Thursday, October 30, 2014

Denim culottes

No wardrobe can possibly be complete without culottes. So here, my friends, is yet another pair. I'm determined to persuade you!
 
 
This time, I made them up in heavy denim, with pocket details in white denim and contrast panels in dark green corduroy. I picked up the denim for a steal at Jo-Ann. It's the kind of denim that would make good work-wear. It's quite heavy, in a blah blue colour that will fade, and with no stretch to speak of. It's exactly what I was looking for.


 

 
Once again, I used my trusty Esther shorts pattern. The basic shape of this pair of culottes is the same as my last pair, but with a few additional modifications:
  • I put a fly zipper in the front instead of the back invisible zip. I wanted these culottes to have a more jeans feel about them. I toyed with adding a button at the waistband, but I just didn't like the casual feel of it. I stuck with a hidden hook and bar, and I bound the waistband (my new favourite thing!).  

 I also:
  • shortened the hem by several inches
  • added decorative patch pockets and panels to the sides of my culottes. I was inspired by the detailing in the skirt in this picture. It was posted on Instagram by a friend of mine so I have no idea who designed the skirt, or who is wearing it. Any ideas people?

 
I love the way the silhouette of culottes change depending on which angle you look at them from. I also love that I can walk, run and bend after children without losing my modesty. I think it's going to be a culottes kind of winter for me. I'm wearing them with my 80's man-shirt here, but in a few months time I'll be layering them with fleece lined tights and weatherproof boots. That's something you can't do with skinny jeans! Are you sold...yet?
  


11 comments:

  1. Those culottes are amazing!

    www.julialundin.com

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  2. As always fab on you! But I just can't see them looking anywhere as chic on me..... Never say never though!

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    1. Thank you! As long as you never say never! Culottes are a surprising thing ;-)

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  3. Love them - you can wear the dramatic contrast well.

    Thanks for your comment about dyes/link on my blog the other day.

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  4. I kind of think that the woman in the photo is wearing her skirt inside out.....Just a guess. Though it is quite wonderful to look at!

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    1. Good point! I hadn't thought of that, but now I keep looking at that skirt and think you are right. Ingenious!

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  5. I was eyeing a pair in Zara and they seem to be every where at the moment. Not sure if I can carry them off but yours are ace.

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