Since becoming a mother my “Sunday’s best” has shifted a bit. My knit tops, maxi skirts and cute high heels have been replaced with structured blazers, cardigans, midi skirts, flats and kitten heels. (Unfortunately, denim skirts and Pumas have become my weekday staples — but I’m working on that!) It’s not that I no longer enjoy my old go-to pieces; they’re just not very practical or flattering right now. After having my children, anything that gave the appearance of a wider waist quickly made the “Do Not Wear” list — no matter how trendy. The last thing a young mom wants is to be mistaken for a expecting mother when she’s not.
So when I was at Nordstrom Rack and found this blazer on the clearance rack, I had to think quick. My new wardrobe rule said “keep walking,” but the color, fabric and price said “take a chance” … so that’s exactly what I did. I know blazers can be instant modest solutions. If the blazer is structured, it can be modest and slimming — as it could cinch the waist and quickly trim inches off the midsection. But unstructured blazers like the one above tend to offer extra bulk in exchange for their modest form, something I definitely don’t need. I tried adding a belt and even tied a ribbon around the waist but the need for constant adjustment made it more of a liability than an asset. So, I made this bow clip hoping it might be the simple, fuss-free solution I was looking for.
With this tutorial you can take advantage of all the beautiful colors and fabric choices of popular unstructured blazers (open front cardigans and boxy button down shirts)… without adding inches to your waist.
supplies: Fray check, ribbon, hot glue gun, scissors, (2) suspender/ mitten clips
step 1: Slip mitten clips on your ribbon
Step 2: Turn ribbon over
Step 3: Tie a bow
Step 4: Adjust your bow. The distance between your clips determines how much you are able to gather your blazer (meek confession: the first time I created the bow my clips were too close together and would unsnap if I moved the wrong way, so more space is best. )
Step 4: Add dot of hot glue to clips
Step 5: Glue clips to your bow. I placed glue on each clip as well as underneath the middle section to be sure my bow was secure
Step 6: Add fray check to the edges of your bow so your ribbon doesn’t unravel
Step 7: Add your clip to a boxy blazer, shirt, or cardigan!
1. Waterfall Crop Blazer 2. Stone Spot Pleat Dress 3. Spana MODA Pump
You’re surfing the web/you’re combing the racks of your favorite shopping establishment. Something catches your eye. You gasp. It looks perfect. The length is right. The item is so you! You click on the item/you pull it off the rack. You turn it around. BAM! IT’S BACKLESS! *cue sad trombone*
While browsing Dorothy Perkins‘ dress selection last night (it’s my second favorite British shopping site; ASOS is my favorite), my eyes were quickly drawn to this seemingly Kate Middleton inspired dress. The “Stone Spot Pleat Dress” has a pleated skirt, a neckline that covers the collar bone, a waist belt, and a gaping hole in the back.
No worries. This is nothing a tapered blazer can’t handle. Blazers are a wardrobe staple–READ->necessity for covering up short sleeves and backless dresses and tops. Blazers aren’t always comfy in summer months, but you can definitely get the most wear out of your blazer(s) from fall through spring.
Tailored blazers work when you want to achieve a tailored pulled together look. I noticed last week that I pretty much wore a blazer every day of the week. I have masked spaghetti straps, sheer blouses, over-the-top prints, and sleeveless shirts and dresses because of a wonderful blazer. Tuxedo, unstructured, boyfriend, or tailored–I love them all.
I’m not going to purchase this Dorothy Perkins dress just yet (let’s pray for a sale), but I am keeping my eyes wide open for the perfect navy blazer (be good to me Goodwill/Salvation Army/Savers/Thrift Town) to complement this dress when I do decide to purchase it.
What are your thoughts on blazers? Are you a believer?
Buy blazers from the MoMoMod Store
Search for blazers:
I decided to start a modest clothing store with the help of a long time buddy Mieshia. The items in the store are either new or gently used items. I barely posted stuff in the store on Friday and I’ve sold a few things so far. Like the MoMoMod page to get more updates regarding the items in the store. I’m be posting more vintage clothing (more expensive items than the regular store) on Etsy.
Here’s what we have in the store at the moment:
Banana Republic Blazer size 12 $15
Bisou Bisou Denim Skirt size 14 $12
Forever 21 Bowtie Blouse size Large $12
Jeanstar Denim Skirt size 4 $15
Anthropologie Tiered Ruffle Skirt size small $9
Where the Clothes Come From?
I used to sell things on eBay and I got too busy to post items. Many of the items in the current MoMoMod store were thrifted (i.e. Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc) for my old eBay store or they come from our (Mieshia/me) closets. If the item is from my closet I will specify as such.
Why does everything look so tiny? Where are the plus sizes?
Ya’ll have seen my photos, so you know that I’ve got hips and I’m top heavy. So, yes, I pretty much clip everything to the mannequin/dress form. The dress form is, like, a size 0! Regarding “plus sizes”: when I go thrifting I will keep an eye out for women’s sized clothing. If you’re looking for something in particular shoot me an email.
Um, where are the pants?
I don’t wear pants and Mieshia doesn’t wear pants. This means the store is pantless! I would highly recommend that you you do your pants acquiring elsewhere 
.
Store policies:
Shipping is $11. I went back and forth deciding if this was too much and if I needed to decrease the shipping. Mieshia and I decided to keep the shipping at $11 because we’re going to be shipping in USPS priority flat rate boxes. We don’t have any smaller items in the store yet, but we’ll definitely adjust prices accordingly when we get those items. This evening I will adjust the shipping cost to the number of items/size of the things you purchase. The most you would pay is $14.50 (largest flat rate box) and that’s only if you purchased shoes and clothes.
We won’t accept returns. Boohoo. Hiss. Hiss. I am trying my absolute best to correctly measure and give adequate details about each item. I’m not going to sell things with outrageous stains, rips, holes, tears, fur, and the like. IF for any reason that you receive an item that is not as described, we will accept returns. We won’t accept returns due to buyer’s remorse, unexpected holiday weight gain, etc. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE take the time to measure yourself. Measure your arms, bust, waist, hips, and measure the length that you want your items.
Things In the Store:
Skirts: knee length and longer
Blouses: 3/4 length sleeves and longer
Blazers
Outerwear
Dresses
I am looking for individuals that sell handmade accessories. Please email me and we will discuss the possibility of placing your items in the store.
Questions? Comments? Concerns? Let me know!
