Thank you for the encouraging comments on my summer kaftan. I'm equally pleased with my new Burda 1/2009 105B skirt from black and white plaid silk dupone which I wore last night to the Sydney Theatre Company.This skirt is very quick and easy to construct. I made two alterations. The hembands are cut on the bias and I had only a small amount of fabric - left over from a friends curtains!! I cut the front band in one piece on the bias as per the pattern. The back band had to be cut in three pieces from the remaining scraps
of fabric. My other deviation was to include a lining, made without the pleats for a smoother fit. I will definitely make this skirt again in winter from a good wool and would consider interfacing the hem band. I didn't think to do this and it is a little lightweight in comparison to the rest of the garment.
I love my Israeli silver earring - a present from my DD who returned home
last night.
I have been giving quite a bit of consideration to my 'fashion image' for want of a better way of putting it. This was prompted in part by a newspaper rant from an 80 year old woman who wanted to buy smart casual clothes for a cruise trip. She was still looking for stylish clothing and was unable to find well fitting, age appropriate clothing that flattered the "shape I had struggled all my life to retain". It raised two questions in my mind "Would I still be interested in fashion at 80?" ANSWER probably yes and "What is age age appropriate for a woman of 52? I was a little less definitive about this.
The answers I came up with were:
- Block colours and low key prints
- A minimal palette for business - black, white, neutrals, red
- A little more adventure for casual wear - hence my journey into green for the kaftan.
- Well cut clothing with clean lines, not too body but no baggy sacks either
- Good quality accessories - people notice your shoes - they should be stylish, leather if possible and in good repair.
- Statement jewellery, but used sparingly.
This is a great skirt and you look fabulous in it.
ReplyDeleteThe skirt is still on my to do list for me (DD has hers already!)
I love your skirt, the style is unusual without being completely "out there". I remember that pattern and may have to dig it out now for a wintery version.
ReplyDeleteLove it! You look very elegant!
ReplyDeleteThat skirt is fabulous is that fabric!!! I made it in a lightweight wool that looks like denim and as much as I like it it's too casual for my taste. I'm remaking one using yours as inspiration!
ReplyDeleteHi Gail, I've made this skirt in a fine wool plaid from Tessuti's and love it too. Your version looks great, I may have to find the pattern again for a summer version.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous skirt! I like your list of fashion "rules". Aren't we lucky to be sewing our own clothes, rather than having to depend on what is available in the shops?
ReplyDeleteGreat skirt - I love the interesting splicing of directions .... and .. sounds like you have a formidable plan.
ReplyDeleteAs great as your skirt is (what lovely curtains those must be, as the fabric is wonderful!), the first thing I noticed in the pictures were your earrings! Your daughter has great taste.
ReplyDeleteFantastic earrings and great skirt detail. I think as I get older I will sew less and more quality. Maybe that is what my wardrobe will become. Less fluff, more quality.......you have me thinking......
ReplyDeleteThis skirt is great. I am crazy for buffalo plaid these days, and am liking it in this skirt.
ReplyDeleteI swear I didn't look at this site before posting, but it would appear that my thoughts have been validated by the experts. http://fashion.about.com/cs/tipsadvice/a/fashionover50.htm
ReplyDeleteGreat skirt! I love the fabric/pattern combo. And the earrings are beautiful; I bet you're glad your daughter is home again.
ReplyDeleteYour skirt looks lovely and very unusual, you did a magnificent job with scraps! And your daughter has wonderful taste, the earrings are beautiful. A really lovely gift...
ReplyDeleteI'm very interested in your thoughts on your own style. You've inspired me to try and work this out for myself too, not that I needed much encouragement ...!!
As I am constantly thinking about fashion too, I pretty sure I will be just as keen at 80 yrs old too. Hopefully I will still be able to sew my own, just as you will too.
That is one fantastic skirt!
ReplyDeleteThe skirt is great. There is no hint of curtain.(Must be amazing curtains).
ReplyDeleteThis is a great skirt and it's a very clever design. You've put it together well.
ReplyDeleteNice lines in the skirt. It's different and definitely eye-catching. I like that you used a plaid to add interest to it. Very nice.
ReplyDeleteVery nice skirt --- the fabric is very cool. I wasn't sold on the style when I saw it in the magazine originally, but seeing your version has changed my mind. Those earrings are fab! I think people who value their own style will retain that throughout their lives.
ReplyDeleteVery nice! I am the same age as you and pretty much stick to your guidelines. I am a bit more colourful in my work clothes, but am wearing a lot of statement necklaces and my shoe wardrobe is rather vast!! like you I have also retained my figure. I am sure at 80 I will still be looking fashionable. Work clothes are easy but I need a bit more adventure in my casual clothes. I always seem to end up in jeans!
ReplyDeleteOh, I really like that! I feel like it will also easily transition into fall/winter with the addition of tights, boots and a heavier sweater. Nice work!
ReplyDeleteA wonderful skirt! Without doubt, the pair is cool white black forever. I think when I'll be in bed dying, with 90 years (I'm not going to die soon) I'll be worried about being well dressed and cute. So I never thought you were 52 years old!! You are a wonder to be preserved so young!
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