My Girly Girly Outfit - StyleArc's Monroe Woven Top and Genoa Bias Cut Skirt

I had a high school reunion to go to and knew I wanted to make something but waited until the 99th hour before I chose a pattern. Leave it to me to take something so simple and make it extra hard and long.  I also forgot I had signed up for a pattern test that was due at the same time (I was so stressed).  

Because I was in a rush it took forever to make and I was still sewing a few hours before it was time for me to leave. It has been an extremely long time since I cut out a bias anything, so I also had to contend with that.

 

StyleArc's Monroe Woven Top & Genoa Bias Cut Skirt

I have to say both of these pieces had me feeling like a girly girly - I felt so feminine in these pieces.  Both of these pattern are so simple, yet so elegant.  You can dress them up or down with your fabric choice.

This post won't be like normal because I am doing 2 patterns in one post (I'm lazy and way behind on my posting).

The Fabric

I was a week away from my reunion and I finally took time to search for potential patterns.  I needed something simple but classy and elegant, so I went to my go to site for patterns - StyleArc.  I ultimately  chose the Monroe Woven Top and the Genoa Bias Cut Skirt.

I had also intended to wear a jacket but ran out of time to make it.  I tried on one already in my closet and decided a jacket would take away from the design of the top.  I ended up using a scarf and fashioned it as a loose shrug.

I went to my local fabric store Legacy Fabrics.  I love this store - a mom and daughter who own it and they actually sew garments and are extremely helpful.  I settled on this Duchess Stretch Silk in a beautiful rose color.  I liked this fabric because it wasn't as shiny as satin, but I'll admit I was afraid of the snag factor.  

This fabric held up well to my cracked, raggedy nails.  To my surprise no snags.

The Skirt

Even with the limited amount time I had I knew I needed to make a muslin.  I started with a size 22 and graded somewhere between a 22 and 24 at the hip.  It fit but I am super aware of my saddle bag hips and didn't want it to hug my hips so I cut my fashion fabric in a straight 24 since I knew the waist was elastic.  I also shortened the length 3".  I know in the pictures it looks tight, but it is loose and comfy.

I put in the elastic and hemmed it per the instructions and hated it.  The elastic was partially covered and the hemmed looked a hot mess as a double turn (1/4" then 1/2").  The waist was too big and I knew I would be fighting with it to keep the skirt up all night.  I was so frustrated I almost gave up and I wanted to pull something out of my closet, but I reminded myself that I had just paid good money for the fabric.

I did something I rarely if ever do,  I partially deconstructed the skirt - I took out the elastic and the hem.  I ended up cutting an inch or more from the elastic, resewed so the elastic is fully covered by the fabric (just folded over the top so that it fully covered it).

For the skirt I wanted a rolled hem.  I found this rolled hem video on YouTube and used it as a guide to do my hem.  I knew the hem was 3/4" (6/8") so I folded it 5/8" for the first fold, then 1/8" for the second fold.

With these two changes I was in love with my skirt.

The Top

I almost changed tops at the last minute because I looked at the instructions and was lost.  I was exhausted and nothing made sense.  I couldn't change patterns because I did not have time.  I stared and stared and stared and stared.  I tried a couple of different things to stitch the front and back shoulders and knew it was wrong.

Finally, I looked at the instructions and wondered why I had made them so hard - they were easy.  I made several mistakes, but most wouldn't notice it unless I told them.

I shortened the length 3" - 1" above the waist and 2" below the waist.  I did an 18 at the neck and armhole and graded out to a 24 from the underarm seam to the hip area.  Next time I think I will shorten the top only 2" - 1" above and below the waist.

The instructions have you hemming the layers (it's lined) and two separate pieces.  If I had time I would have tested sewing them rights sides together and turning it inside out.

If you notice I have my "cowl neck" in the front laying to the side.  If I had the "cowl neck" coming straight down as intended you might see a slight touch of cleavage and I did not want that, so I wore it to the side and that solved the issue for me.

Pictures

I took these after I got home from my function that night.  One day I will get the right equipment and lighting to take good pictures - until then this is the best I can do.

True Color of Fabric

Conclusion

I felt so feminine and beautiful in this outfit.  Kudo's to StyleArc for making such great patterns.  I do plan to make both patterns again in a more casual fabric.

Both patterns are simple to sew, although the top can be a bit tricky if you are not paying attention or exhausted as I was.