DIY Runway Looks and Re-fashions for Spring 2015

I've been really busy with my Etsy shop so I haven't had much time to write any posts. However,  recently my husband gave me some great idea's to start blogging again. He knows I love my sewing so much and it will be very difficult for me to give it up after our big move in Aug. and start planning for baby #2. So I think I can make this work if I change my direction and focus on my own personal ideas rather then doing custom orders. This way I can take the time put together dress designs and exclusively sell those designs only in my shop. 

In addition to this I thought it would be fun to share some DIY ideas on how to recreate runway fashion and seasonal trends using new and vintage patterns. I have become quite familiar with the world of fabric suppliers as well as tons of patterns out there dating back to the 50's. I have been able to find my most favorite ones with a variety of skirt styles so I can mix and match them to create my own designs. Eventually I hope to take a pattern making class so I can skip all of this and just design my own patterns....well someday.


So if anyone isn't aware of Springs new Pantone color trends here is an awesome color chip to display the current trends this year that I will be working off of.

Now of course only a few of these colors work well with my skin tone. I am a redhead so I have to be careful with pastels because they wash me out. How can you not fall in love with powder blue, aquamarine, mint, seafoam or any other green/blue hue that reminds you of the ocean??? I'm going crazy over powder blue right now and I just went and saw Cinderella so I am in princess design dreamland right now...ohhhh so many ideas!

So here is a blue dress I will begin soon as I am still currently waiting for materials to arrive.

 

I found this pattern that is very similar but doesn't have the mermaid flare at the bottom so I think I will have to alter the skirt somehow.

I'm going to use a Butterick pattern B6164. I would suggest looking on Ebay or Etsy for a good price on patterns.

Here is another option for a pattern- Butterick 5382

The fabric I am going to use is a very pretty Ocean Blue Rayon fabric from Trimfabric. This is a much softer and flowing fabric compared to what is used in the original model photo only because this particular dress pattern calls for such fabric.

*I will post pictures when I finish the dress.

The next look is Ermanno Scervino Spring 2012 and one I have been eyeballing for over a year now. Fortunately the style and color is still current and wearable for this Springs wardrobe. It is sooooo sexy yet classy and sophisticated..

I found this great Simplicity 2451 skirt pattern. It had another skirt style that I really liked for another designer fashion look so I figured it was a double wammo find. Another option could be 1560

I want the skirt to hit right below the knee so I will use the longer version and shorten to desired length.

For the fabric I found a nice sage green poly-crepe fabric from Trimfabric. I searched high and low trying to find something with a hint of mint in it but this is as close as I could come for crepe. I have hazel eyes so I think will work just fine. I had already bought lace fabric from Joann's a few months ago that will work perfect for this. I'm still looking for a blouse pattern. The lace top above is so simple you could probably use a blouse in your closet and trace around the edge. I prefer to use patterns in case they include darts so I know it will fit correctly.

Here is a dress from Badgley Mischka's new 2015 collection. I love the color of this one and thought I had found the perfect fabric in a spa blue wool dobby chiffon from Stylishfabrics.com but it's out of stock! I sent them a message inquiring the next stock date so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

I absolutely love Stylish Fabrics textiles. They have the best quality in chiffon and satin. They are very soft and have a wonderful silky drape with the advantage of being super affordable. They do very well with following seasonal color trends too but they sell out of their chiffon's and wool dobby's fast so if you see it get it right away! Another alternative is to either use the blue rain dobby or the seafoam satin chiffon.

Mood Fabrics- Silk Georgette Options $20.99 yd

Here is a couple vintage patterns I might use to create this look. McCall's 7359 or 6524. I will have to alter the skirt part to get an A-line as well as shorten and cuff the sleeves. Well stay tuned until I receive my fabrics and get to work!!!