I'm totally diggin' this new Vogue lineup!

Here's the new Vogue fall collection. A whole lot of these new designs offer fitted garments with interesting construction lines. Y'all know by now that is my favorite combination. I like a bunch of them but decided to be very picky. After all, how many dress patterns can one gal make up in a lifetime?!

This is 1118. Love it. LOVE. IT.

1121. Gorgeous! There are tons of pieces to this fitted number, and I especially like the back pleat. But where do I find a buckle that can be covered with fabric? Any suggestions?

This is one great suit, especially the back of the jacket. However, it seems really high waisted. I'm okay with high waisted dresses, but when you are nipped it at the ribcage and the waistline, it looks a little odd to me. I think if I can lower the waist inset to my natural waistline, it will be a real winner.

Dress 8593 looks simple and elegant. And as I have hardly any long sleeve dresses in my wardrobe, it is a definite buy.

This little sheath dress is awesome!!! Check out those construction lines!

I'm noticing those are all dresses with one suit. Yikes! Maybe they'll have more casual designs later in the fall. What do you think? Did I miss any of your favorites?

In other news, I have removed the tabs from my pleated ivory linen skirt. I like is so much better! Our church is having vacation bible school this week, so I'll post pictures of it this weekend.

Vogue 1026 - The Secret Secretary dress

I've had this dress planned for over a year, and finally got around to it. I love this pattern - it's fitted shape and interesting construction lines. I made the matching belt, but wasn't in love with how it looked, so opted for a skinny black belt instead.

I ended up going back and sewing the front pleat closed down to the pocket line. The pleat was flipping up a bit more than desired. Now I think the side view is much more flattering.

The back. Those pesky Christmas pounds are making this look a little too snug. They will be gone ASAP.

This pattern is rated as easy, but making sure the front contrasting bands were all the same width and the sharp corners of the bodice was not what I would call simple.

Aren't these flap pockets cute? The fuchsia fabric is polyester shantung and the black a thick satin.

Here you can better see those sharp corners of the bodice and where I sewed the pleat closed.

The black bands along the neckline extend to the back as well. I decided to use a black zipper because I couldn't find the right shade of pink for a perfect match. All you see in the pull tab anyway, and that ends at the black neck bands.

I did find the right shade of pink for the lining though. I love that this pattern included separate pieces for the lining, and the front dress lining piece is straight across and not pleated.

Inside lining:

So, kind of a weird title for my post, right? I never name my clothing, although I know many people do and it always makes me chuckle. However, I made this dress to match these shoes, and they were called "Secret Secretary", which I think is a hysterical name. I know they're pretty flashy, but I love them. I am hoping the reserved design of the dress downplays any naughtiness from the shoes and makes the outfit appropriate for church.

BWOF July issue - My picks

I seriously thought this month's magazine was lost in the mail. I can't remember ever receiving it on the 2nd of the month! Oh well, it's finally here, I can stop stalking my mailbox.

Pant pattern 102 is my favorite design this month. I have got to put my fear of making pants to rest. The perfect blue linen is already in my stash...

Shorts 107 are super cute. Making shorts doesn't seem that fun to me, but I can't find any RTW that I like or that are flattering. The stores carry only capri's or daisy dukes. I use to always wear the daisy dukes, but now that I'm in my 30's I don't feel comfortable in them.

Maxi dresses are all the rage, right? I'm loving 116 for its super cute neckline. If I sew some bra cups in the top I can wear it without any undergarment issues.

You might think me nuts, but I like this little top, 120. Especially in a shear fabric. Asymmetrical necklines really appeal to me.

Ooh, love top 124. I expect to see a bunch of these made up soon. They are so simple and summery.

We are taking our boys to the circus tonight and then will be out and about for the 4th. I hope you all have a wonderful Independence Day!!!