Genie's Skirt

Here I go again, I have become captivated by Genie's Skirt at Anthropologie.ue. It is so cute, and in gray corduroy - my oh so favorite color this fall!!

Genie's Skirt

"Pilcro's cord fit-and-flare skirt rises like a dream from a flowing hemline into a contouring pencil frame."

Could you just see this looking pretty with a classic cardigan sweater set, lovely tights and retro heels?!!! Corduroy in a flirty ruffle-y feminine 8 gore fitted skirt!! And how did they get the corduroy to cooperate and create that flirty ruffle?

Why do I do this to myself? Find something there is no pattern exactly like it and feel as I have to make it. (feeling a little down about having to draft or alter a pattern - yet again)

Ok lets see - the Genie skirt is an 8 gore fitted pencil skirt with ruffle/flounce attached hem, 21 inches long, the front hem is slightly higher than the back hemline, traditional waistband, side zipper, back yoke and topstitching details.

The contenders are...

New Look 6433

View C

This pattern is in my stash, but I have never sewn it. I like the hemline, although it goes up in the back also that would need altered. The length is much longer than 21 inches (21" is a bit to short for me anyway) but it could be shortened to hit at the knee. I would need to create the 8 gores and remove the darts, add the yoke and then add a waist band.

Simplicity 3881

View A

I have sewn view 'A' a few times and it fits and flatters my figure. The skirt it's self is a slight A-line and the ruffle does not have the oomph the Genie does. The hemline would need altered lifting the front up a bit, create 8 gores removing the darts, add the yoke and waist band.

After work I may pull out my Burda mags and see if there are any close patterns. BUT if you know of one that might work please oh please let me know!!!

My Son's Vest'ed Interest 2

Sorry for the sad pictures and all the wrinkles but I had to grab a shot when I could and that happened to be after he had wore it all night long. (and he has the bottom button undone - this what I get after a late night and a "come on mom hurry up I am tired")

Here's a review on Simplicity 2870

Pattern Description: Project Runway Men's lined vest. Vest with front darts, 6 front buttons, various optional pockets and back tab or back buckle .
Pattern Sizing:
AA has sizes 34, 36, 38, 40, 42 and BB has sizes 44, 46, 48, 50, 52. I made a size 44 for my son.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, it was exactly what he wanted.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Somewhat, I did not use the pocket instructions. Nothing that stood out as incorrect, but the welt pocket was just to fiddley - so I use a tutorial online at Burda Style One Piece Welt Pocket
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the various options and styles that make this men's vest versatile.
Fabric Used:
Crepe backed satin from fabric.com and some fancy silver buttons and poly gray lining from JoAnn's.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
No real alterations other than the one piece welt pocket (which is awesome by the way!) I did line the satin with poly fusible interfacing - but would use woven fusible instead next time.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, but not sure when it all depends on if my son asks for another one.
Conclusion:
Great vest with many style options.

Fashion Looks 1

After loving the look from the blog Fashion Under $100 , I was surfing during lunch at the office (shhh, don't tell - ok?!) and happened upon Coldwater Creek's outfits section and fell in love with a look that I would call 'Relaxed Chic'.

I know I have most of this already in the closet, but not at the Coldwater Creek prices. And of course adding my little twist here and there.

I went shopping last weekend at the outlet and found these cute Nine West gray suede slouchy boots, oh so comfy!!

These denim leggins from ANA at JCPenney's are so comfortable and not overly tight at all!! I was always saying I would never wear leggings again, but once I read the reviews and then tried them on I was sold! Yes they are a sinful purchase for fall - I got 3 pairs one of each color black, denim and gray. I know your saying "WHAT you did not sew a pair?" but on sale they were cheaper than I could make them.

Thrifted a long gray cardigan just last month, that looks very much like this one. Although I am not as tiny as this lovely lady, but it does look quite nice on me if I do say so myself.

Now here's the sewing part - I NEED some long sleeve tops and I am thinking that maybe Burda's Tee pattern 8244 (out of print) might work (it's in my pattern stash).

Or Hot Patterns Plain and Simple Tee

in a deep charcoal or aubergine knit.

Last fall I bought a long silver and gold necklace at Avenue, and some nice silver hoops will top this look off.

 

Fun Fashion Blog

I am sure you have seen the blog Fashion Under $100, I am a stalker of Dana's!! I can spen hours looking at the archives, drooling over styles of the stars. And with her tips I can afford to look as good too!!

Right now I am obsessed with Dec 2008 Kim Kardashian's look

Although the look is from 2008, it is still so classy for today! Great weekend look or with a tweak here and there I can pull this off on a casual Friday at work.

I do think I will make a few changes here and there, like darker jeans maybe med/dark wash.

I ordered the new pattern by Hot Patterns - The Dressy Jean. Oh, and I can't wait to get it!!!

I already have this Target Heather Gray Tank.

And on it's way from JCPenney's is The Worthington V-Neck Cardigan in black. Love the boyfriend cardy look with pockets. Or the Hot Patterns Riviera Cardi would be cute! hmmmmm, gonna have to think about getting that pattern.

Sitting in my closet are a pair of Nine West Oxfords, I bought these last year at the outlet store during Chrismas.

And the scarf is lovely, but I want to make a serger scarf using decorative threads in white, black and grays. They are so fun and easy to do! I made a sample in browns and gold, but forgot to take pictures before my son's girlfriend saw it and there was no way of keeping it from her - her favorite color is brown.

More on this I promise...

My son's 'Vest'ed Interest

My son has me working on Simplicity 2870

Men's lined vest, we are working on a vest with the collar, lower welt pockets and back tab.

In this fabric Silver polyester satin

I have it all cut out and ready to sew up.