Come 'White' This Way to the Belk Spring Preview!
11:00 AM
We're halfway through January and I hope everyone's new year is off to a great start! Mine is, with the exception of my sewing mojo taking a winter hiatus. But there is always one assured way to get my stitching juices flowing again -- having an event to attend!
When I reviewed my year and looked at all of my looks and OOTDs, I realized that I've been wearing black, black and more black -- a lot. So I needed to reach the opposite side of the spectrum, white! I love a great pair of white pants. But there are things that I require my white pants to be: crisp and tailored, wide-leg, loose fitting and NO pockets!
I reached for Vogue 9032 again. I used view B this time. The first time, I used view C. You really get your money's worth from this pattern. These are two completely different cuts of pants. The black pair is intended to be VERY fitted and flaring below the knee and IMO, they work best with a stretch woven. And probably a double knit also. This white pair is made in an Italian Doublecloth cotton (very much like a heavy twill) that I've had in my stash for a while. I'd purchased it for a lightweight, spring type of coat, but I decided it would work for these pants.
My favorite detail of these pants is the back princess seams. For this pair, I lengthened by 5 inches. I like for my wide-leg pants to be LONG. Like ground-skimming long. I feel this is really subjective, so I'm not even open to debate on my pant length. It's a matter of taste -- in this case, mine. Wide-leg pants look odd to me if they don't graze the floor, but I'm not going to quibble with you if you don't like yours long.
Backstory: I've always been a tall girl, and I'm very particular about length. It was always a struggle when shopping for RTW, which is one of the main reasons I took to sewing. I could never find sleeves long enough and I've always stacked bracelets to fill in the gap. (See, there's always been a reason for my love of over accessorizing). And skirts and dresses from RTW always bordered on being a tad too short. When I use to wear suits to work, I would always catch a side-eye from some of the ladies in my office -- as if it were deliberate. And for pants, my favorite trick was to buy cuffed dress trousers (Jones New York and Ellen Tracy were the best) and let down the cuff for the extra length. So yes, I'm really anal about length.
I love that this pattern is drafted with a very deep hem of 3". And I weigh my hems down with quarters on each side seam, right in the fold. I guess you can call them my "Dollar Hem".
I cut the size 14. I had to take in the waist. My waist is currently 11 inches smaller than my hip measurement. The only thing about these pants that I don't like is the lack of belt loops. I could really have benefited with the ability to wear a belt. I feel if you don't over-fit them, then they're not going to stay up. But muffin tops ain't cute! And I omitted the pockets. I've discussed pocket-show-through on this blog and I'm pretty sure that it's been discussed ad nauseam throughout the sewing blogosphere. It's not a good look.
To quote Arlene Goldstein: "The modern Southern woman likes a completer piece." And I wholeheartedly agree! It's not an outfit unless it's punctuated with some sort of jacket, sweater, coat, etc... Vogue 8780 has been in my sewing queue for the longest. I decided to make my version in a deep red wool melton from my stash. This is the quickest version of a coat that I've ever made. I cut and sewed it yesterday morning and was out the door in it by 4:30 pm.
I cut the size medium and made it straight from the envelope. Now, they didn't specifically say that this pattern was drafted for fabric with stretch or "give", but it could've been a catastrophe with the sleeve situation. They are pretty narrow. I would advise you to measure your biceps and forearms against the pattern piece. And this coat will never be able to be worn over a thick sweater. I knew it might be a situation when I attempted to hem the sleeves and it wouldn't fit over the free arm of my machine. But it worked out... barely! LOL
Other than that, this was a really quick piece to make because it required no lining and has a raw-edge finish. Even though it's wool, it's not the warmest but it was fine from my car to my venue. And I could also keep it on as part of my outfit.
Let's talk Belk Fashion Buzz and what's hot for Spring!
Here's a brief overview: Belk's Spring '15 - "Modern Mash-Up", presented by Arlene Goldstein, Belk Vice-President of Fashion & Trend Merchandising.
Sporty Chic - performance fabrics like jersey, nylon, athletic-inspired hoodies, bombers and stylish sneakers.
Spare Me - A-line, columns and trumpet skirts, along with tunics, over-sized shirtings. This collection looks most like my personal aesthetic and the one I found most interesting.
Islander - pattern mixes, wraps, exotic details, eye-catching bright colors.
Garden Party - dreamy pales, whites, florals and lace-like textiles
I love these gatherings because it's always great to run into and catch up with my favorite local bloggers and journalists from local publications.
And no event is complete without a great gift bag! Now as I type this and it's about about 30 degrees outside with freezing fog, I'm so excited and looking forward to spring!
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57 comments
There you go again. Always on point but always unexpected. Always inspirational. Love winter white, and that jacket - had in stash for a while but never enough nerve to pull it out. You look great!
ReplyDeleteThanks Faye!
DeleteI understand your struggle as a tall girl trying to find pants and sleeves long enough in RTW. That's why I started sewing again also. I love your pants. I remember you gave some excellent tips on sewing white pants on one of your other blog posts.
ReplyDeleteI've had white pants epic fails. You learn a lot through trial and error. Thanks Ty!
DeleteThat blog on sewing white pants sounds excellent - any idea where to find it? Even the year? Erica, the outfit is divine!
DeleteErica, Love the outfit. I've always wanted to make a white outfit. Such a scary color, not because it's bad, but you really have to put it together well. You look polished and I love the accents you've used red (color of year) and mustard. I just received my white shoes, so I'm excited to make an outfit for them. I never sew pants/jeans, but for 2015 I'm hoping to break new ground. As always keep up the good work, I always look forward to you posts.
ReplyDeleteThanks Renata!
DeleteI love the pop of yellow of the bag!
ReplyDeleteHave an amazing weekend!
♥♥♥
Jeanne
http://www.fashionmusingsdiary.com
Thanks Jeanne! And you too!
DeleteOh so very lovely. You killed this look Erica.
ReplyDeleteMelanie.
http://itsmelaniedarling.blogspot.com
Thanks Melanie!
DeleteYou look like a million bucks.
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen!
DeleteErica,
ReplyDeleteYou and those pants = perfection! And 11" difference between waist & hips?!!! Jealous!
Thanks SheriNJ!
DeleteErica, Erica, I mean you slays every time! I love these pants...
ReplyDeleteThanks Candice!
DeleteYou are beautiful as always.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dk's Wife!
DeleteI recently sewed my 4th pair of view C (I love this pattern), left off the pockets and added belt loops. I totally agree with you as I really 'snugged these up' and they are PERFECT! And I used a non-stretch wool blend.
ReplyDeleteLOVE the white. So classic and unabashedly chic (moreso than all black!).
This pattern is definitely a TNT! I'm going to start making bright colored pants for spring! Thanks Nakisha!
DeleteYou always do it up right............and this time in white. I would never debate YOUR pants length because I am 6 ft and were at least a 3 inch heel daily and my pants absolutely the wide leg ones have to be ground skimming - can't have it any other way. Gurl just luv your style
ReplyDeleteGlad you understand the struggle! Thanks Cynthia!
DeleteThis outfit is fantastic on you. I love the perfect pant length. The jacket is gorgeous. You should wear it again on Valentines' s Day!
ReplyDeleteThanks Justine!
DeleteNothing to add to the conversation, just that I am a new reader of yours (living in LA but originally from Birmingham) and I am really enjoying catching up on all your blog posts as you share with your readers your personal relationship to fashion and sewing. You have such great taste, and I was inspired to hunt down some of those gorgeous Vogue Designer Pattern series you mentioned when discussing that gorgeous winter coat you recently made. I found some real gems on etsy thanks to you! Also, I refuse to wear wide length pants if they aren't brushing the floor- and I am not even blessed with the height you are! I agree, the silhouette looks long and regal and sophisticated when the pants just hit the floor; you can see my shoes when I sit down and cross my legs ;)
ReplyDeleteAnyways, I appreciate your blog so much, and I love that you are able to make me miss Birmingham just a teeny tiny bit!
Jasika Nicole (www.jasikanicole.com)
Hey "Huck's Wife Kim"! I thought your name rang a bell and I quickly went to your site! I hope we see more of you on "Scandal" hometown girl! Thanks Jasika!
DeleteI love that killer coat! The crisp white/red combo is a great look for you. And, thank you for always modeling your creations for us. Some don't and it's so much more appealing to see how it really looks being worn. It's another great outfit!
ReplyDeleteI like to see clothes on human bodies that move as well! Thanks Belle!
DeleteIs your curvy friend a sewing or fashion blogger? If she is give us a link so we can read her blog.
ReplyDeleteI like the coat, and am envisioning it in a boucle knit. I think your pant length is ultra chic!
Actually, she's a journalist. And I think the coat will look amazing in a knit! Thanks Alicia!
DeleteI am totally grabbing the patterns for the Coat and Pants. You are so talented I'm trying to get to your level. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteVenita Elaine
Thanks Venita!
DeleteGreat pants, coat and wonderful post, Erica. I struggle as a short and petite lady, 5 feet/1 inch with length. Where you usually add 5 inches, I am subtracting 5 inches! However, I too agree that wide-leg pants should hit the ground.
ReplyDeleteThanks Regina!
DeleteSmashing! And I completely agree about pant length (not that you'd care if I didn't...haha!). I always, always have trouble w/RTW being too short. Can't stand it! Arm length too. I'm happy I sew! Susan
ReplyDeleteThanks Susan!
DeleteLovely as ever. Im pretty apprehensive about trying pants, but yours look so great that my desire for awsome pants is gaining over the fear of messing up royally.
ReplyDeleteDon't be fearful. Try them and just learn as you go! Thanks mahlicadesigns!
DeleteLove your outfit... so classy :)x
ReplyDeleteThanks Dawn!
DeleteI am a tall girl leggy! Growing up with alway too short pants means that I'm a grown up who is getting sensitive to pant length all my pants need to be all the way to the floor looooong or else they seem too short to me.
ReplyDeleteMy same exact experience!
DeleteThis is a gorgeous outfit and I am in total agreement on pant length. I battled the too short length for years.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lori!
DeletePerfection!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tanielle!
DeleteErica this is spectacular! The pants are perfection and the red is STUNNING ON YOU!
ReplyDeleteThanks Dei!
DeleteEverything you touch/create is gorgeous. I love your fashion sense and style.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much SewNewbie!
Deletethis is a lovely outfit. I really like the coat and such a quick make, even better. The beauty of sewing, you get exactly the fit and length that you want.
ReplyDeleteYou sure do! Thanks Louise!
DeleteLove this whole look! I've added this pants pattern to my wishlist. Too bad I just missed a sale!
ReplyDeleteThanks M. Inez!
DeleteYou are always so well put together.. I love this look.
ReplyDeleteThanks Natisha!
Delete