The Daydreamer Top
January 6, 2010 5:28 pmHere is the first shoot I did with my sister, Clare, wearing my Daydreamer top.
These pictures were all taken at my parent’s home.
It’s a grey and white striped cotton that I did a simple tunic style with.
I did some different strips of fabric going from the chest to the sides to add some interest and a slimming detail.
I love the 70′s look to this one.
It has three little buttons on the sleeves.
I love this slim red leather belt with it.
Isn’t she G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S??!!
This is probably my favorite picture. It’s amazing when you get just the right light.
In a different color tone.
It felt AWESOME to do a shoot with the clothes I’ve been designing and making. I know the pictures aren’t “cohesive” with effects but I’m really playing to see which ones I like best.That’s where you come in.
I’m really trying to break into designing more clothes. Your feedback would be so helpful to me!!It would be much appreciative if you could let me know what you think of them, let me know what pictures you like best or any improvements.
I have a lot more things to show you that I’m really excited about. Again, any help, encouragement, feedback would be so wonderful!
Tags: photographs, shirt, top
Posted in Original Designs, women's clothing | 41 Comments »
By Disney on Jan 7, 2010 | Reply
I am so totally amazed by you! One thing I definitely am not good at is designing like this. I'm in awe of the things you design! I can't even begin to wonder how you made this. I love it!! I can't wait to see more! Pretty soon you'll be famous, and I'll be bragging to people that you email me sometimes. (well, actually I kind of already do that, haha!)
By Anonymous on Jan 7, 2010 | Reply
too much eye make-up..
By raya on Jan 7, 2010 | Reply
Alexis I love this top. I would probably wear it every other day. I have one with similar sleeves by Heidi Merrick..do you know her? If you read my blog then you do because I talk about her way too much. Good inspiration on her site though.
http://www.heidimerrick.com
xoxo
Raya
By Nicole M on Jan 7, 2010 | Reply
I love the top. I would buy it in a store if i saw it. ITs super cute and original. I love all your pieces that you have shared with us on here. What about a longer tunic to wear with stretchy pants. I have been looking for regular, jersey knit tunics that are long enough to wear with stretchy pants and boots, but i can't find them anywhere…so i am thinking of attempting to create some. I would love to see what you make if you think its a good idea
By JoYfuL PrAiSe on Jan 7, 2010 | Reply
Love the top!! so cute! something I would wear! You inspire me to buy a dress form and start sewing for myself!!
By luvinthemommyhood on Jan 7, 2010 | Reply
I love the top! gorgeous! I am a sucker for b&w photos but to show off the garment I really prefer your colored or muted color shots. I found you lost some of the detail of your sewing in the b&w shots. Happy New year's to your gorgeous family!
By Andrea on Jan 7, 2010 | Reply
I'm fairly new to your blog (like last week) and I love everything you make. Your photos are fantastic I think you should go for it. The 70's photo reminds me of Urban Outfitters or Anthropology. My favorite is the one you like with the right lighting and your sister's looking back in the meadow.
By Ashley on Jan 7, 2010 | Reply
So awesome. I wish we were neighbors….I walk over to borrow sugar, pick up my new custom outfit to wear that day …..chat over sewing…. watch the kiddos run around…. LOL! Maybe Disney could live down the street too. And a few others….
By Jessabells on Jan 7, 2010 | Reply
Love it and the pics are great too. You never know this blog can make you famous and maybe you'll end up on Launch My Line on Bravo!
By amber on Jan 7, 2010 | Reply
Really cute top. It feels very Anthropologie, which is a very good thing in my book.
In that vein, the 70s pic and the second photo from the bottom are my favorites.
By Laura Gerencser on Jan 7, 2010 | Reply
Great top! All of the pictures were good, but the black/white ones weren't very good for detail shots. The colored ones were much better at showing the detail!
By margarita on Jan 7, 2010 | Reply
I love the top and the pictures are great because it shows a lot of angles of the shirt. I would definitely wear this! You are awesome!
By Courtney on Jan 7, 2010 | Reply
Oh my heck, you are one talented and amazing woman. I have only followed your blog for a few months, but you totally inspire me. I tried my first refashion for a Christmas present and my BFF loved her new shirt. I've only been sewing for about a year now, so I'm still way new. But maybe one day I'll have an ounce of the talent you have. Seriously, your stuff is awesome.
By Anonymous on Jan 7, 2010 | Reply
Well Alexis, I think everyone before has made it pretty clear that your work is incredible.
Don't ever doubt your talents or how much ispiration you give others.
And yes your sister is gorgeous.
Sherri-Ann from Canada
By Anonymous on Jan 7, 2010 | Reply
The top is really pretty and graceful, if you may, however there's one thing you could have done to make it better. If the length was a bit longer it wouldn't look so bulky on her…especially with that belt. If you had it tied in the back instead of a belt around the waist, the length would be okay. OR if you like the belt, the top could be longer, like finger tip length.
Just my two cents.
By Luv Erin on Jan 7, 2010 | Reply
I love your designs! They are very creative and it looks like you put a lot of time and thought into them. I love that pic with the ladder. The way her arms are positioned, my eyes just keep looking around and around. Keep up the inspirational and beautiful work!
By Alida L. on Jan 7, 2010 | Reply
I love it! I love the styling of your beautiful model as well. I think the details at the bust are gorgeous! I would love to see this longer, like a mini dress. I think it would look incredible with leggings and riding boots.
By Beth on Jan 7, 2010 | Reply
I have loved everything you have done. Yours is the first blog I check everyday. I have just started sewing in the last few months, and have loved it. You are going to laugh, but I have sewn all the the jcrew embellished t's. Then, I fell in love with your Christmas card clothes, so. . . . . . . the only piece I have not replicated is your oldest daughters red, silk dress. I did your peach shirt (and LOVE it), and your other daughter's dresses. I have three girls myself, so I have been having a blast creating for them. I didn't see a place for your email, but if you want to email me, I can send you the pics. It is bethrustand at gmail. After all that. . . . .I love this shirt. Love the sleeves and especially the neckline on it-it just makes it unique. Love it. And, yes, your sister is gorgeous!
By Andrea @ The Train to Crazy on Jan 7, 2010 | Reply
First off, great top, great photos. As far as which are best? Just discover what your style is. What vibe do you want to portray? That said, I really like the tones in the 6th and 8th photos. While they are all great, I just love the feeling those tones give. That's just me though!
By Anna on Jan 7, 2010 | Reply
love it! I really like the fabric and style. The pictures are great. I especially like the 2929.jpg pic, very awesome light.
By Misha on Jan 7, 2010 | Reply
Beautiful top! I love the details. Your designs and talent are incredible and inspiring. As for feedback on the photos, you lose all the details in the black and white photos. As far as seeing the details and true coloring the color photos are much better. The 4th photo shows the best details of the top but it doesn't have the best/most interesting composition. The third from last is the best overall in my opinion. The lighting and composition are amazing as well as giving you a decent look at the top. It looks like you ripped a page out of an Anthropologie catalog.
By Crystal on Jan 7, 2010 | Reply
I love it! Cute shirt for sure! As someone that also enjoys designing (those I'm far from being as talented as you) I know what you mean about getting feedback! The third picture down (in sepia), and the third up (the beautiful 'into the light') are my favorites.
By Jenny on Jan 8, 2010 | Reply
I have no expertise except as a consumer
but I personally like the normal tone ones so i can see the colors and contrasts. I really like the top, too. The stripes are casual and the cut feels really modern.
By becca b on Jan 8, 2010 | Reply
I'm not super good about this, but I always appreciate closeups and detailed pictures (like the closeup of the diagonal stripes, and of the buttons), because it gives you a better understanding of the quality and what you're buying. I also like different poses so you can see how the clothes look from different angles. This shirt is really pretty and great job with the photographs! Keep up the good work!
By becca b on Jan 8, 2010 | Reply
Also, have you thought about being on the CCCEO (California Crafters Club Of Etsy)? I'm on it and like the sharing of information, like where craft fairs are coming up so we can be a part of them, etc.
By Renee on Jan 8, 2010 | Reply
The top is beautiful! You are amazing at draping fabric! I have never been good at that! The detail is subtle and feminine. The photo of Claire with the dog in it is my favorite. It is so spontaneous. She looks so comfortable and at peace which makes me feel at peace. And who doesn't love a cute puppy? You are so talented!
By Anonymous on Jan 8, 2010 | Reply
I love this top! I would make several! Is this going to become a pattern?
By Carmen Joy King on Jan 8, 2010 | Reply
The top is really pretty- but I wonder if the bottom would fit around my hips? I find that tops with this kind of design fit well in the chest and then go tight on my hips and arms. It's stunning though and the photo shoot was beautiful. Keep it up, Alexis! I have your site posted on my own blog: http://thenewbrooklin.blogspot.com
XO
By Hänni on Jan 8, 2010 | Reply
I am a big fan of this top–interesting stripey texture. My favorite pictures are #1 #2 and #6.
By Happy Together on Jan 8, 2010 | Reply
Def something you would see in Anthropologie!
By mjb on Jan 8, 2010 | Reply
I love it and would totally wear it – the only thing is that it looks like it pulls across the bust, and I'd prefer a little more room there if the neckline is that high. I like the suggestion that it could go a tiny bit longer too, to go with skinny jeans. Great work!
By Anonymous on Jan 8, 2010 | Reply
Nice work, just a little creative criticism to emphasize your style: Lovely compositions, but not enough detail shots of shirt. Closer crop on shirt, not entire model where shirt because too insignificant in photo. In very contrasty shots, where shirt is blown away in highlights, all your hard work is blown away, too. Maybe one of the back of the shirt with hair pulled forward and model looking over her shoulder toward camera? Oh, and have to agree with comment #2 – eye makeup distracting and doesn't compliment shirt style.
But Great start!
By umama on Jan 8, 2010 | Reply
I love love love your work.. and I definitely agree, I am always getting that anthro vibe from your designs! Don't doubt yourself, just create, and create some more. Take a class to refine your skill and then start marketing yourself! Little by little :0) lots of luck xoxo
By kristen on Jan 8, 2010 | Reply
i LOVE your shirt!! its soo so cute!! and your new years outfit was adorable!! and really all your stuff i just love!! youre doing a great job!!
By Sarah Lunt on Jan 9, 2010 | Reply
Yay! I love it. Your talent is inspiring – no suggestions here, it's perfect!
By Jessica on Jan 10, 2010 | Reply
Ok, I'm really tired (have a new baby) but I wanted to say I like the top a lot, looks versatile and flattering to probably most shapes which is a rare find indeed.
The photography is great too (I appreciate the artistry) and I don't mind there being different tones to the images I actually think it helps capture the versatility of the piece. The only suggestion I would make is to show it in different pairings on the same model. Because the outfit was exactly the same through out, this collection of images looked more about the model (who is beautiful and should have photo shoots just about her!) rather than the clothing. I'd love to see what this top would look like with a pair of dress slacks and a jacket for the office, a flirty circle skirt and some retro heels, with more accessories as well as with a minimalist feel. The more options the better. I also agree with those that pointed out you need more detail, some of them are over-exposed, washing out the details. More contrast and saturated colors could help bring out the fine details of your work.
Looking forward to see more of what you do!
By Estelle on Jan 11, 2010 | Reply
Love the top. Especially the cuff with button detail and puffy sleeve. So sweet. I really liked the 70sish shot and the side view close up of the sleeve with just her chin showing. Can't wait to see what you are working on next.
By Chance and Beth on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
Ok I drool over all of your new creations! I find you inspiring, I'm actually trying to navigate through my closet, take what I never wear and turn it into something stylish. I have a long way to go… One of my favorite creations of yours is the dress you wore to French Laundry, (i think). White, pleated, gorgeous! Thanks for sharing your talent!.
By Amy Croley on Jan 25, 2010 | Reply
The top is fantastic. All the photos are awesome. I really like the close up shots that show the details of the shirt and the ones that show the true color.
By Marisa on Jan 29, 2010 | Reply
First photo is my fave – the black and white really accentuates the lines of the top – and btw, loving the diagonal lines. Well done!
By admin on Jan 29, 2010 | Reply
Thanks for the input, Marisa!