12 January 2011

In the Navy

I am a huge proponent of the "Don't Sew an Orphan, Sew an Outfit" approach, so I sewed up a couple of other pieces to go with my new jacket.  I absolutely hate when I make a fab piece of clothing and then have nothing to wear with it.  So, a few years back, I started sewing outfits - entire looks from head to toe.  That way, I will never have one sad little garment, sitting forlornly in my closet, being overlooked.

I have paired up my navy tropical wool Butterick 5567 (view D) jacket with a pair of navy medium weight cotton twill pants (McCall's 2101 - an elastic waist pant, now sadly out of print).  Like Carolyn, I am a big fan of elastic waist pants.  Not only does my waist change size over the course of the month, but also over the course of the day.  With my job as a teacher, I can't afford to be restricted by my clothing, so elastic waists are heaven sent to keep me comfortable. Besides, most people don't even realize that I'm wearing elastic waist pants since I rarely tuck in my tops.

The top is Vogue 8597 (view A with the long sleeves of view B), a fabulous cowl neck top with raglan sleeves.  This top is interesting as the front of the top and the cowl neck are all cut in one piece.  This makes for some quick and easy sewing.  I used a rust coloured bamboo knit from Fabric Mart that picks up the rust striations in the jacket fabric.  This top is so soft and luxurious.  I love the bamboo knits!

I have styled this outfit with navy socks and a pair of rust leather Mary Janes by Clarks.  I opted to forgo any costume jewellery, but I am wearing a sapphire and diamond channel set band on my right hand - I like how the blue sapphires play off the navy fabrics.

36 comments:

Uta said...

I love your outfit! I've been trying to sew more navy in the last year, and I'm a similarly colored type to you which doesn't make navy easy to wear. This is a great color combination for "warmer" types!

Marie said...

I made that top yesterday and love it! I used a drapey rayon knit and it worked perfectly. Your outfit is great.

Anonymous said...

Wow, those pants look great!

Love the jacket on. I could see it with a pencil skirt and heels, too.

Anonymous said...

Fabulous outfit! I just bought some navy wool crepe and this gives me some ideas!.......and Hartley was such a good boy, too! Good sit and stay.

JoanieR

Lisette M said...

Those colors are made for you! Great outfit. What kind of coat do you wear on top of this jacket? I love the style of the sleeves but all my coats have narrow sleeves.

Susannah said...

I think the most beautiful accessory to your lovely outfit is the puppy...

Mary Beth said...

You look GREAT!

Rachelle said...

Okay, the outfit is wonderful and all, but the DOG!!!! He just gets handsomer and handsomer, doesn't he!?

melissa said...

Very nice top and I love the colours together!

Elaray said...

I am totally on board with the "Sew an Outfit" philosophy. And your outfit looks great. Even the dog is coordinated!!!!

Unknown said...

Love the outfit! I have definitely sewn some lonely pieces---maybe I'll have to go back and create some outfits.

Anonymous said...

The dog does coordinate nicely with this great outfit. I love it!

Martha Hughes

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

First I have to say that I love how the jacket works with the top and the pants. What a great work outfit!

Second, you know that I have the same issue...no orphans. There has to be either something already in my closet that will pair with the piece or I have to make an entire outfit.

Yours is perfect, can I say that again, perfect for one of your workdays!

stacey said...

Love it! you sew beautifully!

Eugenia said...

Fabulous outfit! Everything works so well together - colour, fit, proportion are all just right. Hartley is clearly very proud to be sitting by such a well dressed human!

gMarie said...

Fantastic outfit and thanks for the pattern links. I'm looking for a great turtleneck. g

ps - great to see Hartley in the photo shoot!

shams said...

Nice outfit, Shannon. And it makes you look like you have the teeniest tiniest waist. :)

The Hojnackes said...

I loved the look of the jacket in the last post about it, but it is always great to see how it looks on a real person. I am now sold on it! I think I will add it to my 12 this year!

Jen said...

I love the outfit. I agree with you on the elastic waists too, it wears more comfortably and is easier and quicker to sew.
Hartley strikes a good pose there too ;)

Jenny said...

Great outfit! I'm happy to see the jacket on you, too. I really like the rust color of the top.

Rose said...

You look stunning! Great outfit!! Hartley looks proud to be photgraphed with you.

amber said...

Chic and comfy - sounds like the perfect outfit to me. :)

I just used some bamboo knit to line a wool jersey dress and OMG - heaven!! I'm running back to buy more this week.

Rose said...

Opps! I can't edit my comment. Since you are a school teacher, I want to say that I know "photographed" was typed incorrectly. Again, I think you have a great outfit! I like your approach to sewing.

Vicki said...

The best way to sew is making outfits I think. Looks great on you.

Marie-Christine said...

Very sound policy, that 'no orphan' one.. I liked the jacket, but love the outfit.
As to elastic waists, nobody ever realizes that I only wear that because I don't make them out of say sweatshirting :-). Good fabric will fool everyone.

Carol said...

Great outfit and the jacket works just as I thought it would. Perfect. I like how you've colour co-ordinated your dog as well!

Anonymous said...

I'm adopting your "Sew an Outfit" approach.

Great outfit.

Do you have shots of the waistband? What technique did you use? Thanks.

Angie R.

AllisonC said...

Great outfit and photos with your matching dog! I am starting to think along these outfit lines as well (finally!).

Summerset said...

Looks great; love the contrasts of the outfit.

MushyWear said...

Fantastic outfit. The cowl neck top looks perfectly suited for the jacket. Creating outfits and elastic pants are both winners in my book!

Pretty Kitty said...

Great outfit and I love your puppy!

The Slapdash Sewist said...

What a great look! Navy and red will never go out of style.

Ann Made Studio said...

Great looking outfit!

Nancy K said...

Great outfit. Even matches the dog.
But, kidding aside, It works well together without being too matchy matchy.

Diana said...

I love the whole outfit,especially the colour of the top.That colour looks so great on yopu! And how clever to sew in outfits! I try to but don't always succeed.

a little sewing said...

That is one very nice outfit. Your sapphire ring is beautiful and so is your companion.