Oooh! I want one of those!

Yesterday I stumbled across this picture of a Ralph Lauren Blue Label skirt.  I don't comb the web looking to copy garments, but I know what I like.  And, I like this skirt.  Except it's khaki.  And the coin purse is silly.  And it's got a goofy fob thingy.  But, I like everything else about it, which include the double belt closure, the high waist, and the cut.  After a little "Googling", I discovered that it is this skirt, the "Dustine Stretch Twill Skirt", and sells for $298.  Yeah, right... $300 for a twill skirt. Crazy...

I've got some fantastic Italian RPL in the stash (black, not tan), and will use the Burda Jan. 2009 skirt 112, which The Selfish Seamstress just made up, and it's awesome.  Burda did it black with a skinny belt, and that's the look I'm going for.  But, twice...

Next stop, over to the M & J Trim website, where after much clicking, digging, swearing, and pouting (why are they under "snap closures"???), I finally found them.  I had a few to pick from, but chose these:

Aren't they fantastic? Simple, elegant... love them!  Lindsay T reminded me that Mood is also carrying more of these types of items, but I'm happy with my first choice.

I think I'll keep with the Burda plan, and use a side (or back) zip, and not do the Ralph Lauren fly front zip.  Less chance for bulk/pucker, and a sleeker finish.  Time to get tracing...  If all goes well (and if I could find tan belt like in the picture), I'd do a tan one in a heartbeat!  Kadiddlehopper and Beangirl are also working on black pencil skirts, so this should be fun!

In other sewing news... Thursday night (pre-Project Runway) I traced off this Burda jacket from the Dec. 09 issue (I must be on a Burda Binge right now).  I was a little nervous, as the magazine calls for 3.5 yds of 60" wide.  I have 2 yds of 60" wide grey/white wool from Metro Textiles (NYC, again...), and had my heart set on this pattern for this fabric.  Upon closer inspection of the layout, I noticed that the collar bands are laid on the fold and cut twice.  Could I get away with them not on the fold?  Hmmm....  I realized that if I put the fold edge on the selvedge, it would not only work, but give a finished edge with a yarn/fringe finish.  Double bonus!!!  So, I'm in the midst of sewing now (and must get back to it, along with more laundry and grocery shopping), and will report back later.  I'm confident I'll have this jacket done and photographed by tonite.

Check back later!!!