Denim Peplum Top and Skirt

When I make something, I try to picture the item I'm about to make in three different outfits combining with clothes and accessories I already own.  That way, I won't end up with something I would wear only once or twice a year. 

I made an exception to this rule when I sew this peplum outfit on the cover of August 2012 issue of Burda magazine.

Sure, the skirt is just a simple pencil skirt, so it would be easy to wear with any other tops I own,

but the blouse seemed like a more challenging piece to incorporate in my wardrobe.

But the outfit was so chic I couldn't pass up! I picked light colored stretch denim for the project. 

This is another rule of mine--- when the shape is elegant, pick casual fabric (and vise versa).

When I posted on Burdastyle.com, this project got many comments from fellow Burda members.  This pattern was quite a hit from this issue!

I think this could go with the orange skirt from the previous post:

Maybe with a pair of shorts, too...

With a petticoat for a casual party....

I still can't come up with a good jacket to go with the peplum top... so for now, I will keep myself warm with a wrap...