I had to smile, knowingly, when I saw the almighty kerfuffle in the press about Keira Knightley’s outfit at the Olivier Awards last week. Anyone would think she had gone out in the nuddy herself by the way they reacted. I believe her piece isn’t vintage, Miu Miu or somesuch, but novelty prints are one of my favourite things about vintage clothing. There’s really nothing new under the sun, and there’s certainly never anything new on the catwalks.
Indeed, I have a much beloved blouse by Lee Bender for Bus Stop (in almost exactly the same kind of style as Keira’s Miu Miu: repro repro) which features a delightful art deco lady with her nips out. It’s a perfect date blouse; fits beautifully anyway and there’s much entertainment to be had when the penny drops for your date.
The last date I wore it on, to my great pleasure, he turned up in a vintage print shirt as well. I like a man who can pull off a good novelty print…
Liz Eggleston 
The print didn't bother me at all. I'd wear the print. I just thought the outfit was kind of ugly. But I have a thing against button-down shirts so that's just me. Honestly, people are so excited to have something to be outraged about…it bores me.
I can't believe that innocuous outfit caused a kerfuffle, puhlease! Was it a slow news day or something? Your print is much nicer btw!
…wasn't that the print you wore to see pattie, or am I mistaken?
people notice that tiny little print when no-one notices my huge Smashing Grandpa one?! Damn. Shall have to find someone famous to lend the shirt to and see if anyone notices it then.
It's always a slow news day where such things are concerned. I can't believe the stink people kick up over such things.Wendy, yeah, it's not a GREAT outfit. I like the skirt, and the blouse would have been nice in a brighter colour and bolder buttons. My Bus Stop blouse has those HUGE typical Lee Bender buttons.Senti, well remembered – yes I did wear it that day!!! Well sometimes you see less in something large, don't you? If people are squinting to see the detail, they're more likely to notice what's there. If that makes any sense?
Gosh I happen to really love her blouse! But I love novelty prints AND button down blouses. Can't go wrong with a classic shape in an eye catching fabric!
I know your reluctance to post pictures of yourself on your site but I would love to see this Lee Bender blouse in its entirety. Even if you could show it on a dressmaker's dummy or a hanger, I don't care. The world needs more proof how great those Lee Bender prints were/are.
Love these novelty prints, I used to have a 40s dress with seminaked egytpians (a Tutankhamun frieze type thing) and no one raised an eyebrow, but it pays NOT to be a celeb!