Sewing And Style Den

…totally devoted to sewing...

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Wardrobe Staples: Chanel Style Jacket


‘The eternal can only last if it stays up to date at the same time. For this reason the jacket is eternal.’ Karl Lagerfeld on Chanel’s classic jacket.


Coco Chanel's original little black jacket, was inspired by the jacket worn by a male stuff at an Australian hotel in the 50's. Short, collarless, silk-lined and pocketed, it was designed to be a versatile, functional wardrobe staple, and has since been reinterpreted over and over by Karl Lagerfeld. Designed for ‘women who move’ as expressed by Chanel, it's a perfect mix of beauty and comfort, and its classic look makes it elegant and incredibly versatile. Regardless of the fabric, size, or design, Chanel style jackets are re-discovered each season, especially due to their ability to serve as the perfect accessory for all events.

There's almost no woman, whatever her age or size, that this boxy jacket won't suit. When shopping for the perfect Chanel style jacket, opt for the classic cropped style, as it is known to flatter all shapes. A longer cut can make you look frumpy and generally doesn't work with anything. For a fuller busted lady a slightly flared shape should do the trick.

When choosing the colour other than black or cream consider your complexion and age. Strong blues, mocha shades, or pastels will work well for most people. This jacket could be called the sartorial equivalent of the Mona Lisa; age cannot wither it!

Team it with a pair of your favourite trousers (whether they are straight cut, pencil or wide leg, Marlene Dietrich style - they will all work). Combine it with a chic white or black shirt and accessorise with a statement necklace. A Chanel style jacket will add a twist to most dresses, it doesn't have to be part of a complete suit. However, A-line or a simple sheath dress will almost always the best choice. Keep it simple, as the simplicity is the true genius behind this style.



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Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Burda 4/2013 picks


Have you heard the expression "true love never dies"? Of course you have, and it is as true as the fact that a true addiction never dies either. No, I am not back sewing, and yes, this is another Burda picks post. In fact not the most interesting one, as Burda once again fails to impress this April. Plain lines are good as long as they are not too plain, I hardly found inspiration flicking through the preview photos. 

Actually, I only looked at it as there over 50 people started following my blog on Bloglovin' in the last week without any explanation, as i was off the radar for so long. 

One and only dress that I loved - once again not due to a fancy pattern, but a gorgeous neckline embellishment will hardly make me reach for my wallet. No wonder they used it as a cover shot- what else is there to showcase? 




Here is my question, Burda editors, why encourage beginner level sewing so much? I grew up on the 90s and 00s issues full of interesting and often challenging cuts, that would require sharpening your sewing knowledge, and is developing your skill not the whole point of sewing these days (versus much easier shopping, huh?) 

I am bored to my teeth looking at these patterns, please please please stop producing this low value issues, Burda team. Maybe you should hire back all those retired designers from the old days to guide you and possibly teach you about interesting and exciting pattern designs? 

What is going on? I need inspiration to go back and dig into the pile of fabric cuts that have been  untouched for so many months. I have nothing to wear and mot much that fits- perfect scenario to lock myself  in my sewing room.... yet, no.  Your issue makes me want to go shopping  cheep and cheerful dresses from China on ebay.com 




And as much as I love Cinema Paradiso, I doubt I will be sewing any of those outfits anytime soon (or hopefully ever)

I am not really picking on you, Burda, but my loyalty is going through some serious turbulence right now. There is nothing to pick. Again.

And Joanna Lumley has nothing to do with it - I just found think she looked HOTTER in that naff 80's shot than anything from Burda April's issue! 




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Sunday, January 6, 2013

Burda Style February 2013 picks

Happy New Year everyone! Long time no hear... I personally hate blog posts starting like this. "Yeah yeah yeah", I always think, "just get down to business, nobody cares that you had no time to blog- in fact, you better get your act together..." etc., etc.... Well last year I was the one neglecting my blog, and there is nothing I could do about it. There were dry spells when nothing inspired me for months, followed by the busiest period in years resulting in me starting my own marketing agency, called EZ Marketing and consequently a marketing blog. (All this fashion and before that music involvement made me quite an expert in social media marketing - so it is time to get paid for it!)

On the low note I had a nerve pinched in my back early in December, which affected my sciatica condition and I spend weeks in agony and couldn't go back to work (still struggling, to be honest) - a horrible time, I hope to forget some day. Christmas was very tight as a result and I was very happy to see the year ending, staring the new one with hopes of success and better health. I couldn't eat when I was sick as a side effect of all the meds and my weight dropped to jaw-dropping 45kg. I am a very small framed person and my weight at the age of 19 was 47kg, so this is not that bad, I suppose. But all my clothes ( especially the bottoms) are huge and I seriously need to get back sewing.

So this is what happened in 2012. I am still extremely busy with the new business- social media is very time consuming. And the amount of research you need to do, plus keeping up with ever changing Facebook rules and algorithms. It is not as simple as it seems.

But for now, as a taster, I have a few picks from upcoming February Burda style magazine - and as much as I didn't really like anything in particular, I was stunned by the exclusive design pick:


and that is why I will be buying this issue.

And then, who knows, maybe I will find other patterns useful too, at the end of the day- there is a crisis in my wardrobe :)












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Friday, November 2, 2012

December 2012 Burda Style picks

The last issue of the year from Burda Style magazine, in my opinion, is finally worth buying.

Lovely models, young and funky looking, yet with a classic timeless twist. Just what I always look for in clothes. And as for plus section- I think it is a real treat this time.

Lots of wintery models made for lodens and flannels- that pale blue jumper is absolutely fabulous and looks so cosy!

As for the evening wear, strict plain lines and luxury fabrics - perfect combination!


So here we are- the silent post- this time silence with admiration!

















what do you think of that?


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Friday, October 5, 2012

November Burda Style Picks








I am so sorry, Burda team,I am really trying. I do look up the upcoming issues all the time, but these are just same uninspiring, way too plain and repetitive ideas. 
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Monday, October 1, 2012

Autumn 2012 wardrobe essentials (sewing Burda)


October is here and the fact that the Autumn is here is as solid as it gets. There is no illusions, they were all taken away by this pandemic flu all of us suffering from over here in the South of Ireland. So it is time to look over the wardrobe and make sure it has all the autumn essentials.  

So, voila, here is my guide to a handful of must have items for this autumn and some Burda patterns suggestions too.

1. Turtleneck ( in white or black)




2. Fitted Jacket
Burda 9/2012

3. Little Black Dress
Burda 9/2012

4. Pencil Skirt

Burda 01/2011
5. White Shirt
Burda 05/2012

6. Coat
Burda 9/2012


The other non-sew items must include:
  • a cosy cashemere pullover 

  • Knitted Cardigan (give it a go yourself)



  • High heel leather boots



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Monday, September 3, 2012

Burda 10/2012 picks










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