A few weeks ago, I saw a swatch of fabric posted by the talented SewPetiteGal, and immediately caught equestrian print fever. A big thank you to my friend Ping (another DIY extraordinaire) who scored the last bits of the material for me at Fabrix for $3 / yard. I haven’t made clothes from scratch in years, and wanted to re-learn by starting as simple as possible. I know a proper zipper looks best on a skirt, but you can’t beat the ease of an elastic waistband. I’ve heard from many of you who are interested in trying sewing (or have already started lessons!), and thought this would be a great beginner’s project to share.
I’m not entirely pleased with the results or with this outfit, but one of the best things about sewing is that you can tweak everything to your own preferences and learn from mistakes. Self-notes for next time: try a heavier, less wrinkle-prone fabric, blind hem the bottom, and pair full skirts with more fitted tops. And eventually, attempt to learn zipper insertion. I’m already eying fun printed fabrics in more season-appropriate colors for skirt # 2.
Please check back next week for a tutorial on the basic process for this easy skirt, which you can tailor to any length or fullness, and of course use any fabric that you want. And for anyone who tried marking this DIY clutch, I’d absolutely love to see any photos of your creations via Facebook or Twitter!
Tutorial Preview: DIY A-Line Skirt w/ Pockets
Ann Taylor blouse, DIY skirt (tutorial coming soon), J.Crew Factory belt, H&M; blazer
J.Crew Mona pumps (only cap toe colors left – use LOVEJCREW for 25% off $150+), Prada tote
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Jean!!!
What type of sewing machine do you use? I've been thinking about investing in one, but not until I take a class or two 🙂
Also, I followed your lead and bought a base shaper for my LV neverfull. A very worthwhile investment. I am bummed they don't make one for my style of the Prada tote!
Such a lovely outfit:) Good job!
Check out my blog: http://www.gemmamonclus.blogspot.com
Love, Gemma
I LOVE THIS SKIRT on you so much. Although you're not 100% happy about the skirt, I can only see perfection. I love the color of the skirt and the length of it. You look gorgeous and have amazing talent! I can not wait to see the tutorial on the skirt. Thanks ahead for sharing your talent with us. LOVE YOUR BLOG!!!!
Thank you!!
I love this outfit and you look fantastic! Id love to hear about your methods for selecting outfits for the week. Do you plan them all in advance or somehow put them together the night before/morning of? I find that it takes so much time out of my morning and would love any tips you could share. Also, do you arrange your outfits around one piece or do you conceptualize a theme and then select items to accomplish that? Would love to hear about your process for working through that, since your outfits always look so pretty and polished! Thanks for the tips as always!
What a cute skirt!
OH I love love that belt too bad they don't have it anymore. 🙁
I love it and I can't believe you made it. I love the fabric print too. I think it's perfect. I really need to learn how to sew. I would be making so much stuff.
You look so attractive. I love the blouse. It’s really nice on you.
Don't be so hard on yourself! I think the outfit looks great! Good job on that skirt. You inspire me to get back into learning how to sew.
http://www.sincerelysammie.com/
Thank you! 😃You always recommend the best stuff. Congrats on new job and thanks got helping fledgling fashionistas like me.
Hi there – I'm sorry but it was an old purchase from last year!
Hi there!
1) I think you can agree that it's possible to find time to do the things that we're each passionate about. I love the blogging community and either take photos occasional before work or on weekend mornings. I do my posts late around midnight, which unfortunately does result in less sleep than I'd like but makes for a good end to a work day : )
2) The weather here sounds about the same as London, but whenever we have rare, unseasonably mild days I try to take a few outfit photos at once. My office is very warm, so my colleagues and I sometimes commute in tights but take them off once we get to work.
Hi Laks – Try high-waisted shapewear (ie. Spanx) that is focused on tummy control, and look for skirts that have wider, sturdier high waistbands to help hold that area in. Wider belts worn at the waist may also serve to visually cinch in that area.
Hi there – Thanks so much for your feedback, and I miss finding and sharing deals as well! I took a new job last year and sadly don't get out of work often before my favorite stores close. I'll definitely try to incorporate some more posts of any good recommendations.
Thank you! This skirt measures 19" long and for reference, I'm about 5 feet tall.
Thanks for the tip!
Agree with you about wearing a fitted top with the full skirt! two lose items end up swallowing the body. However, I love what you are wearing here. The blazer is streamlining your look here.
Actually I love this outfit!
Hi Jean, I recently came across your blog, and have to admit, become addicted since! Which in itself is a new experience for me because I'm not very trendy or keen on fashion – although I do like to look neat, tidy and 'nice'.
I must ask you a couple of things though:
1. Where do you find the time to do all this?? I mean really! All the effort you put into your clothes, shopping for deals, DIY and taking and sorting through pics on top of everything else.. its remarkable and your dedication is very very admirable!
2. Surely it gets cold in Boston.. ? I always see you so cheerful and bright in pics, not to mention bare legged! I live in London, and its grey, gloomy and rainy all the time. Not much chance of stepping out without 3 layers of clothes and thick fleece leggings.
I'm just really curious! Keep up the good work!
It looks great. And I thought the loose blouse looked fine with the a-line. It's all a matter of style 🙂
I actually really like the outfit. The color pairing is really fresh.
Can't wait for your tutorial: I have a sewing machine kindly gifted from mother in law, and I need to put it in use!
stunning – you'd be surprised how easy it is to apply a zip. Try out a fly zip then go for an invisible (concealed zip 🙂
cute outfit, jean. i love your belt. i'm going to have to find me one of these.
Hi,
first things first,I just love your blog and its amazing.. I have lot of skirts and would like to know how to choose tops for them..I see that you tuck the tops inside the skirts and i also would love to do the same but i dont as i have a belly 🙁 .. Could you help me please? Is there anything that i can wear which can hide my belly..
Jean. Long one follower here. I simply adore ur style and as much as I would like to do more dyi stuff I simply don't have the patience or talent to do it. I really miss when you used to post awesome deals and great fashion finds. If u can, can u please let us know what ur picks are and if u know of any sales? I live in a tiny New York apartment and id rather reserve my very limited closet space for quality yet affordable pieces. Thanks for hearing out and looking forward to more posts please! Ur style rocks.
Love the print on this dress!!!
-Stephanie
@LaminLouboutins.com
It's funny how you're so critical of your DIY and how you put this outfit together, but this is actually one of my fav looks by you! Love the print of the skirt and how well it goes with navy + camel colors. Absolutely stunning, you should be proud of yourself!
Oh and out of curiosity, how many inches is the length of the skirt? I'm looking to purchase some full A-lines online but am not sure what length I should be looking for in order for it to hit an inch or so above the knee.
Love the pattern of the fabric – and score at only $3/yard! I've been amassing quite the collection of dress and skirt patterns and can't wait to start sewing something up!
Love your skirt!
***
http://annrobie.blogspot.com/
Very cute! Love the belt too!
Your outfit is EVERYTHING. Literally in love with all the elements of this look. I am smitten with the J. Crew belt. Excited to see the DIY video
It's so fun to make a skirt from scratch! I wish I can do it too. Just thinking of having sth unique that only you yourself have is alreadt so tempting. Haha!
To make your fabric "heavier" and less wrinkle-prone – you could underline it with another fabric. Threads has a great article explaining it:
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/4999/understanding-underlining
This is a lovely skirt! I've been wanting to learn how to sew, but I'm so intimidated. I need to find a place to learn so I can make the DIY clutch and other DIYs.
haha don't be so hard on yourself! I think you did a great job, and the outfit looks great!
It's funny you find zipper intimidating (I, of course, do) but pockets are even more intimating, I think! I used to think that the blind stitch was so hard to do, but I googled a tutorial and am like ooooooh! Nice look with the green and blue, Jean!
love that belt on you! xo
http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com
That belt is to die for!!! Is it still available in stores? I will be waiting patiently for your skirt tutorial!
You never cease to amaze me with your talent for sewing and alterations. I wish I had that gift! I always see amazing things at the thrift store that I am too overwhelmed to try and alter myself.
As always, this look is perfect! I wish we were in real life friends so I could borrow your wardrobe!
Super lovely look! <3
This is so cute! You look great!
http://www.fashionartcrafts-etc.com
You are so cute! Love your style!!
Cannot wait for the diy, great skirt.
xo
http://pinksole.com
I've been wanting to learn how to sew for years…but I'm so intimidated! My boyfriend even got me a machine last year and all I've made are pillows. Can't wait to see your tutorial, and no way…this skirt looks perfect with that blouse!
xoxo,
Andrea
http://www.andreaeveryday.com
I just tried my first skirt sewing project (it was an extensive alteration, not from scratch) and I can attest that zipper insertion is super easy – just watch a few youtube tutorials. So don't be afraid of that!
Love the skirt, it's so cute!!
xx
xuvious.com
Very nice look
I love A-line skirts and this is such a fun print. Sounds like a great beginner's sewing project. Look forward to seeing your tutorial!
xoxo,
Suzie Q
http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
The skirt has a very youthful vibe which is different than your usual professional style. Love it!! Greetings from Toronto 🙂