Here's Monday's look which I was inspired by Pinterest! 

After years of seeing everyone wearing painted on skinny jeans, the universally flattering style of flares is back.  

And they look amazing paired with a peacoat (Vogue 2873).  I also added Breton stripes (McCall's 6964) to play up a nautical look.

And speaking of the flares, I am so glad to be able to slide into my Jalie 2903 jeans!

I still had fabric lying about from the last couple of projects.  And while I was about to fold and shelve the pieces, I decided to just use it instead.

This is the patent leather from Mood Fabrics that I used for this skirt.  I liked it so much that I decided to make a patent leather t-shirt.  I used Vogue 8840, view A. 

This top went together really easy.  The only alteration I made was a FBA... didn't want to have that "smushed uniboob" look!  I really love this designs welt seams.  They scream, "Let me be leather or suede!"

It's a simple pullover top with a cute little neck slit opening with a hook and eye closure.  I fused the hems for a cleaner look.

***Sidenote:  When ironing leather/faux leather, I always use a pressing cloth with no steam.

For my simple, single-seam pencil skirt (fabric cut on the fold, based on the your waist measurement with negative ease, with an elastic waist), I used the last yard of leftover red ponte knit from Mood Fabrics that I used for these pants.

I layered my top over a black long-sleeve knit top, added opaque tights and patent leather booties and my pea coat.  

While following street style trends, I for the colder months I always see pea coats, leather leggings and booties paired together.  And it's the perfect uniform for fall and winter. 

I'm calling leather legging a "new classic" because they're not going anywhere anytime soon.  They've become a wardrobe staple.  And they're actually pants whereas lycra legging are not.

"LOVE"

And they look great with pea coats.  I'm quite partial to my pea coat.  I think it's one of the greatest things I've made.  And everytime I wear it, I always receive compliments.  And I'm beaming with pride as people gag when I tell them that I made it!  It goes without saying that I LOVE this coat!

I've been contemplating making another one this year in a bright color.  Maybe after the first of the year.

Wearing:  pea coat: Vogue 2873 (OOP); blouse: McCall's 6651; leather leggings: McCall's 6404; booties: Just Fab.com 'Leander'.

So... how was that Super Bowl?  Go RAVENS!

And speaking of the World Champion Baltimore Ravens... Remember that movie, "The Coalition" that I worked on?  Well... it's being released on DVD and Blu-Ray today!  

I couldn't be more excited and proud of my friend Monica Mingo, who wrote her dream down and made it happen!  And you have to know that Terrell Suggs is on cloud 9, after winning the Vince Lombardi trophy on Sunday night and today his first feature film is being released.  Sounds like a great week to me!

Here is the movie site -- The Coalition.  So if you're interested in seeing it, it's available at Wal-Mart and Target, in-store and online.  And also Amazon.com.  If you see, let me know what you think about the wardrobe!  Oh... and the movie! ;-)

Wearing:  Pea coat:  Vogue 2873; striped top:  McCall's 6355; brocade moto jeans:  Vogue 2973;  sunnies:  Karen Walker; pumps:  Sam Edelman.

Happy New Year!!!

Every year since this pattern was released back in 2005, I've planned to make this jacket.  I've bought fabric every single year and the fabric seems to get designated for another project -- each year.  For the life of me, I couldn't remember why I'd never gotten around to making this.  But this year, I was determined to make my pea coat that I've wanted for so long.

This is out-of-print Vogue 2873, a design by Michael Kors from his Fall 2004 collection. 

Original Michael Kors pea coat

What I love most about this design is that pea coats are so traditional and timeless and this pattern was no exception.  

Pea coats are a wardrobe essential that every well-dressed woman I can think of owns and wears to death.  The pea coat was made iconic by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.  That's why it's often referred to as the "Jackie O jacket".

They have the ability to make your ensemble look much more pulled together than otherwise.

For my pea coat, I chose this pattern because it has all of the details that I wanted (i.e. military-inspired epaulets, three row high buttons).  I wanted to use a heavy weight, high quality coating fabric so I chose this wool/cashmere (wool 80%/cashmere 20%) fabric.  I can't tell you how luxurious this fabric feels.  Unlike how wool can feel itchy, the cashmere makes it feel like a cuddly blanket you just want to wrap up in.

Here are my jacket "innards".  As you see, I've intricately tailored it.  I'm not going to go into great depth and description because I've blogged extensively in the past on my tailoring techniques.  The only thing I really did differently this time was using the machine instead of padstitchng.  It tremendously cut down on all of the handstitching.  I used a serpentine stitch as seen in Kenneth King's book "Cool Couture".  Other steps were taken from my tailoring go-to book -- "Tailoring:  The Classic Guide to Sewing the Perfect Jacket".  

The only modification I had to make was adding an inch of length to the body of the pea coat.  I was pleasantly surprised at how generously the sleeves are drafted.  I couldn't believe I didn't have to lengthen them.  

For the lining, I used black Bemberg rayon that I picked up at Joann's.  My location stays pretty well stocked in the basic colors.  And my favorite detail of all are the great silver/gold crested shank buttons.  

They just take the jacket to next level compared to the ones I see most in ready-to-wear.  And I topstitched using heavy-duty thread that wouldn't get lost in the thick fibers of the fabric.

For my final project of 2012, this is my favorite.  I succeeded in making an heirloom-quality jacket that I plan to wear for many, many years.