Saturday, November 29, 2008

DIY #6: Pepping Up a Plain Skirt, Vol. II

Sorry that there's no "before" pic.
Just imagine a plain black velvet pencil skirt.

Suggestions: There are innumerable things you can do to a pencil skirt, but here I have sewn on a section of an accordion skirt to the front/side to add sultriness, swing, and a touch of surrealism.
Inspiration: 1940s noir films, the famous fashion surrealist Elsa Schiaparelli, a Lanvin collection from a few years ago
Tools: Pencil Skirt (it's best if it's a high quality, sturdy fabric - such as wool, velvet, sateen, etc.), a section cut from an accordion-pleated skirt (a somewhat flowy fabric with crisp pleats - wool, cotton, silk, etc.) preferrably in a contrast color, thick thread or think yarn in a fun or muted color, regular sewing thread in the same color as the accordion piece, hand-sewing needles (one regular size and one big enough for the thick thread/thin yarn), scissors, stick pins
Difficulty Level: 2 (Fairly Easy)
Wear with...A feminine blouse, nylons, and patent peep-toe stacked heels

1. Pin the accordion piece onto the front/side of the waistband, making sure that the pleats are overlapping each other (so that the pleats will softly open at the hem), and secure by hand stitching across in the regular thread with the regular needle.
2. Sew a few jagged rows of pick stitching in the thick contrast thread at the top of the accordion panel. Sew on some non-functional buttons, sequins, or beads if you wish.
3. You will need to "slightly attach" the bottom part of the panel to the skirt so that the panel does not flop around. Sew a few little knots (w/ regular thread & needle) at about 5 random points on the hem of panel, thus "slightly attaching" it to the skirt - so that it swishes, but doesn't flop about. (Confusing enough?)

That's it!

DIY #5: Easiest Trench Update Ever!

Suggestions: There are several things one can do to a plain trench coat to pep it up, but here's a quick fix that anyone with an iron can do.
Inspiration: Kate Hudson wears a coat similar to this in Le Divorce (except the patch on her coat is on the sleeve), a movie I love because I'm a francophile. And 1940s movies where the women look like gorgeous spies in their trench coats and berets.
Tools: Trench coat or almost any thin overcoat, military/preppy iron-on patch, iron & ironing board
Difficulty Level: 1 (easy as pie)
Wear with...anything from dark skinny jeans and an American Apparel tee to a vintage 1940s dress and a beret

No instructions even! Just place on the chest of the coat and iron till it's secure. That's it!