There is just something so classic and elegant about a black and white ensemble.  And I just can't get enough of these wardrobe staples.  There are so easy to mix and match with other pieces in my closet.

And one of the things that I've been craving most is a black guipure lace skirt.  And why not a white top with dramatic sleeves to pair with it!

For the top, I used Vogue 8945.  It's actually a pattern for a dess, but I love the sleeves... so why not a top?  I cut the size 14 and I only used the front darts.  I didn't make the darts in the back because I wanted the top to fit a little boxy.  I plan to wear it with pants and to leave it untucked.  My fabric is this unusual Italian Pearl Solid Textured Cotton Blend (Content: 53% cotton, 26% nylon, 16% rayon, 5% linen).  

This fabric has a crisp hand, similar to a bottom weight linen.  And it's woven with glossy threads.  I found a that a very sharp Microtex needle worked best for sewing this.  This fabric has no stretch at all, and it would also work well for tailored garments.  And it would make a divine full skirt!  

My skirt is Vogue 8916.  I used Bemberg lining from my stash and cut the lining in the size 14, straight from the envelope.  I added 3 inches to the length of the skirt so that it would fall below the knee.  I felt a midi length would be much more elegant.

My fabric is Black Cotton Guipure Lace.  The fabric is 36" wide.  I cut it on the cross grain.  I eliminated the darts.  For this particular guipure lace, the motifs are smaller.  So instead of working around the motifs in the seams, I just cut the seams straight.  And since this lace is so delicate, I chose a skirt with a waistband.  I underlined the waistband with the lining fabric and used silk organza from my stash to stabilize it.  And for the hem, I cut around the motifs at the selvage line.

So for this year's look, she wanted head-to-toe black.  She gave me an idea to springboard from:  black dress with side cutouts.  I knew which pattern I would start off with:  New Look 6211 - SUEDESays.  I cut the size 4 and graded to the size 6 at the waist.  I also used the waistband from this pattern.

For the skirt, I choose a simple a-line design.  We wanted to keep the overall look to a "skater dress" style.  I picked the skirt from New Look 6243. I cut the size 8, because that's the smallest size offered by this pattern.  And it lined up perfectly with the waistband.  I shortened it by 3 inches because I thought an above the knee length looked better.

For the fabric, I used the SUEDESays Rosebud lace black from Jo-Ann.  I underlined the bodice with a stretch satin so that the sheen of the fabric would show through the lace.  The neckline, armholes and cutouts are finished with bias tape.  I also used the the stretch satin for the waistband.  

I didn't underline the skirt.  I wanted the pieces to hang free.  For the stretch satin lining, I used horsehair braid in the hem so that the skirt would have fullness.  For the lace, I left it unhemmed.

You all should know by now that I have an affinity for exposed metal zippers.  And at every given chance, I'll add one!

Mikaela and her date looked adorable!

And also during Spirit Week, there was Toga Day.  Now surely you know I wasn't sending her to school draped in a bedsheet.  

I used Simplicity 3647.  This fabric has a lot of ease, so I cut the XS.  I lengthened by 3 inches, because she was still going to school and I had to make sure she was within dress code.  My fabric is a lightweight broadcloth.  I used a Greek key trim and gold rope to finish the look.  

It was really quick sew and a great alternative to a basic toga.

So, I've already begun to sew with fall in mind.  And a crop top and metallic pencil skirt are great wardrobe additions for this upcoming season.

So let's start with the top, Simplicity 1366.

For my version of a crop top, I chose this length.  Contrary to belief, crop tops do NOT have to be tight, knit or midriff-baring.  And for a daytime-appropriate crop top, I'm choosing to wear mine loose-fitting with a high-waisted fitted skirt.  The sight of a sliver-of-skin is completely unnecessary to get this look across.  My goal is to look chic and hip without looking like I'm heading to the beach.

This top is a great basic to have in your wardrobe as a simple pullover woven.  The size 14, sews perfectly out of the envelope without any alterations.  I used this rayon (which is possibly a challis) that's the perfect weight for a blouse.  

My skirt is McCall's 6757.

For this skirt, I cut the size 14 and I added 3 inches to the length.  This pattern started out so promising until I got to the pockets.  Welt pockets can be daunting, but these instructions were overcomplicated and even the illustration in step 13, is backwards.  I had to figure that out the hard way.  My seam ripper was working overtime for this project.  But I made it work.  In case you choose to make this skirt, here is a quick tutorial on the welt pockets:

As instructed, interface the welt area on the wrong side and transfer the markings.

Interface the welt pattern pieces as well.  And create them by folding the welt in half, lengthwise and pressing.  And stitch along the raw edge.

Prepare the pocket facings.

Now, here is where things got fickly.  The instructions would have you sew the facings on the opposite sides of where they should be.  But when you match your markings, this is how it should look.  I know it may look strange, but it will make sense shortly when you turn your work to the other side.

This is how the opposite side looks at this point.

Slash your welt line and clip at the diagonal corners.  BE CAREFUL and DON'T cut the pocket or welt.  And turn the pocket facing to the inside.

And once the pocket is finished, this is how it looks.

Yes, it was pretty daunting, but the results were great!

My fabric was pretty cool as well.  As soon as I saw this gold foil denim on the bolt in Hancock, I knew it would be a skirt.  The fabric sews like a regular denim.  The only thing is I wish it had at least a little bit of stretch.  And it creases a lot from sitting. One day, I shall learn to levitate to prevent that!

And I used a gold exposed zipper.

And per usual with any pencil skirt pattern I use, I peg the hem. I just don't like when pencil skirts flare at the bottom.  Is it a pencil skirt or an a-line skirt?  I do this by taking in the bottom 4 inches less than the widest point of the hip.  Even with the welt pocket hiccup, I think this is a cute skirt.

Every now and then, I really become completely and utterly obsessed over a trendy piece.  And this time, it's the fringed kimono jacket.  I had been planning to make one for weeks now.  I had even thought of drafting my own because they really are simple.  And lo and behold, Simplicity released 1318.  Jackpot!

The swingy, loose kimono jacket has become a warm weather layer staple -- often adorned with fringe or tassels are a great alternative to a blazer or cardigan.  

Simplicity 1318 is a great capture of this trend.  The pattern includes four variations from which to choose.  I picked view C.  It sews excellently straight from the envelope with no alterations necessary.

I chose a printed silk chiffon from my fabric stash.

Of course with silk, I used French seams. 

And the only modification I made was to add my fringe, which I found in the home furnishing notion section at Hancock.  

The fringe was really simple to attach.  I finished off the hemline of the kimono just as the instructions suggested.  I added the fringe with a zig-zag stitch on the back side.

And an edge stitch on the front.

And I really like the way it turned out.  

This kimono will be a great addition to my wardrobe.  I paired it with white skinny jeans.  I plan to also throw it over my fuchsia romper, denim shorts, a little black dress, and in the fall -- my leather pants.  It's a really versatile piece to own.

Yesterday, I attended the grand opening of Uptown Birmingham as a B-Metro Blogger!  It's located in downtown Birmingham at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.  It was a magnificent event!

Birmingham's illustrious mayor - Honorable William A. Bell, Sr. was there for the ribbon cutting.

After that, all of the special invited guest and dignitaries continued on in the VIP area.  And the tasting of all 7 fabulous restaurants began!

This event sold out so quickly that it made my head spin.  The opportunity to get out and sample the regular menu items at all of the restaurants was amazing.

The first restaurant I had to try was Cantina Laredo.  Their menu items were:  Crispy Tortilla Chips Served with Roasted Tomato Salsa with Top Shelf Guacamole- Chicken Quesadillas de Laredo with Pico de Gallo and Sour Cream- Mini Chocolate Brownies with Pecans - Mango Tres Leches with Mango Cream Sauce.  They have some of the best guacamole I've ever tasted. They open on August 19th and I can't wait!

Next was Todd English P.U.B.  Yes, celebrity chef Todd English has a restaurant in Birmingham, AL!  On their menu was Ahi Tuna “Tar Tare” Hawaiian blue fin tuna, crispy fried wonton crackers, seaweed salad, gingered sesame vinaigrettte, toasted macadamia nuts- Hickory Smoked Pork Riblets House smoked riblets with TE BBQ sauce.  Let me tell y'all about the Tuna Tar Tare!  I could've eatened my weight in it!  

And last for me was The Southern Kitchen & Bar.  Their menu sample selections were the most substantial.  It was literally a full meal!  This is what they served:  Cajun Angels...bacon wrapped blackened shrimp served with a New Orleans BBQ sauce. - The Jefferson... Spiced turnip greens and Smoked Alabama Gouda Grits toppedwith rotisserie fried chicken and a hint of a homemade hit sauce.  This was like a traditional Sunday dinner!  I like to call this "Upscale Country Cooking"!

There were also fabulous giveaway items!

All in all, the evening was a success with a great turnout.  Uptown is my new favorite place to hang in Birmingham.  And if you live here or plan to visit, this is where you definitely need to go.  There's something for every taste!

What I wore:  My favorite white blazer: Simplicity 2250. And since it was a party, I wore great party pants!  My sequined version of Vogue 8909.