Leopard Print Sabrina Slims, oh my!

See that face?  That’s my  ‘Oh my goodness, I made leopard print pants!!” face.  When I saw this amazing leopard print ponte my first thought was that my girls would totally rock this print.   A cute pencil skit or a fitted dress would look darling on my Sophie and Payton would LOVE a fit and flare Made for Mermaids Joy dress in this.  Then I had a ‘Hold up’ moment.  I wanted this stuff!  I wanted to feel like a rock star momma!  This print is subtle enough that I can wear it to a PTA meeting, running errands, or on a hot date.  Gone is the stigma that leopard pants MUST be paired with a black leather motorcycle jacket and be worn by someone 20-years younger than me.  This pair can go classy, hip, or super casual.  I’m thrilled I claimed this fabric for myself and had so much fun styling it with some of my wardrobe staples.

First let’s talk about the pattern I used.  I first sewed up the Love Notions Sabrina Slims during testing years ago.  I was at my fittest and loved how they fit my then athletic build.  Since then my weight and level of fitness has fluctuated and those once beloved pants have been donated.  It was definetely time to revisit the pattern.  Made in a soft, stretchy ponte these pants will be forgiving as my body inevitably grows and changes.  I love that they are fitted but not too tight and the straight leg is so comfortable and flattering.

I sewed up a size 6 graded out at the waist to a size 8.  The pattern is FULL of tips for alterations to get a great fit.  Since I used a more forgiving knit I only made one real alteration, taking a wedge out of the back center waist seam to bring in the back waist.  After wearing them a bit more, I may notice more fit issues that I can address in future pairs if I use more stable fabric.  And yes, there will be future pairs!

I am 5’7″ and started with the longest inseam but after trying them on I realized I really liked them ankle length.  I trimmed them to the mid-length 28″ inseam and love the versatility of this length.  They worked great with sandals, sneakers, flats, and booties.  I also skipped the back welt pockets and used the free front pocket add-in from the sew-along.

I headed to Pinterest for loads of inspiration on what to wear with my new pants.  Holy cow!  I could wear these a different way everyday for a month after seeing just how versatile they could be.  This first look is a real ‘everyday’ fall transition look for me.  I paired it with a ready-to-wear olive tencel top for a relaxed, but still pulled together outfit that I could wear no matter what the day held.

This is my take on sweats.  These pants feel like comfy leggings or sweatpants but look a bit more grown-up.  This is another great outfit for those days when it’s starting to get a little cooler.

I think I’m most excited for fall so I can wear all the cozy cardigans again.  I love, love these pants paired with a button-up or tee and a nice long sweater.  This outfit is for those real adult days- you know when you need to look like a grown-up.  It’s still easy to wear and comfortable but classy at the same time.

Ditch the sweater and tie the top and I’m ready for dinner and a movie with the hubs.  I love that these pants can make me feel sporty and cool and also sexy and chic.

Ok, that’s enough gushing about one pair of pants.  I really am so excited about them and think they were the perfect piece to kick off my fall sewing for myself.  They fit me and my personality to a tee.  A little classy, a subtle little bit of sass, and super easy going.  I’m so glad I took a chance on this print and know I’m going to love wearing these!