outfit post: navy ruffle blouse, polka-dot pencil skirt, black pumps

Inspiration - LoLoBu

I found this blouse on super sale (something like $12) at Banana Republic about five years ago. I think it's so cute as a blouse -  I love the color, fabric and idea of the ruffles on the front. The thing is - I've only worn the blouse once in the years I've owned it because I have a rather, er, large chest and layering a pile of ruffles on top makes it even bigger. So I've been a little too self conscious to wear it very often.

I was debating getting rid of it when I had an 'oh duh' moment of how I could minimize the extra poof problem. I took an iron and flattened & creased the ruffles as best I could to lie flat against the shirt. It made a big difference. It think the top is now much more appropriate looking. Yay for saving a shirt!

(Update note - I made a graphic of all four looks for "leather pants 4 ways" and added it to the post my little sister's did a few weeks ago. You can see the updated post here or if you want to see all posts for "one item - multiple ways" I added a new label to the blog that you can access by clicking here.)

Top: Navy ruffle blouse - Banana Republic similar, similar, similar, similar Bottom: Polka-dot pencil skirt - J.Crew similar, similar, similar,  a-line Shoes: Black pumps - Charles David shop same, similar, similar Accessories: Black patent belt - Target  similar, similar Silver Odette Cuff - Stella & Dot shop same