Saturday, January 28, 2012

Circus Shirt.


We're trying to solve the problem of outfit posts when it's cold outside, and when the light inside isn't very good, or when we are somewhere where taking outfit pictures is awkward and weird. Like in bakeries that I don't work in.



It's tricky, so in the end we settled on a few quick-shots in the doorway of the try-on room in my favorite antique store. It's not quite perfect, but it's January. 

The blouse is a total impulse purchase, but I don't regret it one tiny bit. Every now and then H&M has something I really love, and I would just kick myself if I didn't snatch it up, even though these days I've been a bit nonplussed by what they're offering (actually, I'm feeling this way about most stores lately. It's not that there aren't things I want anywhere, but they're usually way out of my price range, or involve shipping, the list goes on. But for the first time in a long time I'm really not thrilled by what's out there. I suppose this is something about growing up or a maturation of style but it's a bit frustrating, really). 

Blouse: H&M, Skirt: thrifted and altered, Belt: J. Crew, Shoes: No idea, they are ancient, it was muddy out.

Originally I had visions of pairing it with some skinny, cropped pants but I don't actually own any (I did, but I shrank them in the wash, darn it) at the moment. Next time, then. It feels a bit circus-y though, this top, in a strange kind of way. Mostly it reminds me of this dress, except this is a blouse and it was 25$. Still, it fills a need.

The skirt is the same one from this post, but since I have three or four below-the-knee wool skirts already, I decided I ought to put myself to good use and hem one or two. I'm on a hemming spree all of the sudden, finally tackling a few things in the to be altered/mended pile, which is good and productive (for once!).

Pictures taken by John.

43 comments:

C said...

That food looks SO delicious!

Melissa Dominic said...

i think i like it as a blouse more than a dress anyway, but, yes, you're right - the resemblance is there!

Way lovely!


@melissadominic

Katie-Louise Ford said...

Such a cute blouse. I think the hemmed skirt looks great :) Also that fruit tart looks SO amazing.... x Katie-Louise

hungryandfrozen said...

Flipping love it, with that frilly bit at the bottom. Also, totally know what you mean about light - it's a similar thing with food photography, during winter I'm always struggling with dinnertime photos!

kater said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dena said...

HI ILU

Amber Rose, Laughing With Broken Eyes said...

I think this look is so charming. The other day, my friend and I went to the library to discretely take my outfit photos. It was all swell until I realized that there was a study group in the back just sort of watching. Eep!

Sher said...

I love how you called it your circus shirt, it's truly adorable:)

Jo said...

Ohh, your circus top is truly a beauty! <3 I love that print!

x
Lost in the Haze: Fashion Blog

Mici Mathonka said...

yay, I'm wondering about same problem, really don't want to risk getting cold during photoshoot..

Daisy said...

Lovely photos and that shirt is so pretty !

Rachel said...

That top is super cute! It really does look almost exactly like print of the Marc Jacobs dress.
Wishing I had one of those tarts right now...

Rebeccak said...

Love this photo solution! I am in a bit of a photo-taking slump, but seriously can't blame the weather - or maybe I can? Does too hot work as an excuse?

This top is adorable! Horaay for impulse buys!

opportunityknits said...

A pretty outfit. I like how you made the peplum blouse work so nicely over a gathered skirt. I wonder if peplums making a come back.
That tart MUST have tasted so good!

Sofia Theresia said...

I love your circus blouse. It has such a happy mood, somehow. x

Alice said...

I tried on that lovely top the other day but unfortunately it didn't fit properly, it formed a strange baggy thing in my back. Looks good on you though, it's very cheerful :)

Jeff said...

Shirt & skirt are great but can't see the shoes. Regarding photos: when it's cold out-go out! If snow, wear boots. If raining, take umbrella.

Plami said...

What a beautiful, ladylike outfit! I absolutely love it!

XoXo
Plami

http://www.fashionthrill.com/

his_girl_friday said...

I love that shirt. It's really fun.

Natalie said...

i feel the same way about what's in the stores! nothing is exciting me and the things that do are way over priced. it's hard to find nice quality peices in my price range :(

Bethany Kellen of bunnypicnic said...

i love the new length for the skirt! it looks really new and fresh. and that top is adorable! i also don't find as much as i wish i could in stores anymore. i usually lust after specific pieces, and lately it's been more of the accessories variety (bags, wallets) than actual clothing. but luckily, the thrift gods have been smiling upon me.
that antique store looks intriguing.

Mallory said...

i feel the same way about h&m (in a every-once-in-awhile-i-really-love-something-way). and i also felt the same way about that blouse because i bought the blue version yesterday. the polka dots... it's just lovely. so i was especially happy to see this post featuring it today.

Zane said...

adorable top, love how you styled it

Jessica said...

I have also been underwhelmed by the selection in stores as of late. This actually has been motivating me to get better at sewing because that's the only way I'll be able to afford good quality pieces.

Helen said...

Ooh I love this. H&M does have some beauties in it at the moment, I nearly spent a lot of money the last time I popped in but resisted and just got a cardigan and stripy t-shirt - basics are needed more at the moment!

Rebekah Markewich said...

Awe! That is such a cute outfit!

Amy said...

I love French pastries... I feel hungry now!... gimme gimme gimme that fruit tart!

Miss Tallulah Porkchop said...

That blouse is total heaven.

Jul, Life Is A Romantic Poem said...

Wow, your blouse is awesome. I have a pair of shorts with the same red and blue polka dots on white background from Zara and I must admit I was tempted when I saw this very blouse at my local H&M...but no, wearing the shorts and the blouse together would mean circus squared.
Life is a romantic poem

andrea lynne rose said...

that shirt is terribly cute! and that fruit tart looks yummies!

http://madnessanmusings.blogspot.com/2012/01/and-not-to-pull-your-halo-down-around.html

Pansy Lane said...

The top is definitely adorable but omg the desserts. I want.

Lauren Knight said...

This outfit is lovely! I especially like the look of it in the bakery... something about the shirt paired with the berry pastry is just perfect. Well done!

Hannah said...

LOVE the blouse.

Courtney said...

i really love your top. it reminds me of confetti. i have some washi tape that looks very similar.

Samatha said...

You really don't have to regret buying that blouse. It's perfect for you!

-Samatha @ Donna Karan slim fit suits

B2B Sales Connections said...

Flicking really like it, with that frilly bit at the end. Also, completely know what you mean about gentle - it's a identical thing with meals pictures, during wintertime season I'm always experiencing dinnertime photos!
Sales Coaching

Sammy said...

Oh gosh that food looks amazing! love the blouse.

thea said...

i think the unusual settings and light make the shots!! you look gorgeous!

Plus, have you read Spoonful magazine? I think it'd be your cup of tea :)

spoonfulzine.com

thea.
xx

the petite bradshaw said...

you look so cute

Me said...

Happy to come across your blog today - and how I miss Mrs. London's - haven't been in too long!
Hannah

Persephone Carroll said...

freaking adorable!

Jenn said...

I love your spotty blouse, very nice!!


oohmadeyoulook.blogspot.com

mandyface said...

Beautiful top, delicious looking food!