Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Another CAbi-Inspired Garment: The Paley Vest

CAbi FW 2010 Paley Vest
How cute is that little vest!? I just fell in love with its' graphic nature and the exposed zipper...it's a fun piece to add some spark to the wardrobe. Since it's still fairly cold here in the Pacific Northwest, I'll still be able to get some wear out of it before Spring FINALLY shows up and stays for awhile. We've been getting periodic sunshiny days, but most are still cold! Like 40s to mid 50s. Brrr!

Anywho... on to the vest! I got a screamin' deal on the fabric at Fabric Depot's Outdoor Sale two years ago. I think this wool/poly blend was something like $5 a yard. I made a winter coat out of it, too, and had about 2 yards left to play with. I made my own pattern, based on my Chanel jacket, which had princess seams. Not wanting to match up the houndstooth on princess seams because it's impossible, I joined the front and side front pieces at the seam allowance with pins and traced the joined pieces. I did the same thing for the back piece. When trying this on Betty (my dressform), I realized that I needed .5" bust darts added to the front. They're barely noticeable and make the front hang so much better. I also drafted the front and neck facings based on the pattern I created. I'm pretty pleased with the results. The fringe was fun and MUCH faster to make than on the Chanel jacket.

In the spirit of what I learned from MeMadeMarch '11, most garments I create from now on will go with at least three things I already own. So here goes! I skipped my favourite black pencil skirt/boot combination, because, well... it's boring. Also, it's supposed to be SPRING! Boots are for WINTER. Hear that Spring? I'm calling you OUT.

Houndstooth and pink paisley were made for each other, don'tcha think?
The back looks like I need a swayback adjustment, but IRL, it hangs fine. I must have been standing funny. In related news, after taking this pic, I realized that I have a flat butt. Must learn how to make flat butt adjustments for future trousers. These ones are doing my pert, cute butt NO favours. There may be colourful pants in my future. Wouldn't this look fantastic with RED pants?

I just love black and white houndstooth. I'm now the proud owner of black and white houndstooth Wellies, a purse, a skirt and now a vest. I'm flirting with the idea of wearing the larger format vest with the smaller format skirt. Is that too much? :)

With my red tunic top. Cute!

The long-sleeved white shirt I've been told is a wardrobe essential, but I have never worn. It looks good here!
With a dark denim shirt and jaunty scarf.

Casual with jeans and my pink swirl top. 

Friday, April 1, 2011

Week 5| MMMar '11

Looks like we made it!


Monday, March 28: That's a Wrap 
More alpaca from Italy! Also another wrap cardi. It's so cozy, I wear it around the house a lot. Here, I paired it with a self-drafted skirt and a ponyskin belt. Yee haw!

Tuesday, March 29: Darcidoodle, Girl Reporter
Don't I look like a modern Lois Lane? Just need my steno pad and my Press Pass!
After hanging out in the UFO pile (for too long), I finished this houndstooth pencil skirt over the weekend. The wool is from the Pendleton outlet store. I'm going to wear this skirt a LOT next fall. Also, it's got a fun orange lining!
  • Coat: Travelsmith
  • Skirt: M6038
  • Belt: Thrifted
  • Scarf: Brought back as silk panel from Italy, made into scarf. (Well, TWO scarves. My mom received its twin for her birthday. :)

    Wednesday, March 30 : It's Easy Being Green
    I really liked Erica B's version of this top and thought it would be a nice addition to my wardrobe. I was right! Next time, I'll make it out of a better fabric, tho!
    • Green Top: M6078
    • Black jacket + Cuff: NY&Co.
    • Grey, Striped Pants: CAbi
    • Necklace: Made by Me
    Thursday, March 31: Stylish Sophistication 
    Today is my birthday! A perfect day to debut my Chanel jacket! Can I tell you how much I love this jacket? It's like wearing a cozy sweatshirt, but far more refined. I'm going to own this forever.
    • Tank: CAbi
    • Chanel Jacket: V7975
    • Trousers: CAbi
    • Necklace: NY&Co.

    Friday, April 1: Woo hoo! We're Through!
    It's Casual Friday, so why not relax AND be quirky? This little top fits the bill.
    • Top: Twinkle Sews "Take Manhattan" (which should be made from a knit, not a woven...unless you LIKE looking like a modern flower, which apparently I do...)
    • Jeans: Land's End 
    •  Long-sleeved top: Cirque du Soleil (aren't the sleeves just awesome?)


      YAY for MMMar '11!