To me, there are definitely some items in my closet I just couldn’t live without. Usually described as “basics,” these are the staples of your wardrobe. It should be the pieces you know you can reach for that go with just about everything. Now, in my world, this probably doesn’t mean what you think it means. I’m not talking about black pants and neutrals. I find the basic foundation of my wardrobe include full skirts, novelty prints, bright colors and that perfect go-with-everything striped tee….
This is nothing if not the summer for discovering new and exciting brands (which is definitely one of the best parts of blogging). Recently, I became aware of UK-based brand Joanie Clothing – they specialize in “vintage-inspired style for the modern wardrobe.” Joanie Clothing also offers all of their items in sizes UK 8-22, and I really appreciate such an inclusive size range (which can be hard to find in the vintage-inspired market).
When they contacted me about sending me a few pieces to try, I immediately clicked through their website to learn a bit more about them. Founded in December 2015, Joanie Clothing has the playful silhouettes and prints I always lean towards, while still staying approachable for the gal who doesn’t want to go full throttle into the uber-cinched, mega-flared vintage look.
To help me give you a true insight into their range, they sent me three pieces to try: the cute fit and flare Betty Jam Jar print dress, the tongue in cheek Marina Slogan Breton Stripe Top, and next week (brace yourselves people), the Brigitte cigarette trousers (yes! pants!). Rating the first two below in terms of fit, fabric, and overall fabulousness…..
Betty Jam Jar Print dress
The first piece I decided to take for a spin was the Betty Jam Jar print dress. After seeing it on my gal Sammi, I knew it would be exactly my jam (pun totally intended). It has that timeless fit and flare silhouette, with a pleated skirt and high scoop neckline. I went with my usual UK 10 in this dress, and it fit me perfectly. The fabric (98% cotton 2% elastane) also has a bit of stretch, which is great when you love a vintage-inspired look but also like to eat pizza (hand waving wildly in the air).
According to the size chart, the UK 10 is 35 1/4″ bust and 29 1/2 waist, and mine was pretty TTS at 35-37″ bust and 28-29″ waist. If you’re between sizes, you may be able to size down in this dress because of the stretch. She closes with a back metal zipper, has pockets (!), and is fully lined in 100% cotton.
The skirt was modestly full and fell 24 1/4″ from waist to hem – I was initially unsure whether I could get it to Kara-level poof. Although it can’t take some of my most intense petticoats, I’m wearing the Malco Modes Meghan in these shots, and it actually held it beautifully. I will say that the lining isn’t as full as the outer skirt – but I get around this by pinning up the lining a bit so it can accommodate my petti. The Betty also came with a really cute matching red bow belt – I didn’t even see the belt at first and went to my own belt collection to style it. I found myself looking for a red patent bow belt and I happened to glance at the packaging the dress came in to see my wish was already granted.
But, I need to wax poetic about the print. I mean, JAM JARS. You guys have heard me go on and on about fruit prints, but I love the whimsical take of wearing a dress covered in strawberry jam, complete with gingham lids. It manages to make a nod to the past but modernizes it. I found the print to be soft but still really vibrant. I’m really looking forward to styling it with a Peter-pan collar blouse this fall – it just seems like the perfect year-round dress that you slip on and have no qualms about for the rest of the day. If dresses aren’t your jam (seriously, I can’t stop), this print also comes in a cute flared skirt.
Outfit 1 Details:
Dress: Betty Jam Jar print dress c/o Joanie Clothing
Bracelet: Swarovski (similar)
Handbag: gift, Vintage (similar)
Shoes: Betsey Johnson
Lip Color: Dior Rouge 634
Marina Slogan Breton Stripe Top
Although technically a print, a striped shirt is actually the perfect neutral. This is why, whenever I see one, I simply can’t resist adding it to my cart and closet. Hello my name is Kara and I’m a striped-shirt-aholic. I just can’t help it! To me, a striped t-shirt is the ultimate vintage girl staple. They go with everything from our circle skirts to jumpers and just manage to add a bit of extra oomph to whatever I pair them with. And, if you’ve never tried your hand at mixing prints, a striped top is the perfect gateway drug: you’ll be really surprised how versatile it manages to be. From florals to polka dots to the perfect Mary Blair Train skirt, a striped top can manage them all.
To further cement my shame, I went through my wardrobe and counted: I own eight striped tops. EIGHT. However (and here’s how the rationale goes in my head), they are different colors and the stripes are all different widths so…you know…clearly I needed eight. Enter this hilarious striped Marina Slogan Breton stripe top from Joanie Clothing.
The Marina Slogan Breton stripe top fully embraces the striped shirt addiction we are all at various stages of accepting, and emblazons our inability to resist them right on our chest. I laughed out loud when I saw the slogan “I must not buy another striped tee,” right before I immediately knew I had to have it.
Made of an uber-soft 95% viscose 5% elastane, this 3/4 sleeved top felt like a hug when I pulled it over my head. It comes in sizes S-XL, and I opted for the small. I found it was still very roomy in the waist (mine measured 33″ unstretched and stretched up to 40″ in the waist), but still tucked into my skirt without a noticeable bulk. It’s designed to be a looser silhouette, so this measurement is in line with the size chart. But, it’s good to know this top isn’t super fitted at the waist, if this is what you’re going for.
The sleeves are about a 3/4 length on me (21″ from shoulder to cuff) and will be a great transition piece for fall. I just love the humor in it – as someone who doesn’t take herself too seriously (and still accepts that 8 striped tops is a bit many…and yet still never enough), I was more than happy to make this cutie lucky #9.
Outfit 2 Details:
Top: Marina Slogan Breton Stripe Top c/o Joanie Clothing
Skirt: Pinup Girl Clothing
Necklace: gift (similar)
Belt: Pinup Girl Clothing (similar)
Shoes: DSW (similar here & here)
Lip Color: Schiap
The Betty Jam Jar print dress normally retails for £40.00 (~$52 USD), but is currently on sale for £20.00 (!!) (~$26 USD), while the Marina Slogan Breton Stripe Top retails for £25.00 (~$32 USD), both available through the Joanie Clothing website. These prices are pretty amazing for the fit and quality of the garments. In addition, if you sign up for their newsletter you can also get 10% off your first order (some exclusions apply). You can also check out Joanie Clothing on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram to stay informed about upcoming sales – there is a pretty amazing sale on at the moment, where you can snag some of their pieces for incredible prices.
In terms of shipping, they ship worldwide with really reasonable rates, ranging from £4.00-£6.00 within the UK and up to £9.00 for shipping to other countries, including the US. My parcel arrived in under 2 weeks from order to doorstep, which I thought was pretty impressive given the parcel had to travel from overseas.
All in all, I was really impressed with these two pieces and can definitely see myself buying from Joanie Clothing in the future. In putting this post together, I learned that the shop was named after the designer’s Aunt Joanie – who rocked it out on a daily basis all through the 50’s and 60’s and (even better) continues to embrace her personal style today. I can definitely get behind a brand that epitomizes style at any age, and fully plan to be like Joanie when I’m in my 80’s, probably still chasing sharks, dressed to the nines.
Have you ever bought from Joanie Clothing before? I’d love to hear about your experience!
xoxo
Outfit 1 Details:
Dress: Betty Jam Jar print dress c/o Joanie Clothing
Bracelet: Swarovski (similar)
Handbag: gift, Vintage (similar)
Shoes: Betsey Johnson
Lip Color: Dior Rouge 634
Outfit 2 Details:
Top: Marina Slogan Breton Stripe Top c/o Joanie Clothing
Skirt: Pinup Girl Clothing
Necklace: gift (similar)
Belt: Pinup Girl Clothing (similar)
Shoes: DSW (similar here & here)
Lip Color: Schiap
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