Elegant couture

In the November Issue

2005-11-17T11:47:00.000+01:00

- Find a dressmaker *READ

- identify the KEY GARMENTS in your wardrobe! EVERY woman has them, but after a while they get lost among other pieces. We will help you to revive and upgrade them with new, up-to-date combinations. *READ

- choose a SKIRT: trends for the cold season and suggestions for your special skirt - how you can wear it to many different occasions. *READ

- select skirt STYLES and PATTERNS that flatter your body: Where to find a pattern? What to look for if your dressmaker is going to construct your individual pattern? How to add your personal creative touch to the pattern? Check our resources pages for recent updates

- choose Fabric for your Skirt: SILK, WOOL or blended textiles? How to recognize them and what are the (dis-)advantages of each *READ

- upgrade a skirt for special occasions coming up next

- start with your own Skirt PROJECT - yourself or with hte help of your dressmaker, with suggested designs from Elegant Couture check our resources pages for recent updates

Read more about Elegant Couture

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Wool Fact Sheets - Set of Six

2005-11-16T23:37:00.000+01:00

The American Sheep Industry Association has developed valuable information pertaining to the wool industry.

This files are available in pdf format. If you do not have a PDF Reader on your system, just click on the following link to load it and view the brochures.
Download PDF Reader

Wool Fast Fact Sheets -- Set of Six

For more information browse the Website of the American Sheep Industry Association.

7-Steps Wardrobe Audit

2005-11-16T18:16:00.000+01:00

7-Steps Wardrobe Audit

The garments hanging in your closet represent an investment of several thousand dollars. But studies have shown that only twenty-percent of an individual's wardrobe is purchased wisely.

A closet audit is only one piece of the wardrobe puzzle, though. You must take into consideration colors, body type, personal style and lifestyle.

Cleaning out your clothes is one of the task we always try to put off. Yet, wardrobes need to be reassessed, cleaned out and reorganized twice a year.

What you will need:
- several hours without being disturbed;
- enough room to organize clothes outside your wardrobe
- adequate light in the room
- full-length mirror
- suitable undergarments to try all of your clothes

Step 1 - Empty Your Closet
Empty everything out of your closet and drawers. Stack all of your clothing and accessories around the room in piles according to the type of garment: jackets, skirts, pants, ties, sweaters, scarves, etc.

Step 2 - Try the garments on
Move from pile to pile and try everything on, even the items you love and wear regularly. Take a long look in a full-length mirror at each item on your body. Honestly assess:
• Color - does it flatter your coloring?
• Style - does it enhance your assets and camouflage your challenges?
• Lifestyle - is it appropriate for some aspect of your life?
• Style Expression - does the design, silhouette, fabric and pattern appeal to you?

As you try on the clothes you wear regularly, determine what it is you love about them. Is it the color? The style? Make a note of what makes this garment work so well for you. Your goal is to duplicate those features in all of your clothes. You should feel attractive and comfortable in everything you put on your body. Don't settle for anything less than feeling terrific! If the item doesn't work for you anymore, get rid of it!

Tip: If you have an emotional or sentimental attachment to garments you should get rid of, box them up but don't give them away just yet. Store the box under a bed or in the attic for a while. In six months, you won't be able to recall what's inside the box. You'll then be psychologically ready to part with the items.

Step 3 - Rearrange the Piles
After trying on each item, place it in one of four new piles.
- Things you love, wear regularly, feel comfortable in.
- Older clothing that just needs a little "pizzazz."
- Items to be given or thrown away.
- Mending (and get it done!).

Step 4 - Start a Shopping List / Assess your shopping patterns:
As you try on your clothes, start a shopping list of what you need to purchase. And take a good look at the items you're getting rid of. Does this collection shed any light on your shopping patterns? Does it contain too many impulse items or similar types of garments? For instance, do you buy more white blouses than you need? Do you have a stack of ties that don't coordinate with any of your suits?

Step 5 - Try New Combinations of the Garments
Try new combinations of clothing pieces: tops with skirts, jackets with pants, etc. Don't rule anything out until you try it. You may discover many new ensembles you never knew you had. Be sure to include accessories as you experiment.

Step 6 - Put the Garments back into the Closet / Separates:
Put everything back into your closet and drawers. Hang similar items together - blouses together, pants together, jackets together, etc. Unlike men, women have the luxury of breaking their suits up and wearing each piece as a separate. So I suggest they hang suit skirts with their other skirts and suit jackets with other jackets and blazers. By hanging them up as separates, they will start to see them as independent pieces and new clothing combinations will be easier to spot.

Tip:: Use quality hangers in your closet. Hang jackets on shaped wooden hangers. Use clip hangers to hang pants straight, don't fold pants in half over a hanger.

Tip:: When you take off your wool suits at the end of the day, let them hang out overnight before placing back in your closet. This step will help them shed wrinkles, moisture, and odors and regain their shape.

Step 7 - 'List of Five' - Your Real Shopping Needs:
The last step is to prioritize your shopping list into your "List of Five". Choose the top five items you need most, write them down and keep the "List" with you at all times. When you shop, look only for those five items. If you see something else you like, don't buy it; just add it to the main list. The "List of Five" will keep you focused when shopping and away from impulse purchases. As you buy something on the "List of Five", move an item up from the main list to take its place. The impulse item you fell in love with at the store may eventually make it to your "List of Five". If it doesn't, you didn't need it in the first place!

Following these simple steps will help you pare down your wardrobe to the pieces that really work for you. Don't fret if your closet suddenly looks a bit empty. Think quality, not quantity. Use your prioritized "List of Five" to gradually add more pieces. It took me two years of pruning to do it, but I now have a closet full of clothes I love. The colors and styles are flattering, each piece coordinates with two or three others and I can get dressed in five minutes for any occasion. Conduct your wardrobe audits twice a year and, before you know it, your closet will be your favorite room in the house!

from “Organizing your Wardrobe at Home” at Bremer Communications

Pencil Skirt Tips for Curvy Figures

2005-11-08T12:12:00.000+01:00

Are your afraid of Pencil Skirts?

Pencil skirts are extremely seductive, but they don’t hide a single curve. If you are afraid a pencil skirt would reveal too much of your curves, follow our tips:

Color can shrink your curves! - Avoid light or bright colors for your pencil skirt, but instead go for dark and muted hues. Pair the skirt with light sweater or shirt, because dark colours visually shrink and light colors accentuate.

Details can slim your hips! – Vertical details in a pencil skirt create more slimming look. A side front opening, for example, divides the body width.

Avoid too much fullness around waist! - go for darts instead.

Change proportions! - Cover first several centimeters of your skirt with a top, which stops short of the widest part f your hips. If you want to show your waistline, pair the skirt with a fitted blazer and leave it open

Choose the right footwear! - Go for heels and ultrasexy designs.

Skirts this season

2005-11-02T08:31:00.000+01:00

Fashion this season is about elegance and retro. It is about being lady-like, making the most of your figure and showing it off to its advantage.

Skirts at the autumn/winter shows were ubiquitous with shapes ranging from the classic pencil to A-line, through to the trumpet. Lengths for daytime, ranged from just covering the knee to mid calf. In the evening, they are worn to the floor. Have a change from black and opt for the new colours such as plum, green or rust. There are plenty of beautiful fabrics to choose from such as tweed for day and silk and satin for the evening.

Prada continued the 50s revival showing grey flannel suits with tight pencil skirts. Featured as well were the most amazing full skirts. Armani favoured flared skirts reminiscent of the Belle Époque. Trumpet style curve-hugging skirts with flippy hems look good on a boyish figure.

Body skimming pencil skirts with neat high waists featured at Louis Vuitton and Ralph Lauren. They can be unforgiving so if you have any lumps or bumps that you would rather the world didn't see, forget this look. They suit hourglass figures so if you have curves this could be your season. The most flattering lengths are on the knee or just above.

The pencil skirt looks good teamed with a fitted jacket and a blouse with a pussy- bow. Think 'Margaret Thatcher', prim and proper. If you are wearing a suit add a modern twist by wearing coloured tights. Instead of a jacket opt for a cardigan fastened with either a ribbon or a brooch. Team with round-toed high heels. Tweed maybe the fabric of the moment but it is bulky. A skirt in this fabric can make you look like you have put on a few extra pounds.

A-line skirts flatter girls with hips. Accentuate your waist with a fine belt. From wide folds on A-line skirts to schoolgirl kilts, pleats filled the catwalks. Pleats were also shown at Chanel and Chloe. Team with a simple cardigan or sweater. If you are small, avoid wearing the long pleated skirts as they will swamp you. Short kilts will flatter a petite frame.

If you fancy something a bit different try the puffball skirt as shown at Marni and Prada. If you are tall and slim you can just about get away wearing it.

Whatever your shape and size, you'll find a skirt to suit you.

Choose the Correct Pattern Size

2005-11-01T14:20:00.000+01:00

The first step to making a garment that fits well is to choose the correct pattern size. This may seem obvious, but it's surprising how many sewers start with the wrong size, then end up making a lot of adjustments to get a good fit. Read on from Threads magazine

TIP: Choosing a dressmaker

2005-10-27T11:19:00.000+02:00

If you decided to custom-tailor your garments you should plan carefully.

Do not hurry, and avoid picking a name from classified ads. After all, you need a dressmaker that you personally are comfortable with – the one that can create an image you are looking for.

So, how to find a dressmaker? Generally, you can
- Talk to your friends and colleagues, maybe they know someone really good.
- Check with fabric shops – they often know several seamstresses.
- Browse web-forums of dressmakers or home-sewers in your country. They often have galleries of garments sewn by forum-members.

Create a list of two or three dressmakers and schedule a meeting with them.

The VERY FIRST thing you need to know is whether you are comfortable with the dressmaker you are going to choose. After all, she should be able to help you to create an image you are looking for.

What to take to your initial meeting:

- Pictures of the garment or the pattern you've selected
- Small samples of the fabric, if you have already chosen for the garment.

During the meeting, try to find out whether:

- you are able to communicate with her
- she listens to what you want
- the dressmaker is honest enough to share her opinions whether the garment you want to have will flatter your shape

What to ask the dressmaker?

- her time schedule
- samples of her work
- references
- estimate of costs
- whether she is going to take care of all the additional supplies (buttons,zipper, lining, etc)
- what she thinks about compatibility of the fabric and the pattern

NEW: Dressmakers' Database

2005-10-27T10:05:00.000+02:00

We are compiling a database of dressmakers in different countries. Some are already available in Western and Eastern Europe. Check available entries.

If you are looking for, or know a good dressmaker, or are yourself one, we will be happy to include you in our database.

Please write us about yourself, or your dressmaker: Find or recommend your dressmaker

A template for making entries and comments in the upcoming database is available on our sister-site Dressmakers.

Estimating Fabric Yardage

2005-10-27T09:18:00.000+02:00

The next time you're shopping for fabric but don't know the specific yardage requirements for a garment, estimate your needs by following these guidelines. Read on from Threads magazine

About Elegant Couture

2005-10-26T17:23:00.000+02:00

Tired of wasting your quality time in shops, desperately trying to find clothes that fit not only your body but your budget as well? Tired of garments you bought only because you had no time and / or strength to find the right piece? Tired of having pieces hanging in your wardrobe without being worn even once?

An answer to these common complaints is a dressmaker! There are enough dressmakers in your neighbourhood – and they can sew good quality garments for reasonable prices. The key is finding the one that understands your style and your body and can deliver good quality garments, which you can wear together and for more than one occasion.

This blog will introduce to the world of custom-dressmaking, with its advantages for real women in the real world.

Every month you we will, together with you:
- analyze your wardrobe and check it for style and find updates if necessary,
- suggest new garments for sewing, reflecting today’s fashion sense,
- give you tips on patterns that would flatter your body,
- inform you on the season’s trend fabrics,
- reveal secrets of the profession so you know what makes the garment look that exclusive,
- help you with suggestions for special occasions: weddings, cocktails, formal dinners, theatre and, and, and…
- give advice on maternity, bridal or, unfortunately, mourning wear.

Coming up in November?
- The KEY GARMENTS in your wardrobe! EVERY woman has them, but after a while they got lost among other pieces. We will help you to revive and upgrade them with new, up-to-date combinations.
- SKIRT: trends for the cold season and suggestions for your special skirt - how you can wear to many different occasions.
- Skirt Shapes and PATTERNS, that flatters your body: Where to find a pattern? What to look for if your dressmaker is going to construct your individual pattern? How to add your personal creative touch to the pattern?
- SILKS and WOOLENS? How to recognize them and which ones to choose for your garment.
- Tips on upgrading a skirt for special occasions

Where to find patterns?

2005-10-26T00:38:00.000+02:00

Many pattern companies offer patterns online. You can also purchase the patterns in fabric shops.

TIP: Prices for patterns are usually lower if you purchase them online

Butterick
McCall's
New Look
Vogue Patterns
Kwik Sew
Style Patterns
Stretch and Sew
Burda Mode

Our Tip: If you are not sure how the pattern will look on your body, check Pattern Review. Com. It has reviews from women who used patterns from these companies with pictures of ready garments. All you need to do is click the name of the pattern company and the pattern number.

Good luck with your projects!

Patterns

2005-10-26T00:36:00.000+02:00

Having a pattern can significantly reduce the price for a tailored garment, with only few adjustment needed to fit the piece. Where to find patterns for your garments and how to select them:

Where to find patterns for your garments

Choose the correct pattern size

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Fabrics

2005-10-26T00:33:00.000+02:00

Knowledge database about fabrics and tips for buying them.

Browse available articles:

Estimating Fabric Yardage

Wool Fact Sheets

Share with us addresses of your favourite fabric shops and images. Recommend a fabric shop in your country

Leave your comment! Tell us what you want to see next in this section!

Dressmakers

2005-10-26T00:24:00.000+02:00

All you need to know to find your perfect dressmaker and to communicate your style and preferences.

Browse recent articles:

Tips for Choosing a Dressmaker

Dressmakers' Database

Follow this link for more on dressmakers

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Garments

2005-10-26T00:21:00.000+02:00

In this section you will find entries on how to choose proper style and shape of different garment projects for your wardrobe. In November 2005 we will start with the simpliest project to go for you and your dressmaker: A skirt. Trousers, Shorts, Dresses, and many more will be coming next.

Browse available articles (most recent first):

7-Steps Wardrobe Audit

Skirts this Season

Pencil Skirt Tips for Curvy Figures

Leave your comment! Tell us what you want to see next in this section!