outfit: the uniform

perhaps it was all of those years i was forced into wearing a uniform in school that has led me to this place. whatever the reason, i can’t seem to resist wearing this outfit (in its many different iterations) lately. i’ve been collecting all sorts of pretty blouses, some in solid colors, some prints, some fancy textured metallics even. i button them up and pull on a pinafore and i’m ready to go for the day. if i had to wear a uniform in 2013, this would be it.

if only i could go back in time to tell that to my junior high self, hiding behind the bleachers at school with my skirt hiked up to here, dreaming of the day that i could wear whatever i wanted.

wearing: family affairs farrah shirtwayward daughter elizabeth tunic, vintage leopard coat from secret shop, vintage shoes from pretty pennyorla kiely gold leather bag



25 comments

  1. Oh, my! Love that super sweet blouse with the pinafore! Even better, the leopard coat…Great look. If I had a pinafore, I’d probably wear it everyday too.

    -Rose

  2. Hello, I like to look at your blogue. But I have a comment about your clothes: the short length doesn’t fit you well. You look at your best with the lenght just under your knees because your waist is short. I am a stylist here, in Montreal. Thank you.

    1. thank you for your suggestion! i don’t think i could ever part ways with my mini dresses because i love their playful ’60s vibe. even though i do admit that this one is dangerously short… haha! honestly, i don’t care if my clothes flatter my shape as long as i feel good wearing them. having said that, i actually own a lot of longer length skirts and dresses (and so many pairs of pants and jeans). you are reminding me that i should feature more of those looks on my blog as well!

      i wonder how you will feel about my summer plans to wear a lot of jumpsuits…

      1. Wow, gracefully handled. I’m even more impressed by you!

        And um, is it weird to say that I like your legs? You look super cute in the short dresses and you inspire me to wear more minis. With bloomers underneath, naturally.

  3. I really like your uniform! I had a uniform in school as well, and was also dreaming of the day I’d be able to wear whatever I want and, well, I basically wear my own made-up uniform most days of the week (although it is a great improvement from my school uniform, at least now I’m not clad in head to toe polyester no matter the weather…). But I think finding one’s personal uniform might also be a proof of style maturity, and knowing (until the next best thing comes up, at least) what you like best and what you’re the most comfortable with is great, and great to see.
    Also, I just wanted to ask you: what is the fit of the Family Affairs blouse like? I’ve been meaning to buy it for a while now, but keep going back and forth as I had one in the same cut from their 1st season that was in-between sizes.
    P.S. I do find that length suits you well (whatever that means), and so do many others. Looking forward to seeing you in jumpsuits this summer :)

    1. aw, thanks for such a thoughtful comment. and i agree, anything is better than those stiff polyester clothes they made us wear in school. you just gave me a mini flashback to fanning myself in a sweltering hot classroom in the middle of summer in the southern california desert, yikes!

      the family affairs blouse is very fitted, and for that reason, i would say it runs on the small size. i got it in a medium and it just barely fits. i could easily see myself wearing the large in this particular blouse, even though i wear a small in many of her other sizes because they tend to be cut more loose than this one. as an example, i have the medium in the bee’s knees shirt and i’d venture to say it’s too big. hope that helps! if you’re ever uncertain, i know nina is very good about responding to inquiries and providing exact measurements, too!

  4. hi erin,
    you are always such a great source of inspiration. today i featured a post about an IFB article examining “influential” bloggers and bloggers who want to seem influential, etc. and i have to say. despite the fact that calivintage is a huge success, you still seem down to earth and relatable. and of course, always fashionable! i’m still a daily reader of your blog and will continue to be because it’s so pleasant and always remains fresh. like so many readers, i also enjoy all the posts about trips! i think my husband and i will be going to big sur for our anniversary on account of your beautiful and picturesque post.

    your uniform is so cute and it suits your figure just fine! :) and i still think you look like a young anjelica huston. gorgeous.

    -aimee
    pastthemissionsf.com

  5. Heyooooo! I love pinafores—they help tone down a crazy printed blouse, and lord knows I have enough of those.

    Good luck tomorrow night! I won’t be able to make it, which is a bummer because I feel like these things are the only time I can catch you.

  6. Ahh, I feel your pain, I was subjected to high school uniforms and hated every minute of it…
    Although now I find a little touch of school style can be nice…as long as I’m not forced into wearing it :)

  7. I, too, was stuck in the world of uniforms and had no fashion sense so I just wore these terrible navy pants and a tucked in white polo. This outfit, on the other hand, is quite enviable. Love your style!

  8. You have like the cutest outfit here ! Very sweet and i love the red ribbon !
    :)

    Your whole blog is really great, love the pictures you put up :)

    Sofia

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