A little bit Minnie, skinny penny pant, sample 2

Vogue 1039. You've seen sample 1, here's more details and my second version!






The pocket process deciphered :















































Up close details!





Ok, so I had 10 more pictures to show you readers but they were so fuzzy I was getting dizzy! Sorry you can't see the front of this outfit.





The tone and texture of these pants is very neutral, so they basically will coordinate with everything, but I like them with a pop of color!





I'm glad I changed a few things! I love the belt loops and the garment quality pockets (idea from the Making Trousers book by David Coffin) I also lowered the waistband by 1/2 inch as compared to sample 1. Serged the inseams & side seams together after it was machine stitched, like jeans. Slightly cropped (2 inches shorter than sample 1) but will work with heels or flats. The fit is...whoa! But the fabric is cotton stretch twill so they are very comfortable!

So I'm off to finish my final pair! Scream! The fit will be somewhere between sample 1 & 2 with a couple different features! It's all good though, my final pair should be a breeze, right?! The fabric from the first 2 pair was just in my stash, so it was great to use fabric that vie had for years. BTW, DH really likes these!







- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

The rest of that animal...a skirt.

Finally, good lighting!




So, of the 3 yards total purchased I was able to squeeze this out! Its the same fabric as the painted zebra wrap dress (see post for details). The skirt is TNT pattern, super easy, B5466. This time it's fully lined, no facing, invisible back zipper.




Conclusion: Sweet! It's easy to dress it up or down and that's exactly what I like!

Just as summer arrives, I'm very ready to start a fall wardrobe. I'm planning for it, but probably won't start until late July. Until then, back to dresses! The goal in my head is pretty high, but achievable. I just need the perfect fabric.


Thanks for stopping by!

Lemlem dress ideas

Recently, a new reader requested ideas for a DIY project, making this Lemlem Lucy patio dress. She likes it, but not a $200 like it. Here are 2 great ideas to get it done!

This would be my first choice! NL6936.



A second option: S2642.



Or you could use both patterns: Using S2642 for the top (I think the sleeves look better) and NL6936 door the skirt portion (it's not as full). Just match up the size correctly.


Finding fabric that you like might be more challenging than sewing it up! Good luck finding something that you love! Here are some suggestions:


Designing your own fabric with ribbon will be a very tedious process but very rewarding.




Lastly, screen printing the stripes on your fabric. This will create a unique custom look, that you'll enjoy for years! Oh, and I have no idea about the cost, unless you DIY, it could get pricey! There are plenty of videos to walk you through this process.


Hope this helps and good luck on your project! Thanks for asking too! Have a question, let me know at b4thedoor @ gmail dot com.

Hey Let's Get Away

Lately it seems as though every weekend is a graduation, a wedding, a wedding shower, bachlorette party, or engagement party. Celebrations like these are a wonderful opportunity to get dressed, take pictures to document your fabulous outfits, and hopefully see other fabulously dressed people to give you inspiration for the next event. After those events have passed, one can feel the need to get away, go on vacation. But before you start grabbing your vacation shorts and fanny packs, take a look at these hot vacation items.
If you are going someplace hot, then interesting pieces in light airy fabrics will have you feeling beautiful and comfortable.
From left to right: Silk Watercolor Floral Dress (Martin + Osa) $120; Drawstring Romper (Cache) $118; Textured Organza Jacket (Ann Taylor) $88; V-Neck Empire Waist Dress by Wyeth (Ann Taylor) $88; Micro Climate Dress (Anthropologie) $88

Now if your plans are a little cooler, like traipsing through Williamsburg, getting away to Mackinaw Island or an Alaskan cruise, cozy up with these vacation alternatives.
From left to right: Shawl Collar Vest (Lands' End Canvas) $49.50; Ivory Linen Gazebo Trouser (J. Crew) $98; Red Label Long Cardigan (New York & Company) $34.40; Adrianna Papell Matte Jersey & Hammered Satin Sheath Dress (Nordstrom) $158; Batik Print Floral Scarf (Ann Taylor LOFT) $29.50

So get out there and grab those "Get-Away" items before they go away. See all the sale information on the featured items below:

New York & Company: All shorts, pants and crops are buy one get the second for $10!

Martin + Osa: 30% off your entire purchase online AND in stores!

Lands' End Canvas: Lands' End 25% off regularly priced men's and women's items (Ends today!)

J. Crew: 20% off all online orders of +$150; Code: SUMMER
Nordstrom: Free standard shipping on orders of +$200

Ann Taylor LOFT: Free shipping on all orders +150 (Limited time offer)

Ann Taylor: 50% off all full-priced styles; Free shippping on all orders +$150

Cache: n/a

Anthropologie: n/a

Crew 4 Less

I love J. Crew. I am a J. Crew Aficionada. The style, the material, the smell of the store (don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about), it's beautiful. But what I love even more is a J. Crew sale, because I don't always have J. Crew money to get the J. Crew look. So after flipping through last month's (April 2010) J. Crew catalog, I charged myself to create a similar J. Crew look for at least half the cost. The solution: New York & Company.

Many people have been sleeping on this clothing retailer, however a closer look at their line will reveal very fashionable items that may lack the attention to styling that J. Crew has-a diamond in the rough. I chose this look from J. Crew to "crew 4 less" because it has a classic J. Crew style, layers and unexpected accessories. The look also has simple pieces, layered together with items that can be found at other retailers.





At New York & Company, I pulled a few items that closely resemble this classic J. Crew layering look. Here I quoted the online prices, however New York & Company is having a wonderful sale as well with many of the items an additional 30%-50% off.

In the end J. Crew's $822.50 outfit is modestly replicated at New York & Company for a mere $117.30. What a deal! This is something anyone can do by pulling inspiration from a styled outfit from your favorite store and purchasing items within your budget from quality retailers. Great style for a better price.