As I unrolled it, I thought, "Wow, this is going to be perfect!" But then I almost immediately said out loud, "Where's the rest of it?"
The pictures make it look like this is a long blouse but in truth it is only 26" long. The 45" width does help to give it a slightly longer look as long as you keep your arms down. Lay it out and it makes a perfect rectangle with the long side going across your arms and shoulders, not down the font and back like the picture on the hanger makes it look.
The fact is if you have any size on you at all, especially if you have a long trunk and large breasts, this just comes off looking like a "Tummy Tickler," i.e. it hits above the navel. Did I say, hits? No, it hangs above the navel because it is too short to fall back after flowing off the shelf of my breasts. It literally looks like half of a very pretty, well made, interesting little blouse but one cant help but wish it were at least twice as long.
Another problem is that the neckline is too shallow to show off even a hint of cleavage. For a woman with high set, large breasts this only adds to the appearance of wearing a piece of clothing thats too small for me. Lastly, though it is shown on the pictures, I didn't expect the fact that the embroidery doesn't carry around to the back of the neckline to make the piece look so unfinished. Perhaps it's because the sleeves are completely encircled that it is particularly apparent but, for me at least, it is a real design flaw.
O.K. So I've shared disappointments with this piece, let me share my joys too. The fact is, this is a very nice piece all said and done. I wish I was a petite 100 pound lady of diminutive stature, and I'm sure if I were, this would look great on me. As it is, I'm keeping it to give to one of my nieces next Christmas. It IS a quality piece and you can't beat the quality to price ratio anywhere else that I know of here in the States. The idea of supporting artisans around the globe is an added bonus. I come from the mountains of Appalachia and I would love to support a NOVICA-type program for the many artisans I know who live and practice their crafts in secluded mountain hollows and poverty stricken townships all up and down that beautiful range. Hey, maybe I should contact National Geographic . . .
- PEACE -