Hey Benny! SCREW YOU!
Welcome back Guys!!! I know it's been awhile since you got a future fashion post, but as I'm sure you're aware I was at Disney World!!! I heave like 6 whole posts documenting my adventure, so feel free to go back and read about it if you haven't had a chance yet.
We're finally on movie 4!
Total Recall 1990 Version: the Movie Stars Sharon Stone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rachel Ticoton, Micheal Ironside and Dean Norris.
This movie takes place in the year 2084, Douglas Quaid (Schwarzenegger) is a construction worker who dreams of visiting Mars. He visits ReKall a company that plants false memories of travel into your head. But something goes wrong and Quaid discovers his whole life is a false memory and people are now out to kill him. What I like about this movie is its shoot from Quaid's perspective, so we get very invested in his solving the mystery of his memory loss. The ending is also vague enough that it leaves you wondering how much was real and how much implanted.
The makeup director behind this film was Rob Bottin an American special effects artist, this film does have some very impressive makeups that help sell the futuristic setting in addition to sets. The costumes are by Erica Edell Philips native New Yorker, the costumes are very 80's but don't let that bother you, they fit the world in their own way.
As always I wish I could spend time on every outfit in this movie because it's all so good! But since I have to pick one I pick the one that stands out to me the most. I try to analyse what made it special and then recreate it in my own way. This time I picked Melina's green jacket outfit she wears while running around, shooting people up with Quiad.
What do I like about this look? When we first meet Melina she's working in a Saloon and it's established that she is a prostitute. Even though they establish right away the sort of girl she is, she spends the majority of the movie dressed in the above look which isn't an inherently sexy look.But it is sexy on her, she reminds me a lot of Princess Leia in that she's a very tough chick. She's got a gun, she's fearless, she's part of a rebellion, and their is something very attractive about that, she's powerful.The other thing I like about this look is it's functional. It is appropriate for the type of adventure she's on, sometimes designers equate skin=sexy, so more skin more sexy without any thought of function. That's not always a bad thing, but does lend better to the damsel in distress. Melina is never distressed, even in danger she's still very aware, in control, and full of fight. The last thing I would like to point out is the color and cut. The broad shoulders of the jacket is yes 80's but it's also a very powerful look combined with the color gives it a militaristic feel. Then she's also got those thigh high boots! I wouldn't change anything about this look!
Now we get into my version lol.
Starting with the Jacket, I actually really had a hard time with this one, not because it was technically difficult, the construction of this was easy. But because I had so many ideas that it was hard to focus on a specific design. I think sometimes when you like a thing a too much, it becomes so much harder to express, 3dimensionally.
The fabric was the easiest part, I ordered a Chartreuse cotton canvas from Fashionfabricsclub.com one of my favorite fabric sources on the internet. I looked at so many patterns trying to find one that spoke to me, again I had too many ideas, i couldn't focus enough to draw up my own pattern. And then I finally settled on Simplicity Pattern 8722
How did I turn a jumpsuit pattern into a jacket pattern? I just cut the legs off, now that I say it your probably thinking ' pshh oh yeah simple, and it was. I still had to assemble it, and that part honestly got a little tricky, I also added a bunch of pockets because we love pockets, and some tabs to the shoulders. I know Melina doesn't wear a hood, but I really wanted to add one to my design so I went for it. I did get stumped for a moment when it came to the closure, but after much deliberation with my household ( yes, when in doubt ask for help) we settled o a toggle clasp. You can buy these, but I went ahead and made my own. The jacket was cool and done, and even if it ended up looking nothing like Melina's, apart from the color, I do think that it does give off the same vibe, and is a little more modern.
The Bottoms:
I was pretty decided I wanted to make jeans, leggings are cool and all but they are also so simple, front back and a waistband, please.
So I decided to make jeans and then I stuck again, should I draft the pattern? Should I trace my jeans, jeans are kind of boring i could buy those anywhere. And then I got to thinking about my friend Dez, she rides horses and I though, what about Jodhpurs?
A light bulb went off, yes Jodhpurs, they would go perfectly with the jacket! Next step how do I make jodhpurs? Well I started browsing the internet for how to draft jodhpurs because heck if I knew, and stumbled across a free pattern for them. https://www.sewdaily.com/sewing/pants-shorts/modern-jean-jodhpurs/ and here's the link because I believe in sharing! I'm also going to review this pattern because does it really count if we don't talk about sewing?
So I printed this out on my home printed (typically I send stuff like this to Staples) and somehow messes the job up as I ended up with double of a few pages, but then missing some other pages. It took me a couple tries but eventually I ended up with all the pages. I taped them all together, an act I find oddly therapeutic, and them cut everything out. I couldn't find the sizing chart so I just guessed at my size opting for the medium. As this pattern did not come with instructions there was an element of guess work involved. I cut all the pieces out according their labels (the pieces are labeled thank goodness) the first thing I noticed is none of the pieces call to be cut from interfacing, for those of you intending to make this I recommend you using interfacing on the front pockets, waistband, and fly, it will make a difference.
Since I had no instructions I made them the way that made the most sense to me, I started with the pockets font and back, and also the back yoke, top stitching. Next I sewed the suede pieces on the the legs, and then sewed the inseam of the legs together top stitching as I went. I then did the outseams leaving space for a zipper at the ankle, and finally the crotch seam, this time leaving space for the fly. I put in the fly using the technique I'm most comfortable with, closed up the remaining crotch seam. Here I tried them on to check the fit, they were large in the hip and waist so I took them in and added the waistband. I finished by putting the zippers in at the ankles and hemming the pant. Overall I'm super happy with these pants, the pattern is solid! The only thing lacing is instructions which is why I recommend it only to advance stitchers, or stitchers comfortable making jeans.
The Styling:
We know how important styling is! I really wanted to capture Melina's look so I curled my hair (I'm sure she has a perm so I just did my best), and for the makeup I stuck to neutral colors. I know she wears those thigh high boots, but unfortunately mine died last year and I've yet to replace them. Which is why I opted for these snakeskin ankle boots, I liked the way they matched up to the jacket. I put on some dangling earings, and my FAVORITE bonlook frames. This outfit might not match up as well as some of the others, but I do think I was able to capture the mood!!
As always full photo set can be viewed below! Please let me know how I did! Which outfit is your favorite so far? Have you tried any of the patterns I've reviewed? Keep in touch, I love to hear from you!
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P.S. Shout out to my little sis for taking all these pics for me!!!! As you know i've been struggling to take pics in this heat. Thankfully my little sis made me look good in spite of it all so Thank You Sister!!!