oxford shirt hack

i have always loved blue/white stripey oxford shirts. i usually have at least 2 on hand, always thrifted.. sometimes fitted for boys, sometimes oversized men's. i found this XXL one a few weeks ago and have been stewing over what to do with it. this morning over coffee i figured it out and here we are! you know i die for 50s style swimsuit tops with petal busts, fins, wings, etc. with the shirt collar half of the work (the hard part) is already done for you.

i used the top bit of an 80s pattern w the bust shape i wanted to draw my cutting line right onto the shirt w tailor's chalk. i pinned the sides to fit my dressform and just cut & hemmed straight across the back. i pinned the bust darts in place while i was trying it on to be sure it stayed up on it's own (gravity tends to get the better of me w strapless things.)
for the fins i cut the collar right in half and shaped and stitched it to fit onto the bust line i had established.
the whole thing took about an hour from conception to trying on all different stuff with it. btw it goes w everything... leather pants will be hot.. cut offs... baggy jeans.. high-waisted secretary skirts... preppy printed shorts.. vintage pleats. o and alone as a dress too :D