Monday, January 10, 2011

Sometimes It Pays to Get Picked On

Certainly if the person picking on you is Claire Kennedy.  After reading my blog on what does a middle aged woman who doesn't want to look dowdy wear to a wedding that calls for 'cocktail' attire she wrote a post on my dilemma.  Certainly a problem that so many women my age have.  By the time I'd finished writing the post I had pretty much come to the conclusion that I really wanted to wear separates that would actually get worn  again by pairing them with other pieces.  I have a few dresses, but mostly they don't get out of my closet all that much.  Claire picked out three possibilities and I loved the first one, this Issey Miyake jacket and pants.  Claire isn't too thrilled with the pants and neither was I at first.  I am only 5'6" after all but after drawing this on my croquis, I liked it. 
 

My croquis with the pattern drawn on it.  I shortened the sleeves a bit.   The other option for the bottom would be a pencil skirt or narrower pants, but surprisingly I really like  how this looks. 
Here's a link to the blog post Claire Kennedy wrote.  She has been such a generous wonderful internet friend I  would love to actually meet her in real life.  Most serious or professional sewers can't resist the lure of NYC fabric shopping so there's hope she'll turn up before too long.

11 comments:

  1. You seem tall for 5'6". Myrna made these trousers, and they look very elegant. http://blog.myrnagiesbrecht.com/2010/12/fat-and-possibly-pregnant.html.

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  2. I would do the miyake but all in tone on tone textures.. I was thinking some of the insets done in pleated fabrics

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  3. Excellent choice and I loved Claire's post about your dilemma. Claire has helped me many times and is a very very generous person, not to mention extremely talented.

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  4. Forget how tall you are, this will just look like a very elegant skirt. I'm a total fan of Miyake for weddings, it's so out of the expected range that nobody thinks anything of it (what, you wanted pink flowers with that?) and if anyone expresses anything at all you can just name-drop. Works for me :-).

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  5. Oh, I love it! I had the same thought when I saw Claire's post - the pants read like a skirt to me and that makes them quite wearable at any height.

    And of course, you could make a splendid version of that jacket. it's not one for a beginner.

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  6. These pants need a really light floaty silk in a dark colour to work. I agree with one of the other commenters that it is not a matter of height. Balance is important. Personally I think these pants needs to hit the floor to be flattering, but I've had my opinions changed before.

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  7. Only 5 6????? In my next life.......
    I am waiting for your daughter's dress.
    Hurry, I am excited to watch this unfold.

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  8. The pants look great on your croquis - better than on the model in the photo. I do have to tell you that I chuckled when I saw the pattern. When I got married in the early 70's I dressed the bridesmaids in long dresses with culotte skirts. Every time my daughters see the photos they laugh and can't imagine the possibility. I'll need to show them the I. Miyake

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  9. I love this outfit. You wear black and white realy well, (assuming that's your color choice). Whatever you decide, you'll make a gorgeous outfit.

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  10. The jacket will be gorgeous! What great style it has.

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  11. Nancy, I made those pants Issey Miyake(and really need to update my review pic), the pics in my review don't show it, but they look very elegant. You are right on about balance, whatever is on top will need to be fitted. Aside from being my favorite pants, they are really comfortable.... I might add, I am also 5'6"

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