By blouses I mean woven blousy tops. Blouses are often made of cotton, silk, viscose and rayon blends. Soft, feminine and pretty. I’m not referring to button down shirts or knitted tops, which are also fab, but in a different way.

I often have to stick up for blouses because they’re just not an item people gravitate towards. The laundering component puts people off because they’re not wash-and-wear. Blouses aren’t stretchy like a knit so no “cozy feeling”. They’re often perceived as dressy and overly delicate, which can be a drawback. Finally, they’re not perceived as hip.

Well, I hope to convince you otherwise if you’re not wearing blouses already. Here’s are five reasons that blouses are fab:

1. Blouses last much longer than knits: Woven fabrics look better for longer. Most knits pill and stretch out of shape whereas woven blouses hold their shape and luster for years.
2. Blouses create a more pulled together appearance: Even when blouses are casual, they tend to look more polished than knitted tops. Woven blouses are ideal for smart casual, business casual and business formal environments worn either on their own, or under a cardigan or jacket
3. Blouses are brilliant at concealing muffin top: Woven fabric does not cling like jersey knit. Instead it glides over the contour of a curve and provides great structure.
4. Blouses add instant textural interest: Blouses are usually made of more interesting fabrications than variations of jersey or stretch woven cotton. This is what gives them their instant appeal when matched with simple bottoms like jeans, slacks or a skirt.
5. Blouses are extra feminine: It’s as simple as that. Button down shirts have a masculine integrity while knit tops, although they can be feminine too, lack the character that a soft cascading blouse can provide.

I’m down to two knit tops in my wardrobe and don’t plan on adding any more (this is not to be confused with knitwear — I have loads of knitwear). They can be less practical than knitted tops, but I’ve made a style choice to stick to button down shirts and blouses because they suit my lifestyle and make me feel more pulled together. And at the end of the day, it’s all about how you feel in something, right?

Over to you. Do you like to wear blouses? If not, why not? Any chance I’ve caused you to rethink wearing blouses?

A selection of dressy blouses, both classic and fashion forward. There are countless style of blouses to choose from, so don’t let these particular styles put you off if they don’t suit your fashion persona.

In keeping with this morning’s post, here is one of my colour blocked pieces. It’s a black and cream mod-inspired frock that’s too short to wear on its own so I pair it with skinnies or leggings.

Colour blocked items make strong visual statements, especially when there is a high contrast between the colours that are being blocked. Personally, I like the strong statement, which is why I own the dress.

Usually I match this tunic dress with layered pearl necklaces. Sometimes I like to add a scarf instead of a necklace because it’s a soft flowing item that contrasts well against the rigid harshness of the colour block. An acquired taste for some, but I fancy the effect.

Although it is not a hard and fast rule, I generally stick to one colour blocked item per outfit. As much as I adore colour blocked shoes and handbags, the thought of wearing them with a colour blocked dress or top makes me dizzy.

Today kicks off a series of posts from myself and Maria from Colour Me Happy as we explore the overlaps between personal style and interior decorating. So read about why colour blocking has its place in fashion and style here on YLF, then stop by Maria’s blog and read about colour blocking as an effective decorating technique.

Clothing, footwear and handbags are colour blocked when different solid colours of fabric are juxtaposed to create a contrast (see the pictures below for examples), but you can also create a colour blocked effect by adding contrasting accessories and layers of contrasting items of clothing. For example, a bright pink blouse that’s belted at the waist with a bold yellow belt creates colour blocked effect.

Colour blocked wardrobe items take me back to the glorious fashion of the 60’s and 80’s, but it is still a popular design technique. Christian Louboutin colour blocks every single pair of his shoes by making the outside underside of the soles bright red no matter what the style or colour of the shoe. Very clever, different and quite the trademark.

There are several reasons why colour blocking is such an effective device:

1. It is an easy way to create eye-catching contrast: Quick fix time. A colour blocked item, or layering to create the effect is a fast way to make a colour statement because it breaks up the monotony of a flat colour. The contrast needn’t be bold though. Block together dark grey and black, or ink blue and charcoal and the visual effect is much more subtle.
2. It is a strong, graphic visual statement: It spells a clean and modern look. Remember Carlos Miele’s gorgeous colour blocked frocks at fashion week.
3. There is something undeniably fun about the vibe: I can’t tell you why colour blocked items make me smile but they do. They’re fun.
4. It creates a focal point: Colour blocking creates such a strong visual effect that it automatically becomes the focus of attention. And whether we’re talking about dressing your body or decorating your home, it is important that the overall picture has a focal point. Who says that your shoes or handbag can’t be the focal point of your outfit.
5. The effect is body-flattering when used correctly: If the colour blocks are vertical or diagonal, the effect can cleverly change your shape by making certain areas of the body look larger or smaller.

I love 60’s and 80’s fashion. Strong, yet simple ensemble statements, and bold colour contrasts. So needless to say I’m into colour blocking. I especially like black blocked with white or cream, or white blocked with a bright. But I probably enjoy the more subtle variations on the colour blocking theme even more, like black blocked with charcoal. Tipping is another subtle form of colour blocking that I really enjoy.

Do you appreciate colour blocking and incorporate it into your items and ensembles? If you don’t appreciate the look for your personal style, you might appreciate it more in your home so be sure read what savvy Maria has to say on the subject.

I’ll admit that I’m tough when it comes to the quality control of my wardrobe items. I have lower quality expectations for budget priced stores like H&M, but expect more from mid-priced retailers like Anne Taylor and Banana Republic. And I expect superior quality from pricier better-end stores like BCBG, or prêt a porter collections. To me, that’s a reasonable expectation.

But no matter what the price I don’t expect to see visible deterioration after one or two wears. An item of clothing, a pair of shoes or an accessory has got to give you more value than that. Surely.

Well, here are some disappointing updates:

• My new denim dress started tearing under the armhole after the second wear and the tears just got worse and worse. In the rag trade this type of quality problem is called “seam slippage”. It happens when the fabric starts tearing along the seams while the seams are still intact. I returned the dress, hoping it might be an isolated incident, but because Martin & Osa are going out of business they couldn’t give me a replacement. This was my favourite dress of the season and I’m irate.
• The pretty knitted grey, drapy dress from Melrose Street started pilling by the second wash. I’ll still wear it a few more times to super casual occasions but I’m left frustrated with knits all over again. With Melrose Street you do have to take into account that the price points are really low. And the other knitted item I received from them is holding up well. Still, I’m frustrated.
• Then there is the squeaky pair of Kate Spades. At least with this one I was able to nip the problem in the bud and return them immediately. As much as I love Kate’s shoes, I was disappointed to receive a pair with such an obvious quality control issue. I hope it is an isolated case.

Items aren’t meant to last forever and that’s fine by me because I don’t want to keep things forever. But I’d like to get through at least one season of wearing my new goodies before they fall apart or start looking shabby.

Have you experienced any frustrating quality problems lately?