I have been a little obsessed with Jackie Kennedy and her iconic fashion style lately, and am thinking about ways to increase the JackieO-ness of my wardrobe. (Or Michelle Obama – she definitely rocks the fashion style world, too.) When I was at Goodwill a few weeks back thrifting for vintage patterns, I found one I think is reminiscent of Jackie’s lovely style, McCall’s 4394. Classic lines on the sheath dress, and a simple coordinating coat. Perfect and timeless for dinner out, theater dates, or weddings.
I think to make this dress “really Jackie” I need to add a bow – either to the coat or the dress. I like the slit on the front of the top, tho, and will likely use it on my version of the dress. I was going to head to the Pacific Fabrics Labor Day Sale yesterday to see if I could find any dreamy fabric, but instead I “shopped my stash” first. I LOVE it when I can find the perfect fabric in my over-abundant stash! I feel like I am saving money, even tho…well, never mind. 🙂 Check out this gorgeous navy silk faille. I bought this in Shanghai ages ago, and I like both the shiny (right) side and the matte (left) side of this fabric. The “embossed” design in the weave kicks it up a notch, don’t you think? Amazingly enough, I must have had a coat + dress in mind when I bought it, because I have 6 1/2 yards of it – plenty!Â
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Anyway, I did head off to Pacific Fabrics, but only to buy lining and some grey fabric for pants for DD #2. I LOVE chartreuse, but absolutely cannot wear it next to my face. Bleah, sallow, washed out, awful-looking on me. But it is a perfect color for the coat lining – so fresh and bright. Love, love, love that citrus-y pop of color next to the navy, and inside the coat it will not have any negative impact on my complexion. Win!! Of course, it was silk charmeuse so I probably spent more on the lining than I did on the navy silk, but whatever. I am going to love it.Â
As for timing on the construction….TBD. It is not the next thing on my “sewing to-do” list, but it sure is the one that I am most excited about. What is on your sewing list these days?
Happy sewing!
Maris Olsen