12.02.2009

Cream of the Crop

Kitty cats, as a prepubescent adolescent being exposed to the powers of MTV for the very first time, I was bombarded with images of the belly-baring Britney and the shimmy-shaking Shakira; both of whom seemed to share a fondness for crop tops that left the tummy exposed to tease the world – or at least whatever cute boys happened to be in your midst at that point in time. At that impressionable young age, it was enough for me to believe that no other accoutrement could top the fabulosity of the crop. Yet by the time I was of age to don one myself, I was uninterested in the look, and turned the other cheek. American Apparel has imposed a change of heart in my world. Once more I am convinced that the tops in question are truly the cream of the crop!

Riller & Fount “Kirby Crop Top” There is quite a bit to be said for a design that manages to bridge the gap between slouchy and seductive and comfortable and cozy, Riller & Fount’s Kirby Crop Top is it. While sporty in its aesthetic; the versatile charcoal heather hue coupled with the long sleeves and scoop-neck make it a simple style to morph from situation to situation – say inelegant slumming to an enchanting night on the town – with just a few minute adjustments or add-ons in the accessories department. Pair it with leggings and over the knee boots for a look that lengthens or toss it on over a skintight tank in a contrasting color for a touch of volume mixed with an offbeat, ethereal vibe.

Free People “Sheer Batiste Crop Top” Too many associate crop tops with afternoons or evenings spent sweating at the gym. The truth of the matter is that there is no rule stating that crop tops are solely sporty; they have the ability to be sophisticated and chic, as well – case in point Free People’s Sheer Batiste Crop Top. Forgoing the typical cotton or jersey fabrication, the Sheer Batiste Crop Top is constructed out of a semitransparent, sheer gauze which features ruching around the hem, shoulders, and back; and dips into 3/4 dolman sleeves sporting elastic banded cuffs which match that found around the hem. The silhouette is very earthy and free-spirited; perfect for pairing with distressed jeans for the ideal bohemian silhouette.

Wildfox Couture “It’s Only Rock – Cropped Jock Sweatshirt” Resisting the lure of Wildfox Couture is simply not an option. Even without the stellar photography displaying their designs in a more than fabulous light I would find it nearly impossible to resist their playful, oftentimes retro tops, and cropped offerings – especially the It’s Only Rock – Cropped Jock Sweatshirt. Like something out of Grease, the It’s Only Rock – Cropped Jock Sweatshirt is reminiscent of the letter jackets worn proudly by the popular boys whom we always lusted over. The vintage varsity wash has a weatherbeaten ambiance to it that is more suave than sloppy; while the contrasting shade around the hem and collar offset the fading to create one magnificent morsel you’ll never want to take off!

American Apparel “Interlock Zip Shoulder Crop Top” Darlings it would be downright devious of me not to include the design that started it all; the style which reawakened my obsession with crop tops and has virtually transformed my wardrobe into something more fabulous than I ever could have imagined – the Interlock Zip Shoulder Crop Top. Please don’t allow the zipper details about the shoulders to frighten you away. I am one who has never been fond of epaulets, and while the placement of these silver hardware embellishments is synonymous with that of the military-style, the effect is quite different – yet striking nonetheless. The one-size-fits-all piece is the perfect way to flaunt your toned tummy; or if you’re a bit bashful simply layer it over something stunning – like the Nylon Spandex Stretch Floral Lace Unitard. No matter how you wear it you’re sure to turn heads!

Pencey “Bow Tee” It is nearly impossible to imagine a crop top that works as evening wear, but Pencey’s Bow Tee is somewhat of an exception to the rule. While lacking the sequins or shimmer that are so often akin to pieces worn once night falls, the Bow Tee retains more of an urbane, Blair Waldorf influenced cut courtesy of the cuffed short sleeves, contrasting taupe toned mesh bow which is laced daintily at the front, and matching mesh detailing on the shoulders. As a whole, the black/nude shades juxtapose between light and airy and dark and domineering, a variation that could be awkward in another form, but works in the most mesmerizing of ways in this configuration – especially when paired with slightly baggy tailored black slacks.


Ready to join the crop top revolution, darlings?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Shopbop, Wildfox Couture, and American Apparel for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Shawl Talk Giveaway for your chance to win a Charlotte Scarf from The Shawl Shop.
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50 comments

Diane said...

love the Wildfox Couture and AA zip shoulder one. :)

Leah said...

Hahahaha! Erika, I want to join but I can no longer be a part of the crop revolution. I'm too old for this. My boys will hate me for life.

The black Superga with the flowers is mine. I bought it on sale here at 60% off because that's the last size available. Lucky me!

FASHION SNAG said...

I love crop tops! I adore the first one you posted. I have no idea how to wear them with all the snow around =) I want to be somewhere warm to wear a crop top! xoxo

www.FashionSnag.com

Keith said...

Hey Erika. I really like all of these. The last one is probably my favorite. It's very pretty. Thanks for your comment on my blog. Gotta go with George and The Beatles on "Something." Have a great day. Cheers!

michelle_ said...

woot for crop tops !
its one of my latest obsessions even though i dont wear it often . my tummy is very round, so not confident . haha .

love the free people one ! its soo chic ! can wear that with high waist leggins

thanks for your comment at my blog :D
i loveddd this postt !
enter my scarf giveaway handmade by myself here

Danielle @ Story of Style said...

Thank you for posting this! I think you just awoke a love for crop tops in me.


www.antiquatedtreasures.blogspot.com

English Rose ♥ said...

I used to hate crop tops but now I figure that if you've got the body and the confidence then why the hell not?!

fabulous post as ever darling =]

English Rose x

http://iamanenglishrose.blogspot.com

Chicago Chic said...

Ohh sexy indeed...and funny what you mentioned because I went and got a belly button ring as soon as Brittany Spears did... :)

xoxo
Rachel

E said...

i'm such a fan of the American Apparel one! The zippers are perfect!

Couture Carrie said...

Fab post, E! Love the title!

And that sheer crop top is tres sexy!

xoxox,
CC

Unknown said...

I know, crop tops are so awesome. I only have one, which SUCKS, but i am vowing to go buy some more soon. I love the old skool feel ones, and that wildfox one is GORGEOUS! how much? I'm in freakin' love.

Oh, yeah, thanks so much for your lovely comment! It made me smile.
Panda xx

Melissa Blake said...

Thanks -- I had no idea the crop look was coming back. Shows how out of it I am, LOL!

The Blonde Duck said...

This is the wrong time of the year for the crop top! I get way too bloated gorging on all the sweets! And no one likes a puffy belly in a crop top!

Closet Cravings said...

Love all of your picks. I can see myself wearing the Riller & Fount one just hanging around the house. So sexy and yet comfy.

Thanks for entering my giveaway too. =)

Unknown said...

I think that crops really go well with high-waisted trousers, to give that sort of slouchy look, but smart aswell. I really like the idea!

J'aime.

www.tinominosquared.blogspot.com

Damsels said...

i love the sheer top and the wild fox rock shirt ... i need a cropped shit for this show i want to wear and im going to try and find something similar or buy this one

Taylor Sterling said...

It looks cute on some girls, but I am 27 and too shy for this! :)

Erin said...

Power to girls who can pull this look off, its definitely a toughie... Although that Kirby crop top is really tempting.
maybe layered over a cami or something? that way you could wear it during the winter too.

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

I am soooo not a cropped top person, but I like that last one- the bow tee! So girly :)

grace said...

you say "cream of the crop" and my mind automatically drifts to whipped cream and creamy confections. perhaps this is why i don't wear cropped shirts… :)

Nubiasnonsense said...

I love the WIldfox one and the first one also. I've been part of the crop top phase already but I think I need some new items

Jen said...

Crop tops TERRIFY me! My stomach! Exposed! On display! On purpose!

I do, however, love the last look and wonder if it'd work over a casual tee? There's also a really cute sheer, sequin crop on ASOS that I think would look nothing short of fabulous (like my pun?) over a black vest.

I'm cheating a bit, but I'm definitely half way there!

Mimi said...

Great post! It does take a lot of confidence to wear a cropped top but I can easily see how these looks could be pulled off by anyone willing to give it a try. I love the Riller & Fount and AA tops. Lovely!!

chic femme said...

I definitely cannnot pull off this look, but I figure if someone has the stomach for it more power to them. It is really a cute look. :)

Sherin said...

I definitely remember envying the likes of Britney and Shakira and how they could pull off crop tops so well. My favourite here has to be the Riller & Fount one. It looks so casual and something I know I'd wear every day.

KP said...

love the look with high waisted xo

Tights Lover said...

Wow. That sheer top has me thinking about dropping everything and running to Free People right now. I love it!

Ela said...

They're fabulous that's for sure but I think I've surpassed the age limit (and physique) for bearing my belly - notice I can't say "abs". But I would definitely consider layering! The FO sheer blouse is lovely!

ana said...

If I had a pretty stomach! of course but I'm not sure right now... the last top is so lovely!!!

Nicole Marie said...

noo definitely not ready for that!! my stomach is def not ready!

Elizabeth Marie said...

I need to work it out with Steven the Trainer before this happens again...allllthough I love the AA. I could layer it.

Um, love you.

Winnie said...

I really love Wildfox...but cropped tops I only ever layer...I don't have the confidence (or a flat stomach) to be able to wear one as it is!

Emily said...

I love the look of the Free People crop top, but I don't know if I'd ever be brave enough to sport something like it.

Very chic though :)

Midtown Girl said...

The Free People & Pencey top are fabulous. Crop tops look so pretty with high waisted pencil skirts too!!

XOXO
Amy

Joanne Faith said...

I don't think I could possibly wear a crop top! Haven't see anyone wearing them here (yet?) mind you, though...

Caitlin @ Candyfloss & Persie said...

I wish!!! I did it in high school but that was because I also had no fat on my tummy, not the case now. haha. I love the looks you showed here!!

http://candyflosspersie.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Oh, I love crop tops (not so much for winter) hark back to the days of britney!
XOXOX
Libby
http://fashionconfectionairy.weebly.com

Dina's Days said...

Once I have solid abs (which would be never) is when I could get away with wearing a crop top!

la petite fashionista said...

haha so perfect; my roommate and i are watching the first season of One Tree Hill (2003) and commenting on all the midriff baring tops!

i like them now that i just got my hip tattoo!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I dig AA the most as I so often do! I would love to wear that over a bright tank. Nobody wants to see what the bambino did to my abs. Ah ha ha

Anonymous said...

the second one is cute :)

~ http://hellomisschic.blogspot.com

Rohini said...

Love the sheer one! Cropped tops are so adorable. Great post. =)
Xx

PS - I have a great giveaway on my blog - Ugg boots. Don't forget to sign up!

glee said...

guess what? i do have midrif tops. but i never got the guts to wear them out. there's one that i really like, i just wear it at home.

Sher said...

Oh I wish I was toned enough to wear a crop top lol!! I do love them!!

My faves are the 2nd, 3rd and 5th ones:)

Jennifer Fabulous said...

These are fab! I'm not sure I could pull off a crop top though right now. Lol. :P

yiqin; said...

The cropped tops are nice <3

All Women Stalker said...

I look down at my tummy and think "I'm not fit enough for these tops." :(

-meream

Rachel @ The Haute Notes said...

Ah, I remember years ago when Britney Spears was all about the crop top. And a lot of parents flipped out, of course. I love the American Apparel top. The zipper on the sleeves is a very nice touch. The Pencey Bow Tee is really cute. I adore the bow!

edef said...

croptops are so intresting, but they just don't work well on me.

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