I'm calling this a DIY project because I did not sew this coat, which is my homemade version of this Michael Kors number:
(Image from Style.com)
At first I thought this was an impractical piece akin to winter shorts or sleeveless turtlenecks. However, I loved it styled in October's Vogue - like a chic sort of puffer vest.
This Calvin Klein coat hung unworn in my closet for a few years. (I thought I'd wear a car coat when I bought it, but always bypassed it for my longer, warmer wool coats.)
I used a seam-ripper to take off the sleeves, tucked under the raw edges of the lining and wool fabric, and then hand-stitched them together.
Hopefully I can get some wear out of it when the temp goes above 30 degrees!
I came across this fashion blogger's how-to for the Michael Kors coat. I like how she left the little cap sleeves on. She used a thrift store coat - such a great idea, because the coat does not need to be perfectly fitted, and why spend a ton of time constructing a labor-intensive coat that will, admittedly, be worn more as a novelty than an everyday item? (BTW, this blogger has some hot sewing projects. Love the Victorian ruffle collar!)
The skirt is Simplicity 2758, and was inspired by this tweed skirt.
I removed the waistband of the skirt, and used it as facing, securing the facing with contrasting green hem tape. (This is actually 1980 hem tape that I picked up at Brimfield for $1 - still adhesive 20 years later. Go Wrights!) I secured the hem with the tape as well. Ummmm, is this not the best stuff ever? I don't know if it is considered a sloppy shortcut, but I see myself abusing hem tape in the future. What a time saver.
I won't make the skirt again. While the instructions were straightforward, it turned out to be way A-line. Almost poodle skirt-ish…
EDIT: Husband commented that my legs appear really thin in this skirt. Perhaps I will make another...