One item of clothing I’ve come to love that I would not have believed I would ever even wear, were you to have told me this many years ago, is the pussybow blouse. Even ignoring that my previously-modern wardrobe just would not have had space for such a blouse to fit, sartorially speaking, it’s likely I just would not have believed they would ever suit me. I probably would have thought they were too delicate, too sweet, too girly for me, but back then I simply would have lacked the fashionable imagination to know that, like almost everything else, pussybow blouses are all about how you style them. For me, they work perfectly for layering, especially as a fun neckline feature under pinafore dresses or cardigans. This Heron blouse, though, offers plenty all on its own to be considered the feature piece in an outfit even without layering. 

(Discount code Amymay20!% for 20% off  Hellbunny.com)
Top: Heron Blouse gifted by Hell Bunny
Skirt: Jefferson skirt by Hell Bunny

It’s the colour scheme of this blouse that first captured me, so wholly that I literally didn’t even notice that this top is so named because the print does, in fact, feature Herons. While my mother will tell you I’m laughably unobservant in many ways (and she is correct,) in this case it’s because I was simply too distracted by the beauty of the orange and purple florals set against the navy background of the print to notice that the white in the pattern was not, as is the case for the brown, examples of bull rushes, sprigs or generally pretty foliage, but yes, most definitely, Herons. So overlooking that huge case of overlooking, I’m sure you can agree with me that the colours in this blouse really are a special case of compliments and contrasts that work beautifully, creating a moody yet vibrant print that is a wonder for autumn.

In terms of the blouse’s shape and design, that too is lovely. There’s the obvious pussybow at the neckline, which is slightly lower than the more uptight versions I feel are more commonly produced in the vintage inspired clothing world, so it doesn’t look as stuffy-librarian or look-at-my-very-round-face-and-double-chin as plenty of pussybow blouses can make many of us feel.

There’s a little room in the fit, making it both forgiving and comfortable, and it can be worn either neatly tucked in or pulled back out a little for a softer, more blouson effect. It’s designed to be hip-length, so you won’t find yourself battling to keep the blouse tucked in as you move about throughout the day. There are pleats in the short sleeves that give them a lovely volume, before being sewn down flat at the shirt cuff for a sleek finish. The blouse opens and closes with black buttons down the centre.

I asked for this top in the 2XL/18 and it’s a great fit generally, though a little tight in the sleeves as I have such large upper arms. Interestingly the product description on the website for this blouse inaccurately states that the sleeve cuffs are elasticated but they’re not, they’re just standard sleeves. The fabric is entirely non-stretch, so the sizing will be important if you’re not a regular Hell Bunny wearer. This 2XL is 42 inches flat in the waist and almost 48 inches flat in the bust. The armholes are 23 inches flat but the sleeve cuffs are only 14 inches, which explains why they feel a little tight on me, as I find 15-16 inch sleeves the most comfortable.

The Heron Blouse comes in sizes XS-4XL, and this print is also available in a dress style that comes in the same size range. Discount code Amymay10!% gets you 20% off all orders at hellbunny.com, including sale items.

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[Disclaimer: The blouse featured in this review was gifted to me by Hell Bunny in exchange for an honest review. The discount code featured does not generate me any income or commissions. All opinions expressed by me in all my reviews are my own and wholly truthful, with no input from any companies or any other individuals.]