Lookbook: Navy Bows + Ivory Lace

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Blouse and skirt (from 2011) c/o Modcloth, Target sandals, H&M; bag, Michael Kors watch
“On the Mark” necklace c/o Stella & Dot

I don’t have many items from Modcloth, but the pieces I do have are very special and garner so many compliments. This versatile blouse is no exception, and I have to thank Jess of what jess wore for enabling. I had been eying it online, but was unsure about the fit. After reading Jess’s thorough review, I didn’t waste two minutes before pulling the trigger!

Simple studying outfits w/ Theory pants (similar) + AT pumps, and H&M; shorts + Cole Haan flats
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I wasn’t able to post a timely review, but did share photos via FB/Twitter so I hope some of you were able to grab this blouse. It was out of stock the last I checked, but there is a restock signup list. They order based on demand, and the restock list is actually how I was able to snag this lace skirt last year.
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This is one of those blouses that work equally well tucked…


…or untucked. I usually advocate tucking tops in + belting to define the waistline, but there’s something easy and effortless about an A-line silhouette. I temporarily hemmed this skirt to balance out the volume on top. Which do you prefer – flowy and free, or tucked and defined?
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Because the material is very thin and pliable (and sheer – you either need a camisole or seamless nude bra), it drapes nicely on smaller frames even if the fit is roomy. I usually shy away from shoulder seams that go so far past my natural shoulders, but this top hung smoothly. I’m wearing a size S here and it can probably accommodate someone 1 to 2 sizes up as well. bowlace5

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There’s so many features here that I appreciate from all angles: button-down back, grosgrain ribbon trim, sleeve cuffs, and of course the two pretty bows. There were definitely no shortcuts taken with the details on this blouse, making it look worthy of it’s $42.99 price tag. If you have a plain top and some buttons and ribbon, this could be a great candidate for a DIY project. My only concern is that the bow corners might show wear, so I’ll be sealing them up with clear polish or some anti-fray.
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Thank you to Nick for editing this set of photos! : )
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86 Comments

  1. Rosie wrote:

    amazing look very classy

    http://www.lifeisjustrosie.com

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  2. ladiesgofirst wrote:

    What a great outfit!!! THat shirt is adorable, and versatile, seems like you can wear it with so many different outfits!!!

    Nurse Frugal
    http://ladiesgofirst.wordpress.com

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  3. Michelle wrote:

    That blouse is great! It reminds me of Sailor Moon!! 🙂 And I love the multiple styling ideas…they all look great!

    And I love that necklace! I am on the lookout for some daintier necklaces for my collection. 🙂

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  4. Jessica Broyles wrote:

    Love this look! That skirt is amazing on you!

    http://www.highheelstosneakers.com

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  5. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    I don't expect everyone to dig the same items because fashion is subjective, and that is why I welcome differing yet respectful opinions like yours. I do want to share a little about my thoughts on c/o items, as I understand the connotations associated with items that aren't paid for by bloggers themselves. When I first started blogging, I was so excited to hear from brands that I exercised little discretion with showing gifted items – which I regret. Having the opportunity to work with brands, however, is an undeniable positive of blogging, and I admit I struggle at times to find the right approach.

    Over the past year, I've turned to personally contacting brands that I want to work with and asking to try select items that are in alignment with my style/blog. For every c/o item shown on here there are about 10-15 items that I selected and tried on, but sent back due to fit or quality concerns. I share my honest feedback with the company (one of the biggest pluses, IMO, of working with brands) and also discuss adjustments made with any c/o items on here (as with 2 skirts from Modcloth that I altered at home) just like I would with any purchase. I love wearing this blouse as-is and would not choose to make any fit adjustments on it – but again, that is my personal opinion on a subjective topic : )

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  6. 20 York Street wrote:

    Oh I am loving the top but definitely tucked in!
    I liked defined waist and silhouette though you got a point, sometimes its nice to be just care free!

    oxo,

    ML
    TWENTY YORK STREET
    Follow @20YS on Twitter : @20YS
    Follow @20YS on Facebook: TWENTY YORK STREET

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  7. Lydia wrote:

    I've been reading your blog for awhile now and I think you're such an inspiration 🙂 Especially for petite asian girls like me… I love learning how the length of a skirt or the fit of a dress makes so much difference and especially love all your looks. Thank you so much! 🙂

    Lydia
    http://www.theyoungertwingirl.blogspot.com

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  8. octoberchic.com wrote:

    you always looks so amazing!!! i love your outfits!!!

    octoberchic.com

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  9. Always Maylee wrote:

    I am totally in love this blouse, it is just so cute! Love the lace skirt too, so pretty and feminine.

    xo, Yi-chia

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  10. FashionCherry wrote:

    Your outfit is so pretty – perfect could be the word to describe it even. It's so elegant and classic. 🙂

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  11. ♥ Natalie wrote:

    Amazing, I love it! Especially the jeans <3

    ♥♥♥

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  12. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    I don't think so…just the submit. If it comes back in stock you should receive an email : )

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  13. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Hi Shenan – it's currently out of stock but I linked to the signup list for a restock notification : )

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  14. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Hi there – I don't have any set numbers personally (I think that makes it a little too serious) but it is easy to tell when the closet is getting a little too stuffed and in need of a cleanout through either selling or donating. Again, I don't have any set numbers but I think a few pieces for everyday wear (jeans, blazers, pencil skirts, blouses, basic pumps, sleek flats) plus a few special occasion items (sheath dresses, jewelry, special shoes) makes for a well rounded wardrobe.

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  15. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    This might sound bad but I try to wash infrequently and just be more careful when wearing them. I dry clean once every few weeks and usually don't machine wash items unless they are jeans, tees, or 100% polyester, because machine washing/drying items will fade them and make them look more worn.

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  16. Anonymous wrote:

    Not digging the top. Especially when it's not tucked in, it looks like a hospital gown or a nightshirt. Even considering that the fit is supposed to be loose, there are fit adjustments you can make. I notice that for items you pay for, you analyze the fit/style with a very keen eye (which is what I love about this blog). You even find things that most people would not even think about. But for c/o items, you either intentionally or unintentionally don't apply the same keen eye.

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  17. myhanh wrote:

    flowy and free! I love the surprise button details on the back. Did Nick do some special photoshopping on these photos we would giggle about? 🙂

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  18. budgetbrunettes wrote:

    i love this top. it's so sweet on you. i really like it when you do reviews on clothes…..keep them coming!

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  19. Annabelle wrote:

    Great top! I may sign up for that waiting list…

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  20. MCS wrote:

    This outfit is so cute on you, and it looks like it fits so well. I'll be checking out Modcloth soon

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  21. Mady wrote:

    the blouse is so cute, i like it better tucked in…love your outfits!

    xoxo
    Mady

    thegirlfromthemirror.blogspot.com

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  22. DaintyandDecadent wrote:

    That skirt is too too cute! I love how you styled it with the skirt because it is a different look 🙂

    Maria
    http://www.daintyanddecadent.com

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  23. Desiree Choo wrote:

    I love your skirt dear!!

    http://thosefuzzyfeelings.blogspot.com/

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  24. AubreyOhDang! wrote:

    not sure how i prefer this shirt styled w/the skirt. mb a different skirt all together. I like it tucked into those black theory pants the best.

    here's what i really like abt this shirt aside from the buttons & bows. the length of the sleeves. I like that it's just slightly below the elbows. looks like it was made more for a petite.

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  25. uniqlos wrote:

    I signed up for re-stocking haha. Was there any thing else I needed to click? Because there was no button to press telling me my request went through.

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  26. Jan Banks wrote:

    Love how you're exploring different silhouettes! 🙂

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  27. Kimberly wrote:

    Love this outfit! The blouse is very flattering and it looks great paired with a lace skirt and brown accessories.

    http://skinnyjeansandotherthings.blogspot.com

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  28. Felicia Tan wrote:

    loving the blouse, the bows are super cute x
    and always love a lace skirt 😀

    http://dancing-in-high-heels.blogspot.co.uk/

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  29. Suzie Q wrote:

    I love the blouse and the various ways that you styled it! Such a pretty lace skirt too =)

    xoxo
    Suzie Q
    http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  30. HeadTurner wrote:

    Your style is always simple but amazing! ♥

    http://blowarainbow.blogspot.com/

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  31. Annette wrote:

    The top is so pretty. I really like the top untucked on you – it's gives the look a perfect balance of casual and chic. I hope your week is off to a fabulous start.
    Annette
    http://www.iheartvintagecouture.com

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  32. Jess wrote:

    I'm loving every single outfit you put together with this blouse! <3

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  33. Shenan Shenandoah wrote:

    The top is gorgeous! Both tucked and untucked are beautiful on you, and I especially love the look with the black pants! You look sharp in it! BTW, does modcloth still have the top? I couldn't find it on their website…

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  34. dietingfashions wrote:

    I like it tucked in and belted on you. When it's free and flowy, the outfit appears more matronly. The shirt is really cute and looks like it could be an easy DIY.

    Helen

    Posted 6.12.12 Reply
  35. Jen wrote:

    Love the colours in this outfit, Jean! I feel like that blouse has the potential to look a little kiddish but you've styled it beautifully in all three looks. I prefer the tucked in version for the same reason as you do, but it looks wonderfully casual and relaxed the other way!

    xo
    Jen

    Posted 6.11.12 Reply
  36. Erin wrote:

    I love the beautiful navy piping and bows. You styled it so well too!

    -Erin-

    Posted 6.11.12 Reply
  37. jenn~the stylish housewife wrote:

    that blouse is adorable! i think i like it best tucked in. SO cute!

    xoxo, jenn
    the stylish housewife

    Posted 6.11.12 Reply
  38. Miriam wrote:

    what a cute top!!

    Posted 6.11.12 Reply
  39. Anonymous wrote:

    Great idea about the DIY! I have a plain white blouse that I think I could do a version of this on.

    Posted 6.11.12 Reply
  40. Anonymous wrote:

    Great top, love it with the lace skirt! You mentioned once that you have a tiny closet and limit your items clothing accordingly, do you have a set number of items that you won't go over, like seven skirts or ten blouses? Also, in your opinion how many items are needed for a well rounded wardrobe?

    Posted 6.11.12 Reply
  41. Anonymous wrote:

    I love the untucked style, it's so relax and elegant and chic

    Posted 6.11.12 Reply
  42. Anonymous wrote:

    Love, love, love!

    Posted 6.11.12 Reply
  43. SewPetiteGal wrote:

    I think I generally like tucked and defined with the pants and skirt, but flowy with the shorts. I pinned your top a while ago to my Pinterest DIY board and am excited to try my hand at it in the near future 🙂

    Posted 6.11.12 Reply
  44. The Hsinru Social wrote:

    for some reason, I think this is my favorite post to date.

    Posted 6.11.12 Reply
  45. Sarah Xie wrote:

    beautiful! how do you take care of all your beautiful clothes?

    Posted 6.11.12 Reply
  46. Anonymous wrote:

    Just gorgeous!

    Posted 6.11.12 Reply
  47. Elle wrote:

    This outfit is too pretty, I adore this top! It looks better on you than it does on the modcloth website.

    Nick did a terrific job with these pictures! 🙂

    Posted 6.11.12 Reply
  48. Kat wrote:

    Love the lace skirt! I think you did a great job snagging up the right one! The top is adorable too!

    kat
    aneyeforfashion.blogspot.com

    Posted 6.11.12 Reply
  49. Tinacious Me wrote:

    fabulous top! I love the way you styled it!
    Tinacious.Me

    Posted 6.11.12 Reply
  50. Natasha Fatah wrote:

    That is a very cute top!
    You look great!

    xoxo
    ~Natasha Fatah~
    ~Natasha Fatah~

    Posted 6.11.12 Reply

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