09/03/2013

Blue and green should never be seen

Today I’m working with this rather lovely vintage blouse. It’s apple green with white dots and a white collar.

I bought this in the British Red Cross shop in Barking for £3.50. The label is marked “Designed to Match” so I’m sure there was a matching skirt at some point. It’s size 14.

Truthfully, I already loved this blouse, so there wasn’t really much to be done except make it fit. I tried it on and pinned it to the right size. Since it’s a loose fitting blouse, there are no darts, so that made it really easy to just sew up the side seams quickly.

I took in about 4cm on each side.

I sewed the seams before trimming…

…and finishing the edge with a quick zig zag.

Here’s how it looks on the hanger – not bad!

I wore this with navy blue trousers. I never really understood the saying ‘blue and green should never be seen’ because it’s a colour combination I really like. This really bright green combined with navy blue has a real vintage/40s feel to it which I love.

I liked it so much I took myself off to the pub to celebrate! Cheers!

28 comments

09/03/2013 - 6:27 pm learningnewtricks

I am not too crazy about the pointy collar — maybe changing it to a Peter Pan collar would improve the look. I also love the green/blue combination. Your sweater is super cute!

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- 09/03/2013 - 9:16 pm charityshopchic
  
  It’s a matter of taste I suppose. Personally I really like the collar shape, even if it’s a little big – I am not a fan of Peter Pans as they make me look 12 years old! (And not in a good way!)
  
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09/03/2013 - 6:39 pm The Coffee Lady

My mum bought a Jacques Vert suit for my graduation – nearly bankrupted her! You did get a bargain – and I think it looks great with the navy. I wouldn’t alter the collar.

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- 09/03/2013 - 9:18 pm charityshopchic
  
  Yeah I think they mainly do occasion wear (like wedding guest outfits). I see a lot in charity shops but it all seems to be from the 80s and 90s – a lot of polyester back then! Glad you like the green and blue (and the collar!).
  
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  - 09/03/2013 - 9:21 pm The Coffee Lady
    
    Yeah, well I am quite old! My graduation was 90 – cough- something.
    
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    - 10/03/2013 - 4:07 pm charityshopchic
      
      Haha I think this one pre-dates the 90s though! ;-)
      
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09/03/2013 - 9:32 pm Marie

Love it! What a great save of a pretty blouse. The green with the blue is definitely a winner in my opinion too!

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- 10/03/2013 - 4:07 pm charityshopchic
  
  Thanks Marie, yes I’m a fan of green and blue together – why not!
  
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09/03/2013 - 10:39 pm Janet Friel

When I saw the first photo I couldn’t see the potential in this blouse but you’ve turned it into a really lovely piece and it looks fabulous with the navy trousers and cute cardi!

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- 10/03/2013 - 4:08 pm charityshopchic
  
  Thank you so much Janet!
  
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09/03/2013 - 11:50 pm Carlee

Gorgeous blouse! Great refashion!

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- 10/03/2013 - 4:08 pm charityshopchic
  
  Thanks! :)
  
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10/03/2013 - 2:22 am Natalie Heather

I love this! Definitely one of my favourites. I also really love how you styled it!

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- 10/03/2013 - 4:08 pm charityshopchic
  
  Thanks very much, I put a lot of thought into styling this one as there were so many options, but the green and blue together is definitely the best!
  
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10/03/2013 - 3:37 am diaryofamadmama

I love the whole outfit! Especially cute with the sweater! :)

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- 10/03/2013 - 4:09 pm charityshopchic
  
  Thank you so much! :)
  
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- 10/03/2013 - 8:51 pm Colleen
  
  Blue and green and white are classic country club! It looks vintage and modern with the sequin sweater. Stealing your idea now! :)
  
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  - 10/03/2013 - 9:23 pm charityshopchic
    
    Haha go for it!
    
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13/03/2013 - 10:22 am Kathryn

I love your refashion! I really need to learn to see the potential in charity shop’s more as it’s amazing how your simple fit alterations have turned this into such a chic and cute shirt. I’ve never heard of ‘blue and green should never be seen’, the rhyme I know is ‘red and green should never be seen except on an Irish beauty queen’, no idea where it comes from, and just like strictures against blue and green together I think it’s nonsense!

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- 13/03/2013 - 10:33 am charityshopchic
  
  Thanks so much Kathryn! I really don’t think there are any rules – I frequently wear blue and green together, but I think red and green is best reserved for the holidays ;-)
  
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27/03/2013 - 6:46 pm lovenicky

I also like the pointy collar. I feel that it is in general more slimming. But it really is a personal preference. The blue/green combo is really lovely on you. Hoorah for simple and quick refashioning projects!

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- 28/03/2013 - 8:39 am charityshopchic
  
  Hoorah indeed! Thanks for the comment, Nicky.
  
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30/03/2013 - 1:43 pm sunshinysarah

I’m really impressed with your refashions! I sew loads of my own clothes using new fabric/patterns but I have started browsing the charity shops for items I can adjust – you have inspired me!

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- 30/03/2013 - 1:53 pm charityshopchic
  
  Hi Sarah, thanks for the comment! So glad you have been inspired to check out the charity shops! (be careful though… refashioning is addictive!)
  
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19/06/2013 - 2:55 pm Rachel

Completely amazing

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- 19/06/2013 - 3:16 pm charityshopchic
  
  Thanks! :)
  
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26/06/2013 - 7:49 pm Rosanna

I was always under the impression that the phrase was “pink and green should never be seen”, which makes more sense to me! But whatever, I’m a fan of this blouse!

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- 28/06/2013 - 9:56 am charityshopchic
  
  Haha yeah pink and green is not a great combo either! With enough confidence though, one should be able to pull off any colour combinations… I’m still working on that ;-) Thanks for stopping by.
  
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