I've been loitering with intent on The Kooples website the last couple of months which was what culminated in the purchase of the laced up neck jumper seen here. But that wasn't the only thing that caught my eye - their blouses and shirts were doing it for me big time too. And though normally, I'm a plain and simple girl, I'm quite liking a print this year. Specifically floral ones. Dare I say it? I've come over all girly!
But for once, I took the inspiration and ran with it .... to Matalan. Don't knock it ... there are some gems if you take the trouble to look and their clothes are finished quite well actually compared to a lot of other high street chains in a similar price bracket.
Matalan Floral Shirt
This is actually quite a versatile little number. It can be dressed up with a black blazer and heels for going out and it can be dressed down with jeans and some sandals for easy peasy summer wear - I'm also thinking some khakis and Cons for an easy and practical school run look. It can look a little boho if the mood suits you and it can go a little more mean and moody (stick a biker jacket on over it) owing to the fact that the background is black. The best bit - it's not overly girly so it screams fluffy bunnies at you.
However, I actually bought this a month or so back but knew it was a keeper but I because I am a slack blogger, I have only just got round to blogging it. And as a consequence, it's disappeared from their website (sorreeee) but I guess there will be some floating instore. So to make up for it, I've found some other little gems which I might have gone for myself if I was in the market still for another floral number.
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I've tried this Zara one on and it's a lovely flattering easy to wear top. It skims nicely and the shirring on the front bib adds a little interest. I actually really like the idea of doing darker denim with this top to emphasise the navy in the blouse.
This Mango blouse is probably the most similar in print to the one I have. The tie neck adds a little interest so you can go a bit Miss Moneypenny if you want to wear it for work but it looks equally good with a pair of jeans which is pretty much how I would wear it and plan to wear the one I have.
Now I still love this one (I've already shown this on Instagram). I actually bought it once it went in the sale but I ended up returning it as I knew I wouldn't find it as easy to wear as the Matalan one I have. When I bought the shirt, the Shop Assistant cooed over it. When I returned it, another Shop Assistant cooed over it. It's a lovely little shirt. Fabulous for a night out for drinks when you want to look a little more put together and look like you actually made some effort (I'm talking about me here) and still want to be comfortable.
But this, this is the one I really love for all of the reasons above but even more so, for the clean sharp print and the fact that it's a soft silk crepe de chine.
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So anything catch your eye up there? ;o)
Probably the Kooples dots and roses (white and red shirt.) I'm looking for a small-flower, white daisy on black print as a sun dress or skirt actually--a la 90s/Winona Ryder vibe.
ReplyDeleteChanging topic: what do you use to layer (if any) under these types of shirts?
Well mine isn't actually too sheer so I can just get away with a bra besides which, I don't particularly like layers underneath.
DeleteGorgeous picks - you can make anything from anywhere look amazing!! xx
ReplyDeleteGot it in one Joanna!! Honestly, Sue has a talent for making the ordinary look special!
DeleteToo kind ladies! I think it's good lighting and good camera angles ;)
DeleteYup, the twinkle pj top is on its way..just to try..;) Thanks for the inspo. Sue xx
ReplyDeleteHow did you get on with the Twinkle top Sue?
DeleteThose Kooples girls really do make the florals prints look cool don't they! Adore each and every one of those gorgeous blouses! That said your little Matalan score is so perfect....love it! It will go with loads....but I love how you are wearing it, you just can't beat good old jeans! There are some really great prints out and I normally steer clear but I am finding myself drawn to them at the moment, I think my wardrobe could do with livening up a bit! xx
ReplyDeleteThose Koople girls know how to work a floral and make them credible don't they? I'm looking forward to wearing mine but it's still so cold but you know me, the early bird catches the worm and I never wear anything straightaway. Mind you, the little Mango top you have is just perfect too - I saw it in store - it's lovely!
DeleteI've yet to embrace florals, but that Matalan one is really nice :)I usually don't wear a lot of pattern except for stripes, but it is a nice way to refresh all my neutrals.
ReplyDeleteI don't wear many patterns or prints but this one grabbed me as the pattern is small and the colours veer on the dark side - appeals to my inner grunge. Try a few - you never know!
DeleteIt really suits you Sue. Funnily enough I was discussing florals with my friend the other day. We both tend to go for stripes; not sure why. For some reason, I've always thought florals suit people with straight dark hair - not people like me with a BIG frizzy blonde mane!
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