Everything old is new again, and the smocked tops of our youth have returned for summer. They look cute with jeans, shorts, and a-line skirts. Here are a few in different price points.
Corner Office
Cubicle Farm
Sokie Collective Puff Sleeve Top ~$100
Front Desk
ASTR the Label Smocked Blouse <$75
Plus-Size
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Have a big day ahead? Major hearing? Big trial? The presentation of your life? Gonna be at a conference with that ex? Whatever it happens to be, these are the fashion weapons that get me to the confidence level that I need to be at.
Without question, the most worn item in my wardrobe is a black-and-white striped tee. I wear it in winter under sweaters, in spring with white jeans, in summer with black shorts. I’ve been wearing the same one for years (it’s the best). But they don’t make it anymore. So here are some options for replacement.
When I started this blog, influencers still re-wore clothes. There were no haul videos filled with the latest from Shein before it winds up in a beach in Ghana poisoning the planet. There were no sponsored campaigns delivering fresh wardrobes each month. The content machine doesn’t like reruns.
Have a big day ahead? Major hearing? Big trial? The presentation of your life? Gonna be at a conference with that ex? Whatever it happens to be, these are the fashion weapons that get me to the confidence level that I need to be at.
Without question, the most worn item in my wardrobe is a black-and-white striped tee. I wear it in winter under sweaters, in spring with white jeans, in summer with black shorts. I’ve been wearing the same one for years (it’s the best). But they don’t make it anymore. So here are some options for replacement.
When I started this blog, influencers still re-wore clothes. There were no haul videos filled with the latest from Shein before it winds up in a beach in Ghana poisoning the planet. There were no sponsored campaigns delivering fresh wardrobes each month. The content machine doesn’t like reruns.
When I was young, my Mother used to bring me along when she would go shopping for fabric. As a result, I spent a lot of time, killing time, flipping through pattern books. So when I spotted this dress, I was instantly transported to the pattern table at a Jo-Ann Fabrics.
You lost me on the Plus size version. Other than the puffy sleeves and square neckline, we are not looking at the same style feature- the smocked top for summer. Furthermore, that particular top is too small across the breasts and will have us fending off questions about when we are due. Please try to do better. Or at least offer a critique of the failure of clothing manufacturers to actually produce flattering clothing for women who are robustly full figured. Juvenile babydoll tops are not it.
What in the world, Diane??? We don’t talk like that here.
I do my best to find similar items, sometimes they don’t exist. There was one that was closer in style, but the maker considered “plus-size” size 18. I’m sorry that you weren’t happy with this choice, but there weren’t a lot of options for this style.
The plus size one is actually my favorite. The poofy sleeves aren’t really my style, but that last one is so cute.
Diana – this is such a nice and supportive corner of the internet. Next time, could you try to phrase your feedback in a constructive way? Thank you from a fellow reader who is so grateful for how much thought her fellow readers put into how they comment.