My lady grey is done. I’ve worn it out shopping and dog-walking. The only detail left is the belt. I’ve been planning on a custom made belt, but now that I’ve sampled the different options, I’m beginning to think it looks a lot like Christmas. Bows on everything. I am still the least in love with the pattern-suggested tie. For anyone else trying to make a decision, here’s a lineup of the options…
Votes on the belt are welcome, although I will blindly ignore them if I get obsessed with any particular option. Also, I photoshopped crazy eyes out of one of the photos… can you guess which one? Answer after the jump…
Crazy eyes were originally in the bow-belt. Photoshop is truly an amazing thing…
I go for the tie! Great looking coat, Patty!
I like the buckle best! In my opinion the bow is too much, butI like seeing the waistline defined so I wouldn't eliminate it completely. Good luck deciding!
I have to vote for the tie or the buckle, with the buckle winning by a tiny bit.
The tie belt looks most slimming. The ends of the belt on the vertical draw your eye up and down and not side to side as with some of the others.
M. Hughes
I'm already leaning toward the tie too! I love the bow, but now seeing the 4 photos side-by-side… I'd go for the buckle, but it's so big I think it would be uncomfortable while driving! I'll have to test that tomorrow!
M.Hughes- that's a good point on the verticle lines!
Coat looks lovely, tie belt finishes it off beautifully.
I think the style looks great on you, and I like the tie belt best! I think it is more flattering by breaking up the hip area, plus I think it goes well with the lapels and the kimono-ish sleeves. The buckle is my second preference.
I'd go for tie! But you can make a few belts and change up for different occasions…
I also prefer the tie. Nice looking and I've enjoyed reading about your coat.
I'm voting tie too, how it draws the eye to the vertical really does work! The coat looks so great on you Patty- and I love knowing there's such a cute lining and rickrack inside..
I lean towards the buckle, although the tie is fine, too. One question—it seems to me when you cinched in your muslin the tie was a little higher, almost up on your ribcage, which looked spectacular. I guess it seems to me like the top of the belt is at your natural waist, with the rest below, and I'm wondering if it would look (even) better with the bottom of the belt at the natural waist. Yes, I know your belt-carriers are already in place ;). Just a thought 🙂
It looks awesome… I am so jealous.
Order of preference: Tie, then buckle. I agree that the tie is more slimming but the buckle is really cute too. Man I feel behind on this sew along!
Your coat looks fantastic! I like the tie best too.
I like the sash option best.