I’m not now, nor do I think I’ll ever be, above taking hand me downs. I’m not being hypocritical because this is totally different from vintage: in the case of hand-me-downs, the new owner knows exactly who’s been wearing the items in question. So there. Anyway, when a beloved aunt with excellent taste offered me and my sister some previously loved articles from her closet, we both jumped at the chance.

The object of my desire was a chiffon Anna Sui blouse with a typically baller Sui print. I was in love. The shape, however, was problematic, particularly for a curvy girl like me. I suspect my aunt was willing to part with it for the very same reason. The print was so beautiful though that I was determined to make shapeless and cap sleeves work for me. 

To make the top more figure flattering, I did three key things:

1. Belt it.

2. Add a cardigan. Notice that I pulled the sweater in at my waist to emphasize the narrowest part.

3. Top it off with a long pendant necklace, again pulling the focus to my waist.

Cardigan, Splendid; belt, Prada; Necklace, Parisian vintage; jeans, Genetic.