Top Inspiration

When ever I run a series, it always seems that I have more ideas than finished projects.  I simply don't have the time or the attention span to make everything that I'd like to.  I thought that I'd show you a few inspiration tops, that I'd love to recreate.  Little details make the difference, and several of these tops have fantastic details.  Let dissect and discuss the tops.

Source: trashtocouture.com via Tricia on Pinterest

Shoulder details, I love them.  I love this open zipper neckline, but also appreciate contrast bands and trims that run along the shoulder.

Source: breakfastatyurmans.tumblr.com via Tricia on Pinterest

Contrast yokes (?).  I don't know the exact terminology, but I love the contrast in both color and textile.

Source: kimberlypesch.tumblr.com via Tricia on Pinterest

Sleeve detail.  These little bows would be darling on a girl's top or dress, but they also give a basic blouse a little something extra.

Source: fashiongonerogue.tumblr.com via Tricia on Pinterest

Leather elbow patches.  I can't tell you how much I love this simple top.

Source: zara.com via Tricia on Pinterest

Another little sleeve detail, split sleeve with lace overlay.

Source: galmeetsglam.com via Tricia on Pinterest

This is a fantastic top.  Simple peter pan collar on a sheer front pleat shirt. Those white tabs on the arm band of the sleeve are my fave.

Source: us.topshop.com via Tricia on Pinterest

Lace sleeves

Source: cirque-du-bebe.blogspot.com via Tricia on Pinterest

Contrasting print on the back panel of a tee.

Source: anthropologie.com via Tricia on Pinterest

Solid yoke and bands on a stripe tee.

Do you have any favorite details that really make a top?  I'd love to know what extra details you like to add.

For the Love of Lace

Possibly my favorite of the bunch, Impressing the Gals Coat: Mod Cloth

Lace is one of those details that for some reason I'd distanced myself from over the past few years.  I'm gradually inviting it back into my life, and have grown quite fond of it.

Romantic Lace Necklace in Ivory: Nez Jewelry

The return to the more feminine silhouette and details is quite nice, and more than appropriate for the Valentine's season (is it a season or just a day?...I'm going to go with season).

Never Forget a Lace Top: Mod Cloth

 Over the past few months I've procured quite the supply of lace trims, and they are all quite lovely.  I'm excited to start on some new apparel projects for myself. I just have to wait for my machine replacement to find it's way to my sewing room. Until that happens, I'm gathering inspiration, creating patterns, and cutting out fabric.

The Prim of Your Life Cardigan: Mod cloth

I thought that I'd show you a few inspiration pieces that I've collected over the last little while. Enjoy.

Cloud Art Dress: Anthropologie

Lady Jane Dress: Mod Cloth

Top-toberfest Day Six-Tops to Try or Buy

To celebrate the sixth day of Top-toberfest I thought that I'd share a few tops that I didn't get around to making, along with a few spots of inspiration.

Pattern by Little Weasel (this one is a freebie).

I don't know how many of you frequent the sewing site burdastyle.com, but I love it.  You can find great tutorials on sewing techniques, along with a huge collection of patterns (both for purchase and free of charge).  I recently printed out the pattern piece for this flutter sleeve cardi.  I need to find the right material for the project before I set to work.

Photo No Big Dill

Speaking of cardigans, have you checked out Katy's (from No Big Dill) Billy Cardi tutorial on Luvin' the Mommyhood?  I can't wait to try this one.  I love the neckline, the lack of closure, and all of the raw edge goodness.  Also, do you recognize the rib knit she used?  I used it on this and this  (you can find it at Joann's). 

The Sadie Shirt.  I mentioned this top earlier this week, but I'm going to mention it again.  Jess has come up with an easy to follow tutorial to create this adorable ruffled placket top.  I need to find a little girl to sew it for, maybe a niece or the neighbor girl I watch during the week...I'll have to decide.  You can find the full tutorial here on her blog Craftiness Is Not Optional.

Image Source: Replicca

This next top I really want to own.  You can find it for sale here at Replicca.  I love the color, I love the fit, but most of all I love the cowl.  Oh it looks so comfortable.

Well those are a few of the tops that are inspiring me lately.  If you are need of a bit more inspiration don't forget to check out all of the fabulous tops that are linked up in the Top-Toberfest show and tell.