DIY: Nude Inverted Pleat Skirt + 9 pairings

In my last post, I mentioned that I wanted to make a skirt that's as versatile as my nude patent leather pumps. I decided on the inverted pleat skirt inspired by this Alice + Olivia skirt. I've always had an infinity for pleated skirts because they're so feminine and I also love the movement of the pleats when you're in motion. 

The A+O version is much shorter in length and also with a hefty price tag. I do like the shorter length, but thought it would be better to make my version longer so its appropriate for all occasions. After finishing my skirt, I can also understand the hefty price tag as it does take up a lot of fabric to create the pleats and was also a very laborious process. My perception was that this was going to be an easy afternoon project, but boy was I wrong. However, I think it was time well spent and I love the finished product. I have worn this a couple of times already and have received compliments from a few strangers which made me feel really good.

To test out the versatility of this piece, I thought I'd pair it with a few things in my closet. ;)

For similar pleated skirts: here & here.

Top Row:  

H&M Blazer | AT Placket Blouse | LV Palermo PM| TB Pumps (similar here & here)

J. Crew Naomi Shell | J. Crew Cardi (similar here & here) | MK tote | AT pump (similar here & here)

H&M Denim Shirt (similar here & here) | F21 Crossbody (similar) | Nine West Sandals (similar)

Middle Row

Crew Cut Cardigan (similar here from J. Crew Factory)| H&M Blouse | AT pump (similar here & here) | F21 Crossbody (similar)

BR Wrap Top (similar) | F21 Envelope Crossbody | Nine West Leopard Pumps  

H&M Blazer (similar) | H&M Polka Shirt (similar)| Coach Factory Bag (similar) | Carlos Santana Slingbacks (similar) 

Bottom Row

H&M Denim Jacket (similar here & here) | BR stripe tank (similar) | Nine West Sandals (similar) 

Aritzia Coat (sleeves shortened) | H&M Blouse (similar) | F21 Necklace (similar here & here) | Coach Factory Bag (similar) | Stuart Weitzman 'Spectacle' Stretch Suede Boot

FP Jacket (similar here) | Asos Snood | LV Speedy |  TB Pumps (similar here & here)

 And here's a closer look at the inverted pleat skirt...

 I also finally got a twitter account! You can tweet me @AllAbtFashStuff.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Inspiration: Nude Skirt

One of my closet staples are my patent leather nude pumps because they literally go with everything. Well I wanted a versatile skirt that would do just the same. 

My next DIY project will be a nude skirt and below were my inspirations. 

Can't wait to show you guys what I end up making! :)

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

A Matchy Matchy Outfit

F21 Blouse. Size S. (similar here & here)

Aritzia "A Moveable Feast Neil Jacket". Size 0. (similar here)

J. Crew Factory skirt. Size 0. Altered. (similar here & here)

 F21 Box Chain Cross Body 

Arturo Chang Heels.

Dressing up the Basics

Love this scarf and red bag! They are such inexpensive pieces to instantly perk up a boring outfit.

Wearing: 

J. Crew Bling Button Cardigan in natural. XXS

American Eagle jeggings. 00S. (similar here)

 F21 Colorblocked Geo Scarf
F21 Envelope Crossbody 

Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps. (similar here & here) 

Cheap Thrills Under $20

Hi Everyone! Happy Friday! I just wanted to share with you a few items I purchased and am loving this week.

 F21 Box Chain Cross Body - This is a good size crossbody and fits all my essentials like cash, coins, credit cards, compact mirror and a couple of lip-glosses. The fake leather actually doesn't look cheap.  I been wearing this one a lot and of course black goes with everything. It's a great buy!
F21 Colorblocked Geo Scarf - this scarf is my favorite purchase! I love the print and color combo and easily brightens up any outfit. When I was trying this on at the store, a girl saw it on me and quickly snatched one up for herself.
F21 Envelope Crossbody - This is very similar to the J. Crew Edie Bag. I've been admiring the Edie after seeing it on Jean. Of course the quality of this F21 is not as nice, but it was only $20.
BTW what do you ladies think of buying dupes? Is it a do or a don't?

Box Chain Crossbody 

Forever21 Envelope Crossbod

Currently Lusting: TB Laser-Cut Leather

So in love with the laser-cut leather! I'd love the satchel and the metallic sandals please. ;)

Ballet Flats | Ginny Metallic Sandals | Brianna Sandals | Aileen Sandals

Aileen Flats | Gia Wedge | Espadrille | Verity Pumps

Kelsey Tote | Satchel | Clutch | Shoulder Bag

DIY Chevron Maxi Dress

This DIY Chevron Maxi was inspired by the BR Chevron striped ponte dress (see my review here). I tried on the BR dress couple of weeks ago and really loved the design and chevron print, but wasn't crazy about the fit or the price so I decided to make my own.

I also have a very hard time finding maxi dresses that are the right length so I decided to run with the chevron idea and make a maxi instead of a knee length dress. I thought a long dress would also show off the chevron print and create more drama.

This maxi may looks very plain and simple, but it is definitely the most difficult DIY I have done to date. In order to create the chevron print, I had to cut the stripe material at a bias. It took me hours to line up/angle all the stripes so they meet at the seams. Cutting at a bias also wastes a lot of material and leaving behind lots of scraps. I'm glad the girl at the fabric store advised me to buy an extra 1/2 yard of fabric.

This is by far my favorite DIY project and I hope you guys enjoy it as well.

 

 H&M Denim Jacket. Size 2. (similar here & here)
DIY Chevron Maxi Dress. (similar here, here & here)
Coach New Kristin Python Crossbody. (similar here & here)
Nine West "Metric" Wedge Sandals - Size 5.5. (super cute ones here!)

And on a total random note, I got my tix to the Justin Timberlake & Jay Z concert. Ahhhh super excited!! LOL!

*UPDATE -- since a number of you asked this question, I thought I'd answer it here.
No I didn't use a pattern. I did take a good fitting tank top and used that as a guide for the top and made changes to the neckline. The skirt part I came up with on my own with my waist & hip measurements in mind and also adding a few inches for seam allowance. The shape of the skirt is A-line and constructed using 4 separate panels. I also draw out my pattern on a newspaper before I start cutting the fabric to be on the safe side. My garments never fit me perfect when all the pieces are sewn together. I have to do a number of nip tucks before I come to a piece that fits me the way I want it.