Velvet if you please…

Last week I featured my first Fall 2016 Trends – ‘Recreating the Runway’ looks, which focused on leopard.  Next up…velvet.

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Part 1: a DIY take on Elie Saab Fall 2016 – the Skirt

Models who walked Elie Saab’s Fall 2016 show looked like groupies on their way to an exclusive after-party, decked out in their finest laces, leathers and velvets.  The outfit pictured above could work for any age or size and would be very easy to make. Start with any basic full skit pattern, extending  the length and adding pockets if necessary. Use a burnout velvet for the skirt and a sheer black fabric for the lining. Make a full-sleeved turtleneck blouse in a rich organza or a lightweight knit or skip this step and use a turtleneck you already have.  Finish recreating the look with lace-up pumps, a wide western belt, chandelier earrings, and a few tassel or lariat necklaces.

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Part 2: a DIY take on A.L.C Fall 2016 – the Coat/Dress Ensemble

I did not technically see this A.L.C. look stroll down the runway. Instead, I stumbled upon this coat and dress at the Neiman Marcus site while searching for shoes. A google search later and I had discovered designer Andrea Lieberman’s richly colored, elegantly simple creations.  To recreate this look I’d make the Burda trenchcoat in a silk velvet with a satin lining, leaving off the front pockets and transferring the right flap to the left.  I’ve opted for a simple sheath dress pattern made from a stretch velvet in the same color as the coat fabric. Since it’s important that the coat and dress are the exact same color you might need to choose one fabric to make both.  Complete the look with a great pair of gold heels (the higher the better), some simple gold jewelry, and a deep red lipstick…and an after-party or two!

Fashion…turn to the left

I have loved fashion ever since I can remember.  Maybe it’s because I come from a long line of tailors and seamstresses (I learned to sew and embroider before I was 5) or maybe it’s because my mom and my aunts were so stylish that it rubbed off on me. Whatever the reason, when the seasons change I find myself scouring the world of fashion (including WWD, Vogue, and The Cut) to find out what’s hot.

This fall the hottest trends that appeal most to me are leopard, velvet, florals, dressed up bohemian, and the colors navy, pumpkin spice, and grey (naturally). Today I am posting the first in a series of ‘Recreating the Runway’ boards that combine my favorite fall looks with my love of sewing…

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Part 1: a DIY take on Alice & Olivia Fall 2016 – the Coat

Leopard is, as always, a top trend. Alice & Olivia were responsible for one of my favorite Fall 2016 shows, sending 70’s rock-n-roller fashion down the runway.  This particular outfit really caught my eye since it would be simple to recreate (and look good on rocker chicks of any size or age).  I would lengthen the pattern to just below the knee and use large shoulder pads to give the coat some body, using a rich red silk for the lining.  A black or gold lining would look fabulous too. After finishing add a silk rose lapel pin (like this beauty from Etsy) and rock on!

 

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Part 2: a DIY take on Alice & Olivia Fall 2016 – the Dress

An easy-to-make classic wrap dress completes the look.  The A&O dress has the left front wrapping over the right so you might need to manipulate whatever pattern you choose to get the same effect.  I love the silky prints I found at Jo Ann Fabricswhich compliment the coat beautifully. I love a strong shoulder so I would use pads to give the dress some shape whether the pattern calls for it or not.  All you need to complete the look is a wide leather belt wedge knee-high bootsand a great concert or rock club to wear it to!  Rock on.

 

Blinding me with science…

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The Red House surrounded by Summer Green

One of the things I do to keep the lights on is plan and execute events.  Over the years I have organized everything from an intimate dinner for 8 to an overnight in the woods for 300.  I am a big believer in the ‘teach a man to fish’ parable and enjoy working with clients to achieve their event vision. After months of working with the TGCA planning committee their inaugural Educational Conference dreams became reality last Friday… Continue reading “Blinding me with science…”

Dear Mr. Fantasy…

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Every spring I get inspired by the first vibrant colors of the season.  If I could design and fabricate my own textiles, and had the time to draft a pattern to make a sexy feminine frock from said fabric, accompanied by an unlimited pocketbook to supplement the dress with eye-catching and unique accessories…well, then ‘Fashion Fantasy  #1 – Spring in Bloom’ would become my reality.

The Grey Goddess Fabric and Dress  |  Charlotte Olympia ‘First Class’ Clutch  |  Sam Edelman ‘Dayna’ Suede Lace-up Pumps  |   Ippolita ‘Wonderland’ Teardrop Doublet Earrings