Brielle's Notions

Krma Jacket Review

Greetings,

Today I have a review to share.

I am not getting paid for this by any means. I am simply wanting to share a review online. This way if someone is looking for a review on this jacket brand you can kind find it!

So I have been eyeing these jackets for about a year now.

The styles are very sleek, but still classic.

I was lucky to find a great sale. So I treated myself to something new.

As a seamstress I can certainly say these are VERY well made jackets. Perfect. The leather is high quality as well as the lining. The sleeves were actually long enough for me. Loved that.

Nice metal zipper and perfectly placed welt pockets.

It makes me really happy that these are made in the USA.

This is the style I have... Crinkle Jacket Black in a size M. (36 bust, 27 waist)

I would suggest reading the size charts closely and getting the one that fits your measurements...not your standard clothing size. 

What I like best about the fit is that the bottom of the jacket features a ribbing fabric. It fits a more hourglass shape perfectly. Sometimes I have found that if a jacket fits at the hips the waist is too big, or the other way around.

So if you have a bit of a curvy figure this fits extremely well.

The collar detail is very nice. Simple, but elegant as well.

It is actually designed for a ladies neck. Sometimes store bought jackets have these big clunky collars that don't work if you have slim neck. This one is flattering.

*Necklace was from an etsy shop in London. (Her store isn't open any more, sorry)

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It is very similar to the one that the alternate Olivia wears on Fringe...thus the reason I like this jacket so much. The pockets are the only difference.. (and it is another brand, but you get the idea) 

Acording to Krma's website this is the same jacket worn by Nina Dobrev. I hear this is the exact jacket style that was worn by Katherine/Elena in the Vampire Daires TV show? Not sure. 

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I just liked the style! It is a great piece to dress up or down.

Makes your basic jeans and skirts look so much better.

I can't wait for the weather to warm up a bit so I can wear it! It is still snowy outside so it might be a while.

If you have any questions about this jacket please leave a comment and I would be happy to answer them if I can.

Thanks for reading!

 

Have a magical day,

 

Cat Woman Style...

Greetings,

Batman is my favorite Super Hero. So I am very much looking forward to the 3rd installment in Christopher Nolan's epic batman trilogy. Not to mention the costumes are always spot on perfect.

View the movie trailer here....

If you want to catch my first "Cat Woman" post, please visit it here.

"I love the costume because everything has a purpose, nothing is in place for fantasy’s sake, and that’s the case with everything in Christopher Nolan’s Gotham City." 

- Anne Hathaway, Talks Catwoman Interview

The costumes were designed by Lindy Hemming.

You may have seen her amazing work in movies such as Casino Royale, Clash of the Titans, Tomb Raider: Lara Croft (1&2), etc...

She also did the costumes for Batman Begins and the Dark Knight of course. Might as well do the whole trilogy if you can.

Selina Kyle/Cat Woman Fashion

Her "under cover" look appears to be very elegant and almost Audrey Hepburn inspired. With a modern edge..not quite 60's, but definitely a retro feel.

The black leather gloves are hot and those shoes are awesome. Wonder what designer did those. hmmm....

I am lovin' her lace mask and red lips look. This combination isn't exactly unique, but that is ok. It works very nicely with her whole style and color scheme.

Classic pearl earrings and red nails complete the look. I do like the shape of the mask...rather pretty. I would have expected the "cat eye" pointed lace mask, but I like this too.

The Cat Suit!

ok, I have noticed lots of hate and lots of love for her cat suit on the blog world.

I personally really like it. It actually looks practical. (well other than those shoes...but hey, she has to have heels...it is Catwoman) The over all design is sleek and elegant.

The design of the suit plays with elements from the classic "cat woman look" but still keeps her covered enough to fly about roof tops at night without being seen.

I do like that she has long hair. That looks great with the contrast of the all black costume.

Are those ears I see as well? She had to have some kind of cat accent. 

It appears that the heels on her boots are steel. Nice touch. Maybe they are sharp...that would be super cool. Knife blade heels?

Oh, here is a shot of the gown she is most likely wearing with that lace mask. At least that is my guess. Sort of goes with the rest of the outfit. Maybe?

So what are your thoughts?

Yay or Nay on the New Catwoman look?

I am working on a cat woman mask/makeup look so keep an eye out for that if you like that kind of thing.....

 

Thanks for reading!

Star Style inspired by Wonderland...

Greetings!

If you didn't know it already Colleen Atwood is one of my (many) favorite costume designer. She does amazing work. So fun and whimsical...

However, this post was inspired completely by the picture below. 

The picture is from an Alice in Wonderland Movie Event....

You have Anne on one side...looking very classic modern hollywood in a high end designer gown...and Helena. Well, looking like her self. No fancy free designer dress for her. She even accented her look with Queen of Hearts accessories! Love it.

Helena Bonham Carter always takes "risks" in the fashion world and most "high-end fashion experts" dis her and say her style is ridicules....

I personally admire the fact that she wears what SHE LIKES! and even if that means calling her friend Colleen Atwood to whip up a custom created gown for a red carpet event.

She wears what makes her happy.

Who else could carry around a sparkly sequined clutch with the Queen of Hearts on it while wearing a corseted puffy gown on the red carpet? Not many. It suits her style very nicely though.

She was quoted to say..."I don't care what people think. I wear what I like, it is just clothing. Red Carpets are supposed to be about the movies."- Helena Bonham Carter

That is exactly the reason she wore a custom designed dress from Colleen Atwood for the 2011 Oscars. She wanted it to be about the movies...and the costume designer. Wow. very cool.

I actually really like her dress. It is so...Sophisticated Wonderland.

Her style for another "Alice in Wonderland Event" in the photo below was clearly inspired by the "tim burton look". I wonder if Colleen had anything to do with this outfit? Certainly looks that way...

I actually really like Anne's outfit. I would wear that. However Helena's mad hatter-esq look is so fun. Look at the lace fingerless gloves!

"For red carpet events I think of myself like a Christmas Tree."

- Helena Bonham Carter

Now, dressing like Mrs. Lovett everyday might not be for everyone....but she makes it work.

I hope this inspires you to wear what you like and just remember to have fun with clothes.

Life is too short to worry ever second about what other people think...be yourself! 

Thanks for reading.

 

 

Mystique's Leather Jacket: Construction part 1

*Heads up, this post is full of "sewing talk".....if you aren't into that this might be rather long for you*

Greetings,

So. I have been on the hunt for a good leather jacket for a while.

Everything I wanted was too expensive ($600 and up....) apparently I have good taste. lol. I just can't justify that kind of money on a jacket right now.

I love black leather.

However, I wear black....very often. So the black clothes + black jacket might be a bit harsh. (Not that I would mind looking like someone from the Matrix)...I just wanted something a little less harsh, for wearing with my "normal" clothes.

~ The Inspiration ~

Thus, I decided on Mystique's Gray Leather Jacket from X-men First Class.

This jacket had everything I wanted. A bit of a retro vibe with a sophisticated "Super Hero Chic" twist. The trench style is perfect with a fitted waist and shorter length.

This way I can wear my black skirts and boots...with a jacket that has a bit more "color".  Actually I would copy her whole look...but with a longer skirt of course....and dark brown hair, but whatever. You get the idea.

* side note: I really liked the fact that the Jennifer Lawrence who plays Raven/Mystique isn't some skin and bones little thing. She actually is shaped like a real girl! She is even the same height as me...kind of fun. Anyway...back on topic.

~ The Construction ~

Pattern Design....

ok, I got a bit lazy on this one.

I didn't want to start from scratch! lol. I would rather just find a similar pattern and alter it. (it isn't like I am making a pirate dress or something...) I figured there would be some kind of pattern out there to use as a starting point.

After a really long search I found this pattern. (apparently Trench Coat patterns are harder to find than I thought!)

• I am going to use Marfy Trench Coat F1751 see it here

•  (these are designer patterns that come with no instructions or pictures...and you can only buy 1 size at a time) Being this was a European pattern you have to do everything by centimeters. I was in between size 42 and 44 so I decided to go with the 44 (which is USA 36 in) I figured I can make it fit me just how I want anyway. I just bought the pattern so it isn't here yet. :) 

Alterations for Design:

What I need to change on the pattern....

• Shorten the length to be like Mystique's
• Make the collar a bit smaller.
• Adjust the button placement.
• Add a back "yoke" maybe....(the movie one has that, but I need to test it to see if I even want that added to my coat)
• Add Belt loops right on my waist.
• add a coat "pleat" to the back.
• Possibly adjust the shoulders as well.
• add some secret pockets to the lining!....so much fun.

You might be wondering...."why would use that pattern if you are going to change it so much?"

Well...the base of the pattern is perfect. I haven't used that company before and I wanted to try something new. The reviews on this pattern company look really good.

I can also use this pattern for a lot more coats! The length would be pretty for a new winter coat.

I will be working on a drawing of the coat, but I haven't finished that yet. I will post it on my next update of this project.

 At least this jacket will match my school shirt too.....

 

 ~ The Leather and Fabric ~

Yeah! Leather...I love sewing with leather. I know...it is a dead animal, but it makes an awesome jacket. I have used it a number of times, but not on anything that wasn't "historical" or "pirate-ish".

So this will my first "modern" leather jacket. Exciting isn't it?

The leather hide I am going to use is called Slat. You can see it here...

The leather company I really like...and highly recommend is over here Great service and really nice leather.

I need to get some buttons, but that shall be the easy part. Maybe some cool metal ones with an "X" like design? Not sure yet....

For the lining...I think I want to use a dark gray silk of some kind. I shall just have to go and feel all the silky linings until I find one I like.

I shall post pictures once the leather arrives!

Thanks for reading!

Any questions or comments just let me know.