I’ve found my spirit shirt. It’s casual, yet nice enough for meetings. It’s structured but not restricting, and flirty but not too young. It says business up top, party on the bottom. Now, every body is different but the ruffle bottom top has made my life easier and at this point I now own 5. FIVE. I love them that much.
The addiction started with this guy from The Great (Emily and Merritt/Current Elliot’s new brand … why do these ladies have so many labels???). Now I’m not saying that this shirt is the best shirt ever on me, or that Brian can’t take his hands off me when I wear it, but for my body type, (bigger on top – two babies worth, and little around the waist with skinnier legs), I find such comfort in this silhouette. It’s like taking a serious button up and adding a dose of fun and flirtation. (P.S. This post wasn’t really planned so I just showed up at the studio yesterday with a bunch of them in my bag and they were wrinkled, so I’m sorry – typically these are all great out of the dryer, no ironing necessary).
I continued to nurse my addiction with this one:
This one is by Ulla Johnson – a designer that is SWEEPING America wish her casual, easy to wear bohemian style made out of the most beautiful fabrics ever. This shirt actually doesn’t really even look like her style, but it sure is mine. I wish these were more flattering on camera – they aren’t because typically when I do videos it’s only the top half of my body on camera and these are more voluminous on top, obviously. I love this shirt. It’s fitted in the arms and more tailored in the armpit but allows for ample boob-age and lots of extra stomach-age. Also if you are pregnant, this one is particularly awesome. You might not be able to go all nine months as they are short, but they are so cute and flattering (and comfortable)
Then recently I picked up this one from Madewell. I was with my friends and they were both like ‘I’ve never ever seen a shirt more ‘Emily’ in my life’. Classic striped pattern, tailored fit but with that fun little ruffle that says I like the party. My go-to brands used to be Steven Alan and APC but honestly they can be so expensive for such everyday basics that my children will ruin, that I rarely go there anymore and instead have opted for Madewell. Like 1/2 my wardrobe is Madewell. It’s not cheap but it’s doable. I bought that same shirt in white, too…..because I’m addicted!!
So I figured a roundup could be helpful for those of you who want to experiment in this style and who are also looking for a spirit shirt. I own #8 as well and its AWESOME.
Here you go, 24 great ruffle bottoms tops (and a couple dresses):
1. Lydia Boho Top | 2. Charlotte Blouse | 3. Oxford Plaid Shirt | 4. Sissy Top | 5. Horizon Stripe Top | 6. Cutout Shoulder Shirt | 7. Buffalo Check Top | 8. Sunpleat Lace-Up Top | 9. Vertical Stripe Tee | 10. Ruffled Hem Camisole | 11. Pintuck Dress | 12. Sleeveless Top | 13. Swing Dress | 14. Clu Too Top | 15. Georgette Top | 16. Lace Detail Blouse | 17. Swiss Dot Tank | 18. Embroidered Blouse | 19. Silk Blend Blouse | 20. Striped Silk Blouse | 21. Oksana Flutter Sleeve Top | 22. Ruffled Striped Top | 23. Guipure Bib Front Blouse | 24. Lakeside Peplum Top
I realize that #11 and #13 aren’t shirts, but they are such cute ruffle dresses that I want, so I threw them in there. I tried on #20 recently and my chest and arms were too big for it (again, I carry more weight there) but otherwise it has a really good drape. I plan on ordering #18 and #19 and I forgot to include The Great’s tank and tshirt version out of t-shirt material which is great, but I need more structure on top than that.
So that’s my new shirt. The ruffle bottom topped has usurped the secretary blouse that I wore all through the 2000’s in my personal popularity.
And in case you are wondering, the wallpaper in our studio is from Devine Color and is sold at Target. What are your go to flattering pieces that I should know about and which one of these ruffle tops are you ready to add to your cart? (Also my skirt is here, which Is very flattering, hugs without cutting in and shows no underwear lines or bulges.)
LASTLY .. yes, Brady has a photo of Zac Efron above his desk. I encourage this kind of behavior.