“Fashion is made to become unfashionable.” Coco Chanel
I tried to keep this quote in mind while admiring Kate Spade’s new black and white paisley garments.
This snappy print is featured all over the website in the form of a skirt, a top, a dress, handbags and other accessories all seen here.
Fun, yes!
Classic, no!
Would I have if I indulged in one of these memorable pieces of clothing if I were shopping this year? I’d like to think not at $238.00 for the skirt, $238.00 for top, $398.00 for the dress and now $498.00 for a silk dress of the same print at Saks, but who knows…….
Realizing these cute clothes have a short street life, I probably would have worn my purchase more than it was intended just to get my money’s worth.
“There she is wearing that black and white paisley again….”
Fortunately for me, $10.00 of fabric and a pattern from my stash
cured the urge to splurge!
I found the fabric on Mood Fabrics website and decided to make a tunic version of this pattern I’ve admired for years.
Now I have my own memorable garment for the summer. I hope I can avoid wearing it around the same people repeatedly 
For now I’m opting to wear a pin at the neckline in lieu of the button, allowing me to change the look for different occasions. Here I’m wearing a pin my aunt made from antique buttons.
I know my tunic is no Kate Spade but it serves the same purpose as the $400.00 dress and I won’t feel bad should it receive an early retirement.
It is actually one of my best sewn garments inside and out!
Memorable or forgettable?
The clothes – most likely forgettable. The year – definitely memorable.
I can hardly believe I’m concluding Month 10.
Best wishes for a great weekend!
Very cute pattern and love the fabric. I am all for common sense approach to fashion. You excel at it. I think my 32 year old daughter would love this style…..aaawwwh to be 32 again and no ham arms to spoil the effect. I am now off to Mood to see if you left me a yard! LOL!
Thank you for the comment, Emmy Lou. Aren’t you lucky to get to go to Mood whenever you want to!
I really like it too. And you are right it will be memorable and great for this year. 10 months seems to have flown by – it looks like it has permanently changed your shopping, how much will stick do you think? And do you know what your first purchase will be?
Thank you, Heather! It’s amazing how quickly a year passes. I really don’t know what my first purchase will be but I’m definitely buying a black sweater set once I’m back in the retail world. I wish I had bought one before I started this year of no shopping!
this looks lovely and actually nicer the the KS version. 10 months – I am still keen to see if you continue after the year is finished!
What a nice comment, Pauline! Actually the KS clothes never seem to fit me the way I want, so I doubt I would have bought it, but it’s fun to dream, huh?
Another beautiful black and white! Could you just purchase double the amount of fabric you usually buy and send half to me??? I love your fabric choices. That style looks great on you too.
Hi Cherry and thank you! Yes, I’ll be happy to buy twice as much fabric from now on if you will buy me airline tickets to the UK for delivery
Sure…I’ll send tickets and meet your in the UK…we could do all the fabulous markets and Goldhawk Rd in London, catch up with some UK bloggers then keep flying, down to Sydney, Australia (where I live)
Imagine an international sewing tour where we took our fellow bloggers to visit fabric shops / textile-fashion museums / short courses in our home towns….then joined the group to visit other places….
what a hoot that would be!!!
Oops! I thought you were in UK all this time. A ticket to Australia would work too! … and the international sewing tour idea is the best yet
Great top – wear it to death while you can!
Thanks, Sue! I think I’ll get my money’s worth out of this one
The dress looks like a Lisette pattern- I love lIsette but your Vogue choice is alot more stylish and tailored. I like the brooch closure too- you can throw a pop of color at it if you so chose.
Many thanks and a great idea about adding color at the neckline! Can’t wait to see your finished Simplicity dress!
I’m so curious… are you looking forward to the end of the year? How much do you think this year has changed you? Do you think you will revert or are you reformed? Semi reformed?
I found myself in a clothes shop last week and caught myself thinking ‘cute dress’ and then I thought ‘it’s just a pleated skirt with a double dart bodice and a scooped neckline – easy to make’. I left the shop empty handed with a smile on my face. I’m finding I am much more critical about what I buy and why. That’s a good thing.
Hi Lizzie!
I’m looking forward to having a choice and not feeling pressured about sewing. I’m not sure where this year will lead and will let things unfold naturally, but yes – at the moment I’m feeling quite reformed from blowing $$$$$$ on clothes!
It’s an inspirational journey you have taken and I hope you continue to share your sewing adventures and the odd shopping indulgence too.
You hit the nail on the head with this one! Cute!
Many thanks, Patty! I hope I don’t overwear it this summer
As always, fabric, pattern and fit are right on the mark! The top is too cute and you will be happy to have it in this blazing heat!
I too, would love for you to continue your blog after your year of sewing. Whenever I see a ruffle, http://www.etsy.com/listing/93092599/color-block-ruffle-dress, I think of Miss GoodbyeValentino!
Thank you so much, Tracey! That Etsy dress has quite the ruffle!!!
Very pretty style and fabric, I like the tunic length, too. Ten months with no buying is amazing, good for you.
Many thanks, Lori. It might be harder re-entering the RTW world than it was exiting
I hope you keep sewing after this year. Your creativity and interpretations of fashions you have seen is so inspiring. I think your style improves those things that you would have bought in the past. I hope you have enjoyed doing this because I have certainly enjoyed watching you!
What a nice comment, Becky! You never know what you can do until you try! I have enjoyed this venture immensely.
I love black and white and your fabulous tunic is no exception.
Many thanks, Gail!
So cute! Love the back,too! I’m guessing that you’re going to find it hard to return to retail. I know that I’ve been able to do very little in the past two years. I only succumb to really well-made RTW. And usually things that are difficult to replicate, I do hope you’ll continue on this journey as it is so inspiring to so many!
Hi Cissie! Thank you for the comment. What I’m most afraid of is sales……. Hopefully I can follow your experience and by only those things I cannot make.
I think your version is adorable! It looks so well made too.
Many thanks, Becky! It is truly the most well made garment I’ve made to date – lots left to learn!
I love your interpretation of the inspiration garment. Great job.
Thank you, Carolyn!
Love this one! Looks great on you.
Many thanks, Katy!
Hi… I noticed you use a lot of 100% cotton fabric. How do you care for the fabric to keep it from fading or getting limp? Do you have to iron everything? Dry clean or do you wash?
I love this last top! I am starting to get inspired to sew again. Right not I am altering clothes from losing weight – yeah!!! Although alterations is not my favorite thing to do.
Andrea
Thank you, Andrea! Many of the cottons are blended with lycra which of course is a huge help in retaining shape and color. However, I line almost everything I make especially 100% cotton garments. It makes the world of difference. I prewash the fabric before sewing and then wash in cold water. Congratulations on your weight loss!
One last question. What type of lining fabric do you use? I’m going to Mary Jo’s today!!!
It depends on the fabric….. sometimes poly/cotton batiste and other the silky polyester stuff. Mary Jo’s has two types one of which I prefer because it has a slight texture making it easier to handle. Have fun!!
You obviously have always had an eye for quality in clothing. Now you can really create that quality on your own. I find, as some have said, that it is hard to pay for items that I know I can make (especially) easily. Did you imagine that you would become a talented sewer in the process?
Your projects are all really exceptionally well done (imho). What an inspiring journey you have been experiencing! Thank you for bringing us along.
Violet – Thank you so much for this lovely comment! Thirty years ago I bought my first “good” dress and was hooked on quality clothing though I couldn’t always afford what I wanted. After taking the Couture Dress class I have more appreciation for high end RTW and am trying to aspire to that quality with my sewing but it’s not easy for me. Fitting is the hardest part for sure!
Wonderful! Isn’t it great to be able to sew something up , wear it as much or as little as you like, and know you didn’t spend a fortune? Love the top!
Thank you, Nancy! Yes, it is quite nice to have that choice without the guilt! I love your gravatar/profile description
I found your blog through the couture class on Craftsy. I had so much fun reading all your posts over the last week. Congrats on 10 months! It has been inspiring!
Thank you so much for your comment, Sarah! The past ten months have been quite fulfilling and educational
Are you taking the Couture Dress class?
I love your top, it looks great on you. Your sense of humor put a smile on my faceq.
Thank you so much, Opal! I LOVE your daughter’s prom dress
I like your version much better than the Kate Spade ones! It is so attractive -and foregoing a button for a different choice of pins every time you wear it is a brilliant idea! (Plus – no buttonhole needed!)
Thank you, Karen! It never occurred to me I wouldn’t have to make a buttonhole
…… Seriously, I’m glad I opted for the pin – great versatility!
I love this! Great fabric, pattern, everything
This is so pretty! You did a beautiful job on this on! Will you continue to do you own clothes after this year?
I LOVE that fabric!! It’s perfect for the pattern!
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