Blog & Save

The best bargain brains on the web come together to share money saving tips to finely tune your

personal finance in a coupon blog

you can't miss. Join us on our quest of living well – while spending less!

Wardrobe Oxygen: Bow Blouses are a Fashion Trend that Tie it All Together

By AlisonGary(view all posts by AlisonGary)
at 6:57AM Monday November 7, 2011
under Shop Smarter

This season, one of the hottest looks is the bow blouse (also known as a secretary bow or pussy bow blouse). This blouse was popular in the '70s on blouses and dresses, and then in the '80s as a way to add a touch of femininity to the power suit. These days, bow blouses look great on their own or under cardigans…and yes, power suits.

Here are some great options that are at great prices:
Rafaella Tie-Neck Blouse from Lord & Taylor ($47.99) (see image above) - I love the classic shape and style of this blouse. This is a piece that will stay chic even after the pussy bow trend has waned. The Hunter Tea color is so on-trend this season.  Pair with a leopard-print skirt for an of-the-moment combination. This blouse will also look great with a pair of wide-leg wool gabardine trousers in ivory or camel.

bow_blouse_f21

Stole Collar Top from Forever 21 ($19.80) - The orange color is hot--it will look crisp and modern with black and white and be an unexpected yet beautiful combination with gray, plum and olive. The simple style free of buttons adds versatility--wear tucked into trousers or a pencil skirt for a great work look, or wear untucked with jeggings and boots for a chic weekend ensemble.


bow_blouse_nordstrom

Casual Freedom Tie Neck Sheer Print Blouse from Nordstrom ($38.90) - Available in two hot prints for fall--leopard, and black birds on a white ground--this blouse is so versatile and a real show-stopper. Tie in a knot for casual elegance. This blouse would look amazing with menswear-inspired trousers or a leather pencil skirt and heels.


bow_blouse_jcp

east5th Bow Blouse, 3/4 Sleeve from JCPenney ($19.99) - This blouse comes in a cute white print, but the standout choice is their Rich Green. This color looks amazing against the jewel tones that are so hot this season – wear under a purple or magenta velvet blazer, or tuck into a pumpkin-colored pencil skirt. This color would also look great with dark jeans and a pair of leopard-print wedges.


bow_blouse_hm

Flared Ascot Top from H&M ($24.99) - Look closely at this blouse: those aren't polka dots, they're stars! Besides having an utterly adorable print, this blouse has a fantastic silhouette. While it can easily be tucked in and worn with jeans and work clothing, the flared shape looks chic with skinny pants and jeans. Pair with high-heeled booties and liquid leather leggings for a fabulous after-five ensemble.


Alison Gary has over ten years experience as a personal shopper, stylist, and visual merchandiser. Her blog Wardrobe Oxygen provides fashion advice to all women, regardless of age, size, budget, or lifestyle. She is a full-time working mother, blogger, wife, and frugal fashionista located in the Washington D.C. area.