Giraffes For Work

Last week, while packing for three back-to-back meetings in three states in the midwest, I came to the realization that I have very few summer clothes that are “work appropriate” for hot weather.  I lived in graphic tees, shorts, and tank tops last year when I worked from home (and could wear jeans and sneakers to see customers), but now that I’m in the office and in front of large customers on a regular basis, I need to step up my game a bit!  Cutesy sundresses just aren’t going to cut it.

Patterns:  top – Linden, view B; skirt – Magic Pencil Skirt, reviewed here
Fabric: top – poly knit jersey from Grey’s Fabric; skirt – ponte from Fabric Place Basement

Sandals: Franco Sarto
Bracelets: J. Crew

With my hectic travel schedule lately, I’m tackling quick-and-easy projects during my downtime that also serve as stash-busters, in preparation for my big move to my fiance’s condo at the end of next month.  This Maggie London giraffe print has been hanging out in my stash for a year and a half mainly because I wasn’t sure how to use it.  I bought enough yardage for a dress, but the funny thing I didn’t realize about the fabric is that if it was cut with the greatest direction of stretch going across the body, as usual with knit fabric, the giraffes would run horizontally across instead of up and down.  Weird, right?  The Linden top is perfect for this fabric because it’s not fitted, but there’s just enough stretch in the fabric to pull it on and off comfortably.  And I love the drape of this top!  It’s so different than the other Lindens I made with sweatshirt fleece this past winter.

I’m now in love with Steam-a-Seam tape – how have I sewn knits for seven years and never used it?  Combined with my standard twin-needle hemming technique, it gave a crisp, perfect finish to the hems and neckline.  This is now my go-to for any type of hemming on knits without bands.

This is also my first “high-low” hem garment ever in my closet – I was so anti these types of tops,dresses etc when they first came out a few years ago.  This is a subtle high-low hem, so it doesn’t bother me as much, and I think it works nicely on a loose silhoutte – it’s more subtle.  The skirt it’s paired with is a high-waisted skirt, so I’m curious how this will look with my normal mid-rise jeans.  This gal does not flash her stomach anywhere that’s not a pool or beach!

If you’re looking for a quick, mind-numbingly easy project, I highly recommend the Magic Pencil Skirt pattern.  After making your first version and getting the fit down, you can easily whip out one from start to finish in a little over an hour.  I made the skirt and the Linden top between late Friday evening and Saturday morning – it was the top that took the longest because I wanted to do a nice job with the hems!

Also note – “designer” label inside.  This top looks totally profesh, amiright?

Usually when wearing a skirt like this, I pair it with a fitted top.  This combination of a loose top with a skirt pushes me outside of my dressing comfort zone, but the silhouette also feels a bit more modern with the boxy fit and dropped hem of the top.  I think I like it!  I was also relieved that along with being very comfortable to wear, the top also hid the mimosas and apps my friends and I indulged in at a bridal show this weekend.

And now, to pack my suitcase for a trip to Texas this week.  The travel never ends!