Friends, the Royals throughout history have always been on the cutting edge of fashion - I could not decide on a single look to attempt for last week's challenge. Eventually I decided to focus on what I would wear if we met over a pot of tea. This was a good idea since it finally convinced me to tackle the lack of white blouses in my closet (yay closing wardrobe gaps!).
I used the Colette Sencha pattern, version 2, as the base and I chose some sheer white poly from the stash as my fabric. I used every ounce of this fabric, so I am slowly but surely using up my stash. It feels so good to see the piles of fabric finally disappearing!
The best part of this photo shoot? Double stuffed Oreos. Wait - that doesn't look like tea...
*Gasp!*
Tricky, tricky - that appears to be milk instead!
Soggy. Oreo. Goodness.
And then I choked on the cookie. That's what I get for calling it a Teatime Top and drinking milk.
I used seven buttons instead of the normal five because I wanted to reduce the gaps and I knew this fabric would be all over the place without the buttons to anchor it. I've also added a white camisole underneath (I've had it since 7th grade!), but added lace to the bottom to lengthen it a bit under the blouse. It would have appeared as a midriff camisole and that's not exactly the look I am going for if I am sharing tea with someone who lives in a palace.
I love how the neckline tucks appear with the sheer fabric, and I also love how the poly drapes out of the tucks - I think it's a lovely effect. I eliminated the facings and used bias tape around the neckline instead. I ended up hand stitched the tape as well as the sleeves. The sleeves are a bit messy because the poly didn't want to play nice, but it doesn't bother me too badly.
I used this opportunity to break out my Lela Rose wedges from Payless. They are ridiculously high, but I love being a giantess. I just need to learn how to walk in them properly now :)
Overall, I love this blouse. I paired it with jeans and sandals for a night out on Saturday and felt completely comfortable. I think I am definitely moving into a back button up blouse phase, and I am loving it. I think there is something so classic about a row of buttons on the back of a blouse, and plan on making LOTS of these for work/play. Have you ever worked on the Sencha pattern? What is your favorite version?
Friends, I hope you enjoyed watching the Diamond Jubilee coverage as much as I did! What a fabulous celebration to witness!
Have an amazing day all - XOXO!