I still had fabric lying about from the last couple of projects.  And while I was about to fold and shelve the pieces, I decided to just use it instead.

This is the patent leather from Mood Fabrics that I used for this skirt.  I liked it so much that I decided to make a patent leather t-shirt.  I used Vogue 8840, view A. 

This top went together really easy.  The only alteration I made was a FBA... didn't want to have that "smushed uniboob" look!  I really love this designs welt seams.  They scream, "Let me be leather or suede!"

It's a simple pullover top with a cute little neck slit opening with a hook and eye closure.  I fused the hems for a cleaner look.

***Sidenote:  When ironing leather/faux leather, I always use a pressing cloth with no steam.

For my simple, single-seam pencil skirt (fabric cut on the fold, based on the your waist measurement with negative ease, with an elastic waist), I used the last yard of leftover red ponte knit from Mood Fabrics that I used for these pants.

I layered my top over a black long-sleeve knit top, added opaque tights and patent leather booties and my pea coat.  

While following street style trends, I for the colder months I always see pea coats, leather leggings and booties paired together.  And it's the perfect uniform for fall and winter. 

I'm calling leather legging a "new classic" because they're not going anywhere anytime soon.  They've become a wardrobe staple.  And they're actually pants whereas lycra legging are not.

"LOVE"

And they look great with pea coats.  I'm quite partial to my pea coat.  I think it's one of the greatest things I've made.  And everytime I wear it, I always receive compliments.  And I'm beaming with pride as people gag when I tell them that I made it!  It goes without saying that I LOVE this coat!

I've been contemplating making another one this year in a bright color.  Maybe after the first of the year.

Wearing:  pea coat: Vogue 2873 (OOP); blouse: McCall's 6651; leather leggings: McCall's 6404; booties: Just Fab.com 'Leander'.

Everything leather and leather-ish is very popular this season.  Leather is not only the new black, but the new everything and it's everywhere.  And I've been playing with all forms of it.  While searching Mood Fabric's index, I discovered this great Donna Karan Black Solid Faux Leather which is a black patent vinyl with a black fleece back and I had to have it!

When I bought it, it said heavy weight, so I wasn't sure what I would make.  I just knew that it looked interesting and I bought several yards.  When I pulled it from the box, it was indeed pretty heavy.  And it had a dull, matte finish.  I was just about to feel disappointed...  But then as I rubbed my hand across the fabric, there came the glossy shine.  So I started mentally planning and perusing my Pinterest boards.

Inspiration:

From Pinterest... Super glossy skirts paired with sweaters and sweatshirts for Fall 2013.

So I decided a pencil skirt it would be.  I was initially uncertain about the weight of the fabric and whether or not the skirt would look too stiff.  But once I started working with the fabric and applying heat to the back side, it became more supple and super glossy.  I used my teflon foot and a leather needle with a looser tension setting and a 3.0 mm stitch.  While practicing on the fabric, I noticed that shorter, tighter stitches looked like they were cutting into the fabric.  I took great caution to make sure I'm wasn't going to cause ripping at the seams.  

I used Vogue 8672 (OOP) because I like the princess seams and it was available in my pattern cabinet. Sidenote:  Vogue 8603 and 8697 would be great too.  Not to mention the fabulous lines of Vogue 1324.

The fabric behaved just fine while I was sewing it on the wrong side.  But once I began edge and top stitching, even with the teflon foot it seemed to want to stick a bit.  So I had to lengthen my stitch, adjust my presser foot and take my time.  And just to zhuzh up the skirt, I added an exposed metal zipper from waist to hem.  The skirt is unlined.  And I debated on what type of hem to use.  I settled upon a machine sewn hem, which I had to pay special care in order for it not to wave.  

I'm really pleased with how my fun and trendy skirt turned out.  I decided to pair it with a casual faux suede three-quarter sleeve top, my army green utility jacket, a pair of black boots and a yellow bag.  I love the different play on textures and a little pop of color.

Wearing:  Jacket: Vogue 1762 (OOP) YSL; top: New Look 6083; skirt: Vogue 8672; boots: Justfab.com 'Nikola';  bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim x Target.

Since it's officially fall in the Deep South, that means it's officially boot season!  

I love a flat over-the-knee boot.  It's a wardrobe staple for cold days when I have a lot of moving and shaking to do.

And they are perfect to pair with skirts.  This time I remixed the look of my pleated leather skirt and sleeveless white collared shirt with a pullover v-neck sweater.  I believe in getting mileage out of the things I make!

I put this look together because I had a lot of errands to run and I wouldn't have time to change for date night.  This look took me from daytime to movie night.  (BTW, The Best Man Holiday was worth the 14 year wait!) 

Wearing: sweater: Ann Taylor; top: Vogue 1248; skirt:  Butterick 5285; boots: Shoedazzle 'Darci'; bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim x Target.

For over a year, I've been lusting after Roksanda Ilincic Margot Lantern Dress.  It's in my Pinterest and I've also kept pictures of it on my hard drive, in all of the beautiful jeweltones and sherbet hues.  And since I had a purple wool gabardine in my stash, purple it is!

Inspiration:

Roksanda Ilincic Margot Lantern Dress

This dress is completely self-drafted.  Trust me when I say, if there had been anything similar I would've saved myself a lot of work!

First, I started with the pattern pieces from this dress.  The sleeves were already perfect and were the least of my concerns.  I first had to figure the right amount of ease to create the off-centered neckline pleats.  And I used the same method to create the ones at the waist.  Which was pretty much much measuring, slicing and spreading.  

And based on my inspiration garment, for the back -- they used pleats on the bodice and skirt instead of darts.  I initially didn't know how I'd feel about this detail, but I went for it.  Personally, I prefer the smoother look of darts, but you never know until you try it.  And the inspiration garment has an exposed zipper that runs from neckline to hemline.  I wasn't sure how this dress was going to turn out and even if I was going to like it.  So I decided to just omit that detail from the original -- as much as I love an exposed zipper!

I fully lined the dress with a matching purple Ambiance bemberg lining.  And I added a 1 1/4" hem at the knee.  The sleeve is lined up until the lantern part.  I thought it would drape better without being lined.  And I finished the sleeves with 5/8" hem.

Overall, I'm pretty pleased with the outcome.  Since I'm self-educating myself on drafting, I thought this was a great project with cool details to teach myself how to do.