Inspiration on a shoestring budget

Ok, I should be rich.  I want to be rich but reality is, I'm not.  So, I'm sewing this skirt for $14 and not $78.  Yes, my time is worth money but with a serger I estimate the time will be about 30 min.  Here's my inspiration:

(Photo courtesy GarnetHill.com)

I didn't find the exact color but something beautiful anyway- this is a close color but the one I picked is sold out.  It is an 11 oz. Rayon Jersey from Gorgeous Fabrics.  I love their knits- soft and light- just like RTW.

(Photos courtesy Gorgeousfabrics.com)
The pattern I selected was Simplicity 2184

(Photo courtesy SewingPatterns.com)

Simplicity 2184

I'm making view E.  The Garnet Hill skirt has godets so this pattern was perfect.  If you have average length legs then you will want to make a longer view to get the same effect.  It's short but so am I.  I would like the skirt to hit right above my knee.  This view has the model wearing socks with the boots (have the boots already) but I'm going to knit a pair of "boot toppers".  This might be the answer to leg warmers but they don't make the leg too warm and keep the boots from feeling sticky where they fit close.

Time: Cut-out- 10 min
           Threading the serger- 30 sec
           Piecing it together- 5 min
           Serging- 30 min
           Hemming (with narrow zig-zag)- 5 min (after hanging the skirt)
Total Time: 45min (It's a 2 hr sewing only skirt)
$14 fabric
$1.99 pattern
$25 time (ok, I want to pay myself a lot per hour:)
Total cost: $39.99 (*$78 plus shipping for the original garment)

Changes to the pattern:
I love skirts which have a wide band at the top so you can wear it shorter or longer or even roll it over the skirt.  So, I made a waistband 3" wide to add on top of the skirt.  Gentle gathers on the sides were added to make the turn-down more gathered. 

Conclusion: Time to find a nice cardigan.  I'm so glad they are back in vogue.  I used to be called "twinset girl" because that's what I always wore.  They are back again and perfect for so many occasions.  I have an embroidery design of a Koi fish that would look great on a nice dark cardigan.  Time for some shopping for things I won't be making!

More photos when it's finished.