage out of the things I make!

I put this look together because I had a lot of errands to run and I wouldn't have time to change for date night.  This look took me from daytime to movie night.  (BTW, The Best Man Holiday was worth the 14 year wait!) 

Wearing: sweater: Ann Taylor; top: Vogue 1248; skirt:  Butterick 5285; boots: Shoedazzle 'Darci'; bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim x Target.

Well, it's "officially" summer!  And what better to wear when it's summer than an all-white ensemble!

Even though I love to wear white year-round, a crisp, bright-white head-to-toe look just really really pops when the mercury rises.

And one of my favorite pieces in that outfit is a great white shirt.

Even in the summertime, a button down shirt can be fabulously pair with shorts, skirts and summer pants.

Wearing: shirt: Butterick 5526; shorts: Old Navy; shoes: Shoedazzle.com; purse: vintage Chanel.

Last night was my second night heading out to enjoy Birmingham Fashion Week, and this is what I wore.

One of the greatest things about living in a "driving city" is that coats are optional.  I can park nearby and make a mad dash to my venue while still warm from my car.  So this lightweight blazer was enough even in 38 degree weather.

This is my second version of Simplicity 2446.  And I made some great changes that makes this pattern a "TNT" winner for me.  

For the fabric, I used a cobalt blue gabardine from my stash.  And for the lining,  matching crepe back satin.

Here is a closeup of the brushed gold dome buttons.

The pant are Simplicity 2562.  They were never really the length I wanted them to be for a leg that wide, so I altered them.  They were almost in the Goodwill pile, but I thought that would be such a lost.  So I just changed the leg.

It's unbelievable how much I love this time of year.  I guess it's because I'm a September baby!  Autumn is just in my DNA.

It's that perfect weather where you can get by wearing a long-sleeved top and not necessarily a jacket.  And a perfect day or this top.

Just as I previously said, with the last three peplum tops I made -- I knew I'd be making a long-sleeved version of Vogue 8815.  And I can guarantee this is only the first one for the long-sleeved round.

With the exception of adding a inch to the length of the bodice, this pattern sewed really well out of the envelope.  I made it in a black ponte knit from Hancock Fabrics this time.  I really think I bought the whole  bolt because I still have plenty left.  Aww... what to make next time? LOL

It's no secret I'm completely and utterly obsessed with exposed zippers.  Maybe one day I'll grow weary of them.  But that time is no where on the horizon.  

I decided to add my pearl embellished Peter Pan collar necklace.  It's an excellent contrast to the black top.

And I polished off the look with another pair of Shoe Dazzle studded pumps in black.

This is my modified version of New Look 6003.  

I absolutely love this skirt.  And even though I made it in linen, I'm STILL going to wear it for the cooler season.  Hey... this is Alabama.  Remember, we have mild temps compared to other places.  So you may see this skirt being rocked with opaque tights and boots.  

Can we stop for a moment and talk about my shoes.  Like most women, I have LUST for a great pair of shoes.  Like these:

.  

Valentino "Rockstud" Slingbacks - $945

Yeah... okay....  A thousand dollars for a pair of pumps simply is NOT in my budget.  But this fantastic replica from Shoe Dazzle.com satiated that hunger!

Shoe Dazzle "Erin" - $39.95

When I saw these, I didn't even give it a second thought.  I pulled the trigger on that purchase.

The Shoe Dazzle shoe went perfectly with my outfit.  It was true to size and about as comfortable as any pointy toed shoe I've ever owned.  I loved them so much that I ordered them in black as well.