Back to Basics

Usually when we think of fashion "basics", plain t-shirts, cardis, tank tops and jeans spring to mind. I often hear people say that H&M is a good place to find cheap basics (I would agree) or American Apparel; (sparkly metallic uni-tards might be pushing it...)

But what were considered "the basics" in the 50s? 60s? 70s?

I'm fairly certain that blouses would have been considered "must-haves", especially in the 70s and 80s when the female workforce was strong and there was no such thing as business casual. Ever since my little challenge began, one thing I've been hunting for is a creamy, dreamy silk secretary blouse with an ascot. Sounds fancy, sure, but secretary blouses (aptly named) were a wardrobe staple for any working woman.

Such was my luck when I popped into Vintage Vibes Boutique in my neighbourhood of Riverside this past weekend. I pulled a very lovely pale pink silk secretary blouse from the racks - ascot and all! I had originally been searching for ivory or cream, but I'm tickled pink (no pun intended) with this find, especially since it's in mint condition!

This working-girl is office ready with this chic ensemble! The blouse did, however, have EPIC shoulder pads, which I removed. The Lego-person look just isn't me.

I'm still trying to figure out different ways to tie the attached ascot...all I can seem to manage is a floppy bow. Tips, anyone?

THE DETAILS:
Era: 70s
Label: none (no tags)
Material: silk

Skirt: Weezi
Photography: A.H.