Another Woven Shirt Question

fathenry

This shirt was posted in another forum:
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStor.....p+Top.jsp#

Does this work for a rectangle with muffin top? I fear the empire waist, I've been asked 4x if I'm pregnant, most recently in December. This really hurts my self esteem so I'm trying to take more care with my tops.

PS Apologize if this is posted twice, I wrote this and then I didn't see it come through the first time.

16 years ago

Dressing

23 replies

Latest reply was from marianne

April

Veteran

FH -- I don't have experience with this particular top, but I know that Stacy and Clinton are always recommending exactly that sort of shape to camouflage a midsection.

I always think the maternity look comes about when someone both has a large bust and wears a top that falls straight down from the bust, without defining a waist. (Definitely showing my age, since maternity tops are now designed to emphasize the bulge rather than hiding it.)

Also, a word to the insensitive clods who ask about pregnancy. I have stated my rule before on this forum: "Never ask a woman if she is pregnant unless a baby is crowning."

16 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

I would think that top would camouflage any tummy issues.
and, of the pics I've seen of you, you look anything but pregnant! you have a lovely figure

16 years ago

JuliaInGermany

Active Member

I think we may have very similar figures and I've been asked if I was pregnant several times, too (even when I was single). I can't blame the people, because in some clothes I DID look pregnant.

I bought a wrap top last summer and loved it, as it flattered my midsection. What I do avoid is a real empire style with the emphasize (sp?) directly below the bust and a looser fit around the belly. That definitely is not a good look on me.

Hope that helps!

16 years ago

Maya

Veteran

I have a big bust and wear lots of non-waist-defining tops! I hope I don't look pregnant...

The pregnancy thing is usually an issue of gathered seams in my experience. It adds dimension and volume where no woman needs it. I just don't get it.

Recently there was one of those "real woman" challenges that always freaks the designers out on Project Runway because they do not know how to make clothes for women who are not 34-24-34. Most of the dresses were either "meh" or atrocious, but this one horrified me. No, she is not pregnant.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FW86.....sa%2B1.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FW86.....sa%2B2.jpg

16 years ago

marianne

Active Member

I think I have a similar figure, normally I avoid empire cuts because of my ribcage. However, this blouse looks different - it's not banded across, and it has a v-neck. It's very pretty and I would definitely try it. My only concern would be the flutter sleeves, sometimes they can make your shoulder look much broader, but you'd need to try it on to see.

16 years ago

Mellllls

Veteran

It is empire waisted but it doesn't have the band underneath so I don't think it would appear maternity. I agree about the flutter sleeves making your shoulders/arms look broad so that is something to consider. Its cute other than that.

16 years ago

Kristine

Veteran

I saw that top today in the store. It was cute, but not quite as drapey as I would have hoped (I didn't try it on). I also thought it was on the shorter side, but maybe it's because my eye has adjusted to longer tops. Do you have a Kohl's near you? If you could try it on in person it'd definitely be worth a shot!

16 years ago

bella

(website)

Veteran

I don't mean to hijack the thread but I just wanted to respond to Maya's comment about Project Runway. I love that show but honestly every season the "real women" episode makes me want to tear my hair out. The contestants incessantly whine about how these women are "fat" or don't conform to the "model standards" in one way or another! And I assure you most of those women are in pretty good shape! Honestly, if you don't know what kind of garments you need to design to minimize certain body issues, perhaps you shouldn't be on a design show!!!

16 years ago

Maya

Veteran

I agree Bella. I don't think they have ever say "OMG FAT!" but you can tell that is what they are thinking. But I have found that the ones who do NOT complain or freak out are always the most successful. Uli from season 3? 4? is a great example. She designed for an obviously plus size, older woman, who looked beautiful, and she didn't complain once. Amy also went into this challenge with a positive attitude and she won (though honestly all of the dresses were pretty bad, so her "just ok" dress was a clear winner). Christian's outfit was FIERCE too (one of my favorite "real woman" outfits), but his model was rather slim.

The problem is that they continue to dress these women as though they were catwalk models, just using much more fabric, not considering their very different proportions.

16 years ago

Dusty

(website)

Active Member

I think people tend to think "maternity wear" when it's an empire with a lot of gathering right below the bust. That style still makes me look pregnant even after a 35 pound loss.

I think that wrap style should be okay for that part anyway.

16 years ago

fathenry

Veteran

Okay, I bought this top yesterday and paired it with a long pearl necklace, trouser jeans and my 4 inch cage heels. I think it turned out cute, but would appreciate honest opinions if I can do better.

With the real Fat Henry: http://i685.photobucket.com/al.....CN0960.jpg

Cage Heel: http://i685.photobucket.com/al.....CN0962.jpg

The whole thing: http://i685.photobucket.com/al.....CN0965.jpg

16 years ago

Mellllls

Veteran

The top looks kind of short. Where on your body does it hit you?

16 years ago

fathenry

Veteran

Hi Mellllls, it hits me at about two inches above crotch point, the tie is about 2 inches above my natural waist. If it looks too short, its going back today!

16 years ago

Mellllls

Veteran

It does look too short to me, but don't return it just because of my opinion. It looks like it flares out a little at the bottom? Which may be making it look shorter than it is?

16 years ago

marianna

Veteran

Fathenry, it looks great! Not short at all, IMO. Love it with the pearls. I vote keep!

16 years ago

fathenry

Veteran

Thanks so much Marianna and Mellllls! Does anyone else think this top is a keeper?

16 years ago

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I think the top is beautiful and would work particularly well with white denim. The length makes it suitable for both skirts and pants IMO.

16 years ago

Louise

Veteran

I love the top too. I agree with julie it looks ok for tops and pants. I see no 'pregnancy' looks from the front how's the side view? x

16 years ago

JuliaInGermany

Active Member

The top is great! I don't think it's too short and it looks cute on you. No worries about it looking like maternity wear. It's a KEEPER!

16 years ago

anne

Veteran

Looks great!

16 years ago

fathenry

Veteran

Thanks everyone, I am still not too confident in picking out new pieces so your input is much appreciated! Roseandjoan, I will be sure and try this with white. Thanks again!

16 years ago

cciele

Veteran

I don't think it is too short either, and it doesn't look like maternity wear. Cute!

16 years ago

marianne

Active Member

I think it looks great! I was also going to suggest white bottoms, that would be very pretty.

16 years ago

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