Wednesday, May 23, 2012

J. Crew Natasha Inspired DIY Top

Polka dots, gingham, anchors, stripes...they've been in constant replay in my mind.  Today's DIY was inspired by J. Crew's Natasha top.  I loved the dots and ruffles combination so decided to give it a shot.

I typically don't line my tops (too much of a pain) but a cami underneath the chiffon just wouldn't have the same effect.  I think the extra effort paid off in this case.

Inspiration:  J. Crew Natasha Top in Polka Dot, $80 (buy here)
DIY:  Polka Dot Top w/ Ruffled Placket & Collar, $10 in materials

DIY Polka Dot Top
Macy's Black Skirt (old)
The Limited Leopard Belt (old)
Target Mossimo Pearce Pumps

J. Crew Crystal Stripe Link Bracelet
Kate Spade Take a Bow Ring (avail in Kate Spade Outlet for $28)
H&M Black and White Bangles
Hermes Clic H

What kinds of prints have you been in love with lately?

23 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness...I got that top and it was ginormous. I actually prefer yours better.I wish you would give us readers an option to buy a DIY project from you! I would be your first customer..LOL

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  2. Another beautiful top. I like your so much better than the JCrew. I have to second Annie said.

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  3. What a great DIY version!!!! You should sell your versions! I'm always loving polka dots and chevron!

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  4. Love that top! Polka dots and ruffles, two of my favorite things! Great job!

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  5. Beautiful job! Did you draft the pattern yourself or did you use a commercial pattern? I hate lining too, gosh I haven't sewn anything in a long while.

    *Kat*

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    1. Thanks Kat! I used Butterick pattern B5464 but instead of splitting the front, I cut it whole and added a slit & placket. The ruffles were made from 3" wide pieces with a serged edge.

      And yes to lining! I can't tell you how many lining woes I've had with my last jacket project. My seam ripper was my best friend. :)

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  6. i agree! i have that top and i prefer yours! **lines up to be a SPG customer** xox P

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  7. I'm kind of obsessed with polka dots and completely in love with that top!

    I am also jealous of your sewing skills....I took sewing classes when I was in elementary school and managed not to pay attention throughout the whole 2 years. 23 year-old me is very upset with 9 year-old me. :)


    www.petiteonapenny.com

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    1. Aw, thanks Lauren! You can always restart! I took sewing in middle school Home Ec and was HORRIBLE at it. I tried again at age 29 and am still continually improving :)

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  8. I love your DIY version. You are so talented!

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  9. You did a great job constructing that top! And saved yourself a lot of money! I am all patterned out at this point to be very honest...

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  10. I love the polka dot top! How did you do the ruffles?

    katattack2000.wordpress.com

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  11. Yes, love your version of the top! Make more and sell them please! :D

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  12. I like your DIY post so much. I like yours more than Jcrew's!

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  13. I fell in love with the Natasha when I saw it in the J Crew catalog. When I spotted it at the outlet, I splurged & bought it. I do have to say I too prefer your DIY version better. Great job SPG!

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    1. Natasha is definitely a beautiful top! I tried the factory version and really liked the fit and quality but decided to think on it. When I went back, they were gone and they sold so quickly online too! Thank you for your kind words!

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  14. wow i wont know that you made the top, look like something from the store!

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  15. Sigh... if only I could sew. It's a great dupe of the J. Crew shirt (and probably better made too). I like quirky patterns and prints but polka dots aren't my thing. I own an outrageous Marc Jacobs polka jacket but I've rarely worn it because of its loud print. So to answer your question, I'm going with a Native America design.

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  16. Wowowow...I can't believe you made your own top! It looks great! I keep talking about taking sewing lessons but still hasn't happened yet!

    And I love the bow ring..and what a bargain! If you go again and they still have it can you please get me one too? :P

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  17. Wowww....it's awesome! Beautiful job! My "G+1" for you :)
    You have so many amazing DIY projects here, you're really talented! Lovely blog, maybe you want to follow each other, on GFC and bloglovin? I'll follow you back for sure :)

    Have a great weekend!

    x♥x♥

    "Dicas de saúde, beleza, e exercício físico"



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  18. I agree with Really Petite about you taking orders ;)

    I love the Natasha top and mine are my go 2 for this summer! At 1/8 of the price I could have made enough to last me over 1 month from what I spent at J Crew. Great share! ;)

    http://preponderance-of-fashion.blogspot.com/

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  19. hey, you! wow.... $10 in materials... you did a fab job! :) it looks better than the jcrew one. you're so talented. :)

    xoxo
    jasmine

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  20. Aaaah... I love this! Its amazing how you can create stuff for yourself. I wish I had the same skill :( But to be honest, I am not a very patient person so kudos to you.

    If I lived near you, I would probably bug you out to size me up and create some pieces for me :p lol

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I'm the type of gal who gets giddy when I receive mail - it's no different with comments! I really appreciate the feedback and love hearing from you :)