Keep or Toss: Silk Teal Blouse - YouLookFab Forum

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Keep or Toss: Silk Teal Blouse

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

Here's a full, oversized kimono-style silk blouse that I bought several years ago, but it sees little action. Initially, I bought a black obi-belt to wrap around the waist, but due to my short stature, it never really looked good and the belt has been delegated to attending the next YLF swap.

I'm still undecided on the blouse, how to wear it and if it's a keeper or if it should go. It's 100% silk and very comfortable. These photos show it untucked with black skinnies. The scarf color is a tad off, but seems to work, and with my scrawny neck, I've opted for the the scarf over the necklace I used to wear. I'd love your opinions on this one. Thanks.

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Dressing

31 replies

Latest reply was from Vicki

catgirl

Veteran

Gosh you look hip. Still, I think it's a bit overwhelming on you. I wish I could think of a way to style it - the skinnies seem to be on the right track. Pencil skirt?

HelloKitty

Vicki, what happens when you try to tuck this in? Is it too much material? I would like to see it tucked into a pencil skirt. I'd also like to see it in the opposite direction, with wide leg pants (i.e. volume on volume). The blouse itself is lovely, but I'm not sure about the length.

That is a gorgeous scarf by the way!

Meredith1953

Veteran

The volume of the top looks a little overwhelming on petite you. Can you team it with an open vest or belt it with an obi? I know conventional wisdom is to team the volume of the top with a narrow pant but maybe a high waisted skirt or slouchy trousers? I LOVE the color on you!

kellygirl

Veteran

I 'm with Una. It looks too voluminous through the arms and body. You might be able to rein it in with a vest but I think there might be too much fabric at the armholes to make it sit right--even under a vest.

Lori

Veteran

I may be in the minority, but I love it, and think it looks great on you with the skinnies and and the scarf. I can see how it would look overwhelming with your arms spread out like that, but in reality, you don't walk around like that, right?!?!

jayne

Veteran

I am with Lori, I like the tiny skinny you under that volumn! It is a cute 'whatever' vibe because the top is so FAB!

I liked it best with scarf too

Anonymous

This blouse would be perfect for keepiong cool in hot weather, but I doubt that your area gets really hot even in Santa Ana winds. Still there must be some way to wear it. I like it with the black skinnies. Have you tried it with slim nearly-knee-length shorts? The scarf is gorgeous!

rae

(website)

Veteran

I feel there is too much volume in the arms, making them look disproportionate to the rest of slender you. If you really love it, perhaps you could shorten the sleeves, so that more delicate arm shows?

MsMary

Veteran

I'd love to see this over your yellow pencil skirt.

Emily

Veteran

I love the colour on you but it is really voluminous, especially in the sleeve. I wonder if the volume could be mitigated by altering the sleeves, shortening and adding a cuff, perhaps? You do look awfully sassy in the photos! I love that neckline with the little scarf and shades.

lyn67

Veteran

I don't mind the volume, I like that colour and paired with the skinnies, it's so efortlessy done! Just sayin' I still cannot recover from your once posted black&White polka skirt....:-) Can you try this with that?

ManidipaM

Veteran

Could you use the scarf itself as a belt? Maybe knot it into a bracelet to serve as buckle/extender? That might replicate the obi feel you were originally hoping for.

Personally, I think the body of the blouse is fine in terms of volume; the arms are more difficult. Can you perhaps cuff them once and hold the cuff in place with a single set of stitches? I think bringing the sleeve in closer to the elbow might do it.

Alternatively, adding elastic will also rein it in --- but that loses the lovely flowy feel of the kimono sleeves.

I have to say I love the colour on you, and hope you *can* find a way to wear it that makes you happy.

Last suggestion: How about white skinnies for more visual volume (since white advances) while keeping the actual volume of the bottoms calmer.

Claudia

Veteran

I think you should keep!

First, the color is just divine on you.

Second, there is something very charming, and hip as Una noted, about this top on you. I love the ideas of trying the white jeans and the pencil skirts, too.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I love the colour and fabric on you Vicki and can see why you were drawn to the piece, overall I feel it looks too large rather than voluminous on your petite frame.

MsMary

Veteran

I think you just need a beret and an artist's palette.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I'm afraid it seems like just too much shirt for you Vicki. I do love the colour though.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Actually, I really like this. It's a "look," but one I'm a fan of. Very, very arty! I love it styled with the scarf. From the photos, it seems to fit you around the bust and in the shoulders, which I think is key with one of these types of a-line blouses. How do you feel about the fit, Vicki? Does it fit in the shoulders? There is a lot of volume there so it's difficult for me to tell for sure.

Sona

Veteran

how about trying it belted and showing us? I am worried though that it is more my size than your tiny frame size!!

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

This is why I love all of you!!! You give me concrete solutions when I need them. Guess where it is? In my "staging" closet, waiting for the next "best home." So many of you have said that there's a lot of volume and it's true and Ana, your question about the shoulders is a good point. It IS a bit too drapey and shifts from shoulder to shoulder when it's on my frame, because of the deeper scoop in the neckline. Mary Lou, the idea of using this color with the yellow pencil skirt is outstanding, but I think it's just too big. Sona, I've been wanting to repay you for your generosity. Hmmm...could this be the way?!

I'm sending a big thanks and hugs to each of you for helping me clear my closet and feel good about it!!! Love, love, love.

Anonymous

Just commenting to commiserate. I love these boho style tops and often I have the same problem that you do with them *swallowing* me up. It might be great on Sona, though!

cciele

Veteran

I'd love to see it with the leopard skirt!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'd have preferred to see a slimmer sleeve cut on you, Vicki - but you totally pull off this look too! I vote keep. Gorgeous colour against your complexion

krishnidoux

Veteran

You have styled it to perfection. However, if you have not worn it until now, chances are you never will.

Being silk, and so unique, so comfortable, it would sell very well at a consignment shop. Go fish that belt back to sell it. Then use the $ towards a new blouse or tunic.

keruchina

It's such a beautiful color, and you look lovely in it, but the sleeves seem overwhelming to me, too.

Jonesy

Veteran

For me, it's the combo of the wide 3/4 sleeves and the smocking above the bust...two strikes against it :). I agree that the color is gorgeous on you!

HelenInCanada

Veteran

Gorgeous, gorgeous blouse. BUT I agree with many others here that it completely overwhelms your petite frame!

banananutmuffin

I love it, actually, even on your petite frame. But if you're second-guessing it, then I'd say it's a "no."

Beth Ann

Veteran

Keep it. Wear it in Paris. Any excuse to travel to Paris will do, and this has true Parisienne style. Seriously, I say "keep" if you've got the space in your closet AND if you're OK with having a piece you that you wear one way, once in a while. Some people need a carefully edited closet to avoid style confusion, but I don't. Sometimes it's fun to reach for something different and arty.

ButterflyLady

(website)

Veteran

It's a gorgeous colour on you, but I agree with the others that it's just a bit too voluminous on your slender frame.

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