'Pimp my' pencil skirt

Readers, tell me, honestly, what do you think of pencil skirts. I love(d) them but I keep on thinking on how you can make them more special, how to add a personal touch that represents you as a character. For example, I am a lace addict, and, when in Mood, I spend most time at their lace remnants box. I got wonderful pieces there, readers... But back to pencil skirts! I always look for those nice details, such as lace, for example, to embellish pencil skirts. Or, forget lace! Add structural lines (=seams), pockets, plackets, trims.... and and and

I think the Fall 2012 Dolce & Gabbana collection demonstrated  a few creative ways to do exactly that - make a simple pencil skirt special, using construction lines, prints, and lace. Check it out yourself, here are my favorites (source: Stylebistro):

upholstery-style fabric is in again, and I am happy, because I have a beautiful one in my stash. I think this combination of lace and flower print is beautiful!

very cute lace - it has this three-dimensional effect that has some edginess because of the material used for this lace. I wonder what it is though... Anyway, with the right type of fabric, this is an easy project even for a beginner.

Instant upgrade for a 'boring' black pencil skirt - a vertical guipure lace panel. And, slimming! If you decide to use this effect, apply by hand and stabilize the panel by basting it with matching thread to the fashion fabric.

So simple, but the lace makes it so romantic. The jacket is underlined with organza, I believe, see the crispiness of it. I woudl underline the skirt as will, and experiment with nude and off-white colors for organza

Gorgeous! My absolute favourite! For a DIY be careful with the placement of the middle panel - it can be a key for how your hips look! On this skirt, it is placed just under the hip line. The top and the bottom portions are dramatic enough to shift the emphasis from the middle panel. And, at the end, if you are worried about widening your hips, skip the middle panel alltogether - it will still look beautiful (provided you have similarly dramatic scallops on your lace) As a true couture enthusiast I would question a straight seam that attaches the bottom lace panel to the fashion fabric, but it may be a design choice...

I love the combination of two different lace types on this skirt - not a quick project if you haven't got a piece that has the laces combined!

 Did you like these skirts, readers? Which one is your favourite?

Polka Dot: endless combinations?

I am almost done sewing a silk taffeta polka dot pencil skirt (white dots on black background). Now, the question is what do I wear it with? Why don't I ever ask myself this question in the first place? I must add that I plan to wear this skirt at X-Mas dinner with my husband's family.

So, I spent an evening looking at inspiring polka dot combinations on Fall/Winter 2010 runways, and here is what I found (most of it Dolce and Gabbana) The question is what combination would work best...

1. Two polka dot patterns in different scales

This first combination looks cute (even though it's not quite polka dot :-) This means sheer top with larger scale polka dot.

2. Polka dot and leopard print

Love this one, but not for X-Mas dinner with in-laws. Saving for another occasion...



3. Polka Dot and Knit/ Skandinavian patterns

What do you think about this one? I think silk taffeta pencil skirt would look adorable with an knit west with some Skandinavian pattern, or?

4. Another, winning and time-proven combination is polka dot's and stripes. Still have to look for inspiration, though.

5. Finally, the easiest choice (?): no print at all, but a solid fitted sheer or charmeuse blouse with little or no detailing. I was thinking of some vivid colors for this one, red or yellow, or mustard...

Any ideas?