I have a weak spot for the Chinese inspired blouses. The details of the piped, mandarin collars and frog fasteners just plain appeal to me. So last year, I ran across this piece of fine silk at the thrift. Although I was a bit intimidated at the idea of working with silk fabric, I threw caution to the wind and brought the 3 yards for a whopping 4 dollars. I was careful to line up the fabric's firer, red flowers front and center. I am pretty happy with the result and have determined that silk is easier than I believed it would be. The vintage, well made bolero is also a thrift find, but I refashioned it to suit better. It had a swing style that was unflattering on me, so I unpicked the lining and collar to adjusted it for a better fit. I whipped up the black ginger skirt this past week to match up with the blouse and bolero. The vintage pin , fan and 50's handbag complete the look.
Pattern: Blouse Simplicity 5098, Ginger skirt by Colette Patterns
Fabric: Silk for the blouse, Linen blend for the skirt
Make Again? Yes, for sure! I am wondering if the blouse might look nice in a solid color with contrasting piping.
My husband and I are doing our Valentine dinner this weekend, he said he could see me wearing this outfit on our date. So I think I am going to be wearing it soon. Maybe we'll go for some Chinese, sweet and sour chicken sounds yummy.
Have a wonderful vintage day!
Gina
OMG LOVE LOVE LOVE !! What an amazing top ! The ginger is pretty darn good too. I love silk and all things oriental - and you really did an excellent job. The fabric is just perfect for the style of the top. Awesome make ! :-) xx
ReplyDeleteThank you, such a great comment, made my day!
DeleteGORGEOUS!!! That is definitely your blouse - it is PERFECT on you!!
ReplyDeleteI have made so many of these now, can't get away from them.
DeleteOh my god, this is just fabulous! I love this blouse, just amazing, and so chic and elegant, but completely original! I'm terrified of silk, but you have inspired me! Well fricking done. LOVE.
ReplyDeleteAnd the skirt and jacket are also lovely.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Strugglesewsastraightseam.wordpress.com
Leah, don't be afraid if I can work with silk you can for sure. Just go slow and enjoy.
DeleteGina you look just gorgeous in this it's perfect for you. Very good thinking to center that large flower too. This style really fits you well. And another thing your weight doesn't appear to be any kind of a problem now you look thin! Nan
ReplyDeleteThanks Nan, I have been working on my weight. I have loss some, it's so hard keeping it down. You always look great, I am thinking of starting an exercising program.
DeleteI love this!! I think it is my favourite thing you've made - and that is saying something! The print placement looks so stunning.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sherry, it means a lot you said that. The print placement took some time but worth it in the long run.
DeleteBeautiful blouse! Fabric and fit are stunning!
ReplyDeleteGina...this blouse is STUNNING! Wow, wow, wow! That fabric is just perfect!!!! LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Debi, You are so good at picking fabric out, I had a friend tell me the print was too big to make a garment with. I think it came out fine.
DeleteEppp! I love the pieces! I love the look all together! I just love all of it! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Sweetie, I loved your video on victory rolls, great job!
DeleteOh Gina what a beautiful ensemble and how lovely these photos are! The jacket refashion is very impressive and looks marvellous, and I love your blouse. What a super outfit! xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks Mrs. Exeter, the jacket was a lot of fun.
Deletethat's a very pretty outfit, I think it is very difficult to work with silk, right? You look very pretty
ReplyDeleteHi Lizzy, yes it was hard getting the sleeves in without wrinkles, but I was surprised that it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, mostly it just took extra time and pins to hold everything into place.
DeleteGorgeousness from top to toe.
ReplyDeleteThat's a fantastic outfit for you. The color combo works great with your skin tones.
ReplyDeleteTheresa
You wear this outfit so well, gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteVery unique blouse!Thumbs up!!!
ReplyDeleteLike everyone else has said, this blouse has got to be one of my favourite things you have made - it is just so so flattering on you! And it works so perfectly with your Ginger skirt.
ReplyDeleteSimply gorgeous!
Thanks! I can't get away from the Ginger. Suzie, I have been trying to leave you comments but can't. I like the work you have been doing. Such beautiful things.
DeleteLove that blouse, both the fabric and the style.
ReplyDeleteWonderful!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous!!! I just love the fabric you used; such a great find. :) I pretty much want to steal this entire outfit from you! hehe!
ReplyDeleteThank you Casey, Steal my outfit funny girl. I have to admit the swing bolero reminds me of you. He he!
DeleteThis looks totally fab on you! Very slimming too!
ReplyDeleteIt looks really good! very flattering and I bet your husband will enjoy having you on his arm on your date :)
ReplyDeleteOh so sweet, my husband still loves me after 21 years of marriage. Thank you Rachel
DeleteIt is gorgeous and you look stunning!
ReplyDeleteTotally amazing! You and the blouse!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteYou look stunning in this blouse, what an amazing job you've done especially with lining up the print.
ReplyDeleteNow following and can't wait to see more of your work!
$4 for silk! Wow what a score.
Hi Bri! thanks for following, The lining up of the print was really important to me, I didn't want the blouse to look homemade! I too, was shocked to get silk that cheap!
DeleteHow come thrifted fabric I find looks like Mrs Brady's guestroom curtains and yours is lovely silk? Beautiful outfit!!! I have to visit here more.
ReplyDeleteThe blouse is fabulous. I wish I had the courage (and skill) to sew silk. Your whole styling of this piece takes my breath away.
ReplyDelete