So now it's a few days later, & I decided it's time to ask for some honest feedback. I tried it on again, & it doesn't seem as bad as I remember, but still. Here's the top, as drafted:
and here's a possible option - I rolled up the overlay to give a vague impression of what it might look like as a neck band of some sort:
I'm thinking that my initial problem with it is simply that I had a vision of it turning out a bit more casual, but what I got was a bit more dressy. I just don't DO dressy that much, so I really think I wouldn't get that much wear from it. (and speaking of clothes you might not get much wear from, there's a whole side story with the fabric, but I'll tell that tale later!)
By the way, the drafting and fit on this top is awesome! I feel much better about the batch of LJ Design patterns I bought - if the fit follows suit, I will get some use of them! And this shell is destined to become a TNT - I really like the lines & the fit, so that part of it is a winner :)
So, dear readers, what do you think? Is it dated? Just not "me"? Will it look better on me if I lose the capelet overlay thingy? Any other suggestions?
Since I was in the garden, I took a shot of one of my all time favorite flowers (albeit still in bud mode) the Sunset Cala Lily:
