#draped blouses

Draping Today: Butterick 6713

I am a big fan of the draped dresses and blouses of the past. They made the most of a fine fabric and were reserved for the sophisticated woman over 30. There are far fewer draped design today in part because it takes more design creativity as well as better fabrics, but there are some. This new blouse from Butterick has nice neckline draping for fall and winter so long as you steer clear of the silly version with the slits which creates a set of garment lines at odds with the lines of collar bones it reveals. Choose C which has a closed shoulders and a cuff.

Notice this design is relatively loose through the body because the only opening  is at the neckline in the back. So it must be cut loosely, or you wouldn’t be able to get into it. You can cut it slimmer if you opt for the vintage feature of a snap placket at the side. These run from about 2 inches below the armhole to the bottom of the hem, or--and this makes for a neater finish--to within 2 inches of the bottom of the hem. I cut the fabric strips that make for a snap placket a tiny bit off grain in order to allow them to bend easily with the waistline. Think about their width based on the fabric: for a relatively thin fabric, you will want to make sure you have enough width to double the fabric at least; while for a thicker fabric, you may want to simple finish the edge and keep it a single piece Of course, if you start experimenting, you need to baste before you make any decisions about the cut. 

[1] The weather is finally agreeable, if you can withstand the humidity and if nothing else that means I need water and wedges. These beachy beaded espadrilles from Not Rated with turquoise accents are definitely on my ever growing wish list. They are simply adorable, perfect for a long skirt or mini dress.

[2] In honor of Erica Jong's latest book, 'Sugar in My Bowl,' scheduled for release on June 14th, I'm a tad bit enthralled by this legs in a bathtub sugar bowl from Undergrowth. This sugar bowl isn't just a little bit naughty, it's downright bad, and I love it. Because we all need a little sugar in our bowls, I'm coveting this deeply.

[3] This season I want lots of flowy tops in particularly interesting shades. I'm never one to shy away from color, so I love the delicacy of the drapery on this blouse in the soft orange hue. It's utter perfection in its beautiful mastery of the female silhouette.

[4] An antique tea stand with intriguing fretwork, this square stool is perfect for a seat or a little table. I love anything that takes something mundane or even slightly forgettable and transforms it into something that makes you kind of stop and stare. I think this stool is one of those pieces that'll end up in my bedroom whether or not I'm sure how it'll work with the decor.

[5] I'm a tad apprehensive when it comes to white jeans so these really light blue Harlan jeans from Earnest Sewn kind of pacifies that fear. The cigarette leg and the distressed rips take them from clean cut and respectable to something I'd wear with just ab0ut any kind of top, whether I'm feeling flirty or seductive.