So I made the simple kimono style blouse #121 from some leftover cotton and cotton sateen trim.
Alas on me it is a different story to the magazine photo. I look like I am either on my way to bed or to a karate class. If anyone has suggestions for how to tame the crazy sleeves I am all ears, otherwise I think I will admit defeat and make a coordinating pair of black silk pajama pants . Or take up karate!
No better with a skirt.
Maybe with jeans? I think it looks cool!
ReplyDeleteI think you have a lovely silhouette, wearing the blouse with the skirt. I don't see the problem. But maybe it's a matter of getting used to it? Or could it be the colour that makes it so different for you than the picture in the magazine?
ReplyDeleteI rather like it. Maybe you need some big earrings or similar so that you don't feel as though you are on your way to bed. Black silk pajama pants sound nice though.
ReplyDeleteI would suggest that you either narrow the sleeves somehow, maybe adjust the underarm seam or ruch the top seam, making it a bit more blousy and less kimono style.
ReplyDeleteI think it looks lovely on you. I wonder, how do you keep the blouse in place? Did you attach some hidden snaps? I can never get the wrap blouses to stay put.
I like it. I second the comment about jewelry. It will help take you out of the pajama mind-set. Perhaps a gold medalion on a long chain will rule out any thought of pj's.
ReplyDeleteI really like your version of this blouse, but I would pair it with a brown leather belt, because the fabric belt really is karate style.
ReplyDeleteI think jewelry would make a huge difference - especially something trendy and chunky. This is one of those pieces that I liked from this issue and my husband said I should make it. I like yours, and after seeing it, I'm thinking of it.
ReplyDeleteI really like it on you. I agree jewelry would make a difference, or a bit of ruching in the sleeves.
ReplyDeleteI'm with the accessory crowd. Cool jewelry will take this into chic very quickly. I think it looks lovely on you.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it looks so bad
ReplyDeleteI like it! Do you have a wide contrasting belt to try, like in the Burda photo? (Obviously make sure it doesn't look like a karate belt!)
ReplyDeleteIt really doesn't look as bad as you think. I think it's super cute!
ReplyDeleteI think maybe wearing it with something other than black or white will be nice. How about a navy skirt? A pair of jeans? Also, as everyone has suggested, wear bolder jewelry to take away from the karate aspect.
ReplyDeleteI actually really like it, especially with the skirt. I think I'll make it, but in a printed fabric.
I think it looks great! The black/white combo does put one in mind of karate, but it looks fine with the black skirt. Maybe a brightly colored print or solid skirt? Or jeans, like someone else mentioned.
ReplyDeleteHow about some chunky gold chains? Perhaps accessories would bring it out of "pajama-dom."
The nice thing about it being black is that it can go with just about anything.
I think it looks good! A previous commenter suggested what I was thinking - a more structured belt, vs. a sash might make it look a bit more like the inspiration photo?
ReplyDeletei think it looks good.
ReplyDeletebtw - new reader, love your blog.
I think it looks great! It looks really good with the skirt. I was going to make this top also because it looked so easy - instant gratification.
ReplyDeleteI think it looks great. Now, I'm thinking that maybe I need one.
ReplyDeleteI agree with coffeeaddict, narrowing the sleeves, creating a more fitted sleeve would make it look more like the original inspiration and would look longer and leaner. You could also make darts at the waist/rib area to make it less bulky. The remaining folds would hide the darts.
ReplyDeleteQuit being so hard on yourself! I really like it with the skirt. If you're worried, try a contrasting belt that's nice and wide, maybe an Obi style. I really like it, mail it to me if you don't want it:)
ReplyDeleteI know you feel differently about the sleeves, but I like them! They have a great shape and create an interesting silhouette. I suspect that with wash and wear, they will lose their volume, if that's what you're hoping for. :)
ReplyDeleteI think a belt would help but yes I see what you mean.
ReplyDeleteHow about: Pinch up an inverted pleat on the sleeve hem, add a couple of buttons to hole the pleats in place?
ReplyDeleteFunny I was thinking how nice it looked then I read your comment. I like it better with the skirt.
ReplyDeleteA bit late coming to the party, but I'm in agreement with everyone else. I think it looks fab! Jewllery, new belt will help. Is the cotton weighty? You could try making it again with a softer fabric such as lawn, silk crepe etc.
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely Alison!
I'm very late with this comment as well, but thought I'd still make it as I don't think anyone else has made this point yet. I thinks it is a lovely top and some jewellery would certainly make it less pajama-like, but what I noticed the most is that the neckline appears to close very high, a bit higher than in the burda/inspiration photo. In the burda photo the fronts don't seem to cross each other as far as in yours (the points sticking out are more to the sides in yours). Maybe you could play with that a bit? But I do think it looks good on you already!
ReplyDeleteI have been having trouble with posting comments - blogger or google hasn't liked me but it appears to be ok now! I like the top and I see you have lots of suggestions for styling. Have a good trip!
ReplyDeleteI thought this was a really chic shape, but was also worried that it would look "karate" or too casual (it was styled also as a beach cover-up...). I agree with the others that chunky jewelry or a leather belt would bring it out of dojo territory.
ReplyDeleteYou could try making it in a print next time?
I think jewelry would really make a difference and a few other ladies have suggested. This was one of the designs I had in mind for myself from this issue and I plan on pairing mine with capris.
ReplyDeleteI think it looks great, but agree with the other commenters who suggested using a different belt. It's the fabric sash, not the sleeves, that remind me of martial arts clothing :)
ReplyDeleteActually, now that I've seen your version, I'm tempted to make one for myself!
Karate sounds good - nah - I think it looks pretty darn good!
ReplyDeleteI really love it. You should wear it with a lot of necklaces, chains...
ReplyDeleteI prefer it with pants.
You could also wear it over a brilliant top (sequins maybe)...
It's a win baby!
I like both styles. And you can continue to experiment with other options too.
ReplyDeleteExcellent outfit! I really like it. This outfit looks so natural on you.
ReplyDeleteagenzie di modelle