Yummy finds, FC. First, your jacket and cargos are stunning in detail and silhouette! I'm still refreshing the basics like putting in a beautiful zipper and creating invisible hems and finished interior seams.

Yes to wine, and yes again. I think I'll be adding some of this hue, too. Actually, I agree with Ornella --- you're on fire!

Oh -- and I like the LIebeskind bag. Terrific choice!

Great finds, FC!
I love the wine blouse, sweater, and scarf on you so much!
Everything looks good- you're going to have an excellent fall wardrobe.

FC, I gasped at your first picture! You are BEAUTIFUL---and yes, I have jacket and sewing skils envy, but that's not all

Adore the cargos you made---such flair! beautiful, again.

And when a colour loves you as much as wine reds evidently do, it is absolutely worthwhile to have a couple of different sleeve lengths and necklines, and hey,even fabrications perhaps, in that colour!

Also wanted to mention the taupe scarf seems to have a lovely hand... more envy.

Hi Firecracker --

I'm duplicating remarks above but I don't care!

First, the jacket from Chez Firecracker is stunning in and of itself (the fabric mix and detailing) but more importantly amazing on you in terms of color and shape. Did you use something like Claire Shaeffer's couture sewing techniques for the construction? Cause it sure looks fancypants.

Onto your sale picks.

The grey blouse is beautiful on you and makes your face glow, (ditto for the wine, which I agree is different enough from the sleeveless you aren't wearing much due to its sleeveless nature). I hear you on the $$$ for the grey, though; I ended up with a sale Vince in Feb/March but only kept it went it went down again. However, I'm not a big blouse person except in warmer months and it seems like you are, so.... /enabler-Cost Per Wear analysis

The green, the scarf, the camo blouse -- you really know what suits you!

[I do echo Marley re the coated leggings, though; if wearing them with shorter blouses (as pants) vs tunics (as leggings) I'd try sizing up.]

Re the aging hobo -- have you taken it to a shoe repair place in addition to DIYing with leather conditioner? I find my techniques only get me so far; while I like the new bag, if you're on the fence about replacing and/or not having the hobo in rotation, think taking it to the pros and seeing what they can do.

OMG, the cargo pants are the best of ALL!

But I also love everything you got. I don't think the wine EF top is a dupe because of the sleeves - love that blouse, BTW, and have it on my stylist customer. The Nexx was also a fave with my ladies. Everything looks so you how you have styled it!

Thanks, all!
Vix, I chuckled at "Chez Firecracker"! I started with a Claire Shaeffer pattern from Vogue, added the shoulder yokes and changed the sleeve seams, so I could have the contrasting fabric (actually the reverse side of the tweed) over the shoulders and down the outer sleeve. I took at class on making a collarless jacket, and this was my project.
You and Marley make a good point about the leggings. I wore them as jeans last winter and spring, but I think I've gained a size since then. I'll "size up" in them by losing the extra weight, I'm sure.
Thanks for the idea on the aging Hobo bag. I asked a shoe repair place about it, but they were pretty clueless. I should look harder for someone who has maybe at least a little clue!

Thanks, Rae! Wish I could shop the sale with you. (I already told you that, but I'll repeat it.)

Resurrecting this thread to ask if you're keeping the bag, and whether it can be worn as a shoulder bag.

Love you in burgundy! That is my fave combo with that amazing jacket. You are a brilliant seamstress. I wish those pieces (jacket and cargoes) were for sale!

Late here Firecracker so I will just add another yea for keeping the long sleeved wine blouse.
I love your creative tweaking of the tweed jacket pattern.
#14&15 are superb. The cargoes drape beautifully, so once again your fabric choice is perfect.

Wonderful finds! You need to stock up on wine while it is available. I love your creations too. You are a designer.

Cinnamonfern, I just saw your question. I am still debating the bag. Since Vix's suggestion about restoring my existing satchel, I've been trying to figure out how to do that. Yes, you can carry the bag on your shoulder. It has a detachable strap with swivel hooks.

Thanks Firecracker!

FC --

Thanks for answering my question about the pattern. You did CS' blueprint and your own creative work proud!

Tip re bag: Ask your Nordstrom what locl bag/shoe repair place(s) they use. I see one of my non-fancy spots full of shoes with special Nordstrom tickets on 'em, and I know they have specialists/experts for certain things too. [Looking at you, heel that broke in a weird way and couldn't be permanently fixed.]

Vix, that's a great idea. I was hesitating to inquire at Nordstrom, since I didn't get the bag there, but I could ask the question the way you've put it. Brilliant. I did call one local leather care place, and they were so noncommittal about being able to achieve any results that I was discouraged. Didn't want to take the bag all the way there to hear them go on about no guarantees and my own risk, etc., etc.