Ruffle Romance
Ruffles. Lots and lots of ruffles. They seem to have been everywhere this spring/summer. You’ve seen them on dresses, skirts, off-the-shoulder tops and even pants. But as much as I love fashion and style, I can’t really say I’ve always been a fan of ruffles or frills. I used to find them way too fussy, preferring, instead, to stick with basic, simple silhouettes, solid colors, with no prints or patterns. I do, however, remember having a red and blue plaid blouse in middle school. It had ruffles across the front and was not my favorite thing to wear. In hindsight, I think I just lacked the confidence and self-esteem to pull off what I felt drew way too much attention. Well, times have changed. With age has come confidence, a comfort in my own skin and a sense of freedom. Today, I can totally appreciate and embrace all kinds of silhouettes, colors and patterns. I can go big and bold or simple and chic. Details no longer intimidate me. I’ve fallen in love with them, in fact. Even the fun, flirty and overt femininity of ruffles.
I found the blue and white striped blouse featured in today’s post on www.disclothesure.com and immediately fell in love with its eye-catching detail and flair. It’s really just your basic, simple button-up, but the ruffles take it to a whole new level. I chose to pair it with a clean, sleek white pant (given as a gift years ago) to counterbalance the drama of the top and added the silver stiletto mules found at my favorite consignment shop ( www.platoscloset.com) ($10). The vintage Dior sunnies were scored on eBay a few years ago ($15) and the red turban, a local beauty supply store find ($3). Y’all know I’m a huge advocate for being “fly, but frugal”. I don’t believe in spending a lot to achieve a look. Though the outfit was inexpensive, I felt like a million bucks and ready for a lunch date or chic daytime event. That’s the power of fashion.
This second look is a bit more on the dressy casual side, perfect for a date night, Sunday brunch or night out with the girls. It features another simple, basic shirt that’s been jazzed up. It’s your classic white cotton pullover but with tiered ruffle sleeves (www.hm.com). The shirt was actually much longer but I felt like it was swallowing me up so I hemmed/shortened it (thanks, Grammy, for teaching me basic sewing skills:). Worn with high-waisted jeans found at a going out of business sale for $1.99 (!!!!), the crisp white shirt/denim combo just screamed for a bold pop of color. I obliged with these fabulous patent leather pumps scored during a Miami vacation last summer.
Blogger Style
Big, bold ruffles may be a bit much for some. The great news is they can be as dramatic or as subtle as you’re comfortable with and can be worn on any body type. Petite, full figure, tall or short, as with any trend, you just have to know what works for your body and personality. Take a look at how these bloggers have made the look their own:
Song of Style
Musings of a Curvy Girl
“Moxy Style” Sets
Can’t get enough ruffle? Need a bit more outfit/style inspiration? Check out a few looks I’ve put together on Polyvore, mixing items at various price points. For outfit details and info on where to purchase each piece, just visit www.polyvore.com and go to the “Moxy Style” account.
