Friday, August 30, 2013

Skirt Options for the Leather Accent Dress

It's on its way! I was having trouble deciding what style leather dress to make for an upcoming performance (girly or babydoll)--so I made muslins of both of them. I think the fuller-skirted version will be best for playing music (I'm on the drums for one song, so I can tuck the skirt between my legs to avoid flashing everyone). But! I'm going to make the babydoll version next, since I loved it too. Why limit myself to one dress? I never have before, so why start now?!

Anyway, more decisions! Now I'm having trouble deciding what fabric to use for the skirt of the dress. I was originally thinking this lace.


Maybe with a black lining. 


But it didn't totally wow me. So I tried sequins.

Not feeling it. So I tried metallic lace.
Definitely a contender! Finally I draped some tartan, for a Westwoodian vibe.

I'm digging that one too! It speaks to my beloved Grunge era, and has more of a color pop for stage presence, too.

I'm loving the last two, but can't really decide. Opinions, anyone?

Thanks, friends!

UPDATE! I tried the tartan on the bias too, thanks to some reader feedback. 



P.S. I will give construction notes in an upcoming post.

128 comments:

  1. I like the first one, but maybe with a colored (or skin colored) lining, instead of black. There's something beautiful about that lace. I don't like the plaid. It looks a little too school-girl uniform to me...

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  2. Oh my gosh I can't decide between the last two either! Maybe flip a coin?

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  3. definitely loving the grungier look but also the lace in the first option but over black!

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  4. I really like the plaid. It isn't my typical choice, but the combo speaks to me. The silver lace is also nice, too.

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  5. I agree with Kelie - a bright lining under the first lace would look cool. I like the metallic lace too x

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  6. what happens is you layer the silver lace over the tartan?

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  7. I like the black lining under the lace.

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  8. Oh, both great choices! I think I'd go with the lace, personally :) Can't wait to see the finished result!

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  9. Replies
    1. I gave it a shot and updated the post! It looks rad!

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    2. bias tartan!!

      I also love the metallic lace but it would work on the babydoll style, too!

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    3. I like the tartan on the bias, but maybe you could mix in black tulle/lace for the sides so you have a little bit of that look from the Alice and Olivia dress

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  10. I like the first lace option with a nude or light pink lining. Very vintage and shows off that beautiful lace!

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  11. I like the silver lace over an eye popping color and the tartan.

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  12. Tartan! It's unexpected and especially fall-appropriate.

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  13. I'd go metallic lace, but the tartan would look great on you....? Jude.x

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  14. The plaid looks more rock and roll to me

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  15. For the purpose you have in mind, I think the tartan one. However, if you want to add a further girly touch, I like the metallic lace. For the music band purposes. I think the first two options are a bit more cleaner and classier for a band.
    Jin

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  16. Tartan on bias! You will feel SO badass!

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  17. I like number one - it looks lighter, not so heavy. Makes a great contrast with the leather. I'm good with the white lining but it would be fun to see what a color underneath would look like.

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  18. I like the black lace with the black underling, but perhaps it's a bit too safe for what you're looking for. What about a hot pink lining, to match your hair?

    The tartan is definitely edgy, especially if you pair it with some cool black boots. My favorite though, is the metallic lace.

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  19. I'm all about the tartan, add in a kilt pin and some leather kilt buckles and you'll rock (not that you don't now)!

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  20. The tartan on the bias looks awesome! As you say, very Westwood!

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  21. My inner 90s speaks: tartan! Is that Butterick 4443 bodice I see?

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    1. Why, yes it is! Good eye! I lowered the neckline a bit though.

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    2. I'm going to make a Halloween-y dress with it! I have no idea why I only bought two yards of a Tula Pink fabric, but it's a great pattern cuz it takes only two yards!

      Also, it's more 90s to cut it straight on the grain, so if you're going for 90s that's my vote. The bias gives it a softer, more easily wearable line.

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  22. Tartan on the Bias!

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  23. I'm LOVING the tartan! In fact, I'm tempted to try to make one for myself - it looks very sleek and modern but at the same time also very grunge.

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  24. Definately the bias tartan. Let you inner-Viv Westwood rock out in that combo!!

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  25. really like the second one black lace with black lining.

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    1. Me too! I'm thinking I need to make something very similar.

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  26. Love the tartan, or the first lace but with a light underlay.
    BTW, Gertie, I thought of you yesterday when I picked up an original copy of Simplicity 7072 at my local Value Village (another Jiffy shift), for 69 cents. It was 65c brand new apparently! I think I'm going to emulate you, and make it up out of some plaid cotton seersucker I picked up at Goodwill recently.

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  27. Tartan, but not on the bias! I just think it makes more of an impact that way.

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  28. The metallic lace doesn't look right- too girly. Bias tartan looks really cool, but I think the first lace with black lining will look the most chic. Such a great idea!

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  29. The metallic lace doesn't look right- too girly. Bias tartan looks really cool, but I think the first lace with black lining will look the most chic. Such a great idea!

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  30. Hate the metallic lace, just doesn't go with the leather. Love the bias cut tartan!

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  31. Ooooh! Tartan on the bias! Or, the black lace, but with a bright, bold colored lining fabric, maybe lime?

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  32. Definitely love the the plaid on the bias!! I'm also loving the little leather sleeve, especially the style. Such a great detail!!

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  33. Voting for the tartan! It works perfectly with the patent leather. :) But it's difficult to figure out if it should be on the grain or the bias, both looks good.

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  34. I LOVE the bias tartan. The look is great and the bias is more figure flattering.

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  35. I like the tartan. Something makes me dig it more when it is not on the bias. I guess it feels more grungy that way. But either would be cute.

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  36. Tartan on the bias gets my vote too! Awesomeness.

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  37. Why not make the skirt all leather?

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  38. Why not make the skirt all leather?

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  39. Tartan tartan tartan. For sure. I've really come to like it of late. Which is weird - it's hard to pull off tartan here (Scotland!) without looking a bit y'know... touristy.

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  40. Grunge look... I think you have to go with the Tartan!!! I LOVE IT! The pop of color is so surprising, I really think it works the best. Can't wait to see the final look.

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  41. The tartan on the bias! I love it :-D

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  42. The Tartan on bias one is awesome!

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  43. Black lace over black lining won't read on stage (trust me, I'm a costume designer & I've made that mistake myself) I'd go plaid, or maybe black lace over a pink lining to match the hair

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    Replies
    1. Completely AGREE. It was the first thing I thought when I saw it, too.

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  44. I like the sequins and tartan. The laces are definitely not working for me

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  45. Plaid on the bias, without doubt.

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  46. LOVE the tartan on the bias! Do we get a video of the performance?

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  47. First lace with blue lining! Same color as the blue from the tartan, best of both options!

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  48. The tartan, no contest. And I think I might have to steal this idea, because I am in love!

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  49. I like the tartan on the straight grain.

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  50. I am definitely not cool enough to pull off either of those amazing skirts, but I LOVE the leather details and would like this as just an LBD. Can't wait to see how you put it together.

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  51. I absolutely love the TARTAN on the bias!!!!

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  52. Definitely the tartan on the bias! It is awesome!

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  53. Oooh, try the lace over the tartan.

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  54. I vote the tartan on the bias

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  55. Between the metallic lace and the tartan, most definitely the tartan. Personally I like it better not on the bias though!

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  56. tartan on the bias...

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  57. Being a fan of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, I vote for the purple tartan but not on the bias. You will look awesome on the drums !!
    Alaina of Gill

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  58. Of the lot the Tartan bais is the most sexy and goes very well with the tops section. The rest look like two different garments tied together.

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  59. My favorite is the tartan on the bias! It's def a more grunge look, but prettier and more tailored.

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  60. I'm just laughing at so many opinions and imagining Gertie reading the comments going 'yes, tartan, no wait lace, no...metallic,' how do you decide? LOL Lots of fun. I'll throw in my opinion. Tartan for this one and lace baby doll.

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  61. Tartan. Tartan on the bias or Tartan straight up. Tartan would look best with a ukelele and pink hair. I like it. Tartan.

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  62. I like the tartan not on bias for a performance dress. Second choice is the metallic lace.

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  63. Yes to the tartan on the bias! It looks great!!!

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  64. Tartan not on the bias - rocks it for me!

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  65. My vote is for the tartan on the bias - I think it'd be totally rock-chick! The non-tartan options are lovely but I think better suited to off-stage...

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  66. My vote is for the tartan on the bias - I think it'd be totally rock-chick! The non-tartan options are lovely but I think better suited to off-stage...

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  67. Tartan, but NOT on the bias. It is nicer on the eye and ties in the black and blue better.

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  68. Definitely the last one! ;)
    Luv!
    http://kendindik.com

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  69. Holy mackarel! My eyes were following a darned tennis match of opinions in the comments! I vote tartan on the bias for this one and metallic lace for the babydoll!

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  70. Tartan on the bias! The other ones are "nice", but that one hits it.

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  71. I like the plaid on the bias. It gives a cool rocker-chic vibe.

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  72. Plaid on the bias! I want to add that the fact it's colbalt and not classic red, really makes it look fresh.

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  73. Plaid on the bias is my favorite. Though I do wish I could see the metallic lace in person; I suspect it has a shine and shimmer that just can't be caught by a photograph.

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  74. My eye kept going to the thick layer of leather at the waist. Instead of at the waist, maybe run it as a binding along the skirt edge. Then the lace or the plaid would look pretty cool.

    Good luck.
    Robin

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  75. Depends on the venue. Where are you playing? Is it a private dinner, an art gallery opening, an outdoor concert or a pit party?

    The plaid's more alive and rockin', and the variations on lace much more sedate. I'm guessing you want A-L-I-V-E with an exclamation mark...go plaid.

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  76. How about tartan on the bias with a few lace appliques?

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  77. Congrats on your upcoming second book and performance. I vote tartan straight grain. Very Vivianne!!

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  78. hi,
    love the bias tartan plaid!
    how about a short, flirty, full circle skirt over black tulle
    mlga 730

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  79. definitely loving the tartan on the bias and I picked up your 2 new Butterick patterns today...can't wait to start sewing them...i'll send you the pics!!

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  80. Go the tartan on the bias Gertie, it will look fantastic for the stage!

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  81. Love the tartan on the bias - just went to MOOD fabric in LA. Loved it. Wow! Fun to just shop can't decide what to make. Did buy some purple leather just because I like how it felt.

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  82. I think lace rocked with the leather! Maybe the black lining is too dark for some but I liked it too!

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  83. Personally, I love that metallic lace! It's beautiful, elegant, but also edgy. You could wear it on a nice date to a fancy restaurant, or rock your performance and look punk. I like the plaid, too; I don't like it as much on the bias.

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  84. I see it as separates a great top to go with pants or skirts. My suggestion is use the same fabric and more leather if your keeping as a dress

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  85. The metallic lace is pretty good but if you really want to make a statement, go with the tartan - much more rock and roll! I'm in a band myself and I started sewing because I needed stage clothes. You can get away with so much more onstage which is really fun. The sequins may not be right for this dress but sequins look awesome onstage especially under lights. Can't wait to see the finished result.

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  86. im all over the westwoodian :)

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  87. My favorite is the metallic lace! The other lace is better over a contrasting color, remembering that from the stage it will show up better that way. The tartan looks better on the bias.

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  88. I am not crazy about the metallic lace. It's almost too spanish looking for the style you were going for. The tartan does look cool, but wasn't the point of the dress to have it be lace and leather? It would make for a cool dress but I'm just considering the objective at hand. Have you tried/thought about using a different lace?

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  89. Tatran on the bias!! Love Love Love it!! Very very cool!

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  90. Am agreeing that tartan looks most rock, but would love to see the first lace with a pink or nude underskirt and the very full, gathered skirt you described...separates?

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  91. Am agreeing that tartan looks most rock, but would love to see the first lace with a pink or nude underskirt and the very full, gathered skirt you described...separates?

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  92. I'll always put a tartan in first place, can't help it, I LoVe tartans every day of the week.

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  93. I think the tartan fits best stylistically, but does veer towards separates. Have you thought about putting a band of leather at the bottom of the skirt to tie it together?

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  94. The tartan straight up!

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  95. I'm feeling black and ivory stripes like chivron effect
    Or I'm feeling some white maybe silver organza horizontal pleats parallel to the leather peplum
    And I think THe tartan is awesome it kind of vivienne westwood vive!!!!

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  96. I just love that you showed so many completely different choices. I don't know how you're going to pick but it sure is fun to see the options!

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  97. What about black lace with pewter lining, or some deep color lining with black lace. Metallic lace was too traditional looking, taffeta-meh.

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  98. This will be an amazing dress. I love the tartan and the lace w/black lining. The metallic lace feels like gilding the lily to me--too much going on, and the sequins, meh. To each her own, right? But I do like the girly style better than babydoll in this incarnation.

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  99. I vote for the lace with the black lining. Good luck choosing!

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  100. Go for the last option, the tartan! it simply matches so well with the leather band! so modern, so grunge!
    http://en.inthemoodforcouture.com

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Thanks for your comments; I read each and every one! xo Gertie

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