The plague of a sewist is seeing a design anywhere, looking at the price tag, and thinking ughhh I could just make that myself! I have encountered this very thought process so many times that I have amassed quite the collection of fabric, magazine cutouts and regret for all the projects I am ‘going to make… as soon as I have the time.’
This fall, I’m trying to be smarter about what I make myself vs. what I buy from others. Sometimes the fabric of someone else’s design is just too fabulous for me to re-create myself! Or maybe it’s too simple of a shape… what’s the point? I am aiming to challenge myself with my projects as much as possible, and as easy as it is to fall into the trap of sewing something because it’s easy, it might not fulfill me the way I want it to.
So after scouring the internet for outfit inspiration, I have collected these 7 Items that I can make, but will probably buy, as well as 3 that I’m taking inspiration from for future projects!
7 Items I Can Make, But Will Probably Buy
1. Zara Printed Voluminous Sleeve Top – Full disclosure… I bought this already. It’s so overtly 80s I’m not exactly sure why I’m drawn to it so much, but I can honestly think of so many ways to style it up and down, and I love the soft blues and greens of it. Although its a pretty easy make, it really just doesn’t seem worth it to me to source the fabric etc., when this one is $40. Although I don’t support ‘disposable’ fashion, I actually think I will wear it more than YOU think… just wait! 
2. Ganni Cotton Silk Leopard Dress – In contrast to the above, I’m sure you all can agree with me on the fashion longevity of this dress. I love the fabric, the length, the neckline and the sleeves. I’m not exactly how to do shirring, and I don’t know if I’m dying to learn to make this dress… so I would be happy to pay for someone else to do it!
3. Farm RIO Fringe Silk Dress – I have been crazy obsessed with this skirt all summer, and I can see pairing it with a cashmere sweater for fall as well. I would be happy to pay the price, but I actually just realized I could send a silk scarf I own to Reissued Style to upcycle for me, and have the look without having to buy anything new!! 
4. Ok this is actually 2 pieces, but I would wear them together. The Rhode Elodie cropped floral blouse and Reese Button front shorts are such a cute set, but are completely about the fabric. The print is the same but the scale is different, making this a toughie to make at home!! 
5. Ganni Seersucker plaid Tank – This one is completely about the fabric choice. I absolutely love the plaid combo with acid green! It feels new and fresh and summer and holiday all in one top. I also love it in this dress! Although this would be an easy make if you’re so inclined.
6. Zara Printed Oversize Dress – This dress feels very vintage Helmut Lang meets DVF and I’m here for it. Another easy make, but sometimes I don’t want to have to make everything, you know??? This is a timeless shape and print and is completely seasonless. Love… but they are sold out in my size!!!
7. Coach Leather Cardigan – Ok I lied… I can’t make this or afford this. But MAN IT’S GORGEOUS!! If you were to make this in black, I think it would be pretty easy for someone experienced in working with leather, but I would never spend the money on the leather in case I screwed it up. Instead, I will stare at it and it’s unlimited styling abilities until it hopefully goes on major sale in a few month’s time.
3 Items I am Inspired By
1. Rejina Pyo color blocked dress – I absolutely ADORE this subtle color blocking. It is so extremely sophisticated and I think I would instantly be the chicest person in the room if I bought it. But…. I might try my hand at making instead!
2. F.R.S. Silk Robe Jacket – Ohhmmaaggaahhhhh I want to live in this. But again… it’s quite price prohibitive so the best I can hope is to make something similar myself. The issue with a gorgeous silk jacket like this is that the fabric will not be inexpensive… but it could really be worth it for a work of art!
3. Molly Goddard Annie Tiered Dress – This dress has such structure and edge to it… and it looks like something that could be easily up-cycled from a mens shirt! The trick is volume, volume, volume, and I think it would be a sewing hit!
