Fifties Housewife

… or maybe a little bit Calamity Jane? I think it’s the gingham – wearing gingham makes me think 1950s (hence the Doris Day connection). I’ve been looking for a reasonably priced gingham shirt for ages – had to borrow Mr. Summers’ one for this outfit – and finally found one in a charity shop the other weekend, score! Pairing it with my tobacco brown sweater and a midi skirt just adds to the retro vibe… hence 1950s housewife.

And I’ve surprised myself how well the green goes with red, so not as Christmassy as I thought?! As it’s only touches of red I think I’ve got away with not looking like one of Santa’s little helpers 😉

Happy Wednesday everyone!!

Gingham shirt: Thrifted, Sweater: ASOS, Skirt: ASOS, Belt: ASOS, Boots: Duo, Red bracelet: Topshop, Silver bracelet: Christening gift, Ring: Next, Watch: Gift, Earrings: F+F, Nails: Rimmel 397 Beige Babe

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52 Comments

  1. 11 March 2012 / 11:11 am

    I found you through the blog 40plusstyle.com of Sylvia which I like a lot. And after seeing your blog I mentioned you on Sylvia's Forum under Just for fun. Find you a lot of good fun. Thanks.
    Greetje Kamminga

  2. 11 March 2012 / 9:35 am

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  3. 8 March 2012 / 10:50 pm

    Very cute! Love the gingham accent!

  4. 8 March 2012 / 4:27 pm

    Catherine you are such a natural with color. The red as accent could never look elfish with the green skirt. I love how you have these key pieces, like the sweater and boots, that reflect right back to your hair color. I am testing out the same "theory" on myself with taupe these days. Thanks for inspiring me with weird colors today!

  5. 8 March 2012 / 3:01 pm

    I love this! I think the addition of the Gingham shirt makes it completely come together! I am throwing a 50's housewife themed bridal shower and I will definitely keep this in mind!

    I hope you'll check out my blog & giveaway, plus a link up called Wish! {out loud} that I hope you'll participate in!

    http://flyingfarandfree.blogspot.com/

  6. 8 March 2012 / 6:22 am

    Love these colore together! Great idea!

  7. 8 March 2012 / 1:25 am

    You look so beautiful and classy. I love how your green skirt pops. I am going to have to check out the similar on ASOS.

  8. 7 March 2012 / 10:40 pm

    This look is great! I love the vintage feel about it… and definitely obsessed with the color of your skirt!!!

    xo
    Jessica
    http://www.newlyloved.com

  9. 7 March 2012 / 10:19 pm

    This makes for a great 50s inspired look…I like that your pieces are demure and classic, but the blend of bright colours and the sublte pattern makes it really trendy and fun!

    <3 Cambria
    jupefashion.blogspot.com

    • 8 March 2012 / 12:22 pm

      Thank you SO much, Cambria – I absolutely love your description of my style, I really appreciate it!! Now I have something to quote when I'm asked what my style is…! C xoxo

  10. 7 March 2012 / 9:57 pm

    Ooh, I like the buttons on the boots. Those ARE buttons, right?

    • 7 March 2012 / 8:33 pm

      Thanks Natasha – I do it mainly because I'm long in the body and short in the legs… in theory it makes your legs look longer and evens out your proportions. Don't know whether it always works for me, but hey…! C x

  11. 7 March 2012 / 7:20 pm

    As I recall, 50's housewives used to wear a lot of shirtdresses. At least my Mother did. You look fabulous and retro in the most modern way.

  12. 7 March 2012 / 4:57 pm

    this is an amazing look. love how eclectic, yet polished, you look!

    • 7 March 2012 / 8:17 pm

      Aww thanks Jenn… actually it's sort of magic, and very unsexy(!) – you simply tuck your sweater into your tights. As I said totally unsexy, can't believe I'm telling everyone this…!!!!! You just have to make sure they are low enough to never, EVER, peep above the waistband. It would be almost as bad as your skirt tucked into your knickers, haha xoxo

  13. 7 March 2012 / 4:30 pm

    This skirt is AMAZING. It stopped me in my tracks as I was scrolling through WIWW. So glad I found your blog.

    Ask the Duplex

  14. 7 March 2012 / 4:17 pm

    This outfit is so creative and perfect! I love the teal here and how it contrasts with the reds/neutrals.

    Following you now!
    <3 Daryl
    Roots, Wings, and Other Things.

  15. 7 March 2012 / 3:15 pm

    I LOVE this look – so cute! And I don't think it looks Christmasey at all, since you added in the nice neutrals. Following you now. 🙂

    preethi
    lace, etc.

    • 7 March 2012 / 3:37 pm

      So glad you don't think "Christmas elf" Preethi!! Thanks for stopping by, and for following! Catherine x

  16. 7 March 2012 / 2:43 pm

    I love this outfit so very much, dear Catherine.
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  17. 7 March 2012 / 2:19 pm

    Exactly what Pam said! You look wonderful, no Santa's helper here. Love those boots so much.

    • 7 March 2012 / 2:27 pm

      Aww thanks Patti, though I am looking forward to warmer weather and not having to wear boots all the time…! C x

  18. 7 March 2012 / 12:38 pm

    My mom and her friends were 50s housewives and they NEVER looked this good!! I love this outfit for today and you look great!

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