I am no longer a virgin when it comes to never finding Paul & Joe in the thrift stores.  So you can only imagine how psyched I was when I plunked this blouse, made in France, off the rack and saw the label.  If I have to say so myself I did pat myself on the back.  Paris based Sophie Albou founded the small but successful clothing line Paul & Joe in the mid 1990′s, and accrued a devoted legion of stylish fans for her whimsical & eclectic designs.  The company is named after Sophie’s 2 boys.  Albou opened boutiques in London’s Notting Hill neighborhood and the rest is history for this brand since the collections sells in 30 flagship stores worldwide as well as in major retailers.  Within the same thrift store I found this vintage Aquascutum paisley print long skirt that I think looks modern with the Paul & Joe blouse.  Joanna Sykes was just recently appointed at creative director for this label so everyone is eagerly awaiting her touch.  Sykes is British, was educated at Central Saint Martins in the 90′s and learned how to do things in a European luxury goods house (Armani in Milan).   All that puts her in the demographic to which her sister alumni, Phoebe Philo of Celine, Stella McCartney, and Hannah MacGibbon of Chloe belong – a cohort of women who, already at the top of their game in their 30′s, are on a quietly feminist mission to bring a bit of sense to fashion.  I’ve always heard how the French and English don’t get along, well you can just throw all that out the window with this ensemble.  Check out The Thrifters Boutique and follow me on Twitter & Facebook, also please enjoy and share my YouTube videos on thrifting.   Toodles for now.   Daniel