The weekend and it's 4-day holiday was a wonderfully productive time for me. Trilobyte can attest to the fact that i hardly left the computer, being immersed in one design after another (with yet another still in the nebulous phase ... but more on that soon). But first ...

Following the turn of weather in the Steamlands, I set about to make even more warm outerwear for residents and travellers alike. Following the Rousette Coat for Ladies, I set my mind to getting something warm into the shoppes for men. I rummaged through my bolts of fabrics, looking for just the right color and texture. Something the men of the steamlands just couldn't keep their hands off of ... and there, in the back corner of an upper shelf, I discovered the perfect one ... sure it was a bit ragged, and a little worn in patches, but it just screamed winter yumminess to me ... ad so the Inverness Coat was born. Based on a caped coat design I had seen recently on a gentleman in the streets, I attempted to add some original BlakOpal styling. I was thrilled to see the men dropping the crates off at the docks a few days later, being able to get the finished coats out on the racks just as the worst of the storm hit town. The reception has been very good so far, and I will be rummaging around the stacks of bolts to see what other long-forgotten yardage I can find for variations on the style.
I have already seen some wonderful photos of this outfit showing up in various places online, and I'm very happy with the overall look. I think it's one of my moodiest outfits yet. *grin*

Have a warm and wonderful week!

=^.^= blakopal

As a clothing designer, I can't help but feel the desire to put some warmer clothes on the neighbors, lest they catch a chill! And of course, having just the right outfit for Ice Skating on your favorite frozen pond, and sipping Hot Buttered Rum or Hot Cocoa outdoors with friends is just SO much more fun when you are dressed for the weather!

With that in mind, I present my newest outfits for the season ... The Rousette Fur-Trimmed Winter Coat & Hat. A warm, caped coat with soft fluffy fur around your neck, waist, and cuffs to keep you warm, and add a bit of fun. And we all know the importance of keeping the heat in with a warm furry hat! The coat comes with or without attached skirt, so you can wear it with other skirts, or pants if you like. In two color s: Burgundy with black trim, and one in shades of brown.
'Rousette' refers to a social gathering where boys and girls are each given ribbons or roses with numbers on them, and everyone skates around searching for the person who's number matches theirs. It's traditionally a Valentine's Day event, but I think it would make a wonderful ice skating party! *g*

Rousette Coat & Hat listing on Xstreet.

Happy winter!
=^.^= blakopal

Photos shot on location on the beautiful frozen lake at The Golden Thorn (SLURL). (free ice skates available!)