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!
