Date: 11/3/09 2:15 PM

Back in January, we exchanged lengthy and generally complimentary comments about the first lady's matching dress and coat combination she wore to the inauguration. What's with that style? Is that going strong again this fall/winter?

Any opinions?
Claudia

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Reply to purplebouquet
Date: 11/3/09 6:50 PM

I'm not exactly a fashionista (think Maine) but I think the matching dress/coat thing can look really fabulous when done in the right style and the right fabric. It's so classic looking.

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Reply to purplebouquet
Date: 11/3/09 7:27 PM

It's a cute idea! Maybe I will get onboard with this idea, too.

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Fabric Purchased in 2011: 37 yards
Fabric Sewn in 2011: 0 yards
Current Contest Moderator: Lined Jacket
Current Contest Participant: Mini Wardrobe

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Date: 11/3/09 7:30 PM

Far from being fashionable. I think this is a nice look with the right fabric. I have been thinking of something similar.

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Reply to purplebouquet
Date: 11/3/09 8:17 PM

I think the coat and dress set is still fashionable but the key is to use two (or more) coordinated fabrics rather than the same fabric for the dress and coat. They can be the same colour but different textures, or different shades of the one colour. I think the First Lady's outfit played with different textures and you want to keep that vibe going to look current. HTH.

Sue

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Date: 11/3/09 8:38 PM

I too agree, a classic sheath dress with a nice coat always looks good. Makes me think I don't have that kind of fashion in my wardrobe- hmmm.

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I burn the candle at both ends and if it's not burning fast enough, I blow!

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Reply to purplebouquet
Date: 11/3/09 9:42 PM

I think that Madmen is making that sort of a look interesting again. I think it can look especially cool with a wild lining on the coat. It also looks fresher than a suit which these days is seeming like a tired look.

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sarah in nyc
www.sewnewyork.blogspot.com

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Reply to sarah in nyc
Date: 11/3/09 9:46 PM

Love the idea of a wild coat lining. Thanks, Sarah.

Sue

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Reply to moushka
Date: 11/4/09 10:03 AM

Quote: moushka

I think the coat and dress set is still fashionable but the key is to use two (or more) coordinated fabrics rather than the same fabric for the dress and coat. They can be the same colour but different textures, or different shades of the one colour. I think the First Lady's outfit played with different textures and you want to keep that vibe going to look current. HTH. Sue

I like that suggestion! Good thought. Such an approach would give me much more flexibility than two pieces literally cut from the same cloth.

Hm, does that mean I have to feed my stash?. . .

Claudia

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Date: 11/4/09 11:42 AM

I love the look of a dress with a matching coat, esp with a wild lining. I'm thinking it would be a good way to make a casual style look more formal. In L.A. where jeans are de rigueur, I find it hard to dress up without looking overdress, but I could see this working very well.

This picture of Vogue 1137 is breathtaking:

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"Clothes may make the woman, but the woman can also make the clothes. When a dress runs away with the woman, it's a horror."
-Claire McCardell

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