Wardrobe Planning with Ann: Runway Houston Fashion Show

Ann’s fall wardrobe plan is starting off with an outfit for the annual Runway Houston Fashion Show. When a new fashion season starts and I plan garments for my clients, I usually start with 2 pieces as the base and coordinate future makes around them. It’s a great way to build a wardrobe that works well mixing and matching with each other. Even though these items were styled for a fashion event, I always keep in mind the garments must fit in Ann’s everyday life, too.

The 2 base pieces I selected for Ann are the black ponte knit top and ivory silk skirt. Both garments represent a few current trends: A-line pleated skirts, satin and voluminous sleeves.

Black Ponte Knit Top

My inspiration for this top was from Net-a-Porter, one of my favorite fashion websites. The original top from designer Mara Hoffman, is a crop top made from hemp.

Ann used her original sloper and drafted the pattern incorporating several changes I suggested to fit her figure type:

1. Lengthen the top 4 inches so we could add a belt to define her waistline
2. Bring in the front neckline to better frame her face
3.  Add fullness to the sleeve between the wrist and right above the elbow
   

I selected Midnight Black Ponte Knit instead of a woven like the original design and Black Tricot Knit for the lining.

Ann was able to eliminate the zipper and back neckline closure because of the excellent stretch and recovery of the knit.

Ivory Crinkle Silk Skirt

A-line pleated skirts are a huge trend this fall. The fabric is the Ivory Crinkle Double Face Silk Charmeuse. It’s technically not pleated but it has a similar look and feel. For the waistband, I suggested Tuxedo Satin-Ivory and Ivory Silk Charmeuse for the lining.

Ann used her Summer LBD to make the skirt pattern.

The darts were removed and eased into the waistband….

….with an invisible zipper sewn into the side seam.

Unfortunately, Ann couldn’t add pockets because the pocket bag was visible.

She did a hand-rolled hem for a couture finish.

Finishing Touches

We went shopping to find the finishing touches. Because she was wearing this to a fashion show, we could go all out and add more trends!  Gold jewelry is the metal of choice this year and belts are everywhere! We both fell in love with the purse and affectionately call it the “pumpkin” purse. It added a fashion-forward feel that was perfect for the fashion show!

The finished look was great for the event and she is able to incorporate the individual pieces into her everyday life:

Mom On-The-Go

Daywear/Office

Special Occasion

The Event

See all the fabrics used in this post here.
Coming up-a nod to another fashion trend faux leather!

And as Ann always says, “I hope you get inspired to create something EXTRAordinary 😉