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- Midriff Top: made by me; vintage pattern
- Skirt: refashioned by me
- Shoes: Steve Madden; DSW
- Belt: thrifted
- Earrings: MET, NYC
Apologies for the quietness around here lately… This week has just been one of those times I feel like I don’t have anything of interest to say. I’m spending my time catching up on much-needed housework and sewing–I’m definitely in the Sewing Groove this week!
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This post is part outfit post, part sewing project showcase. Last week I cut out two midriff tops from different 1940s patterns. So why did I make two? Well, for starters, they are perfect in the semi-beach culture that seems to permeate Florida. Also to satisfy my own curiosity! I had leftover fabric from the first top, so I thought: why not find out how the other pattern works out too? The first top (and the one I’m wearing in the entire outfit photo) is my favorite. I made it from Hollywood #1841, which I purchased on Ebay recently and was eager to get my mitts on! I really love not only the fit of this one, but the details (tucks and narrow halter strap); it just seems more elegant to me.
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The other I made from Advance #2516 (another Ebay find from last year). I’m not as in-love with this one as I am with the Hollywood top. The whole design feels a bit “clunky” and the fit isn’t as flattering as the other. (Though I can hardly blame the pattern, not being a gal who is terribly well endowed. These tops aren’t the most flattering for a small gal–as Sal would say: they don’t offer any enboobing help! lol) Even though the second one isn’t terribly exciting, I think both will be worn a lot this summer, both with skirts and high waist shorts. I purposely chose a light pink cotton that I knew would go with 75% of my wardrobe; makes things a bit easier! Either would be equally adorable in a polka dot… Not that I need an entire wardrobe of these tops! lol.
* Just to clarify, I didn’t wear both tops during the day; the second one was just modeled for the purpose of this post!
very cute!
Wow! I love the halters! The one with the gathers is my favorite, too. Although, I’d vote for a wider neck strap. Somehow the wide straps seem more 40′s. Did you line these with anything special? I made a midriff shirt with sleeves for pjs some time ago and was considering adding some special lining in the front, but had no idea what to use.
I love the shoes. I’m totally wishing I had a DSW near me again. We moved away from it 5 years ago and my life hasn’t been the same since.
Ooh- and the little brown bunny peeking out of your bookcase display is adorable!
This top is beautiful! I would say more but I do not speak English very well.
I love your universe, your blog is great.
i’m in love with the top! gonna keep an eye out for the pattern on ebay.
I like them both! Plus if one is in the wash you can wear the other
I quite like the look of midriff tops but am too self conscious to wear them in public!
You look good enough to eat, if you don’t mind my saying so.
And I agree that both are lovely, but the first one has killer detailing.
Oh these are too cute!! But your making me feel cold, I wish it was warm here *sigh*.
Super cute! I adore the first one—I’m a big fan of tucks. And now “enboobing” is my new favorite word, hahaha!
Wow is right! You look FABULOUS!!!!
How cute! I agree, the one with the tucks is the cutest, and it suits you well! I like the choice of pale pink cotton, too. It is too bad my inland city girl self can’t get away with wearing something like that around – though personally I think it’s way more modest than a lot of modern summer styles. I’m going to keep this in mind for my next beach trip!
Very, very cute!!
Wow, I just made a strapless dress with a really similar bodice AND color to your first one! Anyway, as someone well endowed, I’d find it nigh impossible to wear either since I can’t go braless, so there’s always a tradeoff.
Ooh la la! You have such a cute little waist, you should definitely show it off!
Those both turned out great! And I love those shoes!
wow casey – you look radiant! if i had your body i would wear those tops all the time! and i’m so impressed, by the way. i would never have been able to sew something like that:)
I made a halter top similar to that last year by cutting up an old thrift store t-shirt…it was a no-sew garment, and perfect for lazing about..
It’s from this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Generation-T-Ways-Transform-T-Shirt/dp/0761137858
My functional description of this got way too wonky (I’m not a very well-trained seamstress by any means), but I check out the book..it’s great!
so impressive! perfect summer wardrobe staple! kinds me of a vintage, hawaiian look!
woops! meant to type “kind of reminds me…”
PERFECT! THe top is great and you hair looks superb!
I thought that I hated midriff baring tops – I guess I’ve been traumatized by the 90′s and Britney Spears! But you made me realize that when the belly button is not showing it can be a very cute, relaxed look
Of course the 40s hairstyle helps too.
Go Sewing Grrrove! I’ve been bitten by the sewing bug too, I hope my new skirt will be finished tonight so I can begin working with my newest fabric purchases. And I’m eager to see your next sewing projects too, they’re always very inspiring.
I meant Groove, of course. My R key must have been stuck.
Wow casey!
So cute!!!!
Oh how cute! Now I’m thinking I need some of these…the bathing suit I’m sewing looks a lot like that first top.
I’m with Sarai though, I couldn’t do braless
Oooh I’ve seen some cute midriff tops on eBay lately, but I’ve been too afraid I couldn’t fill them out haha. You look really cute though, the first one is adorable!
Oh I love them both!
And I think I will do my hair like that today, I swear you are my #1 hair inspiration.
I love your work!
I want to know how to sew so badly, but I’m afraid it would just frustrate me to the point I’d give up, lol. That’s no excuse, but still!
I like the first one too and think the tucks DO give you some enboobaging. Super cute!
You look so true to the era – perfect
!
I can never get over how wonderful the things you sew are! That just looks wonderful on you.
Your tops both look great! The pleated one is perfect in the pink cotton. I think the simpler style actually fits very well, and would be perfect for a printed fabric, like a madras or a polka dot. I love your blog and your style! Thanks so much for the inspiration!
You look really great. You did a great job making those midriff tops. I really wish I coulld sew now.
great outfit!love the skirt!
Splendid creations, you look so deeply pretty, Casey! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a modern-day lady look as lovely in a midriff top as you do in these two.
Wishing you a marvelous weekend,
♥ Jessica
I’m a bit late commenting, but I just had to say: You look totally awesome, Casey! =)