Sunday, April 10, 2011

Jailbird. A fashion do or a fashion don't?

Let's just start this post with a multiple choice question.

When Kate wears this black and white striped skirt, she looks:
a) boldly fashionable
b) graphically challenged
c) like she just broke out of jail
d) all of the above
e) none of the above. Other: _______________

I finished sewing this puppy yesterday. But now I can't decide if I can really pull it off. I was inspired by the lovely Lilli of Frocks and Frou Frou, who wore a black and white striped skirt recently with a black and white patterned top (you can see it here). I though she looked so chic, so bold, so confident, and so I immediately began coveting a similar skirt of my own.

I scoured the Internet high and low for the perfect striped fabric. I found very little in the way of appropriate striped fabric. Stripes were either too narrow, or staggered in different sizes, or just plain not available. But while there was no fabric available, along the way I managed to find lots and lots of images of striped clothing to peak my lust, including a Kate Spade yellow striped skirt that enhanced my obsession with striped skirt. I even found a blogger obsessed with Kate Spade who made her own version of striped skirts in red, blue, green, and black. But still, not fabric found. Then, magic of all magics, I found Michael Miller's Two by Two in both black and white and yellow and white.

I made this skirt using a combo of Gertie's dirndl skirt tutorials (#1 and #2), with my own addition of a wide elastic waist instead of a band with zipper. It just is so easy and comfortable with the elastic I added a pocket, which proved challenging as I had to rip it out and redo it twice (if you know how to do french seems with pockets, please share!). I also added a lining of full muslin, which may prove too heavy and bulky, but I was trying to prevent sheerness and add poof. It was a simple project made complicated by user error, but I am optimistic I can crank out more of these quickly, presuming it is a good addition to my wardrobe.

So, that is why I need your opinions. I tried the skirt on with several options for top, and now need to know the truth - does the striped skirt work for me? Let me know what you think. Or, to put the questions in a multiple choice:

If we were going to lunch, and I showed up in any of the outfits below, would you be:
a) openly envious of my outfit
b) a little bit self conscious that my skirt was making others dizzy from the stripe-i-ness
d) worried that I had an inappropriate view of my figure
d) all of the above
e) none of the above. Other: _______________

5 comments:

Myra said...

The skirt is fine, but I am not sure about the print shirts with it. I cannot wrap my head around that much contrast. It looks great with the solid white, though. Try solid black.

Unknown said...

I love it! I think the bold stripes are just so fun! Thanks for the link, too :)

JillJT said...

I love the skirt. You look amazing. I like the light blue print top with the white blazer.
You are such an inspiration. Love you read your blog.

Winding Ways said...

It looks great with the printed shirts, especially the black and white. To my eye, the white shirt is just a little too boring. The jacket is a nice, dressier touch.

Unknown said...

I love your skirt! I have a black and white stripe that I have worked hard to come up with outfits for. It was not easy but very worth it in the end. It is very striking! With so much going on at the bottom, I have found that a black fitted top with great jewelry works well. I sometimes put on a solid,brightly colored cardigan like yellow or hot pink over the black top for some color. One sunday I wore it to church with a plain bright green top and got lots of compliments. I added a yellow flower pin for fun. The elastic waistband was genius! It is probably so comfortable that way!
have a great day!
xoxox,
Sandee
(the kate spade-aholic)