No boring business
Heading into the city for winter meetings, I am struck by how much black and grey Sydney women wear. Not just black and grey, but boring black and grey, basic jackets, trousers or skirts teemed with equally boring pinstriped or white blouses. Young attractive women looking as inspiring as Mao Tse Tung's Red Brigade revolutionaries. So I'm leading a revolution of my own - the No Boring Business Wear revolt.
This jacket in vintage green and white cotton knit is my first assault on top end of town conservatism. The wool khaki trim from Tessuti reminds me of my militancy and the buttons, also from Tessuti show that there is no need to sacrifice elegance in pursuit of the cause. I love the results, its a little bit Armani and a little bit Chanel, but not slavishly copying either. It is also very comfortable to wear, thanks to my Sewing Guild buddy Sharon who suggested cutting the acetate sleeve lining on the bias so it moves in the same way as the knit. This wasn't necessary for the body of the garment which I gave more body with fusible interfacing.
Practiced my bound buttonholes and top stitch free pockets (used in my husband's jacket). I also developed a new method for sewing pocket flaps without bulk or top stitching. Sew binding onto the top of the right side of the flap and handstitch all edges. Turn over and press, the handstitch in place. The result is very neat and provides a couture finish on the outside of the garment. I ran out of binding to go around the sleeves - what do you think? To bind or not to bind?
Next up...I'm whispering now....boring grey flannel pants (Simplicity 2700). But fear not, I plan to team it with a camel cashmere trench jacket (Burda 4/2008 107 - with long sleeves), gold silk blouse (Burda Style 4/2011 113) and my new Midas brogues that insisted on following me out of the store.
Now ladies, what are you stitching for the revolution? Vive la revolution de la couleur!
Next up...I'm whispering now....boring grey flannel pants (Simplicity 2700). But fear not, I plan to team it with a camel cashmere trench jacket (Burda 4/2008 107 - with long sleeves), gold silk blouse (Burda Style 4/2011 113) and my new Midas brogues that insisted on following me out of the store.
Gail, I am retired and have no need to follow business dress anymore. I am currently sewing my third iteration of Simplicity 3503 in a mesh knit. Low cut, cut in armholes, tight on top and flowing skirt. ahhhhh....I love your shoes...oh, how I love them!
ReplyDeleteYour jacket is gorgeous! And those shoes - amazing!
ReplyDeleteAs for boring black and grey - seems that way around here too. Add to that a distinct lack of style of any kind. Even now in summer - mostly you see black. Is it that silly notion that black is slimming? Or perhaps it's easier to get dressed if there are no clashing colours to contend with.
Good on you! I'm part of the colour brigade myself.
ReplyDeleteYour jacket looks very polished with the green trim and buttons. great work.
Good for you! I love and wear colour too and feel sad that so much office wear in winter is boring.
ReplyDeleteAnd why are overcoats boring too? Surely this is an opportunity for colour? Why aren't there more bright and fun coloured coats out there? Is it the serviceability of black and grey that gets them in?
Lucky for those of us that sew though, we get to wear so much more variety.
And those shoes are divine!
As you know I'm all for colour. You're preaching to the converted here! Your jacket is really lovely. The buttons and trim really transform it into something special. I'm currently sewing a bright blue top covered in canary yellow polkadots - doesn't get much more colourful!
ReplyDeleteO.K. those shoes are wonderful! And your jacket turned out just lovely! I wouldn't worry about the sleeves having binding on them... I think that they will look just fine with/out!
ReplyDeleteWhat nice and feminine jacket. Undoubtably green is very nice with your complexion and fair hair.
ReplyDeleteI send you an email, hope you get it.
Great job! I love how you have put this beautiful jacket together - the fabric, trim and buttons are all perfectly chosen. I am very impressed with the bound buttonholes!
ReplyDeleteGreat jacket - love love love that fabric - and no I wouldn't trim the sleeves ...hope your mission catches on! Cool shoes as well!
ReplyDeleteOMG those shoes, where did you get them? Love your jacket.
ReplyDeleteIt's about time we had a revolt against the boring blacks and greys. lol :) Bring on the colour I say!
Thank you Gail for your kind words, and yes, I'm all for colour too! and even the neutrals I like are not always black or grey... I can't wait to see how you go with this revolution! Your comment on my blog about the lack of constructive criticism in the sewing world? well, if asked (please don't feel offended) but I would have suggested a bit more colour for you, so your new direction is just inspired!
ReplyDeleteI like the new jacket. Those bound buttonholes are very impressive. And last but not least, those shoes! Very nice indeed!
Really gorgeous jacket. I am a follower of your revolution. Your plans are wonderful and those shoes...oh my!
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of non-boring office wear-- I'm currently in the process of applying for part-time office jobs, and am hoping that I still get to wear fun things at whichever job I end up with! The new jacket is nice, and I think it looks fine without the binding on the sleeves.
ReplyDeleteYour jacket is looking very smart and I wouldn't bind the sleeves, there is enough detail on the rest of the jacket. Now those shoes are gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteGreat jacket Gail - and love that binding. The sleeves look terrific without the binding. And vive la revolution indeed! Colour just makes you feel cheerier I reckon.
ReplyDeleteGreat Jacket. I'll bet that green color looks wonderful on you. Your lovely jacket reminded me of the tailored wool knit jackets I had many years ago that were comfortable, but still looked neat and professional. It makes me want to make a knit jacket too, though I have to wait until it cools down a bit. Love those shoes. I am glad to know I am not the only one that buys shoes and then sew garments to wear with them.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic looking jacket and so beautifully done!
ReplyDeleteI am all for color, and I also believe next season will have plenty of color as a strong trend. I love creative looks and the right use of color is one of the ways to achieve them.
Gail, thank you! and yes, TopKids were wonderful... I'm glad I've kept mine. Which dress did you make? I had two pictured in that post.
ReplyDeleteYou have made some beautiful jackets, something I am going to try again. I thought us Melbournians were the worst offenders for overdoing the black!
ReplyDeleteI'm all for a colour revolution - but I think you knew that by now ;)
ReplyDeleteHi Gail, I agree let's ban boring greys....
ReplyDeleteOh Gail! This post is a riot. i'm with you! Out with the black and grey and in with COLOUR! I love your jacket. very professional looking! And those shoes are to die for!!
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog. I am impressed by your comments on other blogs - refreshingly honest . I agree about the colour but I do love my black, navy and beige neutrals to go with them.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous jacket. Yes, it's the perfect combination of professional and oh so chic. I especially love the wool binding which I must try sometime. Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteYour revolution has a great cause. Forge ahead and show them the way. Tee Hee. The garments that you make will make it hard for them to resist. Hit them hard with a powerful punch of color and style.
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