Peplum tops have been around for ages and since they don't seem to be going anywhere yet I decided it was high time I make one. The thing with indie patterns is that I think you need to make them a few times to justify the cost so hopefully I still have time to make a few before looking ridiculous. I guess you could always extend the peplum and make a dress.
This pattern has some interesting darts in the front, which also make it a tricky choice working with a geometric patterned lace and short yardage, but I gave it my best go to match up the pattern where possible. I had to swap the cap sleeves for some smaller ones (I used BurdaStyle 07/2011-131 which seemed to have the smallest sleeves in my recent issues). I also lowered the front neckline a bit.
The most unnerving thing about ordering Style Arc patterns is that you choose your size and that is what you get, but I was really impressed and pretty surprised that the fit on this top was excellent, I took in the waist a bit but that's it. (For the record I usually make a 38 Burda, 12 Vogue and went with a 10 here).
Like my lace skirt, I underlined the top in black silk. The finishing on the inside looks like something out of a sample from a class on seam finishes, a bit of everything here - facings, ribbon, serging, handstitching down seam allowances.
So, overall I'd say I am really impressed with Style Arc patterns and will definitely make more - however.....
I wrote all this and then went to take photos of me wearing the top. This is the part that always slows my blogging down, I have a bunch of things waiting to get posted here just waiting for photos, but I think it is important to show the clothes on a person. I also discovered that it really helps you be more objective about an outfit - either in a good way or a bad way.
Looking in the mirror I thought this was a great outfit for an English summer wedding, but looking at the photos I don't like it at all! Admittedly I have made zero effort with my hair and make up, but still. If I hadn't seen these photos I would have just put the outfit in my suitcase and then been disappointed when I saw the photos later, at least now I have the chance to do something about it.
I know it is a lot of lace, but people wear lace dresses successfully so I think it is a more a matter of proportion, maybe the peplum is too long for me, the colour too pale all over or I need a v neck, wider shoulder line? Some more imaginative styling? Or is it destined for the charity shop? Maybe I have avoided peplums all this time because I knew deep down they weren't for me? All your smart feedback welcome although I have no more of this fabric left so my options are limited. If I don't have time to fix it before leaving for the UK I think I will revert to the way I wore the skirt to the Chinese wedding reception recently, hopefully a black silk jacket is not a big no-no!
This is turning into a long post, but I've learnt a valuable lesson - taking photos of yourself wearing outfits is a good thing even if it is a pain to do!
This is gorgeous! I love it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful top and it fits you perfectly. But I had the same reaction when I saw that first outfit picture on you - something was off.
ReplyDeleteI like it much better with the black belt!
I like it with the black belt. You also may be used to seeing yourself with a deeper/wider neckline. I like hte neckline on you as i, but if you don't like it I would play around with the depth/width and see if you like it better.
ReplyDeleteLove how the black lining really shows off your beautiful lace; and you fit is perfection! The belt is a good addition for a little contrast as well. You might try pinning up the peplum a bit to see if that looks more proportionate ... I think it might ;-)
ReplyDeleteI think it's fantastic - as is. I suppose, you might try to shorten the peplum a bit and maybe shorten the skirt slightly (for a diff look) but I think you should be extremely pleased!
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful to me, but a splash of bright color might liven it up, though I'm clueless as to how to do that.
ReplyDeleteI love the style,and your fabric choice. I think it will look more fabulous if you lower the neck and shorten the peplum just my 2c, but still look gorgeous on you
ReplyDeleteThe outfit is lovely. I particularly like it with the belt. I do hope that you can fix it to your satisfaction.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Shams. I like the definition that the black belt gives the dress, but I don't like the black shoes. I'd love to see something silver .
ReplyDeleteI do think that the silhouette is perfect on you and the fit is beautiful.
I agree it is beautiful - keep the belt, loose the shoes and get some the same colour as the lace and if you really wanted to you could shorten the peplum a smidge maybe 3cm. I love it though. You will look divine at the wedding - hope you get sun!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness Allison, your outfit is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful top! I think that those who have said yea to the belt are correct - it solves any proportion problem. However, I would jazz things up a bit with a bright colored belt and shoes (red would be my color), and some fabulous jewelry. Seriously, this will be great with a little accessorizing.
ReplyDeleteLovely!!!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous outfit! I agree with Clio - some red accessories and jewelry would add a little something.
ReplyDeleteI don't love the color on you (it's not a great color for most people, in my opinion)but I think the fit and style is very nice on you. I like the rose belt but perhaps try a wider black belt?
ReplyDeleteI love it with the belt and flower. I would consider different shoes, either silver or nude. The fit is fabulous, and perhaps you feel the peplum is too long, try pinning up before cutting, and the neckline I like as well. It looks beautiful as it is, but if you don't feel comfortable in it, then its never going to feel right. don't wad it though, it has much potential
ReplyDeleteI like this on you. I like the version with the belt better.
ReplyDeleteInstead of black shoes and accessories, I would go with hot pink. And then maybe a hot pink flower in your hair?
It is gorgeous, and you've done such a lovely job, but yes, that peplum is the problem. It's far too long for the proportions of the bodice and skirt. Visually you are now in three sections (bodice, peplum, skirt), instead of the familiar "skirt and top" set, which confuses my eye and is why it seems off.
ReplyDeleteI'd shorten the peplum by at least 2", although maybe leave it tapered to longer in the back?
All just my opinion of course.
The belt lifts it well. This may sound a bit strange, but I'd consider adding a black collar, centre button panel and matching black bow belt.
ReplyDeleteLovely fit and sewing but I do agree with you. I am used to seeing you in very vibrant colors so perhaps that is what looks a bit unusual. I am such a big fan of bold colors and think it makes everyone look more vibrant. Perhaps wear it to a nice dinner date evening, and choose something from your extensive wardrobe for the wedding?
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely outfit Alison! I think nude shoes would probably look better and agree with just about everyone else that the belt looks good and the peplum could do with a little off the length.
ReplyDeleteWhen are you coming over? The weather isn't great at the moment. We did have a beautiful wek not too long ago, but it's very overcast, showery and muggy this week. Fingers crossed a good thunder storm will sort us out! Enjoy the wedding. Whatever you wear you will look great!
It looks very nice and your finish is impeccable. Maybe the neckline is a bit high and narrow. If you widened it to approach a boat neck style I think it might balance the top out a little more. But on the other hand given how carefully you constructed the inside it might not be worth taking all this apart just to fiddle with the neckline. Maybe if you wear both items as separates the problem goes away?
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of the peplum in general but I think you have the proportions and fit perfect on this one. You have a great figure and this shape is doing it justice! Maybe it's the colour that's not right.
ReplyDeleteHi Alison, normally a bit of a lurker, but wanted to jump in on this one.
ReplyDeleteI also think the peplum is a little bit long.
I'm not 100% sure of the neckline, and am also leaning toward a more boatneck style. But then I thought, what if you added longer jewelry? Maybe that could also balance the neckline.
Finally, I liked the suggestion of bright shoes and belt - isn't coral the colour to go with mint?
PS. The fit of the whole outfit is perfect though - congrats on that!
Allison! I want what you are wearing!:D
ReplyDeleteThe good thing is that we have the same size! So when I order something from Stye Arc, I know I have to go with size 10.
One question: When you make the darts, you work with the lace and the lining toguether, as if it was a single one? I have some lace I want to use and I´m not, just for this doubt.
You are always an inspiration!
Wow. They are super nice! Love them!
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely but just looks like it needs a bit more colour to me. There are some great suggestions here, so I hope you can wear it to the wedding.
ReplyDeleteThe two piece fits beautifully but I'm with Clio about the accessories.
ReplyDeleteThough a patterned fabric it feel neutral so could take a killer two-tone handbag (maybe nude shoes, maybe matching the bag). I will not comment on the peplum as I'm not a fan.
Oh and the sales are already on here in the UK so if you can easily buy shoes you might find a bargain. Enjoy the wedding but I don't think the weather will be really good based on the outlook.
I am obviously not a fashionista because I think it looks fabulous on you. Maybe the neckline could be lower and the sleeves a little different but I love it.
ReplyDeleteAllison, I think this is a beautiful outfit and that you look terrific in it! I had to go back and reread exactly what you didn't like about this outfit.
ReplyDeleteI know that feeling of disappointment after working so long and hard. Maybe you should just hang it in the closet for a few days and try it on again after giving it a rest. This is too pretty not to wear!!
I love the way you styled it in the second picture.
ReplyDeleteThe one thing I hate about sewing is not being able to try everything on first in order to see if it's really a winner before investing the time and money in making it up.
I'm hoping building up a collection of TNT patterns will help.
I think the problem lies with the neckline. A "V" would break it up and look better in my opinion. I also think a longer sleeve would balance it out better. Perhaps a silk chiffon fabric as you are short of the original.
ReplyDeleteI really like it. Why not try with different accessories? A long strong necklace to give the V neck appearance. You could try black and wear bright lippy. Or how about an accent colour? Maybe start with your funnest shoes and work upwards. I like the belt but maybe not with the necklace. The outfit is perfectly gorgeous and very elegant but needs to be the background for accessories to give you more life. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteSó uma palavra: PERFEIÇÃO!!
ReplyDeleteActually, it looks fine once you've added the belt. In fact I'd throw in an elegant matching black hat or fascinator, black satin pump, maybe black organza shawl. Good enough for Royal Ascot, good enough for a wedding! ;-) I do also like the sound of mint and coral though.
ReplyDeleteJust for fun, I've tried simple photoshop edit to illustrate how V-neckline, wider neckline, and shorter peplum might look like: http://www.flickr.com/photos/overflowingstash/sets/72157634256424154/ Sorry, not good enough with photo editing to illustrate different color accessories.
Can't wait to see what you go with! Have fun at the wedding.
Hi
ReplyDeleteI think it doesn't look in anyway bad, just not as good as many a previous blogged outfit.
A couple of suggestions, in order of drasticness (drasticity?). Maybe bright accessories - belt, shoes, corsage and/or jacket(summer wedding sure but English summer)? If you are still unsatisfied, you could shorten the peplum a little, and maybe scallop the hem, as you have on the hem of the skirt.
Finally, would you consider dying the top to one of the brighter colours you usually favour? In any event, enjoy, as I'm sure you will, the wedding.
Glad to see the skinny belt. I was thinking about a thick red belt! Love the fit and what a great idea to use contrasting fabric instead of white.
ReplyDeleteHi Allison. I think the whole outfit looks beautiful. The proportions look correct, in my opinion. The only thing I would do is make the sleeves a little longer - maybe if you've got some scraps of the scallop edge of the lace you could lengthen them with that? Also I agree with other people, I don't think black shoes are the way to go. I like the belt, and I would make the belt and shoes a rich violet colour!!But fit, style and proportion all look perfect to me. RachelUK xxx
ReplyDeleteLovely outfit. I like the fabric, color and style. And the fit is wonderful as it is with any garment you sew. The problem I had with the first picture (no belt) is that my eye saw a big expanse of light colored lace. I remember the teacher of a sewing/looking good seminar saying your eye needs a place to land when looking at a garment on you like a bright or contrasting color, a strong line like a seam lines or edge. Something to define the end of the garment or a section of the body. That is what the belt does in the second picture. Draws my eye to your small waist and then it moves to the side to the cute flower accent. I also wondered if something could be done to bring attention up near your face. I wondered what black piping at the neckline would do. I liked the black shoes. They anchor the outfit, but I would also be interested in seeing how light color shoes would look. Have a wonderful time at the wedding!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful lace! The black belt really adds to the outfit. My first reaction was to wonder if the peplum was a bit too long -- as others have suggested, perhaps you can try pinning it up a bit to see how it looks. Also, perhaps a narrow black edging along the peplum hem may help break up the expanse of lace and define it as a design element? Whatever you choose, have a wonderful time at the wedding!
ReplyDeleteI think the issue is with the shoulder/neck/face area. The shoulders seem narrower than the hips. Could it be that you reduced the sleeve and a slightly bigger sleeve would've balanced the look? A v-neck would add visual interest to the face area, which would draw the eye.
ReplyDeleteIt's been fun to read all the suggestions.
Absolutely gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that you made it into a whole outfit, its just stunning, you have amazing taste.
ReplyDeleteI do like the outfit with the ribbon and flower at the waist. I think the fit is great. Otherwise i'm no help because i really like it worn that way
ReplyDeleteOmg, SO gorgeous! I love it with the belt, but otherwise leave it as is! I love the black shoes too. Black and white are classics!
ReplyDelete