I have to give Diva Els a giant hug because I misplaced my photo of the original RTW Valentino shirt. She located it on her hard drive and emailed it back to me. Els has an astounding ability to locate things on the internet and in her PC files, and I think this research skill must serve her well in her professional couture career.
The photo above is from September ’06 Vogue, and I fell in love with this shirt right away. The combination of the sporty style and sweet heirloom embellishment is sexy yet demure, and it just screamed “knock me off” when I first saw it. If you can believe it, this shirt was about $400 when it was in the on-line Neiman Marcus catalog.
The pattern is McCall’s 4922, a good basic princess seamed women’s shirt with a few sleeve variations. I made the French cuff version.
The drafting on this pattern is excellent – every piece fit together beautifully. If you’re looking for a basic women’s shirt that will be current for several years this is a good choice. I also recommend it if you’re ready to tackle your first stand collar because the directions are clear and accurate. I actually had to use them for once because it has been a while since I made collar stand, and I needed to refresh my memory.
If you’d like this to really resemble the original, the separate placket would need to be incorporated into the center front as a facing, and you’d need to get a fell seam foot. These are fake fell seams, I sewed them on a regular machine, finished them on the serger, and then topstitched them from the front with white machine embroidery thread. The buttons holes were also stitched with white machine embroidery thread. The center front panels were cut out single layer so they could be mirror imaged across the front. More pattern details are on Pattern Review.
The two fabrics are a wavy cotton eyelet and a soft cotton twill. The twill was a gift from Diva Mary Beth and I *think* the eyelet might still be available, so if you like it just leave a comment. I’ll find out and edit this post.
The front placket was cut back ¼ inch so that the outside edge of the entredeux would align with the edge of the placket underneath. I made the high-dome pearl cufflinks from the same buttons as the shirt. The bottom two placket buttons are regular shirt buttons to keep a smooth line under pants and skirts.
Right now there’s about 8 inches of snow on the ground, but it’s melting fast and Spring is on the way so hopefully I’ll be able to wear this very soon!
I love your blouse! Yes, please tell us where you got the eyelet.
It’s so beautiful! Congratulations Phyllis, you did a wonderful job with this shirt! The eyelet fabric is so divine!
Phyllis , that is a magnificent shirt.
This blouse is so fresh and crisp looking – Bravo!
I just love, love LOVE that blouse!
Georgeous, Phyllis! I remember when you first showed us the Valentino and I am so glad Els had it saved in her inspiration stash (which must be huge!) Love the treatment around the placket and every stitch is so straight and professional. Congratulations on an excellent timeless shirt! Can’t wait to see it on you.
Phyllis, it’s gorgeous! The eyelet fabric is beautiful!
Oooooh I just love it!!!
A truly beautiful shirt. Love French cuffs! I’m so grateful for information on patterns that go together well. Thanks!
Maureen
Great knockoff. What a classic-but-new-looking blouse. Is it my just wishful thinking, or are the Big 4 improving in design and fit?
What a fantastic spin on the classic white dress shirt!
Classy blouse, Phyllis! A nice twist on the classic white blouse. I like the eyelet as well. The design is not the usual style …
I have this pattern and was thinking about making it. I’m glad to know it is a good one. I love your version! It’s versatile, but not boring-basic.
I’m thinking I saw this eyelet originally on Gigi’s blog, and it’s from Metro Textiles. Am I right?
What a beautiful blouse. Love the eyelet.
Phyllis, that is one super-fantastic shirt!
Kashi had several white eyelets like this last year, I don’t know if there are any left.
Phyllis, This is just lovely. Enjoy wearing your beautiful shirt!
Saw your review at PR and had to come here as well. What a lovely blouse! It is truly a nice knockoff. Please post source for eyelet.
Fantastic knock-off! Now, if our new snow would melt . . .
I like yours better than the original. More womanly, less girly.
Really classy Phyllis!
I love your shirt, it’s better that the original!
Wonderful and thanks for the inspiration.
Lovely blouse. I was in Metro Textiles just last week and I bought the same eyelet. I am not sure if seeing this blouse before my trip opened my eyes to eyelet or not! But it is a beautiful eyelet. You can call Kashi and he should have some left (4/19/07).