A little fun fact about me is that I work in television as a producer. I spent many years working for Corus Entertainment and one of the last shows I produced there was a special with Taylor Swift for the release of her 1989 Album. It was kind of a big deal for me!

Why is this relevant, you ask? Well…not only did she make history yesterday by being the first woman to win Album of the Year for the second time at the Grammy’s, but!!! THIS fabric was part of the set for the show I produced with her! My amazing set designer, Dave Temesy, used a lot of this fabric as part of the backdrop and when the shoot was over, he gave some of it to me to make use of! You can see it hanging at the back in this GIF from the show here:



I’ve had the fabric lying around for a while (since Sept 2014 to be exact!) because I had no idea what to make with it. Plus, it had some sentimental value so I didn’t want to waste it either. But when By Hand London reached out to do a pattern test for their Sarah Shirt, I knew right away I was going to finally put this fabric to use.

So that’s the story on this shirt. Kinda neat right? Feels like I’m part of Tay Tay’s girl squad with this blouse! So needless to say, this top is pretty damn special to me.

Kay, let’s talk about the construction. It was pretty easy to make and the instructions were pretty easy to follow, but I did make some modifications. First, the pattern calls for shoulder gathers but I had to take in the shoulder on the bodice which caused me to lose the gathers. And second, I left the collar out. I tried both variations, with and without the interfacing but ultimately, I felt that going collarless on this particular blouse would suit my personal style more. And to be honest, I love, love, LOVE it the way it is. Oh, and the buttons? Yasss girl! Totally makes the badgyal meter skyrocket.  It’s definitely my fav detail of the shirt.

Oh, and the buttons? Yasss girl! Totally makes the badgyal meter skyrocket.

As far as styling goes, I’m not a “corporate/Bay street” style type of girl…I’m not really too into the “business casual” either look because I work in TV, after all! So when it comes to wearing a blouse, I can be a little hesitant because the word ‘boring’ comes to mind (no offense!! yikesss!) and I won’t wear a blouse unless I’m able to shake it up a bit and give it some edge. I think the gold buttons helped to give it a chic & timeless look which is important for any piece of clothing, but the choker, watch, slick pony and faux leather leggings? Well, now we’re talking!

Photos below. Watcha thaaaank?



Pants: F21 | Watch: Skagen | Shoes: TopShop | Choker: F21


From Taylor Swift to By Hand London

 

12 Comments

  1. Totally awesome! Great story too! Do you know the content of the fabric? Also, is your unfinished collar stand cut on straight grain or bias & is it just double with no interfacing?

    • Sharadha Reply

      Hi Susan! Thanks for the love! I cut the collar on the straight grain.

    • Sharadha Reply

      Thank you! yesss I love the buttons! i thought it totally transformed the shirt into something super chic. crazy how something as small as a button can do that right?

  2. I think: Super gorgeous! And the story of that fabric, wow. I was kind of on the fence about this pattern but the way you made it definitely makes me want to get it!

    • Sharadha Reply

      hi Ayida! so glad you like the story – it’s one of my favourites to tell too 🙂 yes get it, you’ll love it! My tip is to go collarless though.

    • Sharadha Reply

      Hi Mady! thanks for the love! yessss my favourite part of this that it has no collar. you have to give it a shot!

  3. Shar! I absolutely love this top! I need this in my life. Working for school board, Monday to Friday business casual is my life lol! Love to see you doing well!
    Soph

    • Sharadha Reply

      Sophiaaaaa! thanks for stopping by my blog and for the love! i think you’d look great in this top 😀

  4. Beautiful colour and the buttons! Another brilliant idea to dress up a simple shirt pattern. I think of buttons like jewelry and if they’re done right they can totally set off a garment but fancy buttons needs simple design and fabric just as you’ve done here. Just as an aside I had no idea Taylor Swift has been singing this long! 🙂 But then I’m not such an avid follower as others (I’m 62)

    • Sharadha Reply

      Thank you! I agree – buttons are a great way to add just the perfect amount of detail!

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