Tag Archives: top

Peplumsy

Black and white V8815

Black and white V8815
top: Vogue 8815 // shorts: American Eagle 

I have three favorite things about this pattern.

1) It legit takes about twenty minutes to put together.
2) It works great with heavier knits with less stretch (I’ve used ponte both times) even though it was drafted for wovens (you just have to take in the seams a bit or go down a size. Let’s guess which route Ms Lazypants over here took.)
3) Every time I wear one to sewing club everyone’s all “Is that 8815?” which is just fun.

And that’s not even getting into the fact that throwing this on with a pair of skinny jeans makes for a cute outfit that even looks like you tried.

 

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Because peplum

Burdastyle open back peplum

Burdastyle open back peplum

Burdastyle open back peplum

Burdastyle open back peplumtop: self-made, pattern here // shorts: AE // earrings: c/o Michal Golan

Burdastyle generously provided a copy of the pattern for this post, but all opinions, thoughts, and ramblings are my own.

I’m so so excited about how this top came out but there was quite a process to get here. I started off with a gorgeous purple and white stripey fabric that was going to be an epic backless maxi dress. Except then I remembered that something like that is pretty far out of my wardrobe comfort zone and would rarely get worn so I decided to go with something a little shorter, possibly with a bow in the back. And then I was doing some spring cleaning and came across this lovely pale blue linen blend and remembered when I pinned this top and decided that I was going to go with a flouncy hi-low peplum top instead of adding yet another dress to my ridiculous collection.

Seriously. SO glad I did. I wear tops and bottoms way more often than dresses these days and I can already envision wearing this with skinny jeans (which I would have worn in this post except that I really really sucked at packing for this trip and completely forgot to bring pants) and heels. Maybe I’ll even try a pencil skirt!

Sidenote: please ignore the shameful zipper. I ran out of invisible ones and had to make do. That one’s being replaced as soon as I’m reunited with my stash. Although i do actually really like the coral constrast.

Did I mention that I’m in California for the week? I don’t think I did. I also finally finished my Masters program! I’m basically a real adult now. (hah!)

Fit-wise this was a bit of an adventure. I think the linen stretched out a bit during the sewing process because while it seemed like it was going to fit great, as soon as I sewed the top to the lining, there was quite a bit of side-boob gape-age. Not in a good way. I added an extra dart there to close that up. The back pieces also didn’t quite fit the shape of my back quite right so I ended up having to cut zipper edge of the fabric at a bit of an angle to compensate. In the future I’ll definitely be doing this instead.

I definitely want to make more of these. I love how the peplum turned out but I think I want something even more exaggeratedly high-low. I left off the sleeve ruffle but it’d be interesting to add some kind of sheer sleeve to it. Maybe a flutter sleeve? Maybe a criss-cross across the back? Maybe shoulder bows a la Laney??

And in closing, I’ve now typed the word “peplum” so many times my brain has turned it into “pee-plum.”

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Mustardseed

Mustard Renfrew

Mustard Renfrew

Mustard Renfrew
top: self-made, pattern here // dress: thrifted // boots: Hunters // knee socks: Target

Renfrew is awesome. That is all.

Actually I lied. That’s not all. I can’t for the life of me get the neckband to stay flat in the center front. It’s fine all the way around but keeps wanting to stick out in the front. Am I not pulling it tight enough in that area?

Halp!

(Five days to freedom! Thanks for all the good wishes!)

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Peplos

Red peplum top

Red peplum topRed peplum top

Red peplum top

My sister and I often joke about how living together would save us a ton of money because we own so much of the same stuff. Despite having entirely different styles at least a third of our wardrobes are identical and, off the top of my head, we also have the same slow cooker, curling wand, gym bag, yogurt maker, etc. We think it’s ok because we live literally across the country from each other. She’s in San Francisco while I’m out here in Boston.

So when it came time to talk Christmas presents and she made a few sewn garment requests (she got an Archer and one of these peplum tops), I couldn’t resist making one for me too.

The pattern is Vogue 8815 (recommended by the Crafty Foxes), which I absolutely love. It’s meant for wovens but I just took it in a little at the seams and it worked out perfectly. I used a heavy knit with only a tiny bit of stretch so no zipper needed. Can’t argue with a top that takes twenty minutes to put together.

I have all sorts of plans for other versions of this pattern: one with a collar, one with some kind of a lace overlay, one with beading on the peplum and cap-sleeves, one with an exposed zipper, maybe one with a deep V slashed in the front, one with long sleeves.

My only issue with peplum tops is that I always find myself defaulting to pairing them with jeans. I’ve tried the skirt thing and it just felt like I was trying too hard and not quite pulling it off. Plus apparently you’re only supposed to wear them with more fitted skirts, which I feel weird wearing.

Anyone else have this issue?

 

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Renfreezing

Pink Renfrew

Pink Renfrew

Pink Renfrew

Pink Renfrewtop: self-made, pattern here // skirt: self-made, tutorial here // coat: Anthropologie // belt: Modcloth // boots: Boutique 9 // tights: Chinese Laundry

I have a bit of a tendency to go a little crazy when I discover a pattern I like. It’s how I ended up with six Daturas and six Archers. Not to mention four Darling Ranges and three Belladones. And the bajillion S1873s and B7739s.

The point is, I think Renfrew is next.

In other news, that sickness that has been going around finally found me. I’ll be in bed snuggling tissues and Nyquil.

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