Mixed Animal prints!  I adore print mixing of all kinds.  It's a bold move to put together clashing prints and not look like you've gotten dressed in the dark or going through some emotional issues! LOL  I'm wearing my black long-sleeved Vogue 8815 peplum top with my McCall's 6038 zebra print pencil skirt.  When I bought these sandals from ShoeMint.com, I knew I had to mixed these prints into an outfit.  Kinda matchy-matchy, but I like it!

Lemon, lime and leopard!  This was my way of "stepping into spring"!  The pants are Vogue 1143 in the "Color of the Year - Emerald Green".

This is another ShoeMint.com purchase.  I'd been wanting a pair of metallic silver heels.  And they're perfect as a neutral for spring.

Another day of pleasant weather where I was feeling the spring in the air.  I'm wearing Simplicity 2250 - white blazer.  I'm seriously going to start working on another white blazer next week, before this one is threadbare.  I wear it just that much.  Also, my colorful silk chiffon caftan which is New Look 6051 over Vogue 8774 - corduroy jeans.  I had just noticed I hadn't worn these all winter.  They'd gotten pushed back in the closet.

I was inspired by this Isabel Marant top from Net-a-Porter.com that retails for a whopping $1,155!  

I used a faux suede fabric from Hancock that I purchased on sale for around $3 and some change per yard. Sure, a genuine suede top like the inspiration version above would be TO DIE FOR FABULOUS!  But even if I were willing to shell out a mortgage payment, I would feel like I could only wear that top on "special occasions".  Mine will be a great t-shirt alternative AND it's machine washable.  So I won't have to seek out a leather specialist dry cleaner!  Same look with much more wearability!  GO ME!

This top practically sewed straight out of the envelope.  I only added an inch to the hemline after cutting the size 14 from the shoulders and grading out to the 16 from the waist to the hip.  I used my pinking blade in my rotary cutter so I didn't have to bother finishing the seams.  This top was cut and sewn before Laura was auf'd on "Project Runway"!

The pants...

Pattern:  Vogue 8774, View A

Pattern Sizing:  4-18, I cut the 16.

Description:  Fitted, tapered or straight-legged jeans (below waist) have shaped waistband with hook/eye closure, carriers, front/back pockets, back yokes, and binding for front fly zipper closing. Topstitching and narrow hem.

Between making Vogue 8330 and Jalie 2908, I'm pretty familiar with this style of jeans and jeans in general. I use a 100% cotton, 21 wale cord in a bright turquoise color.  I'm sure you didn't think I was done with my brightly colored pants!  These were pretty simple to sew, almost just like the Vogue 8330.  And with the same waistband issues as well.  I've been spoiled by contoured waistbands and feel that all pants should have them!  I ended up doing a "gaposis fix" and adding a small amount of length to the pattern.

Overall, I love this outift.  It's my answer to jeans and a t-shirt!