In my Closet - Zara Yellow Top

June 06, 2018

In my Closet - Zara Yellow Top

Our fashion is an expression of our personalities. It reflects our moods and reflects the seasons of our lives. But most of all, we love fashion because of how we feel when we wear something. Clothes have a way of lifting our spirits and cheer up even the saddest of days. I don't like spending a lot of money on clothes, that's why I like window shopping until I find something I love. I also look for pieces that I can match up with what I already have. A few months back, while walking around Zara, I fell in love with this beautiful yellow top. It was available in black and pink as well, but this yellow screamed at me. The v-neckline is very flattering, elongating your torso and the bell sleeves are quite fashionable.

Yellow top from Zara

After a quick fit, I took it. When I got home and really fitted it on, I was a bit disappointed. The top part was beautiful, but the bottom just hugged my hips in a weird way. It hung in my closet for at least two months. I loved it, so there was no way I was taking it back and I soon realised that no amount of weight loss will get it to not cling my hips. Then I remembered: I can sew.

My mom taught me the basics of putting on a button and taking in a hem. I have fond memories of sitting with my mom and adjusting the hem on my school uniform. That uniform needed to last the whole year or even two, so the hem needed to be adjusted often. My grandmother was the expert in the family. She used to make her own overalls and when my mom was just a little girl she used to sew her dresses and shirts. Her black Singer sewing machine was a family treasure. But, it was my mother-in-law who taught me how use patterns and how to make simple skirts and tops. I watched her for months making beautiful clothes that I wore to one of my first jobs. With all this knowledge I was shocked that I hadn’t thought about just adjusting them hem of this yellow top before.

Shirt on the right has a similar cut and similar fabric

I used another top that I already had, that was similar in style and the length I wanted, to make the adjustments. When using clothes as a pattern, it is best to turn it inside out. I then layered the one over the other and took to the scissors. I gave 1 ½ inch room for the hem and then hand sewed a 1-inch hem all round. I was rather pleased with the outcome and yes it fitted exactly the way I thought: perfectly.

Turn both shirts inside-out matching up the shoulders

Make sure the folded sides line up

There's quite a bit to cut off

Measuring about 1 1/2 inch for the hem

No going back now. Make the cut as straight as you can.

Use an iron to iron the hem. A little trick I learnt from my mom-in-law.

Watching golf and sewing. Multitasking.

Get comfortable and take your time.

Fold about 1/2 inch into the hem then sew. I don't have an overlocking machine so tucking a part into the hem helps keep it from fraying.

Almost a perfect match.

I can match this yellow top with almost every bottom I have in my closet which makes it a wonderful addition. Mixing and matching extends the life of your wardrobe and allows you to be creative. Keep experimenting with your fashion. Don’t be afraid to think beyond what you normally wear and never be afraid to customise to fit your style. Yes, everything doesn’t fit the way we think it would but don’t let that discourage you. Your style in uniquely yours. Own it.