So I was working on one more dress...and this dress is inspired by some old DKNY. I don't know if you fashionistas remember when Donna Karan burst onto the scene with her own label but she revolutionized woman's career wear with her menswear fabrics and lace. Lately that theme has been playing in heavy rotation in my mind...I loved it then but now I totally get it. See in a world where suits are a daily occurrance, you need something that subtly sets you apart. Nothing that makes you stand out and look like a freak but something that says you have style and aren't a clone just getting dressed to get through the day.
I explored that theme in the tank top that I made from Simplicity 3631 - but it wasn't a true replication of Donna Karan's statement. However, I had to put my little toe into that pool and see if it would work in MY corporate environment. This version worked for a business casual friday maybe because I haven't gotten around to making the coordinating skirt *note to self - that needs to be made up soon!* But this particular idea is for a dress. My pleated front dress was so well received that I wanted to make it again with a change...after casting about in the vastness that is my mind *okay not really but it sounded kewl* I knew that a little DKNY was called for! So here is a peek at what I'm doing...
This dress has some other interesting points...a handpicked zipper...yeah, I'm getting into hand sewing big time...how the lace and menswear plaid work in the pleat...some special touches on the sleeves...yeah, I'm really excited about this one. It's hanging on my closet door now so that I can see it when I wake up and each morning I am more thrilled with it.
It's not done yet because I'm enjoying the construction process so much but soon, very soon I will have something to share with you! In the meantime...a few questions....How influenced are you by fashion? Does it invade your everyday wardrobe or is it something that you wish you could wear? Have you figured out how to bring the looks of today into your closet? Or are you still purchasing fabric for the life you want to lead instead of the life you are presently leading?
I might not be around much this week...lots of work and after work commitments but I will be back with a fierceness this weekend...it's a three day weekend you see and I've got sewing plans!
Carolyn! I haven't finished reading the post yet-- when I saw the picture of the dress front I had to stop and post! It's beautiful. I think I may have to 'borrow' this particular idea from you. Absolutely wonderful. Go 'head, girl.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love fashion and I am extremely moved by it. I just could never afford wat I REALLY like. My Daddy always said I have Champange taste with a beer wallet...thank goodess for I can sew!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I *accidentally* picked up some jersey today...
Nice use of the seemingly contradictory fabrics together. Can't wait to see it in its entirety.
ReplyDeleteYour latest idea sounds great...the sneaky peak is very enticing. My current project also hangs on my closet door-I enjoy seeing it in the morning. Amongst all of the mix that contributes to my sewing-current fashion trends do have an influence-both in what I choose to 'copy' or as others say 'pay tribute too' and in what trends I reject as 'not for me', but than as I am now learning there is this other thing-the muse-and she also has an influence and does'nt like to be told no-I don't like that idea.
ReplyDeleteLOVE the lace in combination with the plaid. What a beautiful way to combine fabrics.
ReplyDeleteI love the look. I remember Kathryn (FZXDOC) has done a couple of outfits with the lace on menswear inspired fabric. I have a skirt too from pinstripe fabric with lace on the hem. I really like the combination.
ReplyDeleteAs for fashion - I am not a slave to it, but I like to look current.
OOOh I love the lace detail and can't wait to see the handpicked zipper!
ReplyDeleteDid you get my email?
I love the lace and the fabric, enjoy the process. I can't wait to see your finished garment.
ReplyDeleteThe lace is a great touch!
ReplyDeleteI don't always wear exactly what is in fashion, but like to take my cues from current fashion and make it my own and wear what I like. It is nice when personal taste and fashion coincide! Of course, this comes from the person who makes and wears patterns that are 50 to 60 years old!
Most of what I see on the fashion runways via television and internet are not what I would choose to wear. I don't try to follow whatever is the current trend. There are just classic styles that I like and tend to buy or sew that. I do get excited when the new pattern catalogs emerge as I find a lot of inspiration there. I know what looks good on me and tend to stick with that whether it is "in style" or not.
ReplyDeletePS: Love the plaid with lace overlay. Can't wait to see the finished garment.
ReplyDeleteI tend to pick and choose among different influences in fashion and then apply those to what I know looks good on me. Being short and round, a lot of stuff (my best example being the recent love affair with 'baby doll')just doesn't appeal or look really attractive on me; on the other hand, I tend to like things from the 1940s and 1950s so I tend toward that time frame anyway.
ReplyDeletelove the subtleness of that lace on the plaid. I think one of the reasons it works so well is that the colors are so analogous.
ReplyDeleteYou know me, fashion permeates. ;)
Hmm - fashion or not? Interesting question and you wouldn't think it would be hard to answer. I tend to gravitate toward classic styles. And yet, I'm not sure my closet reflects that. So, I shall work on that this year - thanks again for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThe plaid and lace is brilliant and I can't wait to see how it ends up. I know it will be fabulous, beautiful and just the right touch - coming from you!
Me likey the lace and plaid! I love fashion and trends, but I try not to obsess over it.
ReplyDeleteLove the plaid and lace. I think that neither dominates on this and it works really well. It also gives a vertical accent that is so flattering.
ReplyDeleteFashion! I love, love, love fashion. But I got tired of making clothes that didn't fit my lifestyle. I am working towards a pulled together and stylish casual wardrobe.
I am a huge fan of lace and menswear plaid. There is a picture on my inspiration wall of a pair of plaid pants with lace around the hem! I can't wait to see the dress finished!
ReplyDeleteMenswear plaid and lace a definite unique mix, which is Donna Karan's motto.
ReplyDeleteThe lace addition is a great twist. I love fashion, but I don't let it run my life. On the other had I have to say that I am guilty of purchasing fabric for the life I want to lead. I have an overwhelming stash of satin, brocade, taffeta, velvet and sequin fabrics. Maybe I need therapy?
ReplyDeleteI think the lace trim is great. IN FACT, I just did the same thing to a small print houndstooth skirt. I thought it was just too plain, and I had a few construction flaws at the bottom, so I hauled out some hem tape, the lacy wide kind (black) and off I went. It has the same cool affect as your lace on the plaid.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, I really like what I see so far :) I am sure it will be gorgeous. You look great in your outfit....the lace is a nice touch on you top.
ReplyDeleteI love the mix of the menswear fabric and lace too. Your questions got me thinking, although I love reading fashion magazines and have even created a computer file of inspirational styles as I come across them, thats where they seem to stay! I really should incorporate more of these fashion inspirations into what I sew, and certainly the projects on your and other sewing blogs encourage me to try. Another goal for 2008 perhaps!
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, this is going to be a great looking dress! Love the combination of corporate wear and lace. Like you I have a three day weekend and I plan to take advantage of it!!!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see this dress!
ReplyDeleteAs for your question, I don't have a final answer... It depends on the trends and on my current state of mind. Lately I've been sewing not because I need the clothes but because I enjoy sewing so much. I go for different styles and good challenges. I do keep a sense of what's in and out but I don't let it rule on my wardrobe.
I am absolutely intrigued by fashion design and the art of making garments. I love it. Each new season bring about the excitement of making by own version some popular style. If only I had enough time to sew as much as I want. lol Sometime fashion invades and other time I wish I could wear a particular style, but it is not suited for my body shape. Routinely I purchase fabric for the life that I lead. Occassionally, my purchases fall outside of that.
ReplyDeleteI love the combination of meanwear and lace that you are currently working on. I too am a DKNY fan. Savor every moment.