Kimonos have been around for a few seasons now but I’ve come late to the kimono party; mostly because I found so many of them to be either too fussy, too fringe-y or too long.
When a trend breaks on the high street, it often takes a while for the right version of the trend to evolve that suits you.
Back in early Spring I was wandering in Bhs (UK department store), as I do from time to time, not least because they have a petite range. Now, I’m going to be brutal here and say that I’m often disappointed by their petite range. I appreciate they’re catering for a wide range of ages and tastes but I frequently end up thinking the clothes are frumpy, dull, and dare I even say it, a little old-fashioned. But I stick with them, as I’ve discovered that just like mining for gold, it takes alot of digging before you discover a nugget!
On this particular day though, I struck a giant seam of gold.
The kimono was dressed on a mannequin with this citrus yellow t-shirt below and the white jeans I’m wearing above. Not the best choice, I thought, as this yellow is waaay too strong for the pale yellow that’s in the kimono.
I by-passed the t-shirt as I felt I was being squirted in the eye by a giant lemon, despite the embroidery being right up my street, and purposefully strode to the changing rooms, kimono and jeans in hand. Taken from the rack, not the mannequin. I’m not in the habit of stripping mannequins.
You know you’re onto a winner when you start bouncing around in the changing room, admiring yourself in the mirror from all angles.
Finding clothes that don’t swamp your frame as a petite is always a challenge. The proportions of this kimono work really well. It graduates to a longer length at the back like many styles do, but it does so without looking like I’m wearing a dressing gown.
The sleeves are just the right size. Loose but not voluminous, making it cool to wear on warm days. Kimonos can be so versatile as they give you light coverage without the weight of a cardigan or jacket.
I give you the letter N in semaphore.
See, told you so.
And here I’ve moved on to directing planes; so you can admire the tile/mosaic style print even more.
I’m not really a pom pom kinda gal. For me, they’re on a par with fringes and tassles. I’m crazy about detail in clothes but not crazy about fussy detail. These are so delicate though, they look like piped icing
bakers decorate the bases of cakes with. And I like icing on
cakes, so that’s good.
As I went to pay for my goodies, I made a quick pitstop via the jewellery stand where this necklace caught my eye.
I picked out the pale, baby blue in the kimono, to be the colour of my
sandals.
Bit of a vertigo inducing shot this one but it shows off the white jeans.
The block heel of the sandals and the wide straps around the ankle, offset the softness of the colour. I snapped these beauties up from TKMaxx a few weeks ago at a bargain £14.99. They are fast becoming a summer staple they go with so many outfits.
And finally, I give you an example of why I was reticent about accepting the kimono party invitation.
Despite many having beautiful patterns, such as this devoré rose print one below, you can all too easily, end up looking like Madam Arcarti from Blithe Spirit.
I mean, how on earth would I be able to eat my soup with all this fringing getting in the way?
So ten out of ten to bhs for getting it spot on with the petite kimono and jeans this season.
Have you found a kimono style that suits you this season or are you still searching?
P.S. If the post title is reminding you of something familiar but you can’t quite place it, I’ll solve the mystery. It’s a lyric from the song ‘Turning Japanese’ by The Vapors. One from my teenage years. Bet you’ll have that chorus going around your head for the rest of the day now! My gift to you.
Kimono: bhs Petite SS15
White Jeggings: bhs Petite SS15
Silver & Blue Necklace: bhs
Block Heel Sandals: TKMaxx
Navy Top: Monsoon (old)
Lapis Lazuli bracelets (old)
Linking with / The Wednesday Pants / What I Wore Wednesday / TARDIS Tuesday / Wednesday Blog Hop / Style Elixir / /
I just fell in love with kimonos after seeing a couple on different blogs!! I'm just entirely convinced that they are perfect for covering up but lightly!! jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
There's much more choice in styles this season than ever before and yes, I've enjoyes seeing all the various styles on different blogs too.
Thanks for that! Although I've heard recently that if you get a song stuck in your head the best way to get rid of it is eat something. So now I must go and eat a cookie. Thank you. I now have an excuse for my 4 pm sugar fix.
I can see all the reasons this was the right kimono for you. When I wear mine, all fringe-a-flying I knock over everything around me, or catch on every corner. I don't know how Mrs. Roper managed. (a lady from a US sitcom that wore kaftans all the time).
I love the baby pom-pom detailing!
bisous
Suzanne
It's a catchy little number, isn't it? And I'm so glad I helped your 4pm sugar fix! I aim to please.
Yes, I saw yours on your jumpsuit post. It's fantastic but yes, my advice would be to steer clear of china and glassware departments in stores. Could be expensive otherwise. Ha,ha, I know who you mean by Mrs Roper as the sitcom was based on the original UK one!
Ha, you are so funny! I love the thought of you undressing a mannequin- do it do it!!!
The kimono is beautiful and looks very striking, delicate and pretty on you. I confess that whilst I love them on other people, I have not found one in a material that I like- they are often viscose and polyester which I really don't like, they just make me sweat and itch (sorry for that TMI but you know, that's my main reason!)
The necklace is really pretty too!
You know you didn't like the yellow t-shirt? I reallllllly do!!!x
Ha, ha, can you imagine all 5'1" of me grappling with a mannequin? And when I'm hauled over by the floor managers I'll say "Kezzie made me do it!". I know exactly what you mean about the materials – I have the same problem. I love the style of the t-shirt; the lemon curd flavour is too much for me but it is a pretty design.
This is a great find it seems, this kimono is delicate and elegant. Just like you I am not a big fan of too long kimonos or all those fringes. And yours is just perfect, especially the way you styled it today. Very lovely look!
Thanks Olga, it was indeed a great find. I never like buying something just because it's on trend. It has to work for me and I'm really pleased that this one does that.
As soon as I read the title the song started up in my head…thanks for the brain worm my friend! Squirted in the eye with a lemon…lol!! I'm not a fan of fringe or tassels either, but I do have a rather extensive kimono collection. This one is fabulous and it's perfect on you!
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
Is the song still playing in your head, Debbie? I couldn't resist it as having it for the title post. I'm hoping this is the first of many kimonos. I may have to pop over and raid yours!