Friday 6 March 2015

Different Ways of Accessorising a Blouse / Silk Top

There are signs that you are getting older not by birthdays but by fashion trends.

I thought blouses were very 1980's Sloane or the token 1980's corporate American female executive.  Alas like all things the blouse is reclaiming its place into the wardrobe.

Odd because I used to use the word "blousy" but in a less than positive way and yet now this article of clothing has been my most relied on since I purchased it late last year.

Most of you know I don't do many outfit posts so when
I do, it usually means that it has been a real stalwart.

This is the blouse.
Round neck with pleats on the neckline with a discreet opening with
an invisible reverse loop button at the front center.
It can also be worn as a V neck blouse without the button done.


The only other discerning feature is that the sleeves can be worn loose or tapered as there is a button.


I like brooches but all the brooches I have are either gifts or ones I took from my mother's stash.
This little lion cub was given to me when I was 25 and has been waiting patiently for me to use it. 


I wore it the day I got it and has been in the dark ever since.
I find brooches are one of the most difficult accessories to wear apart from hats.
It has to be worn with confidence because any doubt or shirking will outshine the accessory itself.
I think it works rather well as a feature button as the rest of the blouse is very simple.


The other brooch I have is this one I borrowed from my mother and I also use it as a feature button.


Coral is not a color that I wear or can wear but this black blouse serves as a platform where I borrow some color from the brooch and the blouse can sport a different mood.

Because of the lack of a defined cuff and the discreet button that tapers the end of the sleeve,
the blouse works well with chunky bracelets and cuffs.
I normally find the Collier de Chien hard to wear.


The CDC as it is commonly referred to while popular is hard to handle properly.
It is a statement piece so if not careful it can overpower the wearer.


But I finally found a blouse that I feel I can wear the bracelet without feeling overwhelmed by it.
I find they go well with either bare skin or a cuff less top otherwise it doesn't sit properly.
It's an item that either punctuates an outfit or can make the wearer look like a fashion victim.
I find this blouse even with its simplicity can see eye to eye with it.

I also find it comfortable and easy to wear with my red CDC.


I love cuff bracelets and am so happy that I can wear them with ease.

So much so that I wanted to order another blouse in a different color but it has since sold out...

Alas, no silk blouse is perfect.
It can hold its own with accessories that are normally hard to handle.
But due to its neckline and pleats it can't accommodate other popular accents like this pearl necklace.


Pearl necklaces have to have the right fall and the perfect length which depends on so many things.
One's neck, the size of pearls and of course in this case the marriage of neckline and necklace.

I thought any bracelet would just be offset by the blouse but for a lunch I tried an enamel bracelet and it just didn't do either the blouse or accessory any favours.


I have this sautoir that I enjoy looking at - in my closet.
Looking at because it is hard to wear sautoirs when one is above a B cup.
It really is meant for flat chested women.
It looks like this for one minute after two minutes of careful choreography until I move.

Then it dips and I end up fiddling with it.


I have tried to make it work by triple wrapping it but then once again there was the neckline issue.
Back to the box for you my dear.


A scarf was the first automatic reflex but I felt I was under swathes of fabric.


I thought a silk jersey scarf might be better because the fall is completely different to a classic twill but it lacked form and the fabrics just seemed to mold into each other.


But overall this blouse has gotten much use and has become my go to item.

It has since sold out but I bought it from my newly dependable brand called Winser London 
( link on name.)

I have found this so useful I am considering this pink blouse for the spring/summer.
Via Winserlondon
 I'm thinking the light pink and think this might be a better base for silk and silk jersey scarves.
Via
I hope you find an item of clothing that serves as a base for all the accessories lurking and lonely in your jewelry boxes!

P.S. I am off to Korea this weekend for a break so will be taking a small blog break and will be back in early April but I might be on instagram if my jetlag isn't too bad.
Stay safe and well and see you in April x

65 comments:

  1. Just beautiful, as you have it, with brooches and bracelets. I love simple elegance like this.

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    1. Thanks Lisa, I'm just happy to be ably to find ways to use my normally neglected accessories!

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  2. Thanks so much for your style tips. I've been crushing on silk blouses for a while now and haven't yet bought one. I think I will now.

    SSG xxx

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    1. I think getting the right blouse for you is key then you will get lots of wear from it! x

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  3. Funny, I just loved wearing blouses when I worked in London many moons ago, but since moving to San Francisco, I've not purchased any new ones in years. I now find I have none in my wardrobe and have been considering their purchase once again.

    I love your simple blouse and can understand completely why it is a "go to" item of ours. It looks particularly fetching with your mother's pearl brooch and all of your bracelets.

    Have a safe and fun trip and I hope you'll be inspired to write a few blog posts about your experiences there when you return. Bon voyage!

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    1. I was thinking of getting the classic and traditional bow blouse but think it is for slim women. I tend to buy block colors anyway but I like that I can finally get some use out of things just lying there! I hope I do have some experiences to write about CD and thank you!

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  4. Love your blouse - it has very elegant detailing on it. Always nice to find a piece that just works for you (although frustrating if it's now sold out in other colours!). I've also found myself attracted to blouses in the past year. Up until then I don't think I've owned one in years - more cotton shirts. I bought a Joseph silk blouse recently, which I've already worn a lot… maybe it's the drape of the fabric that makes it seem right at the moment? Much softer than a shirt to wear. Funny you write that about the CDC, as I find bangles hard to wear - they tend to be Summer only for me (so I can see you wouldn't get that many opportunities in London…!). As for brooches, another difficult thing to wear without feeling like the Queen Mum. FF pulls them off though, as do you with the way you're wearing them with the blouse. xx

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    1. I shoulda bought the ivory one!! and now of course I am looking for something similar and can't find it. This is why closets end up stuffed and I told myself not to hoard and now I have regret! I like cotton shirts too but there is more fiddling with cotton and the fit needs to be so perfect otherwise there is a kink in the fall and the way the fabric lies so actually it is hard to find one that fits me properly now. I have other big bangles I like but it didn't go bc they were more the dangling type. But I hardly wear my CDC's so am glad I found a way to wear them! But I am so happy that brooches are getting their day in the sun!xx

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  5. I love blouses.
    I would love them even more if I didn't have to iron them.
    The Aus label Nancybird does some beautiful prints, but in boxy cuts.
    They look great with pared back accessories.

    I love how our mate Faux Fuchsia is fearless in her accessorisation, and always looks great. x

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    1. This is a very easily ironable blouse that doesn't need heavy pressing. I usually don't do prints bc I find that they are not really value for cost per wear. Yes FF is fearless and accessories like a demon! x

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  6. Love it and am hoping the "spring/summer" blouse works out. Have a wonderful trip.

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    1. Hard to say bc they are an online store so will order one when I get back and see how it goes! x

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  7. Accessorizing can be tricky but I think you've figured it out with the brooches and cuffs. Well done, Naomi!

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    1. Yes it really needs to be worn bc a slight pleat or fall makes a difference - thanks Connie!

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  8. Love the accessories with the blouse Naomi. Very chic and understated. Specially the CDC. Think I want black and silver but will try on a few colours first. It's just a bit edgy which appeals. I'm an OTT accessories fan and wear lots at same time - from all sources: Op Shops, cheap and cheerful accessories places to Hermes and Chanel. Often mix them all together. Just my style though not yours or Heidi's. Was at the travel agency today checking out London hotels! Not too long now. Almost counting the days.
    Have a great time in Korea! Pammie

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    1. I like how it has the allure of jewellry but is actually casual too. I don't normally even wear my wedding ring and it really depends on my mood and occasion but I do want to start using things more and letting them have their day too :) Do let us know your dates Pammie x

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    2. Like the idea of wearing it with something dressy, eg my new fascinator for a garden party, so it has a bit of a casual, slightly gritty edge. At this stage expect to be in London only a few days, 30 June -3 July (will be in France for a couple of months before), when we take an early train to Cambridge for the reunion and a meet up with other old friends - a fabulous trip down memory lane.
      Fingers crossed for that afternoon tea in London? I know it's a very small window of opportunity.
      Have fun in Seoul! Have worked with two different women who'd both had postings in Seoul (at different times, years ago) and they loved it, especially the shopping. Happy times! Pammie xx

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    3. I hope I am here those days! How lovely you will be spending time in France during a lovely season too. But looking forward to tea!! Yes Seoul has great shopping and it is a exercise in restraint everyday! x

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  9. Love the coral with the black! And the pale pink silk is stunning!
    Have a great time : )

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    1. Coral is not normally my color but there is always a first! Thanks SJV and hope to catch up when I am back x

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  10. Really beautiful, I've always feared blouses but that one is really pared down and elegant, the brooches are a perfect add.
    Enjoy Korea - bring me back something crazy!

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    1. I feared them too but actually it is so easy to wear and can match most occasions. I might even start buying brooches myself. I will look for something wacky for you T!

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  11. I find blouses elegant and timeless. Your accessories are so beautiful! Pearls are my favorite jewels and that golden lion is sooo cute. I totally recognize myself in your description, I also have a lot of accessories that I just don't put, apart from my go-to pearl earrings. Laura

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    1. I think also that blouses didn't come in so many styles as they weren't so popular so it's partly because they modernized it that I took the plunge. I love pearls too but don't wear them as often as I should or like. I like the lion as well and I think he was happy to come out and play :)

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  12. Hello Naomi,

    This blouse looks wonderful on you. It has just the right amount of detail to lift it out of the ordinary without becoming too fussy. Your great style advice shows how versatile it is, making it quite suitable for wearing from breakfast to dinner if necessary.

    Jewellery is so much nicer, we think, when it comes with a sense of history. We rarely buy anything new and do not even possess a watch. But, it is sad to think of some of your beautiful necklaces and brooches languishing unworn in drawers, yes, make 2015 the year of wearing them!

    Korea sounds so wonderfully exotic. We do so hope to see more pictures from there as we very much enjoyed the images from your last trip. March is a tricky transitional month and it will be great to return for Spring in all its glory. Safe travelling!

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    1. Korea is definitely different but now less strange with all the mod cons of wifi and the web. I think And here is to wearing more jewellry :) But I hope you get an opportunity to go to Korea and spread your cheer!

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  13. That blouse is a winner. Love the summer choices too. Enjoy your trip!

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    1. Thanks so much Jen and congrats on being a Huffpost blogger!!

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  14. I find the CDCs difficult to wear as well . . . but because I think I am getting beyond the suitable age range for them . . . like wearing denim jackets, etc. Have a great time in Korea and if you ever visit the Songgwangsa Temple, an hour or two from Suncheon in Jeollanam-do, South Korea, please let me know if you think it's worth a visit or a stay. Happy Trip! :-) Emily

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    1. No - all ages suit it!! I have seen grandmother wear it and it really does work but having said that it depends on mood and the attitude of the wearer I think. Thank you and I will see bc I haven't really planned an itinerary and might go to Jeonju to eat bibimbap! :)

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  15. The blouse is a great basic and I love all the ways you accessorized it...enjoy your trip to Korea.

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  16. That blouse is another home run (still fondly remember the denim dress you previewed here) which you have accessorized beautifully.
    As mentioned above it's pared down but still interesting and looks fab with brooches or scarfs. I'm assuming this is now a Naomi wardrobe staple?

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    1. Very much a staple! Am packing it on my trip and on the lookout for any reissues in other colors!

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  17. I am so glad to see you including brooches. I have a few sitting in my jewellery box that I have stopped wearing. I stopped seeing them on anyone so was hesitant to bring them out but I love what they do for your blouse. Same with the cuff bracelets. I hadn't thought about finding a cuff less blouse. Time to find myself one. Thanks

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    1. Its such a shame to have things lying there and not making the most of them. I am just glad to have found an item of clothing that lets me make the most of items that finally see daylight! Hope to see you wearing your pieces soon!

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  18. You do fashion so beautifully. I particularly like the way you showed what worked and what didn't. Safe travelling. And I hope you will give us a post on the lovely silk summer blouse, which you are going to buy, of course. ;)

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    1. I thought the don't were more important actually!! Ha - I have a feeling your inkling might be right about the blouse as well! :)

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  19. That is the perfect blouse. Funny I've been watching that brand Winser London for a couple of years, if they shipped to Canada I would have ordered something by now I'm sure. They seem to carry well-cut, classic clothes.
    Have a safe trip and I'll check for your updates on Instagram. xo

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    1. They are rather good - for the price I find they really have good stitching and nice details that normally one has to pay triple the price for so I am impressed by them. I have a few things now from them that seem to wear well. I think they are expanding but it's odd for me to buy clothes without trying them first but it does keep prices down so I will put up with it! Thanks and see you on IG xx

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  20. Enjoy your travels you lucky devil and I've no doubt you will be taking this 'blouse' with you given it's versatility with all of your accessories. I love that you've done a fashion post with you in it Naomi and I admire the concept of the post in terms of showing the one blouse but with the different types of accessories it goes with - I particularly had my eye on that Hermes bling! xx

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    1. You would suit the CDC so well! It isn't really me so I don't wear it much at all!! Have a great March xx

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  21. Beautiful and versatile blouse. It's hard for me to pick my favorite look, but I think I like it best with a scarf.

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  22. I love your outfit post, you should do more, Kim Winser is like some kind of secret society, most of my friends wear it, few talk about it!

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    1. I would if I thought it was useful but I am such a boring dresser! Winser is so good - the online zara!

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  23. Love that blouse on you! You accessorize it so beautifully. I almost, almost caught a glimpse of your face stylish lady! Excellent style tips. I'm off to look at the links, then I'm off to Mexico tomorrow. Enjoy your vacation, Naomi!
    xx

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    1. Thanks Heather - gather you are back from holidays like I am xx

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  24. The blouse is excellent and I love how you have accessorized it. It really brings the blouse to life! The silk looks sumptuous and the blouse itself looks like it is really well made. Hope you're doing well and that you are having a nice break! :-)

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    1. it is relatively crease free and has a stretch to it. Hope you are keeping well and getting good grades :)

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  25. Looking so stylish, smart and sophisticated! I hope you are enjoying Korea and all that yummy seafood. Love the peeks on Instagram. BTW, I have two nieces who are half Korean. We love going out for soondubu jjigae - extra spicy!! Cheers

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  26. Love this post! You know I am a huge fan of brooches so I love the ones you've shown. As for the CDC, it's too big for me, I can't pull it off so I bought a Hapi 3MM instead and love it. I have my eye on a Van Cleef & Arpels vintage Alhambra bracelet in either onyx or malachite with yellow gold. Shhh!!!! Don't tell, it will have to be our secret. I am saving for it! I hope you are having fun in Korea. I visited Seoul once and it was one of the best trips of my life. I need to go to midtown Manhattan for some kick-ass Korean bbq. That sounds so good! XO, Jill

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    1. I miss Korean food in Ktown there! I used to go once a week...I am now finally getting around to wearing my brooches bc it was ending up like some store in my closet! I love the onyx and malachite and funny enough those two are on my list of - hmmm - how do i rationalise this! Hope you are well Jill xx

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  27. This is a very elegant little blouse, Naomi, it's great when you find an item of clothing that feels exactly right. I like it very much with the first two brooches. The orange brooch seems a little too slight. I usually get necklaces shortened when I buy them because I find them easier to wear as a round, collared sort of shape without any dip. I find a sautoir almost impossible to wear (although I don't have much of a bust!) The cuffs are spot on with this blouse but I think that the scarves just over-ride it. Altogether a really interesting post.

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    1. I know what you mean by maybe being slight but for me the color punch makes it even out :) I love the idea of a sautoir and would have bought more if I didn't have this issue. But thanks for the idea bc maybe I can ask them if they might shorten it?

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  28. Gosh am loving that blouse, so versatile and all that affixed to it Naomi, looks wonderful on you. Think my fave is the wee pin and that reddish scarf.
    I love those high close necklines but cannot do anymore. Counterintuitively they really emphaize my scraggy neck. Bummer because I used to really suit them and they are so chic.

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    1. You have such a long neck - I really am starting to moisturize bc I have rings like a fat baby's arm on my neck...

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  29. Naomi, the Winser London blouse is on Easter Sale this weekend in navy and black. Hope your trip was a success. (Loved your insta-pics - don't think I was able to comment though. Sorry). So very glad you are back. XXsue

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    1. Hi Sue - that was so sweet of you to let me know! But guess what - I found and remembered bc I found the box of unopened ordered clothes and I had already got an ivory one too! phew. I am terrible...xx

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  30. I love this blouse and the pleated edge especially!... I love the large brooch and the pearls. The neckline is so flattering. I find that I rather love blouses/shirts buttoned to the throat sometimes - it's a different, neat sort of look!! xx

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    1. Yes I think there isn't enough round necks without collars too. It's the little details on such a blouse though and it makes such a big impact with pleats. Hope you are well xx

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  31. whoah this weblog is great i really like studying your articles. The blouse is excellent and I love how you have accessorized it Keep up the good work!

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