This spring the team at VETTA has released another beautiful, interchangeable, 5-piece capsule. The collection includes a wrap jumpsuit, a relaxed tunic, a wrap top, a tapered pant and a boxy blouse. The color palette is: black, sand and tonal stripes, and the fabrics are a unique tencel/linen blend with nice, silky-yet-substantial texture. Though it’s called the ‘Relaxed’ capsule, all the pieces look like they would mix and match well in a professional wardrobe.
Last week I received the Boxy Blouse c/o Vetta, to try out and style for you guys. When it arrived, I had mixed feelings after pulling it out of the package. The top felt super soft, but looked too professional for my casual lifestyle. After trying it on and texting with my blogger BFF Paige, I was still undecided. Later in the day, it dawned on me that I should take it for a true test drive before deciding whether or not I liked it. Too often, I try and assess whether a new item is going to work for my closet by looking at it, rather than wearing it. I think this comes from a deep desire to not ‘waste’ clothing by wearing it, because once it’s worn, the maker can’t sell it as new anymore. I am entirely indecisive when it comes to clothing, and all too often struggle with knowing what is the right piece for my closet. This time, I decided to take a different approach and immediately put the shirt to the test, experimenting with styling it in a handful of ways.
Buttons In Front:
This seemed like the most natural way to style the blouse. I rolled the sleeves up a bit, and unbuttoned the top. I paired it with basic jeans and clogs for an easy look. When it got chilly I added a chunky sweater coat, and called it a day.
What I did: I spent the day in a very busy-mom manner, with swim lessons, school pick up, orthodontist appointments, and homework.
How I felt: I really liked the way I felt in the shirt. It was more dressed up than a tee, but very comfortable, and not *too* dressy. We Portlanders have this weird thing were we never want to be too fancy. Oregon is a decidedly casual place to live.
Overall shirt performance: It was very comfortable, and fairly wrinkle-resistant. The dressier fabric made me feel good and, I didn’t feel like I should be headed toward a board meeting in heels.
Buttons In Back:
For the second day of testing out the Boxy Blouse I unrolled the sleeves and wore the buttons in the back.
What I did: Wednesdays are a writing day for me, so I spent lots of time hunkered down on the computer while the kids were at school.
How I felt: The shirt was comfortable to wear for a second day in a row. It was easier to wear this shirt under a sweater than I expected. The shirt stayed in place, and didn’t feel too bulky.
Overall shirt performance: I didn’t particularly care for styling this shirt with the buttons in the back. The buttons define the look of this shirt and I like them forward facing. This does make me think it would be cute to wear the shirt with the buttons fastened all the way to the top.
Tied:
I knew right away I wanted to experiment with tying this shirt, because I love knotted tops, but surprisingly, it didn’t work out nearly as well as I thought it would.
What I did: Another busy mom day, including pool and playground time.
How I felt: The knot felt fussy, and truly limited the mobility of my arms. I ended up taking the knot out later in the day. I love experimenting with fashion, but when it loses function, it’s usually a deal-breaker for me.
Overall shirt performance: It looked super cute knotted, but the logistics just didn’t pan out.
CONCLUSION:
Though it’s not as versatile as I’d hoped it would be, since I can’t wear it knotted, I’m still going to keep the top. The main reason: I love the soft, sand color. I am excited to work it into some muted color palettes over the spring and summer months. Additionally, the top works well as an ‘everyday’ item and not just a ‘going to work’ blouse as I originally thought. I like the gentle drape of the fabric, and the subtle texture within.
Are you eyeing anything from the new VETTA capsule? You can use the code ‘Seasons10’ off any full-priced item from their shop. The Boxy Blouse retails for $89 before the discount, which means you can get it for about $80. (Free shipping if you’re in the US!) I am wearing a size small in the top, which has an oversized cut. The Boxy Blouse is available in white and sand and it’s machine washable, yay!
My friend Paige has been styling the tapered pants, and she just published a post all about them. (They look fabulous on her!) If spring pants are on your shopping list, be sure to check out her post!
This post is not sponsored, and contains solely my own opinions. If you use my discount code to make a purchase, I will make a small commission.
I actually really love it! Let me know if you want to get rid of it!
The weather here is snowing! I just can’t. Hope it’s more spring like there!
Take care!
XO!
Thanks Jodie for the feedback! I can’t believe you guys still have snow!
While I’m not looking to add any tops to my summer wardrobe (partly because we haven’t gotten out of winter on the East Coast), I think this shirt would be lovely over a dress. I like wearing boxy tops over flowy dresses and this one seems perfect for that.
I love that idea! Someone said the same thing to me on Instagram. I’m definitely going to keep that in mind! Thanks Justina.
Andrea, I loved how you styled this top in multiple ways! It’s always a fantastic reminder to reuse and repurpose pieces (that have the ability) in unique ways like this to give our closet a fresh perspective. Thank you for showing us the boxy blouse! I’ll definitely be checking out their collection soon and hope to give this a whirl myself as I’m looking to expand my wardrobe with pieces like this in the near future! :) As always, your posts are a favourite in my inbox and I love reading your thorough reviews. xxx
Ah, thanks Samantha for the kind words and support! I know how hard it is to order online, so I am always happy to share fit and feel when I can on the blog!
I think this top is flattering on you both with the buttons in the front and in the back (I hope you reconsider the back option as I think it looks very flattering especially in a month where you don’t wear outerwear). For the tied option, it is the proportional play between the top and your pants that is not working. If you paired this top with a shorts, a full skirt or a straighter leg, it may make all the difference.
Hey Tania, good eye on the proportions comment! I think the full sleeves and the full pant legs don’t work super well together. Perhaps i’ll give it another shot. However, tying it makes the top really short. I agree, the buttons on the back do look really pretty. I’ll try it out again when it’s warmer! (Feels like it has been cold forever!)
I got the wrap top and I lurve it.
I bet you are rocking it girl!!! Which color did you get?
Black
I looked at the top with the buttons in the back and thought, “wow, that is so cute!” Maybe it looks better to other people because they can see the buttons, and you can’t?
HAHAHA, yes, so true. Maybe that’s why I didn’t love it. I thought it looked pretty cute in the picture too. I told Tania above that I’d give it another go in the warmer months when the buttons wont be covered up.
I am glad you tried the boxy blouse since it is the item of Vetta’s new capsule wardrobe I am most interested about. I am new to slow fashion and I love to discover brands by reading your posts here, and on instagram. I am not a fan of online shopping and to help me decide if I order this blouse or not, would it be too indiscrete to ask you are tall you are? I am always debating between small and medium. Thank you :)
Hi! You can absolutely ask me how tall I am! I am 5’7 and I usually am between a small or medium in most brands, more often medium than small. This top is generously cut, and I found the small to be a good fit! Oversized, but not overwhelming. :) I know what you mean, it’s really hard to shop online, to get a sense of true fit on a person rather than a model. I am glad I could help!
It looks really beautiful, especially buttoned in the front. I think it really suits your style. I think it would look cool with cut-off denim shorts in the summer.
Agreed! It would be a great way to wear cut-off shorts without feeling like I am heading to the beach. Good idea!!
I really love the outfit with the front buttons. Looks really casual and not at all work-like. I also think the button back would be cute with shorts (I am forever thinking of shorts) since the looser proportion would balance out the shorts. Definitely one to wear with slimmer bottoms but I think it looks great on you!
I have this top, and didn’t have the mobility issue you mentioned. Maybe because I got a medium (also a s or m)? Also, I experimented with undoing 1 & 2 buttons and tying and it worked best (for me) with only 1 button undone. Less restriction. Not sure what you did, but this is what I’ve found!
Such an interesting write up of the top Andrea – I think it looks beautiful styled with the buttons to the front as well as tied. I wonder what it would look like open as a kind of light spring jacket? I reckon it would drape really nicely!