Anthropologie Breeze-Blown Blouse

by brae  

I loved this blouse when it first came out a few years ago, but there was no way I could afford the $258 price tag.  As time went on, it went on sale for $130.  Not only was that still a bit steep for me but it was also sold out in the smaller sizes.  I figured recreating one for myself would be difficult since it's the fabric that makes the blouse unique.

The embroidery leads to three-dimensional flowers.

And the lace cuffs are so beautiful.

I've watched eBay and other secondary markets from time to time but figured I'd never find this blouse in my size let alone in like new condition.  Very recently, though, a size 8 popped up on eBay.  Considering I usually wear a 0-2 in Anthropologie blouses, I knew it would require a good amount of alterations.  But, it was new, never worn and $30.  So, I took the plunge!  :]

Interestingly enough, the fit in the shoulders was nearly perfect...just a tad low off the edge.  But, it was workable and meant I wouldn't have to redo the entire top and collar.  In fact, I wonder if the blouse would have fit me in the smaller sizes I had been hoping to find.

As is size 8...

The first alteration I made was to remove the enormous garment tag from the upper back.  Considering the sheerness of the fabric, this big block of a tag just didn't look right.

I then removed the sleeves.  These might have been meant as 3/4 sleeves, but they hit just at the wrist for me.  I raised them so the two buttons were just behind my elbow and the start of the cuff began at the top of my forearm.  Even if they weren't meant to be this short, they look much better in relation to the overall aesthetic of the blouse.  Resetting the sleeves also gave me the opportunity to correct the line of the shoulders.

When I set in the sleeves, I took in the side seams under the arm.  I then finished fitting the waist by taking in the side back and side front seams.  The shirttail hem was a bit long on me, too, so I took that up an inch and a half.

And, here's the final tailored blouse.  :D  Hurray!

And the back...

5 comments

Comment from: Melody [Visitor]
Beautiful!! I don't know that I'd have the nerve to start chopping up a blouse this nice, but outstanding work! It looks so much better.
03/10/11 @ 05:35
Comment from: brae [Member]
Thank you! I was decidedly less nervous taking apart a $30 blouse than I would have been with a $130-$258 one! :D
03/10/11 @ 22:20
Comment from: Sharon [Visitor]  
It is beautiful!
08/08/11 @ 03:13
Comment from: Audrey [Visitor]  
Absolutely gorgeous blouse! Outstanding job on the alterations too!!!! Audrey aka AudreyGardenLady
08/04/12 @ 13:34
Comment from: Mindy [Visitor]  
Beautiful! I've followed your minis blog for some time. Just tonight, I discovered this other blog! You are a talented seamstress.
04/30/13 @ 21:51


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