As part of my FW/07 Collection, I decided to embrace the menswear trend and create a pinstripe suit, borrowing from classic tailoring, but updating it all with feminine elements.
I used BurdaStyle’s free Janina trouser and Franzi vest/waistcoat patterns out of some beautiful black wool pinstripe (with alternating thin blue and white threads) from my free fabric.com designer bundle. The lining on the waistcoat uses the remaining silver silk dupioni from my diamonds and silver top, and I finished off both trousers and waistcoat with some fantastic pewter buttons I got in the States. I even managed to blag the buckle for the back tie on the waistcoat from Frankle Trimmings as I happened to walk in when they were taking inventory and were happy to just give me two buckles for free!
I made very few changes to the patterns (in fact, I deviated from my usual zipper fly method and tried out Burda’s, which I’m very impressed with), only altering the sewing order for the trousers (front and back seams, fly, inseams, outer seams, waistband), changing the button to a trouser hook, and on the waistcoat, handstitching the sides of the shoulders to get the fabric to lie flat.
I’m not sure how flattering the wide-cut trousers are for me, though. The back view in particular is quite unforgiving, so I’m glad I’ve got a close-fitting top on to balance it out. And you may have noticed my current infatuation peeking out from under the trouser hem – my silver leather winklepickers haven’t left my feet in weeks (get them quick while they’re 50% off, and they’re sooooo comfortable)!
Next up in the Collection is a black leather handbag, since my summer one has given up the ghost and my temporary Orla Kiely bag is way too small for everyday use. But after that, it’ll be the Go Patterns LBD, I promise.