Although, I mostly know Audrey from the Top Stitchers Competition (see the time won!) and its Facebook sewing community, I have grown to admire her and her work at Skirt Fixation, her work with Project Run and Play and various other sewing related connections. So, with all of that back story you can imagine that when I saw her tester call for her FIRST PATTERN EVER I was immediately on board: exclusive new pattern, another Ya Ya Sewing Sisterhood and helping a friend, yes please!
Audrey started Savvy Patterns and her first release is this super cute vintage inspired skirt pattern aptly titled, the Runway Skirt. What's so show stopping about this pattern? Well, it's the godets that swish and swirl as you strut your stuff at work and church...or is that just me? When I was picking out my fabric I had two choices: I could go bold (typically my first choice) or I could do toned down sophistication. Well, I think this skirt allowed me to do both. I found this deep navy Ponte Roma Knit from Joann Fabrics and navy & cheetah godets. If you've read this far I just want to encourage you to stick around because there's a giveaway for a generously donated copy of the pattern at the end.
This skirt pattern is labeled as a pencil skirt, but it's more loose fitting than today's version of a pencil skirt. However, don't think it's your grandma's vintage skirt pattern. Thisskirt is cute, cute, cute and goes from pencil to midi to maxi length. It's sometimes hard to wear very distinctive pieces of clothig so I thought I'd share a few styling tips.
I wouldn't say that I styled the skirt in a particular design category. I basically, just made my "bold or toned down" decision all over again. In this case I went bold-ish, bold-y and toned down in reference to the tops I chose and I love how each look turned out. Originally, I set out to make a vintage-y top, but time and sanity quickly gave way and I didn't like how my top was coming out. So, off to the thrift store I went. I already knew what shoes I was going to wear and that I wanted pearl jewelry. I found the wrap top and necklace at a consignment boutique and the navy top at a Beall's outlet. When styling an outfit, I never underestimate the power of cheap finds. *Wink*
Bold-ish
For the pattern cover I needed a neutral colored top. Even though the top is neutral it creates a high contrast against my dark skirt. I found this faux wrap top at a consignment shop. The top happens to be White House Black Market whom I love, but could probably only ever afford them like this. This top is a little blousier and would help hide any fold-y bits that a lady might have around the belly and back area. In this case, I matched my top to my shoes and godets (classic styling). The similarity in color draws the eyes to each matching element so don't be surprised to find people looking you up and down. They are supposed to do that. This look is great for work, casual business lunches, church and PTO meetings. Be the hot mom.
Bold-y (you know you love these terms)
I had this great knitted ponchowith an asymmetrical hem that I love and often throw over my go-to dress for church when it gets a little cooler. I thought it had a classic/vintage-y vibe to it, but was also uncommon enough to warrant a few head turns. Again that contrast draws attention to the lighter colored accessories and the stand out godets on the skirt. Another reason this works is that pairing a looser item (poncho) with a slim fitting item (skirt) is a great way to work in more flowy pieces without looking like a bum (baggy clothes all over). The slim piece gives a more pulled together and tailored look.
Toned Down
I thought that keeping a slender profile would add a little Boss Lady sophistication to my look. I kept it paired with the my nude shoes and pearls which class up the simple t-shirt I'm wearing. I actually wore this look to an interview recently and at least I looked killer. I really enjoy the simplicity ad light weight of the top and I wear it this way most often. The understated monotone really make my godets pop, but aren't garish and people take notice. I get to pretend I didn't mean to look like a fox. "What this old thing?" Positive fashion attention? Always a win for me.
Favorite things about this skirt:
It's really comfortable. It's not super tight so I can hide my muffin top while hinting at my feminine assets. Did I mention my husband really likes this skirt, too? And I can style it at least three ways with my current wardrobe and several more in the future. Plus, I kinda made the cover. :-)
If you'd like to sew up your own Runway Skirt, today is the last day to get the pattern for 20% off - No Coupon Needed!
Audrey is also giving away a copy of the Runway Skirt Pattern AND a $25 Urban Sew Gift Card . The Giveaway ends on 12/10.
