make this look: garden wedding

  1. Original dress: Anthropologie
  2. Pattern: Simplicity 2444
  3. Green toile: Fashion Fabrics Club

Today’s “make this look” is proof that I’m living in sewing dreamland… I’m not going to a wedding this weekend, I’m cleaning out my basement.  In fact the only weddings I’m going to this year are both in October, when it will be cool and drizzly and decidedly un-gardenlike.  But alas, while I’m wearing grubby housework clothes this weekend I’ll be dreaming of wearing this lovely little number from Anthropologie – which you can knock off and make your own for a fraction of the price.  You’ll need Simplicity 2444, 3 ¼ yards of green toile, and 3/8 yard of lightweight fusible interfacing.  (After my Weekender Bag experience, I swear by Pellon Stacy Shape-Flex.)  Finish the look with a gold cuff, earrings, and sandals.

Have fun with your Pinot and finger sandwiches!  I'll be in my basement, wondering how we accumulated so much stuff we have absolutely no use for.

make this look: saturday shopping

  1. original outfit: Nordstrom
  2. tank dress: Simplicity 2443
  3. navy knit: Fabric.com
  4. purple knit: Fabric.com
  5. navy floral shirting: Fashion Fabrics Club

I'm headed up to Seattle this weekend to see some of my closest girlfriends and do a bit of shopping. I love wearing simple dresses (like this one from Nordstrom) when I'm shopping - less to take off, less to put back on. So easy. To make this look, start with Simplicity's 2443 View B (by the way, these Cynthia Rowley patterns for Simplicity are fantastic. I want to make all of them.) You can stick to the original look by using navy and purple knits, and a lightweight navy floral cotton, or you can adapt the look by combining a floral or similar pattern with 2 coordinating knits. Heck, make multiples. :-) Finish the look for spring by pairing it with a denim jacket and flats, and wear it into summer with leather sandals.

make this look: skirting the issue

  1. original outfit: Banana Republic
  2. tie-waist skirt: Simplicity 2413, View A
  3. gray stretch sateen fabric: Fashion Fabrics Club

I'm loving this spring work look from Banana Republic. It's the kind of outfit that manages to pull off the elusive combo of effortless and super cute. I especially love how fun and versatile the skirt is... it's just the type of thing I've been needing to breathe new life into my tired work staples. To re-create this look, you'll need Simplicity's 2413 pattern (View A), 2 1/4 yards of cotton blend fabric with a slight stretch, a 9" invisible zipper, and a hook-and-eye closure. To complete the look, pair the skirt with a fitted white button down, lightweight cardigan, and nude pumps.

make this look: farmers market tunic

  1. original outfit: Anthropologie
  2. red plaid shirting: Fabric.com
  3. ruffle tunic: Simplicity 2448, View D

Anthropologie calls this look "At the Ballpark", but to me it seems more suited for strolling through Portland's amazing downtown farmers market.  To re-create the look, you'll need Simplicity's 2448 pattern (view D is the ruffle tunic) and a couple yards of plaid shirting.  Purchase additional yardage if you want to add a matching belt to the pattern, like in the original version.  Pair the tunic with faded cropped jeans, a layered necklace, and sandals to complete the look.