The Bolero. You're a curious kind of cover-up, aren't you? And for a late September outdoor wedding in Seattle, I need you don't I? If only I could find the perfect one.
Top: Alencon Lace Bridal Shrug by Elizabeth Dye for The English Department; Center Left: Bow-Topped Bolero (back) by BHLDN; Center Right: Bow-Topped Bolero (front) by BHLDN; Bottom: Rosemund Bolero by BHLDN.
Elizabeth Dye's lace shrug (top) is nearly perfect for my dress. I question, however, whether additional lace is something I'd want to see.
I like BHDLN's cover-ups, but either the detailing or the color throws me off. For example, their Bow-Topped Bolero (center left and right) has a nice bow in the back, but the two in front, along with the ruffles, are overkill for my taste. I have the same thought about the Rosemund Bolero (bottom): While I adore the drape, there too many flowers and the purple won't coordinate with the colors I'm working with.
Sadly, it's beginning to seem as though I may have to design a bolero for myself. I've accepted that. To get myself started, I browsed Etsy to see what vintage bolero patterns were available.
Top Left: Advance 5030 available at SelvedgeShop; Top Right: Butterick B5136 available at PatternPeddler; Lower Left: Advance 8087 available from OhSewCharming; Lower Right: Hollywood 1556 available from CatnipHill.
I enjoy the peter pan collar and the added drape in the Advance 5030 pattern (top left). Also, I'm interested in the Butterick pattern (top right) because of the closure in the back at the base of the neck. The second Advance pattern view 2 (bottom left) with the closure at the waist is nice as well. The gathered sleeves in the Hollywood pattern (lower right) seem exciting! I could play with those to make them more modern looking, right?
In the end, my favorite look was the McCall bolero (below), particularly view B. I'm unsure where I'll go from there but at least I have a good starting point for this project too!
Project Bolero to be continued...
