An autumn wardrobe

Since my post on Wardrobe essentials, I've been giving quite a bit of thought to what I wear on a daily basis and what it is I'd like to sew. 

This morning, my inbox greeted me with some really lovely patterns, which I instantly ear-marked for AW sewing (there is absolutely no point in thinking about sewing anything remotely summery at this stage).

So, here are some of the things that I'd like to sew (I haven't time for it all, but let's see).

I'll be applying my WWW test - let's see how it works in practice!

Sewaholic: Alma blouse

First up, the latest Sewaholic pattern: Alma. Just swoon. Tasia has done it again!

Why? I've been thinking I really need to look up some more top patterns (a gal cannot live in Sorbettos and Tovas alone), and this might be just the ticket. I'm a big fan of prints (Liberty especially), and I think this pattern (in all it's variations) will be perfect.
Will it suit me? Yes, I think so. I'm not sure I'll do the belt, but seriously, what's not to like about this pattern?
What will I wear it with? What won't I wear it with, more like? Tops like this can slip into my existing  wardrobe pretty easily. I think they'll work well with boring work trousers, jeans, winter pencil skirts, or my denim Butterick 2779 skirt. Also, I already have quite a bit in my stash that would be suitable. Especially this, which I was wondering what to do with over the weekend:

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A coat (eeks!)

Burda Wool Coat 08/2012 #101B

I must say, Burda came up trumps in August's edition. So many of the patterns are just my style. It's one of the rare occasions when I've actually bought the magazine!

Why? I've been thinking of trying my hand at a coat this year. I know, I know... am I really ready for it? I'd originally thought I'd try Sewaholic's Minoru, having drooled over many lovely versions. But this one by Burda has turned my head. And it doesn't look too complicated (though I will carefully inspect the pattern/instructions before committing). Will I go for a bright colour like this? You know, I think I just might (though it does depend what I can find).
Will it suit me? I think so. It's quite a mannish style, but I like the simple lines. What do you think?
What will I wear it with? Hmmm... looks like it's mostly a trousers coat. And I mostly wear trousers, so I think I'll wear it with most of my wardrobe!

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Dresses

Burda "Retro feeling" dress 08/12

This dress, I love. It isn't terribly clear in the photos, but there's some lovely pleating at the shoulders, and I really like the waistband detail too. The model version is in a crepe de chine. It's a bit Duchess of Cambridge, non? No bad thing, in my books.

Why? Ok, so this is not a practical make for me. I'm envisaging it as an occasion dress. Do I have an occasion in mind? Well a friend is getting married at St Paul's Cathedral at the end of October. (Yes, THE St Paul's Cathedral! Exciting stuff.). Dress code is formal. In all seriousness, I really don't have anything appropriate for a formal, cathedral wedding, in autumn. But this dress fits the bill. Plus, I like to dress up every now and then, and step out with my fella, so the dress will get worn more than once. 
Will it suit me? Hmmm... I just don't know. I'm worried that the skirt might be a bit too straight, but I could always make it a bit more A-line. What do you think?
What will I wear it with? Ah, now this is the question! I suppose it depends what fabric I use. I've got some lovely patent black heels, so I just need to pick the right fabric colour/print.

Should I do it?
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Burda Swing dress (L) and Long-sleeved Seamed dress (R)

Alternatively, either of these patterns could work too. Both are from Burda 08/2012. Made in a nice (bright) wool, they would be appropriate I think (plus I could jazz them up with some glitzy jewellery.

Why? Above-mentioned formal wedding. And both dresses are just so lovely! Though, thinking about it rationally, how much more wear will I get from them? Not a lot, I don't think. I doubt I'd wear them often for work, if at all. And while the Swing dress in a more casual, fabric (cotton or stable knit?), would make it more wearable (though not for the wedding), I just don't think the seamed dress would get worn much at all. sigh
Will it suit me? The Swing dress, I think so... the seamed dress, I'm not sure - I don't own any dresses in that silhouette, which perhaps says something.
What will I wear it with? I have a couple of pairs of sensible court shoes/wedges that would work with both. Also, the Swing dress looks cardigan friendly.

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Skirts

Burda Tie skirt (L) and Pencil skirt with Peplum top (R)

Why? There is absolutely nothing new or exciting about the pencil skirt (though the co-ordinated peplum top is v cute!), but I would like to make a nice basic wool pencil skirt. The Tie skirt I like a lot, but I'd want to lengthen it for work. I like the shape, and the panels. I do need winter weight skirts.
Will it suit me? I think so. Since neither have a waistband, I expect they'll also be a bit easier to fit.
What will I wear it with? I suppose it depends on the colour. I'm likely to be terribly dull and stick to dark grey or navy, in which case they'd fit into my wardrobe with no problem.

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Colette Beignet

Why? Have you seen all the lovely Beignets out there? I think that says it all. I already own this pattern, and even bought some fabric (navy needlecord), so I think this is a definite for the autumn.
Will it suit me? I think so - it seems to be universally flattering. I'm a bit worried about fitting it; according to Colette sizing, my waist is a 2, and my hips a 10! So let's just see, shall we.
What will I wear it with? A navy needlcord skirt should go with pretty much everything, I reckon!

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Trousers (double eeks!)

Simplicity 3688

I'm more intimidated by sewing trousers than I'm at the thought of a coat. But I've seen some wonderful versions of this pattern, and by all accounts, they aren't too difficult.

Why? I have real trouble finding trousers that fit (I have a 34" inseam, and a waist that's almost two dress sizes smaller than my hips). If I can make myself just one pair of trousers that fit me well, I will be over the moon.  
Will they suit me? I think so - these trousers seem to suit everyone who has made them. 
What will I wear them with? They're a classic shape, and I'd like them for my work wardrobe. I think they'd look just as good with my brogues as they would with my Chucks. I'd need to pick the right fabric, however, and that's where I might struggle.
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So, that's what I'm thinking. As I said, I doubt I'll have time for it all. But I would really like to try the coat and trousers, and the Alma blouse is a no-brainer. The Beignet is also a high priority. The rest, we'll see.

Has anyone else made the trousers or beignet? Any tips?

How about the coat - any suggestions on where to look for the right kind of fabric?

I'll be back v soon with a giveaway!

speak soon
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