Trying a layered look with this altered crop top and Diesel tunic to see if they can work before I send 'em to the donation bin:
Blue crop top: Treasure Rock (formerly tank top)
Grey tunic: Diesel (thrifted)
Skirt: Express (thrifted)
Boots: ALDO (thrifted)
Some background: both tops are on the chopping block as I persevere in my Sisyphean task of pruning my closet.
The blue crop top was originally a Treasure Rock tank top. I wore it one of my early blog posts:
I wasn't feeling it any more, but I really liked the embroidery, so I tried cutting the bottom off and using the fabric for sleeves. The sleeves worked great, but I cut off too much. I would have liked it if I'd kept the sleeves t-shirt length and left a few more inches on the shirt:
The Diesel tunic, thrifted because it has a sweet asymmetrical collar and these cute fabric buttons running down one strap, defies any attempts at comfortable wear. Its straps sit at different spots on the shoulders, meaning one bra strap is always showing. I have to pin it in place, seen here:
The other problem is the cut, as with so many Diesel things, is for a mutant people who have no chest span, so it garrotes me under the arms. It fits at the waist, but the chest is so badly draped that it makes me look blocky, flat chested, and wide waisted:
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| It doesn't help that I thought tunic meant skinny jeans, creating the look Underwear Over Sausages |
Strategy: cover the problem Diesel neckline/underarm issue with the crop top and add a third block with the black skirt to anchor a long grey waist with blue above and black below. I think the crop top doesn't look too short this time.
Thoughts on the triple layer? Should I keep 'em or donate? Also I just noticed I'm wearing the same black skirt with the blue Treasure Rock shirt two years ago. Man, I gotta up my game.
Thoughts on the triple layer? Should I keep 'em or donate? Also I just noticed I'm wearing the same black skirt with the blue Treasure Rock shirt two years ago. Man, I gotta up my game.
I dp like the proportions of the blue top over the black dress (skirt?) in the fourth picture--sleeve length seems to work nicely there. But I wonder if I'm reading the sweep of the blue top (where it hits your ribcage) as wider than it really is. . . . Anyway, the gray thing, not so much, just because it doesn't seem to fit all that well. I bet it's one of those things where going up two or three sizes would make it look great.
ReplyDeleteGood eye, Sue! Yes, the tank top was not a tight fit when it was a tank, so it drops straight from the bust and doesn't follow the rib cage.
DeleteI think you're right about the tunic. Pity Diesel sizes run so small!
*do
ReplyDeleteHmm... The cropped top you made looks good with the sleeves but I do agree that it's a little too short. The Diesel tunic, I'm not so keen on - but then anything grey, that doesn't fit that well, and is made of jersey (never the most forgiving fabric) is unlikely to make it on to a list of my favourite clothes! Oh dear, I'm being horribly negative (and brutally honest), but I'm saying ditch them. There's better out there for you - you already own better!
ReplyDeleteHowever, the soft blue is a lovely colour on you, and I do love that little brooch. xxxx
Honesty and constructive feedback is not negative, and especially not when it is solicited! Thanks Curtise!
DeleteI think the layering looks great! Really visually interesting. The biggest question is, how do you feel in this? After all the points you raised, I would guess you are trying very hard to feel good. When you must have so many things that make you look good AND feel fabulous, are these pieces worthy?
ReplyDeleteGOod point that discomfort isn't work it. The Diesel tunic wasn't so bad that it was bugging me, but definitely borderline. I pick clothes that I always feel good in while they are on, but the camera gives me a better perspective on things I want to re-think.
DeleteYou've got me thinking about my clothing criteria now. :D
I like the proportions of your outfit, but it sounds like that Diesel top must go because of the poor fit. Not so adamant about getting rid of the crop top, but wondering whether you're excited about styling it. If not, might be time to let it go, too. There are so many new pretty things out there to take their place in your closet!
ReplyDeleteI got nothin'. No idea what you should do. I'm commenting only to report that I laughed out loud at "Underwear Over Sausages." I'd thank you but now I have to clean hot tea off the floor...
ReplyDeleteEh, I think they're both not doing you a lot of favors in fit. The design is really cute on the blue, but maybe adding brown fabric to make it a peasant top? Unknown as to your sewing skills. But the diesel top definitely doesn't look quality enough to bother with.
ReplyDeleteI can't add anything useful to this list of great comments but I do always like your outfits and I always think you look great. This in depth analysing of the clothing and your body is something I do to myself too. I would never describe you as blocky, though I often describe myself that way. I too am ruthlessly purging poor fit, poor quality and anything I don't feel great in. Did you cut your hair? Is that old news? it looks cute. I love it! xo
ReplyDeleteThanks Shawna! I'm always delighted to see you out and about. I love my body but I think self-esteem and body shame are such sensitive and widespread issues that I cause minor alarm in people when my inner thoughts get out.
DeleteIt's funny; if I say my thighs are big, people think it is a negative comment, but I mean my thighs are objectively large for my height compared to fit models for clothes and there isn't a judgement attached to my comment. I'm working on my diplomacy. ;D