With this lovely weather all I seem to want to wear is dresses. And, surprisingly, I own a lot of dresses. They are all different and have their own personalities allowing me to pick one that fits my mood for the day I want to wear one of them. However, not all of my dresses work for this warm weather, some have darker and heavier fabrics that would only make me sweat and weigh me down. I want to wear lovely flowly short dresses that let me move and stay cool in the coming summer heat.
A lot of my dresses have patterns, I only have a few that are solid colors. I have a nice bright red dress for fancy occasions and a magenta/purple peplum dress from H&M that is also for nicer occasions than just running errands or working. Another solid color dress I have is actually 2 colors; the skirt is solid black with relaxed pleats and a creamy white sleeveless top. Besides these dresses the rest of mine are full of patterns and colors!
My favorites include a cream colored sleeveless shift dress with red poppies and blue flowers and some detail in the front with ribbon. Another is cheetah print, spaghetti straps, rouched bodice and a visible zipper down the back. I have a pink and orange with a few other colors, random pattern dress. It's short, spaghetti straps, but then sort of a one shoulder panel going from the bottom of the bodice to the shoulder (It's hard to explain). On top of that, I own a strapless cheetah print, tinted with blues and greens, with a few other designs mixed in. I also own a strapless black bubble skirt dress with a little cross over detail in the front. Every girl should own a little black dress, I actually just found a really cool Calvin Klein black dress. It's loose, sleeveless, V-neck with detail, and has pockets. Calvin Klein, to me, always seems to have really comfortable dresses, they just lay wonderfully on my body and feel great. I have another dress from Calvin Klein, it's blue, sleeveless, with big ruffles at the bottom and the last ruffle is a different shade of blue, almost turquoise. Also, I have my elephant dress I made for the spring fashion show. I've worn it to 2 different interviews and have gotten many compliments. Lastly, a few dresses I've had for a few years and don't wear as often include a cute 50s red with cream colored polka dots and a tie collar, a deep purple dress with big lavender flowers my mom bought me in Hawaii, and a brightly colored floral dress with spaghetti straps.
I know I don't need any new dresses, especially since I just bought one, so I will be working these dresses in different ways to make them all new and unique from the previous ways I have worn them.
I will be posting a piece or two on various dresses and the different ways I wear them, so stay tuned!
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Monday, May 20, 2013
Spring Snafus
I was reading some articles about what to wear and what to avoid this Spring and I came across one article that pretty much would destroy my wardrobe.
According to the article you should avoid:
According to the article you should avoid:
- Drop-waist dresses
- High-waisted, tapered trousers
- Bermuda shorts
- Lucite heels
- Overdone florals
However, i say if it works for your body and you like it, then wear it. The points above do not work for everyone, however, in my opinion, they do look lovely on some people and in the right fabric and paired with the right accessories all 5 of these options could be pulled off wonderfully. Fit is the key factor here, if it doesn't fit then don't wear it.
Let me expand on the points from above. With the movie, The Great Gatsby, out I am sure a lot of women will be looking for a great drop-waist dress. Also, to me, high-waisted, tapered trousers are very feminine and since they are fitted, can look very pleasing to the eye. Next, Bermuda shorts. Sure they aren't high fashion, but they are comfortable and practical for a lot of women. As for Lucite heels, they can either be really classy or the exact opposite of classy. Lastly, overdone florals, I do slightly agree that florals can be overdone. However, if you find a balance with your floral prints, I think that they wouldn't be overwhelming and could work.
To me, it really just comes down to what makes you happy and if it fits. Also, none of these above are really mind blowing for the spring season. These are used year after year, some for multiple seasons throughout the year. I think everyone should take one of these points from the list of "Trends to Avoid" and make them work not only for you individually, but make them different from what people are used to expecting when they think of Spring. You can do it!
To me, it really just comes down to what makes you happy and if it fits. Also, none of these above are really mind blowing for the spring season. These are used year after year, some for multiple seasons throughout the year. I think everyone should take one of these points from the list of "Trends to Avoid" and make them work not only for you individually, but make them different from what people are used to expecting when they think of Spring. You can do it!
Quintessential Quotable Quotes
One
of the things that helps me when i'm stuck doing a sketch or writing, is to
find quotes that make me feel something and helps light a spark so I can
continue drawing or writing.
I decided to create a short
list of a few quotes I don't think i have included on my blog yet.
They all revolve around fashion in one way or another and hopefully can help
you if you get stuck in a rut. I left the names of the people with links so you
can go to those pages and view even more quotes if you desire.
v "Style
is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn."
v
“We only live once, but once is enough if we do
it right. Live your life with class, dignity, and style so that an exclamation,
rather than a question mark signifies it!”
v
“Why change?
Everyone has his own style. When you have found it, you should stick to
it.”
v
“Style is knowing
who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn”
v
“Create your own
style… let it be unique for yourself and yet identifiable for others.”
v
“Never use the
word “cheap”. Today everybody can look chic in inexpensive clothes (the rich
buy them too). There is good clothing design on every level today. You can be
the chicest thing in the world in a T-shirt and jeans — it’s up to you.”
v
“Sometimes
comfort doesn't matter. When a shoe is freakin' fabulous, it may be worth a
subsequent day of misery. Soak in Epsom salts and take comfort in the fact that
you're better than everyone else.”
v
“You can have
whatever you want if you dress for it.”
Friday, May 17, 2013
What's Your Style? Mine is...
I'm always asking others, "What's your style?" And they reply with these amazing, descriptive answers. Yet, in an interview, when I was asked what my personal style can be described as, I sort of froze.
I've never given a lot of thought into what my own personal style is, a lot of my friends in the apparel design major at Purdue would say whatever my style is it involves a lot of houndstooth.
My reply in the interview was that I don't have a specified style, it's more of a wake up, what mood am I in, what's my personality, let's go with that decision. More of a live in the moment and decide what to wear. The more I think about it the more I think my wardrobe is a little like someone on acid picked out my clothes. I have a wide variety of crazy prints and colors that can't be worn together, a lot of stripes and houndstooth and cheetah print. I also have a LOT of shoes, more specifically a lot of heels that are only worn a few times a year, but nevertheless are gorgeous and I will never get rid of them. Though, the more time I spend on trying to decide what my style is, I have come to the conclusion that as of now, I don't have a specific style. I'm still growing into my self, still trying to find me and until I accomplish that my style won't be as easily definable as others can define their own sense of style. However, if I had to say one definition, it would be this: Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel meets Twiggy and Gwen Stefani in the 80's at a rock concert in Paris. For many that sounds ridiculous, but for me, that's how I would describe my style at the moment.
I've never given a lot of thought into what my own personal style is, a lot of my friends in the apparel design major at Purdue would say whatever my style is it involves a lot of houndstooth.
My reply in the interview was that I don't have a specified style, it's more of a wake up, what mood am I in, what's my personality, let's go with that decision. More of a live in the moment and decide what to wear. The more I think about it the more I think my wardrobe is a little like someone on acid picked out my clothes. I have a wide variety of crazy prints and colors that can't be worn together, a lot of stripes and houndstooth and cheetah print. I also have a LOT of shoes, more specifically a lot of heels that are only worn a few times a year, but nevertheless are gorgeous and I will never get rid of them. Though, the more time I spend on trying to decide what my style is, I have come to the conclusion that as of now, I don't have a specific style. I'm still growing into my self, still trying to find me and until I accomplish that my style won't be as easily definable as others can define their own sense of style. However, if I had to say one definition, it would be this: Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel meets Twiggy and Gwen Stefani in the 80's at a rock concert in Paris. For many that sounds ridiculous, but for me, that's how I would describe my style at the moment.
Interview Update
I
just wanted to share about my interview experience since I walked in
and suddenly realized it was a group interview and I have never had
to do a group interview before. I've had plenty of interviews for a range of
things—interviews for scholarships, Yale, to be a CSR Career Fair host,
to hold a position in Honor Society, jobs—but never a group interview. I was
overwhelmed with a sense of “What if I don’t stand out from the group?” Sure
most people are always worried about fitting in, but me, I’m worried about
standing out (in a good way of course). I had wanted to look a little classy
for my interview with Express and I wanted to look put-together. I was going to
go and apply at other stores after my interview too, so I wanted to wear
something I could transition and would work for a variety of places. For my
ensemble I chose my Anne Klein black dress pants, a pastel pink button down
from The Limited, my nude heels from BCBGeneration, a black fitted vest I
bought in Paris, and to top it all off I wore pink flower earrings (they’re
real flowers too) and a gold bracelet with a white ivory rose on it. I wore my
hair down and loose, I figured if I went somewhere more preppy I would pull it
up in a high bun. For makeup I chose a subtle look: mascara, foundation/powder,
and whipped berry lipstick (which isn’t as dark as it sounds). On my way there I
felt very empowered and confident, but when I got there and the group was
rounded up together, everyone else’s choices made me stick out like a sore
thumb.
Out
of 7 girls, I was the only one “dressed up.” Two girls wore black dress pants,
a nice, simple blouse of a solid color, and flats. One girl wore red jeans with
a skinny belt and white top. Another girl wore a long blue skirt, made of what
looked like possibly jersey, a white tank top, and a blazer. Black leggings, a
white tank top, a blazer, and sandal wedges sums up another girl’s ensemble.
Lastly, a girl with some tattoos (which I liked) had a very relaxed outfit
consisting of a top, grey sweater, skinny jeans, and flats. There I was, in a
midst of girls who exuded the feeling of being relaxed and comfortable; I
looked like a stick in mud. I was hoping they wouldn’t assume I was stuck up or
rude. However, all these negative thoughts about how I didn’t fit in and how
they were affecting my confidence went away when I realized the manager
interviewing us was dressed very nicely. He had on dress slacks, nice shoes, a
purple and white button down, and a purple tie and tie clip. I quite wondering
how the other girls thought of me, or even how people in the mall thought of
me, because I was there to impress one person-the man running the interview. I
sat up straight, answered every question, crossed my ankles, folded my hands,
and even asked a couple solid questions at the end. I made people smile and laugh
a little a couple times with my responses.
Even
though my confidence waivered after initially realizing it was a group
interview, and after taking in what everyone else had decided to wear, I made a
choice. I decided that my outfit represented just one day, one emotion from me,
and that was confidence. I dressed for the job I want, not the potential one I
would get if I get hired. I want to be the one in charge, the one who calls all
the shots and makes important decisions. Not just the person selling the
product, stocking the shelves, and folding the clothes. In the end I think my
outfit exhumed confidence and once I pushed the negative thoughts out of my
head, I was able to stand tall, and handle my first ever group interview.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Empowering Interview Ensembles
When searching for a job you should always try and look your best, and make sure you feel your absolute best. It's important to know your strengths and weaknesses, such as which colors work well for your skin tones or what styles flatter your own personal body shape. Besides just the clothes, there are several other factors that go into making your ensemble magnificent. For example, consider your jewelry. If you have a very busy outfit, keep the jewelry minimal. If your clothes are loud and full of prints, maybe try and keep your accessories simple and effortless. Along with these, make sure your hair and make-up is simple and not too dramatic. Nevertheless, there are always exceptions. It all depends on where you are interviewing for and what they represent, how they express themselves as a brand or company.
Today I had an interview with a store for a retail position. The store is for women in their mid-30s and above, they depict their view with comfortable clothing, nothing too strict or revealing but more laid back and relaxing and cozy. For my interview I wore the dress I made for Purdue's Fashion Show since it's simple in style and cut. The pattern isn't too overwhelming and when paired with my red blazer the overall effect was very simple and modest. I wore nude heels, pearl earrings, and berry lipstick. I felt very confident with myself and in the end I think I made the right choice with my ensemble. It wasn't too crazy and wild, it made feel confident, it was simple in colors and patterns, and it was modest and not revealing.
Ultimately it's your own personal decisions and whatever makes you feel wonderful will make you confident and will allow others to see how great you feel. Be yourself and you'll find the perfect fit with a company!
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Open a Book, Open Your Mind
I have to say one thing I am excited about by being home is going to the library. Of course there are libraries on campus, and each offer excellent selections, but it's something about going to a library not full of people studying for classes, but people wanting to simply read (of course there are always exceptions) makes me feel at home. I love roaming the stacks aimlessly looking for random books. However, sometimes I do some research at home, find books I want to read, write down their info, and then I have a mission when I go to the library. Even still, there are so many types of books and then CDs and DVDs to check out.
Personally I love reading fiction, preferably something with mystery or paranormal or with vampires or ghosts or shapeshifters or something of the sort. I like having that aspect to a book where you know they don't exist but there's just that slight chance that it could all be real. Books and the stories they create and the images I envision fill my mind with gowns and ensembles that would not only work for those specific novels, but they also inspire a lot of my sketches.
When I read Dracula, and trust me I've read it more than 5 times, I always think of big deep red satin gowns with bead detail or long trains. I love the idea of an all red collection made of velvet, satin, tulle and more with beads, sequins, feather fascinators, and dark smokey eyes and bright or dark red lips.
I recently went to the library and checked out 11 books, all are related to fashion in some way, and all are non-fiction. I wanted to get a rather large book on art from the 1800s to early 1900s but it was only a reference book and can not be checked out. However, I found a book on Cartier, one on apparel from 1900-1910s, a Seventeen guide book, the Teen Vogue handbook, and then a couple books regarding Hollywood actresses and starlets from the early 1900s. I've only read a few so far, but I know there are others waiting on the shelves in the library.
I like the idea that books are like a gateway to other worlds and can take your mind anywhere you want. I love the quote from C.S. Lewis stating, "You can't get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me" (BrainyQuote). I love just relaxing with a good book and drinking a cup of hot tea. Also, the quote about learning from books, "You cannot open a book without learning something," from Confucius (BrianyQuote).
Books can really open a person's mind, no book is the same for two people, just like no two snowflakes are the same. What a person takes away from a book is different than another person, and I love it.
Personally I love reading fiction, preferably something with mystery or paranormal or with vampires or ghosts or shapeshifters or something of the sort. I like having that aspect to a book where you know they don't exist but there's just that slight chance that it could all be real. Books and the stories they create and the images I envision fill my mind with gowns and ensembles that would not only work for those specific novels, but they also inspire a lot of my sketches.
When I read Dracula, and trust me I've read it more than 5 times, I always think of big deep red satin gowns with bead detail or long trains. I love the idea of an all red collection made of velvet, satin, tulle and more with beads, sequins, feather fascinators, and dark smokey eyes and bright or dark red lips.
I recently went to the library and checked out 11 books, all are related to fashion in some way, and all are non-fiction. I wanted to get a rather large book on art from the 1800s to early 1900s but it was only a reference book and can not be checked out. However, I found a book on Cartier, one on apparel from 1900-1910s, a Seventeen guide book, the Teen Vogue handbook, and then a couple books regarding Hollywood actresses and starlets from the early 1900s. I've only read a few so far, but I know there are others waiting on the shelves in the library.
I like the idea that books are like a gateway to other worlds and can take your mind anywhere you want. I love the quote from C.S. Lewis stating, "You can't get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me" (BrainyQuote). I love just relaxing with a good book and drinking a cup of hot tea. Also, the quote about learning from books, "You cannot open a book without learning something," from Confucius (BrianyQuote).
Books can really open a person's mind, no book is the same for two people, just like no two snowflakes are the same. What a person takes away from a book is different than another person, and I love it.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Skirt and Shirt Projects
For Apparel Assembly, my sewing class this semester, we had several projects. Our first project was to create a skirt using a pattern, our second to create a collared button-down shirt from a pattern, and then the third was our Good Will project (which I have posted about already).
For my skirt project I had a navy fabric with white and pink flowers. My skirt had a couple darts, comes above my knees, has a little waistband, and an invisible zipper down the back.
For my collared shirt I used a small, checkered pink and white fabric. It's 3/4 sleeves with cuffs. The inside of the cuffs is the fabric from the skirt. I then used pale white, almost pink, buttons down the front of the shirt and then I have two on the cuffs (so four total used on my cuffs). I was excited to use the button hole maker for the first time in a project. It was very quick and I'm glad we have this machine in our lab. I can't imagine not having it.
I originally wasn't going to include fabric from my skirt in my shirt, but I had extra fabric and I thought that even if I didn't wear them together, it would add a fun touch to the shirt. You can wear them separately or together, which is something I love.
For my skirt project I had a navy fabric with white and pink flowers. My skirt had a couple darts, comes above my knees, has a little waistband, and an invisible zipper down the back.
For my collared shirt I used a small, checkered pink and white fabric. It's 3/4 sleeves with cuffs. The inside of the cuffs is the fabric from the skirt. I then used pale white, almost pink, buttons down the front of the shirt and then I have two on the cuffs (so four total used on my cuffs). I was excited to use the button hole maker for the first time in a project. It was very quick and I'm glad we have this machine in our lab. I can't imagine not having it.
I originally wasn't going to include fabric from my skirt in my shirt, but I had extra fabric and I thought that even if I didn't wear them together, it would add a fun touch to the shirt. You can wear them separately or together, which is something I love.
Fashion Show: Concept to Creation
I realize it's been almost a whole month since the fashion show, but get ready for several posts about it.
This post, however, will just be about my piece in the show. I will be discussing my ideas, my sketches, my fabric choices, the process of creating it, and finally the final creation.
First, it all starts with an idea. I always have very ambitious dreams and ideas and I had wanted to do a little black dress with a low front or back and a skirt made entirely of feathers. I quickly realized that not only would it be very expensive, but it would also be a lot of work and for not really sewing until this year, it would be very difficult to meet deadlines. So, instead I went to the fabric store and searched through all the fabric choices. I wanted to get ideas from fabrics I would want to work with. I found a black cotton with little white elephants and a tribal print striped loose fabric that I could see myself working with. i found some other fabrics I enjoyed, but when i looked through possible patterns I decided on the two fabrics I discussed above. I decided I would take a dress pattern (high neck, A-line skirt, sleeveless) and shorten it and not put pockets in it. I would use the elephant print for the dress because it would make a cute cotton dress with an exposed, big silver and black zipper down the back. Then, I found a dress pattern that was just a tank top and elastic waistband connecting the top to the skirt. What I decided to do was only make the skirt part and then put the skirt over the dress. I would use the tribal print fabric for the skirt. Lastly, I found a set of detachable collar patterns. At this point I was unsure if I would sue the collars but I thought it would be neat to own them.
After I had all my materials I decided to try and sketch some different ideas. I came up with a sketch for my class that provides a front view and then a short back view of mostly just the outfit.
For class we had to create our outfit out of muslin, like a rough draft so we could work out any quarks that might come up. Over Christmas break I had made a skirt using the skirt pattern I planned on using for the show but with a rayon fabric. After making the dress and collar out of muslin (I didn't have to make the skirt since I had a rough draft already). While making the muslin dress I had to make sure it fit my model, so there were several fittings during the process. Even with the fittings during the muslin I still had to take in my final dress. However, in the end the skirt and dress fit pretty well for my first big sewing project.
Then over spring break I found the perfect heels to make my outfit complete. They're wedges with a cork wedge and black straps. They made the ensemble feel more earthy and work together better than if I had used patent heels like I had originally imagined.
For hair and make up I had envisioned a dark smokey eye with bright red lips, or maroon to match the skirt, with a messy high bun. However, we had to pick from options provided to us for the fashion show. Out of the options given I chose a low bun with a smokey eye and pink lips. Though, when it was done the hair looked good but the eye makeup was disappointing and I still wanted red lips. But, nevertheless I went with it and it all worked out.
Finally, for all of my efforts (and I had applied), I was awarded the Freshman award from Purdue's Fashion Association. It was a great feeling to be awarded on the runway in between the Underclassmen/Upperclassmen and the Seniors' collections.
All in all I think it was a great experience. A lot of hard work and effort but I love my ensemble and it fits me, just a great plus side to having a model being almost the same size as you.
This post, however, will just be about my piece in the show. I will be discussing my ideas, my sketches, my fabric choices, the process of creating it, and finally the final creation.
First, it all starts with an idea. I always have very ambitious dreams and ideas and I had wanted to do a little black dress with a low front or back and a skirt made entirely of feathers. I quickly realized that not only would it be very expensive, but it would also be a lot of work and for not really sewing until this year, it would be very difficult to meet deadlines. So, instead I went to the fabric store and searched through all the fabric choices. I wanted to get ideas from fabrics I would want to work with. I found a black cotton with little white elephants and a tribal print striped loose fabric that I could see myself working with. i found some other fabrics I enjoyed, but when i looked through possible patterns I decided on the two fabrics I discussed above. I decided I would take a dress pattern (high neck, A-line skirt, sleeveless) and shorten it and not put pockets in it. I would use the elephant print for the dress because it would make a cute cotton dress with an exposed, big silver and black zipper down the back. Then, I found a dress pattern that was just a tank top and elastic waistband connecting the top to the skirt. What I decided to do was only make the skirt part and then put the skirt over the dress. I would use the tribal print fabric for the skirt. Lastly, I found a set of detachable collar patterns. At this point I was unsure if I would sue the collars but I thought it would be neat to own them.
After I had all my materials I decided to try and sketch some different ideas. I came up with a sketch for my class that provides a front view and then a short back view of mostly just the outfit.
For class we had to create our outfit out of muslin, like a rough draft so we could work out any quarks that might come up. Over Christmas break I had made a skirt using the skirt pattern I planned on using for the show but with a rayon fabric. After making the dress and collar out of muslin (I didn't have to make the skirt since I had a rough draft already). While making the muslin dress I had to make sure it fit my model, so there were several fittings during the process. Even with the fittings during the muslin I still had to take in my final dress. However, in the end the skirt and dress fit pretty well for my first big sewing project.
 |
| This is my outfit before alterations, it's too big and not hemmed. |
 |
| Here are the heels from Banana Republic. |
 |
| I'm on the left with my model on the right with everything: hair, makeup, accessories, and my ensemble. |
All in all I think it was a great experience. A lot of hard work and effort but I love my ensemble and it fits me, just a great plus side to having a model being almost the same size as you.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Good Will Project
One of the projects we did for my sewing class this semester was called a Good Will Project. What we had to do was go to Good Will, or even use items we already had, and then take those items to create something totally new and different. We couldn't buy fabric, we had to use what we bought for fabric. However, you could buy thread, buttons, zippers, etc.
When I went to Good Will I found a shirt that was very large, I think a 4X (I am a medium shirt wise), and it was a black and green hounds-tooth print. It's very soft and hangs nicely. I also managed to find a real 100% leather skirt from Talbot's. It was a size 12 and I am anywhere from an 8 to a 10, but the 12 skirt didn't fit as well as it could have.
Originally I found them and wanted to combine them to make a nice dress with a cute hounds-tooth top and the leather skirt bottom. But, when I started working on the top part I decided I loved the idea of having them be separates and I felt that I would wear them more if they were separate: a leather skirt and a crop top.
For the top I cut the bottom off, which I later sued to create an infinity scarf by adding a panel of solid black fabric, and then seam ripped the sides and cut different arm holes so it would be a tank top. Then I sewed the sides, the arm holes, and the bottom. I surged all of my seams and hemmed the bottom of the top so it is a crop top. Then, because I felt it was a little plain, I added 3 large black buttons down the front to spice the shirt up a bit.
My skirt took a little longer to recreate. At first I wasn't going to take it in, I was going to leave it as a size 12, but my professor thought it would be better to deconstruct my skirt and make it so it would fit me perfectly. So that is exactly what I did. I seam ripped the sides, including the invisible side zipper (definitely a challenge!), and the took it in so it molds to body in an excellent way. I then proceeded to cut the bottom to where the slit in the back started, so about 5 inches. I sewed the sides together, did my bets with the zipper, hemmed and finished the lining, and then I got to use rubber cement to hem and finish the bottom of the leather skirt. It took me several tries to get the zipper right, but my professor helped talk me through it and I was able to take a size 12 leather pencil skirt and make a fabulous custom fit, above the knees (almost a leather mini) skirt that, according to my professor, will work for at least 3 out of the 4 seasons.
When I went to Good Will I found a shirt that was very large, I think a 4X (I am a medium shirt wise), and it was a black and green hounds-tooth print. It's very soft and hangs nicely. I also managed to find a real 100% leather skirt from Talbot's. It was a size 12 and I am anywhere from an 8 to a 10, but the 12 skirt didn't fit as well as it could have.
Originally I found them and wanted to combine them to make a nice dress with a cute hounds-tooth top and the leather skirt bottom. But, when I started working on the top part I decided I loved the idea of having them be separates and I felt that I would wear them more if they were separate: a leather skirt and a crop top.
For the top I cut the bottom off, which I later sued to create an infinity scarf by adding a panel of solid black fabric, and then seam ripped the sides and cut different arm holes so it would be a tank top. Then I sewed the sides, the arm holes, and the bottom. I surged all of my seams and hemmed the bottom of the top so it is a crop top. Then, because I felt it was a little plain, I added 3 large black buttons down the front to spice the shirt up a bit.
My skirt took a little longer to recreate. At first I wasn't going to take it in, I was going to leave it as a size 12, but my professor thought it would be better to deconstruct my skirt and make it so it would fit me perfectly. So that is exactly what I did. I seam ripped the sides, including the invisible side zipper (definitely a challenge!), and the took it in so it molds to body in an excellent way. I then proceeded to cut the bottom to where the slit in the back started, so about 5 inches. I sewed the sides together, did my bets with the zipper, hemmed and finished the lining, and then I got to use rubber cement to hem and finish the bottom of the leather skirt. It took me several tries to get the zipper right, but my professor helped talk me through it and I was able to take a size 12 leather pencil skirt and make a fabulous custom fit, above the knees (almost a leather mini) skirt that, according to my professor, will work for at least 3 out of the 4 seasons.
Overall I think I did a great job and I love the outcome of my project. I worked really hard and for my first time working with leather I think I did well.
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