Saturday, February 12, 2011

J. Crew Skirt Diversion

The Faux Fur Coat has long been completed --- and I need to get back to my Trench Dress, which has been languishing --- all cut out and ready to be sewn. But, as often happens, diversions occur. And today, I had one of those moments at the J. Crew store. I saw an interesting skirt --- I think they call it a lantern shape --- that completely transformed when I tried it on. Here's a close up:

Image from here.

On the hanger, I thought the pleating looked interesting and was curious to see how the pleats would look on a live body. When I tried it on, I absolutely loved it. The skirt transformed into a very cute and surprisingly flattering bubble shape.

Image from here.

I was torn. I really wanted to purchase it, but there were a couple of reasons why I walked out without it:

1. Thoughts of "I can make it!" entered my head and prevented me from shelling out nearly 90 bucks for a cotton skirt.

2. It pains me to say this, but it's kind of short for a 40-year-old...

I'm wondering if the skirt could work in a slightly longer length --- maybe to just above the knee? If so, I think I could draft the pattern for this one. Any thoughts would be appreciated!

6 comments:

Rebecca said...

I think a longer skirt would work. Like 2-3 inches above the knee would be appropriate. You could go shorter if worn with opaque tights. I would love to see how you draft it if you decide to make it :)

Gail said...

There is a great Patrones pattern that is similar to this skirt and just above the knee.

Shelagh said...

Funny you shouuld ask. I was just looking at this free download from Burdastyle (Marie #9177). Sheila.

http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/marie?image=22862

SEWN said...

What a cute skirt! Go for it! Oh and I understand your reluctance to wear short skirts. I have found myself not liking them on my 42 yr old legs too.

Lorraine said...

This appeared to me to be a buy with plans for returning later type of skirt. Buy it, keep it long enough to make a pattern from it, then take it back, with tags still on it.

JoanneM said...

Darling skirt. I believe Jcrew is not "cutting edge" but what I call "very clever." This skirt is one of those very clever items.

But yes, cost is outrageous. I think you will have to be careful with adding length. A couple of inches will work, but too long and that bubble will morph into a balloon? A stable cotton sateen would be good, and if you can look at the skirt and try it on, envision a few inches and see what you think.....

You can do it.