A long, long, long time ago (back in mid-March), Blair at Delight by Design had an awesome post about embellished necklines (photo below found there as well).
After looking at these gorgeous frocks, I thought, “I can do that.” And I made a mental note to buy a shirt and some buttons to recreate this expensive look for pennies. So off I went to Target to get a shirt (I didn’t like the necklines of my existing shirts for this project) and some buttons at Jo Ann’s. When I got started, I was pretty hesitant about the layout but stuck with a symmetrical pattern. The result is underwhelming to say the least. I have tried on the shirt and it just looks so… bare. I think the only hope for reviving this shirt is adding more buttons, but my motivation to head back to Jo Ann’s (which is far away) is waning.
Has anyone else had this kind of let-down after such high hopes for a creative project?
Guess I should keep my day job and leave the clothing design to Kristin.
Side Note: In case someone looks at this photo and thinks “that’s not that bad, really.” It really is bad, the photo is just being kind.
April 28th, 2009 at 10:32 am
I can see why you wanted to recreate the look! That pink dress is adorably stunning. I wish I had the courage to try a hands-on design project…I give you credit for trying!!
April 28th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
I would remove the buttons from the shirt and start over. The two distinct features of the dresses are that the embellishment is the focal point of the item. On the purple dress, the embellishment is from shoulder seam to shoulder seam.
I would try making a “necklace” with the buttons. Try clustering the large orange buttons in two or three rows from shoulder to shoulder, then followed by the pearls, and then by another type of button.
I love reading your blog, and taking in all the ideas you come up with!!
April 28th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
I really love that white dress. It’s fab. I think the main problem with the one you tried is that it needs -more-. There’s a lot going on on the other necklines. Don’t be afraid to go over the top with it (hard for those of us that love simple things, I know). (If you want to stick with a simpler embellishment a scoop neck or v-neck shirt might work better? I’m not quite sure.)
You’ve made a great start, though!
April 28th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
@ Amy: Thanks. You are right, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
@ Lauren: That is a great idea! If I make it back to Jo Ann’s to get more buttons I will see how this layout comes together. I’m also glad you like the site.
@ Susie: You are right. More, more, more buttons. I might need to consider whether this shirt is worth reviving and go for it! I kind of feel bad for it the way it is now. lol.
April 28th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Can’t wait to see a second attempt! Go for it!
April 29th, 2009 at 3:40 am
great idea. I’ve got a load of old cheap necklaces I’ve been thinking about getting rid of, and I think the beads on those could just work as part of a neckline embellishment.
looking forward to seeing a second attempt too!
April 29th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
@ Amy + all: Oh gosh! I think with your encouragement I might have to try to salvage this. Talk about peer pressure
@ lyida: That is a great idea!! I never thought about using vintage jewelry for a shirt, but WHY THE HECK NOT? It’s genius.
April 29th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
Oh, I think it is quite cute! Glad you liked my post:)
April 30th, 2009 at 9:41 am
@ Blair: Absolutely. It was such a great starting point for this kind of project. Hopefully my venture will be revived in the weeks to come.
May 1st, 2009 at 3:48 pm
haha i love you! don’t feel bad… i was cleaning out my old jewelry and found seed bead bracelets that i made as a kid, yuck! guess we all have our callings!!
November 15th, 2010 at 10:37 am
Nice attempt since the whole jewelry neck line is big in fashon right now. I would love to see what you can come up with!