Fashion & Beauty

Librarian Chic

It’s that time of the month again….

No, not THAT one. The one where I have to take out my contact lenses and look like a librarian for a couple of days in glasses.

I decided to embrace the look and go for camel shades, sensible low heels and a nice round neck blouse.

Is this the LEAST sexy outfit ever?

❤ Blouse - M&S via a Charity Shop ❤ Belt - Primark ❤ Skirt - Poppy Valentine ❤
❤ Stockings - WKD Back Seams ❤ Shoes - Clarks via eBay ❤

The answer you’re looking for is probably yes. Though there are seamed stockings under there so it’s secretly sexy.

I apologise to anyone who actually IS a librarian. I know several and they are all incredibly sexy people and natty dressers, but I don’t intend to let that stop me using a massive stereotype in the search for an easy blog title.

I loove this skirt, but this is the first time I’ve worn it in an outfit post. It’s a lovely soft wool circle skirt from Poppy Valentine (currently online in black). It’s nice and swishy, but heavy enough that I don’t think I’m going to flash my stocking tops every time there’s a stiff breeze! The waistline looks best when I wear it with a wide belt, but I’m in dire need of a new elasticated one. I wear this one all the time. It’s fantastic, but being from Primark I keep seeing other people in the same one and have to hide till they go away.

The blouse is an M&S creams satin one with buttons down the back and lovely puffed sleeves. I bought it at the weekend in a charity shop for the princely sum of £2 and couldn’t wait to wear it!

I also did victory rolls in my hair, which I haven’t done much since it’s been shorter. I’d forgotten how hard it was on the arms! I would have done a closer view of the hair, but those of you who follow me on Twitter will know that I am away at the moment and I came without my make up bag *gasp*. I’ve been to Tesco for ultra cheap replacements, but I still feel far too grotty for close ups, even in grainy hotel corridor light.

I wasn’t going anywhere exciting. Just to the pub for dinner, so that’s all you get I’m afraid. 3 photos of me posing in a corridor. One of them was supposed to be of the back, but I kept turning round and they’re all blurry. I really need to learn to be a better model, or get a more patient photographer!

Today, of course, is the start of Chinese New Year, and it’s the year of the Rabbit. I should really wear something red for luck apparently, but I don’t have anything with me so I hope red lipstick and red hair will cover it.

In the spirit of “any excuse to celebrate” I hope you are all planning Chinese Feasts tonight, whether you’re Chinese of not. But let me just wish you all a Happy New Year!

24 replies on “Librarian Chic”
  1. says: Fiona Culshaw

    Well I for one think you look cute actually! We can’t always look sexy, but cute, smart and all those kinda words are all good too!

    You know it’s VERY easy to make your own elasticated belt, just buy wide elastic & belt buckle and sew!

    1. says: Retro Chick

      Thank you!

      It has been mentioned to me before that you can make them. I might have to investigate elastics. I like this one as the elastic is really thick and it does a bit of shaping for me 😀

  2. says: Steph (@mrs_sock)

    I wish I could wear higher neck tops, they always look so elegant! love the shoes too! I secretly look forward to glasses week, except I always forget what a pain they are 1. to keep smudge free and 2. at night. I think glasses are sexy (the right ones) – more secretary than librarian! You’ve inspired me to make an effort today, bump or not!

  4. says: Roisin

    I really like your glasses! I don’t often wear mine in photos because I think they totally change how I look, so I know how you feel. I love the skirt and I think this outfit is very sexy – it’s really classic and you look gorgeous in it.

  6. says: BooBoo Kitty

    I love this look. I spotted a skirt like this in Primark but it had a beige verson of the Prince of Wales check…. think i might purchse it now… you have inspired me on how to wear it!

  7. says: LandGirl1980

    Loving you in the glasses!! Join the secretary/librarian brigade!!!

    And no – I don’t think that this outfit is unsexy at all. Stylish -yes. Unsexy – no.

    But I dress like this all the time – so maybe I am bias? Bargain on the shirt front! 🙂

    1. says: Retro Chick

      I got some funny looks in Wetherspoons in it! I think that’s because sexy means “short & tight”

      Can’t keep count of the number of times I’ve been in the pub and realised that my skirt is longer than the full length of most girls dresses!

  9. says: Lady Cherry

    I am in awe of your blouse. I love ones with buttons down the back. And in cream you can wear it loads! I love the skirt too, much nicer in winter to have a woolen one.

  10. says: Cassy

    I love this outfit, definitely not unsexy! You look gorgeous in glasses! Although I sympathise, I’m a contact lens wearer and have never got used to glasses. I often feel over-accessorised and never know what to do with hair/make-up/jewellery!

  20. says: Ms Wanda

    I agree with the comments above – there is definately something a bit sexy about librarians.

    And I agree about the Primark thing – I spent too long hiding when I saw other people wearing my clothes. I just gave up in n the end and now shop off the High Street altogether. There really is nothing worse than seeing a 15 year old wearing the same dress as you!!

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