Fall/Winter Wardrobe

Prada Inspired Skirt and Jacket - Part I

I've started another small wardrobe project, a skirt and jacket inspired the lace Prada jackets and skirts seen on the runway. This look seems to have resonated with many people, and although I'm not a huge fan of anything frilly and lacy, I think I can make this look work for me.

First, I'm using a brown lace woven with metallic gold in certain areas that I bought quite some time ago, which was imported from Spain. This is not the heavy guipure that was used by Prada, but this isn't going to be an exact replica, just an inspired ensemble. I'm also using a brown wool-blend underneath the lace and brown lining. This picture isn't the greatest, but it gives you an idea of what the lace looks like.

For patterns, I've chosen this one for the skirt from Patrones #272, model #53, without the belt loops or belt:

For the jacket, I'm using the one below from BWOF 1/08 #126, with the modification of a round neckline rather than the v-neck shown. The jacket is not exactly the same as the Prada jackets as they seem to be more boxy in shape.

I chose both of these patterns mainly for their lines. I do not want all over lace, as this suit is for church. This lace would be a bit much for church if it were to be used all over both pieces. The suit would draw too much attention to itself, which is not where your attention is to be focused when you go to church!

Only the skirt's yokes will be overlayed with the lace, as you can see from the photo below of the back skirt yokes. You can also see some of the metallic gold that is woven in the lace. The jacket front and backs will be overlayed, but not the sleeves as per the original BWOF design because the original sleeves are knit (yes, I have a matching knit, just not shown). I will be treating the lace as Prada did, more like a fabric and less like lace. That means I will not be aligning hems along the scalloped edges or cutting off the scalloped edge and hand stitching in place over hems as needed. I will be hemming and stitching the lace as any other overlay fabric.

I haven't done much with either the skirt or jacket yet, but at least everything is cut out! There will be a top to wear underneath, too, which has been traced from BWOF but not cut out yet of the stretch velvet I bought the other day. I will have a little more time in the next few days, as I've finished two big projects today: painting my hallway/living room/stairwell and putting together a portfolio to be reviewed for entry into the Bernina Fashion Show.

Parting Shot: More sewing goodies. Here are the notions I bought a few days ago at Martin's sale. I got Snapsetter adaptor tools, a buttonhole cutter set. Since they were on sale, and I'd have to order such tools over the Internet, it seemed like a good idea. I've never been happy with using scissors or a seam ripper to cut open buttonholes anyway.