Autumnal Harris Tweed

 Do you feel a hint of autumn in the air? I certainly do, but then I have just been in the Scottish Highlands. Artisan's Square has just started an Autumn 6 Pac thread. This is where you sew 6 coordinating garments to form a capsule wardrobe. I have often thought of doing this but haven't got very far with it. I am going to have another go. When on holiday I went to the Harris Tweed Shop and purchased two designs to make two skirts. The first is the Lovat Tweed. A lovely soft green herringbone with a windowpane check of burgundy, mustard and blue.

The second piece is a wonderful rich mustard tweed. There was just 1 metre of fabric left of this and at 30 inches wide I am really going to have to eek out a short skirt. But I just loved the colour and the shop keeper let me have it at half price so I couldn't resist it.

Harris Tweed is very expensive at £34 a metre when it is only 30 inches wide but this is because it is handmade. The shop buys directly from a weaver on Harris and I got a wonderful sense that I am supporting our textile industry by buying this fabric. Above this though is how wonderful the fabric is: wonderfully textured with a lovely loft. I just can' t wait to sew with it.

I will only have enough of the mustard to make a basic short slightly A line skirt. I want to make Vogue 8835 Out of the Lovat tweed.

I am not exactly sure what else I am going to sew for my 6 pack, I have an almost finished burgundy coat languishing in a carrier bag that would pick up on the Burgundy in the Lovat Tweed. I have been looking at the Joules and Barbour websites for other inspiration.

UFO: Simplicity 3503

Before I had my first child ( I now have three!) I cut out and started sewing an animal print maxi dress using Simplity 3503. It was all the rage back then..... you know before the indie pattern and general sewing pattern explosion....... ah those were the days when sewing patterns were just numbers, not names belonging to the blogosphere........

Eventually, she is finished

I have nothing to add to what everyone has said about this pattern. It is fabulous. I cut a size 8 and it fits like a dream straight out of the packet. The only change was to cut 4 inches off the length as I am 5'4". Despite the fact that I am four years late with it, there are still a lot of maxi dresses around and it is perfect for the heat wave the UK is experiencing.

Built by Wendy Sew U A line skirt

My first garment of 2013 is this super easy A line skirt from the Sew U book. I highly recommend this pattern, but then you can't really go wrong with a basic A line skirt. I wanted a simple pattern so I wouldn't disrupt the embellished detail at the hem. I am really glad I did because I haven't done a great job pattern matching at the side seams, though to be fair this was due to the limited amount of fabric I had.

A line skirts are perfect for casual wear and are flattering for most figures. I love Boden clothes and they always have lots of A line skirts such as these from A/W 2012

When I saw this lovely soft baby cord in Leon's (the best fabric shop in the North). I knew it would be perfect for a Boden style skirt. What is more, a Boden embellished A line skirt retails for around £60, whereas my skirt length was only £6! As I already had the pattern, some black lining, zip and interfacing; I knew I was onto a winner.

The pattern is super simple, very suitable for a beginner, or someone wanting a quick project. It also meets two of my goals for 2013: to sew clothes inspired by Boden and to make clothes appropriate for my lifestyle ( A line skirts are much easier to wear than pencil skirts). There are some lovely summer versions of this skirt in the new spring catalogue so I will be making a few more of these in the coming months.

The only alteration I made to the pattern instructions were to use seam binding at the hem. There was hardly any hem allowance beneath the embellished section and I thought seam binding would add a little length and weight. I am not sure I pulled the seam binding taught enough and it is a little wrinkled but this is not noticeable from the right side.

2013 Sewing goals

No review of 2012 sewing for me! The only sewing I did was maternity sewing and I have no photos to prove it. I do have twin daughters though....... So whilst I will not have much time for sewing in 2013 I am determined to carve out a little time for myself. Hopefully writing these goals down will help me to achieve them.

The principles:

1. To sew for 2 hours a week. I know the luxury of a weekend of sewing uninterrupted will just not be possible so the real challenge for me will be to carve out snippets of time to sew. Tilly has recently written about sewing for 15 minutes  a day but I think I am going to strive for two one hour slots.

2. To sew for my actual lifestyle, ie a mum and part time teacher whose social life comprises of seeing friends and family. I am no longer an about town career girl!

3. To sew a coordinated wardrobe ( as inspired by Janice at the Vivienne Files)

4. To blog what I sew as a record of my progress

5. To take steps to improve my skills and thus the quality of what I make, possibly by trying an online course.

A few specifics:

6. To try some of the independent pattern companies that have sprung up in recent years. If nothing else, to see if they are worth burning the extra cash eg, make a Beignet skirt, a Tova tunic, and perhaps a Sewaholic pattern.

7. To make an outfit inspired by the Duchess of Cambridge. I have wanted to do this for ages.

8. To make a Boden inspired outfit, this could apply to my whole wardrobe.

9. To sew something for my husband.

10. To sew more Oliver and S clothes for my daughters.

I am writing this listening to a radio programme reviewing 2012; not only the Olympics and Golden Jubilee etc, but also people's personal achievements such as the 65 year old lady who adopted the motto "Just Do It" and began the year doing a zip wire. The programme was totally inspirational and I am writing about it here so I can remember it and draw upon it. I am a "right one" for setting goals and then not achieving them because I have moved on to another whim but I am really determined that I will achieve these goals during 2013. Or else........

Spring Sewing

Despite the fact that it is still cold here in Blighty, there is a definite mood that Spring is on its way. That must mean it is time to end all thoughts of tweeds, wool and heavy knits and time to start planning our spring wardrobes. Inspired by the Sew Weekly challenges of "Pretty as a Picture" and using the "Pantone Spring Colours", here is my first spring outfit.

The Top is Vogue 1127. There are loads of reviews of this top on Pattern Review, all commenting about how big this top runs. In particular, I used the alterations that Amanda S made to reduce the width and length of the ties and the width of the collar. I sewed a Size 6 instead of a Size 8 but I wish I had left the armholes a size 8 as it is a little bit snug there. I decided this was far better than a gaping armhole though and left it.

The Skirt is Vogue 8603. Again, judging by the number of patterns on Pattern Review, this is a very popular skirt pattern. I made view A with the side gather details. This is a fabulous pattern and I urge anyone looking for a new skirt pattern to give it a go. I cut a Size 12 and it fit me without any alterations whatsoever. In fact, I love this skirt pattern so much I am currently making View C in navy cotton sateen with gold topstitching and gold buttons. I have made the outer skirt and just need to complete the lining

Just one question..... to Spanx or not to Spanx? A year on from giving birth, I am pretty much back to my former RTW Size 10, apart from what can only be described as a flap of stomach around by belly button ( sorry if this is too much information). Looking at these photos I realise that it might be time to investigate foundation garments!

Chanel Jacket

I finished my black Chanel Jacket a while ago but I haven't had time to blog about it yet. This is the second time I have made a Chanel type Jacket and I am much happier with the finish I have achieved on this version. I used a different pattern for this one, Simplicity 4241(OOP). It is very similar to the Vogue pattern I used last time but I like the turn up cuffs on this version.

If you are going to make one of these jackets, I highly recommend you use the techniques explained by Claire Schaeffer in her book Couture Sewing Techniques. I quilted the lining to the jacket fabric first, before machine stitching the jacket body and hand sewing the lining together. On the Chanel Sew-a-long website there are loads of resources if you are interested in sewing a jacket using these techniques. All I can say is: the more time, care and attention you spend on it, the better your finish will be. I suppose this is true of all sewing, and indeed most things in life!

I absolutely love this type of jacket. It feels like a cardigan because it is so comfy and light (no interfacing is used) but it has the polish of a tailored jacket.

I was in LK Bennett recently and I saw this jacket, The Madi. At £225.000, and the fit not being as good, I think I have done very well! I am still considering adding a fringe trim like the Madi Jacket, even though I have already worn the jacket twice! I might pin it on to see what it looks like. What's been holding me back is time and the fear that I will shed everywhere because boy does this boucle tweed shed like mad!

Sew Weekly

Sew Weekly is a site worth discovering! Each week there is a sewing challenge set which acts as inspiration for a new creation. Last week was "All Buttoned-up" which inspired the button tabs on the skirt I just made. This week the challenge is "Make the Look". The idea is to create an outfit based on a look you have seen. I am making good progress with my Chanel Jacket but I haven't got time to sew anything else. Just for fun though, this is what I would do:

My look:

I have always loved this DvF dress worn by Kate Middleton. Her dress is silk but I think this could be made is any silky or viscose fabric, or even a knit could give you the same look. As for patterns:

I love the Lisette Itinerary Dress (Simplicity 2060) although that has a yolk. This Vogue pattern (1207) has the V-back that Kate's dress has:

Simplicity 2211

Even though I said I was back sewing in JULY 2011, obviously, I wasn't really! It has taken me until now to really get my mojo back. I thought I would start off with a quick and easy project to get me going. I have this lovely wool tweed in my stash and I wanted a simple shape as the wool is quite thick.

Pattern Description: An A line skirt with belt tabs.

Pattern Sizing:multi sized

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?Yes, though I changed the waist detail because I was working with thick fabric ( see below for details)

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? This is a quick and easy pattern that is really easy to wear. It came together beautifully.

Fabric Used: Wool tweed

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I pretty much sewed this straight out of the packet. The fit is certainly really good. I did change the waist because after I had sewn the petersham waistband it was too bulky to turn to the inside as you would do normally. This was largely because of the fabric I was using and the tab details, even though I used lining for the inside of the tabs, not fabric as the instructions said. So, what I did was to first sew petersham on the wrong side, then also on to the front, encasing the top of the waist ( I hope that make sense!). I love Boden clothes and I notice that quite a few of their skirts are made like this. It means there is no bulk at all at the waist.

I also put in an invisible zipper.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I want to make the view with pleats next time in a lighter fabric for spring.

Conclusion: Simple enough for a beginner and a great wardrobe builder for everyone.

Next on the cutting table:

A black Chanel jacket. It is already cut out with extra seam allowances ready for the quilting.

Back Sewing

This is the reason why I haven't been sewing for over a year! Georgia was born on Christmas Day 2010. She is an absolute joy to have and a very placid, easy baby.

I have almost got back to the size I was B.G. and I am itching to get sewing again. I love a SWAP (Sewing With a Plan) and I have been inspired to join the Artisan Square 6 piece Autumn Wardrobe sew along. The idea is that you sew 2 garments a month in August, September and October, all of which coordinate to form a mix and match wardrobe. Georgia goes to bed at around 6.30pm so I am hoping that this should be completely do-able. I am returning to work in September so I am planning a "career wardrobe". I have chosen 5 fabrics so far:

The two on the left are for skirts, the white is an Italian shirting, the black is a spotted chiffon for a tie neck blouse and the blue is a stretch wool mix for a tailored jacket. I still need one more fabric for another top but I will decide on that later.

Now I need to venture up into the loft for my patterns.....

Navy Dress: Butterick 5302

Photos to follow shortly: I am still having technical problems.

This is my first project in some time and I am really pleased with the outcome. This is the first of my 'inspired by Michelle Obama' wardrobe. I do not want to make carbon copies of her clothes, rather channel her style into what will work for my lifestyle, afterall, I don't have too many sate dinners to attend in the next few weeks! I love that this pattern is much more interesting than the simple shift and it looks more complicated to make than it is.

Pattern Review:

Pattern Description:

MISSES' DRESS: Straight, fitted dresses A, B, C, mid-knee, have front pleats, raised waist seam and back zipper. A: self-faced cap sleeves. B: three-quarter length sleeves. C: long sleeves.

Pattern Sizing:

Misses 8-14. I made a size 10-12 in a stretch woven.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes! I made view B, the version with 3/4 length sleeves.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

The instructions were really easy. Don't be put off by the pleats at the neckline. As long as you follow the arrows and match the small dots to the large dots it works really well. Everything else is just like a straight shift dress pattern.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

This is a copy of Michelle Obama's dress by Maria Pinto and I am trying to emulate her style right now. I love the pleats at the neckline which makes this dress more interesting than your standard sheath.

Fabric Used:

A Navy blue with white pin-stripe stretch wool blend.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

Fit: It is really difficult to make a toile for stretch fabrics so I fitted as I went. I cut a size 10 at the top and graded to a size 12 at the bottom. This gave a pretty good fit but I still had to take it in a little in the centre back and alter the side seams slightly to give a good fit. On the whole, I would say this pattern is pretty true to size.

Lining: I decided to line the dress. I didn't add the facings. Instead, I just made an exact copy of the dress in lining fabric and then sewed them edge to edge. I understitched the neckline as carefully I could and I also did little catch stitches around the neck to get the pleats to lie flat and in place. I just lined the body of the dress and serged the lining to the armhole seam allowance. I added some thread chains at the waist and hem to hold the lining in place.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I am not sure I want two of these dresses as the neckline is so distinctive but I would definitely recommend this pattern to others, particularly for career wear.

Conclusion:

I wore this to work and I got lots of complements, including being asked if I was going for an interview! I haven't sewn very much lately and this project has really spurred me on.

Mini Wardrobe Contest on Pattern Review

I really enjoyed participating in a mini wardrobe contest last year so I have decided to take the plunge again. I have so far finalised three garments: a lavender pencil skirt, a pink and lavender chiffon blouse and a purple floral dress. I plan to make a jacket as my fourth garment but I am undecided on fabric (purple) and the pattern. I will post an updated story board as soon as I have resolved that issue, as well as the other issue of locating my camera! (Actually I can't post any picture for some reason!) The contest starts on 15 March so get planning if you want to take part. I highly recommend it!

I have almost finished the Butterick dress. I am really pleased with it.I have just the hems on the sleeves and skirt to do.

The first step:patterns ordered

There are a few very tentative signs that spring is on its way and it is light by 7.30am for my morning drive to work. So I feel the urge to start on my spring wardrobe. I am going to Iceland next week which I have decided will be my personal official end to winter (ha!). I am an utter failure at SWAP: Sewing With A Plan, yet I do feel the urge to move in that direction and certainly like the concpt, if not the execution. I have posted before about my admiration for Michelle Obama's fashion sense so I have decided to created clothes inspired by her. Not as in a planned wardrobe but a vague direction to head towards. Neat shift dresses are the first things I think of so I have ordered these two patterns:

The first attracted me after seeing Erica B's one shoulder version and because it offers good variations for the bodice. It think this is a great idea giving value for money and helps with pattern fitting.

The second pattern is a direct copy of the dress Mrs O wore when she first went to the White House. Vogue also have a version of this dress but is only suitable for knits. Butterick's pattern uses stable knits or stretch wovens.

I won't be sewing for a couple of weeks but at least the preparations have begun.

Progress Report

I have been back at school for a while now so I haven't done as much sewing as I would like but I am determined to keep it up. Writing this post is partly aimed at keeping me focused. That said, I have made some progress:

1. Winter Coat. I am SO close to finishing this. I have attended some Own Choice sewing days at the Modern Approach Sewing School where the lovely Janet Moville has helped me with new speed tailoring techniques such as putting in a sleeve head, how to correctly use shoulder pads, what a plaston is and how to do a bagged lining. I am really pleased with what I have done, though it takes a lot of time. I think I have spent over 5 days on my coat already! I just have to finish the lining and do the button holes.
2. Wardrobe in a Week: or month or year! My first top was a complete wadder! My grey skirt looks good but is unfinished. The last two items are still large rectangles of fabric.
3. Chanel Jacket: the nearest I got was watching the Signe Chanel Jacket on You Tube! So no sewing done but I can thoroughly recommend this documentary made for the BBC.

Just because I am short on time to bring the ideas I already have got to fruition doesn't mean I mean I need any less inspiration. I love Hobbs clothes and they have just brought out a new collection called NW3, named after Hampstead, the spiritual and historic home of Hobbs. Yet again, I advise you to hide your credit card before going to their website!

Wardrobe in a week (WIAW)

On the Artisan's Square Stitchers Guild Forum you can join in this just for fun competition. You have this week to prepare, then next week to sew any four coordinating garments. I am seeing this as a prelude to the SWAP on Pattern Review which starts in September (11 garments). My aim is to make a casual collection to wear with a green jacket I bought last year.

Tartan Cotton: Shirt BWOF1/2008 107

Navy Cotton Velvet: simple above knee A line Skirt from Sew U book (no pics as from book)

Charcoal 100% wool flannel: A line skirt with front inverted pleat and front pockets adapted from Sew U pattern

Red Stripe Jersey: boat neck top from Sew U stretch book

My target is to complete my preparation by Friday. I have even made myself a to-do list!

1. Boat neck top: cut out, iron seam tape to neck edge
2. Shirt: cut out, interface collar and cuffs
3. Blue skirt: redraft pattern so it fits, cut out, interface waist-facing
4. Grey Skirt: cut out, interface waist-facing.

Initially, I wasn't sure about separating the preparation from the sewing, as opposed to making each garment in turn. I have to say though, it has helped to ensure my plans are finalised before I plunge in. I think one of the mistakes I make with the 11 garment SWAP is that I was a little vague on a few of my garments before I began, I then made some rushed choices which didn't really work. Hopefully, this one will turn out better.

Two muslins made

No, I haven't become an ice-cream seller. This is my muslin for Butterick 5145. I am pretty happy with the fit, it just needs a few tweeks. The waist is too low on me, it is supposed to be a raised waist, I also think it is a little big at the top. I have taken out the back pleat because it was just too big and unnecessary. I have also moved the pocket. I originally made the patch pockets but I thought they may look a bit cheap and the fabric I have chosen may be a little thick for them. I have just used the tabs in the waist seam. I am quite taken by this coat in the new Boden catalogue ( apart from the yellow buttons)

I am not doing any more to this at the moment, I am going on another sewing day in a couple of weeks so I am going to make it then.

I have also made a muslin of the boat neck t-shirt from the Sew U book. It is too big for me as I made the medium because lots of reviews said how small the patterns are in this book, however I think a small will fit better. The neck opening is also too large so I will adjust that.

This is going to be part of my casual mini-collection for the WIAW (wardrobe in a week) on Artisan Square. I haven't chosen everything yet but I have some striped jersey for this top and purple cord and grey flannel for two A line skirts from the Sew U book. I hope to make a checked shirt for my second top but I haven't found the right fabric yet. Preparation starts on Friday and sewing is the following week.

A married lady and a planner

On 17th July I became a married lady. The day was absolutely wonderful, better than I could have possibly hoped for and I will treasure my memories forever. We went on honeymoon to Lake Garda, Italy which was also absolutely fabulous. Our hotel was right on the lake and our room faced the lake looking onto the mountains on the other side. We did quite a lot of sight-seeing but also a lot of lazing around y the pool which was just what we needed after the hectic time leading up to the wedding. You can see a full view of my dress here:

Now that I am back from honeymoon I am planning my autumn sewing. Autumn is my favourite season and I love the new fashions that are coming into the shops right now, added to the fact that I haven't sewn much over the past months means I am really fired up to get going! As seems to be the fashion on a few blogs at the moment, I have made myself a little plan:

1. A winter coat: I have never made one before so this will be a new challenge. I have purchased Butterick 5145 and bought some lovely black wool with cashmere for it.
2. A casual capsule wardrobe. I am considering joining in the wardrobe in a week contest on Artisans Square. I am gathering my ideas at the moment but I am thinking about a Boden inspired collection.
3. A Chanel Jacket: inspired by Coco before Chanel I have joined the Chanel Jacket sew along. I have made one before and I want to improve on my technique. I have also worn that jacket loads ( once a week) so I am really looking forward to another one.
4. A tailored suit: I really want to improve the quality of my garments and learn some couture techniques.
5. A cape: I wanted to make one last year and I didn't get around to it. I have noticed that they are still big news this autumn. so it is definitely on my list
6. A shift dress: quite frankly I don't know how I have NOT made one yet!
7. Narrow leg trousers: even though I am slim, I am pear shaped and have not got into the skinny leg jeans thing but I think I might give these a go.
8. Shirts: I have worn the red blouse I made a lot so want to make some more. I am loving the checked shirts that are in the shops right now and I want to start with that one.
9. Pencil Skirts: again, something I have had success with before and I want to try some new patterns.
10. TNTs: I want some of the patterns I use this autumn to become TNTs so that I make better fitting garments.

WOW: this is quite a list!

My other target is to blog more regularly so I will keep you updated on my progress. My first job is to make my muslin for my coat.

Ebay purchase

You know how it goes. You are mooching away on ebay and something catches your eye. A few clicks and a few pounds later and you have the joy of being the winning bid on a little lot of goodies. I love vintage haberdashery and have a few little bits already. I had the idea of expanding my collection and making a picture out of the ephemera. What I bought from ebay was the contents of someone's sewing basket. I love the idea of a lady collecting, using and reusing these things. Some special things are the bird pin cushion, the wooden reels of sewing thread and the linen lace edging. The threads on the bottom right are "The Lamb All Wool Mending" and "Coats Chain Filosheen" for darning all kinds of hosiery etc.

I am sure I have see pictures in shadow boxes made something like this:

If you like things like this and have serious money to spend check out Sajou, the French haberdashers. 

A trio of small things

The first thing I have made is a knitting needle case. I have already made one of these for myself, this one is for my knitting chum. There are many knitting needle cases around but most of them are a roll design. This is like a giant pencil case, 18" long. The fabric is designed by Heather Bailey.

You can see the lining in this picture:

I made this clutch bag to use on my wedding day and its just big enough for my lipstick and compact. I bought the pattern from etsy. Michelle also has  a fantastic blog. 

I am going to make one for my bridesmaid to match her dress. I first saw this pattern being used on this lovely blog.

This little hat demonstrates my new hobby: knitting! I have made it for a work colleague who is expecting her first baby soon. The pattern is by Debbie Bliss using Baby Cashmerino wool. She doesn't know (or isn't telling) the sex of the baby so I chose this soft green and white as it would look lovely on a boy or girl.

I am still working on my second summer top. The body is finished but the cowl neck thingy still needs some tweaking to get it right.

I'm back sewing

Work commitments and planning our wedding have prevented me from sewing much during the past 6 months or so. I have some more time at the moment and I have been inspired by some great blogs out there so the time has come to dust off my sewing machine and whip up a few things. I have a few summer tops in the pipe line. You know the thing: make it in an evening, no complicated fitting and lovely crisp cottons that don't slip all over the place. First up is Simplicity 3692. I love the Built By Wendy patterns and I have her Sew U books still waiting to be used.

I used a blue and white checked cotton. After reading the reviews of this pattern I knew it was going to come out very big, even though I was using a woven and not a knit. I cut a size 6 rather than my usual 8-10 and even then I took it in a little on the waist to give it more shape. I added a self tie belt which is 1.5 inches wide cut the whole width of the fabric. I made view C, adding white lace trim and three white buttons. The photo below is not that great (of me or the top) but it gives you the general idea. I will try to get a better one, and a close up of the trims I have used later.

The next top I have planned is Simplicity 2593, one of the new Cynthia Rowley patterns. have a lovely printed cotton voile to use.

Michelle Obama: Love her style

On her recent visit to the UK to accompany President Obama for the G20 summit, Michelle Obama wowed the UK with her style. It is so refreshing to see a confident, well-dressed woman who obviously takes great delight in her clothes. I think the phrase is that she wears her clothes, not her clothes wearing her. Her clothes were a great contrast to the drab mannish power suits of the likes of Angela Merkel and Hilary Clinton. I wonder, why is it that women have copied the business suit from men without very much refinement, could one of the women world leaders ever turn up to a summit meeting in a skirt and cardigan combo?

These images and details of her outfits are from Mrs O.org (edited: Mrs O blog has changed so I have taken some of the images out)

J.Crew Constellation sweater in ivory with beading and sequins paired with Dazzling dots mint green pencil skirt. This outfit sings like spring. Great jewelry too.

Ivory and black silk crepe dress by Isabel Toledo, paired with a black Azzedine Alaia cardigan, and black satin opera coat by Jason Wu. Another great little cardigan. Monochrome is always stylish.

Floral silk jacquard dress with black mesh trim and coordinating, reverse print coat, both by Thakoon. A very polished look which is professional and ladylike.

Black knit and ruched dress worn with black bolero jacket, both by Azzedine Alaia. This is so beautiful....

Fitted Narciso Rodriguez black knit dress paired with Azzedine Alaia black bolero jacket and black kitten heels. What woman would not want to look like this? I need to get to the gym...

Oversize white bow blouse by Moschino, worn with a black pencil skirt by Michael Kors, black cardigan and studded belt, both by Azzedine Alaia. Another pencil skirt and cardigan combo. I think the belt that sits high on her waist is one of her key looks too.So, what are the key elements of her style?

1. Short, fitted cardigans
2. Fit and body-skimming clothes
3. Pencil skirts, as well as A line skirts
4. Belts that sit high on the waist
5. Black
6. Colour: no "Michelle purple" on this trip though
7. Polish: very well chosen accessories
8. Shift dresses
9. Kitten heels
10. Those arms!

I would love to create a wardrobe inspired by Mrs O..... more research and a trawl through my patterns is required. A mini wardrobe may be difficult though: even though she often wears clothes in different combinations, one of the things I love is that she wears so much colour which may be hard to coordinate.