Shallow fashion ponderings

[cupcake_goth]

For whatever reason (actually, I think it's because mineke was talking about them recently), I've been looking at those harness-style belts. Like this one from SKINGRAFT (clicky-link!), or this one from Velvet Mechanism. (clicky-link!)

I think they're an interesting accessory idea, especially worn over high-collared Victorian-ish blouses and such. HOWEVER, I also know that they would look ... not good on me. Sure, the idea of such a thing, worn with my usual wardrobe, is enticing. But the reality is that with my rather, erm, busty proportions, I just don't think a strappy underbust harness/belt^* thing would work. This does not stop me from looking at them, though.



^*I am generally anti-belts for my wardrobe, anyway. Sure, there are times when I look at fashion photos involving layers of spiked belts, then try to figure out how I could incorporate them into a Deathrock Cupcake style. And then I realize this would probably not be a good idea, and close those tabs.

Comments

[staxxy.livejournal.com]

they are adorable and charming and would like GREAT... on someone under a D cup.

[arabwel.livejournal.com]

My thoughts exactly. *looks down, sighs wistfully*

[staxxy.livejournal.com]

LOOK not like. egad. typing on autopilot.

[malicecarnivora.livejournal.com]

I disagree.

I have always been more... eh... developed than girls my age. At 12 I was already a solid C, by 15 I was an easy D (I refused to admit this to myself until 17, but the quadra-boob and atrocious back pain from improper support didn't lie...nor did my physician who said I needed a better fitting bra when I complained), and now at 22 I spill out a bit from my DD. I enjoy wearing underbusty things like this. People tend to look at it and say that it will send a certain type of "message" to other people if I wear it, say I look a "certain way", but that's not true. When paired over a modestly cut top I think things of this nature look quite adorable even on those of us with a little... "extra". Sure, there will be people who stare because it's such a highlighted area, but I don't know too many girls over a C-cup who don't have people staring even when they wear simple sweatshirts, so it's kind of unavoidable. Why should we give up cute clothes just because some people have issues with how we look? Especially if you're a member of the goth community which has a kind of base attitude of wearing what they like without caring what others think of it. /end feministy rant

And as boyastridgirl mentioned below, if they're built with a bit more substance, it can offer great support.

[staxxy.livejournal.com]

they don't look *at all* like they would give extra support. Do they? they look more like they would alter your lines to give you a second waist, which does not sound terribly flattering.

[malicecarnivora.livejournal.com]

These particular ones likely wouldn't offer much support because they're too thin. Also, I don't see these being very comfortable for someone with a thicker middle. I think these might cut into the flesh in a way that not only is unflattering, but horridly uncomfortable!

But the half underbust half bodice style itself actually can look quite cute even with a bigger chest. And, yes, I have noticed extra support when I wear them. I wouldn't go running in one, but I do notice slightly less droopiness at the end of the day as opposed to just by bra with a regular fitting top. However, I've also had mine custom made for me (the benefit of having a mother who sews) and I do not wear anything where the corset is quite so small. I also have a petite waist/midsection (which paired with my ample bosom makes clothes shopping for comfortably fitting clothes a real treat!), so I'm not sure how something pre-made would fit or how much support it would give.

I've been seeing similar items as these popping up at the renaissance faires I attend. They are worn by some very voluptuous ladies (with not at all modest tops under them, but if that's the look they want...) and none of them have ever looked like they're middles were being cut in two. But again, the corset part is a touch longer.

[tinkerbell86ca.livejournal.com]

*pout, flounce, stompy feet* Yea, those would give me strange lines and squidgey bits, not so cute. Though I woudl still like to try one on. 8sigh*

I disagree

[boyastridgirl.livejournal.com]

If the build on them is a bit more substantive, they make great supports for boobs of big proportions. I'm just a D/DD borderline girl and have worn similar items. They strengthen the back and provide support. However, the ones you clicky-link to: I don't think would be optimal.

That and to me, I see gun harness. :D

[redglasses.livejournal.com]

Maybe not a good idea, but possibly an awesome idea?

Also perhaps you could do a harness variation that was more around a natural waistline rather than bust-hugging.

[mineke.livejournal.com]

I second the natural waisted harness. I will keep an eye out as I'm shopping!

[cupcake-goth.livejournal.com]

Please do, sweetie! Because I kind of do want to try one, and I trust your eye. :)

[tinkerbell86ca.livejournal.com]

Thirded.

[cherry-faery.livejournal.com]

I can see your point on the difficulty incorporating such a thing into one's wardrobe. (Not gonna lie, Fergie wasn't exactly pulling off the look in the picture in the SKINGRAFT link, in my humble opinion.) That said, I think that with a steampunk kind of flair, it could be done. Might take some experimenting but I have faith in your fashion abilities if you ever decide to tackle the challenge. :)

Also

[cherry-faery.livejournal.com]

Wouldn't it be possible to modify something like this where it would work better for someone with a larger bust?

Re: Also

[cupcake-goth.livejournal.com]

It probably would, but heaven knows I don't have the free time to try my hand at it.

Also, I think the whole point of those (admittedly cute) harness belts is to frame one's bustline. For those of us with larger busts, it's not like we *need* to frame them. :)

[savannarama.livejournal.com]

Agreed on all counts; the one Fergie was wearing was fitted strangely (or not fitted, as the case most certainly is). The second one fit the model, but if I can tell it's faux leather from a nice photo, it's not "good" faux leather that'll make people check twice in person.

I would wear an underbust as a modest D with a short waist, but I would have it extend to at least within an inch of the bottom edge of my ribcage, and preferably below, hell. :) And with the awareness that it will be a particularly costume-y look and yes, a little too oomph-y for some audiences.

[semy-of-pearls.livejournal.com]

I'd go with the Velvet Mechanism, personally. I understand the need not to over-accentuate the bust, but overall, VM has a better understanding on how to execute the look. The Skingraft belt/harness doesn't look like it supports a watch chain, let alone a garment.

[blutsauger.livejournal.com]

Hmmm, actually I think such a harness would look fabulous on you, just because you're a beautiful busty female. :) Maybe you don't need to accentuate your benefits, but you don't need to hide them, either. ;) Maybe the Infamous BlueJay would be so kind and create one for you? I'd think if the underbust part would be a tad longer (e.g. three or four buckles instead of two) so to say made to look more like a vest it would be perfect for you.

[cupcake-goth.livejournal.com]

Aww, thank you!

The Infamous BlueJay is rather busy at the moment, but I may see what she thinks of the idea. But you're absolutely right, the underbust part would need to be longer. (Which, as someone who is also ridiculously short-waisted, seems like an odd thing to say.)

[staxxy.livejournal.com]

which, in my mind, turns it into a bit of a halter under-bust corset/waist cincher more than what you have described here. Which would probably look grand.

[kibarika.livejournal.com]

I also am an incredibly short-waisted, excessively busty person who covets such items. I'm very satisfied with the look of the goddess waistcoat from Clockwork Couture. It does have a longer line than the two you link. I know it's not leather-look in any way, so it's probably not the precise kind of item you're looking for, but something with its shape might do. It does make the bosoms more noticeable, which isn't necessary, but it's not unflattering and, in my experience, pleasantly draws the eye to the narrower portions of the waist as well.

[jaborwhalky.livejournal.com]

Get from here its the same style but much much cheaper and the same leather and well made
http://www.etsy.com/shop/audrajean

[jaborwhalky.livejournal.com]

P.S
The VM are over priced , all they are is this plastic fashion belt with some keys and gears sewn on. You can get 12 of them via ebay for the price of one from VM
http://cgi.ebay.com/Push-Suspender-Faux-Leather-Corset-Belt-Cinch-Black-/160470449818?pt=US_Women_s_Belts#ht_4163wt_905

Just go on Ebay and look up key words
"Corset Belt
you will find a lot of them for dirt cheap and there the same ones used by VM

[cupcake-goth.livejournal.com]

The owner of Velvet Mechanism is a friend of mine, so if I *did* decide to get one of that style, I would buy it from her. I know you're being helpful, but I also like to support my friends' businesses. :)