Sunday, June 17, 2012

Vogue 8784 Wrap Dress

Hello everyone! This week I made a cotton wrap dress to add to my everyday wardrobe. 
Wrap Dress
Vogue 8784 Front

Wrap Dress
Vogue 8784 Back

Wrap Dress
Vogue 8784 Side

Wrap Dress
Vogue 8784 Inside

Pattern: Vogue 8784 
I made View A (left) without cap sleeves.

Source: Vogue Patterns

Per my usual petite alteration, I shortened the bodice by 3/4" and the skirt by 4".
I usually need to do narrow-shoulder alteration as well, but I kept the shoulder length in order to achieve an X-shape as seen in some dresses sold at Saks this spring.  

Chloe
Cotton Wrap Dress
Source: Saks Fifth Avenue

Alice and Olivia
Josie Ruched Blouson Dress
Source: Saks Fifth Avenue

I changed the way the dress wrapped. If you follow the pattern instruction the right front should be on the left front. Well, when I was sewing the side seams, I just realized that proper kimono wrapped the opposite way and I suddenly wanted to make this dress that way. It is just my Japanese thing!

Fabric: Theory Cotton poplin from Fabric Mart. This fabric was very easy to handle.
Lining: Cotton voile from Denver Fabrics



Lastly, this is how I style my new dress.


Just kidding! Meet Perry, a corn snake who usually lives in my daughter's middle school classroom. She is taking care of him while school is out. I am no snake person, but I THINK I am slowly getting used to seeing him in my house.


Until next time, cheers to you all!

Friday, June 8, 2012

Vogue 1247 Little Black Skirt

My third and last Vogue 1247 skirt is done!

Fabric: Theory stretch cotton twill
Lining: Stretch polyester charmeuse
Both from Mood Fabrics


Although this skirt is made from cotton, black color makes the skirt look heavy and hot. I probably wear white version more often in early/mid summer then gradually switch to black in late summer. (I think dark orange version can be worn year round.) If I add a jacket/coat, tights, and boots it can be worn in fall/winter in mild climate like Arizona.

Some coordinate:

1. American Eagle knit top knock off (blogged here)


2. 5/48 chiffon blouse

If you have read my previous post on Vogue 1247 White Skirt, you have already seen these tops in coordinate 3 and 4. They are pretty versatile pieces to pair with either black or white.

3.Lafayette 148 silk knit top


4. M Missoni knit top

5. Missoni for Target cardigan which I share with my daughter


While I was browsing Neiman Marcus website for more black skirt coordinate idea, I came across this little number called Circus Lovin' Skirt by Nanette Lepore. If I look at only its silhouette, it is almost identical to my Vogue 1247! Styling a black skirt with purple and neon green is eccentric for me but I think the top is darn cute.
Source: Neiman Marcus

So, I completed three casual skirts. I am very happy that each skirt works pretty well with what I have in my closet.

After working with three cuts of solid cotton, I am having a gorgeous-fabric withdrawal right now! If you are a fabric-holic like me, you know what I mean. My next project must involve something oh-so-fabulous... Perhaps like this:


It is Carolina Herrera sheer basket-weave silk from Mood Fabrics. I am excited to work on this beauty!


Until next time, cheers to you all!

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Vogue 1247 White Skirt

Hello everyone! Today I am going to show you three summer coordinates I came up with my new skirt. It is my second Vogue 1247 skirt - this time in white stretch cotton sateen. (You can see my first Vogue 1247 skirt in orange here.)


1. My good old M Missoni knit top which I re-sized from size 16 to size 0.


2. Lafayette 148 Silk jersey top and turquoise-ish beads which I bought during my recent Sedona trip. Orange and turquoise also works well with white. 



3. ... and of course my yellow Milly knit top 


I was glad to see that this skirt worked well with fitted tops as well as loose-fitting style.

The lining is stretch charmeuse. Its weight is similar to the lining of RTW Elie Tahari skirt which I have worn very often this spring. Silky lining is smooth to my skin and makes putting the skirt on and off easy.

 

Fabric: Theory cotton sateen
Lining: Polyester stretch charmeuse
Both from Mood Fabrics

 
Until next time, cheers to you all!

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Vogue 1247 Rachel Comey Outfit

There was a reason why I was in such a hurry to finish up my orange skirt last weekend. I wanted to wear it on my mini vacation in Sedona.

Vogue 1247 Top and Skirt

Vogue 1247 Top and Skirt

The skirt sits slightly above my natural waist. The length is 4" longer than the original pattern. (Blogged here.) I like its A-line shape. It is not too triangle yet so comfortable - especially when I sit. Driving in this skirt was no problem at all.

For the detail on the top, please go to my previous post.

I came to realize that basic skirt did not have to be in neutral color. This orange skirt is surprisingly versatile. I can match many of my tops with this skirt because my top often includes orange in its design. 

Vogue 1247 Skirt Front
 
Vogue 1247 Skirt Back

I did not do Hong Kong finish on seam allowance but lined the skirt instead. I loved the result. I even wished I had made this skirt reversible.

Vogue 1247 Skirt Inside

Pattern: Vogue 1247
Fabric: Calvin Klein cotton sateen from Michael's Fabric.
Lining: J Crew cotton lawn from Sawyer Brook.
(I blogged about those fabrics here.)


I will post some pictures from Grand Canyon trip next time. Until then, cheers to you all!