The Balcony art challenge and using an orphan

ChrisM

My entry in the art challenge this week - my blouse is the orphan du jour. Purchased a year ago it has just enough sheerness to be annoying and just a bit too tight through the bust.

I am not fond of the open blouse over tee look - not sure why because a wear a lot of cardi’s and jackets that way...

Thanks in advance for your comments!

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6 years ago

Inspiration

12 replies

Latest reply was from 3style

Thistle

Veteran

I am glad you found a way to use this orphan! You look terrific!

6 years ago

Joy

Veteran

You found a wonderful look for this painting. With the dark color and the pattern, the shirt does not look too tight.

6 years ago

Katerina

Veteran

What a lovely shirt! Looks great with the wide leg trousers. Fabulous outfit for the Balcony, YLF!

6 years ago

Anonymous

Hi Chris. I love your ensemble. It is always great when an orphan can get used too. It is a lovely blouse. Hopefully, you will get more opportunities to wear it.

6 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Isn’t that interesting how a theme can bring an orphan into play? Food for thought!

6 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Yay for pulling out an orphan. The challenges are great for that.

6 years ago

Sal

Veteran

You look great- the blouse is very flattering!! Will you wear it again?

Thanks for joining in the fun- I have a print of this painting over my mantle. The colours are just right!

6 years ago

Like the Season

Active Member

I like your outfit, but it sounds like the blouse still isn't working for you. Now that you've identified why, maybe you can replace it with something you love.

6 years ago

3style

Veteran

ChrisM, Did you roll the sleeves or are they simply elbow length? I’m wondering if it’s the sleeve length bothering you rather in addition to the chest? I personally can’t abide anything folded into my elbow nook. Lower or higher on the arm is fine, and elbow length single layer is okay if it’s not too loose or tight.

6 years ago

ChrisM

Veteran

Thistle and Joy - thank you so much for the kind words!

Katerina - I like wide leg slacks that fall straight from the hip. These ones are new - very lightweight! If they were a sturdier fabric I would want to make alterations to make them fit trimmer through the hips.

Sterling - still debating the merits of this blouse. I'm going to try and find other outfits . . .

Rachylou, Suz - right?! The challenge gave me something to think about - this wasn't the outfit that I had planned for today, but the image of the Balcony painting lurked in my mind . . .

Sal - thank you for the kind words, and the inspiration! Don't know if I'll wear the blouse again - the pulling through the chest and back is a deal-breaker if I wear it buttoned all the way. If I can figure out how to wear it open . . .

Like the Season - this was not what I would consider an essential to my wardrobe. It was just supposed to be fun and a little different than my usual style, so if I don't replace it, I'm good with that.

3style - The sleeves are full length, but because I'm taller than the average bear, I roll the sleeves on almost all my shirts. I hate 3/4 sleeves with cuffs and short sleeves on blouses, but I rarely wear cuffed shirts without rolling the sleeves. Does that make sense? The fabric didn't hold the roll too well - another strike against this shirt.

Thanks so much for the challenge. Sal! Looking forward to the next one!

6 years ago

Aida

Veteran

This is a great take on the piece, and a nice use of the orphan blouse too. Looks good paired with an equally dark support act and I don't get a sense of the sheerness through the photos (I know it's tough to photograph sometimes, though!). I also wear a lot of rolled sleeves and it annoys me greatly when the sleeves don't stay put! Sounds like this blouse might be a tough salvage, especially if the pulling isn't resolvable.

6 years ago

3style

Veteran

ChrisM yes you are perfectly clear. I have the same dislike as you do in terms of 3/4 sleeves with cuffs. However, I’m getting fond of short sleeve blouses if they have something a bit clever (but not too elaborate or fussy) going on in terms of cap sleeves flutter sleeves dolman sleeves raglan sleeves etc. I don’t like a square look to the sleeve above my elbow.

6 years ago

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