a taylor swift inspired top

top: self-made

cardigan: kate spade new york

pants: gap

flats: steve madden

bag: cabridge satchel x comme des garcons

I don't think I'm that great at making tops because there are a lot of small fiddly things per square inch on them than most of the things I make, even on a simple garment like this one. But I'm improving? Making tops is part of my "wardobe creation" and "getting more precise/better with my sewing" dual goals of this year. And I even used up some of my black double-fold bias tape that's been in my bin for ages, so this counts as stash busting as well!

i'm real wrinkly here. oops.

This photo is really wrinkly: part of the reason is that I made this one size too big. I made the size 6 and it was skintight, so I skipped a size and made the 10. WRONG. Next time (when I make the pattern as-written) I'll make an 8. I used a thin cotton(/poly blend?) and bias tape from my stash. This is a modified version of Simplicity 2154's blouse pattern. I moved the zip to the back and eliminated the front keyhole and bow, which made it necessary to mess with the collar a little bit. I just fudged it and added maybe 1/2 cm to the front and back edges of the pattern piece. Cheater. My favorite part? The exposed zip:

twee in the front, punk in the back. sort of.

I was worried that the zip would be too heavy for the fabric, and you can see that it did create some drag lines. I don't think it is too terrible.

inspired by this top. someday i'll stop with the t swift.

Fabric: sheer-ish white mystery cotton
Pattern: Simplicity 2154
Year: Contemporary.
Notions: Metal zip
Time to complete: not long.
First worn: 24.09.12 to work & the Monti storyslam at Motorco :)
Wear again? Yes, with my red pants?!
Total price: $3.99 for the zip!

Inspiration: Taylor Swift

Have you seen the new music video from Taylor Swift? Apparently she wanted it to be "quirky" and I think she's succeeded--it certainly doesn't look like her other videos! Take a look:

Cute video, right? I am an unabashed Taylor Swift listener, even though my music tastes generally do tend towards the "indie records much cooler than" hers ;) But this isn't really a post about music... just look at those outfits!!

1: 50s toile dress -- 2: Sephora's Rouge Cream Lipstick in "The Red" -- 3: Vintage Summer Wiggle Dress -- 4: Sephora's False Eyelashes -- 5: Warby Parker's Thatcher Glasses

I want everything she wears in the video, plus, um, her hair and talent. I have some hipster Wayfarer eyeglasses already--I have to live up to my geek-chic library image, right? And shh!--I bought that lipstick! I couldn't help myself. I have a couple of red lipsticks but not one I loved, so I went to Sephora for help picking one out that would be classic and also look good on me, which was a huge help. Thanks Sephora ladies!

For a vintage lover and sewing enthusiast such as myself, I can't help but want to replicate all her outfits-- aren't those pajamas just so cute? I do think I may invest some sewing time making a loose interpretation of her final dress. I chose it as the theme of my inspiration board but I also like her 40s-esque "talking on the phone" outfit. You may see polka dots here in the future!

xoxo

allie

ps I'm learning GIMP! Don't even ask how long my inspiration board took.