Smocked!

 
Smocking is indisputably adorable in children’s clothes, but I love the effect in women’s summer clothes, too.

 
 
 
Behold the winsome smocked blouse.
Winsome is as winsome does
Winsome is as winsome does

Smocking
Smocking
 
 
I came across this blouse while looking for black blouses (for all of you!) several weeks ago and decided to try it in a light color. This blouse is a creamy color which was sold as “beige” but which I would characterize as a pale, pale apricot.

 
 
 
The best part of the blouse (and you must be wondering, What could be better than the smocking, Directrice?) is the tie closure in the back. Why red and white stripes? I have no idea — but it’s fun. While the back of this blouse is open, a similar effect could be achieved with any keyhole closure, if you sew.
 
I tried a dozen times, without success, to tie this square knot while wearing the blouse. Eventually I had to take the blouse off, lay it flat on the bed and tie the knot there.
Best part: the ribbons tying the back
Best part: ribbons!

This blouse is made of gauzy cotton (actually, 72% cotton, 28% silk) — two layers — and is a little too full. I think I may have it taken in, down the sides, a couple of inches.
 
The deep v in the back is permissible for work (I think), but for warmth and added modesty, I do have a jacket handy. The jacket is ivory which provides a subtle, light contrast. This jacket has contrast top-stitching, which (oddly enough) happens to be very close to the color of the blouse.

With jacket
With jacket
 
 
 
 
Contrast stitching matches color of blouse
Contrast stitching matches color of blouse

 
 
I’ve had this jacket for years and last summer the collar began to fray close the neckline. I brought it to my fantastic tailor (Fatima at Bespoke Tailoring) and she flipped it for me — not a costly alteration, but one that will add years to the life of this beloved jacket.

 
Blouse: Suoli from YOOX; Jacket: JCrew; Jeans: Lucky Brand; Bag: Les Toiles du Soleil Marin Orange Tote; Shoes: French Sole New York
Harper and I, blogging
Harper and I, blogging

7 thoughts on “Smocked!”

  1. In another comment, I mentioned buying a blouse thanks to your post on black blouses. It was this one! In black. The ties in back are black and white. I love it to pieces because it’s so unique, breezy, and perfect for hot summer. The cream looks adorable on you. 🙂

    Reply
  2. Absolutely adorable blouse. You really know how to choose looks that conspire to show your hairstyle, fair coloring and frame to perfection. I can see the blouse in black as a winner in the wardrobe too. Kate

    Reply
  3. I love the detail at the back, of course but also the cream color. But what I love the most is the red and white ribbon promise for a perfect diy project.

    Reply
  4. Directrice – I’m starting to realize that with your growing readership, one should click through immediately upon receiving a new post e-mail so that one can beat the rush to buy some of the items you feature! Off to YOOX!

    Reply
    • Hi Nicky — I hadn’t even heard of it, but I checked it out and I liked the site tremendously — so thank you for the great suggestion!

      Reply

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