In December 2024, California indie lolita brand the Black Ribbon announced they would be having a preorder for a linen/cotton blouse they called the “Shelly Blouse.” Previews and samples showed an oversized blouse with gathered sleeves, a cute yoke detail with buttons and pintucks, a peter pan collar and simple lace on the yoke and sleeves. Best of all, this blouse was available in several colors, including dusty rose. As classic girlie, this was music to my ears.
A sneak peak in person
A sample of the Shelly Blouse was available at Ursa Major, but with all the madness of that weekend, I didn’t have a chance to look at it. I already own the Black Ribbon’s Darcy blouse, so I had a pretty good idea of what the material would look and feel like. I love that the Black Ribbon makes an effort to have samples of preorders available in person whenever possible, especially because so often lolita fashion fans have to buy things sight unseen.
Order and shipping
I placed my order for a Shelly Blouse in dusty rose on December 8, 2024. The preorder price at $55 plus shipping was a little lower than the retail price, so I wanted to get that little discount. On January 22, 2025, the Black Ribbon emailed buyers that the blouses had arrived, and this was the last call to change your shipping address. By January 23, 2025, I got an email that my blouse had shipped.
The blouse arrived to my home in Los Angeles on January 25, 2025. The blouse was shipped in a black plastic mailer, and was further protected with a sealed plastic garment bag inside. Definitely a necessary precaution because we actually got rain this week in Los Angeles!
A look at the details
Upon removing the blouse from its packaging, it was fairly wrinkled. This was completely expected, since the Shelly blouse is a linen/cotton blend. While I will give this garment I steam, I am perfectly at peace with the wrinkles that come with owning a linen blouse. If this drives you crazy, linen may not be the fabric for you!
I purchased the size medium, which was the perfect size. The body and sleeves are oversized, with elastics at the sleeves to give it shape. The fit feels romantic, giving me sort of Gunne Sax or even Anne of Green Gables vibes.
My favorite part is the yoke collar detail, which gives a great bit of visual interest under a JSK. I also personally struggle with blouses that have buttons all the way down because I have a larger bust, so having a few buttons at the top without being in danger of flashing anyone is a huge plus! I’ve already styled it with a skirt, and I love the way it looks.
The blouse I ordered is dusty rose, which is a cool toned pink. There are so many brands that make blouses in pink, but most of the time they’re bright and warm toned, which reads very sweet to me. There’s no mistaking this blouse as anything other than classic.
Verdict?
A colorful linen blouse from my favorite indie brand was a no brainer for me, but I’m impressed by the reasonable price point, the cute details, and the perfect color. I would highly recommend any classic lolita add this to their wardrobe!
You can find the Black Ribbon’s items in their shop and on Instagram, as well as vending at events around the country, but especially in northern California.