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Introducing Selene: Modern Fit, Classic Style
Selene’s Story
-Haley
On my first morning in Paris last autumn I stepped onto the intricately tiled sidewalk in front of my hotel, my stomach begging for food after an early morning flight.
I started to make my way through the chilly and charming cafe lined streets of the 2nd arrondissement in search of food — specifically I needed a burger. As I walked I allowed myself to become captivated with the city that surrounded me, and I began to notice that the rumors seemed to be true — every woman who passed me seemed so effortlessly dressed in flattering skirts, silk blouses, and well-tailored coats, all paired perfectly with well-appointed accessories.
I was instantly smitten with the city’s seemingly inherent fashion sense, and felt a bit out of place in an outfit that would normally be considered stylish in Portland.
As I spent time wandering and observing the street style of Paris, I became determined to infuse more French fashion into my own wardrobe while maintaining my own distinct fashion identity.
I wanted more fine fabrics, fitted jackets, and form fitting pencil skirts. After all, I reasoned, putting on a nice dress in the morning is just as easy as putting on my usual uniform of skinny jeans and a button down.
And that’s where the idea of Selene was born – an effort to fuse my love for Parisian and American street style.
The plain front of version 1 and the tailored welt pockets of version 2 are perfectly suited to be spotted on any cobblestoned, cafe lined alleyway of a major European metropolis.
Version 3 invites a bit more of an American sophistication with the notched menswear inspired angled pockets. All three versions are designed to become wardrobe staples that you can wear year round in any city, so you’ll never feel out of place.
Learn These Skills
Version 1: The Simple Classic
Show off your love for vintage-influenced style in a modern pencil skirt that boasts classic details.
Selene combines a contemporary silhouette with timeless details such as a lapped zipper. Take advantage of the simplicity of version 1 by using a gorgeous floral or bold stripes.
Version 2: The Tailored Classic
Welt pockets are a classic, tailored detail that look stunning on jackets and skirts alike.
Flex your sewing chops by sewing version 2. With its single welt pockets, this version sews up beautifully in wool. Or sew up a version in linen for an effortless look ideal for sunny days.
Version 3: The Modern Classic
Who doesn’t love pockets? Version 3 features diagonal seamed pockets with a menswear inspired notch.
This version is ideal for color blocking. Go bold by using a high contrast fabric for the side panels and pockets, or try using a contrast pocket lining for a more subtle color pop.
Selene looks great in…
Selene is a truly versatile skirt. It looks just as stunning in a dark wash denim as it does in a lush tropical wool.
Get 15% Off + Win!
Can’t wait to start stitching this versatile skirt? Lucky for you, Selene is 15% off through April 19th! No promo code needed, just add Selene to your cart and the discount will be applied at checkout.
In celebration of Selene, we are also giving away three hand-picked Selene kits. These gorgeous kits include all the fabric and notions needed to make Selene (pattern not included).
Kit One Includes: 1 3/4 yards of 60″ wide wool gabardine in lipstick red, 2 yards of 45″ wide tone-on-tone pin dot lining, 1 yard lightweight fusible interfacing, 1 matching 9″ zipper, matching thread, and 1 trouser clasp.
Kit Two Includes: 2 yards of 60″ wide dark wash denim, 2 yards of 45″ wide acetate polkadot lining, 1 yard lightweight fusible interfacing, 1 matching 9″ zipper, matching thread, and 1 trouser clasp.
Kit Three Includes: 1 3/4 yards of 60″ wide cotton rayon yarn dyed suiting, 2 yards of 45″ wide pink rayon lining, 1 yard lightweight fusible interfacing, 1 matching 9″ zipper, matching thread, and 1 trouser clasp.
Leave a comment below sharing which kit is your favorite for a chance to win! Three lucky winners will receive their favorite kit pick. Winners will be announced here on the blog on Tuesday April 19th.
Find Selene Locally
Support your local shewing shop. Check out this list of retailers from all over this globe.
Comments
Nita
April 12, 2016 #
Fabulous skirt! I was just thinking the other day that I need a pencil skirt, lol! I used to,wear them all the time. My first choice of kit would be the denim.
Rebekah
April 12, 2016 #
I had a RTW denim pencil FOR YEARS that was my absolute favorite thing to wear. It went with everything and could be dressed up or down. Finally I had to let it go but I have been hunting ever since for a wardrobe staple that was as versatile as that skirt. Kit #2 is exactly right! I definitely see a denim Selene in my future.
Haley
April 13, 2016 #
When I was shopping for the fabric kits I was inspired by a denim pencil skirt I had from the Gap years ago. I wore it until it was completely trashed, but I loved that skirt!! I definitely will be making a denim version for myself!
Elina
April 12, 2016 #
Selene is so beautiful pattern! I would choose the kit number two.
Judy
April 12, 2016 #
I love all three! Unfortunately I’m allergic to lanolin (wools). So here’s my thinking:
The Denim would work for jobs # 1 and #3;
The cotton/rayon blend would work for jobs #1 and #2;
Either would get general wear outside of work pretty equally;
The denim might pass at job #2 if I embellish it with some hand embroidery (which means it won’t be ready for wear until end summer).
I guess it’s a toss up between the denim and the cotton/rayon! I’d be thrilled with either one of them. :-)
Leah
April 12, 2016 #
Oh I love this new pattern, it will fit my business casual work place perfectly! The denim kit is lovely!
Tiffa ✿
April 12, 2016 #
Ooooh, I would choose Kit #1 because I don’t have any red skirts and I would really love to try this pattern out!
Eliza
April 12, 2016 #
I love them all but kit 3 is my favorite. I cannot wait to make this skirt!
Saxony
April 12, 2016 #
Love, love Kit Three!
Becky
April 12, 2016 #
I have been crossing my fingers for EXACTLY THIS PATTERN. I’m so excited! My pick among the kits is #1, the lipstick red gabardine. Probably everyone should have a bright red skirt (or pants) in their wardrobe, and mine is currently lacking. Off to the shop to purchase Selene!
Meg
April 13, 2016 #
My wardrobe lacks a red skirt, so thanks for the motivation to sew one up!
Katie
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 3! I love the classic suiting for work and the soft pink lining is so pretty!
Patti Laird
April 12, 2016 #
I would love to have the denim version. Thanks for a great skirt style!
Jan
April 12, 2016 #
Kit #3 would totally work for me. I can totally see it dressed up or down!
Kathryn
April 12, 2016 #
Red wool would be amazing! I am so excited about this pattern for putting together work outfits!
Laura
April 12, 2016 #
Wow! I love it! These are the patterns I love – such a great versatile basic. And this is so beautiful with all the options and details. I would love all three of the kits, but I would probably wear the denim one constantly. They are all beautiful!
Jen
April 12, 2016 #
I love all 3 kits, but I think I really need a red skirt in my life so I’d go with kit #1. thanks for the giveaway! Looks like a versatile pattern.
anna
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 3 – love the texture… and love the pocket on version 3. plus i need to get better at zipper setting!
Sarah
April 12, 2016 #
I love kit #3….no wait kit #2…..no kit #3. I can’t decide! Either way great new pattern, and I can’t wait to try it out!
Jami Wireman
April 12, 2016 #
My favorite kit is #2 – the dark wash denim. I have been wanting to add a dark wash denim pencil skirt to my wardrobe for this spring and summer to pair with some shirts I’m crocheting, but until today, I hadn’t found the right pattern. Selene matches exactly what I had in mind, so I’m really excited about this release!
Sarai
April 13, 2016 #
I’ve been obsessing over denim details lately. It’s so perfect for this time of year too.
kalimak
April 12, 2016 #
The third kit is to die for! Lovely pattern!
Ashley
April 12, 2016 #
The red wool is gorgeous!! But that denim lining is pretty fab, too.
Rachael
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 3, I love the pattern.
Kerry
April 12, 2016 #
I like all three kits, but since red is one of my signature colors, I have to go with number 1.
Jenn Murphy
April 12, 2016 #
This is a perfect work skirt! I love both pocket options. I would love to get the denim or suiting kit!!
Jessica
April 12, 2016 #
I LOVE the gray & pink.
Sonya
April 12, 2016 #
What a great pattern! If I had to pick just one, I’d pick KIT 2 — the denim is good for lots of occasions and I love the polka dot lining. FUN!!!
Allison
April 12, 2016 #
Such a great pattern! I never wear pencil skirts but I think even I would look good in this. I’d go for kit 2 or 3.
Wallis
April 13, 2016 #
You will definitely look great in Selene! I usually don’t like pencil skirts either but I made one for myself and now am a fitted skirt convert!
Melissa Fritz
April 12, 2016 #
I love kit number one!!! The red fabric is dreamy, I’d love to make and wear this skirt made with that kit. <3
Petra
April 12, 2016 #
This must be my favorite Colette pattern so far! I totally love kit #2 and would make version 3, that would be a perfect addition to my new spring wardrobe.
Margo
April 12, 2016 #
I love the denim kit!!
Amy
April 12, 2016 #
I love this pattern! I’ve been drooling over your blog and hemming (no pun) and hawing over making my first sewn garment in a looong time. I’m finding it hard to decide between the gabardine and the denim…but if forced to choose, I’d go with that stunning red. Kit 1 for me!
Tash
April 12, 2016 #
I love this style. Totally fits with my work wardrobe. I’d go with kit 3. Although really I like all 3.
Klevelyn Griffiths
April 12, 2016 #
I love that denim kit, never thought to try denim for this pattern.
Stephanie
April 12, 2016 #
I LOVE all the kits. Would purchase if available. I would happily wear all three of these.
Kat
April 12, 2016 #
I love kit 2! I’m such a sucker for polka dots. What a lovely & versatile pattern. Congrats!
Claudia
April 12, 2016 #
At first I thought red was my winner, but then I thought about what I actually need in my wardrobe, and a smartly tailored denim skirt would really play well with my other clothes. So kit 2 is my first choice. The lining is a great bonus!
Kathryn Biallas
April 12, 2016 #
Oh my word. That lipstick red in Kit #1 really wows. What a fabulous fabric and color for this classic style.
Julie Lemmer
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 3 — it would be perfect for work!
Pat Goodman
April 12, 2016 #
I would like to win the denim skirt. it is timeless and goes with everything
Tatiana
April 12, 2016 #
I love kit number three. Grey and pink look beautiful together!
Christine
April 12, 2016 #
I’ve been meaning to put a pencil skirt on my to do list. Version 1 done up in kit 3 is calling to me.
Lynn
April 12, 2016 #
kit number two! A denim skirt would be such a work horse in my wardrobe.
Nikki
April 12, 2016 #
Definitely the denim in version #3!! I want it. I need it. I have to have it!!
Aja
April 12, 2016 #
I love love love the red gabardine! Oh my goodness, I’d feel like a million bucks in this skirt!
Cathy
April 12, 2016 #
I’m also trying to wear more skirts and this pattern looks perfect. I love the denim- it can be dressed up or down.
Paula baker
April 12, 2016 #
Love love love kit 2 … The pattern is amazing ..
Akaleistar
April 12, 2016 #
What a classy skirt! I love it! All three kits are beautiful, but kit #2 is my favorite. I live in denim :)
Heather O
April 12, 2016 #
I love this skirt! I work in an engineering firm, where I have to wear business attire. Having patterns like Selene really make me feel I can express my style, while still following dress codes. I will definitely be buying this pattern. My favorite kit is the red gabardine kit – as it is bold and beautiful!
Alice Lam
April 12, 2016 #
Definitely kit 1. That wool gabardine is devine!
Theresa
April 12, 2016 #
Love Kit 3, actually – I LOVE all of them – it is hard to pick just one!!!!!!
Sharon Alsop
April 12, 2016 #
Wow! What a great pattern! I would love to win kit 1. Love the red!
Trine
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 3 is my favorite – and congrats on another gorgeous pattern ♡
Peg Looby
April 12, 2016 #
I love them all, I absolutely am in love with the skirt! I would love to win, I will be making this skirt in # similar fabrics either way! My favorite is Number 1. I love the red fabric for the spring. I would add a denim/chambray and definitely a knit as well! Thank you for the oppurtunity!
Ledys
April 12, 2016 #
I love it!! And I loved to read the story behind Selene. I love all three kits, but I think number 2 is my favorite :-)
Zorgleb
April 12, 2016 #
My favourite kit is number 2… it would be funny to send it to the country which inspired this skirt: France :-)
May i hope your next journey will make you want to sew trousers ??
Robynne
April 12, 2016 #
Lipstick red is always a favourite shade of mine. How eye-popping that skirt would be!
Willow Dainty
April 12, 2016 #
Love the pockets on version 3. And as much as I love kit #3, the lipstick red wins it for me.
Andie
April 12, 2016 #
Oh WOW, so beautiful! I am in love. I like kit 3 the best. :)
Bethanie
April 12, 2016 #
Well, red is my favorite color, so I would have to go with Kit 1! :) What a great and versatile pattern! Can’t wait to make many, many versions of this!
Bridget Gordan
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 2!
Ilona
April 12, 2016 #
Denim is on trend this summer, and I used to have a denim pencil skirt I wore for years (literally!) so I’d go with kit #2, (although #3 is tempting too!)
Susie
April 12, 2016 #
Lovely pattern and so chic. Got to be the perfect lipstick red kit for me!
Karen
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 3 would make a great wardrobe foundation skirt. I love kit 1 but I actually have too much red in my wardrobe.
Gen
April 12, 2016 #
Denim and polka dot lining is perfect!
maliceetwoman
April 12, 2016 #
What a dilemma! All of the kits are attractive and the skirt variations are great. I especially like the notched pocket – haven’t seen that before. The red wood is gorgeous – want!
Megan Price
April 12, 2016 #
I love Kit 3!! So pretty!
Hilary C
April 12, 2016 #
Beautiful skirt with great details. Kit 2 would be my choice.
Deresa
April 12, 2016 #
Love the denim kit!! So cute! I’m excited about this pattern! Thank you for all the wonderful work you do.
Sonia
April 12, 2016 #
Version one in denim with the brilliant polkadot lining is perfection!
Chelsey
April 12, 2016 #
I am so excited about this pattern! I’ve been looking for a classic skirt pattern like this but I’ve had trouble finding one that I like. The kits are all gorgeous but I think kit 3 would go best with what my wardrobe needs. It’s hard to resist the temptation of bright colors!
Bekki
April 12, 2016 #
I like kit 1. I love that strong red colour.
April
April 12, 2016 #
OMG I love the new skirt, it’s perfect. And Kit 3 is absolutely gorgeous :)
Amanda
April 12, 2016 #
Kit 1!! Love the new pattern!!
Dectora Gander
April 12, 2016 #
o denim skirt with polka dot lining,
perfect for days when the sun is shining,
if i wear you to teach my lessons at school,
my students might finally think “wow, she’s actually cool!”
Meg
April 13, 2016 #
What a lovely poem :)
Dectora
April 14, 2016 #
Thanks! We’ve been having such lovely spring days where I am that the “lining” and “shining” rhyme sort of just popped into my head…
Heather Hull
April 12, 2016 #
I love this new pattern! Kit number 2 is calling my name!
Jen
April 12, 2016 #
Each kit looks like it would sew up adorably, but I think I have to pick Kit #3 as my favorite–it just has a classic feel about it. Very much looking forward to making this skirt, however, I’m most excited about learning how to make each of the different pockets (and that lapped zipper) :)
Carrie Bolen
April 12, 2016 #
I love the fabric in kit 3. Beautiful skirt pattern. I can’t wait to make this staple. Buying the pattern now… yay!
Rachel
April 12, 2016 #
Thank you thank you thank you! Pencil skirts are my work week staple and a style I feel best in. I love the subtle details on Selene. All kits are wonderful, but I think I would go with kit #3.
Daisy
April 12, 2016 #
Great pattern! Kit #3 appeals to me because it’s be a great skirt for the office.
Madame Hardy
April 12, 2016 #
I love the grey in Kit Three. The subtle pattern makes it interesting without being hard to match, and the blush lining would look smashing with the back slit I intend to add.
Newlyn
April 12, 2016 #
Love love love the lipstick red fabric kit!!! VA-VA-VOOM!!!!
Haley
April 13, 2016 #
There has never been a more VA-VA-VOOM color, than lipstick red!
Kelly
April 12, 2016 #
Love the polka dots of kit two! Welt pockets all the way!
Lora
April 12, 2016 #
I love the pattern on Kit 3 and the color of Kit 1, but I think Kit 2 would fit a lot better in my wardrobe. I would love to have a pencil skirt with pockets though!
Kris
April 12, 2016 #
How does one choose? But you’ve gotta love the denim and pin dot combo! You could dress that up or down, with a gauzy white pin tuck blouse or a concert T! Plus, I have the perfect red sling-back clogs to wear with it.
Robin
April 12, 2016 #
I am loving Selene! You have put together some gorgeous kits for this design! I think I would choose the red, kit #1… I have been pining for a red skirt!
Debra
April 12, 2016 #
All three are lovely. It’s a difficult choice, but I choose the denim in kit #2; I haven’t had a denim skirt in years :)
Samina
April 12, 2016 #
Absolutely gorgeous & oh so wearable! I’d choose the denim version or the red gab version, but I can definitely see myself living in the denim one.
Jessica
April 12, 2016 #
Such an awesome wardrobe staple pattern – can’t wait to whip one (or two!) up for the summer! I gotta say, kit 2 is my favorite entirely because of that lining, but I agree with Kae – kit 3 is a great work wardrobe addition.
Jen B
April 12, 2016 #
Awesome skirt! Love the details. I like the denim in kit #2.
Kelly
April 12, 2016 #
Love kit # 3! It’s got a modern print but will still look classic with the Selene skirt.
Palma
April 12, 2016 #
You are a Mind Reader! My to do list includes learning single welts (I can do double but not single) and a skirt with that diagonal seamed pocket (like a dress I had 25 years ago…It’s a long to do list…)
Love love love the red!
The lining material print makes the denim one sooo tempting
Grey cotton rayon in a subtle print with a pink lining is the best combination of seriously feminine (or is it femininely serious…)
Best one: The one that when you open the package everything is there all together and I don’t have to hunt down zipper, thread, and the right weight interfacing to match.
Ronda Bowen
April 12, 2016 #
I love all the fabrics, but I have to say, kit 3 is my favorite!
Caroline
April 12, 2016 #
what a beautiful skirt! Kit 3 is my favorite :)
Deborah Leber
April 12, 2016 #
I love all three combinations; each one represents a different style. I think my absolute favorite is Number 2: those polka dots are gorgeous. I can just see a silk blouse in a similar fabric to complete the ensemble!! Fantastic skirt pattern–keep up the great designs!!
Tonia Jeffery
April 12, 2016 #
I love kits 2 and 3!
Andrea
April 12, 2016 #
I love Kit 3. All the styles are fabulous but I’d try option 2 with the welt pocket, something I’ve not tried to sew yet. Great new pattern!
Donna Van Gundy
April 12, 2016 #
My favorite is Kit 3, I love the muted pattern!
Megan
April 12, 2016 #
That grey and pink combo is just so, so lovely! ?
Leslie
April 12, 2016 #
Beautiful pattern!! I love kit 2!
Dona
April 12, 2016 #
Red, of course! Red red red!! Gorgeous, genius skirt btw. Can’t wait to make.
Carole
April 12, 2016 #
I’d love to receive kit 1. I recently stopped dyeing my hair & it is now a fabulous white. I find myself drawn to grey tops and they are filling up my sweater drawer; version 3 in red skirt will look so good!
Haley
April 13, 2016 #
That red would look STUNNING with your white hair. What a lovely color combo!