Today I’m posting revealing photos of my Tessuti Alice tops; not just on my mannequin, but on me! I’ll preface this post by saying, although I like them as tops, I think they are unflattering on me. Let’s see why…
Selfie Photo Confidence
I’ve been working hard to build my selfie photo confidence. I know this is a problem I share with many. I have never liked having my picture taken and have avoided it all my life. There are very few pictures of me in the last 22 years. I am usually the one taking the photo, not the one in front of the camera.
As this is a sewing blog, and I’ll be talking a lot about fit and style, I need to get over my reluctance to have my picture taken. I want to dress my body as it is, and find clothes that flatter me and suit my personality. I want to start with pointing out why I find it so difficult to find clothes to fit my upper body from ready-to-wear.
This is me and my mannequin in the mixed fabric V-neck version of the Alice Top. I am about a UK size 18, which puts me at the top end of regular clothes/bottom end of plus size clothes. The mannequin is about the same size, with similar bust, waist and hip sizes. However, the mannequin has much broader shoulders and upper chest; proportionate, and typically used in RTW, with the other measurements.
My shoulders are narrow and there is a large difference between my upper bust and my full bust. The full measurement of my bust is between 104cm-110cm (depending on bra and day of the month) but buying clothes to fit that means fall off my shoulders and make me look really frumpy. You can see the way the mannequin fills out the yoke, whereas the yoke and armbands stand away from my body. This is after I have adjusted the pattern to improve it.
My hope was that the extended armband might visually widen my shoulders. Actually, I think it has the opposite effect. My shoulders are lost inside the top.
And I think it looks even worse with an undershirt underneath, even when the colour is similar.
The other problem with this top, on my body, is that it makes my bust look large and frumpy. It looks good on models or the mannequin when the fabric hangs directly from the yoke without bust interruption.
I should have known this wouldn’t work with a larger bust. But sometimes I need to prove it to myself. Do you do that?
I added pockets to my longer version. But I still look frumpy in it.
I won’t be making this again, but I will (hopefully) learn from my mistakes. I may wear it occasionally, with a cardi on top. We’ll see. Now I must press “Publish” before I chicken out.
Good for you! Well done on overcoming a personal hurdle and you look lovely, so there’s nothing to fret about. Your first top is just beautiful. I think the gathers across the bust are not a flattering design feature but it would be a real shame not to wear your Nani Iro fabrics. I think you suit the V neckline very well. We’re always sewing and learning.
Thank you Ruth. Those are kind and honest words. I really appreciate your comment. Yes, I love that Nano Iro!
Just had a thought – could you detach the body and turn the gathers into an inverted pleat instead – flatter and more discrete?
That’s an interesting idea Ruth. It wouldn’t be to difficult to try on one of them and see if it improves it.
Oh, bravo on posting these when you’re not entirely happy with how you look!! I, too, am a busty girl although I’m skinny with it (a 30G) so am always at great pains to not have the Dolly Parton look when clothing is fitted while still avoiding anything too loose. It’s a careful balancing act!
I actually think that when you’ve styled these with a cardy like in the last photo they’re really cute! It might make them not-summer wear (more spring/autumn layered) but they are too lovely not to wear. And, FWIW, you are incredibly pretty and should definitely have no selfie fears!!
Thank you very much Lynz.