Instant luxury: Velvet Bellavista Top

I hope you had a fantastic New Year’s! As you know, I celebrated in my pajamas (see my last post for an explanation), but that doesn’t mean I don’t need something fancier to wear now and again- and the new Bellavista pattern from Itch to Stitch, made up in a stretch velvet from Style Maker Fabrics, is perfect for looking luxe without feeling confined (no shapewear for me!).

I love the swingy silhouette, the bell sleeves, and the huge, drapey cowl, which is seriously perfect.

So perfect in fact, that I might be transporting it onto my other makes, because it has just the right amount of depth and cowly-ness- and yes, thats totally a word, because I made it up just now.

(Note: if I really stretch, I can even nurse out the top. This would be easier if I deepened it slightly, and isn’t really necessary because the swing makes it easy to lift up, but its a consideration if you’re on the nursing-go-round like I am).

After hemming and hawing about which way the nap should go, I decided to cut it running down- mostly because the kids couldn’t stop petting the fabric, and I knew it would irritate me if they had to pet it going up. With only a few seams more than your average t- shirt, this top came together very quickly, but packs a much bigger punch in terms of style. I sized down, to a 00, because the 0 seemed to be too wide for me in the arms and shoulders, and I feel like the fit is perfect.

While I obviously used a more structured, formal fabric, I think this top also looks excellent in rayon spandex, sweater knit, and brushed poly- and there are some amazing tester versions out there- which you should definitely check out, and have me itching to make another.

Since this test actually finished a while ago, I’ve been able to wear this top twice while I was waiting for it to release- once to a Christmas/birthday party, and once to our Christmas Eve service. It was perfect for both occasions, but I think the wine color will allow me to take it past the holidays, and into regular rotation for date nights and work events as well- which is good, because my wardrobe doesn’t have much for those occasions!

Well, that’s my first post for 2018- I can’t wait to share more of what I have planned for this year! Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest (I’m working on adding all my makes here, so you can “lurk my closet”, if you haven’t already, so you don’t miss out!

Want the pattern? Grab it here (aff link)

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