Mama liked the roses…

Each spring and fall I feature ways to re-create the top runway looks (past recreations can be found herehere, here and here through sewing and some accessory purchases.  Some of the hottest trends for spring and summer2019 include 1940’s and 1970’s inspired clothing, sundresses, jumpsuits, patchwork, and bold florals ( a perennial favorite of mine).

I am a sucker for a good dress so the Apiece Apart midi captured my attention, as it reminds me of a 1940’s English garden party frock. The Elie Tahari wrap dress is a classic design which never gets old and always flatters the wearer regardless of size.

Both dresses would be quite easy to make, requiring only minor pattern changes prior to sewing to achieve optimal effect.  To make the blue-floral midi begin with the Butterick B6451 Version A dress pattern but purchase enough extra fabric for an additional midi skirt. Sew the side seams on each skirt, then baste both pieces together at the waist to create one double-tiered piece. From there, continue to follow the sewing directions to make your own version of the two-tiered peasant midi dress.

To replicate the Elie Tahari wrap dress, use the Butterick B6554 Version B pattern, and follow the directions until it gets to the tie part. Replace the waist ties with another closure of your choice (buttons and hook-and-eyes come to mind). Purchase extra fabric to make a 2-3 inch wide belt long enough to wrap around your torso twice with ample ends and voila! Runway re-created x 2. Happy sewing – happy spring.

Apiece Apart
Pattern | Fabric | Sandal

Elie Tahari
Pattern | Fabric 1 | Fabric 2 | Sandal

Finishing Touches
Nail Polish | Lip Gloss | Earrings

*Mama Liked the Roses – Elvis Presley

Wear your bright clothes…

brightprints
Lite brite

I’ve already shown you how to re-create some bold floral and bright looks from the Spring 2018 runways.  Clever me – today I’m combining those trends to show you a few more ‘bright patterned’ looks that would all be super easy to make.  In terms of sewing expertise, the off-the-shoulder top and pants require at least moderate skills, being the only garments made from more than rectangles and straight sewing lines.  Add a fun pair of kicks and you will be ready for anything from shopping with your friends to dancing under the stars with your boo!

Lisa Perry
print fabric | solid fabric | slingback flats
Alice + Olivia
floral print fabric | abstract print fabric | jungle print fabric | ankle strap heels
Temperley London
butterfly print fabric| abstract print fabric | ankle wrap wedges
No. 6
circle print fabric | abstract  print fabric | slingback kitten heels

 

*In the Summer Time – Mungo Jerry

 

One bright day…

brights
Fashion so bright you gotta wear shades

Last week I re-created a few Spring 2018 bold floral looks (here). Next up – the brights!  You really can’t go wrong with a bright piece of fashion regardless of season. I say this as a women who has never met a black garment she didn’t like, or buy.

Each dress would be fairly easy to make but would require minor pattern changes prior to cutting to achieve optimal effect.  The orange linen midi wrap dress needs to have the waist-to-hem length extended and extra fabric purchased to make the belt.  The blue dress requires no pattern alteration but does need extra fabric, cut on the bias, to create the neck band, tie, and horn tassels.  Like the orange warp midi, the hot pink gown also needs to have the waist-to-hem length extended and extra fabric purchased for the neck scarf.  During assembly, make sure to allow for that sexy front (or side) slit.  All you need to finish off these dresses are a pair of statement earrings, a luxe lipstick, and a pair of jeweled sandals or ankle-wrap heels to stand out in a black-clad crowd!

Badgley Mischka
hat | lipstick | fabric | earrings | sandals
Escada
lipstick | earrings | fabric | heels
Christian Siriano
lipstick | earrings | fabric | heels
*One Bright Day – Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers

 

My passion flower…

floraldress
Flower Power

Spring is almost here, which means I am ready to switch out my warmest sweaters and coats with light, fresh summertime dresses and getting the itch to re-create some of my favorite Spring 2018 runway looks.

Each spring and fall I feature ways to re-create the top runway looks (past recreations can be found here, here, here and here)  through sewing and some accessory purchases.  Some of the hottest trends this spring include boldly colored graphic prints, checks, sorbet and pastel colors (especially lavender), fringe, and florals (my favorite trend of all).

I plan on making at least one version of the Vanessa Bruno gown for the summer.  Not only is this a garment that could hide all flaws, it would also be the perfect garment for a beginner sewer to attempt.  Honestly, it would probably take someone longer to pin snd cut the pattern than to sew it.

The Cushnie et Ochs and Alice & Olivia recreations require a bit more sewing skill but would be well worth the effort to make.  How cool would that Cushnie et Ochs dress and a moto jacket look paired together? Or mixing a floral moto jacket with faded jeans, a tank top, and strappy heels for a rocking night out on the town?  The possibilities are only limited by your creativity, personal style, and flowers of choice!

Cushnie et Ochs
earrings  |  ribbon  |  fabric  |  shoes
Vanessa Bruno
tote earrings  |  fabric  |  shoes
Alice & Olivia
earrings  |  fabric  |  shoes
*Passion Flower – Ella Fitzgerald & Duke Ellington

 

 

Dark and grey…

Greys
Midi 3 Way

Each season I feature ways to re-create my favorite runway looks (my 2016 recreations can be found here, here and here).  Some of the hot trends for Fall 2017 include fringe, checked fabrics, velvets, midi length skirts and dresses, broad shoulders and the color grey – all featured above.  After countless hours spent viewing the shows from New York, Milan, London and Paris I keep coming back to the fashions created by Lela Rose, Victoria Beckham, Christian Siriano, Isabel Marant and Michael Kors.

Any of the ‘3 Midi’s’ pictured above (all from Michael Kors Fall 2017 collection) would be easy to sew and flattering to almost everyone.  Of course, some basic pattern alteration would be required (either by extending hemlines and/or altering the skirt side seam angles) but anyone with moderate sewing skills could easily make the changes before cutting out the pattern.  After you’ve finished the garment accessorize as you see fit and you’ll be ready to rock fall…

LEOPARD
Perfume |  Earrings   |  Skinny Belt   |   Gloves  |   Ankle Booties
VELVET
Perfume   |   Earrings   |   Bag  |   Pumps
Houndstooth
Perfume Earrings   |  Belt  |   Bag  |   Boots

Next up – more of my ‘Recreating the Runway’ series featuring my favorite floral and velvet looks.

*Dark and Grey – Kid Rock