Pussy Bow Blouses- yes that is what they are called- have made a big comeback in the past few years.

These gloriously stylish blouse’s known as “pussy bow” , “pussy cat bow”  and “secretary blouse” soared to popularity in the 1940s as part of the Gibson Girl inspired trend.  They were a staple in designs by Coco Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent for decades and in the 1980’s they made a huge comeback with career driven women.  Pussy Bow Blouses became the female equivalent of the bow tie or neck tie and was a career womans attempt to be feminine while still fitting into a male world.

The pussy bow – a large floppy bow attached to the neck of a blouse or tied around the collar – is one of my favorite fashion accessories.  There is something retro and playful about a pussy bow plus you just feel fantastically naughty when someone complements you on it and you get to tell them its call a “pussy bow”.

This OOTD developed from my New Year’s Fashion resolution to add more color into my ultra-dark closet.

Time to lighten up!

I adore the equestrian inspired details in this Nanette Lepore Jacket.  It is ultra girly yet still maintains a well-read edge.  I call it my Mrs. Professor Jacket. The pockets all have  rounded edges, the lapel embraces a scalloped feel and the arms have beautiful draping rouching.  It pairs perfectly with the feminine retro vibe of the horse print pussy bow blouse.

 

I wanted this look to remain casual- after all I’m not heading to any corporate meetings- so I paired it with my #1 find of 2014,  SPANX Jeans.

Ladies, if you haven’t tried SPANX jeans yet you are doing yourself and your body a huge disservice!  Not only are these jeans super comfortable they hold you in without pushing other bits out!  The design features technology that acts like a hidden shaper, these pants tame your tummy, trim your thighs and lift your rear PLUS they look like premium denim and no one will have any idea they are shapers- unless you tell them.

I gave my jeans a little playful cuff at the bottom then added some funky socks and oxford shoes.

This stunning headband completes the look and puts a punctuation mark on the girly feel.  I love the soft pearl like details and how the cream color helps to balance the lightness of the blouse giving the look a polished feel.

What do you think of Pussy Bows?  Will you be adding them to your look this season?

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