Q&A about individual items, ensembles, and wardrobe

Revisiting the pirate blouse

I tried on the silk blouse for my husband and ofcourse all he could think about was Seinfeld and the big puffy shirt skit. Now, my husband does not claim to know anything about style and only commented because I asked him to. He really doesn't want to tell me what to wear.
Previously I had posted a picture of me wearing the dark blue one. Now I am posting a picture of the purple one.
Does this shirt just plain overwhelm me? How would you style it? Should I give up on it and stick to things that are not so trendy? Maybe I am too stick like to wear this much volume?
http://i288.photobucket.com/al.....use009.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/al.....use005.jpg

What a difference in the color from outside to inside photos. I much prefer the brown look of it to the bright purple.

Here is the blue one. If I was going to keep one which would you recommend?

http://i477.photobucket.com/al.....0557-1.jpg

The latest reply was from KristenKP . You can follow further contributions to the conversation through the RSS 2.0 feed.


22 Replies

Posted 2 months ago

I prefer the blue (i'm a big fan of blue).

The shirt has so much volume that's difficult to style, but I would try a vest.

Posted 2 months ago

I think a vest would be great too, and some long chain necklaces too. This billowy effect is hard to pull off, maybe try a slouchy belt? Definitely keep the pants as leggins or skinnies. The shirt would look much better if it was ironed. Sometimes I avoid fabrics that wrinkle while wearing.

Posted 2 months ago

How do you feel about tucking? You have such a great figure, I think you can totally pull it off.
Otherwise, check out the picture on the right for some styling ideas:
http://www.wardrobe911.com/wp-.....gboots.jpg

Posted 2 months ago

I think I prefer the blue, too. You can definitely pull of the style! I actually prefer it with black pants for some reason... maybe the outdoor lighting is throwing me off. I am not really sure about styling other than a vest (perhaps a longer one?), but it seems like a statement piece, so it woulldn't need very much.
Would you say the purple color is closer to reality in the outside or inside photo?

Posted 2 months ago

I've always thought "San would look fab in the purple shirt" too, and I still think so, but like Marianne, I'm wondering if the colour is closer to reality in the outside or inside photo (like you I prefer it darker).
That blue looks terrific on you too. I don't know, I can't pick;-)

AND, I think this type of blouse is made for you San! It is a statement, that's true, so it looks great as is (with skinnies and leggings). Maybe add a necklace too yes.

I can also see it with a waistcoat, buttoned and unbuttoned. And with a fitted blazer (unbuttoned, see Angie's blog post this week too). How do you feel about trying that?
Or with a fitted denim jacket + leggings? Or maybe a low-slung belt?

Posted 2 months ago

San, I can't make up my mind about the color. Both would look good with your black pants. Pick the color you might most wear for the holidays because this shirt will be perfect for the more casual holiday get-togethers. Have you experimented with belts and waistcoats and jackets? The fact that this voluminous shirt also has sleeve volume makes it special but also a challenge. I forget. Is the fabric a silk blend?

Posted 2 months ago

Look at how pretty your garden and hair is!

I prefer the blue hands down, and I’m all over the voluminous blouse look and think it looks great on you Sandy. But you have to feel comfortable wearing the look :0)

Posted 2 months ago

Have you tried belting? I like them , but it is easy to feel lost in so much fabric.

Posted 2 months ago

I love them both, but I have a thing for billowy, big-sleeved pirate-y shirts. In the past, I had shirts like this that I lived in because they were so easy. Not much accessorizing is required, yet you still look feminine and put together.

I guess if you have to keep just one, blue is the choice.

Oh, and I actually think you have the body that looks best in these! With my pear shape and short legs in these blouses, I would probably look like a weeble-wobble.

Posted 2 months ago

Good, good, good! I was hoping to get reaffirmation to wear the darn thing. I do love it and want it to work.
I was totally into the blue and didn't even try on the purple for weeks, until today. When I saw the purple indoors I loved it so much but outdoors it got very bright.
Joy this is 100% silk, made with the shiny side to the inside.
I have been mulling over what to wear with it. In my mind I come up with a waist coat that is long like a boyfriend jacket, or a boyfriend jacket. A jacket with 3/4 sleeves might be nice so the volume there would show.
I was at Nordstrom's today and I almost bought a boyfriend jacket made by Kenneth Cole. It fit very nicely but it was black with black lining so I wanted to think about whether I wanted a pretty lining so I could turn up the sleeves. It was only $99 which is a good price. I tried a Theory which was equally as nice but cost about $350, or something like that. The fabric was a bit nicer but I really do not want a perfectly dressy boyfriend jacket. You know, I want one that looks more average Joe.
I think I will take the shirt to the mall with me next week and see what I come up with.
Thanks.

Posted 2 months ago

Late in responding but wanted to add that I love the look on you and the blue is my favorite. I do not think it needs anything and as others have said it makes such a great statement on its own!

Posted 2 months ago

Great GG and everyone else who responded, thanks. It's good to know I don't have to add anything and can just wear and enjoy!
I might try the long strand of pearls too. This might be the perfect thing to wear them with. I have the charcoal and the pearly whites.

Posted 2 months ago

I think you look great in these blouses san. If I had to pick just one, I'd go for the blue. The outfit in the third picture with the black skinny pants and the blue 'pirate' style blouse looks *gorgeous*.

I'm not entirely sure there's any need to worry too much about styling or accessorizing these tops - they are quite fabulous looking on their own.

I really love the blue blouse and the black pants on you in the third pic.

Posted 2 months ago

Sandy! The Rack is selling really nice boyfriend jackets with contrast lining in black and black pinstripe for $42. A client of mine got one there with me last week and she looks KILLER.

Posted 2 months ago

Alright!!! Thanks Angie I'll go to the Rack soon!!! Yay for Angie and her "no stone left unturned"!!!!

Posted 2 months ago

San, I think you look amazing in this look. I have two billowing blouses like this and put my moto vest (of course) over them -- the contrast between the tough edge and billowy, silky blouse is great. A boyfriend jacket should have the same effect.

Posted 2 months ago

I hope you wore this yesterday - it was Talk Like a Pirate Day!

Posted 2 months ago

I am also late here San, but I think you look amazing in the blouse and you should definitely keep it. I like both colors on you, with the tiniest preference for the blue. In addition to BF jacket, you could also try a BF vest like this one ( I think they have it in black too):

http://www.express.com/catalog.....goryId=354

Posted 2 months ago

(Shiny, you crack me up).

Good thinking, Tanya. You need to be tall to wear a BF waistcoat like that and Sandy has enough height!

Posted 2 months ago

Oh I like that boyfriend waiscoat. I have had the thought in my mind but this is the first I have seen of one and I love the shape of it. Thanks.

Posted 2 months ago

Ha, Shiny, I was thinking the same thing. I love the blue on you, San!

Posted 2 months ago

Should I dare hope that the purple is one of the tops you are sending me? LOL, just kidding! :)

The blue is fabulous on you, I hope you are keeping. I do like the purple on you too, but the blue is just prettier with your complexion.

Posted 2 months ago