Cross-seasonal baroque: Printed blouse + ivory bell skirt

baroque blouse ivory skirt1 Blouse c/o Grace Stars (use code ep20 for 20% off; free shipping within Canada)
Louboutin simple 85 pumps, thrifted wool skirt (also worn here), vintage ring from eBay

Colorful printed pieces are great for getting dressed in a rush, as you can mindlessly choose one color in the pattern to highlight with similar-colored solids. I loved the baroque print on this top from Grace Stars with a dark navy backdrop, rustic gold “chains,” and splashes of bright blue, marigold, and fuchsia. I wore this outfit to dinner during an unseasonably warm day this month, which sadly has not repeated itself.

baroque blouse ivory skirt2 I can see this with dark slacks in the winter, and either a vibrant color or fresh white for fall or spring.baroque blouse ivory skirt4
Left: J.Crew No. 2 wool pencil skirt in petite (altered),  Right: J.Crew wool cafe capris (shrunken)
Both on clearance and get 25% off $150+ w/ code LOVEJCREW


This top is only available in one size (XS/S), and fits similarly to an H&M; size 4/ European size 34. Measurements are: 17″ across the chest, 12″ across the shoulders when measured at the seams (14″ including the sleeve puffs), 22.5″ sleeve length, and 29″ total length (tunic length). The material feels chiffon-like and is lightweight 100% polyester, with the torso lined in a black material.
baroque blouse ivory skirt3 The XS/S is a casual fit on me, unaltered, and I like that it doesn’t billow out too much when tucked in. I wasn’t a fan of the embroidered high collar, and have been wearing this top with the collar folded down inside. The only sewing alteration performed was on the sleeves. I removed the elastic from the sleeve openings, slimmed them both about an inch, and hemmed the length to hit right below my wristbone:

Elastic —- > Elastic undone (not yet hemmed)
baroque blouse ivory skirt5
baroque blouse ivory skirtReaders – Are you a fan of baroque prints? It’s something my grandmother would wear, but I love the intricacy and the historical influence.
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42 Comments

  1. Dee wrote:

    The blouse is pretty and I like all the 3 ways you styled it. I have a similar cheaper version from F21. I used to think it is too busy for work, but now I have ideas on how to pair them. Thanks.

    yamkantravel.blogspot.com

    Posted 4.11.13 Reply
  2. Nicole wrote:

    Wonderful outfit! Baroque prints are great and make a outfit more fabulous!

    Kisses from Hong Kong,
    Nicole

    Posted 3.29.13 Reply
  3. AlexisB wrote:

    Love the print! It looks so great with the pink pants. Very classy. As long as you wear it with modern items it won't look granny-ish at all.

    I liked the elastic at the wrist on the blouse. I have a blouse I need the sleeves taken up on and might ask my tailor to use elastic. However, I don't think elastic at the wrist would look good with a blazer. I'll have to think about this more . . . .

    Posted 3.27.13 Reply
  4. miriam wrote:

    Can you do a tutorial one day on how you get your hair to look like that?? I'm asian and have flat, straight hair… would love to learn how to make it look volumized like that!

    Posted 3.27.13 Reply
  5. GEMMA wrote:

    Such an amazing outfit:) Love it!!!

    Check out my blog: http://www.gemmamonclus.blogspot.com

    Love, Gemma

    Posted 3.27.13 Reply
  6. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Hi Sherry – definitely, the key is in the outfit pairing and even smaller things like hairstyle/makeup. A tailored pencil skirt or sleek slacks will help keep the look crisp and fun versus dowdy.

    Posted 3.27.13 Reply
  7. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Thank you for your kind words! I completely agree – very few items are made to fit specific body types right off the rack, thus can usually use some tailoring. I'm trying to convince myself not to buy things that I am too cheap to alter/get altered to fit properly, but it's tough!

    Posted 3.27.13 Reply
  8. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    I got them at Nordstrom a little over a year ago – they were about half off found by Elle at Fast Food and Fast Fashion as a customer return.

    Posted 3.27.13 Reply
  9. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Hi Lyndsey – welcome and thank you! I usually try to splurge only on pieces that can be worn often, such as shoes, bags, or outerwear.

    Posted 3.27.13 Reply
  10. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Hi there – As mentioned in the post I folded the collar down (and posted some measurements – fits true to size for XS).

    Posted 3.27.13 Reply
  11. lisacng @ expandng.com wrote:

    I would have never of thought to wear such an ornate print and still look modern but I think you did a great job!

    Posted 3.26.13 Reply
  12. Chicago Sherry wrote:

    Your thoughts, is baroque a 20/30 something thing or would the look work on someone older?

    Posted 3.26.13 Reply
  13. CrisCee wrote:

    If you have worn a pattern or a style, it must be the most forward fashion news! As always, you lead the real world fashions with styles everyone can enjoy! Thank you!

    Posted 3.25.13 Reply
  14. Amber @ EasyPetiteLooks.com wrote:

    i love this print on others, but for some reason don't feel comfortable wearing it myself. its awesome for the matching potential, i agree. i can't get over the grandma feeling, tho!

    Posted 3.25.13 Reply
  15. Chica-Esperta wrote:

    I own an ivory skirt just like yours (DIYed) but hadn't thought yet of pairing it with a printed blouse! You've opened up so many new outfit options to me!

    I'm a long time reader and fan, found your blog while looking for tips for petites (I'm 4ft11, 110lbs). Thanks to you, now my clothes work for me rather than against me and I love fashion (I used to dread it as I drowned it too big clothes and looked frumpy).

    I'd have to say that the best tip so far is to tailor EVERYTHING. Your alteration tips have been invaluable! Thank you so much!

    Posted 3.25.13 Reply
  16. Christie wrote:

    This is such a lovely boroque printed top. Definitely a unique item and I love how you paired it with different colors! You look amazing.

    xo,

    Christie

    Posted 3.25.13 Reply
  17. andrea wrote:

    I'm normally not a fan of baroque prints like this, but I love the pieces you paired it with, especially the fushia cardigan!

    xoxo,
    Andrea

    http://www.andreaeveryday.com

    Posted 3.25.13 Reply
  18. phiphis blog wrote:

    you really wear baroque like no other – giving me inspiration to find one that works. you styled this perfectly.

    xox P

    Posted 3.25.13 Reply
  19. Joanna Le wrote:

    Love this particular print! It is definitely a hard pattern to wear, especially on Asians.. You've pulled it off very well! Love that you could pair this with both bright and dark colours.

    http://www.xjole.com

    Posted 3.25.13 Reply
  20. Petitefemme wrote:

    I love white skirts, we can wear them with a lot of thinks, like a navy top ! You can see mine on my blog 😉

    Posted 3.25.13 Reply
  21. Tatanky wrote:

    I really like the way it looks with the yellow skirt. It looks great on you but I'm not sure I'll dare to wear it myself.

    Posted 3.25.13 Reply
  22. SincerelySammie wrote:

    I love the J.Crew cafe capri on you!

    Posted 3.25.13 Reply
  23. FashionEdible wrote:

    I actually kind of like it! I see the print everywhere (skirts and dresses especially) and find it to be regal and classy. Nice sleeve alteration – I think it looks better!

    Posted 3.25.13 Reply
  24. sarahsreallife wrote:

    I think the print works only because you went very young and trendy with the mini skirt and shiny pumps. That's what keeps it from looking too grandma!

    ~Sarah of Sarah's Real Life

    Posted 3.25.13 Reply
  25. farah wrote:

    I really love the baroque print though I don't think I'd be able to pull it off, sadly, But it works a treat on you! In fact, the whole outfit does. Especially loving that skirt too!

    Posted 3.25.13 Reply
  26. chocolatefashioncoffee wrote:

    such a lovely blouse! 🙂

    http://chocolatefashioncoffee.blogspot.ro

    Posted 3.25.13 Reply
  27. jenn~the stylish housewife wrote:

    i am in LOVE with that print…granny-ish or not…i LOVE it!

    xoxo, jenn
    the stylish housewife

    Posted 3.25.13 Reply
  28. Anonymous wrote:

    omg. love the color of your shoes. where/how much did you get for?

    Posted 3.25.13 Reply
  29. aiyana jane wrote:

    love the baroque with the simple white skirt, looks stunning on you
    xo,aiyanajane
    http://www.citystylecountrysmile.com

    Posted 3.25.13 Reply
  30. Lyndsey wrote:

    I just found your site and absolutely LOVE it. Are shoes usually your splurge item?

    Posted 3.24.13 Reply
  31. Suzie Q wrote:

    I don't have any baroque prints in my wardrobe yet, but I love how you showcased its versatile wear with various pairings. I love the bell skirt!

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

    Posted 3.24.13 Reply
  32. Anonymous wrote:

    Did you remove the high color and slim the sides or does it run small?

    Posted 3.24.13 Reply
  33. Angel wrote:

    Baroque is making a comeback and rightfully so! I love an intricate print, and it is so appropriate for work 🙂

    Posted 3.24.13 Reply
  34. Keira Nicole wrote:

    You did such an awesome job with the pairing jean!! 🙂 I love love love reading your blog

    Posted 3.24.13 Reply
  35. lin wrote:

    looking lovely as always, jean. i like all the pairings you did here. i've been eyeing some patterned blouses but haven't purchased them yet, you're really tempting me though. hehehe.

    Posted 3.24.13 Reply
  36. Fauxionista wrote:

    I can't say I love baroque prints as for me, it depends on the print. That said, I do like your top, and the versatility of it, pairing it with different colors. Love the pairing with the wool capris.

    fauxionista.com

    Posted 3.24.13 Reply
  37. Rachelle wrote:

    Love Baroque, the print is so rich just like the scarf print. Love this blouse and it look so good with the purple pants.

    xo
    http://pinksole.com

    Posted 3.24.13 Reply
  38. Theresa wrote:

    LOVE the top with the pink pants!! That tone brings out more of the colors in the pattern.

    Posted 3.24.13 Reply
  39. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Thanks so much! I'm seeing quite a bit of this print around – hope you find one that you love.

    Posted 3.24.13 Reply
  40. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    My apologies – just fixed it. Thank you!

    Posted 3.24.13 Reply
  41. Anonymous wrote:

    The "also worn here" link after your thrifted wool skirt goes through an affiliate link to the J. Crew website.

    Posted 3.24.13 Reply
  42. Anonymous wrote:

    I love baroque pieces and hope to add one to my wardrobe soon. Great job with the pairing – you look beautiful as always!:)

    Posted 3.24.13 Reply

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