Black & White is Always Right!
12:00 AM
A black and white outfit is always très hip. You get pieces that can be worn together or separate. That’s the perfect way to add to your wardrobe. Especially when using seasonless fabrics.
When searching for seasonless fabrics, I look for comfort. I also look for fabrics that will keep you comfortable in the warm months and can also be layered in the cool months.
For my top, I used this gorgeous Black Sleek Viscose Ponte Knit. I love the weight of it. It works for this top and it would also work for a body con style dress. The weight of this knit would hold in and smooth everything out. It would also make a great pair of ponte knit pants.
For my top, I used New Look Pattern 6461. It’s an extremely simple pattern, just the front and the back. The front has horizontal bust darts. I cut view C, in the size 12. I added 3 inches to the length because I didn’t want my top cropped. I modified the top by finishing off the seams and hems with seam binding. After sewing the front and back together at the shoulders, I left the sides open.
I added eyelets to each side for lacing details.
And I laced up the top with rope and DIY tassels made from crochet thread.
I didn’t much care for the pants in New Look 6461. The elastic waistband simply wasn’t polished enough for my beautiful Italian Ivory Lightweight Stretch Suiting. I went with New Look Pattern 6459.
I love how tailored this pattern is. I cut the size 16, and made them straight out of the envelope. I find that I typically need to size up in New Look Patterns because they run significantly slimmer. Like junior’s RTW sizing.
Even though this fabric is opaque, it’s still white. And with most white pants, you’re plagued by pocket show-through. I don’t like that, so I omitted mine (at the last minute) and just stitched up the pocket openings.
The pants have a back invisible zipper.
And I always add strips of 1 inch interfacing to my zipper area to stabilize.
I’m pretty happy with the way these turned out. The fabric with its 4-way stretch is really comfortable wear and looks really luxurious at the same time. I would love to have an entire suit out of this.
These are two great pieces made from two extraordinary cuts of fabric that make great additions to my closet! I’m sure I’ll get plenty of wear out of these.
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28 comments
Love your outfit and that you like to share the nitty gritty of making it. I'm laughing wryly at your comment about season less clothes. Here in the north of England I would wear this only occasionally at the height of our summer! You are an inspiration. Please keep making and posting. X
ReplyDeleteSometimes I wish we had "true seasons" here. It eventually gets cold! Thanks Ann!
DeleteThat outfit is stunning and the finish is faultless. Really fantastic
ReplyDeleteThanks Eimear!
DeleteLove the outfit! Especially the top!
ReplyDeleteThe top was such fun to make! Thanks Deja!
DeleteLove how you changed up the tank. The laced up sides is inspired. Great outfit!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carolyn!
DeleteBeautiful outfit! I love the modification you made to the top, and the cropped pants are just perfect. Thanks for featuring these patterns. I never look at the Simplicity website any more, so I hadn't seen them. But they both capture some trends that I'd like to try.
ReplyDeleteI don't look at the site either. I just happened up on these in Joann's. Thanks Julie!
DeleteVery nice!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jimmel!
DeleteI love your mods to the top! What an elegant and cool outfit (as usual :)).
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Motorharp!
Deletelove your innovation!! The tank is sooo slay! I'm still trying, but the inner mediocre designer in my is so nonexistent! Glad you made the pants. I was waiting on someone's review. Thanks for attacking them first! :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's always fun to go into the high-end stores and try things on with my tape measure, notepad and camera! Lots of inspiration. Thanks Carol!
DeleteDo you ever get "yelled" at? I so want to do this some time, but I'm afraid they'll kick me out!!
DeleteNo! As a consumer, I have the right to try things on and decide whether or not I want to purchase.
DeleteOooo, you look so sassy! I love the outfit and I'm insanely envious of your sewing ability. I know. Practice, practice. But I'm old and time is running out. Haha
ReplyDeleteThank you Melinda!
DeleteBoth pieces are beautiful. I love the lacing you added to the top. I feel the same way about white pants - I just made a pair in fact and left the pockets out for the same reason as you - I will blog about them eventually. Beautiful ensemble as always Erica. You have such flair...you always make me smile.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Tomasa!
DeleteFlawless!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tanielle!
DeleteGreat top and pants! I like the top and what you did with the side seams, I may have to copy that! As always your sewing is impeccable.
ReplyDeleteGo right ahead! Thanks Linda!
DeleteI love this outfit on you! It looks like something straight out of Saks! I love strolling through stores getting inspiration too... Just need to push myself more on my sewing machines...they miss me and I mss them too!!
ReplyDeleteHigh-end RTW is always my goal! Thanks Myra!
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