It's not that I wish I were tall, but I do wish I could wear some things that you definitely need more bread to spread on. When I saw this design in the June 2009 Burda issue, I wanted to make it up so badly. It looks so sleek and elegant and I have the perfect washed silk in my stash for it.
But I won't make it. Because as you can see in this photo, there is A LOT of fabric in those batwing sleeves.
I would be swimming in fabric. I have little twiggy arms that would be lost in there. As I learned from making this blousy and flowy sleeved top, I feel lost when I'm wearing a lot of fabric on my arms, no matter how elegant the design promises to be. (I have intentions of refashioning that top into something else, as I've only worn it once...)How about you? Are there cuts and designs that you avoid but wish you could pull off?
Oh, I've wanted to sew this one, too but haven't for the same reasons. Burda always makes me want to sew things I shouldn't!!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, there are a couple of things that I really like but shouldn't wear. For example, I love looking at japanese blogs. I see lots and lots of elegant little dresses there, simple, the shape pretty straight, the fabric gorgeous. But those simple straight shapes would look horrible on me. And think about empire lines. Just the same problem. I would look all huge and box-y, because the waist that I really do have would completely dissapear. But still, somehow, I am tempted to try it once again.
ReplyDeleteI have the same issues as Karin above, those straight little dresses and tunics looks so cute, not to mention easy to make, but if I don't have waist definition I look large(r) and frumpy. That said I do think it's good to try new things, sometimes you can be surprised. Just a couple of years ago all my skirts were very long, now I have a mix and as long as I wear high heels with the knee length ones I can get away with it (I think...!).
ReplyDeleteI'm short like you, so anything that involves a lot of fabric is out. Flowy skirts, tops like the one you mentioned, etc - it's out of the question. I also do a lot of vintage sewing, but I strictly stick to 1960s patterns, things that are A line or straight, Twiggy inspired designs. I could never pull off any of the 1950s style dresses because I am too small for a big puffy skirt.
ReplyDeleteTwiggy arms fit into those dolman sleeves just fine in the 80s. You can wait a year or two but you can be sure you'll think those sleeves look normal then. It's just a matter of fashion-training your eye.
ReplyDeleteI love empire waist dresses, but they always make me look pregnant. Such a shame. This burda top is really nice, I remember when it came out.
ReplyDeleteThat is a cute top! It may not look good on me either since I have fuller arms and it would make me look top heavier. I also can't wear skinny pants... I have full thighs and some big calfs. (I can't buy zippered calf or knee boots because they won't fit over my calfs.) :( Hehe... If I could only make some boots...
ReplyDelete@Angela: you might be surprised... you might find skinny pants that work for you. I also have pretty heavy legs. I also can't find any zippered calf boots partly because my calves are so thick and because I'm so short that the boot shanks are too tall for me. I wish I could pull off that look. In the past I've bought a size up and worn thick socks to fill in the foot of the boot. If only we could make our own boots!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this excellent reminder to think through what a design is going to look like on your own body shape. I, too, am small and I have to remember to steer away from things that are going to swamp me - no matter how much they tempt me!
ReplyDeleteI also like the relaxed fit looks I see everywhere--they looks so casual chic! But as a pear with serious hips and booty I cannot wear something without any waist definition. I would end up looking like the Great Pyramids of Egypt.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I do think you might be able to make that top work if you wear a fitted bottom...
I dunno, it could be SUPER cute. I say go for it. Esp. if you muslin it with a cheap fabric.
ReplyDeleteAward given! Read about it on my blog: http://thesewingspot.blogspot.com/. Hope you like it. I just recently discovered your blog and have really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the sweet comment on my dress! I'm 5'4" but I'm wearing 4" heels which is disguised by the dress... so I'm cheating by a lot. :) I've also been doing a bootcamp, which is super intense, and has been helping me get into shape.
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