Let’s thank our great grandmothers for getting excited about the blouse. Why? Because instead of having to switch out whole dresses to change our look, we can simply put on a different top or bottom. Before separates came along, dresses and something like 14 pounds of underwear had to be changed in order to be suitable for different occasions.
Now we can pop on a blouse, slip on a pair of jeans or slacks, and off we go! Then, when we’re ready to change things up, we just switch something out.
Take, for example, this look: I’m all business in my heels, ponte knit pants, cardigan, and art deco patterned blouse.
If I take off the cardigan and change my shoes and slacks, I’m ready to play (or stir up trouble, as the case may be).
Granted, our great grandmothers would more likely have been wearing skirts with their pullover tops, but the point is that the blouse provides more choices. One shirt can create two or more looks. Plus, it takes up less space in the closet than a big ol’ dress and all the under trimmings.
This particular blouse, a new style this year from Vince Camuto, has several features from the 1920s, including the v-neck, a deconstructed shape, and an Art Deco pattern. Take a gander at the image below to see what I mean:
One of the things I really like about this blouse is the pleating down the front. It creates a slimming line and conceals little pudges around my middle I’m not excited about. It has also become one of my favorite tops because it has so many colors that I can pair it with a number of skirts and pants.
Shop These Looks:
If you like either of these looks, I’ve created links below to make it easier for you to shop. Every item I’m wearing is available in petite.
For the business style:
Nic+Zoe cardigan | Vince Camuto blouse | NYDJ Ponte Knit trousers | Vintage Coach pumps: Similar here or here | My grandmother’s long strand black bead necklace: Similar here or here
For the casual style:
Vince Camuto blouse | Talbot’s ankle jeans in Oyster | Vintage Cole Haan laceless oxfords: Similar here
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I agree…the print of this blouse is beautiful and super versatile!! jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thanks, Jodie! I ended up wearing it 3 times in 1 week because it just went with everything I put it with. It doesn’t hurt that it’s incredibly comfy! I’m thinking about buying it in other colors and prints.
I love both styles, business and casual. The blouse is very nice. The colours are beautyful and you can combine the blouse with a lot of other clothes.
Have a nice evening
Sabine from Germany
http://www.styleuppetite.blogspot.de
Thank you, Sabine! Before I started this blog, I would never have bought that blouse because it has so many colors and patterns. But I’m glad I bought it because now it’s a favorite for the exact reason you mentioned — I can combine it with a lot of other things!
I hope you’re having a nice weekend!
– Sherry