I could get my twirl on in this!

The moment that Mood posted a photo of this gorgeous fabric on their Instagram account, I immediately found it on the site and pulled the trigger on the purchase.  I was already in the mindset to make summer dresses, but I was still mentally deliberating on fabric choices.  And seeing this fabric at that exact moment... well, it was just serendipitous.  

This beautiful paisley print silk crepe de chine was the perfect marriage of fabric and pattern to Butterick 5886.  This fabric is so lightweight, floaty and luxurious.  It was perfect for a halter-style, high-low hem dress.

As much as I love silk fabrics, they're usually difficult to handle.  But this fabric cut beautifully and was easy to handle.  I  had no trouble keeping it on the grain, nor did it "crawl".  I used French seams and a narrow hem, because the wrong side of the hem shows.

Fashion tip #1 - A good racerback bra with a deep front closure is perfect for this!

Fashion tip #2 - To insure there's no "slippage", pick up Topstick Hairpiece Tape.  I got mine at Sally's Beauty Supply.  In my opinion, it looks a lot neater than using a pin.

The seams are understitch.  And I used a China silk from my stash to line the dress.

For the pattern, I lengthened the bodice by an inch.

And the skirt by three inches. 

And here's a tip:  For silk dresses with zippers, always interface the zipper insertion area.

I absolutely love this silhouette, and I can see myself living in these kind of dresses all summer!

First sundress of the season!  I'm so ready for warm weather.  That is until it's over 100 degrees and humid.  Then I'll be begging for fall!

Which comes first, the fabric or the pattern?  That seems to be a common question for those of us that sew.  For this particular project, the fabric came first for me.  I was on a quick jaunt to Hancock to partake in a pattern a sale.  As per usual, I was weaving my way through the aisles perusing the fabrics as I made my way to the pattern cabinets in the back.  And lo and behold!  My eyes landed on the most perfect bright, sunny, multi-colored nautical stripe print fabric!  Does it not scream SPRING?!

My next challenge was to find a pattern that would highlight the fabric and allow it to shine as the star.  I picked Vogue 8870.  I loved the fact that it's a sundress and has a high-low hemline.

The description is:  pullover dress has loose-fitting, blouson bodice variations, elasticized (seamed) waist, side pockets and narrow hem. **Wrong side shows on back hemline.** A: mock wrap, front pleated bodice, and two-piece sleeves. Note: no provisions provided for above waist adjustment. B: elasticized upper back.  

I cut view B.  I added an inch to length of the bodice and three inches to the length of the skirt.  I omitted the pockets.  I lined the bodice instead of using facings.  I left the skirt unlined (I decided to just wear a slip), and I used French seams since the wrong side is showing.  And I used a narrow hem.  And since the stripes ran vertical, I cut the fabric on the cross grain.

This is a very easy pattern that sews up quickly (unless you're using French seams and matching stripes).  This is a great pattern that I highly recommend, because even it you don't want to show as much skin with the straps, you can use the version with the sleeves.  And you can use the shorter length.  

I'd like to make the other version as well, but I doubt if I'll get to it.  My spring/summer sewing list is LONG and still growing!

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I've finally gotten around to creating a "personal blog" Facebook page, that will ONLY have fun fashionable and sewing content.  Feel free to "LIKE" it up!

And...

I'm also featured as today's "True Fashionista" on Wardrobe Oxygen.  And be sure to go through and read about the other true fashionistas as well!

Have a great weekend!

Even though I'm a firm believer in wearing white all-year-round, nothing signifies spring like a LWD!  A milky-hued frock is the perfect blank canvas.  You can take an optic white dress and accessorize it with any color or multiple colors!  Or you can add neutrals, metallics and animal prints.

These are two of my favorite white dresses:  Vogue 1029 and Vogue 1087.  Both made in ponte knits.  This year, I've decided that I want a crisp, white shirtdress for spring.  And probably a sundress in a white crepe de chine for summer.  

Are YOU planning a little white dress for this season?

Can I just tell y'all how much this sleeveless blazer has become one of my favorite things to wear?!  Oh... I did... my bad.

Well, I'm wearing it again.  To my chagrin, it has at least been a week since I wore this last... I know that's not a long time, but I really want to wear this thing everyday!  Have you ever made (or bought) something that wasn't majorly "special", but you just kind of fell in love with it and wanted to wear it often?  Well, that's how I feel about this sleeveless blazer.  I've decided that I MUST make a white one too.

And another thing that I'm loving right now is McCall's 6707.  I knew I'd want to make these over again and I had this most amazing lightweight wool gabardine from Mood Fabrics in my stash.  It's great because these pants are light enough to wear all throughout the summer and they also have stretch.  And who doesn't love the comfort that a stretch woven offers?

One of my new Spring polishes:  Essie "Madison Ave-Hue".

Wearing:  sleeveless blazer:  Simplicity 1756, or similar here and here; tank (old), similar here and here; pink trousers: McCall's 6707; black raffia and leather clutch (old); shoes: Shoemint.com.

My leather sleeve dress has been a favorite since I made it.  

It's always been something so chic about leather (or faux leather) sleeves.  

And when I made my black sleeveless blazer (or vest), I knew it would turn into a wardrobe staple.

And the pairing of them together was brilliant and made me smile!

And I don't care what the weather is like outside.  For me, it's spring.  I'm sick of tights and boots, so I'm in sandal mode from now until October.  So screw 50 degrees.  I'm rocking open-toes!  And I love my fringed suede bag.

Wearing: dress:  Simplicity 2064, similar here and here; sleeveless blazer: Simplicity 1756. similar here and here; sandals (old): Zara.com; purse (old): Big Buddha.

Boyfriend jeans have to be the most comfortable thing ever.  I found these at TJ Maxx at a RIDICULOUS markdown.  They were regular $295.00.  YIKES!  I got them for a mere red ticketed $39.00.  They were perfectly faded and I added more distressing to them.  

They are capri length with side slits.  And did I mention that they're comfortable? LOL  They have a great relaxed fit,  the antithesis of skinnies!

The way that I decided to style mine was to wear them with a pretty, frilly peplum top and pointy-toe metallic silver pumps.

These shoes will be my new neutral!

Wearing:  peplum top: New Look 6130, similar here and here; jeans are Escada Sport from TJ Maxx.  Similar here and here. Pumps are from ShoeMint.com.

Black and white is ALWAYS my default when I really don't want to put a lot of thought into an outfit, because it always works!  No matter if you pair separates, color block it or wear a graphic print.  And if you want to add color, add it with your accessories.

What's YOUR default, black and white, a single color, or neutrals?

Spring has sprung, and the daffodils are in bloom!

Inspiration:

InStyle - April 2013

Bright and I mean BRIGHT, neon yellow has to be one of my all-time favorite colors.  Every year this time, I have to make a point to purposely avoid buying fabric in this color.  

I swear it just jumps out at me in the store!

And I'm also continuing with the lace trend.  What can I say?  I'm hooked and I'm sure there will be more colorful lace to come!

And why stop with the dress?  Let's go with a yellow shoe too!

Wearing:  lace dress: McCall's 6460.  Similar here; and sandals are from DSW.com.