Pleated Skirts Make a Comeback

In case you haven't noticed pleated skirts are coming back in a big way. Think Madame Grès, floaty, ethereal, and most importantly, silky. But you don't have to own a pleater to get this couture effect in your own sewing. Look no further than your local fabric shop. Vogue Fabrics in Evanston, Ill. custom orders pleated panels of your choice. It's not cheap ($34.99 a panel) but it's inexpensive considering the final product...which will look like a designer original. In New York City, there's Stanley Pleating,  which I've never tried. The West Coast version? Try Ace Pleating. Near neither? You can buy one, but hold your breathe, they're not cheap.

A more recession-friendly approach to pleating your own fabric is to rent one,which you can do at Vogue Fabrics by the hour. Call the Evanston store's to arrange the rental.