Sometimes it’s important to look subtle yet stylish.
Sometimes it’s important to have a little sass in your outfit.
And sometimes you need a big ass bow taking over your blouse.
That’s where we’re at today, lovely readers, big ass bow land. This is not a bow that has met subtle. In fact, this is a bow that saw subtle on the street, ran up to it and gave it a good ole ninja chop with its rad bow ends. So now let us unleash the bow-ed beast!
Okay, I may have hyped this up a bit. But to me that is crazy big. Let’s remember that until late last year I was not wearing anything that featured a collar let alone a bow. Now I have bow AND collar in one top. Things are sure crazy in 2013…
This sassy Simplicity 2154 skirt and blouse combo are my contribution to Julia Bobbin’s Mad Men Challenge. I originally made a Betty 50s day dress in all its circle skirted glory but upon closer reflection the bodice is a red hot mess. After a brief mourning period over failed marvellousness (this included two episodes of Grand Designs, a bowl of strawberry ice cream and some robot dancing) I bucked up and got started on this blouse. Whilst I don’t have one clear inspiration image I pulled this vibe from the Season One secretarial pool- I’m thinking lots of pencil skirts and blouses with crazy collars, scarfs or pussy bows…
This top is one part of the triumvirate of awesome known as Simpicity 2154– a 60s skirt, blouse and cardi combo. I mean, who can say no to pattern that gives you the entire ensemble in one envelope AND has the model on the cover looking like a retro air hostess? Not this frugal yet sassy seamstress. So given I have already put together the skirt it was time to match it up.
The blouse is pretty straight forward with construction. I shopped my stash for this project which, whilst cheap, meant that the fabric wasn’t quite drape-y enough. As such I tapered the side seams to sit fairly close to my waist. I also narrowed the shoulders by 1cm either side so they ended on my shoulder bone. But the main feature is the bow. The hardest part of this was gathering the fabric but with the help of some hand stitching the job got done. And look at this monster- it is magnificent!
The back features a cute little feature near the collar. Like the front there is a slit about 3″ long though with this one there is a button and thread loop closure. One could be subtle with this. Or one could chose a pink button. I think we all know which side of the fence I came down on…
- The fact it is sleeveless. For the first time in ages I have a pattern that is meant to be sleeveless not one I have sassed up. Sure, winter is on the way but what is the good of staying warm when you have buff guns that need to be on show? *snicker* (I am actually pro sleeveless as I just hate the feeling of bunched sleeves under my cardis. Honestly, it feels like a shar pei puppy is hiding up there with all the sleeve material crazy going on.)
- The rear button closure. I love how this adds visual interest to the back. Plus, you can go crazy with the button selection. Sweet vintage pink flower blossom anyone?
- Not interface the bow. My fabric didn’t feel that thick but even with my super light weight blouse interfacing the bow became quite stiff. Don’t get me wrong, I like a perky bow but this feels like it has been starched into submission.
- Sway back alteration. For some reason I completely forgot to do this and find I have to keep tugging the back of the blouse down into my skirt so I don’t get a crazy fabric fold.
Sassy!
Love that bow! And maybe you can just take the back seam in a touch for less sway back billowing?
I ADORE this blouse
Wow, this is FANTASTIC!
I love this! I’m not one for bows so for me making a Pussy Bow Blouse was a big deal. But now I’m convinced I need something with an epic bow on it – like this.
Also your hair looks amazing in these photos!
Cute! I love the bow, and the little back slit/collar combo–very subtly sexy. 😉 And yes to sleeveless!! I always say that it’s because my arms are claustrophobic, but your description pretty well sums it up too. 🙂
I love a bow and I absolutely adore this one. Great job. Would you mind if I made up this pattern?
I love that blouse! I think the stiff bow really works with this blouse–serious business, no floppy bows! I may have to pick this pattern up when simplicity patterns go on sale again…
Wow, you look like Pussy-Bow Galore. I heart.
I completely understand why you are smitten with this pattern: it has it all! The classic lines, unique details and undeniable retro flair won me over in a heartbeat! After seeing your take on the skit, I jumped in and started a purple version. I hope it fits half as well as yours does! I haven’t seen the cardigan or the jacket made up yet, so I hope that’s the next thing you have in mind…
The blouse is AH-MA-ZING: the stiffness of the bow really works (I hate floppy bows: they sometimes look limp and sad to me), plus, it showcase your smokin’ guns. One question: do you feel the collar is too high on the neck? In other words, do you feel claustrophobic in the blouse with such a high collar?
Love your big ass bow. 🙂 It’s actually not that big, I agree. It’s actually a nice size. and I like that your fabric isn’t as drapey cos maybe then the bow wouldn’t hold so perfectly? You look awesome!
I love the entire outfit. It really suits you. I do love the bow but the vintage button is definitely the icing!
You are the epitome of sassy! I’m with you on the sleeveless issue – I wear layers all the time due to air conditioning wars in the open plan office (I’m not a combatant in this war, just caught in the crossfire!), sleeveless is the way forward
Looks gorgeous I love that entire outfit!! I have this pattern I definitely want to make it now seeing yours!
Thanks, lovely 😀 In regards to the back seam do you mean taking a little in on the centre back?
Thanks, Alison! The bow makes everything sassy 😀
Thanks, Laura! I’ve grown to love the bow!
You so need an epic bow blouse! And merci- sea salt spray for me noggin has changed my life!
There is nothing worse than shar pei arms! We can be sleeveless sisters!
You need to be all on this bow blouse, Kirsty!
Give in to the awesome of the bow! And I must say the more I look at the blouse hanging up I’m loving the fact it is holding its shape well.
BWAH HA HA! That has made my morning!
Very sassy! I love it. I love a big bow and this is the biggest. I’ve looked at this pattern a few times and I think you’ve sold me on it now.
Thanks, Rox! So far it has felt fine around the collar though I haven’t worn it a whole day yet. I’ll report in once I do!
Thanks, Leila! The more I look at it the less cray-cray the bow looks. I’m concerned this may be a gateway bow 😉
Thanks, Claire! I got a teeny packet of five of these buttons and I love them so much!
All the cool kids are sleeveless, Jacq! And I so hear you with open plan air con- we have the same issue. It’s like a frozen tundra in my office. I keep waiting for the wooly mammoth to trundle past!
Thanks, Erin! It’s super fun to make. Give in to the bow!
You know you want a crazy big bow blouse, Kat…
OMG. I love this. I was debating on grabbing this pattern but you have put me over the fence. Thanks Amanda!
Love it. Awesome bow.
Haha so sassy! I love it! It totally doesn’t look like the MonsterBow you were describing, silly. That’s all in your head =D
Awesome outfit! I love your super bow of radness!
Love the blouse! The texture of the skirt is such a nice compliment with a perfectly plain top. An all around awesome outfit!
Your blouse is darling! Will you be my secretary? 🙂
i made this blouse and should have done a tiole SO BADLY! I like it but I never wear it because of the ill fit. This convinces me to give it another go, gorgeous!
P.s from http://www.rufflesgazebo.com x ^_^
I love the bow, it’s amazing. I might have to have a go at this one!
Epic 60’s office wear indeed! I would love to try this but on me I would fear that it would make the girls look like semi inflated gift wrapped airbags!
Just too much specailness here. You look like an aging European playboy should try to pick you up from school in his convertible and whisk you away to learn about cognac, cigars and continental decadence.
I think it might be a gateway bow. Oh, sweet stuff, I’ll watch out in case we need to do an intervention on you.
Yes, exactly 🙂 no guarantees, tho 😛
Thank goodness. It could get crazy here!
It’s super rad, Shona! Give it a bash!
Merci! The bow definitely makes it!
The more I look at it the less crazy the bow is. To start it seemed like a chest octopus!
Super bow thanks you 😉
Thanks, Rochelle! I’m loving wearing this as a set 😀
My typing schools are negligible but I can bring around a tray of biscuits like a boss! teehee
The giant bow demands a second go 😉
Thank you! It’s a fab pattern!
Bwah ha ha! It is a bit of a oddly placed bow now I think of it…
How did you find out about Eduardo? teehee
Thank you 😀 It really works with this skirt!
Radness! I’ll give it a bash!
Bahahahahaha!
That si one awesome bow blouse! Have you seen (the movie) Secretary? Your last picture makes me think you should totally check out 😉
*is*
oh, and check *it* out! Man, I am totally failing at proof-reading right now… :S
very sassy indeed!! and i think your hair looks totes adorbs if i do say so myself, and i do
What a lovely bow! I like how stiff it is. Is that weird?
This sounds like an awesome pattern.
teehee! This happens to me all the time!
Thanks ye! The bow is all kinds of sassy! teehee
Merci, milady! Sea salt spray is my new fave hair product!
I’m loving the fact it isn’t a floppy bow now… though I was anti stiff bow to start off. you’re right that does sound weird 😉
Great outfit! I feel admiration for bows all the time, so your blouse is a feast for my eyes … Stuning work!
http://sewingadicta.blogspot.com.es/
Distinct factor that Google’s considers when scoring your site to gain local search results is the internet IP address. You see, the website owners out of abroad have vested the seo careers to India based upon companies.
my web site; http://www.affordable-seo-services.com/
This blouse is bow-tastic and perfect with the wiggly pencil skirt. Now get back in your typing pool 🙂
I absolutely Adore it!!
http://vintageinkfairy.blogspot.co.uk/
Thanks, Emmie! 😀
Now I’m a huge fan of this ensemble and I think you’ve done it sooo well. I love your choice of fabrics and the coordinating pink button. I’m with you about interfacing the bow, not sure it’s always needed….looking sassy Amanda!!
You blouse is suuuper cute! I find youre blog over at Handmade Jane. I made my first bow blouse this week, whitout a pattern though, and my bow is quite suttle becuase I didnt want anythink dominating my neck, if you know what I mean???
But now I’m not shure!!! Eeek! Your blouse look so sexy and sofisticated! I want to look that!… This one I’ll have to keep in mind:) please have a look at my version/interpetasion of a bow blouse here:http://trollemors-hverdag.blogspot.com/2013/10/my-own-designed-pussy-bow-blouse-and.html
Thank you so much! I am super happy with this make 😀
Tone- your blouse is super cute- I love the blue/green colour and the bow is subtle yet sassy!
It’s such a brilliant blouse! So brilliant, in fact, that I happily refer to it as a ‘blouse’, despite disliking that word for reasons that are unknown even to me. I’ve just bought this pattern and it’s on my list of Things I Must Make Soon, Just After The Other Fifty Things Already On My List, so this review of yours is incredibly helpful. Thanks!