06.03.09 outfit*

06.03.09 {midriff madness}

[ be sure to click for a larger view! ]

  •  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!

06.03.09 {midriff madness}

[ click for a larger view! ]

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.

06.03.09 {midriff madness}

[ click for a larger view! ]

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!

June 3, 2009 · 35 lovely thoughts
posted in casey's musings · tags: ,

Anna Allen June 3, 2009 at 16:12

very cute!

NoirGirl June 3, 2009 at 16:12

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!

Guimauve June 3, 2009 at 16:17

This top is beautiful! I would say more but I do not speak English very well.
I love your universe, your blog is great.

Betty Lou June 3, 2009 at 16:29

i’m in love with the top! gonna keep an eye out for the pattern on ebay.

Sara June 3, 2009 at 16:33

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!

Sal June 3, 2009 at 17:00

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.

Jen June 3, 2009 at 17:12

Oh these are too cute!! But your making me feel cold, I wish it was warm here *sigh*.

Christine H. June 3, 2009 at 17:13

Super cute! I adore the first one—I’m a big fan of tucks. And now “enboobing” is my new favorite word, hahaha! :)

Quincy June 3, 2009 at 17:21

Wow is right! You look FABULOUS!!!!

Sarah June 3, 2009 at 17:31

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!

Christina June 3, 2009 at 17:53

Very, very cute!!

Sarai June 3, 2009 at 17:58

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. :)

Amanda Nicole June 3, 2009 at 19:01

Ooh la la! You have such a cute little waist, you should definitely show it off!

Maggi June 3, 2009 at 19:12

Those both turned out great! And I love those shoes!

Alli June 3, 2009 at 19:41

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:)

Bridget June 3, 2009 at 20:51

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!

MissRedLips June 4, 2009 at 01:32

so impressive! perfect summer wardrobe staple! kinds me of a vintage, hawaiian look! :-)

MissRedLips June 4, 2009 at 01:33

woops! meant to type “kind of reminds me…”

Ulrika / Freelancer's Fashion June 4, 2009 at 04:12

PERFECT! THe top is great and you hair looks superb!

Theremina June 4, 2009 at 04:25

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.

Theremina June 4, 2009 at 04:27

I meant Groove, of course. My R key must have been stuck.

Kassie June 4, 2009 at 06:10

Wow casey!
So cute!!!!

Alyssa June 4, 2009 at 09:24

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 :(

Aarika June 4, 2009 at 12:52

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!

Solanah June 4, 2009 at 13:06

Oh I love them both!

And I think I will do my hair like that today, I swear you are my #1 hair inspiration.

Lacy June 4, 2009 at 13:45

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!

Couture Allure June 4, 2009 at 16:01

I like the first one too and think the tucks DO give you some enboobaging. Super cute!

Mars June 4, 2009 at 16:55

You look so true to the era – perfect :) !

Rhiannon June 4, 2009 at 22:47

I can never get over how wonderful the things you sew are! That just looks wonderful on you. :)

KimB June 5, 2009 at 14:11

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!

Sherin June 5, 2009 at 14:30

You look really great. You did a great job making those midriff tops. I really wish I coulld sew now.

nookie June 6, 2009 at 05:23

great outfit!love the skirt!

Jessica June 7, 2009 at 03:05

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

Rosie June 13, 2009 at 15:24

I’m a bit late commenting, but I just had to say: You look totally awesome, Casey! =)

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