DIY Cutout Blouse

Inspiration:

Who knew shoulderblades could be so scandalous!?

The blouse in the picture is (once again), from NastyGal.com

Their stuff is really cute, but usually overpriced. For example, this blouse is $58.00! I took one look at it and said, I can do this.

So I went to Ross, and bought a collared shirt. 

Expression (the process):

Step 1. Choose a shirt with a collar. Make sure it is woven fabric and not knit. I think knit fabric would be too weak for this process. 

Ross $13.99

I chose a loose-fitted boyish cut, because this look is all about balance. If you're showing some skin, the garment should be loose. When you're wearing something tight fitting that also shows a lot of skin it is a completely different kind of sexy. Not bad, just different ;)

Step 2. Put it on. Take a good look at it. Decide how low you're going to cut in the front. Mark it in some way. This is an important step because if you cut too low you will not be happy. Remember, you can always cut more.

I didn't mark mine because I used the plaid as my guide to cut straight across the front. The shirt I chose doesn't have pockets, but I think those would be helpful too if you're trying to cut straight.

Step 3. Start cutting! Cut along the edge of the collar, the shoulder seam, and the sleeve, and then straight across the front to the button placket and back to where you started. Do this on both sides of the shirt.

Don't cut the thread!

*Important* Cut along the stitching. Do not cut the thread, only the fabric! I turned my shirt inside out so I could easily see the thread of the stitching.  

Step 4. Put it on!

With bra

No bra

Keep in mind that the type of fabric you choose will greatly alter the way the finished product looks. I went with a plaid to make my little Seattle heart happy. It worked well as a guide for cutting too, and I think it makes the shirt look extra boyish for a great contrast with the open shoulders.
*Note* The edges will fray across the front unless you sew them. I think the frayed edges will add to the look, so I'm just going to leave them raw.

You can use the leftover pieces too:

I probably wouldn't wear these together, but the pieces were just big enough to tie
around my ponytail

Thanks for reading!

XoxO