The Coiffed Quaff

Hands down one of the best things about temperatures dropping: brocade. One of the worst: I'M BACK IN THE DAMN ALLEYWAY AGAIN.

A few short years ago I would have laughed like hell if you told me I'd say either of those things. Now Fall hits and just about all I can think of is brocade. Yes, I'm back to taking frozen pictures in the alleyway, but I'm in brocade. Past oona, the oona who would laugh in your face, never touched the stuff. Appropriately, not till Mood, to be exact: evidenced here, in July of 2012.

Several weeks ago, a wiser oona walked into Mood Fabrics for something. Something for my October MSN make. I really don't remember what. But I do clearly recall I had a list, a gameplan, and all carefully laid out thoughts left my head at a full tilt boogie when I saw this Zac Posen Floral Silk Brocade.

Then the Pinkness whispered to me from a low shelf, and my allowance was gone.

I have since lost the list. I am 100% okay with that.

That said, I'm only 50% happy with this ensemble. The top, she does not fit well (Cynthia Rowley 1873 bodice). I knew those bust and waist darts were too angular (especially considering the weight of the fabric), I knew I should have taken a little more care around the neck curve, I knew I should have basted a zipper in to double check for fit before setting those snaps... but I didn't.

BUT THE SKIRT! I LOVE THE SKIRT! I WANNA MARRY IT AND HAVE WELL QUAFFED ZAC POSEN SILK BABIES!

(That should actually be coiffed. Considering the author, it works both ways. So I'm leaving it.)

SHE HAS SELF-SET ANORAK SNAPS AND INVISIBLE ZIP IN THE PERFECT MATCHING SHADE FOR THE LACKLUSTER TOP!!

Sigh. That top. It's like a tragic romance. I'm sad about it in the most wistful way. I've been feeling wistfully sad lately. It may have something to do with Kalkatroona's current fascination with The Vampire Diaries. Oh, multiple Elenas loved by multiple brothers, will a pair of you ever find happiness? 

You can barely see the seven snaps up the back, they match so well, but you can surely see the pulling occurring. Crop Top! I succumbed to your powers, and you have defeated me!

You can see the defeat better in these inside-out shots. Whole shebang fully lined, except for sleeves, which were fished with satin bias tape from Pacific Trimmings. The skirt is lined with some truly glorious satin, also from Mood, and comes in lots of colors... when it arrived, the weight and the loft of it tempted me to use it solely for a dress, especially at the price. BUT. Me n' solids. You know how that goes.

You can see the surgery is going to involve undoing a bit of work. Luckily the work I put into the skirt paid off, lots of handstitching, and cooing and petting. Like vampires do. I will try to remember to coo and pet when I dig back into that top...

After all, I do think they deserve to be together.

this ensemble was made using my monthly fabric "allowance" as part of the Mood Sewing Network.