Recently I found myself running into the same roadblock over and over when I was trying to put together more elevated casual outfits. I wanted to wear something that looked a little more polished and even feminine, but didn’t seem to have what I needed in my closet to create this “unicorn outfit.” Do you ever have that happen? Finally, after a lot of frustration, I determined my wardrobe was missing this basic piece.
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What was my wardrobe missing? A pretty blouse…or two. While I tend to wear pullover sweaters frequently during the colder months, I do indeed need some pretty blouses for a few reasons. One, when it’s time to record YouTube videos, I need a shirt with a collar to attach my microphone. I know that sounds silly, but it’s actually a pretty big part of my life since I record at least one video for each week.
Also if I want to wear my cardigans – and I have quite a few in my closet – then I like to have some pretty blouses to wear under them. And finally, I just think a silky blouse is such a nice feminine option for church, dinner out or other nice occasions.
So I’ve purchased several pretty blouses recently. Some are actually popovers, but they wear like blouses. While others are true button-ups. I especially love this black and white floral tie neck top. It works so well with black slacks, of course, but is equally pretty with jeans or my red pants. By the way, this polyester blouse is 40% off today. It runs true to size; I’m wearing a medium.
I think this blouse, trousers and jacket combo looks polished for the office, but also dressy enough for a Christmas party. That’s the magic of a blouse; it can elevate a simple outfit and make it feel more festive and feminine.
Here I’m wearing my black Tribeca pants from Talbots. They’re an ankle length trouser with modern pleats and a high waist. But I also have and enjoy the black Hampshire ankle pants, which have a slightly longer inseam and a more mid rise and no pleats. Of course, you could wear a full length trouser with a more traditional silhouette like these Weston pants from Talbots, too.
My geranium red cashmere and wool jacket from Theory is a double faced coat, meaning it doesn’t have a lining, but features the beautiful cashmere and wool blend fabric inside and out. It has such a lovely drape. I’m wearing a size large, which is accurate for the sizing chart. The jacket also comes in camel and navy.
I’ve also purchased a few other pretty blouses recently. You may have seen me wear this moody floral top in this week’s YouTube video. And I’ve worn this shiny blush colored blouse and this navy velour top in recent videos as well. Finally, I got this Amalfi black and white stripe silk shirt in from LilySilk this week, too. You can use code KayH15 at LilySilk to get 15% off sitewide or code KayH20 to get 20% off your order of $500+.
I’ve rounded up other pretty blouses along with the items I’ve worn here in the shopping widget below. Oh, and I’m wearing my Ally black pumps here. Remember, you can always use code KAYHEELS to get $40 off your first pair of heels at Ally.
Thanks so much for dropping in today. Have you recently discovered that your wardrobe is missing a basic? I’d love to hear about it in the comments. And by the way, I didn’t have time to look for more affordable options today. But my assistant Holly is creating a Kay’s Look for Less style board for my email subscribers. You’ll get it in Saturday’s email! Have a great day!
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Blessed for My Day
The older I get and the long I live in this world, the more I have realized the importance of being able to think biblically. When push comes to shove, as it so often does, I am somewhat prone to get a little frazzled in my thinking. New ideas and world events and cultural shifts can challenge my ideology so easily it seems. One minute I can be sailing along thinking I’ve got a pretty firm grasp on how to live a godly life and the next I’m feeling a little wobbly on my positions. Can you relate?
That’s why I think it’s so important that we become truly grounded in God’s Word. It’s as I read the Bible daily, consistently and systematically that I become more familiar with the true character of my God. I’ll never know Him fully, but I can know Him more clearly. God reveals Himself to those who seek Him humbly and diligently. And the more I know Him, the more I will be able to stand firm…like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego…when new philosophies, cultural shifts and even government edicts shove into me. I’ve already committed to reading through my Daily Life Principles Bible again this next year. I hope you’ll join me in a similar commitment.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” ~ Daniel 3:16-18
Beautiful blouses. I forget to wear blouses sometimes as the weather gets colder. I too reach for sweaters most days. Nice BFMD.
Thanks so much for dropping in, Sherry. I don’t always get in here to reply to comments, but I want you ladies to know I read each one and value them all.
Kay those blouses are gorgeous and you are so right , strangely my friend and I were just discussing a few days ago over our Cream Tea , how we seem to have got out of the habit of wearing a pretty blouse , so that day I purchased two and so did she . I loved all those blouses but the two that would suit me is the Nude Shiny One and the Blue Velvet one . I connected too with your BFMD today ❤️
Ooh, yes I love those two as well. They work really nicely with jeans. How fun that you were having a Cream Tea with your friend. I love that. I’m so glad the blessing ministered to you. Blessings!
Today’s BFMD really resonated with me. Culture throws so much at us that is contrary to God’s Word. Lately I’ve been more mindful that I must stay focused on what the Bible says. God’s Word is TRUTH. My pastor preached recently about not “drifting” away from the truth of God’s Word, which I think is very timely in today’s culture.
It is indeed so important not to drift. And if we give a nod to the culture here and there we will indeed drift. Let’s stay grounded!
You look really lovely in that outfit, Kay.
Have packed away a blouse with a bow from the 1980s – might pull it out again! 🙂 or should that be ;)? Otherwise I tend to stay with shirts. How about a shirt with a blue paisley floppy bow – do you think that would work these days? It’s packed away and from the 80s too. I was keeping them both for an 80s party!
Really commented to say yes, I did relate very much to your BFMD. Thank you for that too.
I’m so glad that spoke to you. I think I learned (from another YouTuber) today that the only things we really need to keep in our wardrobes are the classic basics. The things that are more trendy or even those that have any kind of flourish or stylish details will generally look dated after time. So we are generally good to wear those for a few years. That’s why I’m only investing in the basics and trying to spend less on trendy things. But it sounds like you were keeping yours for that 80s party anyhow. Ha! Those can certainly be fun. I loved the 80s!
The wardrobe tips are always welcome but I very much look forward to the BFMD section of your posts, Kay. Thank you especially for today’s reminder. So true!
I’m so glad. Thanks for letting me know that it spoke to you.
Ann Taylor makes beautiful blouses. I have a previous version of the deep purple bow blouse and a sleeveless ecru bow blouse. I’d love to find an affordable ecru silk blouse.
Yes, they do. They really are my go-to for blouses.
I also am trying to figure out how I can actively support the current plight of Israel. I enjoyed the Learning the Bible podcasts that Pastor Harms shared addressing the battle based on biblical knowledge. It provided a needed background.
I’m so glad you enjoyed those. I honestly think the best thing we can do is pray. But obviously there are other things. I have tried also to reach out to my few Jewish friends and assure them of my support and prayers. I think the Jewish community even here in the US are really struggling right now. I can’t imagine how they must feel with such acts of antisemitism on the rise again.
Hi Kay, I am one of your Jewish followers and we truly appreciate the support from you and our Christian friends. Thank you! I hope that you and James will be able to visit Israel sometime in the future when this horrible war is over.
Thank you Jackie. I do hope we can, too. Bless you.
Thank you for always mentioning church. I am a believer and it encourages me that you are open about that. Course I know you are a pastor’s wife.
Glad I could know about that, too. I am an American, living in Japan. Very few Christians in Japan.
Bless you. I know that is a struggle. I spent a week in Okinawa once when I was speaking at a women’s retreat for military wives. It was delightful, but also eye-opening. Thanks so much for sharing.
Totally agree with you that we have to stay in the Word every day. It changed my life entirely. I now have a relationship with Jesus instead of religious rituals. I love Blessed for my day.
Absolutely. Thanks so much for sharing. ❤️