Life happens Be Positive

On the 15th

3 down, one more to go.

 

Pre-Fall 2013: Derek Lam

Derek Lam’s pre-fall collection embodies the purpose of “pre-fall fashion”, which is, wearable and trans-seasonal garments.

There are pieces that can be worn now in the spring, through to fall and layered during winter.

The first example of this, would be Look 2, this lace color-blocked skirt can be worn now through fall and layered over a pair of black opaque leggings in the winter.

I think he made a good choice by using cobalt blue for these two coats. I love the huge patch pockets of Look 3 and the diagonal seam detail on Look 7.

I like the placement of the piping to just the upper seam of the pleats on this skirt.

I find the androgyny of this tunic interesting. The button up bodice has a masculine and minimalistic look in contrast to texture and the pleated bottom which adds a feminine touch.

A basic V Neck shift dress with a touch of the mixed print.

An argyle peplum sweater, interesting, maybe this will come to a store near you soon (left) and this top can be made using M6460 as a top instead of a dress in two different double knits (right).

I like the look of this hi-lo tunic over straight leg pants and under a cropped jacket. I have seen tunics layered like this in the spring (DVF 2013) and fall (BCBG 2013) collections.

This is the dress version of the first skirt. The use of black and white lace gives this dress a more edgy than girly look and I can easily see it paired up with a leather jacket and pointed toe booties.

The last look, the jacket, I like the color block of the tweed and solid mix. It reminds me of my M6609 I made during the winter. I think it adds structure to the maxi dress, which makes it look more office appropriate.

Just like Dior, Derek Lam also featured a few structured pieces made out of suiting and showed lots of androgynous looks in his collection.

Last fall we saw the emergence of traditional menswear fabrics in women’s apparel and apparently they are building on this theme.

I like it, on to the next one…

Pre-Fall 2013: Dior

So what is a prefall collection?

Its a filler, lol

No other way to say it.

Because there is a long wait period between the spring and fall collections, someone thought it would be a great idea to include another collection in between to keep fashion lovers and designers busy.

Fashionistas and buyers usually speculate what the fall collection would be based on by what was designed for Pre-fall.

The Pre-Fall collection (just like Resort) is usually highly commercial. It’s a great one to watch to see what designs would be trickling down to mainstream stores near you for the fall through holiday season.

Today, I'm taking you through the Christian Dior Pre Fall 2013 Collection.

To Begin with, the set for the photo shoot, how cool is that?

Mccalls, Simplicity, Vogue and Butterick need to pay attention.

On the other hand, the back drop goes with the theme of the collection which is using "suiting" as the foundation for the designs.

I wish there was a better photo of the first coat, the side profile is stunning though, looks like a traditional trench with the collar popped for effect, lol.

In the second photo I like the longer "blazer" that can be both a coat and blazer depending on how you are feeling that day. Luv options. I also like that they featured on with lapels and one without. The one without a lapel is a minimal look, it doesn't frame the face but it’s a great style to make your necklace really stand out. Don't sleep on it. And the placement of the cover button on the sleeve.

The middle dress is a cute option for a tuxedo look; I like the idea of the textured lapel and the underlay of the skirt being in the white fabric.

This black and white plaid Poncho caught my eye, not something you see every season, I wonder if it’s wool or a knit.

Beautiful Dress, Dior will use couture techniques like the shaping of the skirt in their RTW collection from time to time. I love how the skirt stands away from the body to imply fullness. The fabric is beautiful also.

I love the simplicity of the gown on the right. Simple high neckline bodice and hi lo skirt.

The fabric for this suit is awesome. I was thinking of how I would use the inspiration of this outfit and I thought about making a bell sleeve peplum top with a pencil skirt would be the most flattering look. Trapeze tops are not universally flattering and looks maternity on most but it’s a beautiful suit and worth taking note of.

Trend? I've seen a few skirts with the sheer peeking out the bottom on the runway.

Love this plaid taffeta, you will be seeing a lot of satin or taffeta evening trousers in the upcoming pre-fall collections, it’s everywhere.

When I did the Vogue spring collection review I noted that getting vogue 8882 as an alternative for making a dress for a special occasion maybe a good idea to look into. Well, here is another reason to consider. How fabulous is that?

Very

Apart from the actual garments I love the accessories and shoes.

Twiluv 41: Mccalls 6752 Sewing review

This week I will be reviewing Mccalls 6752.

This pullover was very easy to make so I highly recommend it for a grab and go dress for running errands and sightseeing on vacation, would make a good beach cover up too.

Just Added: The bodice have a lot of coverage at the bust area. So, no cami will be needed. The surplice (wrap) is pulled almost to each side seam so it gives it a greater coverage area. Thanks Myra!

 

Pattern Description:

Pullover dress, elasticized (seamed) waist, very loose-fitting, gathered (bias front) bodice and semi-fitted skirt.

Pattern Sizing:

I made View D, Size 12 top Size 14 skirt

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes, exactly

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

Likes

1. I like the surplice neckline

2. I like that its a simple pullover and light weight summer dress

3. Its a quick sew

Dislikes

1. The pattern is short, I'm 5"4 and its 3 inches above my knee.

2. I didn't like the idea of using narrow hems for the armhole and neckline.

3. I don't see the point of the elastic waistband.

Fabric Used:

ITY Knit from Spandex House

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I made a lining for the bodice using the same pattern pieces provided for the bodice.

This eliminated the need to use the narrow hems which tend to stretch out with time.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I would recommend it and yes I would sew it again, the same way with about 3 inches added to the length of the skirt.

 

The secret life of a sewer- Bit by Bit

In a perfect world, I would hand base everything during my lunch hour.

Its kind of relaxing to just look out the window and lose yourself in thought while you stitch.

I realize that when I do it at home, I'm not as patient. Its more like a time suck or chore and I feel anxious as if I am wasting time.

Is that weird?

Probably.

Last weekend I also spent some time cleaning my serger.

This is what happened:

I was about to change out my serger thread from white to black for my upcoming projects.

I hadn't changed out my thread since last year I think.

So, I pulled it towards me and leaned over to insert the thread through the loops and OMG, you should see the thick crust of dust that was on the back of my serger.

Horrible.

I always have it leaned up on the wall so I've been wiping down the front side but not really giving it a good cleaning to be honest, you know how it is. I was so disgusted, so I had to stop everything I was doing to clean it up.

A spent the next couple days doing some meal planning.

How is this sewing related?

Well, less time spent doing anything else means more time to sew in my world and getting dinner together takes time, I like to have an idea of what I'm making so I can do some of the prep before I leave in the morning for work.

I picked up a few new cookbooks from the library seeing that its that time of year for new summer cookbooks to get some ideas.

Once that was finished, it was back to sewing on Thursday.

This weekend I'm going to see if I can quickly sew this:

and yes, I do mark my circles with thread.

Sometimes I prep things months in advance and the chalk rubs off so I just got in the habit of doing it with thread that don't move unless you pull them out.

and no, I don't do this at home, time suck!

Switching gears, I got a couple more shoes for the summer capsule.

This pewter peep toe wedge is for work, I decided not to get another tan or camel work shoe this year, I bought one every year for the last three years, something got to give.

and this studded pointed toe flat is for play:

More later on this, I still have a couple I have my eyes on.

And to wrap things up for this week, these are what I got from the Vogue summer collection:

V8902 is on my next capsule list, the other one is for my collection.

And that's it folks.

I hope you guys got something done sewing wise in the last week or so.

I know with the weather getting better it will be harder to stay in and get anything done.

I should have a new video up by Sunday so watch this space!

Pairing Possibilities

Roksanda llincic draped front dress and Vogue 1351

 

The inspiration dress is from Roksanda llincic, who has become very prolific lately, in terms of the who's who of dressing celebrities.

Once again, I'm on the fence of whether to get this one or not. I think its a great pattern but I like how the Vogue 1250 works with my body type.

Maybe I will give in, we'll see.

L*O*L

I truly love my birthday month, this is so me!

Pairing Possibilities

I was on the fence on whether or not I needed to add Vogue 8904 to my list.

I was going through my blogs yesterday and noticed mention of these two dresses in two different post.

Michael Kors Striped Panel dress (left) and Loft Petite Zig Zag Panel Sleeveless (right)

V8904

Pretty spot on right?

My new concern would be, where the first and second panel start, horizontal lines can be a nemesis to curvy girls when it comes to balancing body type issues.

I will think on this some more and hopefully someone makes it soon so I can get a better idea of the pattern looks all sewn up.

Twiluv 40: Vogue Patterns Summer Collection

Secret life of a sewer - May Prep

In the last few weeks, my home has been filled to capacity. No wiggle room but it has lightened up a bit so back to the usual, sewing, sewing, and more sewing.

Let’s catch up shall we.

In May, I plan to make four garments.

Not a huge stretch because they are all knits and one is already finished.

I cut out the first set last week and made M6654 with the striped double knit. Easy Cakes!

Cut out M6752 last weekend, Sunday morning to be exact.

I decided that I will line the bodice instead of doing a narrow hem for the armholes and neckline. You know I can’t stand when they make patterns like that.

Yes, it means more fabric but it looks much better and gives the bodice more body. I’m using this navy “jet set” knit from Joanns which I always use to line my knit dresses, it's a light weight polyester stretch.

(Side note: I wish all dresses came with a lining pattern, especially woven ones.)

I also cut out Simplicity 1653, using this fabric.

It doesn’t matter how good of a fabric shopper you are sometimes the truth about a fabric only reveals itself when you are actually working with it.

This fabric appears to have a border effect in this photo right?

Well, what if I told you that the stretch actually runs across this way instead?

If I had taken the time to consider this, I probably wouldn’t have bought this fabric for THIS dress because I had to figure out how I was going to cut the pattern to make the direction of the print work.

I guess we will see how it works out in the upcoming weeks.

Fabric Prep was successful; all pieces are happily secured in their plastic baggies.

Grab and sew is the way to go.

Time management is key this month, I’m shooting for one project a week and a video review the following week so I can take some photos of the garments on, this is the hardest part of making video reviews, but the weather is nice so we will see how that goes.

Also, I started to shop for my shoes to go with my capsule this week.

Super excited!

I love shopping for warm weather shoes but I’m very boring when it comes to shoes shopping on the whole, I like classic silhouettes because I’m not a shoe connoisseur. I just buy a pair or two each season just because.

First pair is this cobalt blue suede nine west pump, Jeneil. I want one in every color it’s such a chic pump. It’s cut really well at the toe box. But I’m good for now.

And of course, the little black dress by Andre Leon Talley, I am reading through the essays right now.

Verdict: Makes me want to sew even more, so inspirational!

I wonder what you did in your secret sewing life this week.