Preparing for Paris or My Take on Marcy's Core Wardrobe

Preparing for Paris

requires many levels of planning:

hotel reservations,

restaurant reservations,

museum tickets,

transportation arrangements

and the most challenging question of all --

what to wear?

I always take a morning

at least a week before departure

when I dress in my best undergarments

and get ready for a try-on.

This year I started by removing

all the lightweight/summer items from my closet first.

I have to admit that I did very little culling in the moment.

I just stored them away

("I'll think about that tomorrow...").

Then I carried the best of everything left 

up the stairs and into Marcy's studio

where she had her clothing hanging on a rack.

We try everything on.

Marcy is my other eye,

the first being the mirror.

She is uncanny in her ability to see

what works and what doesn't.

There are always those items

that go together easily for 

the big YES.

And of course those that scream out 

the definite NO.

Some things I thought were 'for sure' ensembles

did not work together at all.

Favorite items I love, 

that don't really go with anything 

must be eliminated.

Then there are the holes

that need to be filled.

This is why the try on must occur early,

so there is time to sew up a couple of new things.

Paris in October or May

has a broad temperature range

requiring layers.

 Marcy's 9 piece Core Wardrobe

 provides the perfect structure to work with.

Black is my color of choice

as it always works 

(especially in Paris where it tends to be grimy)

and can be 'popped'

with colorful accessories.

1. The coat to go over everything.

Definitely my new pattern, Butterick 5960 

in black of course.

I did hand paint the lining...

Butterick 5960

This is a classic, throw-over-everything,

make it dressy or casual,

lined or unlined,

belted or not,

wear-for-20-years coat.

It will be carried on the plane 

and double as my 'banky'.

My mind is playing with how to

finesse a denim version for spring

and my country living life style.

We're not talking Ralph Lauren country here...

2. The pant to wear with everything.

These days I'm liking 

the look of a slim pant 

so it's Butterick 5961.

Butterick 5961

I have versions of this pant

in knit and woven, black of course --

because it works with everything,

is comfortable and quite flattering.

Plus it keeps things simple for me.

3. Knit tops, t-shirts or shell (for Paris and everyday).

Butterick 5925, 

the top from Butterick 5961

and  

Vogue 8793

(with multiple collar iterations)

are what I'm wearing now.

If all the tops have a touch of black

in the print then everything goes.

Butterick 5961

 The square set arm on B5961

adds a little style and I like making it 

in a texture that can provide a warm layer

over V8793 or B5925.

 

Butterick 5925

 I've eliminated the pockets

on both versions of B5925

to give a sleeker line when I want to layer

a jacket over the top.

Black Parisian is the perfect fabric

as it has a beautiful drape

and feels great next to my skin.

I have more than one shirt 

made from these patterns, in this fabric

going to Paris with me!

4. & 5. Distinctive jacket and/or shirt.

Butterick 5891 is one pattern

I've made over and over to wear 

as a shirt and a jacket.

I like it in a soft stretch woven or firm knit.

I also like Sandra Betzina's

Vogue 1036

which certainly works as this year's

trendy 'moto' jacket.

Vogue 1036

6. A vest that upgrades any outfit.

Marcy's Vogue 8430 made as a vest

is still an all time favorite

layering piece of mine.

Vogue 8430

Vogue 8777

As is Vogue 8777 

or Butterick 5891.

Simple or complicated, 

a versatile vest always adds chic

in addition to warmth.

Both Marcy and I have new vest patterns

coming out that we have been

stitching and wearing

so stay tuned.

7. & 8. Modern Cardigan and Skirt.

For me, cardigans are a little like most skirts --

when I put one on

I age 20 years and gain 20 pounds.

The only skirt I ever put on is 

long, straight and black.

Vogue 8837

is that skirt.

The pant in this pattern is great too;

a slim fit (with or without cuff) and the pattern pieces

offer options for fabric play.

Vogue 8837

9. Dress.

I love Marcy's Vogue 8876

 and

Vogue 8904 

as well as Butterick 5559.

Vogue 8876

Vogue 8904

Butterick 5559

Those diagonal lines are quite flattering.

My Paris wardrobe now consists of:

A long black coat and a raincoat;

3 pairs of black pants, including a black jean;

7 t-shirt tops and/or tunics;

4 jacket/shirts;

2 vests;

A dress in black and purple;

3 pairs of shoes;

Plus a bunch of scarves for color, warmth and style.

It is Paris after all...

This is where I am right now.

I never know what is going to sneak in

or out as departure nears.

The packing diva is a fickle goddess

and she has her favorites.

And yes, no skirts or cardigans 

have made it into the mix

yet.

See Marcy's Core Wardrobe picks in her  

latest Newsletter.

~~~

Watch for my new dress coming out

in the Butterick Holiday/Spring Preview 2013/14 edition.

~~~

Now taking registration for ParisTilton

in the Springtime

May 10 - 17, 2014

and

Beyond the Arty T: Expanding the Creative Envelope

June 27, 28 and 29, 2014

in Minneapolis